This novel is a direct sequel to Agent of Change. At the same time it greatly broadens the scope of the series. Understanding is heavily dependent upo...moreThis novel is a direct sequel to Agent of Change. At the same time it greatly broadens the scope of the series. Understanding is heavily dependent upon the reader having read Agent of Change. Still recommended to both Kent and Doc.(less)
I've been watching this series prothitherate for a number of years. It has a fascinating history, as these two authors have persisted in preserving an...moreI've been watching this series prothitherate for a number of years. It has a fascinating history, as these two authors have persisted in preserving and expanding their vision. Bravo!
The first half of the novel is pure space opera traveling at hyperspped. The back half takes a couple of unique turns to stop and expand, but it never loses pace. I like the ending. Our protagonists are safe, but not saved. In many ways it reads like a golden age novel that could have been written by Asimov, Heinlein, or Leinster.
Unqualified recommendation to Ashley, Doc and Kent. I'm off to find the sequel, Carpe Diem.(less)
Self published chick-lit steampunk. I was drawn to this title on Amazon because of two things, the price and very positive reviews. One reviewer even...moreSelf published chick-lit steampunk. I was drawn to this title on Amazon because of two things, the price and very positive reviews. One reviewer even noted "steampunk without zombies" just my thing.
This is a short YA level novel with interesting characters. It is a quick, light read, with an open ending, as it is the first volume of a series. This is an interesting alternate London, where Charles Darwin's son is prime minister. The story has some Dickensian overtones, but it makes clever use of the steampunk elements. Class structure is also an important element and motivator.
Strongly recommended for Ashley and Kent. Doc would like elements of the story but would likely find some characters insufferable.(less)
Despite his reputation as a thriller writer, most of Higgins' novels are straight-forward, predictable reads. This early effort is no exception. This...moreDespite his reputation as a thriller writer, most of Higgins' novels are straight-forward, predictable reads. This early effort is no exception. This is the only Higgins' novel I had not read (except Dance-Hall Romeo which got horrible reviews). I wasn't saving it. I just found it hard to find a copy for many years. Ebooks has solved that.
I should add that this is not one Doc needs to search out. My guess is Kent read it many years ago. I seem to recall he was often ahead of me on Higgins, especially the older titles. Like most of the world, I discovered Higgins with The Eagle Has Landed, and its still his best book among the 67 I have read.(less)
The Oxford history group that was the backdrop for both Fire Watch and Doomsday Book returns. We have a new central character and a much lighter tone....moreThe Oxford history group that was the backdrop for both Fire Watch and Doomsday Book returns. We have a new central character and a much lighter tone. (less)
This novel begins shortly after the end of The Doomsday Vault. The characters are familiar. The pacing is fast. I would think this would be a difficul...moreThis novel begins shortly after the end of The Doomsday Vault. The characters are familiar. The pacing is fast. I would think this would be a difficult novel to pick up without having read the first volume. This volume doesn't have the vulgarity problems of Doomsday Vault. I liked it better on all levels.(less)
Steampunk. Guilty pleasure. Uh oh. I've read very little steampunk. I like the concept, but the execution often seems to include zombies, magical crea...moreSteampunk. Guilty pleasure. Uh oh. I've read very little steampunk. I like the concept, but the execution often seems to include zombies, magical creatures, vampires and other rubbish. I start this book, and I encounter zombies. I move forward I encounter some vulgar language. And then, the language cleans up and the zombies make sense! Then we encounter some creepy mechanics that are used to make a character repugnant. Toward the end, even though I guessed much of the payoff, it was really hard to put down. I liked it enough that I'm moving on to volume 2 (it's a trilogy).
I think Doc would like it if he is in the mood. Ken would have the same problems I did (mostly chapters 2 and 4).(less)
The lost colony theme is long standing in science fiction. My personal favorite would be Pern, but I have enjoyed many of these stories--most recently...moreThe lost colony theme is long standing in science fiction. My personal favorite would be Pern, but I have enjoyed many of these stories--most recently Zoe's Tale.
Buckell's lost colony is an interesting mash of human cultures combined with the influence of aliens. Buckell has described it as Caribbean steampunk. The story is clever, and the book has interesting characters. There are a few hard profanities--mostly in a couple of chapters. On all other levels this book gets high marks. Recommended to Doc as a nice twist on military SF. I think Kent might like it (there is an Alistair Maclean feel to parts of the novel), but he should judge for himself.(less)
Based on some comments, I thought this book was steampunk. It is definitely alternate history with air ships and coal powered submarines, but there ar...moreBased on some comments, I thought this book was steampunk. It is definitely alternate history with air ships and coal powered submarines, but there are no ray guns, mechanical prostitutes, or zombies.
I liked it. One nice twist is the villains--the British Empire, controlled by Imperial Intelligence. Cuttlefish is a good YA adventure story. Kent and Doc will both like it.(less)
Loading...
