I just finished re-reading Blood Brothers (by chance, I'm rereading most of the Steve Barnes books I have in my collection, so you're in luck).
I do like it - I think Barnes has some interesting things to say about race and class, some of which makes me wince, some of which makes me think. Also family and history; slave history figures prominently and it's important to the story. At the very least, I always want to stay engaged just to see where he's going.
Barnes is also a martial artist and that informs a lot of his work. He talks a lot about body/mind connections, the potential contained within the human body and the wholeness needed to be a complete person. Definitely a YMMV sort of situation but worth thinking about.
Here's a quick rundown on the Steve Barnes books I've read:
1) Streetlethal, 2) Gorgon Child and 3)Firedance (the Aubry Knight books) - I reread these whenever I need action packed, hormone driven adventure. There are some problematic spots (sexuality in particular) but not enough for me completely pass it by.
Charisma - I *love* this book. Long range conspiracy involving kids who've been unknowingly influenced by a man who wanted to be immortal. Read this.
Iron Shadows - I haven't reread this one in a while so I can't give a rundown on this one.
Lion's Blood and Zulu Heart - Islam rises in the West instead of Christianity. Very startling world building.
Far Beyond the Stars - the novelization of the DS9 episode of the same name. It's a first rate novelization and adds so much nuance to the episode itself. Also worth it for Barnes' forward where he talks about being a Black kid into sci-fi. (and I'm kicking myself because I can't find my copy. Grrr.)
I haven't read his newest, Great Sky Woman but it's out in paper so I'll try and pick it up.
no subject
I do like it - I think Barnes has some interesting things to say about race and class, some of which makes me wince, some of which makes me think. Also family and history; slave history figures prominently and it's important to the story. At the very least, I always want to stay engaged just to see where he's going.
Barnes is also a martial artist and that informs a lot of his work. He talks a lot about body/mind connections, the potential contained within the human body and the wholeness needed to be a complete person. Definitely a YMMV sort of situation but worth thinking about.
Here's a quick rundown on the Steve Barnes books I've read:
1) Streetlethal, 2) Gorgon Child and 3)Firedance (the Aubry Knight books) - I reread these whenever I need action packed, hormone driven adventure. There are some problematic spots (sexuality in particular) but not enough for me completely pass it by.
Charisma - I *love* this book. Long range conspiracy involving kids who've been unknowingly influenced by a man who wanted to be immortal. Read this.
Iron Shadows - I haven't reread this one in a while so I can't give a rundown on this one.
Lion's Blood and Zulu Heart - Islam rises in the West instead of Christianity. Very startling world building.
Far Beyond the Stars - the novelization of the DS9 episode of the same name. It's a first rate novelization and adds so much nuance to the episode itself. Also worth it for Barnes' forward where he talks about being a Black kid into sci-fi. (and I'm kicking myself because I can't find my copy. Grrr.)
I haven't read his newest, Great Sky Woman but it's out in paper so I'll try and pick it up.