Category: US - Alyce Caswell - Author

Alyce Caswell - Author

Ghosted

22/11/2024

Haunted Ever After (Boneyard Key #1)
by Jen DeLuca

Cassie may have just made the mistake of her life. She's moved all the way out to Boneyard Key (away from her friends), she's shackled to a mortgage - and oh and her new house is probably haunted. Nick, the owner of the town's best coffee shop, is the main attraction for Cassie. She might have a good thing going here...except that something (or someone...) is getting in the way.

I love ghosts and romance in my books. Even better when they're combined! It's also nice when all the side characters feel perfectly necessary. So this is my favourite Jen DeLuca novel by far and I was kind of hoping I wouldn't have to find space for another permanent resident on my bookshelf. Ha! Haunted Ever After was something of a lifeline for me on a not-great day. I'll happily let it absorb me again.

Although I do have one thing bothering me... this trend I'm seeing of FMCs citing their endometriosis as a reason to not need condoms (to be fair, Cassie also uses the pill here). Hmmm. As an endo sufferer who managed to get pregnant without assistance one time, these kinds of sex scenes make me hella anxious. It's also annoying when the FMC's only apparent symptom is infertility.

Strike Two

20/11/2024

Mace Windu: The Glass Abyss (Star Wars Disney)
by Steven Barnes

Following the death of Qui-Gon Jinn, Mace Windu receives a message from his friend about unfinished business on a planet scoured by a deadly sun. The only way to survive on Metagos is to live beneath the surface. But the system down there is cruel and unjust, run by criminals. It will take the interference of a Jedi to encourage those on Metagos to rise up and break the cycle.

I didn't like Barnes' Legends novel, so when I saw this one in the pipeline I opted to reserve it at the library instead of buying it. A good choice, as it turns out. The same problems I encountered in The Cestus Deception crop up here: Barnes has absolutely no grasp on the voice of any Star Wars character and insists on building a world that doesn't gel with the rest of the canonical galaxy. Look, it was an interesting world that Barnes created, populated by interesting characters, but it just doesn't belong under the Star Wars banner.

Back in the Legends era, a white dude was put in charge of Mace's Clone Wars book (Shatterpoint) and created something ridiculously racist (even for the time). I had wondered, for a while, what Barnes might've given us if he'd had that duty instead. We'll never know. But what I do know is that Barnes does not understand Mace Windu. Here is the evidence.

Expanded Universe Round-Up #30

13/10/2024

Empire series

Vol 1 - Betrayal

The artwork isn't so great and it's a typical Empire-era story in that the Emperor and Darth Vader triumph, but I was never bored during my reading of this volume. It was released during an evolving period, since not all prequel movies had come out yet, and it managed to skirt the noticeable gap that ROTS had not yet filled.

Vol 2 - Darklighter
(vol 7 of the 30th anniversary collection)

This is volume 2 of the Empire line, but my version is volume 7 of Dark Horse's 30th Anniversary Collection - it's a really nice hardcover edition with thick pages. It honestly deserved the extra special treatment. This collection really does justice to Biggs Darklighter and it makes you care. Here, he's not just Luke's expendable friend. He has adventures and doubts and he's a solid, tangible character. One of my favourite Dark Horse releases.

Vol 3 - The Imperial Perspective

There's some solid stories here, but "To the Last Man" is the real showstopper. It's one of the most memorable stories I've ever read in comic form; this is only my third reading of it (I think), yet it's remained in my thoughts for years. The Empire's flaws are laid bare to the reader and yet you completely understand why Sunber remains in service. He's one of the most interesting Imperial characters from the Legends canon. I look forward to revisiting his other appearances in this line.

Vol 4 - The Heart of the Rebellion

This volume contains Leia-centric stories, which are for the most part enjoyable or offer some food for thought. But the dialogue is a little off, particularly the banter between Han and Leia (will any comic script writer ever get it right?) and some of the art was ridiculously sexist (female characters forced into silly positions).

Vol 5 - Allies and Adversaries

Average stories mixed in with truly mediocre ones. The only highlight in this volume is the introduction of Able, who I'm quite fond of. His character provides a bridge between two distinct Star Wars eras.

