Wednesday, December 4, 2013

The Man-Kzin Wars XIV-Hal Colebatch, Jessica Q. Fox, Matthew Joseph Harrington and Alex Hernandez

The Man-Kzin Wars XIV Hal Colebatch, Jessica Q. Fox, Matthew Joseph Harrington and Alex Hernandez Baen, Dec 3 2013, $15.00 ISBN 9781451639384 "A Man Named Saul" by Hal Colebatch & Jessica Q. Fox. In 2437, the Judge filled with remorse for what he did years ago allows an ailing Kzin family inside the stockade. "Heritage" by Matthew Joseph Harrington. At the start of the second Kzin-human war, both sides learned lessons from the first combat even as the Yorktown and the Galaxias are missing. "The Marmalade Problem" by Hal Colebatch. In Wunderland Marmalade the Kzin orphan lives in abject fear amidst the humans. "Leftovers" by Matthew Joseph Harrington. Having lived through five wars ARM Marshall Buford meets Protector Ursula wondering whether he will survive this encounter. "The White Column" by Hal Colebatch. He has been allowed to see the dark future though his next time will be his last session. "Deadly Knowledge" by Hal Colebatch. In 2419 in Occupied Wunderland, the Kzinti learn of the legendary powerful Moby Dick. "Lions on the Beach" by Alex Hernandez. Daneel the human travels with his adopted Kzinti kit on the sea. The latest Man-Kzin Wars anthology contains seven entertaining tales. Five of the entries focus on the complex relationships between the enemy species after the fragile peace occurs with "Lions on the Beach" mindful of the TV show Defiance. The intriguing premise of "The White Column" feels out of place; as does the well-written "Heritage" since it occurs at the onset of the second war. Harriet Klausner

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