Science Fiction
Robinson, Kim Stanley. The Martians. New York: Bantam Books. 1999.
Annotation |
"Beginning with the First Hundred explorers, generations of friends, enemies, and lovers are swept up in the drama that is Earth's tenuous toehold on Mars." Taken from the book jacket by: Nancy 9/7/1999 |
Wolfe, Stephen L. Handbook for Space Pioneers. New York: Westbridge Books. 1977.
Annotation |
"It's a strange and mysterious galaxy out there, and man has only just begun to explore it." Taken from the book jacket by: CC 9/21/1999 |
Stackpole, Michael. Star Wars: X-Wing Rogue Squadron. New York: Ballantine Books. 1996.
Annotation |
| "When
Rebel hero Wedge Antilles rebuilds the legendary Rogue Squadron, he seeks out only the
best- the most skilled, the most daring X-Wing pilots. Their mission: to defend the Rebel
Alliance against a still powerful and battle harded Imperial foe in a last ditch effort to
control the stars." Annotation taken from book jacket by TW on 9-26-00. |
Willis, Connie. Doomsday Book. New York: Bantam Books. 1992.
Annotation |
| "In
a time of superstition and fear, Kirvin finds she has become an unlikely angel of hope
during one of history’s darkest hours." Annotation taken from book jacket by TW on 9-26-00. |
Sherman, Josepha. Star Trek: Vulcan’s Forge. New York: Pocket Books. 1997.
Annotation |
| "In
Vulcan’s Forge, Captain Spock faces his greatest challenge and his most
difficult choice." Annotation taken from book jacket by TW on 9-26-00. |
Lucas, George. The Star Wars Triogy. New York: Ballantine Books. 1993.
Annotation |
"When
Luke Skywalker intercepts a cryptic message from a beautiful captive princess, he got more
than he had bargained for- and that was how it all began.
Annotation taken from book jacket by TW on 9-26-00. |
Stackpole, Michael A. Dark Tide II Ruin. New York: Balantine. 2000
Annotation |
| "The
Alien Yuuzhan Vong have launched an attack on the worlds of the Outer Rim. They are
merciless, without regard for life – and they stand utterly outside the Force. Their
ever-changing tactics stump the New Republic military. Even the Jedi, once the greatest
guardians of peace in the galaxy, are rendered helpless by this impervious foe – and
their solidarity has begun to unravel. While Luke struggles to keep the Jedi together,
Knights Jacen Solo and Corran Horn set off on a reconnaissance mission to the planet
Garqi, an occupied world. There, at last, they uncover a secret that might be used to
undermine the enemy – if only they can stay alive long enough to use it!" Annotation from back of book by ck 10/11/00 |
Luceno, James. Agents of Chaos I. New York: Ballantine. 2000
Annotation |
| "Merciless
attacks by an invincible alien force have left the New Republic reeling. Dozens of worlds
have succumbed to occupation or annihilation, and even the Jedi Knights have tasted
defeat. In these darkest of times, the noble Chewbacca is laid to rest, having died as
heroically as he lived – and a grief-stricken Han Solo is left to fit the pieces of
his shattered life back together before he loses everything: friends, family and faith.
Refusing help from Leia or Luke, Han becomes the loner he once was, seeking to escape the
pain of his partner’s death in adventure…and revenge. When he learns that an old
friend from his smuggling days is operating as a mercenary for the enemy, he sets out to
expose the traitor. But Han’s investigation uncovers an even greater evil: a sinister
conspiracy aimed at the very heart of the New Republic’s will and ability for fight
– the Jedi. Now Han must face down his inner demons and, with the help of a new and unexpected ally, honor Chewbacca'’s sacrifice in the way that matters – by being worthy of it. Annotation from back of book by ck 10/11/00. |
Card, Orson Scott. Heartfire. New York: Publisher. 1998.
Annotation |
| "Using
the lore and the folk magic of the men and women who settled the North American continent,
Car has created an alternate world in which that magic really works and has colored the
entire history of the colonies, charms and beseechings, hexes and potions, all have a
place in the lives of the people of this world. "Knacks" abound: dowsers find
water, those with the second sight warn of dangers to come, and a Torch can read the heart
of anyone. And Alvin, the seventh son of a seventh son, is a very special man indeed.
