2018 PULP DEN Awards
Lionel Touzellier (Historical Fiction): The Invisible
Investigation: I have read many books on the assassination,
and the conspiracies behind the murder of JFK, but I think this is my favorite
book on the subject so far. First, the main characters capture the readers, and
pull them into the story. To be truthful, the roles switch and Joshua Mandley
becomes Mei Wang’s assistant not long after the story begins, as his
nanotechnology is secondary to Mei Wang’s knowledge of Lee Harvey Oswald and
everything about the assassination. Plus, she’s no second banana when it comes
to courage. She’s a 4th degree black belt in kung fu, and
though diminutive in size, she’s pretty darn tough. I was fascinated with the
characters, and would love to see them in a new adventure together. Highly
recommended
Trisha J. Kelly (Juvenile Fantasy) The Wrong Lifetime:
This was another fun read, with our youngsters
discovering new adventures, friends, and adversaries. Children and adults will
find this fantasy series a lot of fun. Highly recommended.
Val Tobin (SF/Alien/Thriller) The Experiencers: This was a well written,
action-packed novel more resembling a men’s action novel, but with the addition
of an alien and paranormal background. We don’t actually see aliens until the
end of the story, and thankfully some of the rebel aliens are still alive. I
don’t believe in New Age, and a lot of paranormal stuff, but this fiction novel
certainly kept my interest. Carolyn has future vision, as well as remote
viewing ability, and can see and speak with the dead. So there is a lot of
excitement in this yarn, and I was unable to put the book down. Highly
recommended.
John Wilker (Space Opera) Space Rogues: This was pure Flash Gordon space opera stuff,
and the author kept the story moving at a fast pace with characters the reader
will love. A lone human with a willingness to help, backed up by a fighting
crew of misfits who will follow their captain into the maw of death. Highly
recommended.
John P. Cater (SF/Genetics) Nissy: It’s all about plot, characterization, and good
storytelling. The characters come alive in this fast-paced novel. The writing
is smooth, and the pace flows, never letting up. The science is real, and the
possibilities of computer science and artificial intelligence advancing to the
level of this novel is not far in the future. Not since Colossus: The
Forbin Project and War Games has computer technology
combined with AI this powerful been drawn to our imagination. A prophetic novel
everyone should read. Plus, it is darn good entertainment. Highly recommended.
Jeff Deischer (New Pulp) Millennium Bug: Possibly
the author’s best yet. This is actually a clone of Doc Savage, but Doc is an
old man now – though he’s still in great shape and married to the Aztec
Princess. Pat is mentioned, as Lucrezia Brazen, and was listed as missing in
the Amazon Jungle in 1961. Oz has the appearance of a monkey or ape, so he’s
apparently Monk’s son. I’m not sure if Noble is also a son of one of the aides.
There is action from the beginning to the end, and though old, even Doc is
still The Man Of Bronze, and he faces an old foe once again. It was a great
story, and the new aides are fun, but regrettably I did miss the old gang and
Pat Savage. Still, this novel sets a new level for New Pulp. Highly
recommended.
Anne Greene (Christian Romance) A Crazy Optimist: Although I don’t normally
read romance novels, this author’s clean writing style, and interesting stories
have pulled me into all of her books. There is humor, drama, tension, and
people fall in love. You won’t find sex and profanity in her books, and I’m
thankful for that. This is a book Christian readers can, and will, enjoy.
Highly recommended.
R.J. Eastwood – Robert J. Emery (SF/1st
Contact) The Autopsy Of Planet Earth: Wow! This belongs on film.
However, it wouldn’t work as a movie. This would have to be a six to eight hour
mini-series. As I read this, I couldn’t help being reminded of the humorous
novel, Martians Go Home, about unwanted aliens arriving unexpectedly and
disrupting our ever-day affairs. But this novel, though humorous at times, is
also very serious. I found a lot of the story falling into New Age beliefs, the
creations becoming the creators, one world government, etc. At one point Legna
is asked, “Do you think you are god?” To which he replies, “Maybe I am.” There
are twists after twists in this interesting novel, but it ends well, as humans
begin looking to change. To say any more would give too much away, so I will
leave it there. Highly recommended.
Metal Chest by Chris Yee (SF/Apocalypse): This was a fascinating story,
character driven with a simple plot. It’s a “planet of the apes” against
mankind story, but in this case, robots that can think and act on their own.
And the reader cares for the characters. It would actually make a wonderful
movie, as Salis and Deacon make their way to New Valley, and become close
buddies on the journey. Highly recommended.
Dr. Vigilante
by Alberto Hazan (Men’s Action Novel): This was a page-turner from the beginning, and
I finished it in one day. We see the tortured man who has all the skills, to
both save lives and kill, as he struggles to help the victims and destroy the
evil. There is little plot, as he merely goes after those men who abuse their
wives and children. But halfway into the book neo-Nazis become the central
target for his fight and causes him the most grief. They discover his social
worker girlfriend and target her to get to him. This is not a story based on
plot, but characters, and lots of action. Highly recommended for the action
lover.
