Scott Westerfeld, Margo Lanagan, and Deborah Biancotti's Zeros turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Given the oversaturated superhero-themed YA genreScott Westerfeld, Margo Lanagan, and Deborah Biancotti's Zeros turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Given the oversaturated superhero-themed YA genre and the fact that it was co-authored by three people—a setup that often raises concerns—I didn't expect much. Collaborations like this can sometimes feel disjointed, but in this case, the authors manage to create a cohesive and engaging story. The characters are well-defined, and their origin stories offer enough intrigue to keep the narrative moving.
That said, it’s still very much a classic YA novel, with all the usual tropes. There are predictable plot points and some of the drama feels a bit forced. However, the unique superpowers of the protagonists add a fresh twist, making the story more enjoyable than I anticipated. While it won’t redefine the genre, it’s somewhat entertaining, and I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t fun. Three stars out of five....more
For me, "The Technopriests" marks a departure from Alejandro Jodorowsky's usual narrative brilliance, leaving readers, like myself, somewhat disappoinFor me, "The Technopriests" marks a departure from Alejandro Jodorowsky's usual narrative brilliance, leaving readers, like myself, somewhat disappointed. While initially intriguing, the storytelling quickly loses its luster, descending into a repetitive cycle of obstacles swiftly overcome by the protagonist, the Albino, often through convenient and predictable deus ex machina interventions. As the pages turned, what began as promising gradually felt like a tedious chore rather than an engaging journey. Jodorowsky's heavy-handed biblical references further detract from the narrative, lacking the subtlety that would have made them more impactful.
However, amidst the narrative shortcomings, Juan Giménez's artwork shines as a beacon of excellence. Although different from his previous work on "Before The Incal," Giménez's art remains grand and beautiful, injecting life into the story. Yet, the brilliance of Giménez's illustrations is somewhat dampened by Fred Beltran's computer-based coloring, a compromise explained in the preface due to time constraints.
In conclusion, "The Technopriests" is still a part of the "Expanded Jodoverse," likely to appeal to fans eager for more. However, those approaching with high expectations may find themselves disappointed. With its mix of strengths and weaknesses, this installment warrants a modest three out of five stars....more
Revisiting this book in 2024 for the third or fourth time, despite the limitations of an old, poorly edited Hebrew edition, it continues to shine as aRevisiting this book in 2024 for the third or fourth time, despite the limitations of an old, poorly edited Hebrew edition, it continues to shine as a sci-fi classic. Asimov's signature mystery sci-fi formula captivates until the very end, delivering a satisfying conclusion. Despite knowing the plot, the book still holds its allure, showcasing the timelessness of its narrative and Asimov's skill. Four stars out of five....more
Reading a Jodorowsky comic is like embarking on a surreal journey into the depths of the unknown. Each turn of the page leaves me with a lingering senReading a Jodorowsky comic is like embarking on a surreal journey into the depths of the unknown. Each turn of the page leaves me with a lingering sense of "wtf did I just read," as if my brain cavity has expanded to accommodate the sheer strangeness contained within. "The Metabarons: First Cycle" is no different.
Having said that, Jodorowsky's story is not without its flaws, particularly when compared to the masterpiece that is "The Incal." First, the framing story told by Tonto and Lothar is repetitive and at times annoying. I understand it might be necessary when the book was published in periodic form, but I wish more attention was given to making it enjoyable also as a graphic novel. Second, clarity in continuity sometimes eludes, with apparent contradictions scattered throughout. Nonetheless, such hiccups are overshadowed by the sheer madness and brilliance of the tale, complemented by the exceptional artwork, skillfully crafted by Giménez, that never fails to astound.
For those diving into the world of Jodorowsky, I recommend starting with "The Incal" trilogy before delving into this enigmatic work. Despite its imperfections, "The Metabarons: First Cycle" earns a solid four stars out of five, serving as another testament to Jodorowsky's unparalleled imagination and the artistic prowess of Giménez....more
Isaac Asimov's The Gods Themselves wasn't a new read for me. My records show that I actually have an English copy somewhere in the basement, which I pIsaac Asimov's The Gods Themselves wasn't a new read for me. My records show that I actually have an English copy somewhere in the basement, which I probably read over two decades ago. This time, however, I revisited the book in its Hebrew translation. While I didn't recall much from my first read, there was a comforting sense of familiarity—like meeting an old friend and seeing how they've held up in a modern world.
