Bending Tradition by Emerald Rose.  Murrayville, GA: Emerald Rose, 2000.  No company number given, total playing time 49:00 CD.  Five stars.

            Some bands play purely traditional music; others play purely contemporary music.  Not Emerald Rose –- they play a wonderful blend of both.  Their songs cover the entire range from ancient to modern, including both traditional songs played with a fresh approach to brand new songs played with a traditional style.  All four members of the band are talented vocalists, which makes for a rich chorus of voices in some places and lively counterpoint in others as they trade off on lead lines.  Moving along to accompaniment, we hear Brian Sullivan on guitar, bass, and bouzouki; Arthur Hinds on guitar and bodhran; Larry Morris on pennywhistle, drums, and percussion; and Clyde Gilbert on bass, drums, and percussion.

            The first song, “Penny in the Well,” is an original and one of my favorites, which sings of heritage and the calling of the sea that draw us away from our mundane lives.  “Fire in the Head,” another original, draws on Celtic lore, particularly the song of Amergin, but it has a wild driving beat much faster than usual for traditional material.  “Lucky Man” is a cover of the popular song by Greg Lake.  Then there’s a charming medley of jigs, “The Green Hills of Garland/The Gallagher Lass/The Ferret’s Nose,” with original lyrics.  Their rendition of the traditional “Red-Haired Mary” proves vigorous and satisfying; I’ve always loved this song and already own several versions of it.  “Pagan Girl” is another favorite, original words and music telling a delightful tale of a guy looking for just the right partner, including the mismatches along the way.  “Come by the Hills” is a Gorden Smith song with traditional music, nicely presented here.  The insouciant “Merry May Folk” stole my heart with its original lyrics inspired by an Alfred Noyes poem – it concerns a May parade breaking up a stultified church service, with much merriment to be had by all.  “Johnnie Cope” is traditional Scottish material.  The perilous glory of the original “Castle of Arianrhod” will sweep you off the feet with its majestic music and bitter lyrics; inspired again by Celtic lore, it includes references to Lleu, Bran, and Arthur along with the title goddess.  If I had to name just one favorite, this might be it.  “Freya Shakti” is an original goddess chant.  “Unfinished Business” is a sprightly instrumental piece by this band.  Finally, “Hills of America” gives a piercingly sweet vision of the new world, inspired by traditional lyrics and music.

            As a sample of their lovely lyrics, here is the chorus from “Pagan Girl:”

I’m gonna find myself a pagan girl
Who understands the Goddess and rocks my world
Chant in the circle as the Sun and the Moon
Then dance round the fire to a Goddess tune
Rock all night ‘till the morning unfurls
I’m gonna find myself a pagan girl

            Tally it up –- I liked most of the original material, several of these being favorites, which bodes well for the band’s writing talent.  I also liked some of the covers and traditional music, which speaks well of their ability to carry other people’s material.  That’s a great mix for a band to have.  These guys are just great.  I’m sure they’ll do further wonders for our cultural database as time goes on.  You can visit their website too. 

          If you liked their first album, you’ll love this one too.  Bending Tradition amply fulfills the promise of their earlier efforts.  It holds considerable appeal for Gaian/Pagan listeners, whether you like traditional or modern music, or a combination of both.  I’ve been using it as background music for housecleaing, which is my greatest acclaim for music, because it’s bouncy enough to keep me going.  Several of these songs are suitable for use in ritual, especially “Merry May Folk” and “Freya Shakti.”  Most highly recommended.

          This review was originally submitted to PanGaia.

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            Ahmed and the Oblivion Machines: A Fable by Ray Bradbury, illustrated by Chris Lane.  Avon Books, 1998.  Hardback, 64 pages.  ISBN: 0-380-97704-4.  Three stars.

            This magical story will delight children and adults alike.  Follow Ahmed, the 12-year-old son of a caravan leader, as he discovers the ancient god Gonn-Ben-Allah.  Grateful to be awakened and remembered, the god grants Ahmed the gift of flight and takes the boy on a fantastical journey to distant times and places.  Through his adventures, Ahmed learns how to pursue his own dreams and make them come true.  Whimsical black-and-white illustrations accompany the text.

            Ahmed and the Oblivion Machines makes a great book for kids to practice their reading, and it’s also a nice bedtime story for parents to read aloud.  Especially suitable for anyone interested in Middle Eastern themes.  Recommended.

          This review was originally submitted to LunaSol.

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            Ankh: The Sound of Ancient Egypt by Michael Atherton.  Celestial Harmonies, 1998.  Total playing time 62:21 CD.  Catalog number 13174-2.  Four stars.

