"The Science of Superman" by Mark Wolverton
© IBooks, Inc.
IBooks, Inc. to the Rescue!
By: Pat FerraraDate: Monday, November 19, 2007
For the first time in my year and a half of running this column we’ve got a release schedule absolutely barren of any new hardcover debuts. But what this week’s offering lacks in hardback entertainment it more than makes up for in…well, paperback entertainment.
Hello Maniac readers and welcome to the third Buzz of November. It seems that all the big pubs are taking a breather this week before their holiday-targeted fare hits the bookshelves, but luckily for us independent publisher IBooks, Inc. has filled the vacuum with a surprising variety of genre literature.
Normally I regard smaller book publishers with a fair amount of mistrust and, I must admit, sometimes outright disdain. Most of the indies I’ve come across just don’t have the resources to attract good writers, and even when they do manage to snag some talent it’s usually botched by the publisher’s poor editing team.
But the IBooks imprint based out of New York doesn’t have those quality control problems, releasing this week a few collections helmed by genre greats George R.R. Martin (Wild Cards), Steve Niles (Savage Membrane), and Martin H. Greenberg (My Favorite Horror Story).
Mark Wolverton’s 2002 expose on the superhuman powers of Superman gets a paperback facelift with the re-release of The Science of Superman while Mark W. Tiedemann continues the questioning of identity in true Asimov style with Asimov’s Mirage.
As the holiday season nears and THE GOLDEN COMPASS’s release approaches, it seems everyone is trying to hang on to the lucrative coattails of Philip Pullman’s fantasy epic. Earlier in September Jossey-Bass, Inc. released Killing the Imposter God, a scholarly work examining the so-called “inherent” religious themes in Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy, and now we’ve got another supplemental tome with Inside the World of Philip Pullman: Darkness Visible. Whether or not you agree with Pullman’s atheistic views or the Christian League’s decision to boycott the film, it’s clear that the War for Souls will begin on December 7th!
New in Paperback:
The Science of Superman, Mark Wolverton (IBooks, Inc.)
What if the Kryptonian named Kal-El, a humanoid being whose world orbited a far-off red dwarf star, was actually raised here on Earth? Would such a being be capable of achieving the feats of power commonly associated with Superman? And if so, how could his powers be scientifically explained? In The Science of Superman, science writer Mark Wolverton answers these questions. Examining Superman's powers through the lens of modern science, Wolverton explains the fundamental biological and genetic differences between Earthlings and Kryptonians that allow Superman to exercise extraordinary abilities on our planet. For the first time anywhere, you'll understand the logic and science that underlie Superman's super powers.
Wild Cards, Ed. by George R.R. Martin (IBooks, Inc.)
Continuing the best alternate universe series edited by George R.R. Martin, the sixth volume in the Wild Cards saga is set in Atlanta, 1988. Terror stalks the halls of the Omni convention center. A fanatical religious leader has vowed to crush the rights of all Wild Cards, and a hidden Ace wields a terrifying power to determine the outcome of the convention. Against this backdrop of passion and intrigue, a handful of Aces and Jokers struggle for control of a nation. Features stories by Walton Simons, Victor Milan, Melinda M. Snodgrass, Stephen Leigh, and Walter Jon Williams.
Inside the World of Philip Pullman: Darkness Visible, Nicholas Tucker (IBooks, Inc.)
Darkness Visible is both a celebration of Philip Pullman and a unique guide to the rich world of his fiction. It looks at the spectrum of his work-from the flamboyant Sally Lockhart series, and the award winning Clockwork and I Was a Rat!, to his epic and internationally bestselling His Dark Materials trilogy. It shows the diverse influences-from Milton and Blake to comic books and radio drama-that have shaped his writing and uncovers the part played by Pullman's unconventional childhood. This book is packed with never-before-seen family photos and illustrations from Pullman's beloved novels, and fresh material from recent interviews.
Asimov’s Mirage, Mark W. Tiedemann (IBooks, Inc.)
The First Law of Robotics states that a robot may not injure a human being, or through inaction, allow a human to come to harm. At a crucial conference uniting the Spacers, the Settlers, and representatives of Earth, Senator Clar Eliton of Earth and Senior Space Ambassador Galiel Humadros of Aurora are advocating the restoration of positronic robots on Earth, repudiating years of fear and resentment. As the Spacer delegates arrive on Earth, conspirators assassinate Sentor Eliton and Ambassador Humadros. Derec Avery is called in to investigate what may have caused the robot bodyguards to fail at the most critical hour. But when his inquiries are stone-walled, he joins forces with Special Agent Mia Daventri and Calvin Instititute attaché Ariel Burgess to penetrate a vast conspiracy that threatens to bring all three worlds to the brink of war.
