Jim Grimsley. Set in the same world as Kirith Kirin, this is an engaging, brief story with so many tantalizing details dropped along the way that I hope for more. Generally a plot- and character-driven novel, it does have a few “idea” themes–the major one being the ambiguity of distinguishing magic and sophisticated technology. In great contrast to Kirith Kirin, this book is well edited.
To Your Scattered Bodies Go
Philip José Farmer. I suppose this is an addition to the time travel list, in a quirky way, with the mixing of eons going on. In another twist on time, it hasn’t aged well. Some of it is incredibly dated in a way that other, better, science fiction manages to avoid or transcend. Still, the character line and the whole mystery about what’s going on manage to pull me through. I plan on reading the rest of the series.
A Great Day
It was a great day yesterday in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. When I walked past city hall on my way to work, there was a long and festive line of couples waiting to apply for marriage licenses. And at work, we were very happily distracted and inconvenienced by Julie and Hillary Goodridge’s wedding. (There’s a link to a video of the wedding.)
The Companions
Sheri S. Tepper. A well-crafted, engaging book. As always, several twists at the very end. I’d like to read more about these characters’ lives.
First Light
Carol O’Biso. This is a great book, if a little vague and new-agey in spots. It was just as good a read as the first time I read it, some years ago. I tracked it down at Powell’s since my local library system didn’t even list it. (It’s out of print.) I just wish I could find out more about O’Biso’s life since the events of the book.
A Storm of Swords
George R. R. Martin. The series just gets better and better, the continuing characters richer, the relationships more ambiguous.