Have you ever reread a book and found that your second opinion was worse than when you first read the book? I first read I Will Fear No Evil by RobertHave you ever reread a book and found that your second opinion was worse than when you first read the book? I first read I Will Fear No Evil by Robert Heinlein, the "dean of science fiction writers" about fifty years ago when I was an older adolescent and remembered it fondly... up until I read it again. I guess Thomas Wolfe was correct regarding the inability of returning home again. My initial interest in this book was probably due to being a testosterone-surging adolescent. I discovered on my second read that it appears to be influenced by the new age culture of the 1960s including sexual freedom, psychoactive drug use, and rise of transcedental meditation.
The plot focuses on the protagonist, an elderly billionaire Johann Sebastian Smith who is currently on life-support awaiting a younger body in which to transplant his brain into. After finding a donor and successful operation, he discovers upon returning to awareness that his brain has been tranplanted into his ravishingly beautiful young female secretary, Eunice Branca. I used the adjective "ravishing" because the author frequently describes how both men and women are drawn to her beauty. He also discovers that he shares his body with Eunice's consciousness who advises him how to be a woman. Even with Eunice's help, I found it difficult to believe that a cranky old man would so quickly be able to navigate life as a empathetic woman.
There were a number of issues that I didn't like about this book. Hardly a page was turned without finding a sexual innuendo. I did not care how Eunice, pre- and post-surgery, was often placed a on a pedestal to be sheltered from the evils of the country.
Robert Heinlein did appear prescient in one aspect of this book. Crime is rampant in the near future, which has resulted in some areas being abandoned by law enforcement. Anyone living in or traveling through this abandoned areas risk their lives.
Although this novel is considered a classic, it is not a work that has survived the test of time....more
When I learned that The Three-Body Problem, which was in my "to-be-read" was being adapted to a Netflix production, I quickly read it before beginningWhen I learned that The Three-Body Problem, which was in my "to-be-read" was being adapted to a Netflix production, I quickly read it before beginning to watch the series. This novel is the first in the Rememberance of Earth's Past trilogy. The novel begins against the backdrop of the Cultural Revolution and extends to the near future. Readers should be warned that the first novel ends on a cliff hanger.
At its core, the book revolves around the titular three-body problem, a perplexing mathematical enigma that serves as a metaphor for the unpredictability and chaos inherent in the universe and a virtual reality videograme which introduces the users to a mysterious alien civilization. Globally, many global physicists have played this game with several commiting suicide. One Chinese physicist, a specialist in nanotechnology has been asked to investigate the series of deaths.
The novel blends science-fiction, politics, and philosophy. Themes include the ethics of scientific discovery and the existential implications of encountering extraterrestial intelligence. One of the novel's strengths was the detail captured in the world-building of an alien culture.
The novel was not without its flaws for me. I have a rudimentary understanding of physics, mostly gleaned from "hard" science fiction. Occasionally, this book introduced advanced physics concepts, especially quantum physics, which I glossed over. Understanding terms from Chinese history was aided through footnotes.
Overall, I found the novel intellectually stimulating and look forward to finishing the trilogy....more
In this second novel of the Lady Astronaut series; physicist and mathematician Alma York and crew aboard a pair of multi-module space ships travel froIn this second novel of the Lady Astronaut series; physicist and mathematician Alma York and crew aboard a pair of multi-module space ships travel from Earth via the moon to Mars on a mission to create an extraterrestrial colony. After a meteor collides with the Earth in the prequel, much of the east US coast is under water and water droplets are dispersed in the atmosphere create a greenhouse effect, which will make Earth inhospitable in a century or so.
Most of this novel takes place on the space ships against the backdrop of space. In this alternate history, it is in the early 1960s, and space travel research has necessarily been expedited because of the meteor strike. As Elma and her fellow astronauts embark on the perilous journey to Mars, they confront not only the physical dangers of space travel but also the pervasive prejudices that threaten to undermine their mission.
The limited number of characters are richly described, each grappling with their respective fears, doubts, and desires. Elma and her husband's struggles with the three-year absence from each other was particuarly poignant.