John Norman’s GOR Omnibus, John Norman (Dark Horse)
When Tarnsman of Gor was first published in 1966, author John Norman introduced the world to Tarl Cabot, a man ripped from his homeland and cast across space into the savage world of Gor. A world of magic and mystery, where the kidnapped prisoners numbering in the thousands were slaves, and power was wielded by a jealous few known as the Priest-Kings, their will enforced amongst men and women through torture, bondage and often brutal sexual rites. Part science fiction, part adventure novel, the stories in the world of Gor would unfold to show Tarl Cabot's growth from a novice to a man whose fate might determine the course of every man, woman, and child on Gor. Over the course of twenty-six novels and more than forty years, the Gorean Saga is one of the longest-running epic fantasy series in publishing history, with millions of copies in print worldwide in numerous languages.
Up the Line, Robert Silverberg (IBooks, Inc.)
Being a Time Courier was one of the best jobs Judson Daniel Elliott III ever had. It was tricky, though, taking group after group of tourists back to the same historic event without meeting yourself coming or going. Trickier still was avoiding the temptation to become intimately involved with the past and interfere with events to come. The deterrents for any such actions were frighteningly effective. So Judson Daniel Elliott played by the book. Then he met a lusty Greek in Byzantium who showed him how rules were made to be broken!
Stargate Atlantis: Blood Ties, Sonny Whitelaw & Elizabeth Christensen (Fandemonium Books)
The Atlantis team returns from the Pegasus Galaxy to investigate a Wraith sighting on Earth. Teaming up with members of SG-1, they soon discover that the Wraith aren't the only monsters stalking human prey.
The Secret Files of the Diogenes Club, Kim Newman (MonkeyBrain Books)
From the 1860s to the present, these are the accounts of the Diogenes Club, whose agents solve crimes too strange for Britain's police, protecting the realm and this entire plane of existence from occult menaces, threats born in other dimensions, magical perfidy and the Deep Dark Deadly Ones. Kim Newman continues the series began in The Man From the Diogenes Club, revealing more of the secrets of the British Empire's most secret service.
Norstrilia, Cordwainer Smith (IBooks, Inc.)
This is the only novel Cordwainer Smith ever wrote during his distinguished career. It tells the story of a boy form the planet Old North Australia (where rich, simple farmers grow the immortality drug Stroon), how he bought Old Earth, and how his visit to Earth changed both him and Earth itself. Introduction by Robert Silverberg.
Evil for Evil, K.J. Parker (Orbit Books)
Civitas Vadanis is in trouble. The Mezentines have declared war; and the Mezentines are very focused on their goals when it comes to killing. Duke Valens, of Civitas Vadanis, has a dilemma. He knows that his city cannot withstand the invading army; yet its walls are his only defence against the Mezentines. Perhaps the only way to save his people is to flee, but that will not be easy either. Ziani Vaatzes, an engineer exiled by the Mezentines for his abominable creations, has already proven that he can defend a city. But Ziani Vaatzes has his own concerns, and the fate of Civitas Vadanis may not be one of them. The second installment in the Engineer Trilogy.
Ensign Flandry, Vol. Three, Poul Anderson (IBooks, Inc.)
A collection of three Flandry tales: The Game Of Glory: Captain Flandry follows a dying man's clue to the watery provincial world of Nyanza, where a rebellion against the Empire may be brewing. A Message In Secret: Flandry ventures to the remote colonial world of Altai, whose human inhabitants haven't been in contact with the Terran Empire for centuries, and discovers that they are cutting a Faustian deal with the Merseians. The Plague Of Masters: Flandry, of his own volition, decides to investigate the remote and isolated world of Unan Besar, to see exactly why it is they have had no contact with the Empire in over 300 years.
Distant Stars, Samuel R. Delaney (IBooks, Inc.)
A collection of classic fiction, a short novel, and a fascinating essay, with over sixty pages of illustrations. Includes: Omegahelm-On a lonely planet, the dictator of half a universe reveals her dark secret. Set in the universe of Delany's novel Stars in My Pocket Like Grains of Sand; Empire Star-The adventures of Comet Jo as he travels through time and space with his cybernetic companion Lump; Prismatica-An enchanting fantasy about a prince, a grey man and his black trunk, and a beautiful lady from a rainbow world; plus the Nebula and Hugo Award-winning novella Time Considered as a Helix of Semi-Precious Stones, and more.