            This recording features a selection of sacred music from the Egyptian tradition.  It evokes a sense of timeless awe with a rich tapestry of instrumental music blended with soaring voices.  As a whole, it possesses a kind of rolling grandeur, recreating temple performances from the distant past.  Featured musicians include Michael Atherton on about thirteen different instruments, Philip South on another nine, and Greg Hebblewhite on Egyptian trumpet.  Vocalists include Mina Kanaridis, who also plays sistrum and crotala, and Mary Demovic, who presents the spoken-word segments; plus Maria Campbell, Angela Shrimpton, Stephen Clark, and Hasan Shanal in the chorus.

            Unlike many modern albums, Ankh offers over an hour of lavish sound, divided into four sections: Atum (16:18), Maat (15:46), Khet (15:27), and Shen (14:35).  Atum refers to the creator-sungod and subdivides into five tracks.  The first is a devotion to the manifestations of Ra, featuring voices and nay (1:09).  The next two are instrumental pieces which feature harp and udongo (6:46); and bendir, tapan, bass drum, sistrum, and duct flute (3:19).  The fourth again combines music (sistrum ensemble) and voice (1:16) while the fifth returns to instrumental with the arghul (3:46).  Maat refers to truth, balance, and order; this section subdivides into five tracks.  The first of these features extracts from The Hymn to Osiris on the Stela of Amenmose  accompanied by sistrum, tapan, and puk (5:02).  The rest are all instrumental pieces which employ Egyptian trumpet, barrel drums, puk, and cymbals (1:35); boat-shaped harp and rewap (3:37); a nay solo (4:01), and double-reed pipes, gaval, and riq (4:31).  Khet refers to the physical body, breaking down into four tracks.  The first of these offers a love song from the Contendings of Horus and Seth, accompanied by modified oud, crotala, hand claps, and papyrus (1:48).  The middle two are instrumental tracks, bamboo flute and tar (6:26) and a boat-shaped harp solo (5:01).  The last combines voice with rewap, arghul, trigon, riq, bendir, and hand claps (2:08).  Finally, Shen stands for eternity and splits into four tracks.  Unlike the other sections, the first two tracks here are both instrumental: sistrum, clapper bells, pellet bells, crotala, and cymbals (2:20); and rewap, riq, and gaval (4:28).  The vocal piece in this section comes next, an extract from The Great Hymn to Aten in the Tomb of Ay, accompanied by boat-shaped harp, trigon, and sistrum (1:59).  The album concludes with another nay solo (2:45).  Of these, my favorite tracks are the first two of Maat.

            It is difficult to describe music of this type using the English language, especially since not all of the instruments have counterparts popular in contemporary music.  The effect tends to carry you half a world away and far into the past.  In support of this is a wonderful booklet of liner notes that runs about 22 pages.  This booklet contains extensive background material on the symbolism and history of the album’s development and the Egyptian tradition; it even includes a recommended reading list.  A few translated quotes appear to give you an idea what the vocal sections mean, because the performances are all in the original language, which has a delightful sound rendered in resonant, commanding tones by the lead vocalists.  The booklet is also decorated with numerous hieroglyphic excerpts, with translations; I found these very entertaining, and they would make great inspiration for altar decorations or the like.

            Ankh is a must-have for anyone practicing an Egyptian-based tradition.  Branching out from that, it holds considerable appeal for Middle-Eastern enthusiasts in general, and to Egyptologists even if they aren’t interested specifically in the religious history.  Those studying music, especially sacred music, will definitely want to pick up a copy.  In contemporary settings, Ankh would work perfectly as background music in a Neo-Khemetic ritual, or as a meditation mood-setter.  Given the popular appeal of Egyptian artifacts, this recording is something you can play for nonPagan friends, since the music is well worth listening to for aesthetic appeal alone.  Highly recommended.

          This review was originally submitted to Moonbeams Journal.

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          Apex Books is experiencing serious economic stress due to the recession and other challenges.  If you like what they publish, now would be an excellent time to buy a book or two from them.  It’s a good way to spend holiday money if you got some.  Here is an excerpt of the relevant blog post:

Brother, can you spare $15.95?

It’s been a tough year for all of us. The economy is in the tank. Government bailouts. The New York Yankees buying every good player in the Major Leagues. War. People going bankrupt. It’s so bad that now might be an appropriate for Billy Joel to write another one of those “We Didn’t Start the Fire” type of songs.

The economy has taken a huge bite out of Apex Publications. Starting with Bear Stearns dying, you can see an immediate drop in our revenue (September/October/November/December). December has been the worst with a drop of 75% in revenue compared to the August numbers.

If we want our small presses to survive, we need to support them. Buying books is one good way; blogging, reviews, and other publicity also help. What are some other options you can think of?

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            Cauldron of Transformation: A New Vision of Wicca for Modern Pagan Practice by Lady Sabrina.  Llewellyn Publications, 1996.  Trade paperback, 282 pages.  ISBN: 1-56718-600-9.  Four stars.