The author's detail in describing life in zero-gravity and space travel technology reminded me of the similar attention included in The Martian by Andy Weir. I found myself transported to the two space ships as the crew experiences the wonders and perils of space travel. If you enjoy "hard" science fiction, I would include this series as one of your future reads....more
This inaugural novel in the Riverworld series is a blending of science fiction and philosophical inquiry. His magnum opus consists primarily of five wThis inaugural novel in the Riverworld series is a blending of science fiction and philosophical inquiry. His magnum opus consists primarily of five works. Themes include religion, sexuality, and the pursuit of knowledge. Farmer wrote this in 1971, which may be why mind-altering drugs and uncommitted sex plays a major role in this novel.
The book's protagonist is Richard Burton, the 19th century erudite scholar, explorer, and soldier, who finds himself, along with almost everyone that has ever lived, finds himself resurrected up and down the banks of a 200 million long river that encircles in twists and turns a large unknown planet. All are "born" naked, hairless, and sterile. All adults are rejuvinated at 25 year. The only animal life appear to be fish. Although the initial concerns are food and shelter, the inhabitants discover that each individual is paired with devices called grails, which regular generate food and fabric, the latter suitable for clothing. The rest of this first book focuses on Burton trying to discover how they were resurrection, by whom, and for what reason.
The stength of this series is that it populated by historcial figures. In addition to Richard Burton, it also includes such notables as Hermann Göring and Alice Liddell. These individuals along with the fictional characters provide a unique perspective to the afterlife.
I originally read this book in college shortly after it was published. Although somewhat dated, it still reads well. I enjoyed catching up with an old friend....more
Kalianne Bradley's skillfully crafted novel is a blending of several genres: science fiction, romance, adventure, and thriller. The core of this storyKalianne Bradley's skillfully crafted novel is a blending of several genres: science fiction, romance, adventure, and thriller. The core of this story involves an unnamed British civil servant who accepts a high-paying position to serve as a "bridge" for "expats" plucked from the past before certain death to help them acclimate to 21st century London. Each bridge and expat live together in a government funded home until they can function independently. Her expat is Commander Graham Gore, a Victorian era naval officer and polar explorer who, if not rescued from an arctic ice sheet, would have perished.
Themes include the power of love, hope, and forgiveness. As Gore encounters the 21st century's technology and social mores, there are humorous moments. I was surprised that Gore acclimation went smoother than one would expect from someone transported from 1847 to a near future where time travel is possible. The author did effectively portray Gore's psychic pain as he finds himself a "stranger in a strange land."
Another strength of this book was the author's skill in writing, especially the use of metaphors, which were never cliches. For example, The light was even and soft, like carefully sifted flour..
My only complaint was that I thought the build-up to the romance and adventure/thriller portion of the book was too drawn out. The reader is also kept in the dark regarding the future for these two. I don't know if this means that there will be a sequel or not. If there is, I will be reading it....more
This science fiction novel is one of the last, and most unusual, novel written by Octavia Butler before her death in 2006. The story follows the protaThis science fiction novel is one of the last, and most unusual, novel written by Octavia Butler before her death in 2006. The story follows the protagonist, Shori, a young girl who wakes up with amnesia and discovers that she is a genetically modified vampire from a race known as the Ina. Although these vampires suck blood from humans, they aren’t like the vampires found in Bram Stoker’s lore. Their senses are supernaturally acute as well as their speed and strength. They can heal from major injuries that would kill a human. However, they are indifferent to sacred objects and shapeshift into other creatures, such as wolves or bats.
In this world, Ina are a secretive and long-lived species that sustains themselves by forming symbiotic relationships with humans called symbionts. Although long forgotten, some believe that they came from another world. Shori is a unique blend of Ina and human genetics. Her dark skin allows her, unlike the other Ina, to walk in the day or stay awake at night. However, she faces challenges in understanding her own identity and in being the target of other Ina who believe her to be an abomination.
