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%T The Harriers
%A Gordon Dickson
%I Baen
%D April 1991
%O paperback, US$4.50
%P 258
%G 0-671-72048-1
Grind, grind, grind, crank, crank, crank -- here comes another
neatly packaged slug of military SF to fill out Baen's monthly quota
of the stuff. Three novellas: one by Dickson with (of all people)
Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, one by Steve Perry, one by S. N. Lewitt. The
standout for me was Perry's, an atmospheric down-and-dirty piece that
makes the most of Perry's gift for vividly described action and his
fascination with Oriental martial arts. If military SF is your thing,
buy the book for that one.
%T Random Factor
%A Joel Henry Sherman
%I DelRey
%D April 1991
%O paperback, US$4.95
%P 329
%G 0-345-36226-8
If you're anything like me, the kind of book that begins with a
description of a long-dormant alien battle-fleet awakening in a
distant star-cluster to its role in a sinister Grand Design is the
kind that sends a happy thrill of anticipation through you as you
settle deeper into your chair in preparation for a good read. Yes,
space-operatic splendor is not dead. Joel Sherman ain't Doc Smith or
David Brin, but he delivers competent entertainment and the required
mix of action, gadgetry, and bizarre alien biologies on a big screen.
%T Facets
%A Walter John Williams
%I TOR
%D April 1991
%O paperback, US$4.95
%P 370
%G 0-812-50181-0
This showcase anthology proves that the author of the excellent
Hardwired and Angel Station (RR#53) can write short fiction just as
effectively. These stories have the feral energy and imaginative
vividness of the best cyberpunk, but reveal as well a more
introspective strain reminiscent of Samuel Delany's better work. They
are disturbing and challenging, posing uncomfortable questions and
sometimes answering them with ruthless clarity. Highly recommended.
Up to Eric's Home Page | To Index | Tue Jun 25 17:14:20 EDT 1991 |
Eric S. Raymond <esr@snark.thyrsus.com>