            Do you feel comfortable with your current spiritual path?  Would you like to explore other traditions, but hesitate to leave your own behind?  Look here for some fascinating ideas about incorporating many systems into a single, cohesive belief system custom-designed to suit your unique needs.  Major systems featured include Celtic Druidism, Christianity, Santeria, Buddhism, and Shamanism.  Locations discussed include Africa, Asia, Egypt, and Europe.  Whatever your present beliefs, you will find some things familiar and others new and exciting.

            I think a better subtitle for this book would have been “A New Vision of Paganism” because there are few specifically Wiccan elements here.  I see a more general Pagan influence, but I still feel that the sort of “Co-Creation Spirituality” taught by the Our Lady of Enchantment church has much to offer those who seek an Eclectic path.  The author is right in pointing out that many Pagans dislike Christian symbolism and motifs; thus those who do appreciate some elements of Christianity often prefer to form their own groups.  A discussion of these and similar issues forms the introduction of this book.

            Part One: The Cauldron of Reflection examines the points at which history and tradition meet.  A detailed section examines the definitions, meaning, power, purpose, and development of religion as both concept and practice.  The Celtic section does present aspects of the Druid system often overlooked, but it also blurs in some general Pagan/Wiccan concepts.  The Christian section actually gets a lot closer to the original intent than most modern versions.  The Santeria section captures the tone of African ancestor traditions but mingles several more-or-less distinct branches into a jumble.  The Buddhism section sticks to the Mahayana branch rather than the somewhat better-known Zen branch.  The Shamanism section begins quite properly with the system’s origin in Siberia and Asia, but much of the main material comes from Native American traditions. 

            Don’t let the author’s mix-n-match approach deter you, though; the end notes are clear enough, the bibliography is good, and the index is excellent.  Anyone wishing to exert the effort can easily track down more precise references for any of the featured cultures.  This is, after all, an Eclectic text.  Taken as a whole it represents its own philosophy quite well.

            Part Two: The Cauldron of Light considers the development of divinity in various locations and cultures.  It begins with a section on divine figures and human relationships with the divine.  The following sections give relevant details and example deities from the respective systems.  In Africa, history lives on and ancestors play a major role in most indigenous religions.  In Asia, many minor and major deities share the people’s attention.  In Egypt, an emphasis on glory and reverence manifests in remarkable ornaments and monuments.  In Europe, myth and mystery blend in multiple layers due to the shifting empires of the past.  Finally, a miscellaneous section features several more supplementary Gods and Goddesses from other systems.

            Part Three: The Cauldron of Inspiration explores the union of symbolism and spirit.  First the author presents a set of profoundly meaningful tools and sacred objects including the Vessel of Creation (which includes special oracular materials) and the Rod of Authority; a truly eclectic set, these items and their consecration draw from Wiccan and Pagan traditions but are unique in combination and execution.  The next section explains the importance of the oracle as a means of conversing with divinity.  Then comes a fine treatise on Elemental theory regarding the principal Elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water.  Finally, we see a variety of sacred spaces in the form of altars, circles, and temples. 

            Part Four: The Cauldron of Transformation recommends a new vision of expression, rather than taking a religion off the shelf.  This one begins with an examination of the duties and privileges of a priesthood, which moves smoothly into the next section on ritual followed by the third on sacraments and observances.  These include extensive examples including scripts for important rituals.  At last a section on creative spirit presents an exquisitely detailed plan of action for the spiritual seeker.  The lavish index and bibliography also assist seekers in navigating through the book.

            While some of the sections are a bit blurry in terms of attribution of specific elements to specific branches of the featured system, I did not spot any glaring errors.  I found much of the supporting material — lists, tables of correspondences, and such — both accurate and useful.  Better than most  references, Cauldron of Transformation acknowledges the true purpose of religions around the world: meeting certain human needs such as comfort and support; likewise it does better in addressing these needs by encouraging individuals to design their own system around a basic framework.  For the spiritual seeker who wants variety and individual attention but not sheer chaos, this book provides an ideal starting point. 

            This quote from the “creative spirit” section captures the theme of the whole book, I believe: 

“Religion and spirituality are a part of life.  In order for them to be effective, they need to be progressive and timely.  The priests and leaders of today’s religions need to be aware of changing attitudes and ideals.  They also need to regularly improve and renew their theology and rituals to keep pace with contemporary thought.  We can learn from the past.  However, it is the moment we experience, and the future to which we look forward, that shapes and gives life to our endeavors.” [Page 265.] 

Most of the problems in mainstream religion stem directly from the overwhelming ossification of once-fresh ideas into outdated dogma. 

