2-10-09 Science Fiction

So I’ve noticed that Pipestone has a very particular set of readers. Our most popular topics are mysteries/crime dramas and Christian Inspiration. Now, don’t get me wrong. There’s not a problem with those particular subjects, but what about some other subjects that get overlooked, such as science fiction and fantasy novels.

Science fiction and Fantasy? I can almost hear you telling me I must be kidding. But some of the science fiction and fantasy authors write a really good dramatic story, often involving mysteries and plenty of angst, perhaps even a moral.

The newest books in the genre on our shelves right now include:

A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
This book is the fourth in a wonderful series (A Song of Ice and Fire) rife with political intrigue. Told from the point of view of several different main characters, Martin manages to keep a coherent story even with action happening in many different places. Fans of a good mystery or drama will love the series and the author, who is not afraid to make terrible things happen to some of his characters. This is not a good-triumphs-over-evil type of fantasy, but a very human story, with all its twists and turns.

The Resurrectionist by Jack O’Connell
This story is science fiction, yes, but the underlying plot is that of a suspense-thriller with very gothic leanings. It centers around a pharmacist from Ohio who brings his comatose son to a clinic that promises assistance. Doctors there claim to have “resurrected” children like Danny before, though the actual reality is far more sinister. Taking place in two different worlds, this tale is sure to captivate any mystery fan and bring deep meaning to the reconnection of a father and a son.

Black Ships by Jo Graham
A completely new retelling of the Aeneid, by Virgil. Ships with black sails left the sacked city of Troy on an epic quest and this novel tells that saga from the point of a view of a young oracle in service to the Lady of the Dead. This book is brilliantly written and a very compelling story, and any fan of dramatic tales will not be able to put it down.

Swallowing Darkness by Laurell K. Hamilton
This is Book 7 of the Merry Gentry series, all of which are available through interlibrary loan. Merry Gentry is an American citizen, but she is also half-Faerie and is in line to rule as the Queen of the Unseelie Faerie court, if only she can have children before her cousin does. In this installment, Merry is pregnant and struggling to stay alive long enough for her children to be born so she can claim the crown for herself. Of course, if her cousin has anything to say about it, that won’t happen. American politics have nothing on the Faery Court! And fan of a good thriller will enjoy this book, though beware that some of the adult interactions are explicit.

Come in and check out one of these books, or something else that you have been dying to read. When it’s cold outside, it’s always good to have a nice book to curl up with. And just as a reminder, if you know a book has come out, but you don’t see it on our shelves, let us know! We can get it for you through interlibrary loan, or we can place a Hold for you so you’ll be on the list. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Meinders Community Library is open Monday – Thursday from 10 AM to 8 PM, and Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM. If you want to place one of these books on hold, please don’t hesitate to call us at 825-6714.