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My Library
I am currently reading:
Dragonshadow by Barbara Hambly
What I've finished recently: (Click on the title to go to my review page)
The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown (review coming soon)
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J. K. Rowling
The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara: Antrax by Terry Brooks
My Reading Preferences:
I like to read mostly fantasy and science fiction, with a little mystery and historical fiction thrown in now and then. But I will also pick up books that don't fall into any of the above categories if I think they will be interesting reads. I usually have several books in progress at one time, as you can see. That way, I can keep one by my bedside, one in my purse and one downstairs, so I can read anywhere!
Here are some of my favorite authors. If any are unfamiliar to you, give them a try. You may discover a new favorite of your own!
Katherine Kurtz: She writes wonderful fantasy. Katherine is the author of the Deryni and Adept series, among others. Her newest book is St. Patrick's Gargoyle, just released this month. If you would like to know more about one of my very favorite authors, go to the Deryni website to learn about Katherine, her works, her castle in Ireland (yes, she really does live there!) and lots of other nifty stuff. If you are already a fan and want to talk about Katherine, her works and lots of other stuff with other fans, visit the alt.books.deryni newsgroup. (Consider yourself warned, however- some at the newsgroup have been known to bring up the subjects of peeps, Monty Python and even <gasp> use extremely bad puns!!)
Barbara Hambly: Author of The Dawarth Trilogy, the Sun-Wolf series, the Rainbow Abyss, the Windrose Chronicles, Dragonsbane and more. Her stories are well-written, her characters are real and her books are always worth reading! Find out more on the Barbara Hambly page.
Terry Brooks: Author of the Shannara series, the Magic Kingdom series and the Knight of the Word trilogy. Good fantasy, always fun to read. He's come back to Shannara now with the release of Ilse Witch, and this, too, will be a trilogy. Here's a link to the Terry Brooks page.
Lillian Jackson Braun: Author of the Cat Who... books, featuring the sleuthing Siamese, Koko, his partner, Yum Yum and their sometimes slower human with the trouble-seeking moustache, Jim Qwilleran. These are not deep or complex stories, most can be finished in one sitting, but they are great fun to read and the cats are just wonderful!
Ellis Peters: Although she died in 1995, her Brother Cadfael books are still good reads. Set in the medieval town of Shrewsbury, they are murder mysteries to be solved by Brother Cadfael, a local monk and herbalist.
Elizabeth Peters: One of the pen names of Barbara Mertz. Author of the Amelia Peabody series. Amelia is a Victorian era archaeologist, married to Walter Emerson, also an archaeologist. Amelia is not your typical Victorian housewife, however. She is strong-willed (she'd better be, to put up with Emerson!), independent and intelligent. The books are full of very accurate archaeological fact (the author has a PhD in Egyptology) , and are funny in a campy sort of way, with touches of Victorian romance.
Guy Gavriel Kay: Author of the Fionavar Tapestry (excellent, excellent, excellent! Read it if you haven't!), A Song for Arbonne and Tigana, among others. Sweeping, epic fantasy, well-written, unforgettable characters- I love his books!
In Memoriam to those we have lost:
Roger Zelazny- I'll miss Amber always;
Marion Zimmer Bradley;
Gordon Dickson;
Douglas Adams- for giving us Life, the Universe and Everything! (And 42);
And always, Robert A. Heinlein, who got me hooked on this stuff!
As for my own writing, well, I have been scribbling things down for as long as I can remember. I don't claim to be on a par with any of the above, but I have included here a sampling of a few of my own endeavors, if you care to read them. I do hope you enjoy!
The Fanfic Pages: Things I've written over the years based on some of my favorite books, stories, TV shows, etc....
Original Works:
A light-hearted fantasy short story.
Just a few pieces.
All of the above are copyright M.A. Kropp and may not be copied, printed, published in any form, electronic or otherwise, or used in any way, without specific written permission.