The Re-Readable Collection  Of  SF&F 
Selected by  Jacqueline Lichtenberg

Reviews for the Year 2005

 
 
 

 

Year 2005 Titles Well Worth Re-Reading

Use Month links to read these columns  Title of the Review 

Books Reviewed

January 2005

"Ancient, Modern, and Future Myth"

 

Hero (2004)
List Price:
$29.99

Big discounts available

 

 

Five Seasons Of Angel: Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Discuss Their Favorite Vampire (Smart Pop Series)
by Glenn Yeffeth

List Price:

 $17.95
Watch for discounts!

 

 

This is an interesting essay discussing the Hero tale and how it affects American culture.  

 

Even The Stones
by Marie Jakober

List Price:

$14.95

 

 

.

 

 

 


 

Trekkies 2 (2004)
List Price:

 $19.99

Discounts abound!  

 

.

 

 

The Rebbe's Army : Inside the World of Chabad-Lubavitch
by SUE FISHKOFF

List Price:

$26.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hero Feature Film produced and directed by Zhang Yimou, 2004 -- still in theaters and already on DVD

 

 

 

 

 

Five Seasons of Angel; Science Fiction And Fantasy Writers Discuss Their Favorite Vampire, Glenn Yeffeth, ed., BenBella Books Oct 2004.

 

Both Jacqueline Lichtenberg and Jean Lorrah have articles in this compilation.  See more here on simegen.com at http://www.simegen.com/writers/anth/five/ 

 

 

 

 

 

"Can the U.S. Wake Up From Its Hero Trance—in Time?" © 2004 by Carol S. Pearson, Ph.D. web-published http://www.herowithin.com/HeroTranceCampaign.html 

 

Even The Stones by Marie Jakober, Edge SF&F Publishing 2004 (edgewebsite.com)

 Just because it's obscure doesn't mean it isn't well written and a good read.  This one is a page-turner.  A crown princess is kidnapped by a rival King.  She promises a goddess that she'll re-open the goddesses temples if she can only be allowed to escape captivity.  She escapes, becomes Queen, and changes everything.  But of course, it's not that easy -- this is a good read.  

 

 

Trekkies2 – film on DVD, Paramount Pictures, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Rebbe’s Army by Sue Fishkoff, Schocken Books, New York, 2003


This is a very odd book to find reviewed in an sf/f Occult review column -- however, together with the other items discussed this month, this one is a key.  It provides a portrait of the effect on our near future of a mythical figure.  

This is a very objective piece of journalism, written from an outside perspective.  Fishkoff has no agenda of her own, and presents all sides of the story without attempting to suggest how a reader should interpret the information.  

Any student writer will find this book instructive in the writing craft, and it's inspiring in plot and character twists.

Read the reviews on amazon.com for an idea what controversy is involved.  Controversy breeds plot ideas.  

February 2005  Even The Stones -- see Jan. 2005 above.  

 

Freedom's Gate
by NAOMI KRITZER
List Price: $6.99
 

Look for discounts today.

 

Incubus Dreams (Anita Blake Vampire Hunter)
by Laurell K. Hamilton

Incubus Dreams (Anita Blake Vampire Hunter)
List Price: $23.95
 

Star Commandos 12 War Prince
by P. M. Griffin

Error
List Price: $28.99
Even The Stones by Marie Jakober, Edge Science Fiction And Fantasy Publishing, Alberta, Canada, 2004 --- see Jan 2005 above.  

Freedom’s Gate by Naomi Kritzer, Bantam Spectra Fantasy, July 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

Incubus Dreams by Lau8rell K. Hamilton, Berkley HC, Oct. 2004 -- heavily discounted on Amazon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Star Commandos 12, War Prince by P. M. Griffin, ArcheBooks Publishing, 2004

This is the 12th book is an adventure-romance series with telepaths, combat units, and a vast interstellar war.  Who do you become after you survive a war?  It appeals to readers of J. D. Robb's "In Death" series also.  
March 2005 "Standing Against The Group Mind, Part I"

 

No doubt the DVD will be available soon.  

