Genre: Science Fiction, Computer Gaming Fiction
Setting: Earth 2044, and in a Massively Multiplayer on-line game.
First Sentence: Everyone remembers where they were and what they were doing when they first heard about the contest.
Wow.
What a fun novel to read. It's a enjoyable mash-up of computer gaming and twentieth century pop culture.
Earth in 2044 is not a nice place to live. Global climate change has damaged the planet's ecosystem. There are lots of poor, hungry people.
A reclusive, billionaire, computer coder has created a massively multiplayer on line game called Oasis. Oasis is a utopia where people can go to escape the real world. Not only are people playing games, some are living their life in Oasis. Some are going to school, some are making a living, and some are having relationships through their on-line avatars.
Then, the creator of Oasis dies. He has no family or heirs. So he leaves it up to the computer gamers. He creates an incredibly difficult quest. The winner of the quest will win the entire Oasis program.
Our main character, Parzival, is a young kid just out of high school eking out a living on Oasis. When the contest is announced, he is determined to win.
Five years later, Parzival becomes the first person to solve the first puzzle of the contest. Suddenly, he is famous. But there are those who will win at any cost. When Parzival's "real life" family is murdered, Parzival becomes more determined to win the game.
Along the way, with the help of his on-line gaming friends, Parzival learns some lessons reality and virtual reality.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.
It was a real page turner. And I liked all of the pop culture and computer gaming references.
The best novel I've read in a while.
Check it out.
Monday, May 30, 2016
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
1805 by Richard Woodman
Genre: Historical Fiction, Nautical Fiction
Setting: At sea during the Napoleonic Wars
First Sentence: "Sir! Sir!" Midshipman Frey threw open the door of the captain's cabin with a precipitate lack of formality.
1805 is the sixth book of Woodman's Nathaniel Drinkwater series which extends to thirteen novels.
Our main character, Nathaniel Drinkwater, is in command of a frigate in Britain's royal navy. He, along with many other ships, are blockading French ports and the English Channel. There is a fear that Emperor Napoleon will attempt to invade England.
France possesses a more powerful army, but England has a better trained Navy. So, it is the duty of the English fleet to stop the invasion and defend England.
The year 1805 is a fateful one in English history. In this year, Admiral Nelson leads the fleet at the battle of Trafalgar. An English victory will destroy the combined French and Spanish fleet. An English defeat opens the door for an invasion.
Due to the machinations of Drinkwater's nemesis, the master spy Santhonax, Drinkwater becomes an observer rather than a participant in England's most famous battle. And, as a prisoner, Drinkwater experiences what battle is like for those who remain below deck during a naval battle.
This is a stand alone novel. Yet there are references to the action in the first five books of the series. Especially, Drinkwater's interactions with Santhonax and with Santhonax's wife. I suggest reading the novels in chronological order.
I liked this book. Nautical fiction set in the golden age of sail is a favorite genre for me. Lots of action, and the politics above and below decks. Give this series a read.
Setting: At sea during the Napoleonic Wars
First Sentence: "Sir! Sir!" Midshipman Frey threw open the door of the captain's cabin with a precipitate lack of formality.
1805 is the sixth book of Woodman's Nathaniel Drinkwater series which extends to thirteen novels.
Our main character, Nathaniel Drinkwater, is in command of a frigate in Britain's royal navy. He, along with many other ships, are blockading French ports and the English Channel. There is a fear that Emperor Napoleon will attempt to invade England.
France possesses a more powerful army, but England has a better trained Navy. So, it is the duty of the English fleet to stop the invasion and defend England.
The year 1805 is a fateful one in English history. In this year, Admiral Nelson leads the fleet at the battle of Trafalgar. An English victory will destroy the combined French and Spanish fleet. An English defeat opens the door for an invasion.
Due to the machinations of Drinkwater's nemesis, the master spy Santhonax, Drinkwater becomes an observer rather than a participant in England's most famous battle. And, as a prisoner, Drinkwater experiences what battle is like for those who remain below deck during a naval battle.
This is a stand alone novel. Yet there are references to the action in the first five books of the series. Especially, Drinkwater's interactions with Santhonax and with Santhonax's wife. I suggest reading the novels in chronological order.
I liked this book. Nautical fiction set in the golden age of sail is a favorite genre for me. Lots of action, and the politics above and below decks. Give this series a read.
Monday, May 16, 2016
Colossus by D. F. Jones
Genre: Sci Fi
Setting: In a unique version of the not too distant future.
First Sentence: Forbin leaned back in the plastic smelling opulence of the armor-plated car of the Presidential fleet, gazing at the dart board neck of the Marine driver.
This novel is the third in D. F. Jones's Colossus series which currently runs to three books.
Originally published in 1955, this novel is placed in a peculiar version of of a future with computers, teletype machines, disposable clothing, perforated tape, and oil burning lamps.
For years the government has been working in secret on a supercomputer intelligent enough to prevent war. Now it is time to turn the computer on and present it to the world.
But things do not turn out as planned. There is another super computer. The two computers join forces. And soon they are calling the shots.
Will humans find a way to gain control or will humanity come to revere the computers as gods?
This was a fun novel to read with some anachronistic technology and a quirky 60's vibe.
Check it out.
Setting: In a unique version of the not too distant future.
First Sentence: Forbin leaned back in the plastic smelling opulence of the armor-plated car of the Presidential fleet, gazing at the dart board neck of the Marine driver.
This novel is the third in D. F. Jones's Colossus series which currently runs to three books.
Originally published in 1955, this novel is placed in a peculiar version of of a future with computers, teletype machines, disposable clothing, perforated tape, and oil burning lamps.
For years the government has been working in secret on a supercomputer intelligent enough to prevent war. Now it is time to turn the computer on and present it to the world.
But things do not turn out as planned. There is another super computer. The two computers join forces. And soon they are calling the shots.
Will humans find a way to gain control or will humanity come to revere the computers as gods?
This was a fun novel to read with some anachronistic technology and a quirky 60's vibe.
Check it out.
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