Alex Shvartsman

From badass female characters to dealing with the ramifications of politics, you would think this novel would have won me over. Nope. In the beginning of my reading, I enjoyed myself immensely but as I gradually started to work myself through the novel in which case the build-up to the epic finale started to plummet in a downward spiral before falling flat. It was missing that spark to ignite my interest, and when I found myself skimming a little over the half mark I knew this was a goner. To be honest it's hard to pinpoint what exactly caused this downfall but it was lacking that something something to win me over. Despite that, I would still highly recommend this "Eridani's Crown" due to its unique take on politics, the ruthless heroine, and in-depth writing style of the author.

… (más)

The Middling Affliction is set in a world where some people can manipulate magic (the "gifted"), and others can't (the "mundanes"). A dedicated group of Gifted, human and other, takes responsibility for protecting mundanes from monsters and certain Gifteds who might persecute them. The Watch is a volunteer group, and Conrad Brent's assignment is to protect the "normal" folks in Brooklyn.

However, Conrad is only impersonating being gifted; he uses magical charms and objects, which he can perceive, but he can't create spells or imbue objects with magic. Technically,
Conrad is a Middling, something anathema to the Gifted, which is the reason he is dissembling. His true outsider status may have given rise to his snarky retorts and all-around "grumpy" (his own word) nature.

Conrad's character can seem bad-tempered, but I found the resemblance to Harry Dresden, a protector with a pure heart, to be closer to his real personality. The inevitable happens in this urban fantasy when Conrad's true status is revealed, but before this he has successfully overpowered supernatural beings and brokered a truce between a rich land developer and Druids who have a sacred place on the property destined to become a theme park.

He also saves another Middling who was going to be sold at an auction -- thus a nod to the oppression facing those seen as "not us." Together, they flee from the close-minded Cabal, which takes pleasure in killing Middlings, in a fast-paced series of chases, battles, betrayals, reversals and rescues.

As the first in a series, author Alex Shvartsman has created a world with much potential -- and a second installment is now available. This first installment has its own rapid momentum leading to closure while nimbly keeping around certain malevolent dangers.

I received a free copy of this book from CAEZIK SF & Fantasy via BookSirens. This is an honest review.… (más)

Based on the blurb and title I'd expected hard science fiction stories, but these were generally lighter fare. On the whole the collection was fun to read but certainly not exceptional.

Ratings for each story:

THE WAVES by Ken Liu (****)

JUSTICE AND SHADOW by Angus McIntyre (***.5)

NEXUS by Nancy Fulda (***)

A LACK OF CONGENIAL SOLUTIONS by Kenneth Schneyer (**)

GREEN GIRL BLUES by Martin L. Shoemaker (**)

MINDJACK by Jody Lynn Nye (**.5)

PICNIC ON NEARSIDE by John Varley (***)

AN ENDLESS SERIES OF DOORS by David Walton (***)

ANGRY ROSE’S LAMENT by Cat Rambo (****)

THE RIGHT PLACE TO START A FAMILY by Caroline M. Yoachim (***)

THE IRON STAR by Robert Silverberg (***)

e^h by Alvaro Zinos-Amaro (****)

THE HAND ON THE CRADLE by Brenda Cooper (***)

THE HOMECOMING by Mike Resnick (**)

STAR LIGHT, STAR BRIGHT by Robert J. Sawyer (*)… (más)