What fantastic fiction do I read next?

VOYA - Bonnie Kunzel

An impressive reader's advisory resource covering the three genres that make up fantastic fiction-fantasy, horror, and science fiction-by the editor of What Do I Read Next? A Reader's Guide to Current Genre Fiction (Gale, 1991). Details are provided on over 4,800 fantasy, horror, and science fiction titles, selected for inclusion because they are considered among the best such works published for adults or young adults in the past eight years. Entries, listed in alphabetical order by author, contain the following information: title, place of publication, publisher's name and date, a series name (if appropriate), genre and specific categories within that genre-like sword and sorcery (fantasy), vampire story (horror), and space opera (science fiction)-names and brief descriptions of up to three characters, the time period in which each story takes place, the locale, a brief plot summary, and most helpful of all, other books the reader might like (with a similar theme or style). It was fascinating to browse through this work and see which titles were selected and how they were matched with similar works. Particularly useful are the eight special indexes that provide readers with multiple access points to individual titles: series, time period, geographic, story type, character name, character description (librarian, mythical creature, teenager, etc.), as well as author and title. What fun to skip back and forth, on the trail of similar books or enjoying the juxtaposition inherent in such lists. Fans of the genres will look for old favorites and enjoy the designations provided. Those less knowledgeable will find this a valuable resource indeed when faced with a request for another book "like the one I just read." Award winners and runners-up in the three genres for the past eight years are also included. Glossary. Index. Biblo. Further Reading.

Library Journal

Linking readers of fiction, regardless of age, to specific topics is always a challenge for reader's advisers. Barron, who has compiled numerous concise surveys of fiction (e.g., Anatomy of Wonder, Bowker, 1995. 4th ed.), offers assistance with this impressive guide. Based on the publisher's classic "What Do I Read Next?" series, this volume classifies 4800 novels and story collections published between 1989 and 1996, providing responses to such queries as "What titles feature vampires?" The work is arranged under the three headings listed in the subtitle, and the information includes main characters, publisher, series citation, place of publication, historical period, locale, character stereotype, brief plot summary, and allied titles. Eight indexes cover subject classifications and character names, author, geographic setting, and other variations. This excellent reference will become a standard source on sf, fantasy, and horror.Richard K. Burns, MSLS, Hatboro, Pa.

School Library Journal

Gr 6 UpThis volume consists of more than 4800 titles taken from the volumes of the "What Do I Read Next?" series (Gale). Review citations and a list of the authors' other works are not included, but the information is otherwise the same except for occasional copying errors. The books cited, all published between 1989 and 1996, are listed alphabetically by author. Entries include title, publication date, genre/subgenre (e.g., Science Fiction [Parody; Space Opera] or Horror [Werewolf Story]), a brief description of major characters, time period, locale, a short plot summary, and suggestions of other titles to read. The "Other books you might like" suggestions range from juvenile through adult novels and include older works but are appropriate to the audience for the annotated title. Useful indexes provide access by time period, geographic setting, story type, character name, author, and title. The index of books in series covers only recent titles, making sequel chronology difficult to sort out. Genre fans will enjoy exploring the book, but it will be most useful in libraries lacking the "What Do I Read Next" series.Carolyn Caywood, Virginia Beach Public Library, VA