Author Archives: Bruncvik

Flash review: Quandary Aminu vs The Butterfly Man by Rich Larson

Sometimes I don’t even realize I need a change of pace until it happens. After months of science fiction that was either slow and ponderous, or fast on a galactic scale (where everything is slow anyway), a story that takes … Continue reading

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Book review: Ninefox Gambit (The Machineries of Empire 1) by Yoon Ha Lee

This short and relatively inoffensive book has become quite polarizing in the SF circles. Some fans loved the novel enough to nominate it for the Hugo award. Others were dismayed by the needlessly difficult writing style. I see it as … Continue reading

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Modern classic: Seven Surrenders (Terra Ignota 2) by Ada Palmer

A book of the caliber of Too Like the Lighting is difficult to emulate, especially with a sequel that is designed to be a direct continuation of the first book. Palmer manages to do just that with yet another exceptional … Continue reading

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Book review: VALIS by Philip K. Dick

Let me begin by saying that VALIS is not science fiction. It is not a good book, either. It barely holds a plot, and instead contains little less than incoherent ramblings and conspiracy theories from a very disturbed mind, which … Continue reading

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Flash review: Victory Citrus is Sweet by Thoraiya Dyer

This short story (missing the novelette category by a mere 15 words) has an interesting premise, a quirky central character and a hint of a redemption arc. It is a fun, quick read. However, if one thinks about it a … Continue reading

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Book review: The Galaxy and the Ground Within (Wayfarers 4) by Becky Chambers

Becky Chambers has become a household name for those who look for light, uplifting science fiction reading. Her style has been coined “Cozy-Punk” by some, and I wholeheartedly agree. Readers who pick up her latest Wayfarers novel know very well … Continue reading

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Book review: Inhibitor Phase (Revelation Space 4) by Alastair Reynolds

Nearly two decades after the last novel from the main Revelation Space storyline, Reynolds returns with a book that’s even more expansive and bleak than the ones before. With new and some very old characters, Inhibitor Phase can be read … Continue reading

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Modern Classic: Too Like the Lightning (Terra Ignota 1) by Ada Palmer

This tour de force has easily become my favorite science fiction book of the 2010s, and it restored my faith that classic literary science fiction would thrive in this century. Don’t get me wrong: I have other favorite authors, from … Continue reading

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Book review: A Spindle Splintered by Alix E. Harrow

As far as modern retellings of classic fairy tales go, Harrow’s take on The Sleeping Beauty is quite original, emotional, and featuring one of the most efficient writing I’ve seen among this year’s Hugo nominees. The characters are highly relatable, … Continue reading

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Book review: Across the Green Grass Fields (Wayward Children 6) by Seanan McGuire

Another year rolls by, and another book in the Wayward Children series gets nominated for the Hugo award. Unfortunately, as time goes by, the series seems to have lost its spark and became somewhat stale. This title digs itself into … Continue reading

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