I'll say right off the bat that this book not only survives the test of time but thrives. The curious thing, though, was that it didn’t feel like I was reading a typical Asimov novel. Not that it lacks hard-core science fiction—it certainly does not. The plot is built on scientific assumptions that, at least for the time, were reasonable, and it pushes them to their logical conclusion. But what sets The Gods Themselves apart is that the science isn’t the only thing holding up the book. Asimov introduces one of the more creatively satisfying alien life-forms I've come across, beings from a completely different universe.
Another way this book stands out from his other works is the structure. Typically, Asimov’s books are laser-focused on delivering a punchy, endgame revelation. You read his stories knowing everything is building up to that sharp, final twist. Here, while there's undoubtedly a punch line, especially with the big reveal at the end, the narrative felt more balanced. The middle section, which focuses heavily on the alien life-forms, seemed to take on a life of its own, independent of the final twist.
In the end, revisiting The Gods Themselves was a pleasure, and I’m happy to see that it still holds up well after all these years. I’d rate it four out of five stars....more
Orson Scott Card's "The Last Shadow" presents a bittersweet conclusion to a beloved series. As someone who has grown up with these books, I came into Orson Scott Card's "The Last Shadow" presents a bittersweet conclusion to a beloved series. As someone who has grown up with these books, I came into this final installment with high expectations. In the acknowledgments, Card notes (not in these exact words) that he aimed for a better ending for the Descolada storyline but couldn't deliver one. This sets the stage for the inevitable disappointment many fans might feel.
Setting aside those lofty expectations, "The Last Shadow" offers a closure that, while not grand, is somewhat adequate. One of my main criticisms is the introduction of numerous new species in the final book. These new creations don't showcase Card's best work, but they manage to be entertaining. Like many readers, I hoped for more significant involvement from the original characters, rather than seeing them relegated to sidekick roles. The new characters, though not on par with Card's usual standards, are acceptable.
The major unresolved issue is the Descolada's origin story. While the explanation isn't perfect, it does provide enough to allow fans to find some closure with the series.
In conclusion, "The Last Shadow" may fall short of the high expectations set by its predecessors, but it still manages to bring a sense of closure to one of science fiction's most renowned series. I rate this book three out of five stars....more
Acquiring Jodorowsky/Mœbius's "The Incal" and its subsequent volumes has lingered on my wish list for an extended period. Finally, for my 53rd birthdaAcquiring Jodorowsky/Mœbius's "The Incal" and its subsequent volumes has lingered on my wish list for an extended period. Finally, for my 53rd birthday, I decided to indulge in the entire series, and my only regret is not doing so sooner. While I've long considered Gaiman's "The Sandman" to be the most revolutionary graphic novel in history—a sentiment that still holds—Jodorowsky/Mœbius's "The Incal" stands as a close second.
In the realm of comics, the dual foundations of writing and imagery are crucial, and both aspects in "The Incal" are exemplary. Jodorowsky's writing is undeniably imaginative, consistently surprising while maintaining essential elements of character development and narrative coherence. Particularly intriguing are what I would label as the "unwritten" frames, instances where Jodorowsky skips a brief period, revealing nothing explicitly but allowing the previous frames to vividly convey the unfolding events.
Mœbius's artistic prowess is equally commendable, conveying as much—if not more—of the story as the written narrative. I can imagine that illustrating Jodorowsky's imaginative writing demands an equally creative mind, and Mœbius rises admirably to the challenge. However, one minor gripe lies in the discontinuity of character appearances, especially between different chapters, where hairstyles and clothing change without explanation. While some alterations are narrative-driven, others prove slightly distracting.
Two issues mar my overall experience with the book: text visibility and translation editing. To be fair, at 53, my eyesight may be showing signs of deterioration, and English is not my native language. However, having read 85 books a year, many in English, including comics and graphic novels, I've never encountered such problems before. I lack insight into the original text's appearance, but I suspect that the English letterer did not execute their task with precision. The challenges I faced in reading were exacerbated by the translation editing, marked by an abundance of spelling mistakes. Consequently, I found myself in constant uncertainty—unable to discern whether I was misinterpreting a word or if it was genuinely misspelled.
