Books I Like: Only Superhuman by Christopher L. Bennett

WARNING: THIS IS GOING TO BE A VERY WEIRD POST...

But first...

The Blurb: 2107 AD: A generation ago, Earth and the cislunar colonies banned genetic and cybernetic modifications. But out in the Asteroid Belt, anything goes. Dozens of flourishing space habitats are spawning exotic new societies and strange new varieties of humans. It’s a volatile situation that threatens the peace and stability of the entire solar system. 
Emerald Blair is a Troubleshooter. Inspired by the classic superhero comics of the twentieth century, she’s joined with other mods to try to police the unruly Asteroid Belt. But her loyalties are tested when she finds herself torn between rival factions of superhumans with very different agendas. Emerald wants to put her special abilities to good use, but what do you do when you can’t tell the heroes from the villains?

Books I Like: The Romulan Way by Diane Duane and Peter Morwood

Blurb:

They are a race of warriors, a noble people to whom honor is all. They are cousin to the Vulcan, ally to the Klingon, and Starfleet's most feared and cunning adversary. They are the Romulans – and for eight years, Federation Agent Terise LoBrutto has hidden in their midst. 
Now the presence of a captured Starfleet officer forces her to make a fateful choice between exposure and escape. Between maintaining her cover – and saving the life of Dr. Leonard McCoy. 
Here, in a startlingly different adventure, is the truth behind one of the most fascinating alien races ever created in Star Trek – the Romulans.

Not only is this a good Star Trek book, from a time when Trek novels were allowed to go off on their own threads, and be their own thing - Its a highly enjoyable Sci-fi read.

Books I Like: Skyfall by Catherine Asaro

Skyfall (Saga of the Skolian Empire)

Blurb:

Kurj, a provincial ruler on a primitive planet, is plagued by inner demons. But when he meets Roca, a beautiful and mysterious woman from the stars, he whisks her away to his mountain retreat, inadvertently starting a great interstellar war, and birthing the next generation of rulers for the Skolian Empire.

I like this book. One of the things I love about it, is Catherine Asaro's world building. the universe is very real, yet fantastic.

What hooked me, was Roca. That is to say, the description of her golden-self and how her gentle yet firm and noble persona that jumped off the page at me. I fell in love with her, right away.

Books I Like: House of Comarré Series by Kristen Painter

The House of Comarré Series by Kristen Painter, is an interesting animal.


If you like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, you'll LOVE these books.

Books I Like: Crisis of Empire Series by David Drake

Am I recommending more Baen, books?


For sure!


As I once said, there is a time and place for patterns in literature, and entertainment. For example, Star Wars works, when it follows its mythical pattern of the heroes journey, and fails when you subvert that trope for agenda reasons.

Books I Like: FIFTH MILLENNIUM - THE CAGE

The Cage by S.M. Stirling, and Shirley Meier, and published by Baen Books is one of my favorite books. 

Guess what? There were strong female characters, that aren't MarySues, before we went and got hijacked by SJW/NPC in the Sci-Fi and Fantasy genre. 

There's a reason I pointed out the publisher. Baen is often attacked by NPC's as being 'Right-wing'. At least they were doing so during the whole Sad Puppies, Hugo affair. At least back in the day, Baen was fairly Libertarian and not driven by agendas. 

This novel, and series could hardly be deemed 'Right-wing'. Though, by today's standards, they would be politically incorrect. 

Blurb:

Habiku Smoothtongue corrupted everyone and everything that ever meant anything to Megan Thanesdoom--including Megan herself. But now Megan has returned, and she's not alone. Backed by barbarian warrior Shkai'ra's sword, Megan is ready to claim her rightful status in the world.

This is a book which made a VERY strong impression upon me. Not just in the plot, and narrative, which are very descriptive, and characters which, as I said are two strong female leads, but also the writing style has stayed with me, and helped shaped my own style of storytelling. 

The other thing about this book - Its not afraid, or embarrassed about being sexual. Now given I read this as a teenager, its probably why the book made an impression on me so easily. Don't misunderstand, its not vulgar, just honest and straightforward about it. 

If you can get a copy, I highly recommend it. 

Just a side note: This should not be construed as a review.Just a side note: This should not be construed as a review.