Author Pimping: Caitlin R. Kiernan

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I first encountered Caitlin Keirnan when she wrote for Neil Gaiman's comic, The Dreaming (sequel to Sandman). Before her, it was rambling, dreamy, still pretty cool, but when she took over, the series turned into a complex, crazy, unique tale. (With one of the few transgendered characters I've encountered, I might add.)

Her first book, Silk , is the only one I've had a chance to read yet, but I can't wait to read the others.

Kiernan's work is intense, twisted, and profoundly human while warping the boundaries of reality. If you need a vacation from mainstream fluffy dark fantasy, (most of which I don't believe deserves the title) check her out.

Author Pimping -- Suzannah Clarke

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Okay, this is more of a book pimping, since Suzannah Clarke has only written one so far. But it's one you should all read!

Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell is based in an alternate early 19th Century. Magic works, but there are only two true magicians (the title characters). She took a decade to write it, and the care and time she took shows, yet it is easy to read, despite the huge amounts of magnificent description.

It's a hard book to describe, but if you love historical fiction, non-fluffy fairies, and hate Mary Sues, this is the book for you.