The Machine Dynasty Trilogy --by Madeline Ashby

This trilogy is comprised of vN, iD, and ReV. I apologize that I am not enough of a computer person to use the “correct” fonts and size for the titles. I think it makes a difference. It is extremely helpful/important that you read the Forward and Introduction to Book One, vN. They explain the time, and the reason vN is used instead of the more familiar term of robot. The trilogy was a gift from a friend, and an eBook, which is one reason I went straight through the three books without coming up for air.  

I think this is both a hard sci fi and a fantasy series, well combined. Humans and vN co-exist, vN have been wired so if they see a human in trouble, they melt down. Not really the three Laws of Robotics by Isaac Asimov, but something equally fun. 

 

Our heroine is a young vN, with a vN mother and a human father. No, not that way. Mom and Dad are married, but vN iterate. When they have ample food (not edible for humans) they start building a ‘baby’ vN, a direct copy of Mom. 

 

There is violence in the books, but nothing horrid or gratuitous. There is sex, but it’s an adult book. I thoroughly enjoyed the books. I read them straight through, and I was unaware of when one ended and the next one began, other than there was a time shift, and a location shift.

 

I truly enjoyed the vN. They were, for the most part, fun. The vN Antagonist, was marvelous. She was totally evil—until she wasn’t. She always was true to herself. And her family. 

 

I enjoyed the world building tremendously. A great escape from the world on which we exist and live. This was my bedtime read, no nightmares. Several chuckles and outright laughs.

Ruler of the Sky, A Novel of Genghis Khan --by Pamela Sargent

Publisher: Open Road Media (April d1, 2024)

Language: English

Kindle: 5031 KB

Print Length: 896 pages

ASIN: B00J90CDT8

3 Stars

 

Not only does this novel give us the life of Genghis Khan, but also his extended family, his wives, his children, his friends, and his campaigns. The story itself is a solid 5 stars, the writing is good, but too much information, hence only 3 stars. I would have liked to focus on fewer main characters, and get to know, and like them.

 

My father would have loved this book. I can almost see him sitting in his reading chair (very comfortable with flat, wide wooden arms), his coffee on the left arm, his notepad on the right, and the book in his lap. By the time he would have finished the book, he would have all the characters names, titles, and when possible, lineage. My father also loved Russian Literature (in English). I am not my father’s daughter.

 

I read an electronic book and being casually familiar with the story and the time, I did not take notes. I wanted to read the story, not prepare to lecture on it. I don’t know for sure, but I think the Mongols, like most other people I’ve read about, used a diminutive name for their friends and family. I wish Ms. Sargent had done so. I assume (silly me) her target audience is primarily English speakers. I would have greatly appreciated shortened names for the most part. I was reminded of the Russian Greats I tried to read when younger. Although her characters did not change names like the Russians, the names were too long and unfamiliar to easily grasp and carry from page to page. For example, Bortai is more familiarly known as Börte, or even Borte.

 

Perhaps the place names she used were the Mongolian names? I truly wished she’d used the more familiar names for English readers. It would have been easier to follow some of the movements. I appreciate the research, truly I do, however, it was almost like reading about a different planet. The story is good, but all the names and minutia did not add to my enjoyment. Actually, they detracted from my enjoyment. As I write this, I realize I didn’t particularly like or relate to anyone in the book. Well, maybe Borte.   

Tales from the Café [Book 2 of 4 of the series, Before the Coffee Gets Cold] –by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

 Publisher: Hanover Square Press; Original edition (October 12, 2021)

Language: English

Hardback: 256 pages

ISBN: 978-1335630988

5 Stars

 

I’m not sure where I first read about this series, but it sounded interesting, so I ordered a book. Thought I was getting #1 in the series, but ordered #2 by mistrake. Fortunately, this book contained 4 short stories, and I think I read somewhere that each book has 4 short stories in it.

