Naomi Novak’s Temeraire series

Naomi Novik’s Temeraire series

The historical ‘what if?’  has long been one of the more fascinating questions : Victor Milan look at what if dinosaurs were still around in the 14th century, Marie Brennan looks at what if dragons were a part of nature, Eric Flint looks at what if a 21^st century West Virginia mining town was dropped it into 1632 Germany. These types of fiction let the writer mix their imaginations with (hopefully) well researched fact.

Naomi Novik looks at the Napoleonic wars if dragons were not only used, but were intelligent, speaking creatures. We follow Captain William Laurence of the HMS Reliant as he is forced from the Navy due to circumstances. While capturing a French frigate, he finds himself bound for life to Temeraire, an exceptionally intelligent dragon, and thus committed to a lifetime service in the Aviator’s Corps. The story follows the intrepid duo through battles, politicking, storms, revolts, and plague all throughout the world as they try to thwart the forces of Napoleon.

Naturally, this is primarily an adventure series, but it is obvious that Novik's imagination is only equaled by her research into the time period. Little details really bring the world together and provide and excellent backdrop for the story. Also, while it would be easy to simply write a long string of battles with dragons, the Temeraire series also brings in politics, cultural differences, class differences, philosophy, and many other fascinating elements that serve to add depth to both the characters and the story. 

The audio versions of the Temeraire series are read by Simon Vance and are most excellent to listen to during the day. Vance does an admirable job giving life to so many characters from so many different countries.

I would highly recommend both the audio and the print version for anyone that is a fan of ‘what ifs’, dragons, Patrick O’Brian’s Master and Commander, and Horatio Hornblower.

Genghis Khan and the Mongol Horde

On August 18, 1227, Genghis Khan, the Mongol leader who forged an empire stretching from the east coast of China west to the Aral Sea, died in camp during a campaign against the Chinese kingdom of Xi Xia. 
The great Khan, who was over 60 and in failing health, may have succumbed to injuries incurred during a fall from a horse in the previous year.

Try some of the following fiction books based on this legendary leader and warrior:

Treasure of Khan by Clive Cussler and Dirk Cussler

Genghis Khan ruled an empire that stretched from the Pacific Ocean to the Caspian Sea. His conquests are the stuff of legend. When Dirk Pitt is nearly killed rescuing an oil survey team, it appears a simple act of nature. When the team is abducted and Pitt's vessel nearly sunk, however, all trails lead to Mongolia, and a mysterious tycoon that harbors a dream of restoring the conquests of his ancestors.

The Mongoliad. Book One by Erick Bear ...

As the Mongols swept across Asia and were poised to invade Europe in 1241, a small band of warriors conceived a desperate plan to stop the attack. In the late 19th century a mysterious group of English martial arts enthusiasts gave Sir Richard F. Burton, expert on languages and swordsmanship, a collection of long-lost manuscripts to translate--the lost chronicles of this desperate fight to save Europe.

The Mongoliad. Book Two by Erick Bear ...  

In the aftermath of the Mongolian invasion of 1241, beleaguered Christians struggle with the presence of a violent horde and a world turned upside down. An order of warrior monks, the Shield-Brethren, refuses to yield, plotting to overthrow the invaders despite insurmountable odds.

The Mongoliad. Book Three by Neal Stephenson … 

This book includes “Seer: A Prequel to the Mongoliad”. This short story was previously available only digitally and sets up characters and events in The Mongoliad. The warrior-monks, both in the East and the West, sharpen their swords for a final battle. The Khan of Khans must be slain if Christendom is to survive. A sweeping historical interpretation of the battle for Europe against the invading Mongols and their ruthless Khan.

Genghis : Birth of an Empire by Conn Iggulden

He was born Temujin, the son of a khan and raised in a clan of hunters.  Even though his young life was shaped by a series of brutal acts, he endured.  From that moment on, he was driven by a singular passion: to survive in the face of death, to kill before being killed, and to conquer enemies who could come without warning from beyond the horizon. 

Genghis : Lords of the Bow by Conn Iggulden

Through a series of courageous raids against the Tartars, Temujin’s legend grew. Blessed with fierce courage, it was the young warrior's ability to learn, to imagine, and to judge the hearts of others that propelled him to greater and greater power. Until he was chasing an idea: to unite many tribes into one, to make the earth tremble under a thousand horses, and to bend nations to his will. 

