Author Archives: William Gerke

A bleeding metaphor with all its bones broken

I’ve always been more of a fantasy reader than a science fiction reader.  However, in recent years, I’ve found myself drawn to the over-the-top contemporary space opera by the likes of Iain M. Banks, Alastair Reynolds, and M. John Harrison’s Kefahuchi Tract books.  But head of the pack is Peter Watts. I’ve described his novelContinue reading “A bleeding metaphor with all its bones broken”

When we are dead, the opportunity is past

Jack Vance is best known for his Dying Earth books, but I’ve been picking my way through some of his Gaean Reach science fiction as I’ve been able to snag cheap copies.  The latest was Maske: Thaery, which I picked up at a New Hampshire flea market. Maske: Thaery tells the story of Jubal Droad, aContinue reading “When we are dead, the opportunity is past”

“Step into the gap, soldier.”

Steven Erikson is a genius. His Malazan Books of the Fallen are the only books I’ve read that rival–possibly exceed–Tolkein for the sheer weight of imagined history. But Erikson eschews Tolkein’s formality. His characters live and fight and die in the muck and dirt. Generals and soldiers, gods and monsters, ancient races and undead warriors,Continue reading ““Step into the gap, soldier.””

“Monster in the Mountains” to see print in Best Of

It is with great pleasure that I announce the impending release of the Heroic Fantasy Quarterly‘s first “Best of…” compilation, which includes my story “Monster in the Mountains.”  The book will be available for pre-order shortly, and they are targeting availability for ebook and Print on Demand versions by Black Friday. I’m proud of all myContinue reading ““Monster in the Mountains” to see print in Best Of”

That sensation which tells you this is something you’ve always known

A group of us got together recently to watch Jupiter Ascending, the recent effort from the Wachowskis. We were less than impressed. The weak characters with unclear, shifting motivations and a non-sensical plot could not be saved by the gonzo world and over-the-top visuals. But the stunning imagery and story revolving around warring family members in aContinue reading “That sensation which tells you this is something you’ve always known”

The smartest one about doing what’s right

On a trip to Florida, I stumbled across about a dozen of Andrew Vachss’s Burke novels in a used book store. I’d been interested in his work for some time, so I picked one up. I burned through it in a couple days, returned to the store, bought all the rest, and took them backContinue reading “The smartest one about doing what’s right”

They keep on trying

There’s something a bit disingenuous about reviewing the tenth book in a series.  After all, if I’ve read this far, obviously I enjoy them.  The best one can do is discuss its merits relative to other books in the series.  Fortunately, as I’ve noted before, these are not reviews so much as thoughts about my readingContinue reading “They keep on trying”