I James Forrest doesn't disappoint; the science was rock hard, the characters were interesting, and the plot went places I did not expect. The answersI James Forrest doesn't disappoint; the science was rock hard, the characters were interesting, and the plot went places I did not expect. The answers that were not easily handed to the reader were constructed as a trail of bread crumbs, that point the way to sequels I'll no doubt be picking up. A writing style reminiscent of Jules Verne. I'll read it again. ...more
First off, let me say that if you're looking for a typical first-attempt-of-the-author book, this ain't it. I was constantly surprised, pleasantly, wiFirst off, let me say that if you're looking for a typical first-attempt-of-the-author book, this ain't it. I was constantly surprised, pleasantly, with the philosophical insight, complex use of language and depth of character development. Fantasy normally lurks in the action hack-and-slash area, and in fairness, when you've read about one seven-foot tall barbarian with a broadsword, you've read about them all. Tristen goes to great lengths to throw the bedrock of the genre out the window in favour of a story that is far more relatable and personal, without giving up any of the suspense or wonder. I was hooked slowly but surely, going through the first half of the book in a week, and the second half in a day. As a fellow author, I rarely say this, but I could not have written this book, not by a long shot. Buy it now, and don't let it sit on the 'to read' shelf. ...more
One of my pet peeves is when a story is dumbed down, a nasty issue that is more and more common. This book was the opposite of that- the story is bewiOne of my pet peeves is when a story is dumbed down, a nasty issue that is more and more common. This book was the opposite of that- the story is bewildering, and took a while for me to feel I had got my feet under me (although I believe that was intentional, the protagonist is going through that for a lot of the story). The characters are unique, relatable and interesting, and the plot is convoluted and clever. All this aside, the book would be worth reading solely as an exercise in ambitious world-building, which is its most impressive feature. ...more
No spoilers, obviously, especially for a third book in a trilogy, but Novik manages a good ending, which I am picky about. She seals up the apparent hNo spoilers, obviously, especially for a third book in a trilogy, but Novik manages a good ending, which I am picky about. She seals up the apparent holes in her magic system, and rounds off many of the characters by placing them in radically different situations than before. The mystery aspect was spot on, most the big plot twists happened just as I became aware of the events that caused them. Very well done, even the somewhat ham-handed anti-capitalism metaphors. Thumbs up! Read it!...more
This is my first fantasy novel, about the titular character, 'Shiv' Kobodan, a travelling one-man-show who has a morbid fascination with knives. FirstThis is my first fantasy novel, about the titular character, 'Shiv' Kobodan, a travelling one-man-show who has a morbid fascination with knives. First of what is now a trilogy, Shiv is a bit of a nonstandard fantasy book, in that there is no Dark Lord, and I am quite content in not trying to rip off Tolkien. That being said, there are a lot of the dwarves, elves, and goblins that come hand in hand with the genre. I like to think that style-wise, it resembles an old spaghetti western, only with more gnomes (a warning: the gnomes here pronounce the G. They don't mind if you don't, though, because that comes off as mildly racist), and a sprinkling of both comedy and horror. ...more
I read and thoroughly enjoyed the first installment in this series (The Forgotten Gemstone) and rather liked it. This one made it difficult to believeI read and thoroughly enjoyed the first installment in this series (The Forgotten Gemstone) and rather liked it. This one made it difficult to believe it was only Daven's second book. The plot was a little hard to keep track of at first, and then fell into place masterfully. The characters were interesting and captivating, the magic system was convoluted yet logical, and the book built carefully upon the mythos of the first installment. World building is a tough gig for a fantasy writer, and a series about world builders across multiple worlds must be exponentially tougher, but Daven appears to navigate the issue with ease. Buy it now. ...more
A great fantasy with lovely world-building, Orope is set in on the edge of prehistory, in a world that feels like it could be ours, although it does nA great fantasy with lovely world-building, Orope is set in on the edge of prehistory, in a world that feels like it could be ours, although it does not make that clear. It is bursting with excellent details, such as playing senet, languages, period-appropriate weapons, tools and technology, and a mysticism that leaves you wondering how much is real and how much is not.
The characters are interesting and complex, the sociopolitical landscape is complex and lovingly crafted, and the premise of the story is compelling. My one criticism is that it feels short, and its status as an installment in a larger series is not made clear until the jarring ending.
