Cover via Amazon

I know more about the manners of the British aristocracy than military issues and the aristocratic manners are portrayed fairly accurately, so I am going to assume, I know dangerous to assume, that the military protocol and the historical battles are accurate also. 

Captain Laurence is a very noble man and struggles with the casualness in the aerial corps.  He is righteous and does the right thing no matter what, but Temeraire does question some of the issues and forces Laurence to reexamine them.  Temeraire and Laurence become very good friends. If you enjoy Patrick O'Brien's naval stories or Alexander Kent's and you like dragon fantasies, you will enjoy Naomi Novik's His Majesty's Dragon.   This book is the start of a series; there are five right now with number six being released in July 2010.

Southern Ontario is not-so-discreetly ruled by the Gale family, or by the powerfully scary Gale Aunties to be more precise, and Alysha Catherine Gale often feels helplessly controlled by their dictates and expectations.  So when a letter arrives for Alysha stating that her Gran is most likely dead and that her junk shop in Calgary is to pass to her granddaughter, Alysha is determined to take control of her life and run the store.  When she arrives she quickly discovers there's more than junk in the shop, such as a creepy monkey paw with one wish left, enchanted mirrors with minds of their own, cases of regular and magical yo-yo's, and a mail drop for Calgary's fey community.  And that's before her Gale cousins start moving in.

Also in Calgary is an apprehensive leprechaun who doesn't want to return to the UnderRealm, a family of dragons with personal agendas that might prove messy, and a nosy reporter who wants to know more about the mysterious Gales and who has some secrets of his own, if only Alysha could swim deeper into those blue eyes.  Alysha just wants to run her shop, keep Calgary from burning, and dissuade the Aunties from leaving Ontario, but as powers build she may have no choice but to call in the broom-riding cavalry.

Huff has created a clever urban fantasy world of witches, dragons, and other fey beings who operate out in the open in modern day Canada.  Her writing has a subtle, implied fun that allows the reader to use imagination to figure out what's happening in those family conversations and rituals, and leaves just enough clues that you feel like you're solving a puzzle along with Alysha Gale.  Add a little magic and romance and you're in for a rollicking romp.

Ben Holiday is unhappy. He and his partner, Miles Bennett, own a successful law firm in Chicago, but ever since Ben's wife died he's been depressed, lonely, and discontented; the joy and magic gone from his life. So when he reads an odd ad in a Christmas catalog, selling a magic kingdom of all things, Ben decides to take a chance and buys Landover, sight unseen, from the sinister salesman, Meeks. Miles decides his friend is probably crazy but is convinced to trust Ben and take over the law firm for a year while his partner embarks on his strange journey.

Nobody is more surprised than Ben when he enters a wood in Virginia and exits from the Mists into the beautiful countryside of Landover and is greeted by Court Wizard, Questor Thews. But Ben quickly learns that all is not well in his new kingdom. Magic is real, he's the new High Lord, complete with royal medallion and master to the mysterious Paladin, but now he has to convince the denizens of Landover that he can become a great king to all and save them from the Blight that is slowly killing the land. With his small band of loyal retainers Ben sets out to convince his people that he's worthy of their trust, and defy Meeks' attempt to take over the kingdom.

This is the first in a series about Landover and Ben Holiday written by local author, Terry Brooks. They are fun adventures full of eccentric characters, magical creatures, and menacing witches and dragons. They are also stirring tales of loyalty, trust, and friendship in a lovely and magical land. We should all be so lucky as to find magic in our adult lives.

Terry Brooks will be appearing at the King County Library System Foundation's 2010 Literary Lions Gala.

The Child Thief by Brom 

This modern retelling of Peter Pan takes us back to those dark and deadly roots.  Peter is the bastard child of a human woman and a pagan god of the forest, driven from his superstitious settlement into the wild where he's raised first by a crafty woodland creature, then by the beautiful White Lady of Avalon.  But while the island of Avalon is hidden in the Mist, it is under attack, and Peter must use his unique powers to travel to New York City in order to lure abused and broken children away from our world and recruit them into his magical army of Devils.

Brom has returned to the ancient world of superstitious fear and brutal death; of fairy magic, blood debt and tribute, and promises bound in honor and pain.  He's created an enchanted world peopled with beautiful fey beings and creatures of nightmare, but beleaguered by the loss of belief in magic.  It's a classic fairy tale for adults, illustrated with Brom's own fantastic artwork that brings the bogeymen of our childhood back to life.

As I was reading this version I kept recalling the cute cartoon Disney world of Peter Pan; of flying children and sparkling fairies, and of tussles with pirates that were sporting good fun and nobody got hurt.  Of course, the disparity between the two versions then got me wondering about the original children's book, Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie, so I had to go back and read that one, too.

