Title: The Painted Man
Author: Peter V Brett
Publisher: Harper Voyager
This made the commute fly. For the first time in a long time, I was tempted to remain on the train all the way to the end of the line, just so I had the chance to finish this book.
Imagine a world where demons (corelings) are real. Where corelings come to life every night. And the only way to protect yourself is by drawing the correct runes. Houses are surrounded by painted runes. Travellers sleeping alongside the road lay out enclosures covered in runes.
We follow our main characters as they grow and the experiences that shape and mould them into young adulthood. From the death of our heroes mother to the spite and neglect of our heroines step mother (why is it always the stepmother), along the path of development, to their eventual meeting.
The author has given us two fully rounded characters, a cracking read, that builds and builds, and then...... ends. When I first got to the end I felt betrayed, but upon re-reading the cover (after a few choice words) suddenly realised that this is the first book in a trilogy. Alright then ...... bring on two and three.
Showing posts with label sci-fi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sci-fi. Show all posts
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
Tuesday, 6 September 2011
Absorption - John Meaney
Title: Absorption (Ragnarok volume one)
Author: John Meaney
Publisher: Gollancz
If you like a bit of fantasy wrapped in some hard sci-fi then this is for you. What better than a bit of Norse mythology (Ragnarok), heroes seperated in time and space and some definate hard sci-fi concepts to get the story going.
This is the first part of the Ragnarok series and I got the bug. I'll be on the hunt for more as they come my way.
Several heroes are brought out in the book and their characters fleshed out individually, some more than others. They all see the 'black shadow clouds' around some people while no-one else can, and it becomes apparent as the book progresses that the heroes will at some stage be brought together to perform certain deeds. This never quite happens in the first installment, but the story is enough in itsself to introduce you to everyone and some depth and background the the intended universe that will stage the rest of this story.
There are some fairlt radical ideas, not new I hasten to add, but the way the author has drawn them here makes you sit up and take notice.
Like Arnie once said "I'll be back!"
Author: John Meaney
Publisher: Gollancz
If you like a bit of fantasy wrapped in some hard sci-fi then this is for you. What better than a bit of Norse mythology (Ragnarok), heroes seperated in time and space and some definate hard sci-fi concepts to get the story going.
This is the first part of the Ragnarok series and I got the bug. I'll be on the hunt for more as they come my way.
Several heroes are brought out in the book and their characters fleshed out individually, some more than others. They all see the 'black shadow clouds' around some people while no-one else can, and it becomes apparent as the book progresses that the heroes will at some stage be brought together to perform certain deeds. This never quite happens in the first installment, but the story is enough in itsself to introduce you to everyone and some depth and background the the intended universe that will stage the rest of this story.
There are some fairlt radical ideas, not new I hasten to add, but the way the author has drawn them here makes you sit up and take notice.
Like Arnie once said "I'll be back!"
Monday, 25 January 2010
Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins
Publisher: Scholastic
A good friend handed this book to me and said to give it a go. I did and I thouroughly enjoyed every minute. The book is aimed at teenagers, and adults who want a good solid read.
The heroine of the story, Katniss, is called to serve in the Hunger Games. This is an event where two people from each district are selected, at random, and placed in an arena covering many square miles until only one remains. The whole event is broadcast live to the 12 districts - shades of The Running Man - and fortunes are won and lost on the survival and death of contestants.
There are many philosophical questions that this book hints at and extrapolations, extreme admittedly, from the reality TV of today. You find yourself empathising with the characters and the ending, abrupt as it is, leaves you wanting the next book in this trilogy.
I give this a solid two thumbs up.
Author: Suzanne Collins
Publisher: Scholastic
A good friend handed this book to me and said to give it a go. I did and I thouroughly enjoyed every minute. The book is aimed at teenagers, and adults who want a good solid read.
