**spoiler alert** This has a great set-up (a failed colonial generation ship attempting to return to Earth). The characters are likable, which makes t**spoiler alert** This has a great set-up (a failed colonial generation ship attempting to return to Earth). The characters are likable, which makes the classic "malicious alien stowed away on the ship" set-up all the more interesting. The large size of the ship presents some unique challenges as well. It's more fun sci-fi than cerebral, but enjoyable for that very fact....more
It's quite interesting to see the ways a quantum world with parallel Earths might evolve technologically, politically, economically, and culturally. TIt's quite interesting to see the ways a quantum world with parallel Earths might evolve technologically, politically, economically, and culturally. This book adds a number of storylines and characters that accomplish that. The plot is not as intense or surprising as the first book, but I suppose that is to be expected....more
Apparently, I didn't add this to my list and review it after I read it, so it's been a bit of time. But I appreciated the distinctness of this narratiApparently, I didn't add this to my list and review it after I read it, so it's been a bit of time. But I appreciated the distinctness of this narrative in the world of the previous book and the believability of the relationships within it. It is imaginative and unique, and certainly not predictable. ...more
I know it's a classic, but it just missed the mark for me. Ridiculous things just happened out of nowhere, but most of them weren't that funny and dimI know it's a classic, but it just missed the mark for me. Ridiculous things just happened out of nowhere, but most of them weren't that funny and diminished the coherence of the story. I like silly humor (Monty Python, anyone?), but the writing and dialogue has to be consistently funny.
Maybe I just wasn't in the right mood for this......more
This was actually my first experience of a Ben Bova novel. There are all the stereotyped characters, seemingly out of a pulp novel, as others have saiThis was actually my first experience of a Ben Bova novel. There are all the stereotyped characters, seemingly out of a pulp novel, as others have said, where most people (especially women) are described according to their sexual attractiveness. But I suppose what most struck me about the book was the laborious nature of the plot. It was like reading a detailed case study in a project management textbook, only the project happened to be set in space. In some ways, it made it so I could relate, and no doubt "work in space" would soon become just... work. But it seemed to miss that hard science or noble horizon that I tend to look for in scifi. There wasn't much uplift or wonder... just personal politics, work duties, and love affairs. I guess I was sufficiently intrigued by the twists and turns of the plot (like a detective novel) to stay with it to the end and enjoy it to a relative degree....more
It was definitely fun to see this classic scifi novel adapted as a graphic novel, and it's one of my favorite books. The artwork was gorgeous, in my oIt was definitely fun to see this classic scifi novel adapted as a graphic novel, and it's one of my favorite books. The artwork was gorgeous, in my opinion, and helps to visualize some of the complex elements of the story. I do wish the preface hadn't said, "We weren't interested in doing our interpretation of Dune or modifying the story to add our own special stamp. We wanted this to be pure Dune--chapter for chapter, scene for scene." This made me hyper-aware of any changes they did make to the storyline or nuances of characterization, which of course were inevitable in turning this into a graphic novel. It just seemed foolhardy to put such a thing into the preface. Still, I enjoyed this....more
I always enjoy hanging out with Murderbot for the acerbic wit and fast interplay of action, technology, and likable characters. While I appreciate thaI always enjoy hanging out with Murderbot for the acerbic wit and fast interplay of action, technology, and likable characters. While I appreciate that the plot of this story went in a different direction than some of the other novellas (more of a murder mystery), it just happened to appeal to me less. There were also fewer of the action scenes with Murderbot, which are what I really enjoy. Still, these books go down quickly and enjoyably, so no complaints here....more
The book had me from the opening epigraph: "You come at the king, you best not miss." --Omar Little, The Wire
As with Omar, the townsfolk go running anThe book had me from the opening epigraph: "You come at the king, you best not miss." --Omar Little, The Wire
As with Omar, the townsfolk go running and hiding when Sankofa approaches.
Let's just say this story is exquisitely balanced: simple yet complex and profound; satisfying yet mysterious. Sankofa is badass and yet vulnerable and caring. It's a deep meditation on losing "home" repeatedly, yet without falling into despondency and recognizing the joy of movement. It's not anti-religion but almost transcends religion. There is technology and nature, but not nature in some vague sense, but rather dirt and insects, both beloved and annoying.
I don't know, just come spend some time in this world, come walk with Sankofa and her fox, Movenpick. You'll be in the hands of a beautiful narrator, giving sentences like this:
"However, her mind was often clouded and those parts that were clear were populated with dark corners."