 

A Wizard of Earthsea (The Earthsea Cycle, Book 1)
by Ursula K. Le Guin

List Price: $7.99
 

Legend of Earthsea, by Ursula K. LeGuin, Sci Fi channel Miniseries, December 2004

The Earthsea Cycle Books by Ursula K. LeGuin, Bantam Spectra 1984 and 2004.

There are 7 related books  here, but the first 2 will tell you if you will like them all.  

A Wizard of Earthsea

The Tombs of Atuan

The Farthest Shore

Tehanu 

Tales from Earthsea

The Other Wind

April 2005

"Standing Against The Group Mind, Part II"

Son of Avonar (The Bridge of D'Arnath, Book 1)
by Carol Berg "The dawn wind teased at my old red shawl as I scrambled up the last steep pitch of the crescent-shaped headland the villagers called Rif..." (more)
 

 

List Price: $6.99

But watch for discounts -- and you get free shipping too!  

 

Guardians Of The Keep (The Bridge of D'Arnath, Book 2)
by Carol Berg "My driver rang the bell for the third time..." (more)


List Price: $7.99

 

Compass Reach
by Mark W. Tiedemann, Ed Cox

Compass Reach
List Price: $16.00

 

 

 

 


Dead Witch Walking
by Kim Harrison "I stood in the shadows of a deserted shop front across from The Blood and Brew Pub, trying not to be obvious as I tugged..." 

List Price: $6.99

 

 

 

 

Son of Avonar Book I ofTthe Bridge of D’Arnath by Carol Berg, RoC Fantasy, Feb. 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guardians of the Keep Book II of The Bridge of D’Arnath by Carol Berg, RoC Fantasy, Sept. 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compass Reach by Mark W. Tiedemann, Meisha Merlin, June 2001

Oh, this one is a fun read! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison, Harper Torch Fiction May 2004

The Witch isn't dead -- just the target of some supernatural hit-men.  

The Vampire isn't quite dead yet either -- she is currently eschewing human blood, even Witch's blood.

But most interesting of all is the pixie family living in the garden.  

 


May 2005 "Standing For The Group Mind" 

Seven Seasons of Buffy: Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Discuss Their Favorite Television Show
by Glenn Yeffeth (Editor), Drew Goddard (Foreword)

 

Kinsman's Oath (Berkley Sensation)
by Susan Krinard

 

Choice of the Cat (The Vampire Earth, Book 2)
by E. E. Knight

Flash Point
by Metsy Hingle

.

From the Dark Places
by Margaret L. Carter

From the Dark Places

 

 

Joan of Arcadia ep. The Cat, CBS TV series, airing Friday night.  www.tvtome.com for details of most tv shows

Seven Seasons of Buffy, Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Discuss Their Favorite Television Show, Glenn Yeffeth ed., BenBella Books 2003.

 

 

 

 

 

Five Seasons of Angel, Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Discuss Their Favorite Vampire, Glenn Yeffeth, ed., BenBella Books, 2004

 

 

 

 

Kinsman’s Oath by Susan Krinard, Berkley Sensation Romance, May 2004

 

 

 

 

 

Choice of the Cat, Book Two of The Vampire Earth, by E. E. Knight, RoC Science Fiction, May 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flash Point by Metsy Hingle, Mira Romance, 2003

 

 

 

 

Child of Twilight by Margaret L. Carter, Hardshell Word Factory August 2003. 

From The Dark Places by Margaret L. Carter, Amber Quill Press, 2003

Also see Margaret's Mass Market Paperback novel Embracing Darkness slated for review later in this column.  Margaret is a review columnist in http://www.simegen.com/reviews/  and a Professional Writer In Residence in WorldCrafters Guild.  
June 2005

"7-Swords As a Trend"

Star Trek: Enterprise first season might be released by May 2005, according to rumor. 

 

Stargate SG-1 Season 7

List Price:   $69.96

Oh, but you can save a lot of money during specials -- and get free shipping, too.  

 

 

Battlestar Galactica (2003 Miniseries) (2003)
List Price:   $27.97

 

Lots of discounts and free shipping, too.  

