Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Science Fiction & Fantasy Book Reviews Available Now (page 5)


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Cover art for CALIBAN'S WAR
FICTION
Released: June 1, 2012

"Independently intelligible but best appreciated after volume one--and with a huge surprise twist in the last sentence. "
Part two of the topnotch space opera begun with Leviathan Wakes (2011), from Corey (aka Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck). Read full book review >
Cover art for 2312
FICTION
Released: May 22, 2012

"A small, clever novel obscured rather than enlightened by philosophy, synthesis, analysis and travelogue."
Another textbook disguised as a novel: the first of a projected trilogy from Robinson (Galileo's Dream, 2009, etc.) set in a future similar to that envisioned in his Mars trilogy from the 1990s. Read full book review >
Cover art for DARK MAGIC
FICTION
Released: May 22, 2012

"An ably told tale that will keep you entertained during a long plane ride or a few idle hours. But like some of Peter's friends who lose their memories, you may not long recall having read this book."
An adequate thriller set in a world that includes demons, witches, warlocks and New Yorkers. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE KING'S BLOOD
FICTION
Released: May 22, 2012

"Another trademark romp in the otherworld, and a lot of fun."
Marcus Wester and company return to work their magic and mischief among the Firstbloods, Kurtadam and Southlings. Read full book review >
Cover art for PRINCEPS
FICTION
Released: May 22, 2012

"Not a standout entry, but solidly engrossing nonetheless. "
Second part of a prequel fantasy trilogy (Scholar, 2011, etc.). Read full book review >
Cover art for THE GIFT OF FIRE / ON THE HEAD OF A PIN
FICTION
Released: May 8, 2012

"Ingenious and mystical, although readers familiar with fantasy and science fiction will find little new or provocative here. Fans of Mosley's gumshoe noir books (or Blue Light, 1998, his earlier foray into the domain) will certainly wish to investigate."
Moving far from the milieu of Easy Rawlins and Socrates Fortlow (Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned, 1997, etc.), Mosley offers two novellas in one volume, part of a series entitled Crosstown to Oblivion, the common theme being, "a black man destroys the world." Read full book review >
Cover art for NEBULA AWARDS SHOWCASE 2012
FICTION
Released: May 1, 2012

"Not a banner year, all things considered, with greatest likely appeal to the younger section of the audience (but is it the audience that's getting younger, or the writers, or the voters?), and too often pallid, especially--perhaps unfairly--contrasted with a true heavyweight champion like Tiptree."
The 2010 Nebula Award winners, as voted in 2011 by members of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (after a preliminary sieving), finally served up in 2012. Read full book review >
Cover art for BEYOND THE FRONTIER: INVINCIBLE
FICTION
Released: May 1, 2012

"Absorbing rather than gripping, although neither series addicts nor newcomers will be disappointed."
Continuing the deep-space adventures of Admiral John "Black Jack" Geary and company (Beyond the Frontier: Dreadnaught, 2011, etc.). Read full book review >
Cover art for DEADLOCKED
FICTION
Released: May 1, 2012

"A dull, overly complicated entry in the swampy gothic romance that feeds fans and starves newcomers. "
Vampires and werewolves and fairies, oh my: just another day in the life of Harris' navel-gazing southern belle. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE KILLING MOON
FICTION
Released: May 1, 2012

"Tends toward the claustrophobic at times, but superior and fulfilling."
New ancient Egypt–flavored fantasy from the New York resident author of The Broken Kingdoms (2010, etc.). Read full book review >
Cover art for LANCE OF EARTH AND SKY
FICTION
Released: April 24, 2012

"Highly entertaining and baffling in equal measure."
Sequel to Sword of Fire and Sea (2011), video-game designer Hoffman's venture into text fantasy. Read full book review >
Cover art for FOUNTAIN OF AGE
FICTION
Released: April 24, 2012

"A master class in the art of short-story writing."
Nine substantial stories, 2007-2009, from Kress (Crucible, 2004, etc.). Read full book review >