"After a moment, the front door lights came on. She looked up at the round ball of glass lit by the light bulb. Within minutes, insects would people the light."...more
I thought this second installment of the series got off to a bit of a slow start, with a lot of restatement of the essential lines of drama ("What's hI thought this second installment of the series got off to a bit of a slow start, with a lot of restatement of the essential lines of drama ("What's happened to my grandmother?" "Take me to Paris to find her!"), and I had a hard time getting to like Scarlet at first. As such, I preferred the chapters that focused on Cinder or Kai, but those were fewer than the chapters centered on Scarlet (the book is called "Scarlet," after all!).
But, by the middle of the book, the plot picked up more speed and complexity, and once the storylines start intersecting, the book gets quite a lot more interesting. I even grew to like Scarlet, and Wolf as well. I think I see the trajectory of where Meyer is going with the series, and I quite like it, though this book felt like more of a step along the way than an intrinsically enjoyable destination....more
"What a long, strange trip it's been!" This book was definitely a mindswirl, but I think it was supposed to be. I enjoyed the strangeness... the denat"What a long, strange trip it's been!" This book was definitely a mindswirl, but I think it was supposed to be. I enjoyed the strangeness... the denaturalizing of what you would otherwise take for granted. The core concept of "half-life" and communicating with those already passed away... and yet how their life continues to atrophy... was potent. The characters had the sense of panache that seems typical of that era in books and film, which made them a little hard to get to know, but I did like them. Maybe we just craft the interiority of characters differently these days.
I thought the details of the "conapts" (cheap apartments) were a brilliant critique of the direction of capitalism, where you have to pay for absolutely everything: to use the coffee maker, to get the news, even to use your own door! Soon, that's where we'll be. Philip K. Dick, the Prophet....more
After a series of Murderbot novellas, it was nice to spend 350 pages with my friend, Murderbot. If you liked the novellas, you'll like this. I do thinAfter a series of Murderbot novellas, it was nice to spend 350 pages with my friend, Murderbot. If you liked the novellas, you'll like this. I do think it would be confusing to start with this novel, however.
Nothing quite matches the simultaneous physical action and computer hacking action that Murderbot can pull off because of being, well, a cyborg. And it's gratifying to see it evolve as a character, stumble through developing relationships and--gasp!--feelings. It's easy to identify with Murderbot's growing sense of balancing independence and agency with connection and vulnerability.
Because of the dual layer, simultaneous action referenced above, the book can be dense at times, but it's a gratifying read and slows down enough at times to allow the reader to catch their breath. And Murderbot is still an acerbic, witty enough character to provide needed comedic relief. There are some very inventive plot turns here that feel plausible and not contrived.
One of my favorite quotes: "Overse added, 'Just remember you're not alone here.'
'I never know what to say to that. I am actually alone in my head, and that's where 90 plus percent of my problems are." (p. 242)
This was a really a fun read with an expansive universe. I liked the characters and got a sense for the long passages of time that transpired. I wouldThis was a really a fun read with an expansive universe. I liked the characters and got a sense for the long passages of time that transpired. I would recommend consulting the "Lexicon" early on to help orient yourself to the world. One minor critique is that many of the characters are introduced in short order, making it hard to differentiate them. That said, the Wolvers and their religion are pretty fascinating and unique, and once again the AI, Machina Chord, steals your heart.
With so many sci-fi books, I love the premise but am disappointed with how the story unfolds and lands. Not so with this one! I enjoyed the story and action every step of the way and am looking forward to the next book....more
I buzzed through this novella and loved it! Just the right blend of science, religion, plot, and characterization. I am impressed by how much of each I buzzed through this novella and loved it! Just the right blend of science, religion, plot, and characterization. I am impressed by how much of each of these was conveyed in 160 pages. I cared about the Sisters and their differing backstories, was fascinated by the ship, was intrigued by the depth of the various planetary systems and their tension with Earth, and quite a bit of plot kicked off in a small time to boot! Without trying to force it, the book touches on how religion often serves to solidify colonization ("Central Governance") and how mapping a place is the first step to controlling it.
The writing is poetic and capable. I mean, just consider that amazing title... Do yourself a favor and google the translations of the Latin chapter titles before you read them, not after as I did....more
Others have rightly critiqued the rape joke that occurs early in the book, so I'll leave it at that. Thankfully, that's an outlier in the book.
OverallOthers have rightly critiqued the rape joke that occurs early in the book, so I'll leave it at that. Thankfully, that's an outlier in the book.
Overall, this is a really enjoyable exploration of some relevant issues in society in terms of technology and personal relationships. The idea of personal implants that connect people to an online world so realistic that they forsake the actual world to the point of neglecting their physiological needs is, well, unnervingly plausible. Some reviewers have said that the protagonist's wife is underdeveloped as a character, but I think that's fitting, as she's absent 23 hours per day, only logged off for the mandatory one hour per day to eat and drink. She's underdeveloped as a character in Jimmy's life too!
