TBR Review: Within Reach by Sarah Mayberry

There are many 2012 releases gracing my TBR at the moment. At this point, quite a few of them make up what I'm calling my "regrets list" -- books I regret not reading last year. Well, Within Reach by Sarah Mayberry, a book I purchased as soon as it released but for some reason never read, is definitely one of them. Was it that very bland lavender looking cover? Or was it the predictability of the blurb that did not set this book apart for me?

Being a single dad was never on Michael Young's agenda. Yet with the sudden loss of his wife, that's exactly the role he has. On his best days, he thinks he can handle it. On his worst... Luckily, family friend Angie Bartlett has his back, easily stepping in to help out.

Lately, though, something has changed.

Michael is noticing exactly how gorgeous Angie is, and how single she is. She's constantly in his thoughts and he feels an attraction he never expected. Does he dare disrupt the very good thing they have going? If they have a fling that goes nowhere, he stands to lose everything - including her. But if they make it work, he stands to gain everything!

Whatever the reason, I should have known better from my experience with Sarah Mayberry's writing style and enjoyment of her SuperRomance stories, not just those from Harlequin's Blaze line. I know that she has the ability to turn a long-used plot device that reeks of predictability into an emotionally charged contemporary story about people -- friends, family, and lovers -- that become more than two-dimensional caricatures on the page. I absolutely love that aspect of Mayberry's writing, particularly since she can achieve this... "magic" in a short format.  Of course, that's exactly what happens in Within Reach.

The story's main plot device is riddled with a big romance taboo -- the best friend who falls in love with her dead friend's husband and vice-versa, and the reader gets to meet this best friend in all her glory before she dies. A no-no if I ever heard of one. Angie Barlett's BFF Billie dies suddenly leaving two small children and a heartbroken and grieving husband behind. Ten months later Angie realizes that Michael's grief has taken a turn into such a deep depression that the children are also affected. Billie would not have wanted that at all, so Angie takes charge and with a loving but tough hand tells Michael he needs to shape up fast.

Michael is a great father and reluctantly takes her advice. The two slowly become real friends fond of each other, backing each other up in times of need and talking about their daily concerns. Michael in particular comes to depend on Angie as she makes herself available to help with the children's care when he returns to work. In return, he helps Angie by providing a space in his home when she needs a studio for her jewelry-making business. But all that close contact leads to Angie slowly becoming aware of Michael as a man, and eventually Michael begins to see Angie as a woman. They are both horrified and initially deny the attraction. Angie feels like she is betraying her best friend and Michael feels like he's cheating on his wife just by looking at Angie. They pull back from each other, but when the attraction turns to passion, will Michael forgive himself? Will Angie? Can they keep their friendship? What if it's more than passion?

This was such an emotional read! First because Mayberry actually introduces the readers to Billie and then because Michael and Angie's grief is palpable throughout the development of the romance. When I first began reading this romance and met Billie I didn't think there was any way that I would be able to connect with Angie as Michael's romantic partner, but Mayberry works this relationship beautifully by digging deep into these two people's grief and then developing a true friendship, so that eventually the passion and love that emerges becomes inevitable and acceptable to the reader. There is just no other answer but for Angie, Michael and his children to become a happy family.

Did I mention passion? I couldn't believe how carnal and steamy this romance becomes in the midst of all the emotional and guilty baggage that Michael and Angie carry around. Steam, heat and chemistry abound once this couple gets together and yes, this is surprising particularly for an angsty SuperRomance.

Problems? Yes.... I did have a nagging problem at the end there. I loved that Angie and Michael found happiness together, a love made up of true friendship and passion where Billie's memory could live without being ignored or resented. But.... as much as I loved Billie, I wish (and this is my personal preference) that Michael and Angie had time to enjoy more of that romance, that passion and love without Billie's ghost haunting them. The book ends when that lovely relationship is about to begin... a much deserved happy ever after.

Within Reach is a beautifully developed, meaty contemporary romance with some amazing character development and a subject matter that may push buttons, but that Mayberry works with a deft touch. If you haven't read it yet, please don't wait, it's worth the read.

Theme: Shorts
January 2013

Category: Contemporary Romance
Series: None
Publisher/Release Date: Harlequin SuperRomance/August, 2012
Grade: A-

Visit Sarah Mayberry here.

