Genre: Science Fiction
Setting: In outer space, aboard spaceships and on various planets, in the distant future.
First sentence: So, I'm supposed to tell you how I became a brain in a box.
This book is the sixth in Scalzi's Old Man's War series. This series is unique in that it is a collection of free standing novels and novelettes placed in the Old Man's War universe. We don't follow a main character. But we see the main story arc from different points of view.
This book is a collection of four novelettes. In them we observe the main story from both a human and an alien perspective.
Basically, the plot revolves around the relationship humans have with the hundreds of non-human species in the galaxy. Many of these species have aligned themselves into a governmental entity called the Conclave. Humans are represented by the Colonial Union and its military arm called the CDF (Colonial Defense Forces).
Humans are not very popular in space. They have been fighting the Conclave for years. It turns out that the Conclave is not as evil as the Colonial Union would have humans believe. And the Colonial Union is not very popular on Earth. It turns out that the Colonial Union has been misrepresenting the real political situation in the galaxy.
Now, there is a new political entity called the Equilibrium. The Equilibrium wants to gain political control by destroying both the Conclave and the Earth.
So, the Conclave, the CU and Earth need to find a way to defeat the Equilibrium. Failure would mean the end of all things.
I am a big fan of John Scalzi's novels. I especially like his action sequences. For me, the story slowed down when we had aliens with difficult to remember names discussing political issues.
But, overall, I felt that it was a very enjoyable read.
Showing posts with label Science Fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Science Fiction. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
Dark Matter, Book One of the Hadron Series by Stephen Arseneault
Genre: Science Fiction
Setting: The eastern U.S. in the near future.
First Sentence: The engines lost thrust as the fuel ran dry.
Dark Matter is the first novel in the author's Hadron series which currently runs to eight books.
Dark Matter is a pretty typical beginning to a post apocalyptic series.
We have some unknown power which is disrupting the world wide power grid.
The author drops a few hints about the source of that power.
Humanity quickly devolves into chaos. There are roaming bands looking for food and looting.
In rural New Jersey a small group of exceedingly wealthy and well prepared survivalists link up in a small local bar.
Together, they decide that a cave in West Virginia would be the perfect place to hunker down, and wait for whatever happens next.
Along the way, they pick up some friends, and battle some evils doers.
Eventually they find themselves cornered in their cave. Will the cavalry come to the rescue before it is too late?
This book was a pleasant read. There are plenty of un answered questions. Although it is listed as a science fiction book, there is little scifi in this book. The author promises to ramp up the scifi in future installments.
If your looking for an enjoyable series to read, check out this one.
Setting: The eastern U.S. in the near future.
First Sentence: The engines lost thrust as the fuel ran dry.
Dark Matter is the first novel in the author's Hadron series which currently runs to eight books.
Dark Matter is a pretty typical beginning to a post apocalyptic series.
We have some unknown power which is disrupting the world wide power grid.
The author drops a few hints about the source of that power.
Humanity quickly devolves into chaos. There are roaming bands looking for food and looting.
In rural New Jersey a small group of exceedingly wealthy and well prepared survivalists link up in a small local bar.
Together, they decide that a cave in West Virginia would be the perfect place to hunker down, and wait for whatever happens next.
Along the way, they pick up some friends, and battle some evils doers.
Eventually they find themselves cornered in their cave. Will the cavalry come to the rescue before it is too late?
This book was a pleasant read. There are plenty of un answered questions. Although it is listed as a science fiction book, there is little scifi in this book. The author promises to ramp up the scifi in future installments.
If your looking for an enjoyable series to read, check out this one.
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Code Breakers Book 1: Alpha by Colin F. Barnes
Genre: Science Fiction
Setting: In the future, on earth, after a disastrous planet wide civil war.
First Sentence: In 2153 the lottery didn't just change lives it ended them.
This novel is the first in Barnes's Code Breakers series which currently runs to four books.
It is the twenty-second century. Earth has been blasted by a catastrophic civil war. Orbiting Earth is a space station where technologists experiment with improving the human race. On Earth there is the domed City Earth where citizens believe that they are the only survivors of the war. Outside the dome are humans who struggle to survive on the blasted, radioactive surface of the planet.
At each level humans exist in various combinations of biology and technology.
In City Earth, population control is an algorithm that decides who gets to live, and who must die. Our main character, Gerry Cardle, is the author of the algorithm. So it comes as a surprise to him when the algorithm selects him for elimination.
When his number comes up, Gerry escapes from the dome and heads into the wilder parts of the planet. There he joins a group of part-human, part-computer survivors. They are trying to defeat a malicious malware code which endangers City Earth as well as the survivors themselves .
Along the way Gerry discovers that there is something different about his brain and his coding abilities.
For me this was an OK book. Lots of action. Physical battles and cyber attacks. If you are into hard scifi, you might enjoy this novel.
Setting: In the future, on earth, after a disastrous planet wide civil war.
First Sentence: In 2153 the lottery didn't just change lives it ended them.
This novel is the first in Barnes's Code Breakers series which currently runs to four books.
It is the twenty-second century. Earth has been blasted by a catastrophic civil war. Orbiting Earth is a space station where technologists experiment with improving the human race. On Earth there is the domed City Earth where citizens believe that they are the only survivors of the war. Outside the dome are humans who struggle to survive on the blasted, radioactive surface of the planet.
At each level humans exist in various combinations of biology and technology.
In City Earth, population control is an algorithm that decides who gets to live, and who must die. Our main character, Gerry Cardle, is the author of the algorithm. So it comes as a surprise to him when the algorithm selects him for elimination.