In summary, "The Incal" has the potential to be a masterpiece, and perhaps it is. However, in the format I experienced it, I would rate it four out of five stars. The exceptional writing and imagery are somewhat marred by challenges in text presentation and translation quality....more
"The Thousandth Floor" by Katharine McGee epitomizes the shortcomings of YA science fiction. Its dystopian backdrop feels gratuitous, adding little su"The Thousandth Floor" by Katharine McGee epitomizes the shortcomings of YA science fiction. Its dystopian backdrop feels gratuitous, adding little substance to the story that could have easily unfolded in a 20th-century setting. The characters are disappointingly one-dimensional, driven solely by superficial romance and devoid of any meaningful depth. In summary, the novel fails to deliver, warranting a harsh two-star rating out of five....more
Improve this review: M.G. Wheaton's "Emily Eternal" starts strong with a captivating concept: Emily, an Artificial Consciousness (AC) navigating existImprove this review: M.G. Wheaton's "Emily Eternal" starts strong with a captivating concept: Emily, an Artificial Consciousness (AC) navigating existence and even love. The story unfolds almost like a coming-of-age tale for an AC, which was a delightful surprise. Even the romance, a surprising element, felt believable and delicately handled. This is where the praise starts to wane, however. The introduction of the AC Singularity event was initially intriguing, particularly the way it intertwined with Emily's development. However, the second half suffers from a shift into implausible scientific concepts, like ideas reminiscent of instantaneous Lamarckian evolution and other whacky ideas. Up to that point, Wheaton had done a commendable job of keeping the science fiction within a realm of possibility, making the necessary leaps of faith easier to swallow. Unfortunately, the later stages introduce ideas that defy established scientific principles.
Science fiction thrives on pushing boundaries, and a Singularity event is inherently fantastical. However, for readers with even a basic understanding of science, the solutions presented in "Emily Eternal" might feel like a missed opportunity. A more grounded scientific resolution would have been far more satisfying. Ultimately, "Emily Eternal" is a story with a captivating premise that falters on the execution in the later stages. Three stars out of five for an intriguing concept with unfulfilled possibilities....more
I am attaching this review to the 1976 Hebrew translation of "Earth Is Room Enough", although the translation I read is a much newer 2009 translation,I am attaching this review to the 1976 Hebrew translation of "Earth Is Room Enough", although the translation I read is a much newer 2009 translation, which is almost identical to the original, save the story "Profession" which was added.
The uniqueness of the stories in Isaac Asimov's "Earth Is Room Enough" lies in their terrestrial settings, which is quite an intriguing departure for an author who predominantly set his works in space during that era. I encountered the original collections as a child in the 1970s and possibly even revisited the 2009 edition a decade ago, rendering these stories familiar territory. This recurrent theme of familiarity poses a notable challenge in Asimov's body of work.
Asimov is an author known for his punchline approach in short stories, where it is evident that the entire story was crafted for the punchline. For those revisiting these tales, the initial thrill may be diminished. What endures, however, is the satisfaction derived from observing a master craftsman construct a narrative toward its predetermined conclusion. It presents a unique enjoyment in witnessing the expertise with which Asimov shapes his tales.
While some stories may feel a touch antiquated, Asimov overall maintains his standing as an author essential for every science fiction enthusiast to thoroughly acquaint themselves with. Despite the familiarity diminishing the impact, there is still an inherent pleasure in navigating the intricacies of Asimov's storytelling prowess. I would assign a rating of three stars out of five to this collection....more
A Second Chance at Eden is a collection of short stories by Peter F. Hamilton, set in the expansive Confederation universe of his Night's Dawn trilogyA Second Chance at Eden is a collection of short stories by Peter F. Hamilton, set in the expansive Confederation universe of his Night's Dawn trilogy, which I recently read. While these stories can technically be enjoyed as standalone pieces, I believe they are best appreciated with the context provided by the trilogy. This might be a drawback for those hesitant to commit to a series where each book exceeds 1,000 pages, just to fully appreciate a short story collection. Unfortunately, this is the perspective from which I approached the book.
Peter F. Hamilton is widely recognized for his epic storytelling, but he is also an accomplished short story writer. Having previously read and thoroughly enjoyed Manhattan in Reverse, I had high expectations for A Second Chance at Eden, and I was not disappointed. The collection consists of seven stories, each of which can be considered a "prequel" to the Night's Dawn trilogy. They are presented in chronological order, with a timeline provided for context. "Candy Buds", in particular, is notable as the story that sparked the creation of the entire Night's Dawn universe, making the collection worth reading for that alone.
