After 700+ pages some might feel like we never got to as a dramatic peak as you might expect for a sci-fi book that covers a 5000 year time period. ItAfter 700+ pages some might feel like we never got to as a dramatic peak as you might expect for a sci-fi book that covers a 5000 year time period. It reminded me of the Red Mars books : lots of science, select glimpses of selected characters, with lots of drama buried by all the detailed descriptions....more
**spoiler alert** Lots of interesting short stories but I liked the 'Paradises Lost' story the best-- several generations have lived in a one ship tha**spoiler alert** Lots of interesting short stories but I liked the 'Paradises Lost' story the best-- several generations have lived in a one ship that left Earth for a new world and somehow evolved its own new religion that rejects ever leaving the ship!...more
I thought that this book did not compare favorably with a typical Expanse book. Both have crews with big personalities but this book dragged and couldI thought that this book did not compare favorably with a typical Expanse book. Both have crews with big personalities but this book dragged and could have been told in less than 586 pages ! Also, there was no real ending; there is reference to the next step planned....more
I enjoyed the Netflix version of this story but then decided there had to be more in the book. And, yes, the book has far more complexities in plot anI enjoyed the Netflix version of this story but then decided there had to be more in the book. And, yes, the book has far more complexities in plot and character, with none of the cartoonist elements of the Netflix shows, like the hotel avatar...more
Among the most complex storylines I have read; the reader needs to open their minds to alternative realities, virtual universes, the autoverse, etc. TAmong the most complex storylines I have read; the reader needs to open their minds to alternative realities, virtual universes, the autoverse, etc. The beginning was slow going and it takes a while to see the plot lines but I strongly recommend to any hard SF reader...more
A more complex story that his "Quarantine" this plot adds a questionable journalist chasing a major story on the Theory of Everything , as being reveaA more complex story that his "Quarantine" this plot adds a questionable journalist chasing a major story on the Theory of Everything , as being revealed in an upcoming event, weaponized diseases, multiple cults, and geo-politics. The discussions are not very easy to follow for a non- physics person but I stayed on for the intrigue....more
Very elaborate story for a novella. If you are interested in how this future enables people to communicate with the dead, while others fight to retainVery elaborate story for a novella. If you are interested in how this future enables people to communicate with the dead, while others fight to retain their privacy again "precogs and similar", then you may want to read another unique mystery story from P.H Dick....more
Recommended reading for anyone wanting to read #The Freeze-Frame Revolution... This story provided a needed introduction to a future world where a triRecommended reading for anyone wanting to read #The Freeze-Frame Revolution... This story provided a needed introduction to a future world where a tribe in of humans have been raised to live in space ships like spores.... And Sunday, the lead character is constantly exploring whether there is such thing as free will....more
This is a poorly titled book that starts with a familiar plot, ex-cop, now detective, trying to locate a missing young woman, but it veers off in a coThis is a poorly titled book that starts with a familiar plot, ex-cop, now detective, trying to locate a missing young woman, but it veers off in a completely new direction when said detective gets involved in a research group studying quantum mechanics and the possibility of humans impressing their will. I thought this was very exciting for a 1992 book and how the story twisted and turned back to the missing young woman....more
**spoiler alert** Earth's last survivors spend eternity as spores supporting a fantastical space ship, helmed by an AI-managed Chimp who can destroy t**spoiler alert** Earth's last survivors spend eternity as spores supporting a fantastical space ship, helmed by an AI-managed Chimp who can destroy thousands of humans to maintain efficiency with just a thought. Many things go wrong. Very worth reading!...more
I guess the money was too good so this book was rushed out without any of the personalities or depth of character as we saw in book 2. Basically, thisI guess the money was too good so this book was rushed out without any of the personalities or depth of character as we saw in book 2. Basically, this is a series of multiple battle scenes, cursing from the pilots and human experimentation to boot.
Really enjoyed this book more than the first. All the main characters are more fully developed and nothing goes as planned in the time travel journey,Really enjoyed this book more than the first. All the main characters are more fully developed and nothing goes as planned in the time travel journey, which is very believable. Also appreciated the backstabbing, political intrigues which were a major part of the story and the quantum visions of the universe....more
Nine books later-- should have predicted that "Fucking James Holden", would sacrifice himself to save the day. Very long bu**spoiler alert** SPOIILERS
Nine books later-- should have predicted that "Fucking James Holden", would sacrifice himself to save the day. Very long buildup in story before all the pieces came together. Wish they would have united Naomi with her son but they left that plot point dangling. No acclaim either for Naomi's leadership during most of the conflicts.......more
Some interesting concepts about achieving Communion. Plus finding deep satisfaction in community faith, united by the chemical, charismatic abilities Some interesting concepts about achieving Communion. Plus finding deep satisfaction in community faith, united by the chemical, charismatic abilities of a young adult Lot, long in the shadow of his powerful father.
But this a book where you have to work very hard to pay attention. There are uncountable conversations in the first 300 pages, which don't seem very important on their own. Finally there's the major action, where chances a r e taken and faith is truly tested....more
This is most pensive book so far in the series. For 50% of the story every one of the key crew members are forced to live apart, some imprisoned, otheThis is most pensive book so far in the series. For 50% of the story every one of the key crew members are forced to live apart, some imprisoned, others in hiding, with BObbie acting as captain on a variety of ships, and playing a very long game plan against the Laconians. Then we get some new sci-fi discoveries when Elvi finds very unusual objects spinning in space. The 2nd half has the battle scenes and grand surprises which I really enjoyed....more
Book 7 of this space opera started slow and luckily had a much better middle and action packed ending. There was still the same attention paid to the Book 7 of this space opera started slow and luckily had a much better middle and action packed ending. There was still the same attention paid to the personalities of the crew, but also the very inexperienced governor set to rule a station. This is one story where the enemy appeared to be invincible but guerrilla tactics were essential to survival....more
**spoiler alert** Book 6 of the series, with much more back story on Naomi Nagata, against the war that her fanatical, charismatic ex-husband starts a**spoiler alert** Book 6 of the series, with much more back story on Naomi Nagata, against the war that her fanatical, charismatic ex-husband starts against most of the solar system. Still very good battle scenes as in the last book...more