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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.
Tag Archives: space opera
Classic review: Beyond the Blue Event Horizon (Heechee saga 2) by Frederik Pohl
Sequels to highly regarded books are a risky venture. The expectations are high, and even if the book meets them, the mood tends to be dampened by the more prominent hero’s journey curve, at the expense of worldbuilding. Where the … Continue reading
Book review: The Icarus Hunt by Timothy Zahn
Welcome back to the good old days of science fiction when stories were fun, authors didn’t need to comment on social issues or historical events, and readers didn’t have to be bogged down by hidden messages. Where the protagonists were … Continue reading
Book review: The Genesis Fleet trilogy by Jack Campbell
Jack Campbell has built up one of the most successful military science fiction franchises, thanks to a few simple strategies. He kept the worldbuilding, character development and moral ambiguities at a minimum, and instead focused on the tactics of space … Continue reading
Flash review: Counting Casualties by Yoon Ha Lee
A space opera encompassing a galactic war, numerous planets and cultures destroyed, and a journey that takes several years, in a package of less than 5000 words. Yoon Ha Lee continues with her trend of creating enormous worlds, which are … Continue reading
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
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
Book review: Live Free or Die (Troy Rising 1) by John Ringo
At a time when the vast majority of science fiction is bleak and technology is portrayed as potentially disastrous, all optimistic, forward-thinking works deserve special attention. Be it Taylor’s Bobiverse or Weir’s Project Hail Mary, readers like me appreciate true … Continue reading
Book review: The Quantum Magician by Derek Künsken
A fast-paced heist on a galactic scale, a universe full of wildly imaginative human variants, and a narrative with a tight internal logic all combine to form a very entertaining book, which almost reaches my imaginary rank of a modern … Continue reading
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
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