Vol 6 - In the Shadows of Their Fathers

The Jabiim arc in the Clone Wars era comics is one of my undisputed favourites and I'm delighted that a follow up emerged, showing the consequences of Anakin's actions - it was fascinating to see how they affected Luke many years later. I do think the story could have been a bit tighter, but it's still quite strong and sows the seeds for doubt in Luke because at the end he finds himself wondering what else Ben didn't tell him...

Vol 7 - The Wrong Side of the War

Sunber/Tank is a complex character and he's used to full effect here. I'm honestly impressed that a character who was briefly mentioned in a 1970s comic can become the focal point of such a compelling story in the 2000s. That's down to the skill of Welles Hartley (this is a pen name used by a dude who actually cofounded Dark Horse Comics - his first foray into writing Star Wars comics was in 1984, interestingly). The gripping interactions between Sunber and Luke really made this TPB.

Rebellion series

Vol 1 - My Brother, My Enemy

I'm not sure why the series' name changed from Empire to Rebellion, since it's still the same storyline. Anyone picking up this TPB and expecting a new series would have been confused and annoyed, I'd wager. But since I like the Sunber storyline, I was pleased to see more of him and his struggle to be both an Imperial and a good man. It's a pity the art was so off-putting at times - that and the fact that everyone was so shouty! - since there is such a solid foundation here.

Vol 2 - The Ahakista Gambit

I was bored during the entirety of this TPB and did not care about any of these characters, though perhaps in Darca's case that's not fair of me because it's just been too long since I read "Nomad" (and I vaguely recall liking that story). I think my main issue with this volume is that the characters and plot are too similar to what I've encountered in other volumes in other series (Republic/Dark Times, in particular).

Vol 3 - Small Victories

This TPB is on the shorter end, likely because of the Vector crossover and the series' cancellation. Not sure what happened to Luke's face here (did the artist have any kind of reference? lol) and the story was explosive yet still underwhelming somehow. At least Deena finally gets to become a hero in her own eyes.

Much Ado About Nothing

1/10/2024

Dog Wizard (Windrose Chronicles #3)
by Barbara Hambly

After someone uses the Void to kidnap Joanna from our universe, Antryg throws himself on the mercy of the Council so that he can rescue her in his original universe. The Council claims ignorance of her whereabouts. But this is the least of everyone's worries, because a gate to the Void has been left propped open and all manner of nastiness is flowing through...

I was disappointed with this instalment, mostly because Joanna was given bugger all to do for most of it. Sure, it was great to see Antryg in his element and more deeply explore his place in his world, but it's the mark of a lazy author to not even bother to find space for the series' other main lead, who is now reduced to a damsel who conveniently gets thrown on ice until the plot requires her. The plot in general was okay.

Love, Magic and Computers

24/9/2024

The Silicon Mage (Windrose Chronicles #2)
by Barbara Hambly

Joanna is stranded in our universe after betraying Antryg, but she was a way back - if she follows the dark mage Suraklin through the Void. This means risking her life (and life as we know it in at least two universes). But she must do it. And she must know if Antryg still lives. If he isn't... well, Joanna desperately needs him whole (if not sane) in order to defeat Suraklin once and for all.

Even better than the first book! And this time I did my best to skim over the problematic stuff (cue a Bluey quote - "it was the eighties!"), because I really wanted to absorb every word and enjoy every minute. Some fantasy novels feel like a chore due to rambling middle sections. Not so here. Sure, we did get that rambling middle section, but the world Hambly created here is so interesting that I never once grew bored. Joanna is obviously my favourite. Caris is a close second, though, and I love his character journey. I should probably like Antryg more... but his obvious Sherlockisms grate on me a bit.

One Wedding & Some Drama

21/9/2024

Arya Khanna's Bollywood Moment by Arushi Avachat

Arya should be happy - her sister is back and planning a wedding to really nice guy. But the more time they spend together under one roof, the more the tension rises. Meanwhile, Arya is trying to get ready for college and fulfil her student government responsibilities, but the boy who won the role of president over her is so annoying. How could he be anything but an enemy?