Peggy Guester is a Torch, able to see the fire burning in each person’s heart. Her
power is so great that she can follow the paths of each person’s future and know
their most intimate secrets. From the moment of Alvin’s birth when the unmaker first
strove to kill him, he has been protected by her. Now they are married, and Peggy is a
part of Alvin’s heart as well as his life. But, the achievement of Alvin’s
destiny, and the building of the Crystal City he has foreseen, have taken Alvin and Peggy
on separate journeys. He has gone north into New England, where Knacks are considered
witchcraft and their use is risk, Alvin believes that there is someone in New England who
knows where his city is to be built. Peggy, though, has been drawn south, to the British Crown Colonies and the court of King Author Staurt in exile. For she has seen a terrible future bloom in the heart-fires of every person in America – a future of war and destruction. One slender path exists that leads through the bloodshed, and it is Peggy’s quest to set the world on the path to peace. To achieve it, she must gain the ear of the King himself. But Alvin’s younger brother, Calvin, has also come to the Court of Camelot, with his great, but perverted powers. Peggy’s life is at risk, and she has no reason to believe that Calvin will do anything by place her in greater danger." Annotation from inside cover by ck 10/11/00. |
Zahn, Timothy. Vision of the Future. New York: Bantam. 1998.
Annotation |
| "For
a beleaguered Empire, desperate times call for desperate measures. Sowing discord among
the fragile coalition of the New Republic, remnants of the once powerful Empire make one
last play for victory. Having implicated the Bothans in the genocide of the Caamasi, they
now plan an attack on Han and Leia that is also to be blamed on the Bothans. If they are
successful, the New Republic will be torn asunder. To prevent inevitable disaster, Luke,
Leia, Han, and their friends must prove the Bothans innocent and reveal the Empire’s
treachery. But time is running out. The cunning Major Tierce has joined with the ambitious Moff Disra in the Empire’s master plan. At its heart lies the most elaborate con of all: the rumor that the legendary Grand Admiral Thrawn, long believed dead, has returned to lead the Empire to a prophesied triumph. The news of Thrawn’s return is already rallying Imperial forces against the New Republic. As Leia travels to a secret rendezvous with an Imperial commander who claims to want peace, Han and Lando Calrissian journey into enemy territory to learn the truth of Caamas’s destruction. Meanwhile, Luke and Mara Jade infiltrate a hidden fortress where Thrawn’s most fanatical followers await his call to arms. And Talon Karrde returns to his underworld past and a brutal crime lord whose knowledge may save the Republic. But it is the truth about Thrawn that is most important. In his hands – alive or dead – rest the fate of the New Republic." Annotation from inside cover by ck 10/11/00. |
Herbert, Brian. Dune House Harkonnen. New York: Bantam Books. 2000.
Annotation |
| "At
last Shaddom sits on the Golden Lion Throne, his precarious position as ruler of the known
Universe dependent on producing a male heir. But his leadership is further threatened by
the ambitious Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, whose insatiable thirst for dominance leads him to
plot against some of the most powerful forces in the Imperium, hoping to elevate his own
ruthless House to unprecedented heights of power. His primary targets: House Atreides and
the mysterious Bene Gesserit Sisterhood. The Sisterhood are unaware of this treat as they
prepare to culminate the work of centuries in the creation of a god-child who will sweep
away emperors, houses, and history itself in a terrifying new order of religious tyranny.
The desert world Dune, the machine world Ix, and countless other conquered planets groan
under the numbing slavery of cruel new masters determined to exploit their resources
– most notable the addictive spice Melange found only on Dune. But small bands of
renegades begin to fight back, lighting the spark of freedom against overwhelming odds,
New unexpected heroes arise: young and resourceful Liet-Kynes on Dune, wily and patient
C’tair on Ix, and the unyielding Gurney Halleck on Giedi Prime, driven to vengeance
against his Harkonnen overlords. For Leto Atreides, grown complacent and comfortable as
ruler of his House, it is a time of momentous choice: between love and honor, friendship
and duty, safety. Leto has finally produced an heir to House Atreides, Victor, and will
make whatever choices necessary to protect the young boy and ensure his legacy as Duke.
Ultimately, however, for House Atredies there is just one choice – strive for
greatness or be crushed." Annotation from inside covers by ck 10/26/00. |
Clarke, Arthur C. Cradle. New York: Warner Books. 1988.