Andre Norton: Storm Over Warlock (Forerunners, Book #1)

"Storm Over Warlock"
Digital Edition

Storm Over Warlock by Andre Norton (1960) is the first book in the Forerunner series.

Shann Lantee is an undersized young Terran who clawed his way out of poverty and an abusive society in Tyr to make the Survey Corps. His lack of education leads to what most team members think of as a menial job in Survey, that of taking care of the genetically altered animals traveling with the team as they prepare planet Warlock for settlement by humans. Lantee, however, sees his role in Survey as a step up, and just being at Warlock is a matter of personal pride. Warlock is the second planet in the Circe star system, surrounded by the Witch and Wizard planets, both uninhabitable to men because of their environment.

Norton begins this adventure with danger and action as Lantee helplessly witnesses how the beetle-like Throgs, attack and wipe out all men at Survey's camp before they are able to place a security net around the planet, leaving him as the sole human survivor. Lantee left camp during the night to track down his ever-exploring wolverines, but now he's both scared and frustratingly furious. The survival instinct kicks in as he and his wolverines go into the Warlock wilds. Lantee's childhood experiences serve him well when forced to use survival instincts and abilities and his confidence soars, but soon he encounters his idol, Survey Officer Ragnar Thorvald, who made his way back onto the planet for reasons of his own, and all that confidence vanishes. Lantee, Thorvald and the wolverines set off toward the sea, but between the Throgs' relentless pursuit and those dreams plaguing both men, will they survive the trek? What about the rumors about an indigenous population? Could they be true?

This story with two men and a couple of genetically enhanced wolverines as sidekicks surviving the elements and fighting enemy aliens on an unknown planet, while exploring a new unknown alien culture definitely falls under the young adult space adventure category for me. This being a Norton young adult novel, I'm finding that it has something in common with the few I've read so far. The young man central to the story sets out to find the truth about the planet and in the process ends up finding the truth about himself.

The uber-alien Throgs are portrayed as a race of thieves and killers who cannot produce their own technology so they kill men to obtain theirs. There is also no negotiating with Throgs, so that having no redeemable qualities these aliens are therefore deserving of nothing less than total annihilation. This is a familiar thread found in military sci fi from earlier years but I'm not surprised to find it here. On the other hand there is mention of another alien race that stands out in my mind for several reasons. This section was complex and well executed by Norton, but unfortunately I can't say more about it without giving away spoilers.

Original Print Cover -- Ace 1960

I really enjoyed the wolverines, and the flora and fauna details included in the novel are just excellent. Written in 1960, this young adult story has males as central characters and a dated atmosphere (needle point rocket as a space ship for men and plate-like for the aliens), and although there is a lot of action, for some reason this story did not keep me engaged for long periods of time. Lantee's back and forth between adoration and resentment of Thorvald became a bit exhausting, as did Thorvald's outward contempt and lack of recognition of Lantee's abilities. Did these two ever really bond? They did, but how did they get there? Sometimes I wondered. . . but you'll have to read the story to find out.

Covers: I really like the cover used for the digital collection Visions of Distant Shores featuring a female robot with a wistful expression on her face. However, I couldn't pass up featuring the original colorful illustrated print cover with the handsome young man pointing his blaster and holding a wolverine, the pointy rocket taking off on the background and the menacing bug-like Throg and elongated figure further back. That cover was just perfect for this story.

Best Quote: "The improbable we do at once; the impossible takes a little longer." Ragnar Thorvald. 

Forerunner Series:
Storm Over Warlock (1960)
Ordeal in Otherwhere (1964)
Forerunner Foray (1973)
Forerunner (1981)
Forerunner: The Second Venture (1985)

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The 2013 Science Fiction Experience and The Vintage Science Fiction Month

Sci Fi Books Old & New: When the price is right

For some reason even after that eReader made it's way into my loving hands, I've always preferred to read my science fiction and fantasy tales in print format. To date, I still buy the big, meaty science fiction and fantasy books in print and just love to hold them. However, that's not to say that if I find a great buy in digital format I won't buy it either. When the price is right... I buy!

