The Dragon Never Sleeps by Glen Cook

The Dragon Never Sleeps by Glen Cook

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Jacket Blurb:  For four thousand years, the Guardships have ruled Canon Space - immortal ships with an immortal crew, dealing swiftly and harshly with any mercantile houses or alien races that threaten the status quo. But now the House Tregesser has an edge: a force from outside Canon Space offers them the resources to throw off Guardship rule. This precipitates an avalanche of unexpected outcomes, including the emergence of Kez Maefele, one of the few remaining generals of the Ku Warrior race-the only race to ever seriously threaten Guardship hegemony. Kez Maefele and a motley group of aliens, biological constructs, an scheming aristocrats find themselves at the center of the conflict. Maefele must chose which side he will support: the Guardships, who defeated and destroyed his race, or the unknown forces outside Canon Space that promise more death and destruction.


May 2013 bookgroup selection.

This was a difficult plot to get into.  An overly complex ship naming convention, a political hierarchy that was not immediately clear, planetary systems with long names that began with letters and ended with numbers, cities that I couldn't figure out if they were cities or planets,  a cast of characters scattered across a substantial universe, and that same cast of characters who had cloned themselves so more than one copy is running about.  Toss in 'artifacts', lost races, aliens, and Guardships, and it was almost enough to stop reading right there.

IF...if you can get past the first 100 pages, then it starts to make sense, and by about page 150 the plot is rolling along quite nicely.  But I felt that first 150 pages was a flat out slog and if I may infer from the comments my Dad was dropping, he felt the same.  Not the best way to start a book in my opinion.

But, after page 150 the family intrigue, the political intrigue, the humor - starts to pull the reader along and it becomes a grandiose space opera and I found the pages turning more quickly.  The author did tie up all the lose ends to my knowledge, though in the complexity of the subplots, I may have overlooked something.  Now whether those subplots were resolved satisfactorily, will be up to the reader ascertain, but I was satisfied.

Recommended with reservations.



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Recipe Review from 5/13/2013

I had a busy week that had me teaching 7 yoga classes - my usual four plus three more. It was supposed to be eight, but only one person showed up for a sub class and they were willing to join the class across the hall.

Then both the Husband and I took Friday off to go see Star Trek!  Had a lovely date-lunch then movie and still got home with some nice evening time to relax.  Saturday was a whirlwind of activity: The Husband and Dad had their yearly charter fishing trip, I had yoga class.  The boat caught four fish and a good dose of sea-sickness.  Sunday the Husband and Dad went and did campsite maintenance on their "Adopt a Campsite" on the Superior Hiking Trail while I stayed with Mom, who is one week into recovering from knee surgery and has limited mobility.

So it is, only two recipes to review from last week: 

Open-Faced Chicken Sandwiches with Artichoke Pesto (Ckng Lght, May 2013)
I'm usually not a fan of the whole "open-face" sandwich.  I find them messy and awkward to eat - you can't really pick them up like a true sandwich, and why even add the bread if you have to cut them up?  But!  I love artichokes and this looked pretty simple and I needed simple this past week.

photo from CookingLight.com

• 3 (8-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
• Cooking spray 
• 6 ounces drained canned artichoke hearts
• 2 ounces Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, shaved and divided (about 1/2 cup)
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts
• 2 tablespoons canola mayonnaise 
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves
• 6 (1-ounce) slices multigrain bread 
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1. Preheat broiler to high.
2. Cut each chicken breast half in half lengthwise to form 2 cutlets. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add chicken to pan; cook 4 minutes on each side or until done.
3. Combine artichokes, 3 tablespoons cheese, nuts, mayonnaise, oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and garlic in a mini food processor; pulse until coarsely ground.
4. Place bread slices on a baking sheet; broil 1 minute on each side. Spread 2 1/2 tablespoons pesto on each slice. Slice chicken; place 3 ounces on each bread slice. Top evenly with remaining 5 tablespoons cheese and parsley.

Shrimp Fr Diavolo (Advertisement in Ckng Lght, May 2013)
I had the spaghetti.  I had the shrimp.  Just needed a jar of marinara sauce and I was good to go.  And it is that quick.  It was one of those recipes where I thought, Why didn't I think of something like this?  My only suggestion would be to use more shrimp.  Half a pound just wasn't enough.

