Kim Harrison introduces Rachel Morgan, witch, Ivy, her vampire partner, and Jenks, pixy and all-around loudmouth. Dark fantasy and romance all in one package. This first book in a series was interesting enough to pick up the second book. We’ll see how it goes. Also available in Spanish with the title La noche del la bruja muerta.
Published in mass-market paperback by HarperCollins. ISBN 0060572965
I enjoyed this retro TOS novel by David Mack. Mack introduces a fleet of new characters for this story arc, all very intriguing, as is the mystery of the Taurus Reach. Of course, Kirk, Spock, and a few other familiar characters are there. I’m looking forward to the rest of the story.
Published in mass market paperback by Pocket Books. ISBN 1416507744
This amusing collection of short stories is edited by Keith R. A. DeCandido who also contributes a story featuring Klag. Other featured captains are Riker, Picard, Elizabeth Shelby, Kira Nerys, Chakotay, Demora Sulu, David Gold, and Jonathan Archer. Of course, none of them can live up to the legend of Porthos, badass beagle and cheese connoisseur.
Published in trade paperback by Pocket Books. ISBN 1416505202
J. K. Rowling finally brings us Harry’s sixth year at Hogwarts. Harry’s growing up. He smooches a bit with Ginny. Good setup for the finale. I don’t need to say anymore because everyone on the planet has read this book, right?
Published in hardcover by Scholastic. ISBN 0439784549
The title is a mouthful, but Peter David comes through with this first-person tale told by Captain Mackenzie Calhoun. The Captain’s table format gives both David and his character an opportunity to tell a very personal story. I found it entertaining. You can find PAD among the crowd of the cover art.
Published in mass-market paperback by Pocket Books. ISBN 0671020781
Peter David wrote this novelization of the film based on the screenplay by Mark Frost, Simon Kinberg, and Michael France, which is, in turn, based on the Marvel comic book. Reed Richards is a weenie. Ben Grimm clobbers stuff. Johnny Storm needs a smack upside the head. Sue Storm is played by Jessica Alba in the movie, which is more than enough reason to watch it. The book is ok. The comics are better.
Published in mass-market paperback by Pocket Books. ISBN 1416509801
World War II vet Joseph Burke is a man who doesn’t care about anything. He agrees to be Jackie Robinson‘s bodyguard during his first year with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Protecting the ballplayer’s life, brings Burke back to life. Robert B. Parker has crafted a moving historical novel that is part crime novel and part homage to the golden age of baseball. A nice read.
Published in mass-market paperback by Penguin. ISBN 0425199630
The Red Sox won the 2004 World Series. Tim McCarney and Tom Deady blogged the 2004 Red Sox season. I read the book, a compilation of their blog entries, and started reading their blog this season. Required reading for Red Sox fans. Yankees suck.
Published in trade paperback by AiT/Planet Lar. ISBN 1-932051-39-2
Kelly Barr agrees to help her roommate play Michigan cheerleader for her 84 year-old boyfriend, Tony Paradiso, but a couple of killers spoil the party. Detective Frank Delsa isn’t sure what Kelly is up tp, but he likes her style. Another smooth tale from the master, Elmore Leonard. You can’t go wrong with any of his books.
Published in mass-market paperback by HarperCollins. ISBN 0060083964