Here are a couple of contemporary SFF releases and three of those classics we've been discussing this month that I purchased for my eReader:

Some of The Best From Tor.com 2012 edited by Patrick Nielsen Hayden, Liz Gorinsky, David G. Hartwell

A collection of some of the best 2012 original short fiction published by Tor.com. Authors: Elizabeth Bear, Adam Troy Castro, Paul Cornell, Kathryn Cramer, Brit Mandelo, Pat Murphy, Charles Stross, Michael Swanwick, Rachel Swirsky, and Gene Wolfe.

What I'm loving about how this collection is formatted is that each individual story has its own cover page with original art, title page, table of contents, and then the story. It individualizes every single book. And of course the fact that this collection is free! Price: $0.00
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Gods of Risk (Expanse #2.5) by James S.A. Corey

If you are reading and love The Expanse space opera by James S.A. Corey the way I do, then you probably already read The Butcher of Anderson County (Expanse #1.5). But just in case you have not, it is available for $1.99 for your eReader. And as an aside, I love every cover in this series so far... including those used for the novellas.

As tension between Mars and Earth mounts, and terrorism plagues the Martian city of Londres Nova, sixteen-year-old David Draper is fighting his own lonely war. A gifted chemist vying for a place at the university, David leads a secret life as a manufacturer for a ruthless drug dealer. When his friend Leelee goes missing, leaving signs of the dealer's involvement, David takes it upon himself to save her. But first he must shake his aunt Bobbie Draper, an ex-marine who has been set adrift in her own life after a mysterious series of events nobody is talking about.

Gods of Risk - Price: $2.99
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Sargasso of Space by Andre Norton

Almost half a century ago, renowned science fiction and fantasy author Andre Norton introduced apprentice cargo master Dane Thorson in Sargasso of Space and Plague Ship.

This is a wonderful beginning to the Solar Queen series, and I'm very glad that it is available in digital format. Some of these books are next to impossible to find in print format! I already read and reviewed this book (you can read it here).  Price: $3.99
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Visions of Distant Shores: An Andre Norton Collection 

This is a great buy, particularly because it contains seven Andre Norton novels in one volume. I just believe that even if there is one book out of the seven that you love, it is worth the price. I'm sure there will be more than one good one in there, though. I already read Storm Over Warlock from this collection. Following is the content:
"Storm Over Warlock"
"Star Born"
"Star Hunter"
"Plague Ship (Star Queen #2)"
"Voodoo Planet (Star Queen #3)"
"The Gifts of Asti"
"The People of the Crater"
Price: $0.99 cents

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The Best of Phillip K. Dick (Unexpurgated Edition) (Halcyon Classics Series)

With eleven of Philip K. Dick's best short stories in this collection, there is no question that this a win-win! Here's the content:
"Beyond the Door"
"Beyond Lies the Wub"
"The Crystal Crypt"
"The Defenders"
"The Gun"
"The Skull"
"The Eyes Have it"
"Second Variety"
"The Variable Man"
"Mr. Spaceship"
"Piper in the Woods"
Price: $1.99 

I have more in my eReader, particularly from the Halcyon Classics Series, but I don't want this post to go on forever. Note that with the exception of Andre Norton's Vision of Distant Shores, the rest are short stories or novellas. If you prefer to hunt for those old classics in used book stores, great! I do too! But, if you can't find them... it is great to know some of them continue to be available to new readers in digital format.
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The 2013 Science Fiction Experience and The Vintage Science Fiction Month

Book Discussion: Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey (Parts I & II)

Hi everyone! This month I have joined the SFF 2013 Group Read of Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey, the first installment of the Pern series. This is the first part of the book discussion being hosted by Carl V. of Stainless Steel Droppings. To begin our discussion of Parts I & II, below you will see the questions provided by Carl V.  If you have not read the book, please note that there are spoilers within my answers.


1. I have hosted SFF-related group reads for books by Asimov, Herbert, Sanderson and Gaiman. This is our first group read by a female author. What are your thoughts on McCaffrey's handling of the male and female characters in Dragonflight? Feel free to compare and contrast male and female characters and/or discuss various male and female characters in relations to others in the book of the same sex.