            I highly recommend Cauldron of Transformation for anyone in the process of reconsidering their own spirituality or for those who wish to study the Eclectic path.  This book is also suitable as a comparative religious text at the basic level, provided the seeker takes time to track down separate references for the different systems cited within.  The level addresses the needs of adults and adolescents alike, making it a good general reference on spiritual construction.  Read this book and embark on a journey that leads you to explore many fascinating paths before you find the one combination of obligations and opportunities perfectly suited for you.  Even if you feel content with your current belief system, you can have fun with this book because it will help you figure out just why  it suits you so well, so you can explain the reasons to others who ask.

          This review originally appeared in Facing North.

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            Avalanche Soldier by Susan R. Matthews.  Avon Eos, 1999.  Paperback, 251 pages.  ISBN: 0-380-80315-1.   Four stars.

            Shadene is cold, mountainous, inhospitable … home to the devout Orthodox who view all other religions with chilly suspicion.  Salli is an avalanche soldier, a protector of the faith, who safeguards the scattered religious shrines in the wilderness and the pilgrims who seek them out.  There is always the threat of attack from Wayfarer terrorists, so the avalanche soldiers must remain eternally vigilant.  Then one day, Salli discovers that her own brother has apparently abandoned his duties and gone over to the other side, following a strange prophet.  Natually, Salli goes after him, but no matter what she finds, her world will never be the same again.

            Avalanche Soldier has the same gritty realism of Matthews’ earlier books, although it’s set in a different place.  If you liked An Exchange of Hostages then you’ll like this too.  Dark sociological science fiction with a very well-done religious theme running through it.  Perfect reading for a cold winter’s day!  Highly recommended.

          This review originally appeared in Spicy Green Iguana.

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This is a weekly opportunity to talk about books, music, and other things you enjoy.
  

• What are some of your favorite books?
• What are you currently reading?
• What kind of music do you like?
• What are you listening to now?
• What else is on your mind?

          I’m currently listening to Lawrence of Suburbia by the Darbuki Kings.  This is the kind of Middle Eastern music that I like for belly-dancing.  I wanted something moderately energetic tonight.

          I’m currently reading Age of Stonehenge by Colin Burgess.  It’s hardcore archaeology and anthropology about cultures and artifacts from the British Islands during the timespan preceding and surrounding the construction of Stonehenge.  This was a Christmas present from my cousin Ross.  Squee!  What books did you get for Christmas, Midwinter, or other seasonal occasions?

          I’m currently rereading Conflict of Honors by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller.

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            The Agony, the Ecstasy, the Miracle: Three True Childbirth Stories by J. Cameron, Ph.D.  El Mac Books, 1995.  Trade paperback, 130 pages.  ISBN: 1-886838-03-8.  Three stars.

            Ah, spring!  As the world turns green again, our thoughts turn to birth and the wonders it brings.  This book offers a rare look into a very private part of life  — its beginning.  The author shares his family’s growth in stages, so you can see the evolution from one birth to the next.  The title pretty much summarizes the contents; the first birth was very difficult, the next two increasingly easy and positive experiences.  This neatly presents a range of possibilities one might encounter when having a baby.  The writing style is clear, intense, and cozy; a bit unpolished but that’s not a real problem in a personal-expose like this one.  A number of black-and-white illustrations accompany the text, showing both parents and all three children at various ages. 

            The Agony, the Ecstasy, the Miracle is suitable for all traditions and levels of experience, of most interest to parents and those planning to start a family soon.  Midwives and others in the health care field will want to check it out, too.  It even has some applications for women’s mysteries and transcendental studies.  Recommended.

          This review was originally submitted to LunaSol.

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            Altars and Icons: Sacred Spaces in Everyday Life by Jean McMann.  Chronicle Books, 1998.  U.S. $16.95 hardback, 124 pages.  ISBN:0-8118-1816-0.  Four stars.

            Have you ever wondered what other people’s altars look like?  Open this book and find out.  Although small, its fine construction and rich hues qualify it as a coffee-table book; the pages alternate between snow-white and soft tones of yellow, sage-green, lavender, and other shades.  Full-color pictures show an incredible diversity of shrines, icons, altars, and other sacred spaces.  Some of these show clear Pagan influence, while others different traditions.  The mood ranges from reverent to nostalgic to decidedly whimsical.  Flip through these pages for ideas when you plan to build a new arrangement.

            Jean McMann thoughtfully divides everything into six sections based on the altars’ purpose, place, or content.  An introduction explains the author’s path to writing this book, how personal shrines differ from professional artwork or communal shrines, and the history of shrine-making.  Chapter 1: Remembering and Forgetting considers the role of shelves, dresser tops, and windowsills as venues for memory.  Chapter 2: Celebrating Hearth and Home explores home shrines that express and support family structures, with special attention to mantels as the core of a dwelling.  Chapter 3: Away from Home discusses the role of traveling shrines in providing protection and continuity as well as the way personal objects in the workplace serve as inspiration, subversion, and badges of identity.  Chapter 4: Planted Outdoors unearths the symbols used in garden and landscape shrines.  Chapter 5: Personal Icons honors gods, heroes, teachers, muses, and other role models.  Chapter 6: Meditating contemplates those places where the mind can find rest.  You can learn a great deal about people by observing their sacred spaces.