When his number comes up, Gerry escapes from the dome and heads into the wilder parts of the planet. There he joins a group of part-human, part-computer survivors. They are trying to defeat a malicious malware code which endangers City Earth as well as the survivors themselves .
Along the way Gerry discovers that there is something different about his brain and his coding abilities.
For me this was an OK book. Lots of action. Physical battles and cyber attacks. If you are into hard scifi, you might enjoy this novel.
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Life II by Scott Spotson
Genre: Science Fiction, Time Travel
Setting: Earth around the turn of the twenty-first century.
First Sentence: Max Thorning turned over the ancient book in his hand.
This novel is the first in Spotson's Life II Series. He has written a sequel to Life II titled Bridge Through Time.
Time travel is a popular sub-genre of Science Fiction. Authors often have their characters jumping between time streams, avoiding paradoxes, and encountering alternate realities.
Spotson's concept of time travel is quite different. In his version of time travel, one can only travel back in time. No jumping forward. After jumping, the time traveller must live his life forward again. There is only one time line, but the traveler retains the memory of the first timeline.
Our main character, Max, is having a mid-life crisis. He is unhappy with his current life and feels that he could do better if he had a second chance. That chance comes in the form of an ancient tome which provides the directions to a mysterious apartment in Athens, Greece.
On a whim, Max chooses to take the jump into his past.
Almost immediately, he discovers how difficult it is to manage two lives. One of which only exists in his mind. His first life he calls Life I, and his new life he calls Life II.
When things don't turn out as he planned, Max tries to return to return to Life I. Thats when he learns the truth. He can never go back. The pain caused by his decision follows him for the rest of his life.
With the help of some friends and loved ones, Max eventually learns a valuable lesson.
I liked this book. Some parts were better than others. But for me it was an easy read with a unique concept of time travel.
Setting: Earth around the turn of the twenty-first century.
First Sentence: Max Thorning turned over the ancient book in his hand.
This novel is the first in Spotson's Life II Series. He has written a sequel to Life II titled Bridge Through Time.
Time travel is a popular sub-genre of Science Fiction. Authors often have their characters jumping between time streams, avoiding paradoxes, and encountering alternate realities.
Spotson's concept of time travel is quite different. In his version of time travel, one can only travel back in time. No jumping forward. After jumping, the time traveller must live his life forward again. There is only one time line, but the traveler retains the memory of the first timeline.
Our main character, Max, is having a mid-life crisis. He is unhappy with his current life and feels that he could do better if he had a second chance. That chance comes in the form of an ancient tome which provides the directions to a mysterious apartment in Athens, Greece.
On a whim, Max chooses to take the jump into his past.
Almost immediately, he discovers how difficult it is to manage two lives. One of which only exists in his mind. His first life he calls Life I, and his new life he calls Life II.
When things don't turn out as he planned, Max tries to return to return to Life I. Thats when he learns the truth. He can never go back. The pain caused by his decision follows him for the rest of his life.
With the help of some friends and loved ones, Max eventually learns a valuable lesson.
I liked this book. Some parts were better than others. But for me it was an easy read with a unique concept of time travel.
Thursday, August 4, 2016
The Chronothon by Nathan Van Coops
Genre: Science Fiction
Setting: A time when time travel is possible.
First Sentence: I feel very alive considering I haven's been born yet.
This novel is the second in the author's time travel trilogy. The first book is titled "In Times Like These." Although this is the second book of the series, the author intended it as a stand alone novel. To help the reader, Van Coops provided one explanatory information, and a glossary of terms.
Time travel is real.
Our main character, Ben, has just been introduced to the culture of time travel. Time travelers have developed a community of scientists and adventurers who travel and communicate between time lines.
Occasionally the time travelers stage a Chronothon. This is an exciting race/ scavenger hunt through different places in time.
But this year is different. Racers are dying. Some have been murdered. Some have been killed when the race route passes through a very dangerous time line.
Who is killing the racers? Who has planned this dangerous game? And, why?
Time travel has its problems: Avoiding paradoxes (multiple copies of people existing side by side in the same timeline), and creating new timelines (a change in history creating parallel time lines).
The author does a good job of describing his version of time travel and time lines. But it sometimes gets a little confusing.
Over, all. For me. It was an okay book.
Setting: A time when time travel is possible.
First Sentence: I feel very alive considering I haven's been born yet.
This novel is the second in the author's time travel trilogy. The first book is titled "In Times Like These." Although this is the second book of the series, the author intended it as a stand alone novel. To help the reader, Van Coops provided one explanatory information, and a glossary of terms.
Time travel is real.
Our main character, Ben, has just been introduced to the culture of time travel. Time travelers have developed a community of scientists and adventurers who travel and communicate between time lines.
Occasionally the time travelers stage a Chronothon. This is an exciting race/ scavenger hunt through different places in time.
But this year is different. Racers are dying. Some have been murdered. Some have been killed when the race route passes through a very dangerous time line.
Who is killing the racers? Who has planned this dangerous game? And, why?
Time travel has its problems: Avoiding paradoxes (multiple copies of people existing side by side in the same timeline), and creating new timelines (a change in history creating parallel time lines).
The author does a good job of describing his version of time travel and time lines. But it sometimes gets a little confusing.
Over, all. For me. It was an okay book.
Monday, July 11, 2016
Sisterhood of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
Genre: Science Fiction
Setting: On different planets in the Dune Universe. It begins about eighty years after the defeat of the thinking machines.
First Sentence: Manford Torondo had lost count of his many missions.
This novel is the eighteenth book in the Dune Universe saga. It is the first in the Great Schools of Dune prequel trilogy.
Humanity has defeated the last of the thinking machines. There is a general distrust of computers and higher technology. Into this climate of fear there begins a Luddite style revolt against technology. There also begins a movement to train humans to due tasks which were once performed.