The fluid integration of technology and action made this a fun, quick read. The ending was (view spoiler)[ perhaps overly tidy but also intriguing and creative (hide spoiler)]. The quality of writing and dialogue was high. If this is your genre, give it a go!...more
The unique setting of this book (mostly oceanic world, owing to global climate change) allows this to be both a unique take on the postapocalyptic as The unique setting of this book (mostly oceanic world, owing to global climate change) allows this to be both a unique take on the postapocalyptic as well as a sea novel with a unusual twist. The characters are likable and compelling, the plot interesting and unpredictable. And thankfully, the whole plot is not driven by the characters' deceptiveness....more
I read very few graphic novels, so I don't feel I have much to compare this to. However, I really enjoyed it--an intriguing story, told in a a bit of I read very few graphic novels, so I don't feel I have much to compare this to. However, I really enjoyed it--an intriguing story, told in a a bit of a cursory way that I think it typical/necessary in graphic novels (?). The artwork was great and added another dimension to the story. The story line about other-planet alien immigration seemed plausible-futurism as well as a clear political critique. Speaking of the latter, I loved that Nigeria was more progressive than the U.S.
I met the author this summer and heard her speak, so I know a lot of thought and heart went into this work....more
This novel started out with big ideas about catastrophe and change to the planet, but then the story got very small and became more of a survival storThis novel started out with big ideas about catastrophe and change to the planet, but then the story got very small and became more of a survival story than science fiction. I suppose that's the way life would go after some sort of natural apocalypse, but I missed the hard sci-fi and big ideas. The details that were there were more of an adventure story. I did appreciate the setting in Australia and the southern Pacific, and it was a brief novel, so it didn't require an undue amount of time. So, for what it was, I enjoyed it....more
This book was one of my first forays into "military sci-fi," but I feel like it's probably not very representative, given how dense and complex it is.This book was one of my first forays into "military sci-fi," but I feel like it's probably not very representative, given how dense and complex it is. Maybe I'm wrong. But I loved unpacking the complex, almost mystical technology. And the notion of "calendrical rot," how religious adherence to liturgical calendars helps power the regime's power and weapons offers a unique take with intriguing potential. There are definitely strong political undertones to the idea of "heretics" being those who simply have their own notions of time and calendar.
It helps that Cheris and Jedao are likeable, to say nothing of Cheris' relationship with the servitors. The plot unfolds in unpredictable ways, with plenty of mysteries to be revealed. The dispatches from the minister on the heretic Fortress seemed a little non-sequitur (how does the narrator have them?), and you have to just sort of accept that you're not going to fully understand everything (at least, I didn't), like how the invariant ice works... I had to read with a bit of an open mind, look for the forest rather than the trees at times... But then there would be some intense actions scenes to ground matters once again....more
This book definitely shows its age... it was written in the 1950's and some of the racial politics are a bit cringe-worthy, especially the vignettes oThis book definitely shows its age... it was written in the 1950's and some of the racial politics are a bit cringe-worthy, especially the vignettes of indigenous people around the world. And the structure of the book is unusual... it jumps around between a lot of characters, some of which we see again, some of which we don't. It took me a while to realize which characters were going to be the main, recurring ones (and of course those are all white men in NYC). I wish there had been more about the "simpleton," Brock, out in the countryside... That seemed the more interesting story.
That said, this book is a fascinating exploration of what would happen if all of a sudden everyone became substantially smarter. People are no longer content to work menial jobs or be constrained by arbitrary laws. The purpose of cities fades away with the fading of economic and political exploitation. The economy crashes and then shifts as people become smart enough to see through consumerism. New challenges must be sought to keep humanity humble and engaged (and yes, this is a bit of an Enlightenment, white man's arrogance). I also appreciated the parallels with Buddhist/Hindu ideas of maya/illusion... that we were smarter all along but suppressed under a veil of ignorance.
For a short book it provided a lot of food for thought... Definitely well-worth the time!...more
This is science fiction at its best--big, mind-expanding concepts embedded in an interesting plot with likable characters. Imagine a ship that goes onThis is science fiction at its best--big, mind-expanding concepts embedded in an interesting plot with likable characters. Imagine a ship that goes on a mission for... 65 million years! What would such a ship look like? What processes would be necessary to keep the ship together and its mission on progress? Such an innovative concept that there is a "crew" of 30,000 people, but each small team is only woken up once every several hundred thousand years, so they only live about 10-20 years of actual experience during those 65 million years. How do you conceive of your identity, or others, or social change when your life is lived in such a staccato fashion over unfathomable periods of time? Humanity may be long gone or evolved beyond all recognition--yet the mission continues. I also appreciated that Chimp, the ship AI, is portrayed with complexity--neither an evil AI nor a simple compliant computer.
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