Showing posts with label scifi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label scifi. Show all posts

Saturday, June 7, 2025

The Imposition of Unnecessary Obstacles by Malka Older (2024)


While browsing the 2025 Hugo Award nominations, I encountered The Imposition of Unnecessary Obstacles by Malka Older and decided to read it. Unfortunately, the novel fell far short of expectations, suffering from significant flaws in its science, characters, and world-building.

The scientific elements in the book lack credibility, undermining the story's foundation. Equally disappointing are the characters, none of whom I found engaging or relatable. Background characters, in particular, feel one-dimensional, adding little depth to the narrative. The novel's world-building, especially its economic systems, appears poorly constructed and unconvincing.

The overuse of recurring symbols and metaphors—such as the "cuppa" tea rituals, comfort food, and lesbian sex scenes—feels heavy-handed and detracts from the storytelling. These elements, intended to enrich the narrative, instead become repetitive and tiresome.

On a positive note, the depiction of academic politics stands out as a strength, offering sharp and insightful commentary. This aspect, however, cannot redeem the novel's broader shortcomings. 

I cannot recommend The Imposition of Unnecessary Obstacles due to its weak science, unlikable characters, and flawed world-building. Readers seeking a compelling sci-fi experience should look elsewhere. 2/5 Stars

Sunday, June 1, 2025

Pathfinder by Orson Scott Card (2011)


Although I usually avoid time-travel stories, Orson Scott Card's Pathfinder (2011), the first book in its series, completely won me over with his masterful storytelling and meticulous attention to detail. Card dedicates much of this opening volume to crafting a fascinating magic system that feels both unique and immersive. The characters, especially the teenage protagonists, are engaging and relatable, with the self-aware hero Rigg reminding me of Card's beloved character Ender Wiggin. The intricate political dynamics and vivid setting make the story lively and enjoyable. I'm excited to have found this series and look forward to continuing it. 5/5 Stars.


Saturday, May 24, 2025

A Deepness in the Sky by Vernor Vinge (1999)

When I pulled A Fire Upon the Deep off my shelf, I was convinced I'd read it 25 years ago, back when it swept the 1993 Hugo, Campbell, and Prometheus Awards, narrowly missing the Nebula and Locus. To my surprise, I hadn't! This novel, penned by the late Vernor Vinge, who passed in 2024, represents the sci-fi master at his peak. The intricate world-building, vibrant characters, and tightly woven subplots showcase why Vinge was a titan of the genre, earning accolades with nearly every release.

The story's inventive magic system—rooted in the unique physics of its galaxy-spanning setting—left me spellbound, while the complex character arcs kept me turning pages late into the night. From interstellar civilizations to alien minds, Vinge's creativity dazzles, blending hard science fiction with gripping human (and nonhuman) drama.


Rediscovering this gem inspired me to hunt down the rest of the Zones of Thought series, eager to see if I missed other treasures. If you love immersive, thought-provoking sci-fi, A Fire Upon the Deep is a must-read.


5/5 Stars – Highly recommended!




Saturday, May 17, 2025

The man who saw seconds by Alexander Boldizar (2024)


After slogging through three lackluster books, I was thrilled to dive into The Man Who Saw Seconds by Alexander Boldizar, a standout among the 2025 Locus Awards Top 10 Finalists (announced this month by Locus Magazine). This novel is a gem. Boldizar's prose sparkles with clarity and wit, pulling me into a vividly crafted world. The characters leap off the page—vibrant, complex, and utterly compelling.

The story weaves sharp social commentary, nuanced politics, and thought-provoking philosophy into a tapestry of ideas that linger long after the final page. Its magic system, centered on a five-second prescience ability, is both inventive and gripping, adding a fresh twist to the narrative. The plot surges with unexpected turns, driven by tightly paced editing. The antagonists are chillingly well-motivated, their actions grounded in believable conviction, while the protagonists charm with their humor and larger-than-life personalities.

The ending left me wanting a touch more resolution, but the pulse-pounding action kept me hooked, overshadowing any minor qualms. The Man Who Saw Seconds is a triumph of storytelling and imagination.

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Recommendation: A must-read for fans of smart, character-driven sci-fi with a philosophical edge.

We Dare by Eric Thomson (2019)


As a young teen, I might have been swept up by We Dare's sharply drawn characters and moderately engaging action. The story's pulse, at its best, hints at adventure. But as an older reader, my patience wore thin. The writing often stumbles, plagued by clunky prose and glaring plot holes. The science underpinning the world feels flimsy at best, and the economics of the setting stretch believability to the breaking point.

Worse, the story lacks stakes. The "good guys" wield such overwhelming military and political might that tension and drama evaporate, leaving little to grip the reader. I wanted to be invested, but the narrative's flaws made it impossible. "We Dare" ultimately disappointed me, failing to deliver the depth or thrill I crave in science fiction. 1/5 Stars.

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Mal Goes to War by Edward Ashton (2024)

Mal Goes to War by Edward Ashton offers a few redeeming qualities but ultimately falls short of its potential. Certain characters are crafted with depth and nuance, yet most remain flat and one-dimensional, lacking complexity. The magic system has intriguing elements but is largely inconsistent, poorly developed, and strains credulity, undermining the story's immersion. While the plot and dialogue occasionally deliver clever, humorous twists, these moments are overshadowed by numerous flaws. Unmotivated character actions, glaring oversights, plot holes, and narrative missteps abound, leaving the story feeling disjointed. It's evident that the book was rushed to publication, needing significant additional revisions. A disappointing read, Mal Goes to War earns 2/5 stars and is not recommended.