 

 

Star Trek: Enterprise "Observer Effect" TV episode, Jan. 2005

 

Stargate SG-1, "Gemini" TV episode Jan 2005

 

They are releasing the DVD sets right behind completion of a season.  
Watch for Season 8 next year.  

Catch the show on the Sci Fi channel if you can.  

 

Battlestar Galactica remake, Sci Fi channel debut Jan. 2005

This review focuses on the opening miniseries remake originally broadcast in 2003 as a pilot for a new Battlestar series.  

Jan 2005 sees the rebroadcast of the miniseries along with new 1-hour episodes of an entirely "re-imagined" Battlestar Galactica.  

Read the nearly 300 reviews posted online, and/or the extensive notes on this miniseries.  

July 2005

 

"Do You Suppose It Really Is All About Love?" 

 

The Visitor will be available at the awe-struck e-books website.  In Aug. 2005

Starman (1984)
List Price:   $9.95

DVD of a terrific film
This is one to watch once every year.  JL

 

 

The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
List Price:   $14.98

Heart warming, intimate adventure at it's best.  

 

 

 

The Visitor by Barbara Raffin, Awe-Struck E-books, Aug 2005

This is a book so like the two films mentioned here that I would love to see it made into a contemporary film.  

Starman – A John Carpenter film, 1984

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Day The Earth Stood Still – A Robert Wise film, 1951

 
August 2005 "The Prayer For Peace" 

The Visitor will be available at the awe-struck e-books website.  In Aug. 2005

 

Embracing Darkness (Intimate Moments)by Margaret Carter

Embracing Darkness (Intimate Moments)
List Price:

$4.99

 

 

 

Finders Keepers
by Linnea Sinclair

Finders Keepers
List Price:

$6.99

 

 

The Visitor by Barbara Ruffin, Awe-Struck E-books, Aug. 2005

Discussed in the July issue, this e-book SF-Romance novel continues to provide discussion material in this column.  

Embracing Darkness by Margaret Carter, Silhouette Intimate Moments, March 2005

Here we have a vampire who's as fascinating as the mortal woman he falls in love with.  

 

 

 

 

Finders Keepers by Linnea Sinclair, Bantam Spectra, April 2005

Here we have action and Romantic Suspense and steamy hot sex scenes in a wild interstellar setting.  This one begs for a sequel -- because we never get to know the non-humans who are mounting economic warfare against two human governments.    
September 2005 "The Politics of Peace" 

 

The Burning Land
by Victoria Strauss 
List Price: $7.99

 

Darkover: First Contact (Darkover Omnibus)
by Marion Zimmer Bradley
Darkover: First Contact (Darkover Omnibus)
List Price:

$7.99

 

 

 

Dune (Dune Chronicles, Book 1)
by Frank Herbert

Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
by Gregory Maguire

 

Glass Souls by Michaela August

 

 

 

 

The Burning Land by Victoria Strauss, Eos, pb Dec, 2004
"We the Brethren, incarnate Sons and Daughters of the First Messenger of Arata, leaders of the Aratist faith and guardians of the Way of Arata,..." (more)

 

 

 

 

Darkover by Marion Zimmer Bradley – long series being reprinted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dune by Frank Herbert, another long series also on DVD

Find DVD, books, omnibuses, and all things DUNE here.  

 

 

 

Wicked by Gregory Maguire, Regan Books, 1995

This is like a fan-novel for the dedicated OZ fan.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

The House of the Rose, Book I, Glass Souls by Michaela August, Awe-Struck E-books, May 2005, $4.75 download, 148,000 words.

 "A besieged city, an emergency evacuation from the threat of anti-heretic Crusaders-it's an ordinary day in the life of the vampire Protectors of the House of the Rose. Except, this time, everything goes horribly wrong..."

October 2005 "Natural and Preternatural Disasters Disturb Peace" 

Dark of the Sun : A Novel of Saint-Germain
by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro


List Price:   $27.95


 Set in 535 AD, after the huge eruption of Krakatoa that may have ushered in the Dark Ages in Europe.   This is about 100 years before Muhammed founded Islam.  