The remaining stories are all solid, each offering something unique to the overarching narrative. Although these are some of Hamilton's earlier works and may not be as polished as his later stories, there isn't a single one that feels redundant or subpar. Hamilton himself notes that he revised them to better align with the later canon, which is a welcome touch.
To conclude, A Second Chance at Eden is a must-read for fans of Peter F. Hamilton's Night's Dawn trilogy, offering rich backstory and deeper insight into the universe he has crafted. However, its reliance on familiarity with the trilogy may limit its appeal to new readers. While the stories are enjoyable and provide valuable context, they don't quite reach the level of polish and complexity found in Hamilton's later works. I rate the collection four stars out of five....more
Review in Hebrew since the book was only published as such. I would be happy to translate it in the very unlikely case of translation.
איש אחד הלך לספרReview in Hebrew since the book was only published as such. I would be happy to translate it in the very unlikely case of translation.
איש אחד הלך לספרייה אשר במחוזות הים לחפש ספר (רצוי מדע בדיוני) ומצא בטעות פנינה. סיפורים קצרים מאוד ואולי אפילו רק פתיחות של סיפורים על היקום(ים), הכוכבים, החייזרים ועלינו. העברית מופלאה, הדימיון גורד שחקים ואף חייזר לא הוטרד במהלך כתיבת הספר (או לפחות אף חייזר לא התלונן). לשמחתי קיימים עוד ספרים של אותו סופר אז יש סיכוי לפנינים נוספות. ארבעה כוכבים מתוך חמישה....more
Isaac Asimov's works have long held a special place in the hearts of many science fiction enthusiasts, serving as a gateway to the genre for countlessIsaac Asimov's works have long held a special place in the hearts of many science fiction enthusiasts, serving as a gateway to the genre for countless readers. Personally, reading an Asimov book has always felt like revisiting an old friend, evoking a sense of nostalgia that takes me back to my childhood when his stories were my introduction to the world of science fiction. However, my recent experience with "Pebble in the Sky" left me questioning whether this particular old friend had stood the test of time.
While I had cherished many of Asimov's books in my youth, "Pebble in the Sky" was not among them. It wasn't until 2001 that it became available in Hebrew, so it certainly missed my youth. I only encountered this translation twenty years later, but I still had high hopes that it would invoke that same warm feeling of familiarity I associate with Asimov's works. Unfortunately, my expectations were not met.
The book left me with a distinct feeling of disconnect. It's possible that my attachment to Asimov's earlier works colored my perception, or perhaps "Pebble in the Sky" simply didn't age as gracefully as some of his other creations. Regardless of the reason, the experience left much to be desired.
One of the most glaring issues I encountered was the forced nature of the dialogues and the plot as a whole. It felt as if the characters were being pushed to convey certain ideas and themes rather than engaging in authentic interactions. This artificiality detracted from my immersion in the story and made it difficult to truly connect with the characters and their predicaments.
Moreover, the plot itself felt contrived and lacking in depth. There seemed to be a dearth of substantial material to sink my teeth into, leaving me hungry for the kind of rich, thought-provoking content that Asimov is known for. What little substance was present felt dated and out of touch with the expectations of contemporary science fiction readers.
In the end, "Pebble in the Sky" fell short of the mark. While Asimov remains a beloved figure in the world of science fiction, this particular work left me disappointed and wanting more. It's possible that my own nostalgia played a role in my disappointment, but it's also possible that the book simply didn't live up to the high standards set by the author's other works. Regrettably, I can only give it two stars out of five....more
"Specimen Days" by Michael Cunningham is a unique book that pleasantly surprised me, despite my initial reservations due to its poetic inspiration fro"Specimen Days" by Michael Cunningham is a unique book that pleasantly surprised me, despite my initial reservations due to its poetic inspiration from Walt Whitman. As someone who isn't a fan of poetry, I was worried about how much I would enjoy a book influenced by poetry. However, I quickly realized that the connection to Whitman's work in this book doesn't require an appreciation of poetry; it's something that any reader can easily connect with.
The structure of the book, consisting of three novellas set in New York and featuring characters with similar names and roles, as well as recurring artifacts, creates a compelling and intriguing puzzle for the reader. This narrative structure reminded me of one of my all-time favorites, "Cloud Atlas", adding to my overall enjoyment.