1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper (or more to taste)
6 oz whole-grain spaghetti
4 cups (24oz jar) of marinara sauce
1/2 fresh or frozen (thawed) large, raw, shelled shrimp
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves

1.  Cook spaghetti according to directions on package.  Add shrimp to pasta during last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and return to pot.  Keep warm.
2.  Heat a 12" skillet on medium until hot.  Add sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and crushed red pepper and cook until garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute. Add marinara sauce.
3.  Combine sauce and pasta, tossing well to coat.  Serve.

Star Trek: Into Darkness

After months of counting down, torturing everyone with updates on how many weeks/days/hours I was till the opening of Into Darkness, I finally got to plunk my tush in a seat, kick back, and enjoy the show.

Plot summary from Paramount Pictures: When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization has detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a state of crisis. With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction. As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew. 

And enjoy it I did!  The movie starts fast, moves fast, with fast action and even faster ships.  We have a BIG ship facing off against the suddenly little Enterprise, which was very cool.  We had ships popping out of oceans, crashing into oceans, and fighting in warp drive.

Lots of homage to the original Trek movies - which I won't spoil here - and could almost have been the detraction to the movie.  On one hand, it's new to anyone under oh, 30, and for anyone over about 40, a nice way to tip the hat so to speak to the franchise.  But perhaps a bit overdone?

I LOVED the antagonist, John Harrison and how the movie actually made you wonder if he really was the bad guy.  Dark, brooding, and sexy, I was rooting for him anyway.   

Less romantic crap in this installment which I highly approve of. Not wild about romance in my scifi. On the other hand, we did have our crew connecting in more meaningful ways as they try and understand each others motivations. 

It was well done, it had it's "ahh....ummm's", and I enjoyed every minute, even when they managed to jerk those tears out and I knew damn well what was actually going to happen. 

If you like Trek, if you like scifi, and if you like action, you'll like Into Darkness.  

Firewall by Henning Mankell

Firewall by Henning Mankell

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Jacket blurb: Stopping to get money from a cash machine one evening, a man inexplicably falls to the ground: dead. A taxi driver is brutally murdered by two teenaged girls. Quickly apprehended they appall local policemen with their total lack of remorse. One girl escapes police custody and disappears without trace. Soon afterwards a blackout covers half the country. When an engineer arrives at the malfunctioning power station, he makes a grisly discovery. Inspector Kurt Wallander is sure that these events must be linked - somehow. Hampered by the discovery of betrayals in his own team, lonely and frustrated, Wallander begins to lose conviction in his role as a detective. The search for answers leads Wallander dangerously close to a shadowy group of anarchic terrorists, hidden within the anonymity of cyberspace. Somehow these criminals seem always to know the police's next move. Wallander finds himself fighting to outsmart them In their gripping police procedural about our increasing vulnerability in the modern digitalized world

I have come to the conclusion that Kurt Wallander is a lousy policeman and detective.  He continuously snarls at his team, "I don't care! Do what I say!", he doesn't tell his team OR is supervisor key points in an investigation, he sneaks around behind everyone's back, he has anger management issues, untreated chronic depression, and harasses people at 3am in the morning because he wants the answer NOW but then is irritated when someone calls him in the middle of the night. 

Wallander believes he is the most experienced member on the force, the only detective who can solve crimes and no one else knows what he does.  Bull. Shit.  The more I read these, the more find him an unpleasant person.

No, I amend that - the more I am coming to detest Wallander as a main character. I can't even empathize with his point of view anymore because he is such an ass to everyone around him.  His wallowing in self pity, self destructive behavior, lashing out in anger at his team and witnesses does not sit well with me at all.  I'm just short of saying to heck with the series.

An example - I repeatedly noticed he would ask a team member, "Did you investigate X?"

Team member would reply, "No, should I?"

Wallander, "No, it doesn't matter. Go investigate Y."

Team member, whining, "But I don't have time to investigate Y, I'm working on Z."

Wallander, shouting, and slapping the table, "I don't care! Do what I say!"