Parts I and II of Dragonflight were first published as a novella under the title "Weyr Search" in 1967 when the whole "sexual revolution" was happening, so I am more than a bit disappointed when it comes to how women are characterized in this first part of the story. I expected that contemporary times (late 1960's) would be better reflected or incorporated into this science fiction piece. However, to be fair, I suspect that for the times it was a step in the right direction.

Let's begin with a bit of information about the story and general idea of how men treat women and how women are characterized in the first half of this story. Think of Holds as being patterned after the old Scottish Keeps and the Weyr and dragonmen as being their protectors. In this case from silver Threads coming off the Red Planet that orbits close to Pern every 200 Turns or years. Dragonmen collect tithes from the Holders in the form of goods and food, but the Holds also provide the women who will hopefully become Weyrwomen. Holders are portrayed as treating their women like property to be used, impregnated and disposed of at will. The dragonmen are not necessarily better in how they conduct themselves while searching for females to take back to the Weyr, although in some cases they make a show of outward politeness.

The women for their part act like sniveling fools with the exception of two female characters. One of those characters is Lord Fax's long suffering wife Lady Gemma. There is a quiet, traditional strength in Gemma, but in the end McCaffrey portrays her as a sacrificial lamb, which was not very encouraging. Then there is McCaffrey's main female character, Lessa. Lessa is proactive in seeking revenge against the man who stole her birthright and single minded when it comes to getting it back. Lessa is powerful, cunning and daring, but she is also impulsive, manipulative, stubborn and immature which leads to serious lack of judgment. However, the most important aspect of this female character is that she fights back.

Not surprising, the men are portrayed as either authoritarian and/or paternalistic in nature. This includes both the men in the Holds and the dragonmen of the Weyr. In both worlds, the males take care of important matters and women serve them as servants, for pleasure, to give them children, or to advance their position of power, and to their way of thinking women are to be kept in the dark and away from really important matters or dangerous situations.

This authoritarian or paternalistic attitude, although found across the board, fluctuates between characters. For example: the Weyrleader R'gul is extremely condescending and paternalistic with Lessa while tutoring her in the ways of the Weyr. And while F'lar seems to be tolerant of Lessa, he is also authoritarian, and both R'gul and F'lar keep Lessa in the dark about important matters. The exception is F'nor. He is the one male character portrayed as neither paternalistic nor authoritarian, but as all-around brotherly.

2. F'Lar and Lessa are an interesting pair of protagonists. What do you like and/or dislike about their interactions thus far? What things stand out for you as particularly engaging about each character (if anything)?

After Lessa and F'lar meet, it is quickly evident that there is an attraction of sorts between them. It is an antagonistic, if not hostile, and reluctant attraction with a competitive edge on Lessa's part. Their interactions are frustrating, partly because McCraffrey maintains F'lar wrapped up in the 'Dragonmen of the Wyr' mysticism. That combined with a lack of real warmth and/or emotion to F'lar's personality makes it tough to connect with his character for most of this section. Lessa's single minded pursuit of revenge is admirable and her power astonishing, yet once she makes the decision to become Weyrwoman, Lessa misuses her power and her arrogance becomes almost like that of a spoiled child who can't see past wants or needs of the moment.

What stands out most for me about F'lar is his absolute belief and faith, plus his qualities as a powerful and cunning leader of the Weyr. What stands out most for me about Lessa includes some of the same qualities that frustrate me about her. She's willing to go the extra mile to get what she wants, fights back for what she believes should be done, digs until she finds the answers to her questions, and is not afraid to use her powers to achieve all of the above. Lessa is no doormat.

3. How do you feel about Pern to this point in the story? For those new to Pern, you may want to discuss your speculations/thoughts on the Red Star and on the between here. What are your thoughts on McCaffrey's world-building?

Frankly? I'm not impressed with how this science fiction series begins. The first section of the first part of story is front-loaded with world-building information that makes little to no sense to the reader. It does not flow in a cohesive manner and becomes clunky and confusing. It does become better after a few chapters. However, as far as the world-building is concerned, I don't believe that the beginning of the series might be indicative of the rest. At least I hope not because I've heard some great things about the trilogy.

