I came to this book quite late as it didn't win the big three, but rather a few tier-two prizes. Nonetheless, it was such a strong story and so well wI came to this book quite late as it didn't win the big three, but rather a few tier-two prizes. Nonetheless, it was such a strong story and so well written that I am impatient to find a copy of the sequel. It has an interesting Catholic mystique to it that sometimes reminded me of Anathem or A Canticle for Leibowitz. The colonization gone very bad was so well done and reminded me of The Poisonwood Bible in a lot of ways too. I loved the Sandoz character and the way the author reveals the whole story to us in pieces. It is a powerful first novel and some truly excellent science-fiction! It is a powerful demonstration that even with the best of intentions, we can severely misinterpret a situation to our own doom....more
This was more of the same from the first book in this series, Lock In. This time the subject was corruption in professional sports, and in a particulaThis was more of the same from the first book in this series, Lock In. This time the subject was corruption in professional sports, and in a particularly gruesome sport invented for the threeps. I felt that it was a bit rushed and not all that engaging. I prefer his other series to this one. It might be work reading the first book, but this one is just OK.
And thus ends the cycle of stories around Mark, aka Invincible. It was a fantastic run, another triumph for Kirkman and his team. I liked the plot twiAnd thus ends the cycle of stories around Mark, aka Invincible. It was a fantastic run, another triumph for Kirkman and his team. I liked the plot twists here and how we get a relatively smooth landing for the many characters. As a reader from the beginning of this series, I felt I got closure from most for the plot lines that interested me the most.
What I enjoyed about the whole Invincible universe was how it never took itself too seriously even with all the pastiches of various superheroes and cinematic universes. Mark remained a multi-dimensional character inside a universe of changing alliances and we got to see him grow as a human from a confused teen to a mature, wise adult who (naturally) saves the universe yet once again. The art is always spectacular with full-page graphics, two-page layouts of 32 boxes each...just a variety of formats with brilliant colors and homogenous artwork throughout. Highly recommended for fans of superheroes, sci-fi, and fantasy....more
Say it ain't so! Only one more issue after this! Mark is in trouble and fighting for his life! A huge cliffhanger at the end of this one will force yoSay it ain't so! Only one more issue after this! Mark is in trouble and fighting for his life! A huge cliffhanger at the end of this one will force you to grab the last volume ASAP to find out how it all ends!...more
This are accelerating here as Mark confronts his brother, tries to come to grips with some powerful enemies and problems and holds his relationship toThis are accelerating here as Mark confronts his brother, tries to come to grips with some powerful enemies and problems and holds his relationship to Atom Eve together tenuously. A beautiful page-turner where Thragg is starting to decimate the forces of sanity!...more
I can see where Ann Leckie got her ideas for funny ship names! This is a quick-paced adventure to examine a strange phenomenon and meet new members (aI can see where Ann Leckie got her ideas for funny ship names! This is a quick-paced adventure to examine a strange phenomenon and meet new members (and enemies) of the Culture. I really loved the various characters (in particular the two protagonists that are supposed to be brought together). I could also see where The Expanse got some of its ideas for the Ring and I think Reynolds used this for inspiration in Revelation Space. Like all the Culture books, it is full of dreamy sci-fi delight in post-scarcity Culture complete with amazing spaceships, crazy aliens, and some funny scenes thrown in as well. A fantastic read.
This is a rare one-off story for Hamilton, better known for his door-stopped duologies and trilogies set in the Commonwealth or the Confederation. TheThis is a rare one-off story for Hamilton, better known for his door-stopped duologies and trilogies set in the Commonwealth or the Confederation. The world here becomes a bit like that of the Commonwealth towards the end. As usual with Hamilton, the female characters tend to be pretty sexualized and less developed than the male characters. The action and tech are fun and there is plenty of action. I also appreciated the not-so-subtle critique of colonialism and late-20th century capitalism that was completely unexpected based on the previous books I read of Hamilton. This would have been a 4- or 5-star read, but I felt that the titular dragon was barely described and only got the stage at the very end of the book. The conclusion felt truly rushed (maybe his editor was pressuring him on page count?) and it just spoiled the overall effect for me....more
Silverberg could certainly write some depressing books. After The Book of Skulls, this one must be one of his most depressing. It is a dystopian NYC rSilverberg could certainly write some depressing books. After The Book of Skulls, this one must be one of his most depressing. It is a dystopian NYC run by career criminals with a fresh start for an "uncorrupted" mayor. However, our protagonist Lew becomes seduced by the foresight of a mysterious reclusive billionaire and, in the manner of Balzac - La Peau de Chagrin or Faust, he is sucked into a universe and spit out. The writing is great and although it is a short book (just under 200 pages), it packs a punch, particularly the cynical ending. I really enjoyed it, Silverberg was a master, perhaps a bit underappreciated these days....more
As usual, a pleasant and humorous romp by Pratchett, here taking shots at Central American and Egyptian mythology with a rambunctious story of a wannaAs usual, a pleasant and humorous romp by Pratchett, here taking shots at Central American and Egyptian mythology with a rambunctious story of a wannabe tyrant and a few unexpected heroes. There are plenty of low-brow antics and moments of hilarity throughout. This one won the BSFA in 1989, the year that C J Cherry grabbed the Hugo and Locus with Cyteen. Pyramids was definitely more fun to read while Cyteen was a lot more of hard sci-fi. Choose your poison!...more
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