A well written, humorous, occasionally hilarious account of one man's story of his time as an OSS agent during WW-II. It was a quick, enjoyable read -...moreA well written, humorous, occasionally hilarious account of one man's story of his time as an OSS agent during WW-II. It was a quick, enjoyable read -- quick in part because it's not all that long and is in an easy-to-read style, but also because it was hard to put down.(less)
After mentioning that I enjoyed Glen Cook's Chronicles of the Black Company, a friend suggested I take a look at Cook's "Garrett, PI" series, so I ga...moreAfter mentioning that I enjoyed Glen Cook's Chronicles of the Black Company, a friend suggested I take a look at Cook's "Garrett, PI" series, so I gave book #1 a shot. Cook's style fits the hard-boiled detective genre quite well (albeit a detective story in a fantasy world). There was a nice balance of character types, the hero was competent but not perfect (and the same could be said for the villains).
The story is not dominated by magic, though it certainly has its impact. There are assorted species of characters typical in many fantasy worlds, though often with a unique flavor here (and some with enjoyable comic relief). I'd recommend this both to fantasy fans and detective mystery fans, if the latter don't mind reading fantasy.(less)
Some interesting and occasionally surprising information. Not a large amount of detail, but rather a fairly broad look at what is currently known, sus...moreSome interesting and occasionally surprising information. Not a large amount of detail, but rather a fairly broad look at what is currently known, suspected, and being investigated about how dogs think and why they and humans evolved from mortal enemies to best friends.(less)
Very good and efficient writing paired with an interesting plot that takes a different angle on the traditional good-versus-evil fantasy motif to crea...moreVery good and efficient writing paired with an interesting plot that takes a different angle on the traditional good-versus-evil fantasy motif to create a very enjoyable read. I found the 2nd book of the trilogy to be the weakest (or perhaps least strong?), mainly because of the way it jumped around in viewpoint and voice. The third book had some of that, too, but not as much and perhaps for a better reason.(less)
For the moment I'm putting this on hold, as I just wasn't getting any particular enjoyment out of it, in spite of it being inventive and decently writ...moreFor the moment I'm putting this on hold, as I just wasn't getting any particular enjoyment out of it, in spite of it being inventive and decently written. I may come back to it later...and maybe not. I think I'll avoid rating it until (and unless) I finish it.(less)
For a SF novel about the same age as I am, it holds up pretty well. It has a grand vision and good enough -- though by no means spectacular -- word-sm...moreFor a SF novel about the same age as I am, it holds up pretty well. It has a grand vision and good enough -- though by no means spectacular -- word-smithing to support that vision. One of its themes resonates with his 2001: A Space Odyssey: the concept of an alien civilization watching over the human race until we are ready for the next step in our evolution, a non-biological step.
Should be an interesting read for most science fiction fans.(less)
Very entertaining near-future "Robinson Crusoe" story (with no Friday). Though a bit of a "one damned thing after another" story -- I suppose by its v...moreVery entertaining near-future "Robinson Crusoe" story (with no Friday). Though a bit of a "one damned thing after another" story -- I suppose by its very nature it almost had to be -- the science and technology were believable, and the solutions made sense and depended mainly on problem-solving as opposed to luck. The only things keeping me from giving it 5 stars were the somewhat flat characterizations, the way the main character never really "felt" like a real astronaut to me (he seemed too young and to smart-assish to me, though that made for some fun comic relief in many places), plus it needed a bit of editing and a bit more proof-reading, as well as fixing a few minor formatting issues. Overall highly recommended to sci-fi and survival story fans, and one of the small percentage of "indie" books I've read that I really liked.(less)
Very enjoyable read. Only thing that kept me from giving it 5 stars was that there was nothing especially profound or deep that made it really stand o...moreVery enjoyable read. Only thing that kept me from giving it 5 stars was that there was nothing especially profound or deep that made it really stand out for me; but it was a well crafted adventure tale worth reading by pretty much any fantasy fan.(less)
Seems like a decent book, but not exactly what I was looking for: something to allow an experienced PHP developer to pick up Python with a minimum of...moreSeems like a decent book, but not exactly what I was looking for: something to allow an experienced PHP developer to pick up Python with a minimum of strain. Instead it seemed to assume some basic experience with Python and largely concentrated on the details and theory of specific object-oriented Python issues. So if that's your current need, it's probably quite useful, and I may find it something I need to refer to later as I get up to speed with the language.(less)
Interesting and some original plot elements, but overall nothing about the characters -- especially the main character and narrator -- that has me ach...moreInteresting and some original plot elements, but overall nothing about the characters -- especially the main character and narrator -- that has me aching to buy the next installment in order to find out what happens to them. The writing was decent, though a bit stuffy sounding (perhaps intentionally so?).(less)
This was a fun, nostalgic read (if nostalgic science fiction isn't too much of an oxymoron?). It worked for me better the other time I read it probabl...moreThis was a fun, nostalgic read (if nostalgic science fiction isn't too much of an oxymoron?). It worked for me better the other time I read it probably around 40 years ago, when I wouldn't have noticed as much such things as no female characters, the unlikely concept of one person making several major scientific and technological breakthroughs all by himself, and almost no remorse for what amounts to an act of genocide.