My emotions were engaged throughout, with humour, suspense, and curiosity; I would wholeheartedly recommend this book, especially to anyone interested in the semi-prehistorical world of which we are only marginally aware... and I am definitely in the market for the next installment. ...more
I just finished Q-16 and the Lord of the Unfinished Tower. I was trying to finish it prior to attending a science fiction convention and couldn’t quitI just finished Q-16 and the Lord of the Unfinished Tower. I was trying to finish it prior to attending a science fiction convention and couldn’t quite manage… wanting to see the end actually made me hide in my hotel room in a rather inconveniently placed 20-minute period once I couldn’t stand the suspense anymore. I am pleased to say that this chunk of double-booked time was not wasted, and if I am presented with the same choice in conjunction with the third Q-16 book, I will deke out to do my reading with less angst. It was a solid expansion of the world created by the first book, with more depth to the characters, a more convoluted and interesting plot, and a great ending. I frankly have only one complaint: that I have to wait for the third book to come out. Write faster, Jankiewicz! ...more
This was a good read... Moores manages to put forth a truly alien world with a unique culture that works without any hitches... I was fooled a couple This was a good read... Moores manages to put forth a truly alien world with a unique culture that works without any hitches... I was fooled a couple of times with apparent plot holes, but the book was just messing with me. An impressive exercise in world-building, and a good story to boot. ...more
This is crazy. Whatever lines you figure aren't gonna get crossed, forget about them. The 'terror assaulter' OMWOT is at least as much of a public menThis is crazy. Whatever lines you figure aren't gonna get crossed, forget about them. The 'terror assaulter' OMWOT is at least as much of a public menace as the terrorists he fights, and yet for some inexplicable, sick reason I found myself rooting for him. Give it a go. ...more
A good, solid anthology; there wasn't a single story (there were 18 in there!) that I didn't enjoy. Despite having a very specific niche, the main chaA good, solid anthology; there wasn't a single story (there were 18 in there!) that I didn't enjoy. Despite having a very specific niche, the main characters were all unique and interesting. ...more
As with the two previous installments of the Xiinisi Trilogy, I have to say here that I was impressed the author was willing to attempt such an ambitiAs with the two previous installments of the Xiinisi Trilogy, I have to say here that I was impressed the author was willing to attempt such an ambitious story. This one was probably the best of the three, which is a high benchmark to set... without spoilering anything, I can tell you the book wraps up what needs to be wrapped up, answers the questions the earlier books posed, and finished with a satisfying ending that makes me think I'd read a second trilogy if one is ever written. Eleven thumbs up, at least. ...more
Pretty remarkable this is the author's first book, actually. Starts off a bit slow, but Jankiewicz pulls off a style that reminds me of C.S. Lewis croPretty remarkable this is the author's first book, actually. Starts off a bit slow, but Jankiewicz pulls off a style that reminds me of C.S. Lewis crossed with one of the old final fantasy video games. A good balance between a plot that makes sense and a few surprises to keep the reader off balance. Characters are unique enough that I grew to like them individually. Pretty interested to read her next one, I already have it in my 'to read' stack. ...more
Blood State was full of surprises. The characters were more complex than I expected, the tension escalated faster than I expected, and the plot careenBlood State was full of surprises. The characters were more complex than I expected, the tension escalated faster than I expected, and the plot careened off the rails more than I expected. The psychology and politics were insightful, the science was spot on without ever becoming technobabble, and I was hooked without noticing when it had happened. When the sequel comes out, I will fight you to be first in line for it. ...more
Probably my best book to date, and definitely my largest (and thus, the best deal!). The title character is an eight foot orphan farmhand named SapphiProbably my best book to date, and definitely my largest (and thus, the best deal!). The title character is an eight foot orphan farmhand named Sapphire who joins a mercenary unit so she can run off and see the world, and maybe help save it. Many of the characters from Shiv and My Name's Not 'Girl' are back, as well as some new ones, including several fairly disturbing villains. I'm pretty proud of it....more
Good solid read, outside of my preferred genre, but still great. The constant sniping between the eleven-year-old protagonist and her sisters is more Good solid read, outside of my preferred genre, but still great. The constant sniping between the eleven-year-old protagonist and her sisters is more than enough to keep me interested whenever the mystery lags, which isn't often, and the big reveals are cleverly cloaked until you need to see them. Also, the butler didn't do it. ...more
Great read, but should contain more spoiler warnings... hard to tell where each short story sits in the timeline until BAM! spoiler hits! Otherwise asGreat read, but should contain more spoiler warnings... hard to tell where each short story sits in the timeline until BAM! spoiler hits! Otherwise as good as I have come to expect. ...more
Really, really not my genre, and yet I was captivated until the end. If you're into the 'heartwarming' type stuff, you'll probably rate it higher; if Really, really not my genre, and yet I was captivated until the end. If you're into the 'heartwarming' type stuff, you'll probably rate it higher; if you aren't you'll enjoy it anyway. ...more
I have to say I'm pretty critical of books about the apocalypse, in that it's one of those subjects I am most interested in, and most authors of such I have to say I'm pretty critical of books about the apocalypse, in that it's one of those subjects I am most interested in, and most authors of such works do not do their homework. Pratchett and Gaiman do. Any time you think they are making a mistake, they tie it up nicely and seemingly without effort; in addition, the entirety of the book is really, really funny. ...more
