Book Review: A Mere Formality

A Mere Formality

By:  Ilona Andrews

Publisher:  Ilona Andrews

Publish Date:  2008

Format:  eNovella, 25pgs

Genre:  Fantasy, Science Fiction

Series:  Novella, Short story in Kozlov Universe

Recommendation:  Sexy Science Fiction with amazing world building!  Yes!!

Synopsis:
A science fiction short story.

First Sentence:
The alarm chimed, sending tiny shivers through Deirdre's fingers, coated in liquid interface.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Deirdre is a member of the special crew mediating the treaty of two worlds.  Deirdre is one who does all the research, with her fingers in the computer interface and mind flying through it.  Now, Deirdre is on her way to the banquet for the treaty, when the Reigh enter and the tension of this dangerous group, even under sign of peace, is felt.  One of the Reigh is bumped by Michel, but the Reigh could have avoided the happening and didn't, dropping his sign... on purpose?  The four races in presence have a link to each other, a delicate link that could break causing a deadly war.  And that happens here, but a deal can be made to save lives, a deal with Deirdre.

I Like! this "space" world creation here.  This is something Ilona and Gordon are strong at.  REAL strong!  They have taken 4 different worldly races, and created them in a short story.  Actions speak louder than words, and they use words to create it all!  It was so easy to see the creatures and the personalities the reflected.  Ilona and Gordon are wonderful at describing cultures with anticipation mixed in wanting to know what will happen.

Not only is there a whole world, or two, created here but a mystery is now underway.  Who poisoned the man, and why?  Wonderful blend!  As can be expected by Ilona and Gordon.

There is definitely Adult content in this short story.  Not actual sex, but definite talk about it.

I think Ilona and Gordon need to write a science fiction series!  I would definitely pick it up!  And this world could be a great start. :)


Would you like a copy of this one as well?  Well, you are in luck, IT'S FREE!  Yes, Ilona Andrews has it for free download on their site.  Go get it!


I read this for my own enjoyment.

Book Review: Questing Beast

Questing Beast

By:  Ilona Andrews

Publisher:  Ilona Andrews

Publish Date:  May 2010

Format:  eNovella, 30pgs

Genre:  Fantasy, Science Fiction

Series:  Novella, Short story.  Kozlov Universe

Recommendation:  For a quick Science Fiction fix, Yes!

Synopsis:
On a world far far away, where cute things eat computers and the sky is emerald green, a small team of scientists struggles to save the planet and their own careers by mixing genetic engineering and Arthurian legend.  Too bad they had forgotten the first rule of planet exploration:  Nature always has the last laugh.

First Sentence:
In the green glow of Nemurian midnight, the food stain on the geosurvey graph blazed electric orange.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Sean is on Nemuria with his crew researching to save the planet from development.  The computers are locked behind many secret-locking doors and Plexiglas, to protect them from trogomets, two foot tall fuzzy computer-eating animals, as the most important report, Final Evaluation Report, is kept there now finished awaiting the council to arrive in four days.  However, last night a millipede virus broke through the transmission and destroyed the FER and all backups, but one.  The only one remains in the Nannybot that is now riding a dwarf cow acting strange by speaking as if it's Sir Pellinore from Mallory and is to hunt the Questing Beast.  The only way to break the virus, is to let the machine follow through with the quest it requires.

This was a fun quick read, just a short story.  There is mention of Greek mythological beings, the Arthurian legend, and science fiction is use.  What a blend!  It was so neat to see that there are 'genetic blanks,' ready to create an arm of foot if one happens to be lost, and this is what they create the 'beast' from.  The 'beast' itself if amazing!  What they try to create and get are different.  And so neat to add to the planet.  But do remember, adding something new to an environment...could have consequent.

But before we get to creating this amazing creature we have to get through the troubles between crew members.  Sean's apology to Jennifer is perfect, and made me laugh.

I enjoyed this quick read.  Actually so much so it would be neat to see Ilona & Gordon write more here on this planet.  With the way the short story ended, it could be possible.


Do you want to read this one?  It's FREE!  Yes, it's free for your taking and enjoyment.
You can find it:
   links on Ilona Andrews site
   Smashwords (in all different eformats - you pick which one you need)
   Barnes & Nobles Nook


I read this for my own enjoyment.