A really well done short-story. Good writing and great idea about a space exploration gone bad. And an unexpected twist towards the end. I liked the bA really well done short-story. Good writing and great idea about a space exploration gone bad. And an unexpected twist towards the end. I liked the book, and the slow but inevitable creeping towards madness had been done really, really good. The only minus and the reason I cannot give a 5* rating, is that this storyline is not linear, it jumps between different timelines. And I generally don't like it, or should I say, I like linear stories more.
Still, a solid 4* rating and quite a nice "first date" with Adrian Tchaikovsky....more
I'll probably be brief, because there's not much to say after nine books. Nine great, fun, wonderful books. I've really wondered, how it all will end,I'll probably be brief, because there's not much to say after nine books. Nine great, fun, wonderful books. I've really wondered, how it all will end, but it did in probably the only possible way. Oh, and the epilogue is both hilarious and cool. And optimistic - with a teeny tiny promise, or, probably, more of a possibility, that we might still have a book (or a few) in The Expanse universe.
What I liked the most about this book, this ending of the series, that it either wraps the plotlines and the questions up, or, in case it doesn't, you still feel that it had been solved decently. Of course, meeting the Rocinante crew yet again is a privilege, and a few characters from previous books also are very welcome.
Besides that, there's really no point in discussing worldbuilding or characters - it's book #9, after all. So, I'll just rate it a deserved 5* and thank you for a ride, Mr. James S.A. Corey. And what a ride it had been!...more
A decent ending of a decent series. And while I won't jump into a bandwagon of Murderbot superfans and lovers, I have to admit, that it had been kind A decent ending of a decent series. And while I won't jump into a bandwagon of Murderbot superfans and lovers, I have to admit, that it had been kind of...fun to follow Murderbot and his/hers/it's rough, grumpy character and actions. I'm not sure if I will read a full-length novel which is supposed to get released in 2020, but I liked this series. ...more
This book had actually been a bit better than previous parts, more action-oriented, less annoying reflections. And I'm quite impressed how Martha WellThis book had actually been a bit better than previous parts, more action-oriented, less annoying reflections. And I'm quite impressed how Martha Wells had been able to write a (moderately) good book without any character or worldbuilding whatsoever....more
While not being very different from "All systems red", this part of Murderbot Diaries still is a decent book, holding my interest moderately, but justWhile not being very different from "All systems red", this part of Murderbot Diaries still is a decent book, holding my interest moderately, but just enough to wonder about "what will happen next". So, I guess what happens next is that I will be reading "Rogue Protocol". ...more
The Old Man‘s War had spent three years on my to-read list (and have in mind, that this list never had more than ~ 40 books at any given moment, this The Old Man‘s War had spent three years on my to-read list (and have in mind, that this list never had more than ~ 40 books at any given moment, this number being pretty much my regular annual average of total books read) and now I wonder, why I had not read it sooner.
This book is perfect military sci-fi with lots of action fighting aliens and jumping (skipping, that‘s the correct term, actually) to different planets. There‘s also quite a few moments that made me chuckle while reading, especially in the first third of the book – the introduction, we might call it. One could say, that this is a very much Heinleinish book and, well, probably I‘ll have to agree, but at the same time I‘m gonna tell a big blasphemy: I don‘t like Heinlein much. As far I can recall his Starship troopers, it is, too, a military sci-fi. And at the same time, it‘s not a sci-fi at all. It‘s something more of political and military life mix, and way less of science fiction. Unsurprisingly, I liked Old Man‘s War way much better.
Me being some sort of a pacifist, or not very territorial and aggressive at least, what pisses me off about wars in general, is all those young, naive and dimly patriotic youngsters, who don‘t know better, being herded into bloodbaths by those cynical old farts, called generals and admirals, etc. I guess Scalzi has similar viewpoints, because his main plotline of this novel is simply brilliant: the wars are fought only by recruits over 75 years of age. Yes, they do get rejuvenated, but their heads, minds, experience they accumulated during their lifetimes, remains. And that makes them more smarter, more cunning and, last but not least, more engaged in the wars they‘re participating in.
