Summa Elvetica: A Casuistry of the Elvish Controversy-Theodore Beale

Summa Elvetica: A Casuistry of the Elvish Controversy

Theodore Beale

Marcher Lord, Oct 2009, $12.99

www.marcherlordpress.com

ISBN: 9780982104927

 

Amorran Church noble scholar Marcus Valerius is part of a delegation traveling from the Republic to Elebrion to end the heated argument between church scholars whether elves have souls.  The delegates know how complex the issue will prove without the threat of a holy war lingering depending on their decision, but each plans to do the right thing religiously regardless.

 

On the trek to the kingdom of the elves, Marcus becomes friends with the scornful Bishop Claudo and Father Aestus, and especially his new dwarf bodyguard.  He also enjoys his time spent with the elf accompanying the delegation.  In Elebrion, the monarch King Caerwyn throws a welcoming gala, but Marcus soon uncovers a seditious betrayal as he thinks of his Uncle Magnus’ warning before he set forth on the trek.

 

This is a terrific fantasy that uses the premise of Anatole France’s Penguin Island in a Tolkien like Holy Roman Empire.  The story line is mostly told from the viewpoint of the young brilliant yet naive scholar as he learns so much about life and faith in the light of betrayal yet keeps his hope and belief high.  Fans will enjoy Marcus’ adventures in the kingdom of the elves.

 

Harriet Klausner

 

Dark Light-Jayne Castle

Dark Light

Jayne Castle

Jove, Sep 2008, $7.99

ISBN: 9780515145199

 

Earth has colonized the world of Harmony but they were not the final sentient species to do so.  A mysterious alien race built underground catacombs filled with psi energy that over time manifested among the earthy colonists with each generation growing is psi skill.  The mysterious aliens are gone leaving only their infrastructure.

 

Tabloid reporter Sierra McIntyre is interviewing new Ghost Hunter Guild Chief John Fontana, who can manipulate psi energy so that it doesn’t hurt anyone. Sierra is worried about former and homeless Guild member addicted to ghost juice and believes Fontana should tale care of the problem. She is also concerned that former impoverished hunters have disappeared without a trace and demands John investigate.  Less than an hour after they meet, John proposes a marriage of convenience so they can combine their resources to investigate the issues that he feels generate from within the guild and to protect Sierra who is in danger from those shadows behind the disappearances.  On their first night as husband and wife, someone using an alien artifact breaks into John’s property with nasty intent.  They escape into the catacombs for now, but traps and danger await them on every turn as the conspirators need to kill Mr. and Ms. Fontana to avoid discovery and disclosure.

 

It is always great to visit Harmony where Jayne Castle escorts readers through great romance and compelling mystery in an alien combo sci-fi fantasy world.  The latest thriller is exciting and fast-paced as the alien objects are used by avaricious people to gain more power.  The pairing of Sierra and John enhances their inquiry into what is going on inside the Guild as fans of the saga will relish this strong paranormal romantic whodunit.

 

Harriet Klausner

The Bad Boys Guide to the Galaxy- Karen Kelley

The Bad Boys Guide to the Galaxy

Karen Kelley

Kensington Brava, Jul 2008, $14.00

ISBN: 0758217692

 

Texas police officer Sam Jones sort of knows what to expect from a Nerakian so he wants to say no, but he reluctantly agrees to escort Lara to his cabin.  In spite of his expectations, Sam is stunned by his reaction to Lara and her nakedness.

 

Lara has come to Earth on a mercy mission; she seeks the cure for a beloved sick elder; her planet is unused to illness having none.  Before arriving on earth she was aware of the temptations, she vowed to ignore all especially chocolate.  However, she is unprepared for spending a weekend with Sam especially since she believes Nerakians are superior beings.

 

The latest Nerakian ET invasion is like its predecessors (see CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF A SEXY KIND) a humorous science fiction romance.  The zany story line is fun to follow as the earth cop and the “medical” alien are unable to adhere to their personal pledges due to the magnetic attraction of opposites being stronger than the greatest force in the universe: chocolate.  Fans of the series will especially enjoy this fine entry as Karen Kelley provides insider information re planet Nerak.

 

Harriet Klausner