Genghis : Bones of the Hills by Conn Iggulden

Genghis Khan, stalked by enemies seen and unseen and plagued by a divided family, leads a sprawling force of horsemen beyond the realm of their known world. He will bring a storm to Arab lands and face the armies of the shah. But as Genghis enters a strange new land of towering mountains and arid desert, he confronts an enemy greater than any he has met before.

Khan : Empire of Silver : a Novel of the Khan Empire by Conn Iggulden

The Great Khan is dead. His vast empire hangs in the balance, an empire he forged with raw courage, tactical brilliance, unswerving dedication to his people, and the force of his own indomitable will. Now the very qualities that united the fierce Mongol tribes threaten to tear them apart, as the heirs of Genghis maneuver for dominance. In the end, only one can command.

The Six Directions of Space by Alastair Reynolds

The Mongols, led by Genghis Khan, conquered Earth a thousand years ago and now rule an interstellar civilization. Yellow Dog, a spy for the current khan, is sent on a mission to a distant part of the empire where phantom star-ships have been glimpsed. Taken prisoner by the sadistic local commander, Yellow Dog discovers that the commander has collected artifacts from these phantoms, and she soon finds herself in charge of interpreting them.

The Tiger Queens : the Women of Genghis Khan by Stephanie Thornton

In the late twelfth century, across the sweeping Mongolian grasslands, brilliant, charismatic Temujin ascends to power, declaring himself Genghis Khan. But it is the women who stand beside him who ensure his triumph: Borte his queen, their fierce daughter, Alaqai, Fatima, a Persian captive, and Sorkhokhtani, a demure widow.  The tiger queens come to depend on one another as they fight, love, and sacrifice, all for the good of their family...and the greatness of their People. 

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

Multiple/parallel universes are one of the bread and butter staples of science fiction. So much so that it can commonly be treated in a very tongue-in-cheek manner. However, correctly done, it can make for a very compelling tale.

V.E. Schwab’s tale spans 4 Londons. Each city is named London, and each has an tavern at the same spot. But there the differences end as each is part of its own county and world, with different laws, customs, languages, and, most importantly, magic. Grey London is the one we are familiar with under the rule of King George III. Red London is filled with magic, so much s that the Thames pulses scarlet with it. White London magic is the source of power and it is jealously coveted and hoarded. Black London was consumed by an evil and was long shut off from the other three. At one point, anyone could travel freely between the London’s, but after Black London was closed off, only the powerful and rare few can and act as messengers between each city’s ruler. Kell, one such messenger collects artifacts from the three Londons he travels to. But he stumbles upon a fragment from Black London and becomes involved in a power struggle that could end his own Red London and unleash the magic from black London on the other three. With Lila, the contrary thief from Grey London, Kell must find out where the fragment came from, return it, and save the Londons from following the fate of Black London.

Schwab does an excellent job of introducing cities and setting up the conventions of magic without overburdening the reader with too many rules. Similarly, she does an excellent job of building complexity in her characters as the story unfolds. Even for those that are not fans of the fantasy genre can appreciate the careful construction and development in this interesting story.  

Steampunk: a Blend of Action, Adventure, Science, and Magic

Steampunk is a type of science fiction/fantasy that often mixes the modern with the antique.  It originated in the 1980s and blends together a number of sub-genres such as: science fiction, fantasy, mystery, alternative history, and horror.  It's settings are usually Victorian-era Britain although some are set in the American Wild West or even a post-apocalyptic future.

While clockwork and steam-powered contraptions are a common steampunk theme, there may be others such as:  the pairing of hard science with magic or futuristic technology with mechanical machines.

So, try some of the following steampunk books--you'll be happy you checked them out.

Poison Fruit by Jacqueline Carey

The paranormal town of Pemkowet is led by Daisy Johanssen, agent of Hel.   But as a nightmarish monster racks up victims, someone else files a lawsuit against the town. If Pemkowet loses, the fate of the community will be at stake. 

The Shotgun Arcana by R. S. Belcher

Golgotha, Nevada. 1870. A haven for all including a fallen angel, a mad scientist, a pirate queen, and a deputy who is kin to coyotes, Golgotha has come through many trials, but now an army of killers is converging on the town, and its people will be tested as never before.

