Campbell Award–winner Kowal presents a broad spectrum of stories in her chapbook-slim first collection. The heartbreaking “Just Right,” in which a family struggles with a child’s strange behavior, isn’t speculative at all. “Death Comes but Twice” edges into dark fantasy, while blind perfumer Penn is stalked by an enormous predator in SF horror story “Scenting the Dark.” The deepest tale is “Some Other Day,” in which a young scientist struggles to undo the terrible consequences of her father’s well-meant work, while “Jaiden’s Weaver” is a sweet story about nurturing and caring for a creature others think deformed. Kowal’s stories don’t always plumb the depths of speculation or characters, but when they do the results are often stirring. This excellent introduction to her work is likely to make her new fans. –Publishers Weekly
2009
Publishers Weekly on new collection by Mary Robinette Kowal
2009
Booklist review of Kowal collection
Kowal is primarily a puppeteer, and the sweetness so much puppetry conjures flavors her writing. And not just in “This Little Pig” and “Jaiden’s Weaver,” which would fit cozily into any good YA sf collection. The first, set in a near-future Iceland that has virtually banned fossil fuels, features a 17-year-old whose fondest dream, to drive a classic 1950s MG-TD, propels him into the workforce, where he meets with humiliation but also hope. A 13-year-old girl who cares not for horses but for “teddy bear spiders”—an endearing species that grows to ridable size on the Earth-colonized planet New Oregon—is the focus of Jaiden’s Weaver,” an endearing kid-and-critter exercise. Less YA friendly, “Some Other Day” resolves as warmly as those two, though what is resolved is very dire, indeed. In the remaining five, a dollop of acid sours any sweetness, either, as in the tense title story, immediately; as in “Just Right,” terminally; or, as in “Portrait of Ari,” just beyond the story’s last word. Lucid and engaging work from a probable rising star. –Booklist
2009
RT gives First Lord’s Fury rare Gold Medal
First Lord’s Fury
The wait is finally over, as the incomparable Butcher gives salivating fans the piece-de-resistance of his Codex Alera series. The incredible journey of clever Tavi, from shepherd’s apprentice to last hope of the Realm, has been both thrilling and harrowing — not mention completely engrossing. In this finale, the blistering pace of warfare never falters and is split between character viewpoints, but the heart of the story remains the evolution of a singular young man. As heroes go, they don’t come better than Tavi! Bravo, Mr. Butcher! — Romantic Times, 4 1/2 Stars + Gold Medal
2009
Review for Mike Shevdon’s debut novel
This book is magnificent in every way, it is an incredible work of fiction that draws you in from the very beginning and holds your undivided attention until the very last page, leaving you with a distinct feeling of loss knowing there are no further words to caress your grey matter. The protagonist is a much more everyday Joe than many writers choose to portray – divorced father of one, with an ex-wife he clearly doesn’t get on with, Naill and his life are not perfect and it’s these imperfections that ground the story. Combine this some very well researched real-world locations and you get a very believable story that you can’t help but relate to. Sixty One Nails is a novel I will remember for a very long time. 5***** — Science Fiction & Fantasy
2009
PW reviews By the Mountain Bound
In this complex prequel to Hugo-winner Bear’s All the Windwracked Stars