My other thought is that I kept feeling as if I were reading a fantasy instead of science fiction. Was I the only one? Perhaps that has a lot to do with the fact that men and dragon lore are the central focus, and the Red Planet and Threads seem far away and more of a "boogey man" than a reality at this point.

We are at the mid-point in the story, so we are still in the dark about many aspects of the story. What are Threads? Is it a life form or a parasitic, life sucking vine that keeps the Red Planet going? Besides giving the Weyr and Dragonkind a reason for existing, is there another way Pern benefits from the Red Planet and the Threads? Why hasn't the Red Planet come close to Pern for 400 Turns, instead of the usual 200 Turns? Isn't that an anomaly in how planets orbit each other? How will that work into McCaffrey's world-building?

4. For those new to Dragonflight, was there anything that particularly surprised you with the narrative choices, etc. thus far? For those who have already read Dragonflight, how do you feel about your return to Pern? What stands out in your revisit?

I was surprised at how bare bones McCaffrey's narrative turned out to be in Dragonflight. It is possible that has something to do with the fact that these first two parts of the story were initially edited as a novella. Her depth of characterization is limited throughout the story so far, as is her world-building. The story is action driven with the main characters' inner dialog giving the reader limited insight into what might lie ahead. It is intriguing that once past that first chapter which was front loaded with some incomprehensible world-building information that was slowly cleared up in subsequent chapters, I became engrossed by the story and didn't want to stop after reading Part II.

5. Discuss anything else that you feel passionate to discuss that wasn't included in your responses to the above questions.

The dragons! The dragons made this story fun and enjoyable for me. They provide the sense of humor and light moments that the readers don't get from F'lar and/or Lessa. Also, there is a sense that these beautiful creatures are wiser than shown in this first part of the story since they seem to be born with knowledge. I'm hoping that McCaffrey will explore the dragons and give us some real insight into them, if not in the second part of this book, maybe later on in book 2 or 3 of the Pern trilogy.

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Read as part of The 2013 Science Fiction Experience and The Vintage Science Fiction Month

Review: The Seduction of Elliot McBride by Jennifer Ashley

The Seduction of Elliot McBride
(Highland Pleasures #5)

PROPERLY IMPROPER…AND DARING TO LOVE…

Juliana St. John was raised to be very proper. After a long engagement, her wedding day dawns—only for Juliana to find herself jilted at the altar.

Fleeing the mocking crowd, she stumbles upon Elliot McBride, the tall, passionate Scot who was her first love. His teasing manner gives her an idea, and she asks Elliot to save her from an uncertain future—by marrying her…

After escaping brutal imprisonment, Elliot has returned to Scotland a vastly wealthy yet tormented man. Now Juliana has her hands full restoring his half-ruined manor in the Scottish Highlands and trying to repair the broken heart of the man some call irredeemably mad. Though beautiful and spirited, Juliana wonders if that will be enough to win a second chance at love.

The Seduction of Elliot McBride is a pleasant romance with very little conflict between the protagonists and/or seduction. In my opinion, the title doesn't really fit this book. The readers immediately know that Elliot and Juliana love each other. Elliot and Juliana also know that there are feelings between them, if not love... something! There is definitely chemistry.

This couple is kept apart when Elliot goes to India first to join the service and then stays to make his fortune. A series of events leads Elliot to be kidnapped and tortured for a whole year by a local tribe. He escapes and returns to Scotland just in time to marry Juliana as she is being jilted at the altar by her fiancé. The two go off to a dilapidated castle located in the wilds of the Scottish Highlands with a small staff Elliot brought along from India.

Julianna is pretty happy with the fact that she married Elliot, but on her wedding night finds out that there is something wrong with him. The torture Elliot suffered at the hands of those tribesmen left psychological scars and have left him traumatized. There are the flashbacks that can end up in violent reactions, and the moments when he is taken by the darkness and falls into a black pit of despair. Although it is evident that he suffers from a form of PTSD, everyone thinks Elliot is mad, including himself.

Juliana is the perfect wife, believing that Elliot will recover from these episodes even as she wishes that he would return to being that same young man she knew when they were growing up together. Elliot finds solace and peace in Juliana's presence and her kindness, but more so in her arms.

