T = TEPPER, Sheri S., Author, A-Z Blog Challenge 2016

An excellent writer of science fiction with a different Point of View. . .

Sheri S. Tepper, Author

T = Tepper, Sheri Stewart, Author
Theme = Authors, AtoZ



Sheri Stewart Tepper, born July 16, 1929, is an American writer of Science Fiction, Horror and Mystery novels. She is known to be controversial at times, addressing issues others might be reluctant to discuss. Sheri lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

She has written under several pseudonyms, including A. J. Orde, E. E. Horlak, and B. J. Oliphant. In November 2015, she received the World Fantasy Award for Live Achievement.


A couple of Sheri S. Tepper's books that I've read: 

The Companions by Sheri S. Tepper

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The Gate to Women's Country by Sheri S. Tepper

Other titles read: Singer from the Sea, Six Moon Dance, The Family Tree, and Shadow's End. I enjoy the way she weaves her stories.

Sheri S. Tepper's many acclaimed novels include: The Margarets and Gibbon's Decline And Fall, both shortlisted for the Arthur C. Clarke Award, and A Plague Of Angels, Sideshow and Beauty, which was voted Best Fantasy Novel Of The Year by readers of Locus magazine.

Other titles by Tepper using pseudonyms:

As A.J. Orde (mystery):  The Jason Lynx Mysteries, featuring a Colorado antiques dealer and his significant other, a female cop

As B.J. Oliphant (mystery): Shirley McClintock Mysteries

As E.E. Horlak (horror): Still Life

Tepper writes series and non-series books, essays, poetry and short works as well.

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Have you heard of or read any of Sheri S. Tepper's novels? What do you think of her work?

(I am a fan of Tepper's work because she addresses social issues that have been under long-range discussion since the 1970s; faves are The Gate to Women's Country and The Family Tree - not what you'd expect. . .)

Please leave a comment to let me know you were here and I'll respond. Thanks for dropping by! Posting a bit later today, sorry about that. I've been sleep-deprived. . .

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A to Z Challenge - 2016

It's April again and time for the 2016 Blogging from A to Z challenge  This is my 4th year participating in the challenge! (Previous A to Z  posts at the top of my blog page tabs are: Art A-Z, French Faves, Paris, Etc. 

Thanks to originator Lee (Arlee Bird at Tossing It Out), and the co-hosts and co-host teams who make the challenge run smoothly. See the list of participants, and other important information at the A to Z Blog site.  The basic idea is to blog every day in April except Sundays (26 days). On April 1st, you begin with the letter A, April 2 is the letter B, and so on. Posts can be random or use a theme.

Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016 - Badge

http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/p/a-z-challenge-sign-up-list-2016.html A to Z Blog List

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References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheri_S._Tepper Wiki on Sheri S. Tepper

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CassaStorm! - the Book You've been Waiting for. . .

Alex J. Cavanaugh's
New Release Available September 17, 2013



CassaStorm

By Alex J Cavanaugh

 

From the Amazon Best Selling Series!

A storm gathers across the galaxy



Commanding the Cassan base on Tgren, Byron thought he’d put the days of battle behind him. As a galaxy-wide war encroaches upon the desert planet, Byron’s ideal life is threatened and he’s caught between the Tgrens and the Cassans.

After enemy ships attack the desert planet, Byron discovers another battle within his own family. The declaration of war between all ten races triggers nightmares in his son, threatening to destroy the boy’s mind.

Meanwhile the ancient alien ship is transmitting a code that might signal the end of all life in the galaxy. And the mysterious probe that almost destroyed Tgren twenty years ago could return. As his world begins to crumble, Byron suspects a connection. The storm is about to break, and Byron is caught in the middle…

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Reviews:

“CassaStorM is a touching and mesmerizing space opera full of action and emotion with strong characters and a cosmic mystery.” – Edi’s Book Lighhouse


“…mesmerizing story of survival, personal sacrifice, tolerance, and compassion. It’s a rare jewel that successfully utilizes both character and plot to tell a story of such immense scope and intimate passion…” - Nancy S. Thompson, author of The Mistaken

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Science fiction/adventure and science fiction/space opera
$16.95 USA, 6x9 Trade paperback, 268 pages, Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.
Print ISBN 9781939844002 eBook ISBN 9781939844019
$4.99 EBook available in all formats

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Find CassaStorm:

Barnes and Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1116848619?ean=9781939844002

Amazon -
http://www.amazon.com/CassaStorm-Alex-J-Cavanaugh/dp/1939844002/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1378484337&sr=1-1&keywords=cassastorm

Amazon Kindle - http://www.amazon.com/CassaStorm-ebook/dp/B00F2O9QMC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1378811366&sr=1-1&keywords=cassastorm

Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17670532-cassastorm

Book trailer - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Umm2l0XdHc&feature=youtu.be

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Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design and graphics. He is experienced in technical editing and worked with an adult literacy program for several years. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is the Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. The author of the Amazon bestsellers, CassaStar and CassaFire, he lives in the Carolinas with his wife.