 

The premise is, on a side street somewhere in Tokyo is a small, windowless basement coffee shop rumor has it one may travel back in time if they comply with the rules. The first rule is, you may only meet people who have been in the coffee shop. If you live in Tokyo, and wish to go back in time and meet the Emperor, and he’s never set foot in the coffee shop, well, you can go back, but not meet him. There is a rule that you can’t change reality, one that says while in the past you may not change seats in the coffeeshop, and perhaps the most important—you must return before your coffee gets cold, or else. Trust me, it’s the ‘or else’ that will get you! And, I did not give all the rules.

 

Although these are not murder mysteries, I would still call them ‘cozy’—they’re fun, and ‘comfortable’ to read in bed and not have bad dreams. I’m looking forward to reading the other three books.

Quantum Entanglement –Poetry Apocalypse Anthology

 Publisher: Bombaz Press (2023) / 548 S. Spring Street, Ste 1201 / Los Angeles CA 90013

Language: English

Paperback: 160 pages

ISBN: not shown

5 Stars

 

Poetry Apocalypse is a group of poets who frequently meet on a weekly basis to read their works. This is not a critique group, but a reading venue. The poems in this book are by many of the poets who meet and read weekly.

 

Some of the poems will bring tears to your eyes, and some will add more laugh-lines to your face. If you can find a copy, and you enjoy words, I strongly recommend you buy it. The poems (including prose poems) are written by many people, the photos are all by Janie Meine, and they are stunning. Ms. Meine is also one of the excellent poets in the book, and all the poets are excellent. 

A Howling--by Susan F. Blair

 Publisher: Press 53 (October 3, 2023)

Language: English

Paperback: 86 pages

ISBN: 978-1950413683

5 Stars

 

From the first poem, the first stanza of the title poem, I was hooked. “Candle flame shudders / an act of bravery / in the dark.” begins our adventure.  Blair takes us on the complete circle of life—insects, small furry animals, feathered ones, and her beloved sister. I found this book full of beauty, full of love, quite a bit of humor, and full of pathos. 

 

I do not care for spiders. At all. Well, when they are in my house. Outside, they’re fine. Her last poem, Black Widow Spider Soliloquies made me smile. I actually chuckled at “Scene V / Horatio     I die / Horatio     I dine”

 

A truly enjoyable book. Buy it. Read it. Review it.

Duck, Death and the Tulip--by Wolf Erlbruch

 Publisher: Gecko Press; Illustrated edition (August 1, 2016

Language: English

Hardcover: 38 pages

ISBN: 978-1877467141

Reading age: 9+ years

5 Stars

 

How do you explain death to a child? For that matter, how do you explain death to an adult? I think this is one of the best explanations I’ve ever read for anyone who was ever born and will eventually die. Even though I cry when I read it, and I’ve read it several times, I find the drawings delightful, and Death as friendly, and non threatening, as Duck.

 

I like that Death wears a nightshirt and is Duck’s size, that he’s sympathetic. But I love that Death doesn’t really know what happens when we die, either. And that he sees death as a part of the circle of life. 

 

If you are raising your children to believe in a Heaven and Hell, this might not be the book for you, but if you have an open mind, if you are curious, if simplicity, honesty, and beauty intrigue you, then I beg you to buy, read, and enjoy and share Duck, Death and a Tulip.

blacked out borderland from an exponential crisis –by john compton

Publisher: Ethel Zine, 2023, www.ethelzine.com

Language: English

Paperback: hand made,54 pages

5 Stars

 

I had the pleasure to see Mr. Compton read at one of the Zoom Room readings I attend, loved his reading—the poetry and the voice, so invested time and money in his chapbook. Well worth it. Normally, I mark the poems I loved more than others, but ran out of markers, (they arrive soon). In going through the book again, I realize I really like them all.

 

His dead poet poems are marvelous, “before we understood that death was here” brought me to tears, as did “skyla.” And, I really want to know how he knows about me and my closet, as he obviously does, from his poem “i am dressed in mistakes.” But then, perhaps it’s a common failing of many poets and writers. “i am dressed in mistakes /// garnished over my body / like an appetizer… / …from sweet imperfections / scattered throughout…”

 

If you need capital letters this book is not for you. I don’t think I saw a single one. If you like to play with words, get raw emotion from tears to laughter, and everything in between, then this is a book for you. And how many hand-made books do you have, anyhow?