 

Tempting Fate
by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro

Reprint keeps this very important book available. 

 

Lammas Night
by KATHERINE KURTZ

  I've reviewed this previously, and mention it here because it is immensely relevant.  There should be used copies still available cheap! 

 

Master Of The Night (Berkley Sensation)
by Angela Knight

List Price: $6.99

 

 

 

 

Bite
by Laurell K. Hamilton, Charlaine Harris, Mary Janice Davidson, Angela Knight, Vickie Taylor

List Price: $7.99

 

 

 

 

 

Hot Blooded
by Christine Feehan, Maggie Shayne, Emma Holly, Angela Knight (Editor)

List Price: $7.99
 

 

 

 

 

 

Triplanetary : The Lensman Saga, Book 1 (Lensman Sagas)
by E. E. "Doc" Smith

List Price: $6.99

 

 

Dark of the Sun by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, Tor HC Nov 2004, pb Sept 2005

The trade paperback Sept 2005.  

List Price: $15.95
Price: $10.85 & Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. See details

 

 

 

Tempting Fate, by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, rprt Stealth Press July, 2001

 

 

 

 

 

The Philosopher of Islamic Terror by Paul Berman, New York Times, March 23, 2003  

Lammas Night by Katherine Kurtz, Ballantine Books 1983

 

 

 

 

 

 

Master of the Night by Angela Knight, Berkeley Sensation pb, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bite by Laurell K. Hamilton, Charlaine Harris, Mary Janice Davidson, Angela Knight, Vickie TaylorAuthor, Jove Fiction, pb, Dec. 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hot Blooded by Christine Feehan, Maggie Shayne, Emma Holly, and Angela Knight, Jove Paranormal Romance, pb, Aug. 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lensman Series, by E. E. “Doc” Smith, 1940’s – now reprinted and still relevant and thought provoking.  

 
November 2005 

"The Power of SF and Fantasy" 

Destroyer (Foreigner)
by C. J. Cherryh

List Price: $24.95

 

 

 

 

 

Darksome Thirst
by Morven Westfield

List Price: $14.95

 

 

 

Dance with the Dragon
by E. F. Watkins

List Price:

$16.00

 

 

 

 

And here we have something special for you.  One of the authors reviewed in June 2005, Linnea Sinclair, has provided a commentary on C. J. Cherryh's DESTROYER from a Buddhist point of view.  It is posted here for your convenience.  Click to read.  

 

Destroyer by C. J. Cherryh, DAW HC Feb 2005 (Foreigner Series)

Watch for the cheaper paperback or find this at your library.  But I think it's well worth its cover price -- I'm collecting this series in hardcover and I don't usually do that.  

 

 

 

 

 

Darksome Thirst by Morven Westfield, Harvest Shadows Publications TP, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dance with the Dragon by E. F. Watkins, Amber Quill Press 2003

 

 

 

 

 

C. J. Cherryh’s Destroyer and The Meaning of Peace, by Linnea Sinclair. Essay -- click to read it here.  

 
December 2005 "Into the Spirit Realm: An analysis of our group mind"

"Into The West" - Boxed set of 4 DVD's (check for various formats)
October 2005 release

List Price: $49.99
but check for current discount and be surprised. 

 

 

 

Schindler's List

List Price: $26.98
But see today's discount and remember this is elligible for free shipping. 

 

 

Bonanza Collection (1959)

Released Oct. 4, 2005
Bonanza Collection
List Price:$29.98

 

 

 

"Into the West" TV Miniseries by Stephen Spielberg available on DVD. 

 

 

 

 

 

Schlinder's List Feature Film by Stephen Spielberg available on DVD -- powerful especially in connection with a book I shall soon review, the Aug. 2005 release of Straight Into Darkness by Faye Kellerman. 

 

 

 

 

Bonanza -- One of my all-time favorite TV shows, a long running classic that any writer today would do well to study in depth. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Newsweek Article from Sept 5, 2005 on Spirituality in America now available for $2.95 on http://www.newsweek.com  

 

 



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