In this novel we see the development of the political factors which play a great part in the plot of the classic novel Dune: the Sisterhood which eventually becomes the Bene Gesserit, the Mentat human computers, the Suk school of incorruptible doctors, and the development of the Spacing Guild of navigators. We also learn the basis for the Harkonnen-Atreides rivalry.
The authors jump back and forth between the different characters and plot lines. The first half of the book contains a great deal of exposition which slowed the plot down and made the novel hard to read. Towards the end of the book the action picked up and made the reading more enjoyable.
If you are new to the Dune universe, I suggest you read the novels in order of publication starting with the classic original novel Dune.
I struggled with this book because it had been years since I read a Dune novel so for me it was just an okay book.
Setting: On different planets in the Dune Universe. It begins about eighty years after the defeat of the thinking machines.
First Sentence: Manford Torondo had lost count of his many missions.
This novel is the eighteenth book in the Dune Universe saga. It is the first in the Great Schools of Dune prequel trilogy.
Humanity has defeated the last of the thinking machines. There is a general distrust of computers and higher technology. Into this climate of fear there begins a Luddite style revolt against technology. There also begins a movement to train humans to due tasks which were once performed.
In this novel we see the development of the political factors which play a great part in the plot of the classic novel Dune: the Sisterhood which eventually becomes the Bene Gesserit, the Mentat human computers, the Suk school of incorruptible doctors, and the development of the Spacing Guild of navigators. We also learn the basis for the Harkonnen-Atreides rivalry.
The authors jump back and forth between the different characters and plot lines. The first half of the book contains a great deal of exposition which slowed the plot down and made the novel hard to read. Towards the end of the book the action picked up and made the reading more enjoyable.
If you are new to the Dune universe, I suggest you read the novels in order of publication starting with the classic original novel Dune.
I struggled with this book because it had been years since I read a Dune novel so for me it was just an okay book.
Monday, May 30, 2016
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
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.
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 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.
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Wanderer's Escape by Simon Goodson
Genre: Science Fiction
Setting: In space aboard an advanced alien spaceship.
First Sentence: "You! Get get over there!" the guard barked at Jess.
This book is the first in Simon Goodson's Wanderer series which currently has four novels.
As our story begins, Jess is a slave. He is part of a slave gang that tasked with opening abandoned space vessels. Some of them have been booby trapped. The slave before Jess has been killed trying to open a ship.
Now its Jess's turn.
But the ship possesses an intelligence. And for some reason, the ship has chosen Jess to be its next captain.
So Jess enters the ship, and the ship somehow contacts Jess. He quickly learns that he has some control over the vessel. Jess and two other slaves use the vessel to escape to freedom.
The ship is named Wanderer. It is the most advanced spaceship in the galaxy. As time goes on, Jess learns more about Wanderer and how truly powerful it is. Which means that the ship is coveted by space pirates and greedy space colonies.
Although Jess does not want to fight, he is forced to fight to defend the ship and its crew. And after each battle Jess is truly sorry for the loss of life which resulted from each battle.
Eventually, Jess needs to learn a hard lesson about trust.
This book was a fun read. I was looking for something easy read after reading a few hefty tomes and this novel fit the bill. I liked Goodson's easy to read style. For me it was an pleasant read.
Setting: In space aboard an advanced alien spaceship.
First Sentence: "You! Get get over there!" the guard barked at Jess.
This book is the first in Simon Goodson's Wanderer series which currently has four novels.
As our story begins, Jess is a slave. He is part of a slave gang that tasked with opening abandoned space vessels. Some of them have been booby trapped. The slave before Jess has been killed trying to open a ship.
Now its Jess's turn.
But the ship possesses an intelligence. And for some reason, the ship has chosen Jess to be its next captain.
So Jess enters the ship, and the ship somehow contacts Jess. He quickly learns that he has some control over the vessel. Jess and two other slaves use the vessel to escape to freedom.
The ship is named Wanderer. It is the most advanced spaceship in the galaxy. As time goes on, Jess learns more about Wanderer and how truly powerful it is. Which means that the ship is coveted by space pirates and greedy space colonies.
Although Jess does not want to fight, he is forced to fight to defend the ship and its crew. And after each battle Jess is truly sorry for the loss of life which resulted from each battle.
Eventually, Jess needs to learn a hard lesson about trust.
This book was a fun read. I was looking for something easy read after reading a few hefty tomes and this novel fit the bill. I liked Goodson's easy to read style. For me it was an pleasant read.
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Spinward Fringe Broadcast 0: Origins by Randolf Lalonde
Genre: Science Fiction
Setting: In space, in the future.
First Sentence: The odd's weren't in our favor.
This novel is a prequel to the author's Spaniard Fringe series which currently runs to ten novels.
Out in interstellar space there are many inhabited planets. Ruthless corporations plunder these planets for their resources, technology, and cheap labor.
Scattered through the galaxy are also space ports which act as safe harbors for independent spacefaring vessels. One of these ports is the space station Freeground. For recreation on Freeground there are teams of people who compete by playing spaceship simulation games. One team, lead by our main character Jonas Valent, has become so good that they routinely defeat military simulation teams.
They are so good infact that the military has approached them to become an actual spaceship crew. The military leaders have decided that they would be the perfect crew to pilot secretive missions.
After they have proved themselves, they are given a given a ship and sent out to conduct shadow ship missions. They are tasked with obtaining advance tech devices any way they can.
In between visits to space ports, they battle the corporations' fleets.
Will Jonas and his crew evade the corporate fleets, and return to Freeground to complete their mission?