Barrie's world is caught between youth and maturity, and between cartoon and darkness.  His Peter is a playful child, as quick to anger as to forgive, and his dangerous games end in real death, both for his enemies and allies.  I read an edition beautifully illustrated by Michael Hague that is as full of danger and death as the Child Thief, but the blood is implied and hidden from view; the bodies mentioned in passing and quickly tidied away.  The adults are just as selfish and childish as the children, and the children are thoughtless and brave.

There's a different Peter Pan story for every age, each full of mischievous fun and daring adventures, but I think they all have the same message for us; be alert and be wary and lock your windows, because Peter Pan is a most dangerous boy.

Those of us who loved fantasy stories as children almost always wanted to find that the amazing and magical lands were real and we'd discover them if we were special enough or looked hard enough.  We'd be whisked through a hidden doorway to a land of talking animals, beautiful fairy creatures, and splendid adventures where we defeated dastardly villains to save the world.  And all done in time to return for supper and a cozy story before bed.

Quentin is an intelligent but bored teenager living in Brooklyn, imagining a dull life of college followed by the dull life of adulthood.  What he really wants and dreams of is that the magical world of his favorite childhood books is real and that he'll one day be swept away to perfect Fillory, to become the king and hero of that fantastical land.  While he waits and wishes, and pines for the love of his childhood friend, he goes about the normal life of a teen planning for the future.  But on the afternoon of a scholarship interview Quentin's life takes an incredible turn.  He not only discovers that magic is real, but that he has an aptitude for it and is accepted into Brakebills, a secret college in upstate New York.  He's to study magic, and nothing will ever be the same.

Yet what happens after all your dreams come true, but aren't what you expected?  Quentin works hard and gains fantastic powers, makes close friends, wins a wonderful girlfriend, and will never want for anything again.  But what's the point of it all?  He slowly comes to realize that maybe magic isn't everything and he still has to find his own purpose, even when he and his friends make the ultimate discovery; Fillory is real and they hold the key to its secret doorway.

Sometimes I hear news of some breakthrough in genetic engineering or cloning and I immediately think, "Wow, it's like some science fiction novel."  I never really believe that these scientific advancements will be put into practice in my lifetime...but what if they were? 

Growing up at Hailsham, a private prep school in England, Kathy H. was taught that she was special.  All Hailsham students knew they were special, and different.  What was never explained to them was that they had been cloned as organ donors.  Now that Kathy H. has grown up and become a carer, she is reunited with her Hailsham friends, who have started donations.  Her reconnection with them allows her to examine their past together, and gives her one last chance to find love and possibly salvation from the fate that even Hailsham never quite prepared them for.

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro isn't really science fiction, it's a story of love and forgiveness.  But it's also an interesting starting point for discussion about what happens when science moves ahead faster than ethics.  Unlike many books with this subject, it doesn't take place in some distant future that we have no connection to...it takes place right now; it may even have taken place already.  An excellent choice for bookclubs.

Normally, I am not drawn to vampire stories, but these are just absolutely fun to read.  Sookie narrates her adventures as a barmaid and telepath when she becomes involved with vampires who have recently "come out of the coffin".  She tells her story with a sunny outlook, Southern manners, and a sense of humor. 

The stories get more and more wonderfully crazy, but these light reads are so entertaining, I couldn't read them fast enough.  I don't want to say much more about the plot, because of the surprising twists and turns it takes,  and the very interesting characters that become a part of Sookie's  life.

If True Blood has piqued your interest (or you are a big fan), try the first book in the series, Dead Until Dark.  I bet you will have to read the entire series to find out what happens to Sookie Stackhouse, a character you will wish you could meet.

But Ireland is not what Mac expects.  Not only have the police proven to do everything they can, but Alina's life turns out to be full of mystery and oddities.  Clearly Alina had changed over the months and now Mac must delve into her life not only to solve the murder but to understand her sister's erratic behavior.  As she searches for clues, Mac begins to see strange things; a Dublin full of magic and mystery, strange creatures only she can see, vast deserted areas where people no longer live but nobody seems to notice, and powerful beings who can kill with a thought.  When Mac runs for her life she stumbles in to an amazing bookstore owned by the handsome and enigmatic Jericho Barrons, but his answers only cause the mysteries to deepen and Mac doesn't know where to turn to find her sister's killer.

Kitty and the Midnight Hour

Most of us have at one time or another listened to what we thought was a slightly strange radio call-in show, usually late at night, usually with a supposed expert on their subject, and usually full of weird and possibly wacky callers.  Kitty's Midnight Hour is one of those shows.  But although Kitty isn't an expert, she really is a werewolf, and while many of her callers are wacky, quite a few are the real deal; were-creatures of some kind or another, vampires, or various other flavor of supernatural, all looking for others of their kind, a friendly ear, or advice.

