There aren’t too many books that I will drop everything to read, but those by Matthew Hughes make the list. Planet Stories just published Template, the story of a duelist from the gaming world of Thrais (think a Las Vegas world), where free markets and gambling reign supreme. Conn Labro, one of the greatest players on Thrais, finds himself swept up in a conspiracy that takes him to Old Earth where he finds that his origins and his future are involved in aristocratic skulduggery. Reading Matthew Hughes is almost like reading Jack Vance. That’s the highest praise I can think of. GRADE: A
It’s like you’re speaking Latin. You are so eclectic in what you read, George. I never know what book will be on here next.
There’s something on this blog for all tastes, Patti. Variety is the spice of Life. Of course, I understand many people have different tastes.
I must admit this doesn’t particularly appeal to me (thankfully), but I bet Jackie’s eyes would light up if I mentioned “Las Vegas world” to her.
The “Las Vegas world” appears in the first few chapters, Jeff. Then, it’s off to Old Earth. Rick Robinson has a copy of TEMPLATE. I wonder if Rick will enjoy it as much as I did.
Just got my copy in the mail Friday. I’m a big Hughes fan.Has something new out from PS Publishing in Britain I’m debating on springing for. Not a big fan of the cover tho.
You’re right, Steve. The cover suggests plenty of sword-play, but that aspect is a minor part of TEMPLATE.
I probably will enjoy it, George, just as soon as I get to it! I just finished Dandelion Wine, and halfway through Desert Justice by Paul Powers and probably will be starting Kage Baker’s The Bird of the River later today or tonight. Template is at hand, and I’ll get to it Real Soon Now.
You’ll find Matthew Hughes channeling Jack Vance in TEMPLATE, Rick. Hughes really has Vance’s technique down to a science. I have some Kage Baker books. Her recent death saddened me.
For you thriller fans out there, forget the latest Jack Reacher (which was padded and obvious) and read Jamie Freveletti’s exciting and fast moving Running From the Devil, first in her series about chemist and long distance runner Emma Caldridge. From the second her plane crashes in the Colombian rain forest and the rest of the passengers get captured the action is non stop. You’ll applaud Emma’s pluck and resourcefulness and race through it as quickly as I did.
Jackie is already halfway through it and I have the second one on the way from the library.
Trust me on this and check it out.
I’ve given up on Jack Reacher (and Jack Bauer), Jeff. I’ve ordered RUNNING FROM THE DEVIL. Sounds like my kind of book!