SF/F: The Uncertain Places by Lisa Goldstein

Since winning an American Book Award (for The Red Magician) in 1983, Lisa Goldstein has been a rising star. She has won the Nebula Award several times and has been nominated more than once for both an Arthur C. Clarke Award and a Hugo. In the world of SF/F, then, Goldstein’s is not a new name.

In The Uncertain Places (Tachyon), Goldstein is in fine form with a darkly compelling modern fairytale.

It’s Berkeley in the 1970s and Will Taylor falls for chef and scientist Livvy Feierabend who proves to be just one of a tribe of mysterious women -- all related -- who made an ancient pact that will prevent Livvy from ever truly becoming Will’s, unless he can intervene.

The Uncertain Places is charming, magical and oddly believable… if you completely suspend belief. Goldstein’s strong way with a story makes this entirely possible. The Uncertain Places is a deeply enjoyable book. I can’t imagine that a television series isn’t already in the works somewhere. Holly wood would have so much fun with this one! ◊

Lincoln Cho is a freelance writer and editor. He lives in the Chicago area, where he works in the high-tech industry. He is currently working on a his first novel, a science-fiction thriller set in the world of telecommunications.