Team member, placating, "All right! All right!"

Wallander, "Well, don't just stand there!"


So why do I keep listening to these (audiobooks)?  Because the look at the Swedish police system and societal beliefs as seen though the eyes of the author are actually quite fascinating. An example - Wallander is shocked that two young girls could commit a brutal murder.  And is further shocked when Ann-Britt Hoglund explains to him that young girls don't have a place in society anymore and are lashing out because of it.

But even this glimpse of Swedish society as seen through the pen of the author might not be enough to continue with the series.  I enjoy the plots, I detest the main character. Not sure I can recommend this one.



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Recipe Review from 5/6/13

Oh joy! Happiness!  We made it to 75*F (24*C) this week!  I can't say enough how nice it was to feel the sun again, to be able to walk outside and be comfortable.  Even the dogs are happier.

Warmer weather also means we can get out cycling again. Roads are a bit on the sandy side, even out in the country, so we're using the cyclecross bikes.  After a couple good rainstorms to wash all the winter sand/salt off, then we'll switch to our road bikes.  

Tho of course I mention the warmer weather and the temps immediately drop back to 32*F (0*C)...sheesh.  

Several new recipes this week. 

Basic Waffles (Gluten Free Bible)  GF, Vegetarian
Excellent!  Just the way we like waffles: lightly crisped outside, soft, slightly sweet flavor, not heavy and bready.  These were not only GF, but fairly low in sugar as well - 1 tbsp granulated sugar and the sugars found naturally in the plain Greek yogurt - go with Greek for a thicker consistency and added protein boost.  I did add a "flavor hit" with 1 tsp of almond extract.  This may be my "go-to" recipe from now on, they were that good.

2 tbsp butter, melted
2 eggs
1/2 cup plain yogurt (I used Chobani, plain)
1/2 cup milk (I used goat milk)
1 tsp almond or vanilla extract (optional)
1 cup Gluten Free All Purpose Flour Blend
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

1. Preheat waffle maker.
2. Beat eggs in a large bowl till light and fluffy.  Whisk in yogurt and milk and extract if using.
3. Combine flour blend, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl.
4. Gradually whisk liquid mixture into flour mixture to make a smooth batter.  Whisk in melted butter.
5. Ladle batter into heated waffle iron and cook until crisp and browned.   Serve immediately.  Leftovers can be refrigerated or frozen and reheated in a toaster oven until crisp. 


Curried Quinoa and Broccoli (Ckng Lght BB, modified) GF, vegetarian
This was supposed to be made with couscous, but I forgot to check to see if I had any couscous before I headed off to the grocery store.  You guessed it!  Went to make the dish and I was totally out of couscous.  Decided to substitute quinoa instead - worked great!  Flavors were reminiscent of the Middle East, with a hit of sweetness from the craisins.  Good summer dish. 

• 1 3/4 cups water  2 cups water
• 1 cup uncooked couscous    1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
• 1 1/2 cups small broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/3 cup shredded carrot
• 1/4 cup raisins craisins
• 1/4 cup dry-roasted cashews, chopped
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon bottled minced fresh ginger
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
• 3/4 cup (3 ounces) crumbled feta cheese

1. Bring water and quinoa to a boil in a medium saucepan; gradually stir in couscous. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 5 minutes. Boil 15 minutes or until water is absorbed.  Fluff with a fork.  Cover and set aside.

2. While couscous quinoa stands, steam broccoli florets, covered, for 3 minutes or until tender. 

3. Combine couscous, broccoli, onion, and next 10 ingredients (onion through chickpeas), tossing gently. Sprinkle with cheese.

 Jambalaya (Ckng Light Dec 2004)  GF if watch stock ingredients
The blurb touted this as "good for busy weeknights or after a day of holiday shopping" (it was in a December magazine).  I would have to disagree with that assessment - this took over an hour from start to finish and I had most of the ingredients prepped ahead of time.  This dish is good for a weekend when you want leftovers for lunches or suppers.  Also good for feeding a crowd. 