            Altars and Icons would make a wonderful centerpiece to a gift basket, perhaps surrounded by such inspiring tidbits as an incense burner, a few packages of incense, a handful of seashells, and a whimsical figurine.  Best of all, this book holds equal appeal for people of any belief system; it won’t freak out your nonPagan relatives if you put it under the Christmas tree.  Highly recommended.

          This review was originally submitted to LunaSol.

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          In addition to the book reviewed below, Mariana Caplan has also written another family dynamics book that’s especially useful at this time of year: When Holidays Are Hell…!: A Guide to Surviving Family Gatherings

            When Sons and Daughters Choose Alternative Lifestyles by Mariana Caplan, M.A.  Hohm Press, 1996.  U.S. $14.95 trade paperback, 232 pages.  ISBN: 0-934252-69-6.  Four stars.

            I have read dozens of messages from Pagans whose families have trouble accepting their religious choices.  This book presents some ideas for dealing with this common problem.  It also applies to numerous other announcements which may cause static from family members, such as alternative sexualities and living arrangements.  The emphasis on relationship helps focus on building bridges, not barriers.  One great feature is a list of tips for responding to a stressful revelation, which include “Don’t jump to conclusions” and “Start a list of questions.”  Suggestions for approaching family members include learning to listen, keeping an open mind, and respecting the person even if you can’t respect the choice.  The social stereotype exercises are fabulous.  Recommended sources of support include counselors, parents who have been through the same thing, support groups, and friends.  Finally, the author lists some ways to support even when you don’t agree, such as meeting on common ground or stepping into another person’s shoes.  An appendix shares stories of family conflict and resolution, while the bibliography offers ideas for further research.  There is no index.

            Suitable for dealing with a wide range of family conflicts; read it yourself and give a copy to your relatives.  Highly recommended as a source of relationship repair ideas.

          This review was originally submitted to Cauldrons & Broomsticks.

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            The Cats’ House by Bob Walker.  Andrews and McMeel, 1996.  Hardback, 91 pages.  ISBN: 0-8362-2183-4.  Five stars.

            If you love cats, buy this book; no cat-lover should miss it.  Your familiar(s) will thank you.  Basically, the author and his wife remodeled their house to make it more suitable for the feline family members.  The entire building is decorated in bright, molten Mexican colors (many of them imported; you can’t find paint like that in the U.S.) with numerous Pagan themes: festive skulls and skeletons from Dias de los Muertos (Days of the Dead), carved wooden snakes, the Aztec Pyramid of the Sun for Quetzalcoatl, and a cat-sized spiral staircase.  Walkways and tunnels up near the ceiling give the cats a three-dimensional living space, and provide endless visual entertainment for watching humans.  The effect is dramatic, intense, and generally engrossing.

            Thoughtfully, the author includes blueprints for the house inside the book’s covers.  There are also plans for the carpeted ramp, the floor-to-ceiling scratching post/ladder, and the spiral staircase.  Brilliant, saturated photographs illustrate all the important features in full color, many with cats demonstrating the use of various structures.  A few pictures show cat portals in the process of construction.  All of this is useful should you decide to duplicate some features.

            I recommend this book for anyone fond of cats, Pagan decorating ideas, creative architecture, bright colors, and/or Central and Southern American art.  It goes beyond eye candy to inspire new ideas, but it’s a fun read too.

          This review originally appeared in Cauldrons & Broomsticks, and was reprinted in Facing North.

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          According to this article, fewer magazines are being launched each year.  Since many magazines are also closing, this is not good news.

Crain’s New York reports that new magazine launched plunged 13% in 2008. There wre just 335 magazine launches in 2008 compared to 386 in 2007 and 431 in 2006. That’s over a 23% plunge in new launches since 2006. 2009 doesn’t seem likely to be a year that is going to start out with tons of new magazine launches either.

More news about publishing industry shrinkage, layoffs, purchase freezes, and other mayhem is available in this roundup post.

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            Ashes of Victory (Honor Harrington Series, Book 9) by David Weber.  Baen, 2000.  Hardback, 560 pages.  ISBN: 0-671-57854-5.  Four stars.