Jennifer Ashley introduces an external conflict to help Elliot come to terms with his situation providing some action and a mystery to the story. This story line also serves to establish Juliana's complete belief in Elliot. This aspect of the story is good, but frankly it takes a lot of page time and is not necessarily engrossing or intriguing.

The secondary characters are average and with the exception of Mahindar and Uncle McGregor the others do not contribute much since there is a language barrier -- there is limited to no dialog so that we are told what they think or do. Ashley doesn't establish an emotional connection between the reader and the little girl in the story, Priti, making her pretty much a non-issue.

I enjoyed this historical romance by Ashley as an average read.  I found chemistry, love between the main characters, and plenty of well written sexy scenes. Unfortunately, the lack of conflict and sexual tension between Juliana and Elliot makes this an average romance without any of those ups and downs that make for a memorable and/or emotionally charged read. Regardless, I am looking forward to reading the next installment in this series, The Wicked Deeds of Daniel Mackenzie! Yes to Daniel!

Category: Historical Romance
Series: Highland Pleasures, #5
Publisher/Release Date: Berkeley/December 31, 2012
Grade: C

Visit Jennifer Ashley here.

Series:
The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie, Book 1
Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage, Book 2
The Many Sins of Lord Cameron, Book 3
The Duke's Perfect Wife, #4
A MacKenzie Family Christmas: The Perfect Gift, #4.5
The Seduction of Elliot McBride, #5

Andre Norton: Sargasso of Space (Solar Queen #1)

As a result of my participation in The 2013 Science Fiction Experience and The Vintage Science Fiction Month, I've again gone into a science fiction reading frenzy this past week. The difference is that I've picked up some old publications never before read by me -- books or authors I either overlooked or missed reading. I began my personal foray into the world of science fiction by reading Dune by Frank Herbert when I was in my teens. I remember what a big impact that novel had on me. As a result, I never read lighter young adult science fiction novels that came before or after the all encompassing and then addictive (to me) Dune. I missed out reading works by many great writers, including the ever popular Andre Norton.

Alice Mary Norton, better known to the science fiction world as Andre Norton, was born on February 17, 1912. Ms. Norton also used pseudonyms Andrew Norton and Allen Weston to publish her works during a time when female writers changed their names to reach the male-centric and male-dominated science fiction market, and in 1934 she officially changed her name to Andre Alice Norton.

Known as the Grand Dame of Science Fiction and Fantasy, Ms. Norton wrote novels for over 70 years and before passing away in 2005 had over 300 published titles to her name, beginning with her first novel which was published in 1934. She was twice nominated for the Hugo Award (Witch World in 1964 and Wizard's World in 1967). Norton was also the first woman to receive the Gandalf Grand Master Award from the World of Science Fiction Society in 1977, and in 1998 won the World Fantasy Award for lifetime achievement after having been nominated three times. 

In 2005 the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America created the Andre Norton Award to be given each year, beginning in 2006, for an outstanding work of  young adult fantasy or science fiction.

She has influenced at least four generations of science fiction and fantasy readers and writers, including quite a few well known authors, among them: Lois McMaster Bujold, Cecilia Dart-Thornton, Tanya Huff, Mercedes Lackey, Joan D. Vinge, David Weber, and Catherine Asaro.

Visit Andre Norton's official website here.
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Sargasso of Space (Solar Queen #1) by Andre Norton

Sargasso of Space
Digital Edition

First published in 1955, Sargasso of Space is the first book of the Solar Queen series. It introduces Dane Thorson as a young man just graduated and chosen by a Psycho computer machine as apprentice-Cargo-Master to join the 12 crew members of the slightly battered Solar Queen, a Free Trader ship. Their space adventure begins when the crew pool all their money together to enter a blind auction and win the ten year trading rights to D-rated planet Limbo. After opening the sealed information packet and finding out that their investment might be a losing venture, they begin to feel lucky again when archaeologist Salzar Rich hires the Solar Queen to explore the planet for Forerunner archaeological sites and all begin to hope there are other riches for trade. Once at Limbo, there's the planet to explore, mysteries to be solved, and a quick paced action adventure full of danger for young Dane and the crew.

