From the front flap: Roald Dahl is recognized as a master in two quite different fields: the short story and the novel for children. In these two new fables, Dahl has once again written startlingly original stories that, while owing something to the clarity and verve of his writing for children, are firmly intended for adults. In "The Princess and the Poacher," the beastially … [Read more...] about Two Fables by Roald Dahl: B
All My Darling Daughters by Fumi Yoshinaga: A
“A mother is an imperfect woman.” So thinks Yukiko Kisaragi, the central hub around which the collection of stories in All My Darling Daughters revolves. As the story begins, Yukiko’s mother, Mari, has just undergone a successful cancer operation and decides that, from now on, she’s going to live her life the way she wants. To Yukiko’s dismay, this involves getting remarried … [Read more...] about All My Darling Daughters by Fumi Yoshinaga: A
Blackout by Keith R. A. DeCandido: C-
From the back cover: New York City in 1977 is vampire heaven. Serial killer Son of Sam is often blamed for their hits, and a citywide blackout gives them free reign of the streets, allowing them to get away with murder. Spike and his beloved Drusilla are in the Big Apple taking advantage of the situation, as is Vampire Slayer Nikki Wood, who has hunkered down with her son, … [Read more...] about Blackout by Keith R. A. DeCandido: C-
RIN-NE 2 by Rumiko Takahashi: B
From the back cover: After a mysterious encounter in her childhood, Sakura Mamiya gained the power to see ghosts. Now a teenager, she just wishes the ghosts would leave her alone! Then one day she meets Rinne Rokudo, a boy who is far more than what he seems. Sakura and Rinne deal with the ghosts of an ancient warrior and a girl who drowned in the school swimming pool, but … [Read more...] about RIN-NE 2 by Rumiko Takahashi: B
Live for Love by Itsuki Sato and Jun Mayama: B+
From the back cover: Yasuie runs the Kiryuuin Detective Agency in Tokyo's Shinjuku Nichome neighborhood. With no clients and no money, it's a constant struggle just to live and pay the rent. For the past seven years, Yasuie's assistant and partner Yoshiyuki has been willing to suffer through all the good and bad times with him—even considering Yasuie's playful advances, which … [Read more...] about Live for Love by Itsuki Sato and Jun Mayama: B+