Lazarus Gray Volume 8 by Barry Reese

 Another sizzling edition of Lazarus Gray and Assistance Unlimited! Once again, Barry Reese shows why he is at the top of the New Pulp scene. He has crafted a wonderful world with Lazarus Gray and his band of heroes. Now into the eighth volume, Reese is cruising through one adventure after another with his spectacular cast of characters. And this time around, he brings back a prior villain (Nemesis), introduces a new villain who is sure to return (Bushido), and brings in a new open source hero (Golden Amazon). All the while, the action does not stop, whether Lazarus et al are battling a monster in the snowy woods, baby-snatching Shamblers in underground tunnels, or aliens in downtown Sovereign. Assistance Unlimited also suffers inner turmoil, with one member being impregnated by magic, and another member leaving the group over philosophical differences with Lazarus. This is another great read from a great author. Read this book and get ready for the next few volumes, which are coming soon!

Broken Empire - Assistance Unlimited: The Silver Age by Barry Reese

I've been a big fan of Barry Reese's Lazarus Gray series.  It's been a long time since the last novel (the publisher has inexplicably delayed publishing Reese's already-written Gray novels), and this one is not a straight Lazarus Gray novel, but it is a great one nonetheless.  Reese has skipped ahead a few years in this one, placing the story in 1964 instead of the 1930s.  Assistance Unlimited, Gray's group of heroes, has expanded and moved out of Sovereign City, Reese's setting for his fictional universe.  We see more focus on Emily Grace (the daughter of Samantha Grace) and Ezekiel Gray (Lazarus' son).  While the focus is not on Lazarus Gray, all the elements of a classic Barry Reese novel are there: lots of action, a great "pulp" feel, plenty of occult references, and great characterization.  Reese also did a great job of moving Assistance Unlimited into the future; it's great to see something "pulpy" that's not in the 1930.  I would love to see an actual new Lazarus Gray novel soon (I know they are ready to go), but Broken Empire is a wonderful way to spend the time while waiting.  Go get this one!