Instead of slowly dying on Earth, why not signing up for the Colonial Defense Force, getting a new, enhanced body and fight aliens? Unlike the armies Instead of slowly dying on Earth, why not signing up for the Colonial Defense Force, getting a new, enhanced body and fight aliens? Unlike the armies of our past (and present), the CDF only recruits the elderly, bringing a lifetime of experience and a “f%^& it, I was dying anyway” attitude to the hostile-lifeforms infested table.
Entertaining, a great setup for a series, funny, but with serious moments of the protagonist’s reflection on humankind’s anything-but-peaceful expansion into space. The writing is expertly delivered by a pro. Any writing mistake you ever heard of, John Scalzi doesn’t make them....more
Humankind is but a memory, and the story is told entirely from the perspective of intelligent robots.
Brilliantly mixes lightweight moments and action Humankind is but a memory, and the story is told entirely from the perspective of intelligent robots.
Brilliantly mixes lightweight moments and action with somber themes. The narrative manages never to be too trivial and never weigh too heavy. Nicely done!...more
Starts as a one ship-one mission straightforward sci-fi story, then branches out and keeps surprising with twists and turns. My only ‘regret’ for thisStarts as a one ship-one mission straightforward sci-fi story, then branches out and keeps surprising with twists and turns. My only ‘regret’ for this entertaining read is not having received more page time devoted to the character of Dr. Riesen, her special abilities and fascinating backstory....more
The book sets up a trilogy and does a great job at it, with several intriguing plotlines which intertwine toward the end of this first novel. The authThe book sets up a trilogy and does a great job at it, with several intriguing plotlines which intertwine toward the end of this first novel. The author is upfront about this so the book not wrapping up any larger story arcs will not be held against him ;-).
Characters, organizations, and settings are well fleshed out, without being over-described. At all times, you feel well taken care of as a reader. Great start for a trilogy!...more
Why would you want to read about a number? Let alone the long history of one that seems so straightforward, simple, and mundane as zero? This book takWhy would you want to read about a number? Let alone the long history of one that seems so straightforward, simple, and mundane as zero? This book takes you along for the ride and will convince you that there is nothing boring, simple, or straightforward about this number, the possibly most influential single addition to our understanding of numbers and how we deal with them. The history of zero is also a stark reminder that anything can be politicized - even a number....more
Most SF writing has world-building, ranging from recognizable near-futures to fantastic space operas just barely grounded in possible reality. StephenMost SF writing has world-building, ranging from recognizable near-futures to fantastic space operas just barely grounded in possible reality. Stephen Baxter’s “Raft” takes world-building one step further and presents a world with different laws of nature. What if gravity would be a strong force? A billion times stronger than in our universe?
The humans stranded in Baxter’s strange world struggle for survival in different ways, but the general human condition, with all its flaws and glory, is very familiar and makes characters, and their actions, relatable. The story describes how humans adapted to a radically changed environment, only to fall back on their basic instincts, with disastrous consequences. The protagonist exemplifies what moved our species forward in this universe: a curious intellect, pushing the boundaries of the known, with an occasional dose of self-doubt. Will this be enough to save humanity in this fictional setting?
A great read, with the SF-typical stretch of getting accustomed to the world the author created in the first chapters. Once you are in the world and got your feet grounded on stars made from iron, the story flows, and takes the reader on a fantastic voyage!...more
I admit it's been a while since I read Frank Herbert's Dune, but as far as I can tell the graphic novel adaptation is close to the original. The artwoI admit it's been a while since I read Frank Herbert's Dune, but as far as I can tell the graphic novel adaptation is close to the original. The artwork is really well done and carries the written-word-only source material successfully into a different presentation.
It can also serve as a practical refresher-read if you want to get back into the story quickly before you watch the new movie adaptation ;-)...more
You can buy into the mathematical nature of the universe - or not. In any case, this book will give an excellent overview of the recent history and stYou can buy into the mathematical nature of the universe - or not. In any case, this book will give an excellent overview of the recent history and status quo of cosmology and our understanding (and limitations thereof) of reality. A great read (the audiobook version is also highly recommended) and one of the few books I have read three times....more
Great storytelling around interesting characters struggling through post-world war II Japan. The author’s intimate knowledge of Japanese culture shineGreat storytelling around interesting characters struggling through post-world war II Japan. The author’s intimate knowledge of Japanese culture shined through and made for an authentic-feeling, enjoyable read....more
A fast-paced novel, despite the epic scale of the story. Spans a storyline from events at the end of WW2 into a distant future without breaking the reA fast-paced novel, despite the epic scale of the story. Spans a storyline from events at the end of WW2 into a distant future without breaking the relationship the reader forms with the main families and factions - difficult to pull off, but the author makes it work. Excellent read that kept surprising me from beginning to end....more
The book is not perfect, and other reviewers captured those parts thoroughly, so I will just summarize what worked for me: The descriptions of what coThe book is not perfect, and other reviewers captured those parts thoroughly, so I will just summarize what worked for me: The descriptions of what could it be like to be a combatant on a different planet. Earth has some rough, unforgiving terrain that is hard on personnel and equipment alike, but Mars outright tries to kill you. I think Greg Bear captured the constant dread well, and it made the story work for me....more
Likable main characters in an interesting setting, great ship crew camaraderie while adventuring through a large fictional world. Not everything is coLikable main characters in an interesting setting, great ship crew camaraderie while adventuring through a large fictional world. Not everything is concluded at the end, so I assume there will be a second book (well set up, if there is). ...more
I have been trying many new (to me) authors this pandemic - this book was another great find! Good characters and fresh ideas. I will certainly read mI have been trying many new (to me) authors this pandemic - this book was another great find! Good characters and fresh ideas. I will certainly read more books written by this author....more
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