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)
Clever YA novel based on a fully realized magical system that works in an alternate gearpunk timeline where the Americas are islands. I liked this a l...moreClever YA novel based on a fully realized magical system that works in an alternate gearpunk timeline where the Americas are islands. I liked this a lot. Strongly recommended for Ashley and Kent. I think Doc will find it an amusing diversion.(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)
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)
This title slipped past as I was looking at McDevitt. Silly me. It's another wonderfully convoluted time paradox novel. Like the other McDevitt novels...moreThis title slipped past as I was looking at McDevitt. Silly me. It's another wonderfully convoluted time paradox novel. Like the other McDevitt novels I have read, this story is well paced. The historical stage is interesting. The characters are engaging. The story takes its subject seriously, but is light in tone. The novel does sag a little at the end, losing some of its pace. All-in-all, a good story.
I think both Kent and Doc would like this to varying degrees. It will not offend in any way.(less)
I read most of this book in one day. As usual, Resnick places his focus on the interaction of the characters, their motivations, and moral dilemmas. T...moreI read most of this book in one day. As usual, Resnick places his focus on the interaction of the characters, their motivations, and moral dilemmas. The steampunk setting (or weird western) is interesting. Unfortunately, Resnick has increased the level of profanity in some of his more recent novels--especially the Starship series. It continues here, and I found it distracting--lowering my rating. Doc might like it. It's a no for Kent.(less)
Engaging juvenile novel involving teenage versions of D'Artangion, Athos, Porthos, Aramis, Milady de Winter, and Louis XIII. Twisted around time trave...moreEngaging juvenile novel involving teenage versions of D'Artangion, Athos, Porthos, Aramis, Milady de Winter, and Louis XIII. Twisted around time travel and sorcery, this is a wonderful mix of Dumas characters, historical anachronisms, and the time travel paradox. While it probably owes more to Marty McFly than Robert Heinlein, this is a lot of fun.(less)
In my review of Dragon Time I really sounded off about my displeasure with this elongated story arc about plagues and timing. This is the eighth book...moreIn my review of Dragon Time I really sounded off about my displeasure with this elongated story arc about plagues and timing. This is the eighth book set in the third pass, and it will be my last. This sequence should have ended three books ago. With the exception of Dragon's Kin and Dragon's Fire, these books lack the cleverness and charm of the ninth pass novels. I am particularly tired of the overly complicated social relationships that revolve around Fiona and her circle of intimates. I also find Xhinna much less interesting than Lessa or Menolly.
One problem this book has is lack of balance. Book I encompasses almost 70 percent of the narrative. Then, in a sweeping move to Book II, Fiona, Lorana, T'mar and all the other principal characters of the story arc descend on this story. The resolution seems forced, and it lacks the dramatic impact of other books in the series.(less)
This is a difficult book to describe, which likely explains my prior hesitation to read it. It is an odd mix of time travel and Arthurian fantasy. At...moreThis is a difficult book to describe, which likely explains my prior hesitation to read it. It is an odd mix of time travel and Arthurian fantasy. At the same time, it does not disappoint. For about half the book I had no clue where it was actually headed. However, as I finally started to identify the characters, I began to see what Saberhagen had concocted. Some of the Arthurian characters are readily identifiable, but others are hidden for a time. This is a fun read, but knowing some Arthurian legend helps.(less)
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