Tag Archives: post-apocalyptic

Book review: Relic by Alan Dean Foster

The most recent novel by Alan Dean Foster is quite a surprise. It reads like pastoral science fiction of old, while maintaining its own modern character. It’s slow and ponderous, with minimal action, yet endearing and insightful. It will please … Continue reading

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Book review: The Light Brigade by Kameron Hurley

Not every book needs to be highly original and well written to receive praise.  Sometimes, all it takes is to slap an interesting twist on a highly derivative work, and the reader will think about the story well past the … Continue reading

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Modern classic: Permafrost by Alastair Reynolds

There are two kinds of time travel novels. Those that… Ah, scratch that. There are all sorts of time travel stories, but the only ones I find interesting are those that focus on the time travel paradox. Not some kind … Continue reading

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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

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Book review: Elder Race by Adrian Tchaikovsky

A quick, entertaining read, Elder Race may appear fairly formulaic at the first glance.  Tchaikovsky’s idiosyncrasies in his writing style further enhance this perception.  However, the novella still includes a few hidden layers, which push it from a light evening … Continue reading

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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

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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

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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

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Movie review: The Tomorrow War (2021)

The Tomorrow War is this generation’s Independence Day.  It’s intense, amazing, with great action sequences, a little bit of humor and emotion.  All characters are relatable, and the outcome is happy.  It is also dumb as heck, with logical holes … Continue reading

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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

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