Sargasso of Space is a fun space adventure that may have originally been written as a 'boys' space adventure.' Regardless, I really enjoyed it. There's no question that to a certain degree the story is dated, (i.e: packets of information are in microfiche or microfilm) but because Norton focuses on the mystery, adventure, and the human aspects of the story instead of spectacular science fiction details, it holds up pretty well.

There are no over-the-top hidden messages, instead basis for the plot is pretty obvious. Norton focuses worldbuilding and conflicts for the space adventures on trade between the planets and pits the heroes in her adventures, a small crew of twelve Free Traders who in essence always begin from a disadvantaged position, against the big "Company" or all-powerful and wealthy trading moguls who seem to hold all the cards. Norton also uses a version of this device when creating her young character Dane Thorson who comes from a poor background, an orphanage, and through his own efforts receives an education, graduates, and is given the opportunity for a better future. The supposed impartial Psycho machine doesn't match him with one of the big companies, but he is given the opportunity to explore, gain experience, and to "make it" as a Free Trader. Both the crew and Dane are underdogs overcoming obstacles to succeed.

I didn't find deep characterization in this story, however, the crew of the Solar Queen make a great team. It is also tough to measure true character growth when taking into consideration that Sargasso of Space is the first book of a long series. In this first book, Norton introduces Dane's young character as an apprentice mentored and accepted by the crew. He fits in even as his confidence fluctuates from highs to lows when making rookie mistakes and begins the process of learning the ropes. In Captain Jellico, the all knowing Cargo-Master Van Rycke, and the Cook-Steward Frank Mura, Norton introduces strong role models for Dane and the other young apprentices. Additionally, there is a mixture of cultures within the crew members, although not surprising for the time this novel was written, it is an all male crew.

In this first book, I found Dane Thorson to be a bit of a "goody-two-shoes" compared to some of the other crew members, but I'm reading the second book of the series at the moment, Plague Ship (Solar Queen #2), and am hoping that he will break out of his little self-imposed box. The action, however, is quick paced and the adventure once begun, fun enough to keep me engrossed to the end. I've heard and read a bit about this young adult science fiction series throughout the years, and it seems to be beloved by old fans. As a new reader, I found the first book enjoyable enough to continue by reading the second book of the Solar Queen series.

So, did I miss out during my teenage years by not reading Andre Norton's science fiction stories? I believe so! So far these are just fun! Recommended for young (and not so young) adults who love a good space adventure.

Solar Queen Series:
Sargasso of Space (1955 as Andrew North)
Plague Ship (1956 as Andrew North)
Voodoo Planet (1959)
Postmarked the Stars (1969)
Redline the Stars (1993, with P. M. Griffin)
Derelict for Trade (1997, with Sherwood Smith)
A Mind for Trade (1997, with Sherwood Smith)

A Horse Named Sorrow by Trebor Healey

A Horse Named Sorrow
by Trebor Healey 

To a "lost soul" like Shame his horseboy Jimmy becomes a savior, a savior who dies on the AIDS cross for guilty sinners or survivors like him. In order to help with Jimmy's resurrection, Shame goes on the road carrying Jimmy's ashes, a pilgrimage that leads to understanding his own personal truth by retracing Jimmy's journey home and embracing Eugene's silence.

With prose that shifts from the poetic to the mundane, in A Horse Named Sorrow, Trebor Healey creates a vibrant, sexy, deeply emotional journey filled with color, memorable characters, humor, the horrors of the AIDS epidemic in San Francisco during the early '90s, and spirituality that grabs the reader by the throat at the beginning and keeps squeezing until the very end. Highly recommended.

Happy New Year! December 2012 Recap + Minis

Cousin Susana & her cake! 

Happy New Year everyone! Hope your 2013 is full of excellent, beautiful stories, happiness and health!

I celebrated the coming new year with my family at my brother's place last night, which means that I had a great time. Did you check out the cake our family member Susana M. (see picture) designed specially for the occasion? We all thought it was a beauty! That champagne bottle was edible and made entirely out of chocolate! Everything on that bottle was edible, and the cake was perfectly yummy...

I have been on vacation during these holidays and today is my last day. I vegged out like you wouldn't believe! Lots of television and movie watching, family gatherings and time spent with the hubby, but hmm... not much reading done. I took a real break from just about everything! As a result, my December 2012 was not quite as prolific on the reading side of things as I expected it to be and I didn't read most of the books I placed on that old coffee table. Be that as it may, here is a list of my December reads!

