Saberhagen has given SF one of its most powerful images of future war in his Berserker series. Created for a long-forgotten conflict, the berserkers are implacable, inimical killing machines that have been programmed to rebuild and redesign themselves. Their computer cunning and mechanical evolution present ever-greater challenges to humanity's scattered colonies. In this latest novel, Saberhagen draws on such epics of vengeance as The Searchers and Moby Dick. The loss of his family and of his left leg drive Niles Domingo to pursue the immense berserker known as Old Blue or Leviathan. Although he succeeds, his fanaticism transforms him into an inhuman acolyte of the godlike machine, a role that comes to define Domingo's purpose and existence. One of the best entries in the series.

Product DescriptionA host of strange characters--Prince Nurat of Culm, the evil macrowizard Wood, Prince Adrian, and Trilby--become involved in a desperate struggle to possess a sword of chance known as Coinspinner.

From Publishers WeeklySet in the same universe as Saberhagen's excellent Empire of the East, this book continues its sitcom spin-off exploitation of the original fantasy concept. For a game, the Gods created 12 Swords of Power, giving them to humans for use and misuse. But the Swords were more powerful than the Gods, and now only the Swords remain, with humans scheming to steal them from each other. All the Lost Sword stories involve the family of Prince Mark and Princess Kristin. Here, Mindsword, when drawn, compels complete loyalty and love to the wielder. Neighboring Prince Murat hopes to win Kristin's respect by giving her the Sword, but as in a Shakespearian comedy, he finds himself gathering a horde of followers, all proclaiming their devotion, and all of whom would turn on him in anger if released from Mindsword's spell. Like cotton candy, this is an enjoyable quick read, with little substance. Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. From Library JournalIntended as a peace offering from Prince Murat to the Princess Kristin, the Mindsword--one of the legendary weapons used in the war that brought about the death of the gods--plunges two countries into near-war as the well-meaning Murat falls victim to the sword's seductive powers. Saberhagen treads a fine line between fantasy and moral fable in his latest addition to a popular series. Purchase where the other "Swords" books are popular.Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

A private detective is hired to locate a missing girl -- the great niece of an eccentric sculptor named Edgar Tyrell. But Tyrell is nosferatu, and he can sculpt in the sands of reality itself. So the detective must call on Dr. Strangeways, an Old Friend of the Family and Lord of the Vampires to battle an undead menace from beyond time. From Publishers Weekly Saberhagen, whose Thorn mixed Arthurian legend, time travel and vampires, once again blurs genre distinctions in this horror fantasy featuring that beloved SF device, time travel. Joe Keogh is a Chicago-based private investigator who is hired to find a teenager lost in the Grand Canyon in 1991. He brings three assistants, as well as one "Mr. Strangeways." Ominously, two other people-- a Civilian Conservation Corps worker in 1935 and a woman in 1965 --were kidnapped by a vampire named Edgar Tyrell in the same part of the canyon where Keogh searches nearly six decades later. The two plots, linked by Tyrell (who is the missing teenager's father), come crashing together in a climax that is more confusing than exciting. Although the cast is crowded (two of Keogh's assistants could have been removed to no effect), the nosferatu Strangeways--a Saberhagen regular whose other name is Drakulyasp correct --is a fascinating character, and the novel's quick pace holds reader interest.

The Bram Stoker Award--Winning saga continues . . . .Matthew Maule has seen many horrific things in his five hundred years as one of the most powerful vampires in the world. But even his formidable talents cannot predict the unthinkable acts about to occur within his own home.When the vampire Dickon and his human partner appear in the middle of the night frightened for their lives, Matthew offers them protection. They carry with them a small Egyptian statue of great value and many secrets. By morning, Matthew has woken from a mysterious trance to discover that Dickon's human friend has been brutally murdered, the vampire has gone missing, and their statue has been smashed to pieces. Matthew has also made a dangerous new enemy, one who possesses strength even Matthew may be no match for.For the statue is no ordinary artifact, but one of six replicas. However, only one contains a gem in the center, a stone of unimaginable magical power that could spell the...

From Publishers WeeklyOne of 12 magical swords forged by the Gods, Wayfinder has the power to guide its possessor to whatever the seeker wants. Chance brings Wayfinder to Ben of Purkinje, who uses it to find Woundhealer, the sword with powers to cure the injured wife of Prince Mar of Sarykam. The evil magician Wood also wants the swords; his attack on Ben brings Mark, and even more swords, into the fray. Followers of the series--the fantasy equivalent of a space opera--will recognize almost all of the characters from earlier books, in which the villains start out with all the aces while the heroes struggle on through decency, intelligence and willpower to satisfying outcomes. Veteran Saberhagen ( Empire of the East ) keeps the plot moving, providing a pleasurable light reading experience. Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. From Library JournalValdemar, a young grape grower, comes into the ownership of Wayfinder, a legendary sword that can lead its wielder to whatever he most desires. His journey in search of the perfect woman, however, takes strange turnings as Wayfinder's direction involves Valdemar in a battle against the world's most infamous wizard. Saberhagen's style is remarkable for its "no-frills" approach to fantasy. Simply told and continually engaging, this title is recommended where the series is popular.Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.