Josepha Sherman (1946–2012)

A robust Star Trek novel, with authentic characterization and a thoughtful structure. The action doesn't move particularly quickly, but the real plot isn't in the action. It's the exploration of Spock's motivations, how he decided to join Starfleet, and then how he transitioned from a Captain in the movie era to an ambassador to the Romulans in the TNG era. Plus a lot of desert survival, with an original character who ought to seem like an expy of Kirk but emerges as his own person, show more reminding Spock just enough of his other friend. (And I loved the meaty role for McCoy, and the way their relationship works not only after all this time, but after McCoy has carried Spock's katra.) I also really liked the use of Rabin's Jewish heritage and how it resonates with Leonard Nimoy's own life and what he brought to Spock's character. It adds an extra dimension to Spock and Rabin's relationship, and how Rabin is able to reflect on Spock. A very enjoyable and readable story, despite the slow pace. show less

Much more creative and better written than Hunger Games, but should appeal to fans of that bloated tripe. (sorry, can't stop ranting on that) The description of this anthology is spot-on. I'm sure you and I would disagree about which stories are the best, but I'm also sure you'd find merit in all. I truly loved them. I loved, especially, that the teens showed all sorts of kinds of courage in all sorts of situations - and that at least half of them were girls.

I'm familiar with many of the show more authors and fans of most of those. One of my favorite stories is 'Devil Wind' - just a gem of sacrifice and sorcery - and I do hope the new-to-me author, [a:India Edghill|66268|India Edghill|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1279606889p2/66268.jpg], has written other books that I can access.

What I find most interesting is that I'm not generally a fan of fantasy, and there were a lot of swords & magic in here... and I'm not generally a fan of conflict, but this is about warriors. Well, the thing is, these stories about so much more than battles. They're about choices & consequences, courage & cunning, sacrifice & love. I want to give it 5 stars, but I'm afraid you might not believe me, thinking I'm in collusion with one of the authors or something. So, let's call it 4.5 stars, because maybe then you can believe I just plain loved this book.

Btw, my copy, a bookcrossed hardcover wants to be read by one of you. Iow, I'd be delighted to ship it free to any US member. PM me. show less

Fun! It makes me want to contact the authors and give them my variants - there are several that I know in quite different forms than any of their collected variants. In one case, their endnote mentions that this was the only version with a particular reference - but mine has the same (Miss Lucy with a tugboat). The only thing is, I wish they'd done footnotes instead of endnotes. I'm interested in their comments, particularly overviews of the general trends they saw - but it's such a chunk of show more text at the back, and it's rather difficult to skip back and forth to see what the endnote is referring to. It would have been easier if there were footnotes on the same page as their references. Or at least endnotes on each chapter. Still - a lot of fun to read, both the rhymes and the comments by informants. I want to reread this, and I want to show it to others and get their reactions. As I said - fun! show less

The Captive Soul by Josepha Sherman: I watched Highlander back when it was on and naturally my favorite character was Methos, the oldest living Immortal. He’s certainly the most interesting. Though the outer story is of MacLeod and Methos searching for a serial-killer Immortal who happens to be an old enemy of Methos, the majority of the book takes place in ancient Egypt during the reign of the Hyksos. So basically we have one of my favorite characters in one of my favorite historical time show more periods. Yes, please! Methos’s sarcastic inner monologue is often hilarious, and his general demeanor is very true to the series. It really was a pretty great show. Makes me want to get my hands on the DVDs again. show less