Kitty knows firsthand that there are no paranormal handbooks given to those newly changed; people suffering from fear and violent trauma, often left for dead.  While Kitty tries to help and educate her callers and brings light into some strange arenas, many supernatural beings want to stay in the dark and bring an end to the show, by any means necessary.  Now Kitty must avoid the man hired to kill her while helping the police solve a puzzling murder case, plus show the community of the dark that her show poses no threat and actually helps their secret world.

Kitty Norville is a strong, smart-alecky, and engaging young woman with a love for her work and a passion for helping all the other confused supernatural beings who populate Denver.  This is the first in an action packed urban fantasy series full of quirky and often dangerous characters.  Many have their own agendas, but some are true and loyal friends.

I read a fair amount of fantasy growing up, but as an "older person," haven't often been grabbed by the genre.  When it was first published in 2006, Scott Lynch's The Lies of Locke Lamora sucked me in big time, and it's by far the best fantasy novel I've read in a long time (Lynch has a second book out now, but they should be read in order).

It might be more of a guy book, but I don't think so - if any gals have read and liked it (or not), please consider leaving a comment.

The plot is based on a band of orphan thieves, purchased/enslaved by a blind priest master-thief autocrat, who teaches his fledglings the art of his trade.  They steal for him and he protects and provides (sort of) for them.  Locke Lamora is a slight, runt of a thief, but clever and extremely adept.  As he leads a band of co-thieves on increasingly bold and successful raids, the authorities label him the Thorn of Camorr, and want his head.  A powerful, evil magician is also out for Locke, and rival thieves would like nothing more than to see him fall.  Scott Lynch throws in lots of fun, skin-of-his-teeth adventures, with really great writing, and some unpredictable plot turns.

I'm not sure why this book never made bigger waves - it did get on some "best books" lists.  I mentioned it to co-workers and they all loved it (including a few gals).  Scott Lynch now has a broad fan base, and I read that a studio has purchased the movie rights.  So give it a try, read 20 or 30 pages, and if you're not hooked, money back guarantee (library books only).

Mystic and Rider

King Baryn rules over Gillengaria, a land in turmoil.  Barely tolerated before, mystics hide their gifts as persecution escalates, distrust of magic increasing after the rumor spreads that the King's new wife has snared him by magical means.  As ill feeling toward magic users increases, Baryn sends an unlikely group of travelers to assess the danger to him, his kingdom, and his family.  Senneth is a powerful fire mystic in her own right, who has given her loyalty to the King who welcomed her when shunned by her noble House.  Quicksilver Kirra and her servant, Donnel, are shape shifters from one of the ruling Twelve Houses.  Tayse is the leader of the King's Riders, an elite fighting force specially chosen by the King, and who doubts mystics on principal but will defend Baryn unto death.  And Justin is another Rider, young, quick tempered and also distrustful of magic users, but who follows Tayse without question.

The companions cross the land visiting small towns and noble houses searching out magic, treachery, and pockets of loyalty to the King.  They must learn to work together and trust each other in order to fight the tyranny of a dangerously growing fanatical cult bent on the death of all mystics, and an increasing sense that some of the Twelve Houses are intent on overthrowing the King and his mysterious wife.

This is the first in a wonderful series rich in courtly intrigue, a complex world history, and a fascinating magical system.  It is also a tale of tolerance, love, growing friendship, and fiercely won trust.  Sharon Shinn is one of my favorite authors and I gladly return to the worlds she creates.

New Blood by Gail Dayton

If you judged this book by the title or cover, you might think this is yet another one of those vampire romances that are so popular. Or perhaps a horror story. What you probably wouldn't think is that this is a Steampunk romance.

What exactly is Steampunk? It's defined as a sub-genre of fantasy and speculative fiction that is set in an era or world where steam power is still widely used. Most often, the setting is the Victorian period, or a fantasy world that closely resembles that period. There is a growing interest in Steampunk, and there are now "cons" held around the county, with fashion, music and of course, books.

New Blood begins with the magically bound servant, Jax, finally fulfilling his over two hundred year old mission to find the next blood sorceress. Unfortunately, the magically talented Amanusa doesn't believe him. When she finally uses her magic to exact revenge on a group of rebels who killed her family and held her prisoner, she learns being a powerful sorceress comes with a huge cost to her conscience.

As Jax and Amanusa are pursued across Europe, they discover areas that are competely dead and inhabited only by strange mechanical creatures. They also discover a powerful attraction to each other, and yet Jax is a servant - captured, mistreated and magically bound to the previous blood sorceress, Yvaine. Will he be able to trust Amanusa enough to be honest with her? And will Amanusa learn to control her powerful magic and earn her place in the International Magician's Conclave?

This combination of a unique world, with familiar elements, magic and romance should satisfy fans of multiple genres. It's the first book in a series set around the International Magician's Conclave, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series coming out in 2010.