James Pyles's Blog, page 14

Book Review of “Half Past Human” by T.J. Bass

If you like my work, buy me a virtual cup of coffee at Ko-Fi. Half Past Human is a dystopian novel by T.J. Bass (Thomas Joseph Bassler) that I found recommended on social media by science fiction writer Neal Asher. The prolific Asher seems to read as much science fiction as he produces and I’ve […]

Chasing Talent

Toliver hated what Seattle would become, but it’s where she went so he followed. They’d been arguing again over her premature use of “the talent.” She left training, dashing off to October 17, 2024. “Admit it, Daddy.” Constance’s hand was on his shoulder as he examined a peculiar glass object. “It’s quite lovely, isn’t it?” […]

Read My SciFi Flash Fiction “Wraiths” at SciFanSat This Saturday

My short story/flash fiction piece “Wraiths” has been accepted into the 13th issue of SciFanSat. With the theme “betrayal” and 1,000 words to play with, I started out thus: “Did you get the escape pod launcher online yet?” Caitlin was pacing back and forth in front of the hatch to the space station’s only functional […]

My Short Story “The Haunted Detective’s Cat” Has Been Accepted Into the Anthology “Moggie Noir 2”

Raconteur Press has just accepted my short story “The Haunted Detective’s Cat” for their upcoming anthology “Moggie Noir 2” (title and cover image subject to change). The basic requirements are “crime noir” and “a cat.” A moggie or moggy is: …an informal British term for a cat, especially one that does not have a pedigree […]

My Short Story “The Other Place” to be published in the anthology “The Super Generation”

My short story “The Other Place” will be published in the Raconteur Press anthology “The Super Generation.” Imagine there was a one-time cosmic event that gave certain people superpowers. The event was never repeated and the superpowered people couldn’t pass their abilities on to their children. Only these people in their generation would be the […]

Naughty Boys Pie

If you like my work, buy me a virtual cup of coffee at Ko-Fi. “Sing a Song of Sixpence, A bag full of Rye, Four and twenty Naughty Boys, Baked in a Pye.” Delbert enjoyed working in the kitchen and pies were his specialty. The retired bibliographer took another sip of wine. It was an […]

Book Review of “House of Suns” (2008)

I just finished Alastair Reynolds’ 2008 science fiction novel House of Suns. The book’s scope in time and space is vast, so it’s difficult to summarize let alone absorb. Warning: Spoiler Alert! Hundreds of thousands of years ago, a few individuals including one Abigail, decide the only practical way to explore the galaxy is to […]

Uncle Chun’s Chicken with Oyster Sauce

If you like my work, buy me a virtual cup of coffee at Ko-Fi. “You’re going to love this. Uncle Chun serves the best chicken with oyster sauce.” Mike and his wife had retired and left San Francisco years ago. Now he was helping his daughter Liz move into the City. “Mikey.” The older man […]

“Far Futures: Book Three” Available for Pre-Order Now!

I mentioned a few weeks ago that my science fiction short story “Confluence” will be appearing in a Blue Planet Press anthology. “Far Futures Three – An Anthology of Deep Space” is now available for pre-order at Amazon! You can read my original announcement for further details including a short sample of my tale. The […]

Review of “Deadpool and Wolverine” (2024)

Yesterday (as I write this) I went to see Deadpool and Wolverine (2024) in the theater with my teenage grandson. We had a blast. Oh, if you haven’t seen the movie yet and want to be surprised, I do not promise a Spoiler free review. The following is in a flashback while Wade is fighting […]