I'm pretty sure I said this of one of his other books, but in the best possible way, Ira Nayman is insane. The basic idea of an infinite number of uniI'm pretty sure I said this of one of his other books, but in the best possible way, Ira Nayman is insane. The basic idea of an infinite number of universes existing side-by-side is crazy enough, but policing it is crazy squared, and yet Nayman captures that, puts a leash on it, and serves it to us for dinner. Aside from that, the difficulty of writing any sort of mystery in a speculative fiction setting is difficult, but Welcome to the Multiverse manages to destroy the 'technology/ a gadget did it' problem by making that a non-issue: they know a gadget did it, and what kind of gadget it was, and now they have to figure out who did it and how. This is all thickly wrapped in cynicism, but flavoured in such a way as to keep things on the friendly side, making us grateful that this level of cynicism is not quite necessary in our branch of the multiverse... all the while ensuring a home-grown Canadian flair by including an apology on every page. Kudos! ...more
This was awesome. I enjoyed it from beginning to end- the characters were fun, the plot was fresh, and Samms didn't reveal everything until near the eThis was awesome. I enjoyed it from beginning to end- the characters were fun, the plot was fresh, and Samms didn't reveal everything until near the end. Right now I am reading another series with my kids, but this is next on my list, and I'm gonna get me the sequel. Buy it now!...more
Personally, I'm calling this the best one of the series. It turned a little darker than the earlier books have gone (which I like), and the character Personally, I'm calling this the best one of the series. It turned a little darker than the earlier books have gone (which I like), and the character development was more in depth, each showing distinct differences between the person they want others to see, and the person they are deep down. Interesting delve into post-traumatic stress (probably a more severe problem with magic, mind control, curses and so on). Despite all the differences, it has all the good stuff I got hooked on in the first couple of books: the characters, plot and setting all keep me interested right through. I definitely am on board for the next book, and I'll probably be less pleasant than usual until I get my copy. ...more
This is my first pure science fiction novel. It's set about 50 years in the future, in a world where all of the conspiracy theories are true (althoughThis is my first pure science fiction novel. It's set about 50 years in the future, in a world where all of the conspiracy theories are true (although not everyone knows that). I'm a bit of a stickler for the science in it; there was a lot of research involved, so it's hard science fiction in that way, but it's not a rewrite of Star Trek... more kind of Bladerunner-ish, but with less brooding and pregnant silence.
Lex Page is a self-employed reporter who lives out of cheap hotel rooms, and who is on the trail of the story of a lifetime... or maybe it's on his trail. The crazy old man who's involved somehow is implying that, but he's definitely not sharing all that he knows. ...more
A remarkable book. Despite being written in the 40's and 50's, it is still a great story. Forgiveness must be extended with a distorted view of the fuA remarkable book. Despite being written in the 40's and 50's, it is still a great story. Forgiveness must be extended with a distorted view of the future from the 50's sensibility ('calculating machines' being large and heavy and requiring punch-cards, a lack of non-caucasian characters, and the female characters, while written from an extremely forward view for that time period, seem dated). Surprisingly complex planetology & alien cultures. A story that arcs over an aeon, and more specifically over a stretch of several generations. Definitely reading the rest of the series. ...more
Well, that about wrapped up the trilogy. It was a good read in many ways, visceral, but also tended to incoherence. Especially in the third book, the Well, that about wrapped up the trilogy. It was a good read in many ways, visceral, but also tended to incoherence. Especially in the third book, the author changed POV, tense, and between first, third and even second person like he had a belly full of shrooms. That said, many of the ideas he used had been tried before, but not in so alien and bizarre stylistically. If you like SF that focuses on internal dialogue over external events, than this is the book/ series for you. If you're more of a sequential thinker, maybe read Asimov instead. ...more
The reason many fantasy and science fiction mysteries do not work is that there is a temptation for the author to take the easy out with a deus ex macThe reason many fantasy and science fiction mysteries do not work is that there is a temptation for the author to take the easy out with a deus ex machina, simply changing the rules at the last minute and pulling a new machine or magic spell out of nowhere that fixes everything and kind of cheats the reader. Both of the Detective Docherty books I have read eschews this tendency and show that Sarah WaterRaven is a superior writer. A great balance of mystery, character, and world building, and enough loose ends that I am impatient to read the next one....more
First point: I hate the title. That being said, this is an invaluable book; if there were options to do so, I would give it a sixth star. It is doublyFirst point: I hate the title. That being said, this is an invaluable book; if there were options to do so, I would give it a sixth star. It is doubly remarkable in that it was written nearly a hundred years ago, and yet still retains a feeling of contemporary immediacy. Obviously, the points of view on gender and technology have changed dramatically, and yet in spite of that this book is so outrageously useful, I could not give it a higher recommendation. ...more
This was my first book, so it'll always have a special place for me. It's the same genre as the old Twilight Zone TV show (not to be confused with TwiThis was my first book, so it'll always have a special place for me. It's the same genre as the old Twilight Zone TV show (not to be confused with Twilight), a sort of weird cross between science fiction & fantasy, with a decent amount of comedy and a touch of horror. I'm currently in the midst of releasing a second edition, which should fix any of the errors I let slip by me during my first tour of duty. More on this as my release date approacheth. ...more
Frankel has the power to take new steps in old genre, and this is certainly true here. Her characters are interesting, flawed, and unique, and the ploFrankel has the power to take new steps in old genre, and this is certainly true here. Her characters are interesting, flawed, and unique, and the plot was convoluted enough to keep me guessing, but still managed to come together at the end. A good story in and of itself, and a good beginning to a series... I enjoyed it and was impressed by it. I'm getting the next one, and soon. ...more
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