The heroine of the story, Katniss, is called to serve in the Hunger Games. This is an event where two people from each district are selected, at random, and placed in an arena covering many square miles until only one remains. The whole event is broadcast live to the 12 districts - shades of The Running Man - and fortunes are won and lost on the survival and death of contestants.
There are many philosophical questions that this book hints at and extrapolations, extreme admittedly, from the reality TV of today. You find yourself empathising with the characters and the ending, abrupt as it is, leaves you wanting the next book in this trilogy.
I give this a solid two thumbs up.
Thursday, 21 January 2010
The Last Theorem - Arthur C. Clarke and Frederik Pohl
The Last Theorem
Author(s): Arthur C. Clarke and Frederik Pohl
From: CollinsVoyager
I snapped this book off the shelf and couldn't wait to get home to read it. You know how it is when one of your treasured authors 'springs' a book on you. I thought a bit of maths, some aliens hell bent on destroying Earth, the 'clueless' hero who finds himself - great. Well this turned out to be a bit of a letdown to be honest.
The premise is that the central character solved Fermats last theorem - in his head - mainly to stop himself going crazy - is then feted around the world - is wined and dined - and on and on and on.
You get to know Ranjit (the central character) well, his hopes, fears, dreams and concerns. The other characters are less well filled in and some are almost two dimensional caricatures (the Americans). The story angles around this man's life and the science fiction side is crammed into the last few chapters. For a science fiction author (two of them) of such great standing this is strange to say the least.
Not one for the favourite shelf
Author(s): Arthur C. Clarke and Frederik Pohl
From: CollinsVoyager
I snapped this book off the shelf and couldn't wait to get home to read it. You know how it is when one of your treasured authors 'springs' a book on you. I thought a bit of maths, some aliens hell bent on destroying Earth, the 'clueless' hero who finds himself - great. Well this turned out to be a bit of a letdown to be honest.
The premise is that the central character solved Fermats last theorem - in his head - mainly to stop himself going crazy - is then feted around the world - is wined and dined - and on and on and on.
You get to know Ranjit (the central character) well, his hopes, fears, dreams and concerns. The other characters are less well filled in and some are almost two dimensional caricatures (the Americans). The story angles around this man's life and the science fiction side is crammed into the last few chapters. For a science fiction author (two of them) of such great standing this is strange to say the least.
Not one for the favourite shelf
Thursday, 9 July 2009
1633
1633
By: David Weber & Eric Flint
From: Baen
This is one for the die hard fans of alternate-history-time-travel type stories. The story (1633) focusses on events in and around the thirty years war in central Europe. THe first book 1632 was an introduction to the characters and their history and a lead in to this story. What Weber and Flint have done here is ground the story in some fairly brutal history. Obviously, as with all time travel stories, as soon as you change history all kinds of possibilities are opened up.
It is still grating that a union official can out-think some of the most devious, cruel and merciless minds in history, and still have time for romance. The casual acceptance of twentieth century morals, practises and norms by the 'native' population is an area that could have been handled better. Yes, I know the 'modern' age was kicking off then, but most peasants of the time would have been deeply suspicious and / or religious and I don't see them casually throwing all their upbringing away over the space of a few pages to be replaced with the new and improved model of democracy and casual acceptance of other religions used here.
But, to give credit, 1633 is a cracking read and will not disappoint fans of David Weber or Eric Flint.
By: David Weber & Eric Flint
From: Baen
This is one for the die hard fans of alternate-history-time-travel type stories. The story (1633) focusses on events in and around the thirty years war in central Europe. THe first book 1632 was an introduction to the characters and their history and a lead in to this story. What Weber and Flint have done here is ground the story in some fairly brutal history. Obviously, as with all time travel stories, as soon as you change history all kinds of possibilities are opened up.
It is still grating that a union official can out-think some of the most devious, cruel and merciless minds in history, and still have time for romance. The casual acceptance of twentieth century morals, practises and norms by the 'native' population is an area that could have been handled better. Yes, I know the 'modern' age was kicking off then, but most peasants of the time would have been deeply suspicious and / or religious and I don't see them casually throwing all their upbringing away over the space of a few pages to be replaced with the new and improved model of democracy and casual acceptance of other religions used here.
