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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.
Category Archives: Book reviews
Classic Review: Babel-17 by Samuel L. Delany
This compact novel feels way ahead of its time. It has an ambiance in the best tradition of Cordwainer Smith, it reminds me of the modern works of Alastair Reynolds, it explores an ancient idea that was immensely popularized in … Continue reading
Book review: A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine
This Hugo Award winner is a weird beast. I hesitate to call it a political thriller because it isn’t thrilling enough. It’s definitely not a space opera, even though it is marketed as such. It can be described as a … Continue reading
Book review: In Fury Born by David Weber
In Fury Born has everything a fan of action science fiction could ask for. A sprawling space opera. Strong and personable characters. Intense combat with set pieces that jump straight from the pages. Emotionally charged aftermath that may be difficult … Continue reading
Book review: King of the Road by R. S. Belcher
Two books in one! Werewolves, killer clowns, ancient alchemy and so much more! And no Elvis in sight… The second installment of the Brotherhood of the Wheel series is not as strong as the first one. With two completely separate … Continue reading
Book review: Termination Shock by Neal Stephenson
I must confess that I have a problem with Neal Stephenson. Based on his past performance, I have high expectations for his works, so even when he delivers something as technically proficient as Termination Shock, with interesting ideas that hit … Continue reading
Classic review: The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch by Philip K. Dick
What do ogres and Dick’s books have in common? They are like onions: they have several layers, and when you peel one off, another will lie underneath. The layers in Dick’s book can be very different: they may have little … Continue reading
Book review: The Brotherhood of the Wheel by R. S. Belcher
American highways are the battleground of a war between good and evil. Monsters, both real and in human form, are being hunted by truckers and motorcycle gangs who trace their lineage back to the Knights Templar. This may sound bombastic, … Continue reading
Book review: Dawn (Legend of the Galactic Heroes 1) by Yoshiki Tanaka
A space opera for younger readers, which is eminently readable, Dawn is the answer to the question nobody cared to ask: How would a John Scalzi book look without all the edginess and curse words? The end result is a … Continue reading
Book review: Terminal World by Alastair Reynolds
I have somewhat mixed feelings about this book. On one side, Reynolds is one of my favorite contemporary authors, and this book clearly served as influence for the successful Broken Earth trilogy by N. K. Jemisin. On the other, this … Continue reading
Book review: Upright Women Wanted by Sarah Gailey
Futuristic westerns in a dystopian future are a dime a dozen, and this one does not stand out. The novella is very expertly written and provides for some pleasant reading, but wastes its potential for worldbuilding and character development and … Continue reading