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Website – http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/

Twitter – http://twitter.com/AlexJCavanaugh

Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4287922.Alex_J_Cavanaugh

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Here's my question to the Capt'n:
 
Were there any other significant men in Athee's background, not including family? (any 'old flames' from the past)

His Answer:

I really hadn't thought about it! (What man really cares about the men in his woman's past?) She's attractive, so I imagine there were a few men vying for her attention before Byron.

So - What's in the Past, stays in the Past!

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Comment on Alex’s blog this week for a chance to win! One person will be chosen at random to win a Cassa mug, Cass mousepad, swag, and a $25 iTunes gift card (Or Amazon).

 

Have you read the first two books in this series? Are you a part of the Ninja Capt'n's Army or Clones? OR, Do you know who 'mini-Alex' is and where he came from?

If not, check out Alex's blog to find out more, but please leave a comment here first! Thanks for stopping by.

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Rainforest Review - Backworlds, BK 2 by M.Pax

STOPOVER at the BACKWORLDS' EDGE

M. Pax's Book 2:  Stopover at the Backworlds' Edge

The Backworlds Book 2 is Out!


The sequal to The Backworlds is now available. Craze and his friends continue their adventures in Stopover at the Backworlds' Edge. See what role chocolate plays in the galaxy this time.


The interstellar portal opens, bringing in a ship that should no longer exist. A battleship spoiling for a fight, yet the war with Earth ended two generations ago. The vessel drops off a Water-breather, a type of Backworlder thought to be extinct. She claims one of Craze's friends is a traitor who summoned the enemy to Pardeep Station. A betrayal worse than his father's, if Craze lives to worry about it.

Available for all ereaders from:

Amazon

AmazonUK

Barnes & Noble

Smashwords 

iTunes and Kobo will be available shortly.

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If you haven't read The Backworlds yet, it's available as a free read from many outlets.  See HERE for links.

Inspiring the words M. Pax writes, Mary spends her summers as a star guide at Pine Mountain Observatory in stunning Central Oregon where she lives with the husband unit and two loving cats. She writes science fiction mostly and has a slight obsession with Jane Austen. 


Mary blogs at http://www.mpaxauthor.com/blog/

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Author:  M. Pax

Do you follow M. Pax?  Have you read The Backworlds?  Do you read Science Fiction/Fantasy?  Please share in the comments and be sure to go over and check out the blog.  Mary always has something interesting going on there.

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References:

http://www.mpaxauthor.com/blog/  M. Pax's Blog

http://mpaxauthor.com/the-backworlds-series/backworlds-the/  The Backworlds series



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Rainforest Book Reviews # 8 - SCIFI Spotlight

In the spotlight:  Alex J. Cavanaugh's two books, CassaStar and CassaFire.  This is the story of Byron, an ace pilot with a lonely background and troubled past.  


 Cassastar

Alex J. Cavanaugh, Science Fiction
Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C., 2010



Arriving on the planet Guaard for training, Byron knows this may be his last chance to reach his goal of being a fighter pilot. His current navigator is the only one left who can tolerate him. Senior Officer Bassa notices Byron's piloting skills and learns of his secret ability, a skill only found in a few Cassans. He investigates the young man's background and sees a troubled past that reminds him of his own mistakes.


Through battles with an encroaching enemy and a personal crisis, Byron is forced to step outside himself and worry about others.  When all seems lost, he is determined to right a few wrongs and makes a heroic effort. 


As an introduction to this universe and to the character of Byron, this book succeeds in showing us the growth of the individual.  Alex takes us through the learning curve that Byron must traverse to reach his full potential.  I enjoyed this book, and it provides the background for Alex's second book in this series, released early in 2012.  See below.

http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.ca/  Alex's Blog


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CassaFire


Alex J. Cavanaugh, Science Fiction
Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C., 2012


In CassaFire, Byron has matured in age and feels his glory days are behind him.  He doesn't want to be reminded of his past misdeeds or accomplishments.   When alien ruins and writings are discovered on the planet Tgren, an exploration ship is dispatched to assist the Tgrens and try to break the alien code.  Initially a little cool to the Cassans, the Tgrens must learn to trust them.


Learning shortly after his arrival that he will be training another pilot, a female with potential for mental powers, Byron is annoyed.  He doesn't easily acknowledge her proficiency.  She wants to get to know him.  He resists.


