Mark Martinez
The second volume in this series contains stories by Haden Blackman, Welles Hartley, and the Fillbach brothers who also did the artwork. All stories in this and the previous volume are self-contained. In other words, you don't need to know too much about the Star Wars universe or the Clone Wars backstory.
Published in trade paperback by Dark Horse Comics.
This series is inspired by the Cartoon Network's Clone Wars cartoons. While these stories are really for kids, Star Wars junkies of all ages can read them. Go ahead, I won't tell anyone. With stories by Haden Blackman and art by Ben Caldwell and the Fillbach brothers.
Published in trade paperback by Dark Horse Comics.
Tony Hillerman returns to the bookshelf with this tale based on a 1956 plane crash in the Grand Canyon. While Jim Chee is suffering a little anxiety over his forthcoming marriage to Bernie Manuelito, Joe Leaphorn is called in for a consultation. Leaphorn digs up old memories and, with Chee, an old case. As always, Hillerman's characters are as welcome as old friends.
Published in hardcover by Harper Collins.
This graphic novel collects the four-issue mini-series published by Oni Press. The story is by Greg Rucka, illustrated by Steve Lieber with additional artwork by Frank Miller, Matt Wagner, Mike Mignola, and Dave Gibbons. Rucka's tale about a U.S. Marshall serving in Antarctica and investigating multiple murders on the ice, is lean and taut. The black and white artwork fits the stark location and the main character's personal demons nicely.
Published in trade paperback by Oni Press.
Hot on Mr. Leonard's literary heels is Steve Brewer with his latest novel about an Albuquerque car thief who steals the wrong low rider, but doesn't find out until he discovers a dead DEA informant in the trunk of his next job, a 1965 T-bird. You can also read Mr. Brewer's column in the Albuquerque Tribune.
Published in hardcover by speck press.
This graphic novel is a sequel to the film, set long after our alien friends tangled on Earth. In this tale, foolish humans repeat the mistakes of the past. Written by Mike Kennedy, pencils by Roger Robinson with Dustin Weaver, and inks by James Pascoe with Randy Emberlin. The small size of the book doesn't do the artwork justice.
Published in trade paperback by Dark Horse Comics.
This is Elmore Leonard at his best. Judge Maximum Bob Gibbs hands down tough sentences once too often and some of his customers would like a little revenge. Meanwhile, he has his eye on probation officer Kathy Baker, who wants to know where the Judge'a wife has gone and who put the alligator in his back yard.
The novel was spun into a summer replacement televison series several years ago. starring Beau Bridges. I don't think the series did justice to Leonard's characters, but it was still better than most shows.
Published in paperback by Dell.
Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson continue their tale of the Butlerian Jihad in this second enormous installment of a trilogy. They continue to plant the seeds which will grow into the world of Frank Herbert's Dune. Some of the characters have become a little repetitive, but overall, it makes for interesting reading if you've read the Dune novels.
Published in hardcover by Tor.
Yet another fine Elmore Leonard novel. I don't think he can write a bad story, but most people already know this. You'll find the usual slightly discordant collection of characters, situations, twists and turns. Read it if you haven't already, then read it again, just for fun.
Quentin Tarentino directed an equally fine film adaptation titled Jackie Brown, starring Pam Grier, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Forster, Bridget Fonda, Robert De Niro, and others.
Published in paperback by Dell.
It's not easy being a baseball fan in New Mexico. The Triple-A Isotopes play in Albuquerque, but the nearest major leagues teams, the Rockies and Diamondbacks, are at least a six hour drive from my home. So I make do with DishTV and the occasional exceptional baseball book, like this biography by Jane Leavy.
Published in hardcover by HarperCollins.
Marc Cerasini authored this novelization of the film, screenplay by Paul W. S. Anderson and Shane Salerno. There are modest differences and similar inconsistentcies in the novel when compared to the movie. Lex and Scar seem to have a tighter bond in the novel and both use Alien body parts to arm and armor themselves. The movie was fun. The book is ok. Coming soon: the comic.
Published in paperback by Harper Entertainment.
This collection of short stories details events that occurred behind the scenes of the Dominion War as it was chronicled during the last two seasons of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Characters from every Star Tek series except Voyager make an appearance, as do original characters from various Star Trek novels. Overall, it's a welcome addition to the Star Trek universe. Stories that stand out are Blood Sacrifice, Mirror Eyes, and Twilight's Wrath. Also included is a timeline by editor Keith R. A. DeCandido.
Published in trade paperback by Pocket Books.
Denson is still flying with Willie and their new partner, former FBI agent and double-jointed hacker Annie Dancer. Mustang stallions are dying across the west. Denson and company have been hired to learn why. With the help of some animal spirits and a few good mounts, they find their way through a twisted helix.
Published in hardcover by Tom Doherty Associates.
John Denson is back and he's flying high. His partner Willie, finally persuades him to fly with the animal spirits in order to see his way through a complicated double murder. Author Richard Hoyt also makes an unusual appearance as Denson's creator. Hoyt's Denson novels are always a treat.
Published in hardcover by Tom Doherty Associates.
I'm trying to get caught up with Elmore Leonard's novels. This one is a lean mean tale featuring U.S. Marshall Raylen Givens and bookie Harry Arno. The feds make trouble for Arno and his boss wants him dead. Arno runs to Italy in Ezra Pound's old neigborhood and Givens decides to go after him. A satisifying story.
Published in paperback by Dell.
Andy Mangels,
Michael A. Martin,+1 more
I've found that I can count on authors Andy Mangels and Michael A. Martin to deliver outstanding Star Trek tales and this novel is no exception. Picard is reunited with some old friends when the Enterprise is caught in the middle of a civil war. The Romulans are involved, but with friends in Section 31, the Federation's covert operations division, who needs enemies?
Published in paperback by Pocket Books.
Volume One of the Baroque Cycle by Neal Stephenson is a mind-boggling novel. I don't know how to categorize it. Maybe an historical novel of science and politics. Whatever. This tale of 17th century Europe features appealing characters caught in historical events, illuminating them from a fascinating and humorous insider perspective. In spite of the fact that the book is enormous, it is mesmerizing. The second volume is out. I'll be reading it.
Published in hardcover by William Morrow.
Captain Hikaru Sulu deserves more attention and he gets it in this novel by Michael A. Martin and Andy Mangels. Traversing a razor's edge between the Tholian Assembly and the Neyal, a new and deadly enemy, Sulu and the Excelsior crew buckle their swash with distinction. Kirk would be proud of his former navigator if he weren't dead.
Published in paperback by Pocket Books.
Richard Hoyt blends history and speculation into a fascinating tale of wartime deceit. Did MacArthur really make a deal with Emperor Hirohito for control of the Golden Lily, Asian war booty plundered by the Japanese? Hoyt makes a pretty convincing case in this entertaining novel.
Published in paperback by Forge.
Les Daniels writes about comics these days, but back in the seventies he created Don Sebastian, a Spaniard and a vampire. This is the second title in the series. Don Sebastian's skull has been taken to the New World, where an Aztec ritual brings him back to life and plunges him into the middle of Hernan Cortez' assault on Tenochtitlan. I'll have to track down the other titles in this series.
Published in paperback by Ace Fantasy Books.