Book Brouhaha

Summary: A collection of ten gripping speculative fiction tales: . . . a gang of teens discover clues to their heritage and unsettling facts about their backward world . . . a university student develops an innovation to revolutionize the holographic film industry . . . alien pirates compel a pilot to know what it means to be alien . . . a hybrid man struggles for freedom on a mining planet . . . solar power in the new age is in jeopardy . . . and more! Review: Brace yourself for an elaborate food metaphor because I really feel this is the best way to describe how I feel about "The Movie Maker."  Here it goes: When you read a good book it's like having a three course meal.  You know you're in it for the long haul and a lot has to go in how each courses will mix with each other.  A good short story, on the other hand, needs to be like a perfect one-bite snack.  A lot of thought and care needs to go into what you're putting on that one crack...

Summary: A collection of twelve original fantasy-adventure tales: . . . a thief with a conscience takes on the formidable Magistrar . . . a warrior monk avenges his fallen master after falling prey to a mysterious seductress . . . an upstart swordswoman battles a mechanical abomination at a famous tournament . . . treasure hunters disturb an ancient menace – who will appease the guardian? . . . a healer must wield the infamous Tithys to protect her clan . . . and more! Review: I was very impressed with Turner's grasp of the fantasy genre.  He clearly gets how to set that kind of mood.  If you've ever tried to write fantasy you will know that it's not easy creating this type of universe.  Authors will frequently resort to using lots of terms th'at h'ave excessi've com'mas.  Because commas are exotic.  Or something. Turner falls into no such trap there.  His scenery descriptions are rich and detailed and his characters are interesting.  As a cha...