This novel explores themes of racism and discrimination. The novel also examines themes of consent and power dynamics in relationships. Once a human is bit, he or she become very suggestible to persuasion. In the Ina society, the bond between Ina and symbiont involves a telepathic connection and a strong emotional tie. This raises questions about the nature of consent, autonomy, and the ethical implications of such relationships.
I have been planning to read this novel for some time. Although classified as science fiction, I would include it in the speculative fiction sub-genre. It could also be considered social commentary. Thought-provoking while also entertaining, you might give it a try. ...more
A small group of scientists on a remote island off the northwest coast of Greenland discover an apparent Inuit girl frozen in ice. When the body is thA small group of scientists on a remote island off the northwest coast of Greenland discover an apparent Inuit girl frozen in ice. When the body is thawed out, they learn that she is alive and begin speaking a Nordic language unfamilair to the scientists. Wyatt Speeks, the lead scientist, contacts linquist Val Chesterfield for assistance inviting her to the research station in a hope to discover the language the girl is speaking. Although nervous about the trip, she is eager to learn how her twin brother, Andy, who was stationed at the aforementioned research station was discovered frozen outside the safety of the facility frozen.
Overall, I found much of this book over-the-top even for speculative fiction. Although the author does a decent job in describing the subzero temperature polar environs, the five adults were stereotypes fitting a particular caricature, such as the anxiety-prone novice or the paranoid "mad" scientist. Listening to this book as an audiobook only exaggerated these stereotypes. The best aspect of this book was the relationship between the linquist and the girl but this was enough to motivate me to read anything further by this author. ...more
When sightings of a massive mysterious sea monster are reported at the close of the American Civil War off the Atlantic coast, the U.S. government assWhen sightings of a massive mysterious sea monster are reported at the close of the American Civil War off the Atlantic coast, the U.S. government assembles a team of individuals to track and kill the creature. The team includes a French marine biologist and narrator Professor Pierre Aronnax. Professor Aronnax is accompanied by his loyal and faithful manservant Conseil. The US Navy frigate chases the creature around the tip of South America into the Pacific Ocean but when the hunted becomes the hunter and destroys the frigate. Aronnax, Conseil, and the ship's harpooner Ned Land is thrown overboard.
The three save themselves by climbing on top of the sea creature, which they soon discover to be an advanced submarine for the times named the Nautilus. They are taken aboard by the inscrutable Captain Nemo who has cut himself off from humanity and isolating himself in this fantastical vessel of his own invention. The three become the benevolent prisoners of Captain Nemo; they are free to roam the vessel but will never leave.
The remainder of the novel involve their adventures as they circumnavigate the globe travelling through factual and fictional sites, hunting in underground forests and mining minerals in an underwater dormant volcano, and battling gigantic sea creatures.
I found the science included in this book, especially the diversity of fauna and flora encountered and named paragraph after paragraph, tiring but easy to skim over without hurting my understaning of the novel. I read this book as a child in a graphic novel format known as "Illustrated Classics" but I'm glad I finally read the novel itself. Jules Verne merits the honorific title as the "Father of Science Fiction."...more
Like many dystopia novels, this book, too, contains the literary trope of the protagonist who believes he is serving the policy of the an apparently bLike many dystopia novels, this book, too, contains the literary trope of the protagonist who believes he is serving the policy of the an apparently benevolent state only to find that it is actually a brutal and cruel regime. This novel is multilayered; once you believe that you have reached the truth, you discover a deeper, hidden reality.
Proctor Bennett is the citizen of a small archipelago nation known as Prospero that is isolated from any other land mass. Although I discerned that the land was on a future Earth, I did not know the status of any other country. The climate was hospitable with a moderate temperature and cooling ocean breezes and gentle rain showers. Prosperans begin life at sixteen, a product of the state. Your marital status, sexuality, and occupation is decided by the system.
Proctor is proud to be a ferryman, an occupation that prepares those with low life scores for a trip to the mysterious "nursery" located on another island. Each citizen has a biomedical monitor implanted which yields a numerical score indicating their overall wellbeing. When the score drops below a particular threshold, the citizen takes a ferry ride to the nursery where their mind will be wiped and a new different life given known as an iteration. Since there appears to no finite nunber of iterations that a person can have, immortality appears to be possible.