Still, I enjoyed it in a "guilty pleasure" sort of way, and if you enjoy "golden era" sci-fi, it might be worth a look -- plus it's not very long.(less)
Some interesting info, but the way the author rather jerkily jumps from episode with no sense of any narrative nor any insights into this history -- j...moreSome interesting info, but the way the author rather jerkily jumps from episode with no sense of any narrative nor any insights into this history -- just recitation of data and quotes -- left me feeling like I wasn't getting anything out of it, so I abandoned it about halfway through.(less)
A pleasant enough read, but the humor was generally too sophomoric/slapstick for me with not enough satire or anything else to put a bit of meat on it...moreA pleasant enough read, but the humor was generally too sophomoric/slapstick for me with not enough satire or anything else to put a bit of meat on its bones.
I gave this 5 stars mainly for its audacity. It was not something that I consumed out of pure love for the story and characters. Few -- if any -- of t...moreI gave this 5 stars mainly for its audacity. It was not something that I consumed out of pure love for the story and characters. Few -- if any -- of the characters were truly loveable, and when you get right down to it, there was not all that much plot per page. It does not scream to be made into a summer blockbuster movie.
What it does have is some creative writing (often dabbling with techniques that make it feel avante-garde at times, even though it was written nearly 30 years ago), musings on sociological issues still relevant today, and overall a "flavor" that makes it stand far out from the run of the mill space opera (the fact that the story takes place during an interplanetary war is almost beside the point).
Definitely not have-ray-gun-will-travel, but worth a look if you want to challenge yourself a bit.(less)
3 stars seemed a little low, and 4 a bit high, so I'm erring on the generous side, as I think it's worth taking a look at this Chinese writer's work,...more3 stars seemed a little low, and 4 a bit high, so I'm erring on the generous side, as I think it's worth taking a look at this Chinese writer's work, especially since you can start off with this free (at least for now) story -- is 55 pages a short story or novella?
Anyway, the translation seems to be pretty good, and the tone and style reminded me a lot of '60s style sci-fi concentrating on the science, with some of the less optimistic forebodings or later decades. I'll probably take a look at one of his novels pretty soon, to see how he develops things in that longer form; plus it's interesting to me to see what someone in a different culture -- at least as different as any developed nations can be in this communication age -- is doing in my favorite genre.
In this installment of Banks's "Culture" universe, we learn a bit more about what subliming is and even more about how civilizations choose to sublime...moreIn this installment of Banks's "Culture" universe, we learn a bit more about what subliming is and even more about how civilizations choose to sublime and actually effect it. Mostly, though, we follow a few human(oid) characters and more AI characters (from androids to space ship Minds) as they bounce around the area of space inhabited by a civilization preparing to sublime, competing to find a clue to something that happened a millennium ago, and which may have a serious effect on the pending sublimation. It's interspersed with enough frightfully swift combat to make a biologic's mind spin, along with political intrigue, musings on the mysteries of life and intelligence, as well as a bit of kinky sex -- something for everybody.(less)
While it has not aged quite as well as a fine wine might after 40 years, I still enjoyed this story, and it was a refreshing change of pace compared t...moreWhile it has not aged quite as well as a fine wine might after 40 years, I still enjoyed this story, and it was a refreshing change of pace compared to so many current novels that seem to be obliged to weave multiple plots and numerous characters across at least 600 or more pages. In comparison, "Trumpets" seemed almost like a novella (especially after having just finished Pandora's Star).
