I first read ‘Starman Jones’ almost fifty years ago. It was the second science fiction novel I ever read following on the heals of Heinlein’s ‘Space Cadet’. To a seven year old ‘Starman Jones’ has everything a budding SF fan could want. However, as an adult the story’s deficiencies are clear. Continue reading ‘Starman Jones’ Embarks On High Adventure For Young Readers
The world of ‘The Precipice’ is a future that is all too possible if not actual. Global warming is out of control killing or displacing millions, food is becoming scarce, and a far right fundamental religious sect is gaining control of the government. And these are the minor problems Dan Randolph faces. Continue reading ‘The Precipice’ Keeps Readers On The Edge
I first read ‘The Caves Of Steel’ more than forty years ago and I haven’t returned to it since. In rereading this book I had the idea that I would find it quaintly charming with a sense of nostalga. I was not expecting to come in contact with a chilling relevance to current events. Continue reading ‘The Caves Of Steel’ Still Has Much To Say
In many ways ‘Starfarers’ is somewhat old fashioned SF. Intelligent people working on technical projects designed to advance humanity and its knowledge. Unlike older SF, though, McIntyre understands that even the greatest of plans face terrible and often mundane difficulties. Continue reading ‘Starfarers’ Has Surprising Relevance
‘Rogue Moon’ is a story of dark emotions and difficult pasts. Budrys explores that darkness with conviction. Whether readers can face that darkness with the same conviction is up to them. Continue reading ‘Rogue Moon’ Examines The Stress Of Being Human
The main scope of ‘The Bastard Legion’ is combat. Despite this fortunately, for the reader, the plot drives the action and not the reverse. Continue reading ‘The Bastard Legion’ Swings With Intense Action
Riverworld is probably Philip José Farmer’s most famous creation. The idea of billions of people resurrected along the banks of a ten million mile long river is truly unique. ‘The Fabulous Riverboat’ explores a small portion of that world through the eyes of a man’s obsession. An obsession that raises troubling questions about morality. Continue reading ‘The Fabulous Riverboat’ Explores Dangerous Obsession
‘The Albino’s Secret’ owes much to detective stories of the pulp era, however, doesn’t emulate them. The story is neither homage nor pastiche. Instead it uses pulpish techniques in a modern way. With clear writing with minimal extravagence it tells a great and exciting story. Continue reading ‘The Albino’s Secret’ Explodes With Style and Action
‘Hellstrom’s Hive’ is a story of several parts. It is part espionage thriller, part SF, and part horror. However, Herbert is known for his interest in ecology and that is the basis for ‘Hellstrom’s Hive’. Continue reading ‘Hellstrom’s Hive’ Buzzes With Unsettling Imagination
Asher’s greatest talent as a writer, though, is his ability to write intense and exciting action sequences. The action in ‘The Line Of Polity’ is tense and gripping at every turn. Combined with weapons that are casually apocalyptic in power Asher excels in large scale mayhem. Continue reading ‘The Line Of Polity’ Rages With Action