This novel is a prequel to the series, but it was not first in order of publication, When I began reading this novel, I was somewhat confused. There was a lot of exposition that I didn't understand. But I kept reading, and the novel became more enjoyable.
The plot has lots of space battles in between visits to space ports, so if you like high tech and space battles, you'll probably like this book.
I suggest that you read them in order of publication.
Setting: In space, in the future.
First Sentence: The odd's weren't in our favor.
This novel is a prequel to the author's Spaniard Fringe series which currently runs to ten novels.
Out in interstellar space there are many inhabited planets. Ruthless corporations plunder these planets for their resources, technology, and cheap labor.
Scattered through the galaxy are also space ports which act as safe harbors for independent spacefaring vessels. One of these ports is the space station Freeground. For recreation on Freeground there are teams of people who compete by playing spaceship simulation games. One team, lead by our main character Jonas Valent, has become so good that they routinely defeat military simulation teams.
They are so good infact that the military has approached them to become an actual spaceship crew. The military leaders have decided that they would be the perfect crew to pilot secretive missions.
After they have proved themselves, they are given a given a ship and sent out to conduct shadow ship missions. They are tasked with obtaining advance tech devices any way they can.
In between visits to space ports, they battle the corporations' fleets.
Will Jonas and his crew evade the corporate fleets, and return to Freeground to complete their mission?
This novel is a prequel to the series, but it was not first in order of publication, When I began reading this novel, I was somewhat confused. There was a lot of exposition that I didn't understand. But I kept reading, and the novel became more enjoyable.
The plot has lots of space battles in between visits to space ports, so if you like high tech and space battles, you'll probably like this book.
I suggest that you read them in order of publication.
Friday, December 11, 2015
The Park Service by Ryan Winfield
Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian Fiction
Setting: about one thousand years in the future.
First Sentence: Dead leaves scatter, caught and swirling in the smoky exhaust.
This novel is the first in Winfield's Park Service Trilogy.
I love novels that start down one path into a predictable plot, then take an unexpected turn into a completely different story.
In this novel, our main character Aubrey, lives deep below the surface of the Earth. All his life Aubrey has been taught that due to a nuclear war a thousand years ago, the surface of Earth is a blasted wasteland where nothing can survive. What remains of humanity survives on artificial food and recycled possessions. When a person reaches the age of thirty-five they are "retired" to live the rest of their days in beautiful place called Eden.
At the age of fifteen, each adolescent takes a test to determine his or her future. If they do poorly, they are sent to the lower levels where work is hard and life is less pleasant. Those who do well, can remain on their current level. A few who do exceptionally well can move to a higher level where life is easier and more comfortable.
When he takes his test, Aubrey does something no one else has ever done. He aces the test. This means he can advance to level 1. The highest and most prestigious level.
On the trip to level one, something happens. And Aubrey discovers that his life, until now, has been a lie.
What will Aubrey do when he is confronted with the truth about life on Earth?
This novel us a great beginning to a trilogy. The story is not over. The author leaves us wondering what will happen next. I am eager to find out. And book two of this trilogy is now on my must read list.
Bravo to the author for creating an interesting and exciting novel.
Setting: about one thousand years in the future.
First Sentence: Dead leaves scatter, caught and swirling in the smoky exhaust.
This novel is the first in Winfield's Park Service Trilogy.
I love novels that start down one path into a predictable plot, then take an unexpected turn into a completely different story.
In this novel, our main character Aubrey, lives deep below the surface of the Earth. All his life Aubrey has been taught that due to a nuclear war a thousand years ago, the surface of Earth is a blasted wasteland where nothing can survive. What remains of humanity survives on artificial food and recycled possessions. When a person reaches the age of thirty-five they are "retired" to live the rest of their days in beautiful place called Eden.
At the age of fifteen, each adolescent takes a test to determine his or her future. If they do poorly, they are sent to the lower levels where work is hard and life is less pleasant. Those who do well, can remain on their current level. A few who do exceptionally well can move to a higher level where life is easier and more comfortable.
When he takes his test, Aubrey does something no one else has ever done. He aces the test. This means he can advance to level 1. The highest and most prestigious level.
On the trip to level one, something happens. And Aubrey discovers that his life, until now, has been a lie.
What will Aubrey do when he is confronted with the truth about life on Earth?
This novel us a great beginning to a trilogy. The story is not over. The author leaves us wondering what will happen next. I am eager to find out. And book two of this trilogy is now on my must read list.
Bravo to the author for creating an interesting and exciting novel.
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Driftmetal, Segment One by J. C. Staudt
Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction
Setting: On a shattered planet with unique geological properties.
First Sentence: I opened my leg and dug around inside, trying to figure out what was wrong with the blasted thing.
This novel is the first in a series of Driftmetal books which currently runs to four novels.
This is a very different novel. The author has created a unique world. Unfortunately, he has not, in my opinion, provided enough exposition for the reader to understand this world. It just seemed to me that the book needed some editing help to polish off the prose and improve the storytelling.
The plot seemed a little muddled. It was hard to understand at the beginning, but improved by the end of the book.
The story seemed to be about the main character, an augmented, synthetic human, helping some primies, actual real humans, to recover some stolen gravstone ore from some law lovers. There are some twists and turns along the way. And, in the end there is little plot resolution since this is the first in a series of four books.
I read the whole book. Fortunately it was short. I probably won't read any more books in the series.
Here's a cheat sheet for some of the vocabulary in this novel:
Driftmetal - a type of mineral that rises rather than falls when released.
Gravstone - a type of mineral that falls when released - very valuable.
Techsouls - synthetic, augmented humans.
Primatives - primies, actual real humans.
Civs - the Civil Regency Corps - law enforcement marshals.