My only change was to used regular andouille sausage instead of smoked turkey.  I also needed extra water for the rice - watch while cooking and check for doneness. The Husband did some research on Jambalaya and found that this version is a Creole dish, which cooks the meat ahead of time, uses the "trinity" of vegetables, and adds tomatoes.  With a dash of hot sauce on the plate, this got two thumbs up. 

• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil 
• 1/4 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces 
• 1/4 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup chopped smoked turkey sausage (about 4 ounces) (I used andouille)
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 3/4 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained 
• 1/4 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chicken with salt and black pepper. Add chicken to pan, and cook 5 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Remove chicken from pan; cover and keep warm. Add sausage to pan; cook 5 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Add 1 cup onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic; cover, reduce heat to low, and cook 12 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
2. Stir in rice; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add broth, paprika, thyme, and red pepper; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes. Add chicken and tomatoes; cook, uncovered, 10 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Stir in shrimp; cover and cook 5 minutes or until shrimp are done. Remove from heat, and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Sprinkle with green onions.

Shrimp and Creamy Grits  (modified from The GF Bible)  GF, Pesco-Vegetarian
This ended up being greatly modified from the original recipe, which called for the vegetables to be slowcooked for 4 hours, the shrimp slow cooked for 15 minutes, and the grits/polenta to be cooked separately.  Yeah, well, I misread even that much and it all got made on the stove.  This is a combination of flavors that I simply love, and the polenta alone could quickly become comfort food. 

1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup diced orange bell pepper
1/2 cup diced celery (about 2 stalk)
1 cup diced onion
1 tbsp butter or oil
1 lb raw, peeled and deveined shrimp
1 1/2 cups polenta or grits  (quick-cook or regular is fine)
4 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1) cook polenta or grits according to directions on package or using your preferred method.  Add 4 oz of shredded cheese, stirring until melted and set aside.

2) Heat butter or oil in a pan over medium-high heat.  Add onion.  Cook until starting to brown.  Add peppers and celery.  Cook until soft.  Add shrimp, cook until opaque.

3) Plate polenta or grits, put veggies and shrimp over top.  Sprinkle with extra cheddar cheese if desired. 

Phantom Prey by John Sandford (Davenport #18)

Phantom Prey by John Sandford

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jacket Blurb: A widow comes home to her large house in a wealthy, exclusive suburb to find blood everywhere, no body, and her college aged daughter missing. She's always known that her daughter ran with a bad bunch. What did she call them - Goths? Freaks is more like it, running around with all that makeup and black clothing, listening to that awful music, so attracted to death. And now this.

But the police can't find the girl, alive or dead, and when a second Goth is found slashed to death in Minneapolis, the widow truly panics. There's someone she knows, a surgeon named Weather Davenport, whose husband is a big deal with the police, and she implores Weather to get him directly involved. Lucas begins to investigate only reluctantly; but then when a third Goth is slashed in what is now looking like a Jackthe- Ripper series of killings, he starts working it hard. The clues don't seem to add up, though. And then there's the young Goth who keeps appearing and disappearing: Who is she? Where does she come from and, more important, where does she vanish to? And why does Lucas keep getting the sneaking suspicion that there is something else going on here . . . something very, very bad indeed?



Davenport's starting to realize that it isn't all fun and games chasing the criminals after he is shot in an ambush outside a bar while trying to find a young missing woman.  The thought that he might not be there to jump Weather's bones or watch Sam and Letty grow up, gives our detective pause for thought in an unusual insightful moment.

Outside of these intimate thoughts, this was an intriguing novel. The plot twisted and turned in interesting ways, keeping my attention fully engaged.  The reader does know partway though who-done-it, but the fascination lies in how Davenport figures this one out.   It is also one of those murder-mysteries where I can't say a heck of a lot lest I drop an unwanted spoiler.  A sub-plot interweaves itself through the main plot providing a bit of levity in what could become a very uncomfortable storyline.

My biggest complaint with the book was the conclusion to the main storyline - felt like a total cop-out.  Pun intended. 

Still, this may be my favorite Davenport book.  Good balance between personal insight, humor, intrigue and overall resolution.



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Spock is Audi Here!

Scifi geekiness doesn't get much better than this!  

9 days till Star Trek: Into Darkness 

(jumping up and down in excitement here!)