            Latest in the fabulously (and justifiably) popular Honor Harrington  series, Ashes of Victory continues the account of the war between the People’s Republic of Haven and the Star Kingdom of Manticore.  The previous volume, Echoes of Honor (Honor Harrington Series, Book Eight), brought home the weary but exultant escapees of the prison planet Hades.  Happily, this one picks up at precisely the same point, covering Honor’s reunion with Hamish Alexander and with her parents.  (That’s about all that happens between Honor and Hamish, though –- I shudder to think what’s going to happen when the Universe decides it needs an even bigger  hammer to get the two of them together.  And her living on a planet where polygamy is the norm, no less.)  While she recovers from injuries received in the last two books, Honor winds up teaching at Saganami Island, which keeps her largely out of action through most of this book.  However, there’s plenty going on as the Shrike LACs, Ghost Rider missiles, and other spiffy new hardware heat up the war and put the Peeps on retreat.  Then there’s the little matter of treecats and sign language.  We even get to meet the first Grayson midshipwoman.  So this book is well worth your attention.

            However, it has some flaws.  Some could have been avoided, others not.  There’s just nothing to be done about the fact that Honor is too banged up to go a-viking until quite late in the story.  But that leaves us with the action centered around people we don’t know and like as much.  Then there’s the fact that this book reads like two and a half books crammed into one, an awkward proposition at best.  After everyone bitched to high heaven about the “cliffhanger” ending from In Enemy Hands (Honor Harrington Series, Book 7), it’s no wonder if the author didn’t want to go through that again, but the result is rather frustrating.  After a detailed and leisurely buildup, the last part of the book crams a vast amount of action and development into far too little space; both I and my partner Doug felt that the final third should have gotten at least as much space as the first two, possibly more.  As it is, the events are just too precipitous.  There are some magnificent scenes that just don’t get the attention they deserve as a result.  I would rather have seen this split into two books again than see ten pounds of sausage stuffed into a five-pound bag.

            Despite the flaws, though, Ashes of Victory remains an excellent read, very intense in places and with several delightful surprises.  Weber fans will enjoy it, and those of you on the military side will revel in all the extra attention to technical and strategic details in here.  If you’re not familiar with the series, though, don’t start here; go back and begin with On Basilisk Station (Honor Harrington).  Highly recommended.

          This review was originally submitted to Spicy Green Iguana.

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          This book was originally issued in trade paperback, but is now available in mass-market paperback: The Alleluia Files (Samaria, Book 3)

         The Alleluia Files by Sharon Shinn.  Ace Books, 1998.  Trade paperback, 474 pages.  ISBN: 0-441-00505-5.  Four stars.

            Return to Sharon Shinn’s alluring world of Samaria.  One hundred years have passed since the Archangel Alleluia and her mortal friend Caleb discovered the truth about their “god” Jovah — who, as you’ll recall if you read the earlier books, is actually a starship orbiting the planet.  Rumor suggests that Alleluia left a record of her findings, but if so, no one has managed to locate it.  Since then, an underground movement has developed, whose members hope to reclaim Alleluia’s lost knowledge … but the powers that be have a vested disinterest in their success.  Eventually the Archangel Bael invokes the mighty power of Jovah in a rain of thunderbolts from the skies, destroying most members of the underground.  But a few escape, to carry on the quest…

             Tamar, child of the underground but raised as a captive among angels, believes that Alleluia left her record on a disc of some sort.  Determined to unearth the truth, she sets out in search of the elusive record and its dangerous contents.  Along the way, she meets the angel Jared, who despite his nature disagrees with the other angels’ savage treatment of the inquisitive Jacobites.  Together, they make their skittish way across Samaria, joined by an uneasy truce that satisfies no one but remains marginally preferable to the alternatives.  Another angel, Lucinda, also enters the tale in most remarkable way.  Their discoveries will change their world forever because, to quote another favorite File, the truth really is out there.

             If you liked Shinn’s previous novels Archangel (Samaria, Book 1) and Jovah’s Angel (Samaria, Book 2), then you will love The Alleluia Files.  This science fantasy will appeal to angel mavens but also to fantasy fans in general.  Recommended.

            This review was originally submitted to Spicy Green Iguana.

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            A.D. 999 by Jadrien Bell.  Ace, 1999.  Paperback, 309 pages.  ISBN: 0-441-00673-6 .  Five stars.

            Millennial fever is far from a new affliction; this book takes a look at an earlier outbreak.  The premise is that Satan has taken on human form in order to cozy up to King Ethelred of Britain, and from this vantage is working to bring about the Apocalypse early by capitalizing on everyone’s fear that the world is about to end.  In the other corner we have the two Witnesses foretold in Revelation — a deformed monk and a Pagan midwife, no less — who set about trying to stop the premature Apocalypse.  In the middle we have the grist of the Norse pantheon, Loki and family.  The resulting three-way religious struggle provides endless entertainment.