Law Lovers - relatively honest, law abiding people.
The Churn - a place where gravstone and driftmetal circulates in a kind of maelstrom.
Floaters - islands in the sky not attached to the planet, the only real place to live on this planet.
Setting: On a shattered planet with unique geological properties.
First Sentence: I opened my leg and dug around inside, trying to figure out what was wrong with the blasted thing.
This novel is the first in a series of Driftmetal books which currently runs to four novels.
This is a very different novel. The author has created a unique world. Unfortunately, he has not, in my opinion, provided enough exposition for the reader to understand this world. It just seemed to me that the book needed some editing help to polish off the prose and improve the storytelling.
The plot seemed a little muddled. It was hard to understand at the beginning, but improved by the end of the book.
The story seemed to be about the main character, an augmented, synthetic human, helping some primies, actual real humans, to recover some stolen gravstone ore from some law lovers. There are some twists and turns along the way. And, in the end there is little plot resolution since this is the first in a series of four books.
I read the whole book. Fortunately it was short. I probably won't read any more books in the series.
Here's a cheat sheet for some of the vocabulary in this novel:
Driftmetal - a type of mineral that rises rather than falls when released.
Gravstone - a type of mineral that falls when released - very valuable.
Techsouls - synthetic, augmented humans.
Primatives - primies, actual real humans.
Civs - the Civil Regency Corps - law enforcement marshals.
Law Lovers - relatively honest, law abiding people.
The Churn - a place where gravstone and driftmetal circulates in a kind of maelstrom.
Floaters - islands in the sky not attached to the planet, the only real place to live on this planet.
Monday, October 26, 2015
Desolate by Robert Brumm Jr.
Genre: Science Fiction
Setting: Earth, in the near future.
First Sentence: If one were to fly over the South Shetland Islands, just off the northwest side of the Antarctic, one might notice a small horseshoe shaped island settled in between the larger islands in the chain.
Strap on your seats belt boys and girls, you are in for a wild ride. Using a nonlinear writing style, the author takes us on an adventure. We bounce around between different points of view. We go forward and backward in time. And in the end, we arrive at a very different place from where we started.
In the beginning, our main character Howard, is beginning his life-with-no-parole sentence at a superman prison in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
After years of hard labor, the prisoners discover an alien spacecraft. Opening the craft releases a deadly virus and a deadly predator alien. The virus kills most of the people on earth. Then the predator decides that humans make a tasty meal.
Through pluck, and a lot of luck Howard avoids death. He makes friends who usually end up dead. And there are several action packed battle scenes between Howard, and his friends, and the aliens.
Finally, Howard and his surviving friends find a way to escape from the creatures. And the story limps home to a somewhat hokey conclusion.
I really liked this novel. It was great fun to read. The last half of the story kept me riveted and I could not put the book down.
A real pager turner!
Five stars!
Setting: Earth, in the near future.
First Sentence: If one were to fly over the South Shetland Islands, just off the northwest side of the Antarctic, one might notice a small horseshoe shaped island settled in between the larger islands in the chain.
Strap on your seats belt boys and girls, you are in for a wild ride. Using a nonlinear writing style, the author takes us on an adventure. We bounce around between different points of view. We go forward and backward in time. And in the end, we arrive at a very different place from where we started.
In the beginning, our main character Howard, is beginning his life-with-no-parole sentence at a superman prison in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
After years of hard labor, the prisoners discover an alien spacecraft. Opening the craft releases a deadly virus and a deadly predator alien. The virus kills most of the people on earth. Then the predator decides that humans make a tasty meal.
Through pluck, and a lot of luck Howard avoids death. He makes friends who usually end up dead. And there are several action packed battle scenes between Howard, and his friends, and the aliens.
Finally, Howard and his surviving friends find a way to escape from the creatures. And the story limps home to a somewhat hokey conclusion.
I really liked this novel. It was great fun to read. The last half of the story kept me riveted and I could not put the book down.
A real pager turner!
Five stars!
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Better World by Autumn Kalquist
Genre: Science Fiction
Setting: 300 years in the future, aboard a spacecraft and on an inhospitable planet.
First Sentence: Control. That's all Maeve wanted, but in the fleet, no one had that.
This novel is the prequel to Kalquist's Legacy Code novel.
For three hundred years a fleet of spacecraft has been searching for a new planet to live on. Earth is a memory. The vessels are worn, almost beyond repair. The people are tired too. Many are losing hope that a better world will ever be found.
One of these is our main character Maeve. She feels that the has no control over her life. This novel tells of her struggles to make her life have meaning. And to regain her hope for the future.
I like Kalquist's universe. The reality of travel through the vast distances of space is not as squeaky clean as some novels portray. Her universe is aboard an old worn out spacecraft with jury rigged equipment. Life is harsh. Maybe someday they will find a that better world. But now they just struggle to survive.
I enjoyed this novel. It is a gripping story told in an easy to read style.
Setting: 300 years in the future, aboard a spacecraft and on an inhospitable planet.
First Sentence: Control. That's all Maeve wanted, but in the fleet, no one had that.
This novel is the prequel to Kalquist's Legacy Code novel.
For three hundred years a fleet of spacecraft has been searching for a new planet to live on. Earth is a memory. The vessels are worn, almost beyond repair. The people are tired too. Many are losing hope that a better world will ever be found.
One of these is our main character Maeve. She feels that the has no control over her life. This novel tells of her struggles to make her life have meaning. And to regain her hope for the future.
I like Kalquist's universe. The reality of travel through the vast distances of space is not as squeaky clean as some novels portray. Her universe is aboard an old worn out spacecraft with jury rigged equipment. Life is harsh. Maybe someday they will find a that better world. But now they just struggle to survive.
