Ace Books

Library Bookwatch, May, 2005

Ace Books

375 Hudson St., New York NY 120014

www.penguin.com

If you like your science fiction on the funny side with more than a hint of detective work, don't miss Eric Garcia's 'Rex' series: his latest, Hot & Sweaty Rex (0441012736, $13.95) has the dinosaur PI Vincent manipulated into working for organized crime. Add competing dino mafias and strange theories about dinosaur and human interactions and you have a light, fun piece as entertaining for newcomers as for old Eric Garcia 'Rex' fans. Julian May's Ironcrown Moon (0441012442, $24.95) presents Book Two in 'The Boreal Moon Tale': familiar with Book One, Conqureror's Moon, is recommended for a smooth transition to this ongoing story of sorcery, magic and intrigue. King Conrig has succeeded in uniting the warring island, but the problems aren't over: his illicit magic abilities are too well known, threatening his children's heritage to his throne, and when a thief steals an ancient, destructive text, Conrig's fate seems certain. Can magic save his world, despite its stigma? Fast fantasy action and intrigue abound.