Andreas Rosboch's Blog, page 48
November 1, 2011
Coyote (Coyote I) – Allen Steele
This novel goes beyond Steele's typical near-future, near-Earth fare and describes the creation of the first interstellar colony.
The novel has previously been published in the form of a series of short stories, and suffers from it, feeling cobbled together.
The characters are interesting and I was drawn in by the narrative. Steele readily manages to convey the sense of wonder inherent in traveling for almost two hundred and fifty years, and then arriving at an alien world.
I was disappointed with three things. The first is the apparent lack of proof reading and sloppy science. For example, on one page a pilot is gripping a stick, and on the facing page this changes into a yoke. The second is the less than perfect orbital mechanics and the lack of biological diversity on the new world, In Steele's defense, it is clear that he is more focused on interpersonal interaction, and he pulls off this part very well. The third and last thing is the ending. I don't have a problem with endings that leave a lot to the imagination, but this simply left you hanging. I don't want to give it away here, but the whole last part of the book was simply too implausible and just plain annoying. With just a very little change, Steele could have written a classic.
Coyote – Allen Steele
This novel goes beyond Steele's typical near-future, near-Earth fare and describes the creation of the first interstellar colony.
The novel has previously been published in the form of a series of short stories, and suffers from it, feeling cobbled together.
The characters are interesting and I was drawn in by the narrative. Steele readily manages to convey the sense of wonder inherent in traveling for almost two hundred and fifty years, and then arriving at an alien world.
I was disappointed with three things. The first is the apparent lack of proof reading and sloppy science. For example, on one page a pilot is gripping a stick, and on the facing page this changes into a yoke. The second is the less than perfect orbital mechanics and the lack of biological diversity on the new world, In Steele's defense, it is clear that he is more focused on interpersonal interaction, and he pulls off this part very well. The third and last thing is the ending. I don't have a problem with endings that leave a lot to the imagination, but this simply left you hanging. I don't want to give it away here, but the whole last part of the book was simply too implausible and just plain annoying. With just a very little change, Steele could have written a classic.
Chronospace – Allen Steele
In this novel, UFOs are actually time traveling craft from our future. A study group goes back in time to witness the crash of the Hindenburg. "Unfortunately", the airship lands safely. They have altered the past.
As time-travel stories go, this is a pretty good one. Steele avoids getting stuck in the scientific debate and concentrates on delivering a good yarn instead.
October 31, 2011
OceanSpace – Allen Steele
This novel is about a monster in the depths of the ocean. Somewhat stereotypically, the setting is a big underwater construction. An entertaining read but nothing memorable.
A King of Infinite Space – Allen Steele
A rich young man wakes up from cryogenic suspension. He has to work for a living now, by mopping floors.
This novel has it's bright points, and is a pleasant read, but it doesn't really grab the imagination. And the twist at the end left me a little annoyed.
October 30, 2011
The Weight – Allen Steele
This short novel is a well thought out tale of a journey through the Solar System on a commercial spaceship. Unfortunately it is too short to really develop and lacking in depth.
Rude Astronauts – Allen Steele
This is a collection of short stories and articles. Steele's has a journalistic style and tends to describe the actual "normal people" protagonists of an event as opposed to the powers that be. He is seldom grandiose, but his stories tend to be very crisp and relatable. The articles are from Steele's time as a science reporter in Florida.
October 28, 2011
The Tranquillity Alternative – Allen Steele
[image error]The premise of this alternate history novel is that the USA established a permanent presence on the Moon in the 1960s, even basing nuclear missiles there. History has caught up, though, and an expedition is sent to hand over the moon base to a European corporation, as well as deactivate the missiles. A mini technothriller with some excellent good science fiction elements. Very entertaining and a real page turner.
The Jericho Iteration – Allen Steele
Novel about a computer system that becomes intelligent. Nothing that really sticks in your mind.
October 27, 2011
Labyrinth of Night – Allen Steele
Unfocused effort set on Mars, as humans try to solve the riddle of the Cydonia pyramids and the Face of Mars (no, they don't exist in reality). While the writing is good, and some parts are pretty decent, the whole novel doesn't really go anywhere.