There is very little in the way of typical scifi techno-babble, and no hard science at all, really. Instead, it's about the story (not all that complex, though original -- and it includes trumpets!) and the characters (nothing too deep, but a decent variety and a surprise or two); making for an enjoyable read that you fast-readers can probably consume in a couple evenings (or one long evening?).(less)
Sir Terry leaves the Fantasy and SF genres for historical fiction of sorts (he refers to it as "historical fantasy", as it plays a bit loose with some...moreSir Terry leaves the Fantasy and SF genres for historical fiction of sorts (he refers to it as "historical fantasy", as it plays a bit loose with some of the history in order to allow certain historical (and fictional) characters to interact. I guess you'd call it "YA", somewhat along the lines of Nation, though perhaps not quite as young. This was really the only downside of any significance for me, as it's been a long time since I was a "young adult" and I'm pretty much "been there, done that" with coming-of-age stories. Fortunately, this story was more about the mystery and the action than it was about boy-meets-girl or teenage angst, so you needn't worry too much about it if you also are not a big fan of YA novels.
Anyway, the story was generally fun, I learned some things I didn't know about Victorian London, and the writing flowed and evoked images much better than Pratchett's recent collaboration, The Long Earth (with Stephen Baxter), so I think most Pratchett fans will enjoy it, as long as they are willing to read outside of the Discworld in particular and fantasy in general.(less)
Reasonably enjoyable read, though sort of a one-trick pony. I might have enjoyed it more if I were a bit younger and had been more into the video game...moreReasonably enjoyable read, though sort of a one-trick pony. I might have enjoyed it more if I were a bit younger and had been more into the video game scene of the '80s.(less)
A pretty strong entry in the "Laundry" series, though you might not enjoy it if you are a Christian fundamentalist. This story introduces a couple new...moreA pretty strong entry in the "Laundry" series, though you might not enjoy it if you are a Christian fundamentalist. This story introduces a couple new characters working for The Laundry, while Mo as well as "Pinky and the Brain" only have brief cameo appearances; and we also learn a bit more about "Mahogany Row". A definite thumbs up if you've liked the other books, but you should start with The Atrocity Archives if you are new to the series.(less)
I was willing to cope with the 2nd person present tense, as I'd managed to deal with it and still enjoy Halting State in spite of it. But this install...moreI was willing to cope with the 2nd person present tense, as I'd managed to deal with it and still enjoy Halting State in spite of it. But this installment has added lots of phonetic spellings to provide a Scottish accent -- not just in dialogue but in the narrative, too.
I for one do not want to have to sound out every third word and translate it into its actual English word. Therefore, I just did something I've never done before: I returned a Kindle book for a refund that I did not purchase by accident.
Come on, Charlie. You're an imaginative author and very good wordsmith. Please stop trying to see how difficult you can make it on your readers to actually read your stories.(less)
While it scores a lot of points for originality, it loses many of them for generally unbelievable characters, too much monologuing, and generally blan...moreWhile it scores a lot of points for originality, it loses many of them for generally unbelievable characters, too much monologuing, and generally bland writing. Not a bad book, but when compared to the rest of Pratchett's canon, rather a disappointment. As I don't think I've read anything by Stephen Baxter, I do not at this time have any way to judge how much of the writing might be affected by his style, or if this is just a case of a collaboration not really working (unlike Pratchett's collaboration with Neil Gaiman in Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch, which succeeded marvelously).
Worth a read if the synopsis interests you, but not one I expect to ever re-read.(less)
It starts off with an author's introduction telling the reader how important this book is. The writing and story, however, do not match up even closel...moreIt starts off with an author's introduction telling the reader how important this book is. The writing and story, however, do not match up even closely with that hype. It's written in present tense (like this review), which usually feels like a trick to create tension when an author is otherwise incapable of doing so. Together, this leaves me leaving a one-star review for a book I gave up on after the Kindle sample: not something I normally do, but I feel it needs some more realistic ratings here. (less)
I find that I have very little interest in dystopian novels these days. There was nothing wrong with the writing, though it suffered a bit from many s...moreI find that I have very little interest in dystopian novels these days. There was nothing wrong with the writing, though it suffered a bit from many such novels of that period which describe a "future" that is already past now. Therefore I'm abandoning this for now, and likely won't pick it up again unless I find myself wanting to feel more depressed for some odd reason.(less)
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