Gideon Smith & the Brass Dragon by David Barnett

Nineteenth century London is where Queen Victoria presides over three quarters of the known world.  The pirate Louis Cockayne has stolen a fantastical weapon-a great brass dragon. Gideon and his intrepid band give chase through the lawless lands of free Texas where life is cheap and honor cheaper. 

The Clockwork Dagger by Beth Cato

Octavia, a young healer with incredible powers, is traveling to her first mission. Suddenly, she is caught up in a flurry of intrigue:  the steward may be one of the infamous Clockwork Daggers! The danger is only beginning and the conspiracy may reach to the crown itself.

The Return of the Discontinued Man by Mark Hodder

In 1860 London, a scientist conjures up Spring Heeled Jack, who is hunting Sir Richard Burton! Meanwhile, Burton is experiencing visions and now he must voyage through time into a twisted future ruled by a cruel intelligence.
  
The Executioner’s Heart by George Mann


Chief Inspector Bainbridge of Scotland Yard is called to a third, symbolic murder. Supernatural specialists Newbury and Hobbes conclude that the killings may be the work of the Executioner. Who will be her next target? 

Cold Copper by Devon Monk

In steam age America, lycanthrope Cedar Hunt and witch Mae Lindson set out on a mission. Taking refuge in Des Moines when a storm hits, they must stop the mayor’s plot to rule the world.

Fiddlehead by Cherie Priest

Ex-slave Gideon Bardsley is a brilliant inventor. To keep Gideon safe, Abraham Lincoln calls on Pinkerton "Belle" Boyd.  Can she keep the greedy warmongers from assassinating Gideon and extending the Civil War? 
  
The Ripper Affair by Lilith Saintcrow


An accident places Archibald Clare, a mentath in the service of Britannia, in the care of sorceress Emma Bannon. He needs rest to repair his abilities, but someone is murdering women of a certain reputation and threatens to bring ruin to the Empire. 


Also, try some of these stand-alone novels and series number ones:

Balfour and Meriwether in the Incident of the Harrowmoor Dogs by Daniel Abraham
The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi
Phoenix Rising by Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris
Doktor Glass by Thomas Brennan
Soulless by Gail Carriger
Half Made World by Felix Gilman
Mainspring by Jay Lake
God Save the Queen by Kate Locke
The Buntline Special by Michael (Mike) Resnick
Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
Retribution Falls by Chris Wooding

I Killed Adolf Hitler by Jason

I Killed Adolf Hitler by Jason

One theme that nearly always crops up in the science fiction that is one of my main reading staples is time travel.  A well written time travel story is both perplexing and satisfying. However, I have rarely seen the intricacies of a time travel story addressed in such a minimalist, deadpan style as I Killed Adolf Hitler. The story is set in a world where anyone can hire a contract killer for any reason, be it dysfunctional relatives to boorish neighbors. Needless to say, this profession is in high demand. Our protagonist is one such character and is quite obviously weary with the daily grind of his work until a new client arrives with a strange request, to travel back in time and kill Adolf Hitler. But after accepting the contract, the killer finds himself stranded in the past after being surprised and losing his time-machine to Hitler. Still determined to carry out the contract, the killer makes his way to the present by simply waiting though the years until the present where he teams up with his relatively much younger girlfriend to track the elusive dictator that left him stranded in the past.

There are sizable portions of this story where there is very little dialogue and less action. However, Jason manages to make the stretches not only entertaining, but to further the plot of the story. Moreover, the incredible clean style of the panels is reinforced by Jason’s signature warped but dry humor. For those that like strangeness and humor delivered in the most expressionless manner possible, then I would highly recommend giving I Killed Adolf Hitler a try.

 

 

 

My vote goes to Taft 2012

As an Ohioan, of course I'd heard of William Howard Taft before.  Admittedly, my knowledge has been more or less in the range of knowing that on my presidential mood-indicator magnet, in which Lincoln indicates that I'm feeling "honest" and Grant means I'm feeling "Like 50 bucks," Taft indicates feeling "bloated."  I knew that the man who liked sandwiches was, himself, sandwiched between Teddy Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson and is the only person to have ever served in Congress, as president, and on the Supreme Court.  And, of course, the bathtub...what a sad (if amusuing) legacy to be remembered for getting stuck in the bathtub. 

