A short summary can’t really do justice to the plot, but here’s a stab at it: Dr. Barbara Murphy travels to Cuba to assist the Cuban Health Ministry track down the puzzling cause of blindness suddenly afflicting thousands of Cubans. With new cases occurring every day, the urgency of Barbara’s mission is never far from the reader’s mind, and it adds a layer of compelling mystery to the story.

Chela Stevens is an intellectually starved Havana native who, like many others in similar situations, is forced to support her family through prostitution. Through a rather convoluted, yet believable, set of circumstances, Chela winds up as a translator/assistant on Barbara’s investigative medical team. As might be expected, sparks eventually fly between the two, but so do tempers, cross-cultural misunderstandings, and personality differences.

It’s wonderful to watch the miscommunication Ortiz sets up between two eloquent, bi-lingual individuals. Set against the backdrop of modern Cuban, she also does a marvelous job of bringing that country, with all its culture, history, trials and struggles, to life. Perhaps most impressive is her characterization of Barbara and Chela, both of whom are so skillfully portrayed that, just like real people, you sometimes love them, sometimes get angry with them, and always appreciate getting to know them a little bit better as the story progresses.

To provide a sample of Ortiz’ prose: “As she squeezed the cut digit, allowing the liquid to drop in a series of fat red tears upon the stone head, Chela prayed in a tongue that she knew only phonetically and in its effects, the specific meanings of the words lost to the members of her generation. ‘Laroye akiloye aguro tente onú apagurá akama sesé areletuse abamula omubatá okóloñiñi toni kan ofó omoró agun oyomna alayiki agó.’ She paused to consider what petition to make. I am tired of just asking for the minimum, for some luck, for a little money. She drew her breath in. ‘Open the doors, Elegba. Open them wide. Bring it all. Bring my fate.’ Then she stepped into the evening.”

I say, “Open the book, reader. Open it wide. Read it all.” And enjoy an evening with “Habáname.”

"Buried behind that wall was the guilt, the rage, and that darkness in her soul that scratched and clawed for freedom, but also behind that wall was her vulnerability, and as her vulnerability peered back at me through that crack, I saw that it had my face."

Xena and Gabrielle pursue a warlord in true "Cops" fashion, and it's a chase for your funnybone, believe me. There are so many gems in this story that I can't share too many without giving away the story, but here is just a glimpse of Joanna's sense of humor...

Xena (shouting): "We're in pursuit! Do your thing Gabrielle!"

Gabrielle starts imitating a siren as they chase the warlord.

With Joanna's bardic record,she could probably take a grocery list and have it emerge as a side splitter. With a foot chase, a helpful warlord who appears to be a henbane dealer and a dumpling stop for our heroes, I feel I should warn you not to drink anything while you read this. So put down the danish and coffee and enjoy Joanna's "Heroes".

Leave your proud sensibilities at the door when you read this wild and woolly, warped version of all things Xena. There are no sacred cows in this piece, every cliché is laid bare to it's gooey mush_filled center.

[As soon as they stopped walking, the sun set and they found themselves sitting around a campfire on their abundance of furs and blankets. Xena stared at Gabrielle with her baby_blue orbs, their azure brilliance and sapphire quality like cerulean cobalt. Xena took Gabrielle into her arms, kissing her tenderly and stroking her long_red short_blonde hair. The bard responded to the kisses.

"Oh Xena, I love you so much, but I don’t know what to do."

"Gabrielle, I am very experienced having about seventy_two lovers before you, but I know you won’t be jealous of that and I will teach you everything."]

...and that's just the beginning.

Warning: Do Not read while drinking hot beverages, especially if you have sensitive sinuses.

Yoshima Miakoda is a Hunter, protector of the innocent, slayer of vampires. The product of nearly a millennium of living after being adopted by Japanese parents. All that she has come to believe in is rudely turned upside down in the form of a Gallery worker named Clarion Larieux. Their meeting is unusual to say the least, as Yoshi saves Clarion from the grasp of a gang of vampires. Yoshi has a hidden past... but so does Clarion.

The subtle dance these two weave around each other is fun, fast paced, and enthralling. Even non-goth fans will enjoy this one.