When Proctor receives word that his estranged father's score has reached the requisite number, Proctor is sent to ease his transition. Although the transporatation seems to be going smoothly, Proctor's father balks at the last moment resulting in a skirmish with a number of Watchmen, Prospero's police force. When Proctor rescues him prior to being placed on the ferry, his father tells him, "Wake up! The world is not the world."
As I stated at the beginning of this review, I found this novel a multifaceted novel. Once you believe you know what is going on, another "layer of the onion" is pulled back for a better understanding...or confusion. As much as the author will give you, the setting and the characters are well defined. If you are fans of novels such as Fahrenheit 451, Brave New World, or the Matrix trilogy, you might want to pick this one up. It won't be a classic like these, but it will be a head scratcher....more
After reading the blurb on the dust jacket, I had high hopes for this book. Afterall, it included elements of science fiction and time travel. HoweverAfter reading the blurb on the dust jacket, I had high hopes for this book. Afterall, it included elements of science fiction and time travel. However, after reading this book I found it to be a plot searching for a good story.
Jean left a job as a psychologist's receptionist for reasons not exactly clear, and obtains employment at a bar, and an upscale bakery helping to prepare the next day's wares. After completing one, she must take the subway across the city to the other with little time to spare. She has been late for the bakery a couple of times and risks being fired if she is late again. This is when her friend Iggy introduces her to worm-hole portals peppered throughout Manthatten tucked within closets and back storerooms. Travel via these gateways do have their rules: you can only travel during night and you can only enter them at one end.
When Iggy becomes lost after using one of these portals, Jean and friends investigate his disappearance. However, to do so they must learn how this travel network was created.
Several times during my reading of this book, I was tempted to drop it and turn to another book. There was enough in its story that kept me reading. Overall, it was okay but not good. Most of the characters were caricatures without much depth. Some seemed thrown into the mix without much purpose. The adventure was tepid at best. ...more
When Jenn witnesses her adolescent son, Todd, exit the house one night and stab a strange man, her nightmare begins. When she finally falls asleep sheWhen Jenn witnesses her adolescent son, Todd, exit the house one night and stab a strange man, her nightmare begins. When she finally falls asleep she wakes up on the day before before the event has occurred. When she falls asleep again, she wakes up on the same day again. After several ground-hog day experiences, she begins waking up further and further in the past. She realizes that she might be traveling back in time to pick up on clues that would prevent the murder from happening.
What she learns is that she didn't know her loving husband has well as she thought? Will she continue to time travel further back in her life until she no longer exists?
This novel's chapters are titled "Day Minus...x Days" with the x being further and further back in time and are key moments in Jenn's adult life. This allows Jenn to view events which may have contributed to the murder of the man by her son and hopefully prevent it from occurring. As always in time travel, will changes by Jenn in the past have unintended consequences.
The book is also peppered with a few chapters entitled "Ryan" which is the name of an undercover policeman investigating a car theft ring. As one would expect, their lives will coincide.
I loved the author's plot technique in revealing the back story, piece by piece. It reminded me of Christopher Nolan's movie, Momento in which the solution of a murder is solved by a man who possesses amnesia proceeding from present to successively further in the past. I would recommend this book for reading groups to discuss....more
After a global nuclear war, radioactive dust still contaminates much of the earth's surface. Many species of animals are now extinct to the extent thaAfter a global nuclear war, radioactive dust still contaminates much of the earth's surface. Many species of animals are now extinct to the extent that owning a live animal is a much cherished possession. If owning a live animal is too expensive, you might be able to afford a robotic creature. Since many of the androids or humanoid robots were used to fight in the nuclear war, their continued presence on Earth were feared and outlawed relegating them to outer space. What made them efficient killing machines is that they lack the human capacity of empathy. This action also enabled a similar emigration of humanity, especially since to remain on Earth led to a potential health and mental deterioration in humanity. Many became known as "chickenheads" because of their intellectual deficiencies. Many men wore lead codpieces to protect their virility.
Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter for the SF Police Department and reponsible for hunting down those androids that return to Earth, currently owns an electric sheep but longs for a live animal. However, the expense is dear, but a recent escape of six advanced-model androids might afford him the opportunity to purchase one. Achieving this goal might not be easy since their intelligence is greater than most humans, including Rick Deckard.
The movie Bladerunner was based upon this dystopian novella. Although the movie was cinematographically and hauntingly beautiful, especially with the Vangelis' soundtrack, the book is a must read for anyone who loved this movie since it provides the necessary motivation for Deckard's mission and his struggle in terminating these creatures' existence. My only problem with the book is how hurried the end came. But, like the classic Frankenstein the reader will begin wondering which character is truly the most monstorous....more
This classic collection of nine science fiction stories introduced us to the legendary “Three Laws of Robotics”: 1. A robot must not injure a human beiThis classic collection of nine science fiction stories introduced us to the legendary “Three Laws of Robotics”: 1. A robot must not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm. 2. A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law. 3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Laws.
The stories imagine how orders given by humans, even if tacitly or in jest, can be misconstrued or bind the robot in a conflict with the other laws. In one story, a positronic (i.e., robot “brain”) technological improvement enables one robot to read human minds, which creates operational problems. When these laws conflict, it frequently requires the intervention of robopsychologist, Dr. Susan Calvin, to resolve the problem. She is a continuing character in most of the stories. I liked some stories better than others, but all averaged out to a rounded up four stars rating. My favorites were a couple of the earlier ones. “Robbie” is a robotic babysitter purchased to be a companion for the owners’ little girl. The wife’s prejudice of the robot increases her fears for her daughter’s safety even if the laws would prevent this. The setting for many of the other stories takes place on other planets of the Solar System or in space because humanity’s fear of them results in a ban for their use Earth and only in extraterrestrial operations. “Reason” occurs on a space station where a robot with heighten artificial intelligence comes to believe that his creator is not the human onboard since it perceives that they lack the necessary intelligence to develop the Three Laws. Try as they may, they can’t convince the robot any differently.
Asimov’s robot stories contained in this book inspired future writers and film directors. I could see inspiration for Phillip K. Dick’s novella, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, later released as “Bladerunner” in several of the stories. Although there is almost no connection between these stories and the movie, “I, Robot”, one story does involve a lost robot which reminded me of the character played by Will Smith searching for one intelligent robot in a warehouse full of recently manufactured robots.
The stories are less about technology and more about the human element such as acceptance of this technology and the relationships between man and machine. This book has been on my shelf for some time now. I’m glad I finally got around to reading it....more
The second novel in the Captain Chase duology was better than the first but not by much. There was less stream of consciousness from the protagonist aThe second novel in the Captain Chase duology was better than the first but not by much. There was less stream of consciousness from the protagonist and more Andy Weir's science. The protagonist, cybersecuity law enforcement agent and quantum physicist Calli Chase has been bionically enhanced similarly to her sister, Carme to serve as spies in modern warfare. Although the reader was introduced many acronyms' capabilities, there are some abilities that even Calli isn't aware of yet. The primary plot of this novel is to continue the exploration of a mysterious space launch explosion which occurred in the first novel. The antagonist of this novel is the mysterious egotistical industrial bilionaire, Neva Rong who is suspected to have an involvement in the explosion but the connection is still unknown. I could find no indication of an upcoming sequel; however, there is a number of unresolved mysteries that need to be resolved. But, being underwhelmed by the first two books, I doubt I will be up the third one if one is ever published even if it might tie up loose ends. ...more
January Cole is head of security for the Paradox Hotel, which embodies a time travel portal for weathy clientele to use during their stay. She is alsoJanuary Cole is head of security for the Paradox Hotel, which embodies a time travel portal for weathy clientele to use during their stay. She is also Unstuck which means that she occasionally experiences the flow of time in a disjointed fashion, e.g., future before the present. Her medication to prevent these slippages does not appear to be working. And this is only the beginning of her problems. Several parties and staff are gathering because the Paradox Hotel is being sold in a couple of days to the highest bidder, each with their own nefarious purpose. The tension preparing for this event is only aggravated by recent incidences of runaway dinasaurs, time stoppages, and a murdered man on the fifth floor which only January sees.