Saturday, May 3, 2025

Virtual Light by William Gibson (1993)


William Gibson's Bridge Trilogy reaffirms his mastery of immersive world-building and vibrant characters, qualities that made Neuromancer and the Sprawl Trilogy unforgettable. After finding the Blue Ant series lackluster—its world, magic system, and characters failed to resonate—I hesitated to return to Gibson's work. However, this Bridge Trilogy novel, set in a richly imagined future, proves a rewarding exception. The universe pulses with energy, the characters brim with depth, and Gibson's prose captivates with its sharp, evocative flair.

That said, Gibson's futurism remains a weak point. His 1993 vision of 2005, as depicted here, exemplifies his often-inaccurate predictions of technology and science. Yet, the brilliance of his writing and the charisma of his characters more than compensate for these shortcomings, delivering a compelling narrative that overshadows the dated speculation. Bridge Trilogy is a testament to Gibson's enduring ability to craft worlds that linger in the imagination. 4/5 stars.

Saturday, April 26, 2025

The Trove by Tobias S Buckell (2017)


The AI's, drawing from my book ratings, recommended Tobias Buckell's The Trove. Its suggestion wasn't entirely off the mark. Buckell crafts well-developed, engaging characters that anchor the story. However, the world-building felt lackluster, and the magic system failed to captivate me. The plot, while decent, unfolded at a rushed pace, leaving some threads underdeveloped. I'm open to trying another of Buckell's works, but I suspect his style may not fully align with my tastes. 3/5 Stars.

Thursday, April 24, 2025

The Fractal Prince by Hannu Rajaniemi (2014)


I asked the AI's for book and author recommendations based on my "taste" as objectively measured by my book reviews on this blog.  Unfortunately, this recommendation was not to my liking.  I did not like the world building, characters, plot, or magic system.  1/5 Stars.

Saturday, April 19, 2025

The Year's Best Science Fiction by Gardner Dozois (2005)


The Year's Best Science Fiction: 22nd Edition, edited by Gardner Dozois, offers a mixed but intriguing snapshot of early 2000s speculative fiction. This anthology, compiling standout stories from 2005, showcases a range of visions, though not all have aged gracefully. While some tales remain engaging and resonate with contemporary readers, others feel dated, their themes or execution falling flat in today's context.

A standout is Vernor Vinge's Synthetic Serendipity, a remarkably prescient story that feels eerily relevant amid the rise of large language model chatbots. Vinge's exploration of technology and human connection anchors the collection, highlighting Dozois' knack for curating forward-thinking narratives. Though the anthology's uneven quality keeps it from greatness, its stronger entries make it a worthwhile read for sci-fi enthusiasts curious about the genre's evolution.

In summary, The Year's Best Science Fiction: 22nd Edition is a solid but inconsistent collection, elevated by gems like Vinge's contribution. 3/5 Stars.

United Fleet by Sean Fenian (2024)


United Fleet attempts to carve out a space opera universe reminiscent of David Weber's intricate world-building, but it falls short of the mark. While the setting echoes Weber's grand galactic scope, it lacks the rigor, geopolitical depth, and self-consistency that define his work. The author's vision feels underdeveloped, with military logistics and societal structures that fail to convince or cohere.

The magic system, a curious addition to the sci-fi framework, is another weak point. Its vague rules and inconsistent application make it challenging to suspend disbelief, leaving readers disconnected from the universe's stakes. Unfortunately, the narrative itself struggles to find footing. The story feels more like an extended prologue than a complete tale, with minimal plot progression and little to anchor the reader's investment. It reads as if it's setting the stage for a larger space opera that never fully materializes.

In summary, United Fleet has ambitious ideas but lacks the execution to bring them to life, resulting in a fragmented and unsatisfying read. 2/5 Stars.

Saturday, April 12, 2025

Beyond the Light Horizon (Lightspeed #3)


This series draws the reader in with its intriguing premise, great characters, and cosmic scope. It delivers a solid, if not spectacular, resolution to its central conflicts. The world-building and pacing keep the reader engaged, but the final reveal of the universe's mysterious force falls flat, leaving awe replaced by disappointment. Adding a book or two between the second and third installments could have deepened the narrative and elevated it to greatness.
It's a fun read for space opera fans, but don't expect a mind-blowing payoff. 3/5 Stars.

Trap Line by Timothy Zahn (2025)


This short story has a fairly good plot, but the world-building and magic system are horrible. 2/5 Stars.

Saturday, April 5, 2025

The Doors of Eden by Adrian Tchaikovsky (2021)


I did not like this one.  The magic system was terrible and there were too many plot contrivances. 1/5 Stars.

Sunday, March 30, 2025

Insistence of vision by David Brin (2016)


I read some of the stories before but I enjoyed this compilation and the author's introductions. 5/5 Stars.

Sunday, March 23, 2025

Beyond the Reach of Earth by Ken MacLeod (2023)


I like the continuation of the story and the character arcs.  Fun. 4/5 Stars.

Steel World by B.V. Larson (2013)


I think a 12-year-old version of me may have enjoyed this book; however, the writing is horrible. The politics are awful, I did not like any of the characters, and the story is meh at best. 1/5 Stars.  Reminder to self: do not buy any other books by this author.

Saturday, March 15, 2025

Beyond the Hallowed Sky by Ken Macleod (2021)


I think I finally found another space opera series that I really like!  I enjoyed this book. 5/5 Stars.

Sunday, March 9, 2025

Red Dust by Yoss (2020) translated by David Frye


The story has a lot of action and fun science fiction, with interesting politics from a Cuban perspective but set in a space opera. The homages are a bit shallow and trite.  It is very short, dense, and enjoyable. 4/5 Stars.

Saturday, March 8, 2025

Perhaps the Stars by Ada Palmer (2021)


Scattered and unsatisfying. Ridiculous characters and terrible world building. 1/5 Stars.