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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Perhaps the Stars by Ada Palmer (2021)

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

Mash Up edited by Gardner Dozois (2016)

I had read and was looking for the story in this collection by Allen Steele.  The rest of the stories were also ok; some were very good.  I enjoyed them all and I enjoyed re-reading the hilarious story "The Big Whale." 4/5 Stars.

Klara and the Sun Kazuo Ishiguro (2021)

I finally read an Ishiguro book that I enjoyed!  The author's Nobel Prize winning writing in my favorite genre of science fiction, coupled with great psychological, sociological, and metaphysical explorations is great. 4/5 Stars.

Excerpt from the Third and Last Volume of "Tribes of the Pacific Coast" by Neal Stephenson (2008)

As a Neal Stephenson fan, I am always looking for more of his earlier writing and collaborations that I may have missed.  I found this story, which appears to be an expansion of material originally removed during the editing process of  Diamond Age.  It is a fun return to the NeoVictorian world of Diamond Age nanotech with fun plot elements and asymmetric military conflict. 4/5 Stars.

Against a Dark Background by Ian M Banks (1993)

Despite the nihilistic, dark themes and the gratuitous, purposeless violence, I enjoyed this space opera. The world building is reminiscent of the beloved Culture series. The plot is unpredictable, the writing is great, and the awe-and-wonder is dominant. 4/5 Stars.

Backyard Starship by J.N. Chaney and Terry Maggert (2021)

One of the genAI chatterbots recommended this series based on my reading history and ratings so I read the first book in the series.  The series is better-suited to an 11- or 12-year-old. 2/5 Stars.

Needle by Hal Clement (1949)

I liked this story. There are many contrivances and holes in the plot but the magic system is great and the characters are all compelling. I also enjoyed the dated science of 1949 including our lack of understanding of viruses back then. 4/5 Stars.

Hellconia Spring by Brian Aldiss (1952)

I did not like this book. There is no plot. None of the characters is likeable.  There is gratuitous and needless violence. 2/5 Stars.