I enjoyed this novel. It is a gripping story told in an easy to read style.
Monday, September 28, 2015
Qualify (The Atlantis Grail, Book One) by Vera Nazarian
Genre: Science Fiction, Teen Science Fiction, Young Adult Science Fiction
Setting: Earth in the Near Future
First Sentence: Today is a day like any other day.
This Novel is the first in Nazarian's Atlantis Grail series. The second book in the series is entitled Compete.
This novel is similar to many popular scifi novels such as the Hunger Games and the Maze Runners. In these novels, a group of teenagers must participate in a series of dangerous, and possibly fatal competitions. This novel is no exception.
At the beginning of this novel we discover that the legend of the lost continent of Atlantis is true. Atlantis did exist. At some point in Earth's past, the Atlanteans left Earth with their advanced civilization and technology. They went to live on a planet called Atlantis.
Now they have returned with some good news and bad news. The bad news it that an asteroid is destined to destroy Earth in the near future. The good news is that the Atlaneans can save a small number of and take them to Planet Atlantis.
All of these survivors will be teenagers. The Atlantans feel that only teenagers can be trained to fit into Atlantean civilization, albeit as second class citizens.
In an effort to be equitable, a series of qualification events are staged to weed out those best suited to life on Atlantis. In the days leading up to the Qualification games, the teens are trained in Atlantean culture, technology, weapons, and martial arts in order to help the teens survive and then to fit into Atlantean culture.
Our main character is Gwen Lark. The story is told from her point of view. She is fifteen years old, and somewhat of a nerd. She suffers from many of the same problems that teenagers have: fitting in, dealing with bullies, love, and family issues.
Will Gwen and her friends survive and qualify for a trip into space, and avoid the destruction of Planet Earth?
I liked this book. I don't usually read this type of novel. But, it was a nice change form my usual fare.
Maybe, one day, someone will invent a hovering skateboard like the Atlantans have!
#Iwantone!
Setting: Earth in the Near Future
First Sentence: Today is a day like any other day.
This Novel is the first in Nazarian's Atlantis Grail series. The second book in the series is entitled Compete.
This novel is similar to many popular scifi novels such as the Hunger Games and the Maze Runners. In these novels, a group of teenagers must participate in a series of dangerous, and possibly fatal competitions. This novel is no exception.
At the beginning of this novel we discover that the legend of the lost continent of Atlantis is true. Atlantis did exist. At some point in Earth's past, the Atlanteans left Earth with their advanced civilization and technology. They went to live on a planet called Atlantis.
Now they have returned with some good news and bad news. The bad news it that an asteroid is destined to destroy Earth in the near future. The good news is that the Atlaneans can save a small number of and take them to Planet Atlantis.
All of these survivors will be teenagers. The Atlantans feel that only teenagers can be trained to fit into Atlantean civilization, albeit as second class citizens.
In an effort to be equitable, a series of qualification events are staged to weed out those best suited to life on Atlantis. In the days leading up to the Qualification games, the teens are trained in Atlantean culture, technology, weapons, and martial arts in order to help the teens survive and then to fit into Atlantean culture.
Our main character is Gwen Lark. The story is told from her point of view. She is fifteen years old, and somewhat of a nerd. She suffers from many of the same problems that teenagers have: fitting in, dealing with bullies, love, and family issues.
Will Gwen and her friends survive and qualify for a trip into space, and avoid the destruction of Planet Earth?
I liked this book. I don't usually read this type of novel. But, it was a nice change form my usual fare.
Maybe, one day, someone will invent a hovering skateboard like the Atlantans have!
#Iwantone!
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Lock In by John Scalzi
Genre: Science Fiction, Mystery
Setting: Sometime in the late twenty-first century.
First Sentence: My first day on the job coincided with the first day of the Hayden Walkout, and I'm not going to lie, that was some awkward timing.
John Scalzi is one of my favorite authors. In his novel he creates interesting, well developed characters and places them in unique universes. This novel is a fine example of Scalzi's craft.
The action of this novel is in the late twenty-first century. There has been a pandemic. Many died, but there was a unique group of survivors. Some became lock-ins. Fully awake and aware but disconnected to their bodies. Others became integrators. These people can connect with a locked in person and allow the lock in to "borrow" the integrator's body.
Because of advances in technology, lock ins and integrators have neural nets embedded into their brains. Lock ins can use these nets to communicate with the outside world. They can also use these nets to connect with and control humanoid automatons.
This advanced technology means that lock ins can participate fully in day to day activities. They can have jobs and go to work anywhere. They live in their automatons while their actual body lies dormant miles away. Some lock ins never visit their bodies at all.
A multi-billion dollar infrastructure has grown to provide lock ins with computer networking services, and automatons.
In this novel, our main character, Agent Shane, is a lock in and uses an automaton. He has just begun his job as an FBI agent. He and his partner, a grizzled veteran who once was an integrator, have been called to a homicide scene. At the scene is a victim, and an integrator covered with blood who doesn't recall killing the victim. Of course, the evidence at the scene doesn't add up.
As they investigate, the clues lead to a nefarious individuals who want to gain control over the entire lock in infrastructure.
Will Shane and his partner discover who is behind the plot?
A novel like this, with so much original detail,would need a lot of exposition to explain the universe to the reader. In fact Scalzi has included an informative introduction which is very helpful.
Scalzi has also included plenty of action to keep the reader interested.
I enjoyed reading this novel. I like Scalzi's easy to read writing style.
The premise of this novel is very original. I'd love to read more stories about Agent Shane and his partner set in this universe.
Sunday, July 19, 2015
The Human Division by John Scalzi
Genre: Science Fiction
Setting: In space, and on various planets.