            Jadrien Bell demonstrates a fine sense of both history and art in this novel.  Those of you familiar with Britain circa 999 will find the story engrossing for its close parallels to “what actually happened” and for the excellent local color.  The author thoughtfully provides a guide to some of the artistic modifications, in the back of the book; fascinating reading, that.  I also found the characterization highly satisfying — she does a dandy job of making the characters believable, particularly their emotions and motivations.  The plot is intricate yet completely cohesive; it wraps up neatly with no loose ends and much adroit dancing around common clichés, to provide a fulfilling and plausible conclusion with good surprise factors.

            A.D. 999 has broad appeal for speculative fiction fans.  If you like apocalyptic fiction, Celtic or Norse mythology, Christian mysticism, court intrigue, dark fantasy, or alternate history then you will love this novel.    Most highly recommended.

          This review was originally submitted to Spicy Green Iguana. 

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My poem “The Ghost of Christmas Presence” won First Place in a holiday-themed poetry contest over on A Hint of Poetry. You can read it and the other winning poems on this page. Especially check out “Our Christmas Tree” — that one has some lovely repetition and contrast.

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This is a weekly opportunity to talk about books, music, and other things you enjoy.
  

• What are some of your favorite books?
• What are you currently reading?
• What kind of music do you like?
• What are you listening to now?
• What else is on your mind?

I’m currently listening to “Whimsical Windchimes.”

I’m currently reading Moving Targets and Other Tales of Valdemar (Valdemar Series) and rereading Volle by Kyell Gold.

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            The Book of Atrix Wolfe by Patricia McKillip.  Ace, 1996.  Paperback, 247 pages.  ISBN: 0-441-00361-3.  Three stars.

            Patricia McKillip has written such classics as Riddle-Master of Hed and The Cygnet and the Firebird.  Now this winner of the World Fantasy Award brings us a new tale of terror and wonder.  She tells of the mage Atrix, who runs as a wolf among wolves, taking on not only the shape but in many ways the soul of a wolf.  This lends a whole new meaning to the phrase “the call of the wild” because Atrix spends more and more time with the wolves as he grows older, drifting away from human contact and civilization.  He finds it a convenient and effective method of running away from past mistakes he would rather forget.  Into this almost-idyllic existence comes a woman offering the one thing Atrix cannot ignore: a chance to make things right again, one last chance at salvation.  So he goes, our hero, into the heart of the story, looking over his shoulder the whole time.

            The characters interact with each other in abrupt, dynamic ways, like little forces of nature (or supernature, as the case may be).  They stretch and grow and sometimes break.  The tension resonates on inner as well as outer levels.  Atrix’s past mistakes nag at him in subtle ways.  His wolfish nature occasionally gets in the way of more human interactions.  When your desires pull you opposite directions, it can prove maddening … or enlightening: 

            “There was magic in the wood, that night.  A ghostly hunt had ridden with the King’s hunt, invisible, but calling with sweet and melancholy horns.  A white stag with burning horns had fled through the trees ahead of the hunt.  There was no sign of the mage.  But the King had seen Prince Talis running toward him down a long shaft of moonlight.

          “And then he disappeared.” [page 119]

             Atrix already has his own problems involving similar imagery in his dreams: three white deer, horses, and hounds; then a mysterious woman who cries “Sorrow!” as she shoots him.  Still, he swears to find the missing prince.   Like Prince Talis, Atrix finds himself between worlds, where dangerous magics beckon and promises pull back like reins on a fractious horse.

            I also enjoyed McKillip’s lyric description as she sketched out the fairy-tale setting of the story.  The background emerges like a watercolor painting, feathery and delicate of tint, all the edges running together with suggestion.  Her slide-show dialogue captures conversation in fragments and frames, colorful but not chattery.  She touches on mythic imagery from several cultures, especially Celtic with the white stag mentioned above, which gives her motifs a sense of familiarity amidst the madness.  All of it combines to give you a feel for a world very different from our own, in which different outcomes grow from similar circumstances and what you expect is not necessarily so.

          This review was originally submitted to Sense of Wonder.

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If you’re not finished with your holiday shopping yet, here are some gift ideas for people who love books, music, and geek toys. These include entries among Amazon’s “most wished for” items and other  promotions, complete with summaries from their individual pages.

The Tales of Beedle the Bard, Standard Edition
In December 2007, J.K. Rowling unveiled The Tales of Beedle the Bard, a very special book of five fairy tales illustrated by the bard herself, embellished with silver ornaments and mounted moonstones. Amazon was fortunate to come into possession of one of the original copies, and it was our privilege to share images and reviews of this incredible artifact. Now J.K. Rowling is giving millions of Harry Potter fans worldwide cause for celebration with a new edition of The Tales of Beedle the Bard, available December 4, 2008.