The book is a real page turner. It is written in a very simple, fluent manner, with a great balance of action, inner monologues and just a minimum scientific explanations, making this a god choice even for those, who are not much into science fiction or get easily scared by the supposed „science“ part. The worldbuilding is decent but limited. Still, I don‘t consider it as a minus. I actually think that it reflects the plot very well – there‘s quite enough of worldbuilding while Perry gets recruited and discovers the setting and reasons for war, but after that it is all about fighting and war and encountering alien foes – a regular grunt‘s life. No time for sightseeing and smelling roses.
The characters are decent, too, at least as good as they can get in a constant firefight setting. Plus, there‘s really only one character – John Perry. Everybody else are very secondary in this book. Again, that‘s not a minus, considering the plot and the setting, it‘s more of a plus.
My only slight dissatisfaction stems from aliens. They could have been, at least, described in more detail. Not because that this would serve a better plot or setting, but because of simply visualizing them.
To sum up - a really great book. I‘d rate it somewhere between a strong 4 and a bit weaker 5*, or 9/10. Still, as usually, I‘ll stick to rounding up those ratings I‘m unsure of, so that leaves this book with a fiver and a definite intention to read further into this series....more
Quite vast and very intelligent, this sci-fi/space opera book borders on hard science fiction, but at the same time Reynolds, who is quickly becoming Quite vast and very intelligent, this sci-fi/space opera book borders on hard science fiction, but at the same time Reynolds, who is quickly becoming one of my most favorite writers, manages to achieve what most, in my experience, fail to do. That's creating strong, well developed, realistic characters - both human and AI, by the way - and that is not something trivial to achieve. And at the same time, neither plot nor the scientific parts had been sacrificed for characters. Don't know about you, but I don't encounter these two, merged successfully, that often.
I generally enjoyed almost everything about this book: the world, the pace, the inlaid pre-story of the original Abigail, the civilizations, except for one: I did not like the ending. Not like it was bad, but it felt rushed and too sudden, and without giving enough closure, especially since you consider on what gigantic scale everything gets wrapped up.
But it still is a very good book and I can certainly recommend it. At the moment this book is rated 4,22 by all the combined reviews and ratings and I feel that it would be a perfect rate for me. A strong 4*....more
A bit strange, even rushed ending to the whole series, bordering on deus ex machina, but besides that everything's familiar and expected and I don't mA bit strange, even rushed ending to the whole series, bordering on deus ex machina, but besides that everything's familiar and expected and I don't mean anything bad by saying that.
As I have guessed at the beginning of the second book, this whole series indeed looks and feels like five chapters of one book than a series of five books. But that is not a bad thing, too.
You won't remember much about this book and this series a few years after reading it, but it's fast, light and fun to read. A good choice if you're looking for a relaxing time with a book without much serious content. ...more
I guess now everyone expects me to write a review here? I have a better idea - let's play a game! Here's links to my reviews of three previous installI guess now everyone expects me to write a review here? I have a better idea - let's play a game! Here's links to my reviews of three previous installments of the "Starship" series: Mutiny, Pirate, Mercenary. The deal is quite simple: take one random sentence out of every review and put them together. And you know what? I have a sensation, that these "reviews" will still make perfect sense as valid "Rebel" reviews. Let's give it a try? ;)
And don't forget to post the result as a comment! :D...more
Yes. All the pros and all the cons are the same. Though I've started to feel a bit annoyed by some repetitive jokes and thoughs. Yes, statements like Yes. All the pros and all the cons are the same. Though I've started to feel a bit annoyed by some repetitive jokes and thoughs. Yes, statements like "you sound perfectly sane and simple, no wonder navy didn't like you" are at least a bit funny, but not while you're reading a version of that statement for the fourth time, and thats not including previous books.
Still, I liked it. Fun, quick and easy read....more
It's a terrible, terrible book that has a potential to shock you and shake you. Resnick wrote a brief history of humankind which is not only plausibleIt's a terrible, terrible book that has a potential to shock you and shake you. Resnick wrote a brief history of humankind which is not only plausible, but chillingly realistic. Of course, as this kind of book is (probably) supposed to be, "The book of man" also has a lot, A LOT of presumptions and racial pride. Nonetheless, it is also a really well pictured nature of Man and all his shortcomings and weaknesses. It is the first book of this... genre?kind?style? that I've read and, in a nutshell, I've been awed and now I'm itching to tell you what this book is not and what it is.
This book is not:
• A true sci-fi. There's lots of fiction, but just a few bits of science. And still, this book IS a sci-fi book. • A book that ends good. Won't spoil anything, but I guess you guess right about the ending... • A book that paints us in a positive light. We are a horrible race. Even fiction proves it. • A book that lacks confidence. We, humankind, as a race are the best of the best in our galaxy. No pressure. • A book that is a fun, nice, page-turning comfort-read. Every page is filled with dreadful anxiousness and a sense of inevitable collapse.
Still, this book also has different qualities. This book most certainly is:
• A book that will make you think about us as a race and our destiny and legacy. Are we, or aren't we? • A book that can be viewed as a history book... Written by or designated for an alien race. How cool is that? • A book that proves we're a race of resilient bastards. We just don't stop, don't quit and don't... think. • A book that can definitely be an interesting read even for those, who are not into sci-fi or even dislike it as a genre. It has really nice insights into human nature, politics, psychology, etc. • A book that, despite not having a coherent plot or any "action" and offering just some brief flashbacks of some crucial moments in our "history", is still quite worth a five star rating. • Aaaand it's a book that has an epilogue written as a different book. Check out Seven Views of Olduvai Gorge - really worth your time, too. Especially since it's a short story and it takes just a couple of hours to read it.
Read it. Mark it "to read", at least. Believe me, this book IS worth your time. Not for the style, not for the writing, not for the fun, but for the IDEA. And that existential melancholy which is a constant escort throughout the book....more
The "Pirate" picks up just where the "Mutiny" ended and continues in the same fashion and style. The only difference form the first one is a couple ofThe "Pirate" picks up just where the "Mutiny" ended and continues in the same fashion and style. The only difference form the first one is a couple of new secondary characters and a new "career" of infamous Wilson Cole. I honestly feel the the whole five books will feel like reading one big book with five chapters in it's contents. Same three stars for same cons and pros....more
Theoretically, it's a stand-alone short story. Practically, it's a sequel of Birthright: The Book of Man. Actually, it is more of an epilogue for it. Theoretically, it's a stand-alone short story. Practically, it's a sequel of Birthright: The Book of Man. Actually, it is more of an epilogue for it.
Everything I've written in my review of "Birthright" perfectly applies for this book too, so I see both no reason to add anything to aforementioned review and no choice but to rate Olduvai the same 5* I've handed to "Birthright". ...more
I really can't say much bad about Children of Time, but on the other hand, not much to praise this book for too. It is a decent colonization/uplift scI really can't say much bad about Children of Time, but on the other hand, not much to praise this book for too. It is a decent colonization/uplift sci-fi and the only thing that stands out more is successfully combining those two sub-genres.
Spider line was much more interesting and powerful than human, mostly because human part sucked both on a plot and character building level. But the main drawback for me was overall writing style. It just didn't click.
I had fun reading this book and it was worth it, but the lack of that famous wow effect and a few minor flaws leaves this book with only 3 stars and no further reading into this series. ...more
• A fitting end to a truly great series. • A concentrated dose of existential anxiety. • Bright and heartwarming sadness. • A strong ecological, religi• A fitting end to a truly great series. • A concentrated dose of existential anxiety. • Bright and heartwarming sadness. • A strong ecological, religious and ethical message in a friggin' space opera. • Evolutionary paradigms. • Merging some 4 or 5 major sci-fi genres into one book. • Lovable mains, interesting secondaries and terrific villains.
And despite "Cantos" easily making into my all-time top-3 sci-fi series, I cannot rate this book a 5*. I felt that Dan Simmons overdid by trying to merge different genres in one book (too much religion and soul for a sci-fi) and the middle part of this book was almost unnecessary. It had a decent role in advancing Raul's and Aenea's relationship and was a good background to answer some lingering, series-long questions, but overall I though that this part had been influenced too much by buddhism and especially Nepales/Tibetan culture. It's nothing wrong with buddhism, Nepal, Tibet, Everest and all those similar motifs, but I really didn't like bloated portrayals of every single peak, every single temple on those peaks, every single road that leads to all those temples on every single peak, etc etc.
I really feel like cutting out a bit of that second part would have made a better book. It would have been shorter, faster, and still remained character driven. I loved all the questions answered and all the plot twists (though they were not hard to predict), and a great ending, but still it's not enough for a 5* rating. I feel that a rating of about 4,42 would be a just one, but as we can't post such a rating here on GR, 4* will have to do....more
There are quite a lot of reviews of "Endymion", that tend to emphasize that this book "is very different". With all due respect, I have to disagree. AThere are quite a lot of reviews of "Endymion", that tend to emphasize that this book "is very different". With all due respect, I have to disagree. As usual, I want to keep my review spoiler-free and that means I have to be very vague about the reasons why I disagree. So be it.
Yes, of course there are different characters, the timeline of Endymion is some 250-300 years after "The Fall of Hyperion", so it shouldn't be a big surprise. What is a big surprise, is that a few of characters from, lets call it a first duology, make a comeback. Some have a more prominent role, others are just mentioned, but the fact remains - it's not a total shake-up.
Hyperion is familiar and exists. Other planets are familiar and exist. The enemies are familiar and exist. Damn, even The Shrike is familiar and exists. The style, the pacing, the different points of view - they all are familiar and exist. So yeah, I really can't say that the book is very different.
As always, the better the book is, the less I have to say about it. And this book is very, very good. It kept me glued to it. I even read it while my beloved Juventus played a match and that is a strong statement, given I just don't miss Juve's matches without some very serious reasons. Ok, ok, I DID watch the first half and the match was effectively over after it already, but still.
5* without any doubt and I just can't wait to know how it all ends. ...more
"The Windup girl" is not a bad book - I can feel that the writing is of a high quality, and the world building and setting is impressive aDNF at ~20%.
"The Windup girl" is not a bad book - I can feel that the writing is of a high quality, and the world building and setting is impressive and picturesque. No doubt that it would be a great material for a high-budget tv-series. It would be gripping, chilling and almost terrifyingly realistic. Maybe I would even watch it.
So, why a DNF? Simple. Despite all those pros, all that impressive world building, this book is boring as hell. I've read 1/5 of the book and only a whole lot of nothing happened. Add some (lots, more like it) inner monologues, bordering on the stream of consciousness, (which I abhor, btw), and there you have it. A wasted potential. 2* material for me and I'm really not impressed....more
This is an amazing book that perfectly wraps up everything since the very beginning of the first book. I enFreedom and empathy for everyone, people!!!
This is an amazing book that perfectly wraps up everything since the very beginning of the first book. I enjoyed every page of it. What's more important, all those drawbacks I've mentioned in my review of "Hyperion" are non-existent in "The fall of Hyperion", and I've said that "Hyperion" is a very good book despite those drawbacks. So... You should read this duology, you must! It's a perfect blend of sci-fi and a sort of suspense/detective, full of engaging topics like morale, ethics, religion, freedom, evolution, artificial intelligence, etc. The ideas are really great and inspiring and what is even more important, they are really well expressed and constructed despite, well, being grandiose. There's a few unexpected, but well executed plot twists, and a couple more that couldn't be classified as "unexpected", but that do not make them worse, trust me, I'm an engineer. (No, actually I'm not but I couldn't hold myself from writing it, lol).
Very interesting and complete characters makes it easy to root for them and resonate them and feel lots of empathy towards them, and that is very, very important. Feeling empathy, I mean. Read this book and you'll know WHY empathy is a backbone of the universe as we know it.
I would gladly mention something, anything that I did not like in this book, but I'm unable to do so, because I liked everything about this book, as cliche and cheesy it might sound.
I'm rating this book a very solid and well deserved 5* and the fact that I'm doing this even though this book is, more or less/sort of pro "god", you might call it, and I'm really, REALLY not fond of religions and gods and higher powers, speaks for itself.
I recommend this book/series for everyone. It's not that hard sci-fi that would alienate people who dislike or normally don't read science fiction, and at the same time a very interesting premise and cool execution would grab the attention of "nerds" and "normals" alike....more
If I had to describe this book in a single word, that word would be "cartoonish". That is not a bad thing to be called, actually. While I hadn't been If I had to describe this book in a single word, that word would be "cartoonish". That is not a bad thing to be called, actually. While I hadn't been really really amazed by this book, I still have liked it and being, as I've described it , "cartoonish", actually means that I can imagine this book re-made into quite a nice anime - this book has all that an anime fan needs: the pace, the chase, the robots, the big conflict, the crazy villain, the neon lights... Well, you get it.
Still, this book is too simplistic and superficial imho to become a great series. There's no character development, the plot is not very impressive too, so probably the first book will be my last, but hey, I still had a decent time reading it and that is still a good achievement. Also, I can't help but think that I would have liked this book much, much more had I read it while I was fourteen. It has a bit of this cute similarity to Harry Harrison and his "Stainless steel rat" series in style, pace and lightness.
A 3* rating seems just right for this book. Nothing too fancy or groundbreaking or breathtaking, but still a fun and nice book for a quick, lazy read without overburdening your head....more
Ball lightning is a very, very hard sci-fi book. I guess you know that already though, if you read anything by Liu Cixin, but for those, who haven't -Ball lightning is a very, very hard sci-fi book. I guess you know that already though, if you read anything by Liu Cixin, but for those, who haven't - it's a fair warning. Ball lightning is a sci-fi so hard, that even a front runner, a flagman of recent times of this genre - A. Weir's "The Martian" - seems quite a simple science fiction and not a particularly hard one.
That said, as "Ball lightning" also explores lots and lots of quantum physics and quantum effects, (and we all sci-fi fans know, that all those thingies and stuff that have word "quantum" in front of them are never easy, simple, ordinary or regular) expect quite a dash of mysticism in this book, too.
Liu Cixin writes in a very light and smooth style, though, so you shouldn't be afraid of that "hard" sci-fi. The only major minus I can think is that this book is very, sort of, plain. There's not much drama, conflict, action sequences in it. IT goes like a flatline from the first page till the last, with just minor, occasional blips that are more setting-based, than plot or character-based.
Nevertheless, I really liked this book. And though it got a bit boring at times (flatline, as I've said), after carefully considering this book, I believe that 3* wouldn't be fair. hence, 4* rating and I'm quite sure that it's not the last book of Liu Cixin that I've read. You can say what you want, but this guy has both the fantasy and the smarts that are almost unparalleled in science fiction.
Finally, though I'm not that kind of a reviewer who indulges in posting lots of quotes, the afterword of this book caught my eye. I think that it is proper to quote it, especially as it will shed some light on what kind of book "Ball Lightning" is:
In fact, ball lightning is not an especially rare phenomenon, and the progress of research in recent years suggests that its mystery is close to being solved. When that day comes, one thing is certain: the scientific explanation for ball lightning will be nothing like what’s described in this book. Science fiction writers may consider many angles on a subject, but they always choose to write about the least likely. Of the myriad possible predictions of the behavior of cosmic civilization, the Three-Body series selected the darkest, most disastrous one. So too with this novel, which describes what may be the most outlandish of possibilities, but also the most interesting and romantic. It is purely a creation of the imagination: curved space filled with lightning energy, an incorporeal bubble, an electron the size of a soccer ball. The world of the novel is the gray world of reality—the familiar gray sky and clouds, gray landscape and sea, gray people and life—but within that gray, mundane world something small and surreal drifts by unnoticed, like a speck of dust tumbling out of a dream, suggesting the vast mysteries of the cosmos, the possibility of a world entirely unlike our own.
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