But, to give credit, 1633 is a cracking read and will not disappoint fans of David Weber or Eric Flint.
Monday, 15 June 2009
The Nano Flower - Peter F Hamilton
The Nano Flower
By: Peter F Hamilton
From: Pan
This book will suffer ultimately, not because it is bad - it is very good, because it is almost prophetic in some of the scenarios laid out.
Several themes, that in 1995 would have seemed dramatic, have started to bear fruit. The issue of global warming and freak climate runs through the book, with parts of Norfolk flooded, in real life they now talk of letting the sea reclaim parts of Norfolk. Petrol driven cars are a rarity, in real life hybrids and electric cars are starting to gain traction and movements are underway to ban large petrol guzzlers from city centres.
So I suppose you should best view this as an alternate universe, similar to ours, just out of step slightly.
Anyway, back to the book - Greg Mandel is called back to find out who sent Julia Evans a very unusual flower.
Building on the characters introduced on the other books in the series - 'Mindstar Rising' and 'A Quantum Murder', this story takes place a few years later and gives you quite a ride. You discover that even the best of friends can feel betrayed and protected, and the best of protectors cannot always protect. Sometimes, as always you have to face your own inner demons and live your life.
Instead of suffering from 'end-of-series'itis, this book delivers an unexpected finale and concludes, I feel the trilogy very well.
By: Peter F Hamilton
From: Pan
This book will suffer ultimately, not because it is bad - it is very good, because it is almost prophetic in some of the scenarios laid out.
Several themes, that in 1995 would have seemed dramatic, have started to bear fruit. The issue of global warming and freak climate runs through the book, with parts of Norfolk flooded, in real life they now talk of letting the sea reclaim parts of Norfolk. Petrol driven cars are a rarity, in real life hybrids and electric cars are starting to gain traction and movements are underway to ban large petrol guzzlers from city centres.
So I suppose you should best view this as an alternate universe, similar to ours, just out of step slightly.
Anyway, back to the book - Greg Mandel is called back to find out who sent Julia Evans a very unusual flower.
Building on the characters introduced on the other books in the series - 'Mindstar Rising' and 'A Quantum Murder', this story takes place a few years later and gives you quite a ride. You discover that even the best of friends can feel betrayed and protected, and the best of protectors cannot always protect. Sometimes, as always you have to face your own inner demons and live your life.
Instead of suffering from 'end-of-series'itis, this book delivers an unexpected finale and concludes, I feel the trilogy very well.
Tuesday, 9 June 2009
The Postman - David Brin
The Postman
By: David Brin
From: Orbit
Set in a post apocalypse world, this story is a journey of discovery. One man's desperation leads him to assume the identity of a postman, so he can have shelter for the night.
When he is given letters to pass on he only carries on because, as he reasons, he may get some shelter and food out of it.
As the story progresses, it becomes clear to him that a postman represents external authority, hence a challenge to autocratic leaders of isolated communities, and, as long as he keeps on moving is in no personal danger. There is the realisation that by having become part of something larger than the communities he serves he can no longer belong to them.
Without giving too much away, there are stories within stories in this book. While some parts of the plot seem to have been shoehorned in to make the story move in the direction required by the author, the overall read is pure enjoyment.
This is a dark book of hope. The film by Kevin Cstner does not do the book justice at all, and changes several parts for purely Hollywood reasons.
A solid read and a very decent four and a half out of five.
By: David Brin
From: Orbit
Set in a post apocalypse world, this story is a journey of discovery. One man's desperation leads him to assume the identity of a postman, so he can have shelter for the night.
When he is given letters to pass on he only carries on because, as he reasons, he may get some shelter and food out of it.
