Monthly Archives: July 2011
Down a mine with a laser – James Blaylock’s Affair of the Chalk Cliffs
On a recent journey into London, I picked up the latest Langdon St Ives novel from James Blaylock, The Affair of the Chalk Cliffs. It has been a while since I’d read my last Blaylock but I’ll be trying to … Continue reading
Hourglasses on the page – Charles Stross’s Rule 34
Charlie Stross’s latest, Rule 34, is a fast-paced, discombobulating read. Its near future setting is just in the corner of the reader’s eye though it provides no fixes. There is scant comfort, outside of the brief meetings where the edges … Continue reading
Becoming lost and found in Vandermeer’s Ambergris
I have to admit that re-reading the ‘New Weird’ authors recently has reminded me why I ell head over heels in love with the weirdness at the time. In a sense, it is like the reminder of a first love … Continue reading
Parasols and rapier wit at the ready – Gail Carriger’s Heartless
I’ve just been reading the latest Gail Carriger, Heartless, and it really is a return to form. Alexia Maccon is a little tied up with the slight matter of being eight months pregnant. Rather then being able to enjoy some … Continue reading
Losing my desire – Russell Hoban’s Angelica Lost and Found
Russell Hoban‘s Angelica Lost and Found is a quartet of stories which is underpinned by the rescue of Angelica by Volatore, the Hippogriff, in Ariosto‘s Orlando Furioso. Volatore rescues Angelica and then has sex with her, a pursuit that becomes … Continue reading