Keith R. A. DeCandido

One of the best things about this series is the way De Candido creates his characters with compassion and humor. He clearly understands that actual people come with built-in quirks, inevitable mistakes, and a capacity to love and learn. (Well, okay, mostly.) From the first paragraph, the characters, events, and clever first-person narration of this second book swept me in and kept me turning pages intently. Characters and action are as diverse as the streets of New York, where the series is show more set. After reading the first book I was excited to get the second, and I was not disappointed. The fast-fiction scenarios at the end of this book add wonderful flavor and color to an already vibrant fictional world. show less

One of the few tie-in novels of the show Farscape and from what I gather, the only one worth reading. This one was a lot of fun. It read like an episode of the show, with the dialogue, characterizations, and world-building all feeling exactly right. The plot was interesting (it probably could have been one of the less arc-y episodes of the show, but for the probable expense of the sets that would have been necessary and a lengthy plot that would have required at least two episodes but not show more been important enough to warrant that in Farscape's format). Some nice minor insights into the characters, too. Definitely worth reading for any fans of the show for a fun little interlude. show less

This is by far my favorite Star Trek book. To be fair, I'm a big fan of large-picture lore and Articles of the Federation is very much about delving deep into lore. Readers get a view of the Federation and surrounding empires through Cestus III colonist and president of the Federation, Nan Bacco, as well as other characters in the story. Unlike the limited scope aboard a starship bridge, long-term geopolitical stakes are played out and established lore is expanded through this exciting show more read.

Read this if you like The West Wing.

Read this if Deep Space Nine was your favorite series.

Read this if you were a Model-UN member and always wanted to go to Space Camp. show less

This volume contains three individual, young adult novels: 1) Thor: Dueling with Giants, 2) Sif: Even Dragons Have Their Endings, and 3) Warriors Three: Godhood’s End. I originally purchased the first two separately, but the publisher never released the third book, opting instead for this omnibus (which really annoyed me!).

All three books merge elements from the Marvel Universe with the original myths. So, Loki is an adopted son of Odin (comics), rather than his blood brother (myths), but show more readers also get Idunn and her Apples. The trilogy is YA, but I would hedge more toward the tween end of the spectrum than other YA novels in the Marvel line. The plots are basic adventure stories; there is some bloodhsed and Fandral’s womanizing nature (with married women, natch!) is subtlety referred to a couple times but overall there's little objectionable in the material.

1) THOR
The story is original in that it isn’t based on any particular aspect of the myth or comics, but it is very simple to satisfy a younger audience, and quite honestly, me. After Loki sneaks some trolls into Asgard, he’s “grounded” by Odin. What seems like a light punishment quickly becomes unbearable for the God of Mischief, and he promptly sneaks out to cause further trouble. He manipulates the giant Hrungir into battling Thor, but then is dismayed when the giant kidnaps Queen Frigga!

The characters are significantly toned down, but still true to the familiar personalities. Loki is much more mischievous than evil, and Odin less hot-tempered and bullying than he’s usually portrayed. The story was fun, with lots of action. It was a quick read for an adult, but enjoyable none-the-less.

2) SIF
Thor is still recovering from injuries sustained in his battle with Hrungir when a boy comes seeking aid from a dragon who has attacked his village. It is up to Lady Sif to save the people! This story was surprising because it overtly addresses sexism, specifically that which Sif faces as a female warrior. Asgard may be advanced, but they are still mediaeval in many ways. Sif and Hilde, the teen daughter of Volstagg, head to the village where the Elders are unhappy to see her rather than Thor.

The dragon is more than he seems and has a specific purpose in his attacks. Sif has to use her intelligence and cunning, as well as her skills in battle, to find out what is going on and to stop the dragon. I’ve always liked Sif as a character, but felt the comics gave her short thrift. So, this story was satisfying for showing her heroism separate from Thor. I also liked her relationship with Hilde, who learns valuable lessons from Sif throughout the tale. Another quick, but enjoyable read.

3) WARRIORS THREE
Thor and Sif are both recovering from injuries, so when Asgard is at risk once again, the Warriors Three are called to action. Frost Giant Thjasse has taken over for Hrungir, and he’s just a wee bit smarter. Instead of attacking the Aesir head on, he comes up with a plan to steal the Golden Apples of Immortality thereby making the gods weak and frail. After convincing Lorelei to use her magic to make him look like Loki, he steals the apples. Only, Loki has been up to some separate mischief that makes the situation even more dire. Only the Warriors Three have the strength to confront Thjasse.

This was my least favorite of the trilogy, mainly because the story dragged. The heroes encounter three obstacles on the way to confront the Frost Giants, requiring each of the warriors in turn to save the situation and take the spotlight. The story subsequently has a lot of action, including a long sword fight for Frandral, but it was mostly spinning in place. Moreover, there was too much emphasis on Volstagg; his boasting wore thin quickly. However, I suspect this wouldn’t be a problem for the target audience. He’s funny, a bit of comic relief, which young readers would probably embrace more than I did. I still like his character, I just think he was emphasized too much. This was an enjoyable read, and I am always glad to have more Loki in a story.

Overall, this trilogy was a fund read, with some action and adventure. Though I prefer Pat Shand’s writing for Marvel novels, DeCandido’s trilogy is absolutely worth reading. show less