As the story progresses, it becomes clear to him that a postman represents external authority, hence a challenge to autocratic leaders of isolated communities, and, as long as he keeps on moving is in no personal danger. There is the realisation that by having become part of something larger than the communities he serves he can no longer belong to them.
Without giving too much away, there are stories within stories in this book. While some parts of the plot seem to have been shoehorned in to make the story move in the direction required by the author, the overall read is pure enjoyment.
This is a dark book of hope. The film by Kevin Cstner does not do the book justice at all, and changes several parts for purely Hollywood reasons.
A solid read and a very decent four and a half out of five.
Tuesday, 5 May 2009
1632 - Eric Flint
1632
By: Eric Flint
From: Baen
An advanced alien artifact causes a rupture in time and space and a chunk of mid-America (West Virginia) finds itsself in 17th century Germany.
This is an interesting spin on the time traveller from the future meets the savages from the past theme. The story rips along at a merry pace, mainly, I think, to distract you from the fact that the characters are not deep and stereotypes abound.
There are crusty old codgers who have the missing ingredient, foolish teenagers who develop into upright citizens, the beauty who turns out to have a talent beyond her looks, .... you get the idea.
I found it amazing that local 17th century people could be so accepting of future tech and morals, and with a dollop of ice-cream and blue jeans, throw off their entire existence and embrace the American way of life
I am not knocking this novel in the slightest, merely saying that this is a fun and cloud free read. The baddies are bad and the goodies good, and the moral ambiguities are left aside.
By: Eric Flint
From: Baen
An advanced alien artifact causes a rupture in time and space and a chunk of mid-America (West Virginia) finds itsself in 17th century Germany.
This is an interesting spin on the time traveller from the future meets the savages from the past theme. The story rips along at a merry pace, mainly, I think, to distract you from the fact that the characters are not deep and stereotypes abound.
There are crusty old codgers who have the missing ingredient, foolish teenagers who develop into upright citizens, the beauty who turns out to have a talent beyond her looks, .... you get the idea.
I found it amazing that local 17th century people could be so accepting of future tech and morals, and with a dollop of ice-cream and blue jeans, throw off their entire existence and embrace the American way of life
I am not knocking this novel in the slightest, merely saying that this is a fun and cloud free read. The baddies are bad and the goodies good, and the moral ambiguities are left aside.
Sunday, 3 May 2009
Un Lun Dun - China Mieville
UN LUN DUN
By China Mieville
From Pan Books
A childrens book for adults to enjoy. A Un Lun Dun below London, the place where all that no longer works or is abandoned ends up.
The story is full of wordplay and character, where the hero is the sidekick. When Smog threatens to destroy Un Lun Dun a cast of cast-off characters helps and propells you to the finale. This just proves that prophesy does not determine who you will be, merely the choices you make on the way.
The story telling style borrows from, and is influenced by, Beatrix Potter, Lewis Carroll and Phillip Pullman
Each short chapter introduces you to new inventiveness and idea from Binjas (Ninja dustbins) to bulletproof umbrellas. There are two levels to the story, a rip roaring kids adventure tale and the more adult themes of environment, responsibility and oppressive legislation.
Wierd, inventive and imaginative. A definate four out of 5 stars reccomendation.
By China Mieville
From Pan Books
A childrens book for adults to enjoy. A Un Lun Dun below London, the place where all that no longer works or is abandoned ends up.
The story is full of wordplay and character, where the hero is the sidekick. When Smog threatens to destroy Un Lun Dun a cast of cast-off characters helps and propells you to the finale. This just proves that prophesy does not determine who you will be, merely the choices you make on the way.
The story telling style borrows from, and is influenced by, Beatrix Potter, Lewis Carroll and Phillip Pullman
Each short chapter introduces you to new inventiveness and idea from Binjas (Ninja dustbins) to bulletproof umbrellas. There are two levels to the story, a rip roaring kids adventure tale and the more adult themes of environment, responsibility and oppressive legislation.
Wierd, inventive and imaginative. A definate four out of 5 stars reccomendation.
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