I thought this science-fiction novel was right up my alley, especially as it included a hotel with time traveling possibilities. Although various time distortion oddities caught my attention, I found much of this book plodding. There were so many characters introduced at the beginning, I finally at to write them down to keep them straight. Most of the time, I found myself bored speedily reading the topic sentences so I could finish the book. A book shouldn't require this....more
The reader should be warned before selecting this book that it ends with a cliff-hanger to be completed in the second book of the series, Spin.
Capt. CThe reader should be warned before selecting this book that it ends with a cliff-hanger to be completed in the second book of the series, Spin.
Capt. Calli Chase, cybersecurity investigator for NASA Langley is having a stressful day. Shortly after she and her partner and NASA police major, Fran Lacey, investigate a motion-sensor-activated alert in the tunnels under NASA, a contractor, who reported a lost secuity badge the prior day is found dead of an suspicious suicide. She also receives a visit from the new commander of Space Force, Gen. Dick Melville, a family friend and mentor, who informs her that Calli's identical twin, Carme, a jet-fighter pilot, who may be linked to one or two murders. If matters couldn't get any worse, there is an impending government shut down and winter storm and a countdown has begun for a spacewalk to install a top secret quantum machine on the exteriod of the International Space Station.
The novel is told from Calli's perspective through dialogue and stream of consciousness. We learn much about Calli and her sister who are both intellectually gifted raised by two NASA scientists. Callis is also a test pilot and quantum physicist and hopes to receive word any time now that she has been selected for the astronaut program. Her sister is also under consideration.
Imagine that you are on a thrilling roller coaster and it has been one scary ride until you get to a peak of a hill and shuts down. This is what this book was like. I don't mind stream of conciousness but I question wisdom of the author including so much in a techno-thriller. During one scene, she was taking a shower. It took her four chapters before exiting the bathroom because of the amount of stream of consciousness and the back-story occurring. It was a good read during the beginning and the end but plodding in the middle....more
If you are a fan of the science in Michael Crichton's and Andy Weir's novels, you will simply love Blake Crouch, and, especially this novel.
In the neaIf you are a fan of the science in Michael Crichton's and Andy Weir's novels, you will simply love Blake Crouch, and, especially this novel.
In the near future, Logan Ramsey is employed by the Gene Protection Agency, a federal law enforcement branch charged with finding and shutting down black gene editing labs and capturing rogue genetic scientists. During one raid, a bomb explodes injecting Logan with ice-shard fragments, each laced with genetic material. Weeks after being released from the hospital, he discovers that he has received an "upgrade." His 118 IQ is now maxed out on on the intelligence test at 200. His physical endurance, perceptual systems, and general health has improved. His now present eidectic memory allows him to recall any page of any book read or conversation had. Cognitive and reasoning is enhanced. However, this upgrade sacrifices his compassion since emotion, like the character Dr. Spock proffers in the Star Trek series, is illogical. He soon discovers that he was targetted for this explosion and was not the only one to receive this upgrade, however, for what reason?
Although I am a science geek enjoying science fiction from an early age, I found the amount of science in this book tedious at times. This was the primary reason that I downgraded this book when compared to his earlier books, Dark Matter and Recursion, which I gave four stars. The plot of this book is best when Logan regains his humanity after losing it. ...more
There is evidence that time has been corrupted by historical events bleeding into each other, generally the result of time travel and intentional or aThere is evidence that time has been corrupted by historical events bleeding into each other, generally the result of time travel and intentional or accidental manipulation. In 1912, an Englishman seeking his forture in the Canadian wilderness walks into a forest only to momentarily encounters an airship terminal and hears violin music, which was filmed by videographer in 2020 and also witnessed and recorded in a work of fiction in 2203 in a moon colony.