There's plenty of action and pyrotechnics (primary colours, loud noises, and bright explosions) in the battle scenes.  If you like science fiction and discovering new authors, check out these two books.  See Alex's blog.  He's full of information about film, current books and ninjas.

http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.ca/p/cassafire.html  Alex's Blog


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Have you read Alex's books?  Do you follow his blog?
Please share any comments you have, and if you don't know Alex, drop by his page to find out more about him.  It's also a nice place to meet other writers and readers.


DG's Note:  After Blogger wiped out two previous attempts at this post and refused to upload images, I was unable to show the separate covers for the two books.  Now, in the right sidebar, I've uploaded a photo showing both covers.   


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RainForest Pickings #3 - RainForest Reviews

Books I’d recommend: an eclectic mix of Science Fiction, Mystery, & ‘Odds-Bodkins’ books


The Winds of Dune, by Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson, Science Fiction. Published by TOR. This book follows the recently published Paul of Dune, but chronologically is the direct sequel to Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert.


This is the story of Alia Atreides, who is left to pick up the pieces of an empire and consolidate her forces after her brother, Paul Muad’dib, vanishes into the desert. Lady Jessica Atreides is drawn away from her seclusion on Caladan, and quietly tries to help maintain the delicate balance between all the opposing forces threatening to topple the government on Dune.


Making appearances in this book are Duncan Idaho (or his clone derivative), Bronso of IX, Gurney Halleck, and Princess Irulan. Each has his own agenda, which conflicts at times with Alia or Jessica’s plans. The witches of the Bene Gesserit continue their manipulations, using their far-reaching claw-holds to remain a functioning order.


Intrigue upon intrigue, this book continues the grand epic tale of Dune, and whets our appetite for more tales of the desert planet. That seems to be the intent, judging from the book title shown as ‘in the works’ on the overleaf.


I’ll be waiting for it.
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Paul of Dune, written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson - Science Fiction; Published by TOR; this book explores the time between Dune and Dune Messiah.



The jihad of Paul Muad’Dib’s is sweeping across the galaxies of his new empire, when enemies of the regime start to appear and betrayals seem to flourish. Paul begins to question his tactics, his mental stability and his supporters. He must look forward to assess the outcome of what he and his valiant Fremen have put into motion. Most of the major characters appear in this book - Duke Leto, Lady Jessica, Chani, Stilgar, and Gurney Halleck, just to name a few.



Highly recommended for those who enjoy the Dune universe.
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Sandworms of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson - Science Fiction; Published by TOR; sequentially follows Chapterhouse: Dune, Frank Herbert’s final novel.


At the end of Chapterhouse: Dune, a ship escapes with a crew of refugees intent on hiding from a mysterious enemy. Unsure of their chances of survival, they use genetic technology to revive some of the strong figures of Dune’s past.


What happens to the sandworms? What about Arrakis? How about the man vs. machine war? Who really is the Kwisatz Haderach? Most importantly, who is the enemy? Many of these questions will be answered in this new volume.


Prepare yourself for the ride.
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Invasive Procedures by Orson Scott Card and Aaron Johnston - Science Fiction; published by TOR. This is a collaborative effort between a well-known author (Ender’s Game) and an experienced screenwriter (Johnston).


The ‘Healers’ can cure the incurable diseases, but their therapy is customized for each individual. Inoculations improve the person’s health, eradicate the disease and as an added bonus, make the recipients compliant to the will of the ‘Prophet’. The healers and the prophet belong to a religious cult intent on control of its members, by whatever means are available. The Prophet envisions great things for his followers, but especially for himself.


A virologist working for a government biohazard agency opposes the Prophet by producing a neutralizer for the DNA-changing virus. The major problem he faces is the animosity of the people he proposes to help. Not everyone wants to be neutralized against the Healer’s virus. The fight is on as these two opponents try to out-manoeuver the other.


This story illuminates the hazards of charity with strings attached. It’s an engrossing story which brings back memories of the X-files, those secret government folders containing information not deemed suitable for the average person.


Never underestimate the power of the warped mind.
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Robert’s Rules of Writing - 101 unconventional lessons (every writer needs to know) by Robert Masello; Published by Writer’s digest books, an imprint of F+W Publications, Inc. Robert Masello is a journalist and a television writer, has authored fifteen books, and written numerous articles, essays and reviews.


Unorthodox writing advice from a seasoned writer. Mixed in with the humour are ideas that provide an alternate viewpoint on some of the traditional writing maxims. The light-hearted manner is evident in the chapter titles, ‘Burn your journal’, or ‘Buy the smoking jacket’; it’s easy to read in small bits of time as the chapters are short.


I initially planned to gift this book, but kept it for myself. The writing managed to surprise me and I like books that do that.
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Note: These book reviews will be added monthly. They will reflect the (short) list beside the posts. Format may be dynamic.