Black Thorn, White Rose, Ed. by Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling (Wildside Press)
From the compilers of Snow White, Blood Red, 18 new tales of wonder, magic, and surprise. Three repeat contributors are joined by newcomers like Peter Straub and Roger Zelazny, who take great delight in making the old new and relevant once again while updating our perceptions of such favorites as "Rumplestiltskin" and "Sleeping Beauty."
Savage Membrane, Steve Niles (IBooks, Inc.)
Cal McDonald has made a career helping and hunting the dark creatures that haunt the world, and has made as many friends as he has enemies. Among the docile ghouls of the city he is a friend. But to most, those who prey on innocent human lives, Cal is a sworn enemy. After years of cases, Cal finds himself in the middle of the strangest adventure of his life. People are dropping dead all over Washington, D.C., and the cause is a mystery. The bodies are unmarked, yet all brain matter is missing from their skulls; in fact, the brains are completely gone. Savage Membrane takes readers on a bizarre trip through an America populated by monsters, freaks, and ghouls.
My Favorite Horror Story, Ed. by Mike Baker & Martin H. Greenberg (IBooks, Inc.)
In this startling new collection of 19th century horror tales, editor Martin H. Greenberg presents: An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, by Ambrose Bierce, Schalken the Painter, by J. Sheridan Le Fanu, The Doom of the Griffiths, by Mrs. Gaskell, The Strange Ride of Morrowbie Jukes, by Rudyard Kipling, Markheim, by Robert Louis Stevenson, The Adventure of the German Student, by Washington Irving, Desiree's Baby, by Kate Chopin, The Story of the Brazilian Cat, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Dragonkin, Vol. 1, Robin Wayne Bailey (IBooks, Inc.)
Wyvernwood, a deep and mysterious forest in the land of Engmar, is the last known refuge for the descendants of the great and majestic dragons that once ruled the skies. And with them have come most of the remaining mythological and magical creatures of the world. But there is no stopping the encroachment of Men. It is clear to all the creatures of Wyvernwood, that if they are to survive, a new refuge must be found. Lost in the dangerous outer world, prophecy says, are three ancient artifacts: the Diamond Dragon, the Glass Dragon, and the Heart of All Dragons. When the three are united once again, they will point the way to a new home. Harrow, Chan, and Luna are three young dragon triplets. Prophecy says that one of the three will rise to lead the dragons to a new home--but which one?
Dragonkin, Vol. 2, Robin Wayne Bailey (IBooks, Inc.)
The war between Angmar and Degarm has begun. The Griffinkin have allied themselves with Angmar and established themselves in the fortress called Redclaw. The first victim of all this mounting conflict was the great Dragon-leader, Stormfire. Yet, a series of books he left behind suggests that he foresaw of these events. They indicate that he created and hid three objects: the Diamond Dragon, the Glass Dragon, and the Heart of All Dragons. Once found and united, they will show the way to a new homeland for the Dragonkin. Two of Stormfire's triplet children set out to seek the treasures while one stays behind to protect Wyvernwood, to rebuild Stronghold, and to stand against the enemy.
New in Audiobook:
Highlander’s Touch, Karen Marie Moning (Brilliance Audio Unabridged)
A Warrior of Immortal Powers: He was a mighty Scottish warrior who lived in a world bound by ancient laws and timeless magic. But no immortal powers could prepare the laird of Castle Brodie for the lovely accursed lass who stood before him. A terrible trick of fate had sent her 700 years back in time and into his private chamber to tempt him with her beauty - and seduce him with a desire he could never fulfill. For this woman he burned to possess was also the woman he had foresworn to destroy. A Woman Caught in the Mists of Time: When Lisa felt the earth move under her feet, the fiercely independent 21st-century woman never dreamed she was falling...into another century. But the powerful, naked warrior who stood glaring down at her was only too real...and too dangerously arousing. Irresistibly handsome he might be, but Lisa had no intention of remaining in this savage land torn by treachery and war. How could she know that her seductive captor had other plans for her...plans that would save her from a tragic fate? Or that this man who had long ago forsaken love would defy time itself to claim her for his own... Narrated by Phil Gigante.