Annotation |
| A
top-secret missile vanishes in mid flight, a golden trident changes shape. Whales guard an
underwater cave. Join Miami photojournalist, Carol Dawson in Key West, who uses a whale
beaching as cover while she investigates the loss of the prototype of the U.S. Navy’s
new Panther missle. The captain of her chartered diving boat has plans of his own. The
Navy’s investigator is sure that Carol, Captain Nick Williams and his crewman are
Soviet Agents. They are all pulled into a terrifying unearthly secret. Annotation by ck 11/16/00. |
Taylor, Jeri. Mosaic. New York: Pocket Books. 1996.
Annotation |
| In
this book Jeri Taylor, invites us inside the life story of Captain Kathryn Janeway.
Janeway must battle on two fronts to save not only her ship and crew but also the lives of
an away team headed by Lt. Tuvok. While the ship is under surprise attach by a Kazon Sect.
Lt. Tuvok and his away team are trapped on a wilderness planet, and being stalked by Kazon
forces. Annotation by ck 11/16/00. |
Tyer, Kathy. Balance Point. New York: Ballantine. 2000.
Annotation |
| Liea
Organa Solo keeps a watchful eye on the refugees as they work to restore the life of the
planet Duro in return for a new home. Han Solo, his son Jacen and the Ryn, Droma Come to
keep the peace between the New Republic and the Duros. Our heroes do not realize that the
planet is also the next target of the Yuuzhan Vong. Annotation by ck 11/16/00. |
Salvatore, R A. Servant of the Shard. U S: Wizards of the Coast, Inc. 2000.
Annotation |
| "With
each kill, I grow wiser and with added wisdom, I grow stronger." Annotation from back of book by ck 12/6/00. |
Martin, George R R. A Storm of Swords. New York. Bantam Books. 2000.
Annotation |
| Five
contenders for power, war raging violently, alliances made, alliances broken an ancient
kingdom is torn apart. On the Iron Throne is Joffrey who has an uneasy time ruling the
seven kingdoms. Lord Stannis is defeated and living in disgrace, the victim of an evil
sorceress whose jealousy has caused her to hold him in her power. Robb rules the north
from his Riverrun fortress, while his Lannister enemies keep his sister as hostage. Making
her way across this blood-drenched embattled continent is Daenerys. She is the exiled
queen and rules the only three living dragons. While they battle for power, an army of the
living dead sweeps over the land. The future of the seven kingdoms hang in the balance
amidst a storm of swords. Annotation by ck 12/6/00. |
Walton, Jo. The King’s Peace. New York: A Tom Doherty Associates Book. 2000.
Annotation |
| Just
seventeen when the Jarnish raiders came, even unarmed it took six to subdue Sulien ap
Gwien. They will never gain her forgiveness. Her story begins here. It takes her back to
her family’s past history and forward to Caer Tanaga and King Urdo. Her life is
changed forever. To her King Urdo is the greatest hop for her country and to him, she is
the greatest warrior of her time. Annotation by ck 12/7/00. |
King, Stephen. The Dark Tower: the Gunslinger. New York: Penguin Books. 1989.
Annotation |
| "This
heroic fantasy is set in a world of ominous landscape and macabre menace that is a dark
mirror of our own. A spellbinding tale of good versus evil, it features one of Stephen
King’s most powerful creations – The Gunslinger, a haunting figure who embodies
the qualities of a lone hero through the ages from ancient myth to frontier western
legend. His pursuit of The Man in Black, his liaison with the sexually ravenous Alice, his
friendship with the kid from Earth called Jake, realistic and eerily dreamlike, and
alchemy of storytelling sorcery." Annotation from back of book by ck 12/21/00. |
Altman, Steven-Elliot. The Touch. New York: ibooks. 2000.
Annotation |
| "A
Depriver is someone who, for reasons still under scientific investigation, possesses and
employs a defense mechanism that can drastically in capacitate other human beings. They
are prohibited by law from touching anyone due to the inherent adverse effects of their
touch. Some people, unfortunately, don’t know they’re Deprivers. Therefore, a brush with someone on a bus could have life-threatening consequences. If you have come into direct physical contact with a person suffering from this syndrome, you can be deprived of sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, memory, pain, balance, or sense of direction indefinitely. The Touch documents over twenty cases of Deprivers Syndrome outbreaks which will keep you in suspense until the final shocking page." Annotation from back of book by ck 12/21/00. |