West Coast Book Reviews: March 2016

Tuesday, 15 March 2016

Review: The Early Science Fiction of Philip K. Dick, Volume 2

"Silvia ran laughing through the night brightness, between the roses and cosmos and Shasta daisies..." leads us into Upon the Dull Earth.

Upon the Dull Earth was by far my favourite story in this collection. The first paragraph pulled me in and drew me along into the story. I had no choice but to follow Sylvia past the cedars supporting the sky as they ignored her slim shape.

I loved Volume 1 in this collection as much as this one. Each story lured me in and along until I ran headlong into the dark twist at the end. Even though I knew something disturbing waited at the end, more often than not, I found myself knocked off kilter by what I found.

The other thing I enjoy about these stories is the interpersonal relationships: families, couples, coworkers and friends. Nobody is immune to finding themselves in a strange Philip K. Dick situation and having the bottom pulled out of their universe at the end.

I highly recommend you check out both volumes.

I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Friday, 11 March 2016

Cover Reveal! Escapee by Edward Hoornaert

Escapee Cover Reveal

Escapee -- The African Queen in Outer Space

A science fiction romance by Edward Hoornaert, author of Alien Contact for Idiots.

Cover by Eerilyfair Design

Catt Sayer, an abused peasant and a fugitive from justice on her home planet, makes a meager living flying a decrepit airship that delivers supplies to scattered military bases on an isolated, inhospitable mining moon. When enemies invade the moon and destroy the bases, Catt rescues the lone survivor—Captain Hank Dukelsky, an upper-class army captain. Now Hank wants her to risk her life on an impossible quest to attack the enemy headquarters…and Catt is falling in love with both the man and his magnificently quixotic ambition.

Escapee is available for pre-sale, with a release date of April 19, 2016. Rediscover the thrills and romance of one of the all-time great movies, now in a science fiction setting—reserve your copy of Escapee today.

You can find my review of The Guardian Angel of Farflung Station, part of the series here. Both books can be read stand-alone but you should enjoy them both!

What kind of guy writes romance? A guy who married his high school sweetheart a week after graduation and still lives the HEA decades later. A guy who’s a certifiable Harlequin hero—he inspired Vicki Lewis Thompson’s Rita Award finalist Mr. Valentine, which is dedicated to him.

Ed started out writing contemporary romances for Silhouette Books, but these days he concentrates on science fiction romance. He’s been a teacher, principal, technical writer, salesman, janitor, and symphonic oboist. He and wife Judi live in Tucson, Arizona. They have three sons, a daughter, a mutt, and the galaxy’s most adorable grandson. Visit him at http://eahoornaert.com.

Thursday, 10 March 2016

Review: The Guardian Angel of Farflung Station by Edward Hoornaert

When pirates conquer Farflung Space Station, security chief 'Duke' Dukelsky fights back with only two allies. One is Lockey, a kick-ass princess who lusts for Duke's body. The other is Sandrina, a mysterious and alluring waif with more secrets--and secret powers--than the rest of Farflung Station put together.

Some of Sandrina's secrets might free the station and Lockey's repressed needs--yet at the same time, enslave Duke's heart forever.

*****

Edward Hoornaert is a new-to-me romance writer. The Guardian Angel of Farflung Station works for me in many ways.

It's filled with humour (maybe I shouldn't have snort-laughed at "Greatest need: To shove his intestines back into his belly" but I did. Not sorry.) I adore Sandrina and her plarking bad (err) mouth. As a woman who can't speak, we rely on her inner dialogue and the reactions of others in order to understand her. From her inner dialogue to her body language she's completely expressive and endearing.

I found Lockey to be a pleasant surprise. The depth of her character grew as the story went on and even when she became someone unexpected, I found she stayed "in character" and new revelations about her built other existing character without turning her into someone unrecognizable. Since we don't get the impression her greatest need has ever been met, there's also an appealing innocence about her. She's never explored the joys and pitfalls.

I liked how Duke looks after Farflung Station and everyone on it yet he seems desperately incomplete. He gravitates to Sandrina and recognizes her strengths. He doesn't let anything minimize her abilities. He's the heart of Farflung Station as much as she is.

Hoornaert makes Farflung Station real in both its scope and culture. It's a great setting and he lets us discover it through his characters eyes.

I enjoyed this action filled SFR with a sweet HEA. The followup, Escapee, comes out on April 19. It's based in the same SF world and can be read standalone.