The Book Plank

Made to Kill by Adam Christopher, The LA Trilogy #1 Raymond Electromatic is good at his job, as good as he ever was at being a true Private Investigator, the lone employee of the Electromatic Detective Agency--except for Ada, office gal and super-computer, the constant voice in Ray's inner ear. Ray might have taken up a new line of work, but money is money, after all, and he was programmed to make a profit. Besides, with his twenty-four-hour memory-tape limits, he sure can keep a secret. When a familiar-looking woman arrives at the agency wanting to hire Ray to find a missing movie star, he's inclined to tell her to take a hike. But she had the cold hard cash, a demand for total anonymity, and tendency to vanish on her own. Plunged into a glittering world of fame, fortune, and secrecy, Ray uncovers a sinister plot that goes much deeper than the silver screen--and this robot is at the wrong place, at the wrong time. I still remember my first book by Adam Christopher. Hang...

Hallow Point by Ari Marmell, Mick Oberon #2 The Spear of Lugh, one of the four Kingly Hallows of Ireland is in Chicago. And everyone,  everyone  wants it, for it is said that he who carries the spear into battle cannot be defeated. Among those who seek it are an agent of the infamous Wild Hunt; a mobster who knows far more about these things than he should; and of course both the Seelie and Unseelie Courts – the  last  people PI Mick Oberon would want getting hold of the spear... Last year Titan books unexpectedly published the first book, Hot Lead, Cold Iron  in Ari Marmell's latest series, Mick Oberon. Before this I read Ari Marmell's Widdershins adventures. A young adult sword and sorcery and thiefing series. Which compared to this Mick Oberon series is quite something different. If you read my review of Hot Lead, Cold Iron , you know I liked the book and when I was offered to read Hallow Point. How could I say no? Hallow Poi...

Redzone by William C. Dietz, The Mutant Files #2 The year is 2065, almost thirty years since a bioterrorist attack decimated the population. The world has been divided, and new nations have formed. Those mutated from exposure inhabit the red zones, while “norms” live in the green zones. In the nation of Pacifica, Los Angeles detective Cassandra Lee is in charge of investigating a disturbing case, tracking a cop killer dubbed the Bonebreaker. But strange new murders have occurred, falling outside the normal pattern and leaving Lee and her team wondering if the serial killer has become unpredictable—or if he’s no longer acting alone… To make matters worse, Lee’s attention is diverted after she receives a letter from her long-lost mother. Now she must venture into the red zone, a lawless land where might makes right—and where the biggest danger may be her own family. Just a few months ago I listened to the first book in William C. Dietz' The Mutant Files: Deadeye. I ha...

When the Heavens Fall by Marc Turner, The Chronicles of the Exile #1 If you pick a fight with Shroud, the Lord of the Dead, you had better make sure you end up on the winning side, else death will mark only the beginning of your suffering. A book that gives its wielder power over the dead has been stolen from a fellowship of mages that has kept the powerful relic dormant for centuries. The thief, a crafty, power-hungry necromancer, intends to use the Book of Lost Souls to resurrect an ancient race and challenge Shroud for dominion of the underworld. Shroud counters by sending his most formidable servants to seize the artifact at all cost. However, the god is not the only one interested in the Book, and a host of other forces converge, drawn by the powerful magic that has been unleashed. Among them is a reluctant Guardian who is commissioned by the Emperor to find the stolen Book, a troubled prince who battles enemies both personal and political, and a young girl of grea...

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab, A Darker Shade of Magic #1 Kell is one of the last Travelers—rare magicians who choose a parallel universe to visit. Grey London is dirty, boring, lacks magic, ruled by mad King George. Red London is where life and magic are revered, and the Maresh Dynasty presides over a flourishing empire. White London is ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne. People fight to control magic, and the magic fights back, draining the city to its very bones. Once there was Black London - but no one speaks of that now. Officially, Kell is the Red Traveler, personal ambassador and adopted Prince of Red London, carrying the monthly correspondences between royals of each London. Unofficially, Kell smuggles for those willing to pay for even a glimpse of a world they’ll never see. This dangerous hobby sets him up for accidental treason. Fleeing into Grey London, Kell runs afoul of Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She robs h...

  Victoria's Favourite Literary Celebrations “The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party” in Alice in Wonderland. I’m a fan of wordplay, overlapping dialogue, and this classic scene is so manic and strange and quippy that I had to put it on the list. “The Floating Market at Harrod’s” in Neil Gaiman’s  Neverwhere.  It’s no secret I’m a huge fan of Neil Gaiman’s work, and  Neverwhere  is my favorite of his books. The combination of chilling villains and hidden worlds is magical enough, but the Floating Market was such a wonderful detail, it’s stuck with me long after I put the book back on its shelf. “The Venture Ball” in Brandon Sanderson’s  Mistborn . This scene where Vin and Elend first meet is just delightful, the perfect balance of atmosphere and witty banter and action. Vin is a street urchin posing as a young noble, and Elend is avoiding the entire thing and reading a book. “The Red Wedding” in George R.R. Martin’s  Storm of...

Excerpt: Finn Fancy Necromancy RANDY HENDERSON Finn Gramaraye was framed for the crime of dark necromancy at the age of 15, and exiled to the Other Realm for twenty five years. But now that he’s free, someone—probably the same someone—is trying to get him sent back. Finn has only a few days to discover who is so desperate to keep him out of the mortal world, and find evidence to prove it to the Arcane Enforcers. They are going to be very hard to convince, since he’s already been convicted of trying to kill someone with dark magic. But Finn has his family: His brother Mort who is running the family necrotorium business now, his brother Pete who believes he’s a werewolf, though he is not, and his sister Samantha who is, unfortunately, allergic to magic. And he’s got Zeke, a fellow exile and former enforcer, who doesn’t really believe in Finn’s innocence but is willing to follow along in hopes of getting his old job back. Writers of the Future grand prize winner  Randy...