This book's main strength is how it explores and handles female relationships, particularly familial ones. I always like to see this kind of thing done well. It also helps that the plot is engaging, perfect for YA readers who want spades of character growth alongside the expected romance. There is no absolutely no need for familiarity with Bollywood movies to enjoy Arya Khanna's Bollywood Moment (I think the only one I've seen all the way through is Lagaan!). And enjoy it I did.

Tropetastic

20/9/2024

The Perfect Guy Doesn't Exist by Sophie Gonzales

Ivy is a huge fan of a fantasy TV series but she doesn't expect to wake up with one of the characters in her bed. Weston is somehow real - and he thinks they're soulmates! Now Ivy has to find a way to hide his presence from everyone, especially her neighbour and ex-BFF, Mack. But maybe this isn't a story about soulmates. Maybe it's a story about mutual pining...and maybe Mack is Ivy's costar instead.

Gosh, this was cute. And I love seeing another bi girl with a similar haircut to mine on a book cover! As for the story, it's fun and amusing. The teen angst and drama ring true and you can't help but like every character. I did feel that this could have been something more, but sometimes you just want an uncomplicated YA novel to breeze through. As a bonus - I've discovered another Australian author!

Mages Run Amok

20/9/2024

The Silent Tower (Windrose Chronicles #1)
by Barbara Hambly

Caris witnesses the murder of a mage right before the perpetrator disappears. In our world, Joanna is a programmer who can't shake the feeling that she is being stalked - and this culprit also leaves no trace of themselves. Caris accompanies his grandfather to the Silent Tower, where Antryg (the student of an infamous dark mage) resides. But instead of answers, Caris will only find more questions.

I'm not usually one for cliffhangers, but it was so well done and this book was so well written that I was excited instead of annoyed when I reached the end (but I do have the benefit of possessing the next 2 books...). Hambly certainly has a way with words. I really loved this... and was delighted by the offhanded mention of a female guard having "a girlfriend of her own". What's this? Queer rep in the 1980s? Sweet! But uh oh. Of course the other queer rep arrived in the form of a gay man being portrayed as a sinful "pervert". Typical for the era but le sigh.

Anyway, I am so weak for retro fantasy and I'm fast becoming a Barbara Hambly fan.

Back to the 1990s

16/9/2024

Tiger Burning Bright
by Marion Zimmer Bradley, Andre Norton & Mercedes Lackey

Emperor Balthazar has ruthlessly added many lands to his empire and now he has set his sights on Merina. The women of the House of the Tiger, who rule Merina, know they cannot win a siege - and the city would be ransacked. The safest option is to surrender and vanish. But Merina is soon full of agents of a dark mage and the city is ruled by fear. The time for hiding might be over.

I found this book at a charity sale and the cover alone sent me into paroxysms of nostalgia. I really miss 1990s heroic fantasy. Tiger Burning Bright would have been a favourite of mine if I'd found it as a child - this is a book about the strengths of three different women and the way they defend their city is a refreshing alternate to the usual battles found in other fantasy works (though there are indeed battles to be found). Heroines rule these pages as surely as women rule Merina. I will say it's not perfect... but it's exactly what I wanted.

The Force and the Restless

8/9/2024

Temptation of the Force (Star Wars: High Republic)
by Tessa Gratton

The Stormwall has been breached and the Republic can begin operations in the Nihil's Occlusion Zone. Avar Kriss and Elzar Mann both have their parts to play - and if they can avoid attachment, perhaps their love can make them better Jedi. Meanwhile, a blight is spreading throughout the galaxy and Marchion Ro is quietly studying it, to see if he can make another fearsome weapon.

Gratton is one of the stronger authors of the High Republic project and her exceptional writing is once again on display here (a relief after Defy the Storm). I want to say this is my favourite adult novel so far, but it definitely has issues - for example, the climax occurs in the middle of the book, which is really strange and causes the second half to drag. And Marchion Ro is the most uninteresting villain ever; he just roams around and you wonder how anyone is actually afraid of him lol. But I'm weak for Avar and Elzar content... so that was a nice distraction from my bemusement.

Still, I really enjoyed reading this book. I mean, I shouldn't give it my love... it doesn't deserve it haha... anyway, it's better than a lot of the other adult novels in the High Republic project.