First Sentence: Ambassador Sara Bair knew that when the captain of the Polk had invited her to view the skip to the Danavar system, protocol strongly suggested that she turn down the invitation.
This novel is part of Scalzi's Old Man's War series. This series consists of several novels and novelettes based in the Old Man's War universe. In this universe, there are hundreds of sentient species spread out across the galaxy. Humans are represented in space by the Colonial Defense Forces (CDF).
For many rears, the CDF has been at war with many other species who wish to slow down, or even stop humanity's invasion of space. Humans are looked down upon, feared, or even hated by most of the other sentient species.
Now the CDF is hated by most of Earth as well. It seems that the CDF has not been truthful about the status of colonies and the Colonial Union (CU) in space. So the Earth has withdrawn from the the Colonial Union.
Now that Earth is no longer a part of the Colonial Union, the CU has a problem. The CU has used the Earth as a source of new recruits for colonies and the CDF. Given this new state of affairs, the human race may be extinct in thirty years.
The CU needs to use every means it has to rectify this situation. This includes diplomacy. The CU has crack teams of special operators that are used in the most sensitive missions.
It also has the B team. This team is used when failure is the most probable outcome.
The B team consists of several specialists who seem to be able to find a way to solve seemingly unsolvable situations by using technology, thinking out side the box, and a little bit of luck.
It seems that someone has been trying to stop the CU from succeeding in its missions. Will the B team discover who has been trying to covertly disrupt their efforts?
Scalzi is one of my favorite authors. His Old Man's War universe is one of the best thought out universes I have encountered. Scalzi's characters are believable. His plots ore interesting. And he writes in an easy to read style.
I especially like how he tells stories about many different characters in his universe.
For me it was a fun and enjoyable read.
Setting: In space, and on various planets.
First Sentence: Ambassador Sara Bair knew that when the captain of the Polk had invited her to view the skip to the Danavar system, protocol strongly suggested that she turn down the invitation.
This novel is part of Scalzi's Old Man's War series. This series consists of several novels and novelettes based in the Old Man's War universe. In this universe, there are hundreds of sentient species spread out across the galaxy. Humans are represented in space by the Colonial Defense Forces (CDF).
For many rears, the CDF has been at war with many other species who wish to slow down, or even stop humanity's invasion of space. Humans are looked down upon, feared, or even hated by most of the other sentient species.
Now the CDF is hated by most of Earth as well. It seems that the CDF has not been truthful about the status of colonies and the Colonial Union (CU) in space. So the Earth has withdrawn from the the Colonial Union.
Now that Earth is no longer a part of the Colonial Union, the CU has a problem. The CU has used the Earth as a source of new recruits for colonies and the CDF. Given this new state of affairs, the human race may be extinct in thirty years.
The CU needs to use every means it has to rectify this situation. This includes diplomacy. The CU has crack teams of special operators that are used in the most sensitive missions.
It also has the B team. This team is used when failure is the most probable outcome.
The B team consists of several specialists who seem to be able to find a way to solve seemingly unsolvable situations by using technology, thinking out side the box, and a little bit of luck.
It seems that someone has been trying to stop the CU from succeeding in its missions. Will the B team discover who has been trying to covertly disrupt their efforts?
Scalzi is one of my favorite authors. His Old Man's War universe is one of the best thought out universes I have encountered. Scalzi's characters are believable. His plots ore interesting. And he writes in an easy to read style.
I especially like how he tells stories about many different characters in his universe.
For me it was a fun and enjoyable read.
Friday, July 10, 2015
The Synchronicity War: Part 1. by Dietmar Arthur Wehr
Genre: Science Fiction, Military Science Fiction
Setting: On Earth, and in interstellar space. Sometime in the future.
First Sentence: Cmdr. Victor Shiloh noticed that the usual Bridge chatter had died down to almost nothing as the Squadron emerged from Jumpspace.
This novel is the first book in Wehr's Synchronicity War series. This series has four parts.
Earth's first contact with aliens became an unexpected battle. Humanity is in the early stages of interstellar travel. So far, the focus has been exploration.
Apparently, the aliens they have encountered are warlike and aggressive. Fortunately, they are not much more technologically advanced than humans.
Clearly, Earth needs to get up to speed and level the playing field before the aliens discover where Earth is. Until now the Space Force has been concerned with smugglers and pirates. Now they have to transform into an elite battle ready fighting force.
Commander Victor Shiloh has quickly become the only commander with successful battle experience. Although he is a good battle tactician, he has an edge up on the other commanders. At crucial points Shiloh has a vision. These visions give him information about future events. So far the visions have been very accurate. When Shiloh follows his visions, the results have been positive and successful.
What is the source of Shiloh's prescient visions?
For me, this was an enjoyable read. If you are into military scifi, you will like this book. There is lots of procedural details about armaments, weapons, and spaceship design. There is plenty of tactical and strategic planning for building a fleet and gathering intel about these unknown aliens.
And of course there is a generous sprinkling of military nomenclature and acronyms.
It's an enjoyable read. Check it out!
Setting: On Earth, and in interstellar space. Sometime in the future.
First Sentence: Cmdr. Victor Shiloh noticed that the usual Bridge chatter had died down to almost nothing as the Squadron emerged from Jumpspace.
This novel is the first book in Wehr's Synchronicity War series. This series has four parts.
Earth's first contact with aliens became an unexpected battle. Humanity is in the early stages of interstellar travel. So far, the focus has been exploration.
Apparently, the aliens they have encountered are warlike and aggressive. Fortunately, they are not much more technologically advanced than humans.
