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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
Book review: Auxiliary: London 2039 by Jon Richter
Stop me if you heard this before: a gruff, alcoholic detective is roped into a routine homicide investigation, where he is pressured to come to a clean, politically expedient but ultimately wrong conclusion and frame an innocent man. Instead, his … Continue reading
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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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
Book review: Fall; or, Dodge in Hell by Neal Stephenson
In a sense, Fall is a typical Stephenson novel. It has all the hallmarks of an author who is constantly evolving, refining his style and endlessly polishing his prose, so that not a single word or comma is out of … Continue reading