Twilight (The Twilight Saga, Book 1)
Bella Swan’s move to Forks, a small, perpetually rainy town in Washington, could have been the most boring move she ever made. But once she meets the mysterious and alluring Edward Cullen, Bella’s life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. Up until now, Edward has managed to keep his vampire identity a secret in the small community he lives in, but now nobody is safe, especially Bella, the person Edward holds most dear.

Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution–and How It Can Renew America
Friedman explains how global warming, rapidly growing populations, and the astonishing expansion of the world’s middle class through globalization have produced a planet that is “hot, flat, and crowded.” Already the earth is being affected in ways that threaten to make it dangerously unstable. In just a few years, it will be too late to fix things–unless the United States steps up now and takes the lead in a worldwide effort to replace our wasteful, inefficient energy practices with a strategy for clean energy, energy efficiency, and conservation that Friedman calls Code Green.

The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream (Vintage)
Barack Obama’s first book, Dreams from My Father, was a compelling and moving memoir focusing on personal issues of race, identity, and community. With his second book The Audacity of Hope, Obama engages themes raised in his keynote speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, shares personal views on faith and values and offers a vision of the future that involves repairing a “political process that is broken” and restoring a government that has fallen out of touch with the people.

How to Cook Everything (Completely Revised 10th Anniversary Edition): 2,000 Simple Recipes for Great Food
Mark Bittman’s award-winning How to Cook Everything has helped countless home cooks discover the rewards of simple cooking. Now the ultimate cookbook has been revised and expanded (almost half the material is new), making it absolutely indispensable for anyone who cooks—or wants to. With Bittman’s straightforward instructions and advice, you’ll make crowd-pleasing food using fresh, natural ingredients; simple techniques; and basic equipment. Even better, you’ll discover how to relax and enjoy yourself in the kitchen as you prepare delicious meals for every occasion.

The Dark Knight on Blu-Ray
The follow-up to Batman Begins, The Dark Knight reunites director Christopher Nolan and star Christian Bale, who reprises the role of Batman/Bruce Wayne in his continuing war on crime. With the help of Lt. Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman sets out to destroy organized crime in Gotham for good.

And Winter Came
Twenty years after her landmark Watermark album, Enya’s seventh studio disc, And Winter Came continues a phenomenally successful career that has included more than 70 million albums sold worldwide. And Winter Came is an enchanting evocation of the changing landscape of winter as well as the festive cheer of the holidays. One of the most successful female artists of all-time, and second only to U2 as the biggest selling Irish artist in history, Enya brings her beguiling and ethereal music to bear on the darkest and yet most hopeful season with And Winter Came.

Twilight: The Score
Composed, orchestrated and conducted by the award-winning Carter Burwell, the Twilight score is a must-have companion to the movie experience. Burwell is a renowned composer who is well known for his work on most Coen Brother films, including The Big Lebowski, Fargo, Burn After Reading, plus films including Being John Malkovich, Gods and Monsters, and more.

Munchkin Mozart Magic Cube
Ideal for children of all ages! Create original music from 5 different instruments, French horn, flute, piano, violin and harp or play music from eight Mozart compositions. Large colorful buttons light up to the tempo of the music. Soft, rounded corners make it easy for a baby to hold. Batteries included.

Western Digital My Passport Essential 320 GB USB 2.0 Portable Hard Drive WDME3200TN (Midnight Black)
These elegant portable drives are simple to use, light and easy to carry, and require no power adapter — they are powered directly through the USB cable.* Works with Windows® and Mac®. Synchronize files between home and office and encrypt everything on the drive for added security.

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            Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit: Restoring Emotional and Mental Balance with Essential Oils by Gabriel Mojay.  Healing Arts Press, 1997.  U.S. $19.95 softcover, 191 pages.  ISBN: 0-89281-887-5.  Three stars.

            Planning to do some mental spring-cleaning?  Look here for ideas.  This book explains how to use aromatherapy for managing nonphysical problems.

          The first part introduces therapeutic foundations including the nature of essential oils, methods of application, yin and yang, the five (Eastern system) Elements, and astrological aspects.  Next comes a hefty “Materia Aromatica” section detailing individual essential oils and their uses.  Each entry offers a discussion of the oil’s history, origin, and effects; a little sidebar gives the plant, its family, the parts used, aroma, energy, main Element, properties, safety data, and an associated symbol.  The last part lists common complaints (such as nervous tension, poor concentration, anger, and problems in relating) and recommended treatments.  At the end you’ll find a handy resource section which lists the main chemical constituents of popular oils, a brief glossary, some ideas on further reading and helpful addresses, and a nice index.  Overall, this is a very pretty book, with plenty of illustrations, some of them in color.

           Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit makes a perfect companion book for any aromatherapy text with a magical or physical orientation, because it has such a strong and detailed focus on mental, emotional, and spiritual matters.  Appropriate for all levels of experience.  Recommended.

          This review originally appeared in PagaNet News.

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