Sharon Kay Penman has again delivered another solid product in this book which again illustrates why she is amongst the best in historical fiction. The characters not only come alive but ring true to their time. Ms. Penman's books are worth acquiring.

Eric Flint's alternate history of placing 20th Century Americans into the Europe of the 1630's continues to fascinate. The 17th century main characters are fully brought to life and mingle well with the down to earth Americans who remarkably rise well to their challenges. It's interesting to see how modern characteristics could have resulted in key historical personages for the past. The struggle of blending 20th century knowledge with 17th century tools and resources is compelling. The deft handling of 17th century competing theologies as seen from 20th Century American eyes is so skillfully done that this aspect alone makes the series and this book worth reading. It's a series that makes one think. Yet it's fun to read. It's a combination of flavours which are all too rare.

In this latest and likely penultimate book in this series (which sometimes has the feel of being strung out) the author again provides a well-written and satisfying novel. He again provides a credible blend of medieval worldviews (e.g. - Catholic, Druid) with a post-apocalyptic North America. As a Canadian, it's nice to have some Canadian references included which is a reality the author appreciates. Rudi MacKenzie and the gang are compelling characters who linger long in the memory banks.

This latest instalment in the series of 21st Century Americans being plunked down in 1630's Europe is among the best. There are multiple plausible plots, wry comments on the military stategies and battles and good character development. It was hard to put down. The novel still lingers in the memory weeks after one has read it. Most worthwhile. It's just a great series and this was a jewel in the crown of the series.

Alternate history novels are not the mainstay of David Weber but when links up with Eric Flint it's an excellent mix. One has the detailed military analysis and weapons description which Weber books usually have with a different flavour for the overall story-telling as this series is mainly an Eric Flint production. The result is a fast-paced story with excellent insights on how 21st Century technology could have impacted the 17th century. It makes one think. This is generally true for this series.

This is the second novel in a trilogy. While book one was generally very good it was a tad violent for my wife. Book Two "What Rough Beast" is even better than book one and violent edges are smoothed a bit while still retaining the historical flavour of the empire-wide persecutions of the mid-3rd century. The author has a deft touch in melding plot, romance, military action and doing it all within a historical context now far removed from our own time and yet still resonates as things from European history often do. While the divine interventions are creative, they are no more so than reading a science fiction or fantasy novel and at least have a possibility of occurring. In short, they add to the creativity and unique plot development which help make the novel refreshing.

Raymond Feist has been marvellously creative over the years in creating his world of Midkemia and maintaining the centrality of his key character Pug as the centuries wear on and the family lines produce somewhat similar characters. Having read all of the other books, they do blend a bit after a while. Yet this reality ought not to take away from the overall perspective that the story is well-written, there is a decent plot and the characters are fleshed out. Further there are many facets in an imaginary world to fill out over time and so there is always some new tidbit to satisfy the curious. So it's "another solid effort."

I've just finished reading the first five (5) books in the "Lost Fleet" series written by Jack Campbell. It really is in the tradition of Patrick O'Brien (Master and Commander) and David Weber. The character development in the "Honour Harrington" novels by David Weber grips me more but the space battles, strategies and plot outline in the Jack Campbell books are great fun and are well done. While sex and violence are touched on, they are done delicately and with good taste as opposed to some novels which dwell on gore and lust to sell them at the expense of good prose, plot and character development. There does not appear to be any political agenda to push that some other authors sometimes get bogged down in. So the novels are heartily recommended.

Trevor Owen

I've never heard a David Weber book on an audio cd previously. "Field of Dishonour" was well written and remarkably lends itself to be read out loud equally well. It's been a treat to listen to it to and from work.

Trevor Owen

For those of us who have read many (in my case, likely all) of Raymond Fiest's books a favourite character has to be Jimmy the Hand who is a lovable rascal who ends up doing the right thing despite his handicaps in life.

So it is a treat to have another book on Jimmy which fleshes out a period in his life which has not been previously examined. It's a good book, a pleasant read although not a great novel. It's fun.