When Gaspbery Roberts, stuck in a less-than-exciting job as a hotel detective, is offered a position in the Time Institute, he jumps on the opportunity. The Time Institute is a governmental institute charged with ensuring the integrity of the time stream. After a year of training, he travels to each of the three time periods to investigate these anomalies and to report back his findings.
If you have given upon this book after given it a start because it was confusing, give it another try. The seemingly separte stories will eventually connect with better understanding. Although it intially has an apparent hodgepodge of events that challenge your concept of cause and effect, it does settle down into a more traditional storytelling format. Emily St. John Mandel's prose is poetic and a joy to read. Each page is a beautiful vista of mental images. It is thought-provoking in that it challenges the time travel trope that events within another's life should not be altered to prevent unforeseen time disruptions....more
At its essence, this book is about books and how the power of reading them can influence our lives. The novel is five stories in one with a common thrAt its essence, this book is about books and how the power of reading them can influence our lives. The novel is five stories in one with a common thread connecting all. Like his previous work, All the Light We Cannot See, characters in several stories converge to reduce the number of threads, in this case, to three.
In the mid-15th century Constantinople, Anna, on the threshold of adolescence, is learning a trade of embroidering priests' vestments, and has discovered a treasure trove of books, including a book in Greek the fictional character, Aethon, who longs to transform into a bird and live in a mythical land in the clouds. During the same time, a young Bulgarian boy is swept along by the conquering Sultan's army to overthrow the Christian armies behind Constantinople's walls.
In the contemporary period, the octogenarian Zeno has translated the Greek Aethon story and is rehearsing five children for a performance at a Idahoan public library. What Zeno and the children don't know is that Seymore, a troubled adolescent savant has planted a couple of back packs with bombs within the library.
The final story is set in the not-too-distant future on a spaceship that has left the Earth after an apocoalyptic event to colonize an Earth-like planet in a nearby star system. Konstance, who has never behind outside of the spaceship is trying to piece together a story of Aethon from bits told by her father with the assistane of the spaceship's AI, Sybil.
Each of the novel's primary characters receive their own back story and the five lives continue interweaved throughout the book. This novel reminded me of his previous Pulitzer Prize winner and favored work, All the Light We Cannot See in how disparate characters' lives converge to interact with the others. All separate stories were enjoyable, but my favorite with Konstance's story with a particular movie-like ending. Unfortunately, I can't inform the reader or it would be a spoiler. If interested, please message me....more
After years of attempting to discern the properties of an imovable, potentially powerful alien artifact, Justin Boyd, a black ops enhanced commando brAfter years of attempting to discern the properties of an imovable, potentially powerful alien artifact, Justin Boyd, a black ops enhanced commando brings in Dr. Kelley Connolly, a noted physicist to join his top secret team to discover the object's secrets. However, the Americans are not the only ones that are interested in this device. China's CCP is aware of its presence and will do whatever it takes to get the artifact.
Although I was intrigued by the plot, I wasn't ecstatic about the novel's implementation. Much of the novel was "over-the-top", especially in two areas. The first was the character of Justin Boyd. He has been enhanced with advanced technology and genetic engineering to be a "super" soldier. He wears night-vision and telescopic contact lens and possesses super-hearing. He wears protective clothing that can withstand most bullets and possesses an exoskeleton enabling greater strength. He has a super computer strapped to a leg allowing him to have just-in-time information. He had so many "gadgets" I expected to see a propeller extend from his head or to be able to give you a mocha latte from some hidden recess of his body.
Although other reviews have indicated that the author writes well, I did not agree. In all fairness to the author, I'm not sure whether it was the writing or the narrator's decision on how to give voice to the prose, especially when it came to the banter between the budding lovers Justin and Kelley. For example,
She felt Boyd finally pull away and turn his head, making it clear that he wanted to stop the proceedings. "Sorry," he whispered. "I'm a little embarrassed, but I feel like a teenager. I seem to be having touble keeping my engine in, ah...idle." Kelly grinned. "Yeah, I could tell that something had come up. Something big."
Hemingway, the author isn't. I will probably stop this series with this book....more
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