But what if there was more mystique to Taft?  What if, rather than going on to be Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Taft disappeared on the day of Wilson's inauguration?  What if Taft then mysteriously reappeared in the fall of 2011?  Jason Heller's debut novel Taft 2012 presents a humorous, thoughtful answer to these hypotheticals.  When Taft appears out of the mud, he must confront the social, cultural, and political changes of the 100 years that have passed since his last memory.

What I found particularly interesting was not just the question of how the present day affects a man from the past, but how a man from the past affects us in the present day.  As the political season heats up, a non-partisan "Draft Taft" movement starts, calling for a return to the grass-roots, common-sense politics he espoused.  Heller deftly reminds the reader, though, that we are creatures of our environment and, through Taft's words, that politics was never as idyllically clean or as black and white as the lens of history makes it out to be.  If you're looking for a funny, thought-provoking quick read, check out Taft 2012. 

A Little Ffamily Ffun

I've been reading Katie Fforde's books for years.  She writes charming, witty, cozy British chick lit.  Her style is predictable but reliable, and I know there's a good chance I'll enjoy whatever she puts out.  Her latest, Love Letters, certainly fits the bill.  A somewhat shy bookseller gets roped into planning a literary festival in the English countryside.  In order to get financing, she has to convince Ireland's version of J.D. Salinger (only younger and more handsome) to attend.  Predictably, misunderstandings, chaos, romance, and a few large dogs ensue.   Equally  as predictably, I really enjoyed it.  (Of particular note, if this book hadn't been released in the UK in 2009, I would've thought for sure a dinner party scene was taken directly from the Jennifer Weiner and Jodi Picoult v. Jonathan Franzen and the literati brouhaha this past summer). 

Somewhat (by which I mean completely) tangentially, several years ago while browsing the shelves I noticed another author with the last name Fforde, this being Jasper, cousin-in-law to Katie.  I ignored him for years because I thought he wrote straight science fiction and, with all due respect to you sci-fi types, it's not on the top of my reading priorities.  But as I was putting together some book recommendations for a friend who was looking for witty, upbeat, literary fiction (it's a fairly short list) one name kept popping up.  I'll give you a hint: it rhymes with "lord" and is spelled with a few extra letters.  I realized that his books are much more difficult to define, and far more intriguing than I had given credit for.  I've just finished The Eyre Affair, the first of the Thursday Next series.  It's an alternate history in which literature is the most important part of culture, time travel is routine, and the third-most wanted man in the world is kidnapping fictional characters.  Thursday Next is the special ops literary detective assigned to finding Jane Eyre.  He's also got a series on nursery crimes (and, yes, they do include Humpty Dumpty's infamous fall). 

Of course, this is the part where readers everywhere are wondering: what is the connection?  How will she pull these together?  What is the tie that binds?  Well, ffrankly, these two Ffordes' books have nothing in common with each other.  But, really, when I read two books by two Ffordes in the same week, do you expect me to be able to ffight the temptation to sprinkle the blog with a ffew extra "f"s?  Ffat chance. 

Sidewise Awards for Alternate History

The Sidewise Awards for Alternate History were conceived in late 1995 to honor the best allohistorical genre publications of the year. The first awards were announced in summer 1996 and honored works from 1995. The award takes its name from Murray Leinster's 1934 short story Sidewise In Time, in which a strange storm causes portions of Earth to swap places with their analogs from other timelines.

Two awards are usually given each year. The Short-Form Award is presented for the best work of less than 60,000 words. This includes short stories, novelettes and novellas, and poems. The Long-Form Award is presented for the best work longer than 60,000 words. This category includes individual novels and longer works.

The winners of the 2008 Sidewise Awards were announced at Anticipation, the 67th World Science Fiction Convention, three weeks ago in Montréal. They are:

Long Form: The Dragon's Nine Sons by Chris Roberson

Short Form: "Sacrifice" by Mary Rosenblum, in Sideways in Crime: An Alternate Mystery Anthology

For a list of all this year's finalists, go to http://uchronia.net/sidewise. For a list of all the Long Form finalists for 1995-2008, we put together this handy list for you:

Sidewise Awards 09