The first novella, "In the Machine," set in the 19th century during the industrial age, initially felt slow and somewhat weak, portraying a bleak view of the era. I wasn't sure what to expect at first. However, the subsequent novellas, "The Children's Crusade," a contemporary detective story set in New York, and "Like Beauty," a gripping post-apocalyptic science fiction thriller, picked up the pace and kept me engaged. Among the three, "Like Beauty" was my favorite, offering an immersive and thought-provoking experience.
While I did become engrossed in the stories as they progressed, I can't say I fully enjoyed them. All three novellas leave readers with open-ended conclusions, and the protagonists often find themselves denied their desires and left frustrated, which I found somewhat pessimistic. While I understand that the author may have intended to convey that the characters gained something, even if it wasn't precisely what they sought, I couldn't help but long for more closure. This sense of incomplete resolution left me feeling somewhat unsatisfied, and I would have appreciated more resolution in the narrative.
In summary, "Specimen Days" is a book that defied my initial expectations, with its diverse narratives and the enigmatic connections between them. While I didn't fully connect with the stories and found the lack of closure somewhat unsatisfying, I appreciated the creativity and thought-provoking nature of the book. I would rate it three out of five stars, as it left me intrigued but ultimately wanting more closure in its storytelling....more
Cordwainer Smith's "Norstrilia" holds a special place in my heart, evoking a sense of nostalgia that's hard to put into words. Like Asimov's books, itCordwainer Smith's "Norstrilia" holds a special place in my heart, evoking a sense of nostalgia that's hard to put into words. Like Asimov's books, it was one of the first science fiction novels I delved into as a young reader, nearly four decades ago, and it ignited my fascination with the possibilities of the genre. This book, in the recesses of my memory, shone as a five-star masterpiece. So, when my wife stumbled upon an old copy in a used bookstore, I eagerly anticipated a second journey through its pages.
It's difficult to say I was entirely disappointed, as "Norstrilia" still exudes a magnetic charm and an aura of novelty even after 40 years of exploring the realms of science fiction. Cordwainer Smith's creative prowess is evident in his prescient ideas, such as envisioning concepts like 3D printing and gender transformation. Nevertheless, this time around, the experience lacked that "wow" factor. Perhaps it's the result of growing older, becoming more cynical, and developing a jaded perspective that's hard to impress. Rather than wholeheartedly immersing myself in the narrative, I began to notice the fissures in character motivations, the absence of adequate explanations, and the somewhat old-fashioned storytelling.
Additionally, my reading experience was marred by the subpar editing of the Hebrew translation, which placed paragraphs and even whole pages in the wrong sequence, disrupting the flow of the story.
In summary, "Norstrilia" remains a very good book, deserving of a solid four-plus stars out of five. While it didn't quite live up to my nostalgic recollections of it as a masterpiece, I still wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone with an interest in science fiction. It's a testament to Cordwainer Smith's imaginative genius and the enduring allure of the genre, even as our perspectives evolve over time....more
This review is for the 1978 Hebrew translation of Theodore Sturgeon's 1953 novel, "More Than Human." Instead of assessing its groundbreaking nature, IThis review is for the 1978 Hebrew translation of Theodore Sturgeon's 1953 novel, "More Than Human." Instead of assessing its groundbreaking nature, I will share my thoughts as a reader in 2023, 70 years after its initial publication. "More Than Human" has stood the test of time and could easily pass as a contemporary work with minor adjustments.
The book falls into the category of 'soft' science fiction, characterized by its minimal reliance on technology—an attribute that contributes to its enduring appeal. At its core, the narrative revolves around the creation of "Homo Gestalt," a collective organism formed from several individuals possessing paranormal abilities. The speculative aspects and the overarching plot are compelling and well-crafted, immersing readers in a world brimming with intriguing possibilities.
However, my enthusiasm waned when it came to the writing style, which, perhaps intentionally, tends to be perplexing and nebulous. There were numerous instances where I struggled to discern what was happening and what motivated the characters' actions. Another notable issue was the disproportionate focus on the inner turmoil and thoughts of the characters, often at the expense of their actions.
The concluding chapters also left something to be desired, as they appeared somewhat lackluster and didactic, attempting to convey an old-fashioned moral or ethical message. In summary, while the speculative elements and the plot of "More Than Human" proved engaging, the writing, especially towards the end, left room for improvement. Consequently, I would rate this book three out of five stars....more
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