Harriet Klausner's Review Archive

Recent Reviews
All Reviews By Author: 0 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
All Reviews By Title: 0 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Search Reviews
THE YEAR'S BEST SCIENCE FICTION
Gardner Dozois (editor)
St. Martin's Press, Aug 2003, $19.95, 672 pp.
ISBN: 0312308604
The twentieth edition of what annually is one of the best anthologies is a strong collection of short stories that showcases the top tales of the year. The contributions come mostly from United States, Great Britain, and Australia and run the gamut of the genre. As usual Gardner Dozois provides a superb introduction that gives the perspective and condition of the genre. This time though much of the critical world claim the genre is dead, no earth-shattering innovation occurred, and magazines have suffered losses, Mr. Dozois shows that SF remains a viable powerful entity. Each tale is well written as expected from an anthology packaged by the award winning Mr. Dozois who leaves no stone (magazine or book?) unturned in his quest to provide THE YEAR'S BEST SCIENCE FICTION at least the shorts.

Harriet Klausner Nocturne Elaine Bergstrom Ace, Oct 2003, $6.50, 384 pp. ISBN 0441011098

The Austras are a family of vampires who live among mortals yet stay true to their own heritage. They only number thirty because it is rare to find a mortal woman who can be turned and give birth to children that are vampires. Such women are cherished and when it comes to the family's attention that Irene is one such woman, the vampires keep a watch on her so that when conditions are favorable, a meeting can be arranged.

Richard Austra attends the same college as Irene and since they are both studying music they eventually meet. They fall in love and Irene soon learns what she could mean to the Austra family. Uncertain of whether she wants to be turned, she puts some distance between herself and Richard by traveling on tour in Romania. Once there an enemy of the Austras' kidnaps her. Richard comes to rescue her, but he finds himself in danger as well.

It has been a long time since an Austra novel has been published but it was well worth the very long wait. Elaine Bergstrom's vampires compare favorably to the ones in the Anne Rice universe. Readers will find themselves spellbound by these beings that are not evil, only different. NOCTURNE is such a compelling novel that the audience roots for the young lovers to triumph in the face of staggering adversity.

Harriet Klausner

Search the archive.
Return to the main page.