Disaster--All disaster novels are science fiction or fantasy. However, for me there is a certain kind of book that is a disaster novel. A catastrophic event takes place, either in the timeline of the book, or else the book starts right after the event. Even though, Moonfall is a science fiction book, it is mostly a disaster novel due to the catastrophe that happens to the moon/earth. If the ultimate disaster in a book is averted, but there are still disastrous effects to be dealt with, they end up here.
Fantasy--Anything that is "out there" yet is not science fiction.
Horror--You could also call this category "Thrillers" because some of these books aren't so much horror as thrillers, but for now I'm going with the horror genre in here.
Mystery--Books that can be truly called mysteries.
Science Fiction--Pretty much anything that is futuristic. It doesn't have to include hard science, but it must be a story that is told in a future world that is in some way different from ours.
Authors: Eric Flint and David Drake
This is another alternate history/military series. Set in the time of the Empire of Rome, 6th century I think, the twist is that a military leader comes in contact with a device sent from the future. The historical timeline is altered by the knowledge this device provides to the hero, Belisarius, and changes not only the technology available but also the strategy and tactics of war.
In addition, there is an opposing force from the future that has sent its own device to the Malwa culture in India. The series of books takes us through the development of future technologies and their use in many battles against the Malwa.
I like this series for several reasons. First, it moves right along and we get into the action pretty quickly. Second, the women characters are great - strong women who are in the thick of the action. Third, for the descriptions of the military mentality and the descriptions of war, which are very well done. Some of this is not pleasant, and particularly given the time the novels are set in, some of the cultural morals are not what we expect today. However, I think it all works within the framework of the times and wouldn't make sense if the authors had placed our moral and political values onto the story.
There are 5 books and one short story available currently. According to Eric Flint's web site, it is possible that the final book will be published in 2005. I can't wait for the end!
Series:
An Oblique Approach
In the Heart of Darkness
Destiny's Shield
Fortune's Stroke
The Tide of Victory
short story "Islands" in the book Warmasters
should be read after The Tide of Victory
Forthcoming:
The Dance of Time
Author: David Weber
What if the moon wasn't a moon at all? What if it was a spaceship? This intriguing premise is the beginning of the book Mutineer's Moon and leads into a story that is just plain fun to read. The publisher recently reissued all 3 books in one hardcover titled Empire From The Ashes and I hope the author gets inspired enough by sales to pick up this series again and write a 4th book!
Some of the international politics in the book are out of date, but it doesn't detract from the story. And yes, we have idealized heroes here, and some characterization is lacking, but the action is good, and the plot is fascinating. I've re-read this a couple times, and it wasn't that the writing was awesome - it was that the story pulls you in, lets you escape for a while, and opens up the imagination a bit. At the end of the last book, I just found myself wanting to hear more about the people, more stories, and that is a sign the author has done something right!
Overall, I give this an excellent rating, rollicking science fiction adventure - without any of the angst that so pervades much science fiction today.
Trilogy:
Mutineer's Moon
The Armageddon Inheritance
Heirs of Empire
Author: Elizabeth Peters
The Amelia Peabody series of books are a delightful escape from our world, taking you back to the late 1800s to early 1900s. The central character, Amelia Peabody, is a no-nonsense, independent, strong female character with a passionate interest in archaeology and in her husband Emerson. Over the course of the books we are introduced to more and more characters as her family expands, characters who are just as interesting to read about and get attached to as Amelia is herself.
Each book focuses on one archaeological dig and at least one mystery that pops up in the course of the family's time in Egypt. Elizabeth Peters writes in the style of the times which can be wordy for some people, but I really like it. I think she has the voice of her characters down pat, and that helps to take the reader into the stories. These are fun books to read and they provide a glimpse into that time and into the fascinating world of archaeology.
I strongly suggest that these books be read in order - otherwise, you won't ever be able to untangle all the relationships as time goes on.
Crocodile on the Sandbank
The Curse of the Pharoahs
The Mummy Case
Lion in the Valley
The Deeds of the Disturber
The Last Camel Died at Noon
The Snake, the Crocodile & the Dog
The Hippopotamus Pool
Seeing a Large Cat
The Ape Who Guards the Balance
The Falcon at the Portal
He Shall Thunder in the Sky
Lord of the Silent
The Golden One
Children of the Storm