Total books read: 12
  Contemporary Romance: 1
  Historical Romance: 4
  Speculative Fiction: 1
  Fantasy (Re-read): 1
  LGBT: 5 (Literary Fiction 1, Gay Romance 2, Gay Erotic Anthology 1, Lesbian YA 1)
 
TOP READS OF THE MONTH:


A Horse Named Sorrow: A Novel by Trebor Healey

I saved this novel as an end-of-year read. It turned out to be one of those fabulous books that I regret not reading as soon as it released. Unfortunately, I read it after my LGBT favorite books and authors list was posted, but before my 2012 Top Reads went up! So yes... A Horse Named Sorrow is one of my favorite Top 10 reads of the year. This is a gorgeous LGBT fiction read that I'm recommending to anyone who will listen. Grade: A-

The Horsemaster's Daughter (Calhouns #2) by Susan Wiggs: B+


The You Know Who Girls: Freshman Year by Annameekee Hesik

This is a wonderful YA read! The author really captures Abbey's teen angst, high school days, and successfully adds the main character's struggles with sexuality to the mix. The characters, central and secondary, are all believable and draw the reader from beginning to end. The You Know Who Girls: Freshman Year is a wonderful story that should be read by all, but specifically by LGBT young adults and their friends. My hope? That Hesik continues to write Abbey's journey throughout her four years at Gila High. Recommended. (Bold Strokes Books, 2012) Grade: B+

REST OF ENJOYABLE READS!

 Christmas Beau by Mary Balogh: B

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien: B

Men of Smithfield: Adam and Holden by L.B. Gregg

I am such a closet fan of The Man of Smithfield and LB Gregg! I've re-read Gobsmacked countless times (it is still my favorite of this series), but I enjoy all of them. So, how did I miss reading this one? I really enjoyed the characters, the lust, the attraction, the humor, the mystery with all the crazy characters and the messy romance that blooms in the middle of it all. Grade: B

Raising Hell: Demonic Gay Erotica edited by Todd Gregory: B (Upcoming Review)

Fungi edited by Orrin Grey: B (Upcoming Review)

Saving Skylar Hand by George Seaton 

This book was my last read of the year, thanks to Indigene's review (read it here). Saving Skylar Hand turned out to be a really beautiful holiday gay romance read that can be read anytime during the year! Gorgeous characters and writing combined with a touching story. Recommended. Grade: B

My Steadfast Heart (Thorne Brothers #1) by Jo Goodman
My Reckless Heart (Thorne Brothers #2) by Jo Goodman

This is a good, if not great, historical romance series by favorite writer Jo Goodman. I picked up the Thorne Brothers trilogy for eReader inexpensively and read books 1&2 consecutively. My Steadfast Heart, sets up the series and tells the story of how the three Thorne brothers are taken to an orphanage after their parents are murdered during a highway robbery in England and are soon separated. The eldest makes it his life's goal to find his two adopted brothers. I loved him as a character and the brothers' plight! My main problem with this first book is the abused heroine who continues to allow abuse over and over from people who don't deserve her loyalty, yet pushes away and is quite dismissive of people (like the hero), who prove that they mean to help her and do like/love her. I couldn't make sense of this woman. However, overall this is a pleasant historical romance read. Grade: C+

My Reckless Heart has a similar heroine, except that this one is a snob with the hero, while playing the part of heroine in the abolitionists Underground Railroad. She was quite the contradiction, I thought. But I liked this story more than the first one because the heroine grew on me, and I loved the hero. The Underground Railroad thread was quite intriguing, particularly since the story is set in Boston and seen from a northern point of view. The brothers' story continues to be central to the series, AND continued to pull at me. I will read the third book of the series just to find out how the youngest is found. I do love a happy ending. Grade: B-

Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor (Friday Harbor #1) by Lisa Kleypas: C

This is my last recap of 2012! Now, moving on to 2013!

Happy 2013!

Happy New Year 2013
Cake designed by Susana M.
Photo by Hilcia

Cheers everyone! May your 2013 be a healthy, successful, and happy one!

Hilcia