Tag Archives: hugo

Book review: The City & the City by China Miéville

Given the choice between worldbuilding and good characters, I always pick the latter. But every rule has an exception, that The City & the City is just that. The worldbuilding here is absolutely perfect. It is unique, yet simple enough … Continue reading

Posted in Book reviews | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Modern Classic: A Deepness in the Sky by Vernor Vinge

Very few books from the last quarter of a century were as influential as A Deepness in the Sky. Even fewer managed to upstage their already great predecessors in a truly grand manner. And while there are other titles spanning … Continue reading

Posted in Book reviews | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Book review: A Fire Upon the Deep by Vernor Vinge

As far as expansive space operas go, this novel is mind-blowing. The scope of the worldbuilding, richness of characters and attention to detail are impressive, any they highlight the efficient writing that makes reading this book a true pleasure. Add … Continue reading

Posted in Book reviews, Hugos | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Classic Review: Gateway (Heechee Saga 1) by Frederik Pohl

Very few books manage to win the triple crown of Hugo, Nebula and Locus awards, and Gateway is one of the most deserving ones.  It features compelling worldbuilding, a very imperfect yet relatable narrator, a mystery that manages to remain … Continue reading

Posted in Book reviews, Hugos | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

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

Posted in Book reviews, Hugos | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Book review: She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan

For an epic fairy tale, this story is exceedingly personable and nuanced. It features interesting characters with strong arcs, but also vast empires in exotic locales and cultures. Add to it a little bit of magic, some more faith in … Continue reading

Posted in Book reviews, Hugos | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Book review: A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers

Chambers has set a new trend in science fiction storytelling. Her works are usually very comfortable, inoffensive, full of hope, and light on technical details. She may not have been the first, but other writers are already being compared to … Continue reading

Posted in Book reviews, Hugos | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Book review: Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki

A feel-good book that does its best to juggle multiple plot lines, Light from Uncommon Stars is best enjoyed when the reader leaves all preconceptions behind, before turning to the first page. Even though the book has been nominated for … Continue reading

Posted in Book reviews, Hugos | Tagged | Leave a comment

Book review: The Past is Red by Catherynne M. Valente

Very few modern authors have the knack for presenting serious issues with so much light-hearted, yet insightful flair as Catherynne Valente. Her easy flowing prose is entertaining, inventive, and yet insidiously indoctrinates the reader into the author’s way of thinking. … Continue reading

Posted in Book reviews, Hugos | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Book review: A Master of Djinn by P. Djeli Clark

With his inventive worldbuilding and spectacular visuals, P. Djeli Clark has become a mainstay of the awards circuit in the recent years. His blend of alternative history, magic, urban fantasy and exotic locales resonates with me and many others, and … Continue reading

Posted in Book reviews, Hugos | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment