Pandora's Star by Peter F Hamilton (2004)

I am surprised I did not read these novels twenty years ago, as they languished in my backlog for a significant time. This story checks the requirements of the space opera tropes I enjoy most. The narrative features awe-inspiring technology, a mysterious behind-the-scenes power, and inscrutable space aliens with weird motivations. Furthermore, the inclusion of AIs with unknown powers, space battles, and close combat creates a rich experience.

I appreciate the characters, the writing, the plot, and the settings. I am willing to suspend disbelief of the FTL, "rejuviation," and wormhole technologies despite their "bad" science. 5/5 Stars.

Wreck Jumpers 3 by Jason Anspach and Nick Cole (2025)

I enjoyed the first two books in this series, as the colorful characters and close combat are hallmarks of this pair of authors. However, the deep integration of this setting into the politics of the Galaxy's Edge series is disappointing. I hoped these stories would remain independent of that complicated political environment.

The antagonists in this third volume are powerful opponents, and the authors establish a framework for a larger series as shadowy entities engage in a broader conflict. The plot is strong, though the behind-the-scenes power politics are less effective. The core action remains fun despite the increasingly tangled broader story line. 4/5 Stars.

Tank Farm Dynamo by David Brin (1983)

David Brin recently blogged about how SpaceX Starship tankers could replace Space Shuttle external tanks in low earth orbit to provide structure and materials for a large space station. This 1983 story explores the same concept. As a founding member of the L5 Society, I remember an in-person meet-up at MIT where we discussed the celestial mechanics of inserting shuttle tanks into a stable orbit. Those discussions focused on using the tanks as dwellings and utilizing the residual hydrogen and oxygen for water and breathable air.

I enjoyed revisiting the delta-v and celestial mechanics required to calculate the thrust needed by the magnetic dynamo in this story. The technical details are well-conceived, but the characters and politics are also great. This work remains an excellent example of hard science fiction that anticipates future engineering challenges. 5/5 Stars.

The Voyage of the Space beagle by A E van Vogt (1939)

After reading two disappointing books, I retreated to golden age science fiction. I selected this volume from a stack of books I inherited during a house move. I did not like A. E. van Vogt during my personal "golden age" (ideal age to read sci-fi)  in the 60s, and I did not like this book either.

While the narrative contains fun tropes and interesting politics, the science is terrible and the setting is ridiculous. I appreciate the homage to Darwin and the original Voyage of the Beagle, but the author's execution is poor. Because the writing lacks technical substance, this book remains a disappointment. 2/5 Stars.

Code of the Woosters by P G Wodehouse (1938)

Three people I respect said this book is very funny and I would enjoy it.  I have a different sense of humor and put this book down after getting to page 176.  I found less than 1% of the gags to be funny. 1/5 Stars.

Misspent Youth by Peter F Hamilton (2008)

I did not like this book. The narrative lacks science, awe, wonder, and mystery. Instead of the space opera or high-stakes conflict found in Hamilton's other works, this story focuses on a drama involving hormonal teenagers and fashion models. I did not care about these characters or the trivial plot. Because the book prioritizes silly drama over meaningful world-building, it fails to engage. 1/5 Stars.

The Second World Wars by Victor Davis Hanson (2017)

I enjoy Hanson's writing, and although The Second World Wars languished in my backlog, it exceeded my expectations. I anticipated a dry history of names and dates; instead, I found an analysis of the abstract aspects of warfare and history. Hanson faces criticism for his generalizations—particularly regarding the impact of hoplite warriors—and I question some of his specific analyses in this volume as well.

The book is organized into thematic sections rather than a chronological timeline, covering Air (aircraft and air power), Sea (the navy and maritime strategy), Land (ground forces), People (leadership and personnel), and Tools (production and economics). These divisions allow for a deep comparison of how different powers approached the same logistical and strategic problems. Because this structure highlights the broader mechanics of global conflict, the narrative remains consistently engaging.

Despite those potential flaws, the book is well-researched, well-edited, and approachable. The sections on production capabilities and economics provide the most interesting insights, as these factors are often neglected in political histories. This book is a strong recommendation for anyone interested in global conflict and "total war." 5/5 Stars.

Leonardo DaVinci by Walter Isaacson (2017)

I approached this biography with reticence because biographies can be tedious and I generally lack an appreciation for the arts, including sculpture, architecture, painting, and performing arts other than theater. However, Isaacson's writing overcomes these barriers. I became fascinated by the biographical sketches and the reality of Da Vinci's intellect.

One of the most enlightening aspects of this narrative is the contrast between the artist's limitations and his genius. Despite a lack of aptitude in Latin, arithmetic, and algebra, Da Vinci possessed an amazing grasp of analog geometry. Isaacson successfully dispels pop-culture myths and exaggerations by focusing on these human details. Because the author highlights the man's personality and techniques rather than just his iconic status, the book remains engaging throughout.  4/5 Stars.

The Brothers Ashkenazi by I. J. Singer(1936)

The Brothers Ashkenazi contains profound character arcs, Yiddish aphorisms, and a grueling depth. These characters embody the flawed, larger-than-life archetypes of the Yiddish Shtetl. The narrative serves as a tour de force regarding the antisemitism that fueled pogroms, genocide, and the persecution of Jews.

This book is difficult to finish because the tragic events leave the reader horrified. Toward the end of the volume, the analysis of antisemitism across the political spectrum and various cultures proves enlightening. While the Holocaust resulted in the murder of 6 million Jews, the preceding century included nearly a million additional murders in pogroms. We must be reminded of this reality, however painful the process. 4/5 Stars.

The nano flower by Peter F Hamilton (1998)

The Greg Mandel trilogy evolves well, beginning with a grounded, telepathic detective narrative and expanding into this ambitious conclusion. The Nano Flower is a nice finale that introduces a fun, enigmatic space alien mystery trope, thrilling ruthless oligarch conflicts, and deep political intrigues. Returning to this well-developed and familiar group of characters and super villains made the reading experience even more satisfying. I enjoyed the way the series grew in scale while maintaining its sense of "golden age" escapism and great world building. Because the trilogy successfully bridges the gap between near-future noir and grand-scale mystery, this final installment earns 5/5 Stars.