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As an avid consumer of sci-fi and fantasy in all its forms, please allow me to say a few words about my favorite subject.
Author Archives: Bruncvik
Book review: To Be Taught, if Fortunate by Becky Chambers
Becky Chambers has quickly become one of my favorite new authors, with her unconventional, humane view of science fiction settings. Her characters are almost always likable, conflict is kept at a minimum, and the resolution is usually peaceful. She looks … Continue reading
Book review: The Prefect (Revelation Space 5) by Alastair Reynolds
The Prefect is one of the most popular books in the Revelation Space universe. It rates marginally higher than the other books in the series on Goodreads, even though it didn’t amass as many reviews. I think the positive reception … Continue reading
Classic Review: Use of Weapons by Iain M. Banks
Many people consider this to be the best book from The Culture series. Many more think it’s the most gut-wrenching book. I am simply amazed at the depth of characters, quality of writing and a story structure that was very … Continue reading
Modern Classic: The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi
The Windup Girl is essential reading for the early 21st century. It deals with incredibly important themes in an accessible and very engaging fashion. The characters are all well fleshed out, the story is plausible, and the setting is exotic … Continue reading
Posted in Book reviews, Hugos
Tagged classic, ecology, hugo, locus, nebula, post-apocalyptic
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Hugos 2020 – Novelettes
This year, the selection of novelettes did not reach the quality of the previous years. Back in 2018 and 2019, I was hard-pressed to find my favorite story, and even to select the top three was difficult. In 2020, only … Continue reading
Hugos 2020 – Short Stories
This year, the short story ballot was very strong. Unlike the last few years, the stories feel complete, gradually tapering off instead of an abrupt ending, and they all made actual sense to me. I found it quite difficult to … Continue reading
Philip K. Dick vs. Hollywood, Part 2: Paycheck
A blockbuster movie directed by John Woo and starring no less than four A-list actors at the height of their popularity, in a movie based on Philip K. Dick’s short story. What could go possibly wrong? Well, a lot of … Continue reading
Book Review: The Last Emperox (Interdependency 3) by John Scalzi
The Interdependency series is one of the rare trilogies where each sequel gets better than the previous book, and despite a single linear storyline, each novel has its own distinct character. I was unimpressed with the first book, considered the … Continue reading
Philip K. Dick vs. Hollywood, Part 1: Second Variety
Philip K. Dick’s work had been hot property for Hollywood studios for decades. It’s not all that surprising to see why. Most of the works that made it to film feature a novel concept, around which a skilled screenwriter can … Continue reading
Book Review: Lines of Departure by Marko Kloos
Lines of Departure is the second book in the Frontlines series. It is a solid piece of military science fiction, with plausible main characters and a story that goes beyond the usual futuristic action. There is more character development than … Continue reading