Clearly, Earth needs to get up to speed and level the playing field before the aliens discover where Earth is. Until now the Space Force has been concerned with smugglers and pirates. Now they have to transform into an elite battle ready fighting force.
Commander Victor Shiloh has quickly become the only commander with successful battle experience. Although he is a good battle tactician, he has an edge up on the other commanders. At crucial points Shiloh has a vision. These visions give him information about future events. So far the visions have been very accurate. When Shiloh follows his visions, the results have been positive and successful.
What is the source of Shiloh's prescient visions?
For me, this was an enjoyable read. If you are into military scifi, you will like this book. There is lots of procedural details about armaments, weapons, and spaceship design. There is plenty of tactical and strategic planning for building a fleet and gathering intel about these unknown aliens.
And of course there is a generous sprinkling of military nomenclature and acronyms.
It's an enjoyable read. Check it out!
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Exodus by Andreas Christensen
Genre: Science Fiction
Setting: Earth in the year 2072
First Sentence: Years ago, far too many to remember, the planet had been teeming with life.
This novel is the first in Christensen's Exodus Trilogy.
Several years ago a disaster befell the Mars Colony. Since then, humanity had forsaken the study of the stars. Humanity focused its attention on Earth. So Earth was not prepared when a rogue planet entered the solar system and destroyed Mars. It soon became clear that Earth would soon suffer the same fate.
A terrorist strike, exploding a nuclear bomb on U.S. soil, drastically altered the political climate in the United States. The Constitution was rewritten. The U.S. became a police state.
The destruction of Earth was inevitable. The political leaders rushed to build a star ship capable of carrying a select few to colonize a distant planet. Those selected to go needed the right mix of skills, and genes, and political allegiances.
But there are a few who disagree.
This novel is the first in a trilogy. The main characters are introduced. The story arcs have begun. There are no resolutions of plot lines.
I would have liked to have a little more drama. It seemed that the star ship and its passengers got to their destination too easily.
I enjoyed reading this book.
Setting: Earth in the year 2072
First Sentence: Years ago, far too many to remember, the planet had been teeming with life.
This novel is the first in Christensen's Exodus Trilogy.
Several years ago a disaster befell the Mars Colony. Since then, humanity had forsaken the study of the stars. Humanity focused its attention on Earth. So Earth was not prepared when a rogue planet entered the solar system and destroyed Mars. It soon became clear that Earth would soon suffer the same fate.
A terrorist strike, exploding a nuclear bomb on U.S. soil, drastically altered the political climate in the United States. The Constitution was rewritten. The U.S. became a police state.
The destruction of Earth was inevitable. The political leaders rushed to build a star ship capable of carrying a select few to colonize a distant planet. Those selected to go needed the right mix of skills, and genes, and political allegiances.
But there are a few who disagree.
This novel is the first in a trilogy. The main characters are introduced. The story arcs have begun. There are no resolutions of plot lines.
I would have liked to have a little more drama. It seemed that the star ship and its passengers got to their destination too easily.
I enjoyed reading this book.
Monday, March 23, 2015
The Edge of Solace by Casey Calouette
Genre: Science Fiction, Military Science Fiction
Setting: In space on spaceships, on planets colonized by humans.
First Sentence: Major Archibald Theodore strutted down the narrow hallway.
This book is the second in Calouette's A Star Too Far series. The series extends to three books.
Earth and its colony planets have formed the United Colonies to foster peace and unity between the planets. Unfortunately, not all of the colonies live in peace. There is prejudice between the earth born and colony born citizens.
One group of colonies, the Sa'Ami, want to be independent of the rest of the United Colonies. To this end the Sa'Ami have used alien technology to create an interstellar barrior between the U.C. and Sa'Ami space.
The population of Earth far outnumbers the population of the Sa'Ami. In a war of attrition, the Sa'Ami cannot hope to win. Their strategy is to strike hard, without warning, and deploy their barrior technology.
The novel follows the exploits and battles of a group of U. C. Army, Navy and Marine Corps warriors. Battles in Calouette's novel occur on planets, within and between spaceships. There is no shortage of high tech weapons and shielding. Computers are fully integrated into all aspects of military action. And the use of nanites is ubiquitous. They are used to repair battle wounds, to construct space suits, as recreational drugs, and some are even weaponized.
Over all, for me, this was an interesting and fun read. If you like your Sci-Fi with lots of battles and tech, you'll enjoy this novel. I did. And now off to read book three.
Setting: In space on spaceships, on planets colonized by humans.
First Sentence: Major Archibald Theodore strutted down the narrow hallway.
This book is the second in Calouette's A Star Too Far series. The series extends to three books.
Earth and its colony planets have formed the United Colonies to foster peace and unity between the planets. Unfortunately, not all of the colonies live in peace. There is prejudice between the earth born and colony born citizens.
One group of colonies, the Sa'Ami, want to be independent of the rest of the United Colonies. To this end the Sa'Ami have used alien technology to create an interstellar barrior between the U.C. and Sa'Ami space.
The population of Earth far outnumbers the population of the Sa'Ami. In a war of attrition, the Sa'Ami cannot hope to win. Their strategy is to strike hard, without warning, and deploy their barrior technology.
The novel follows the exploits and battles of a group of U. C. Army, Navy and Marine Corps warriors. Battles in Calouette's novel occur on planets, within and between spaceships. There is no shortage of high tech weapons and shielding. Computers are fully integrated into all aspects of military action. And the use of nanites is ubiquitous. They are used to repair battle wounds, to construct space suits, as recreational drugs, and some are even weaponized.
Over all, for me, this was an interesting and fun read. If you like your Sci-Fi with lots of battles and tech, you'll enjoy this novel. I did. And now off to read book three.
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