As the name implies, this apocalyptic story jumps back and forth between times after, before, and during the end time. The book is perhaps more a novella; it is a very quick read though well-written. I enjoyed the way the story was told and the end was intriguing. That said, I didn't really care for the details or plot of the story much because I felt most of it revolved around sex to restart the human population.
Showing posts with label Science Fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Science Fiction. Show all posts
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Fell Short
After the Fall, Before the Fall, During the Fall by Nancy Kress
As the name implies, this apocalyptic story jumps back and forth between times after, before, and during the end time. The book is perhaps more a novella; it is a very quick read though well-written. I enjoyed the way the story was told and the end was intriguing. That said, I didn't really care for the details or plot of the story much because I felt most of it revolved around sex to restart the human population.
As the name implies, this apocalyptic story jumps back and forth between times after, before, and during the end time. The book is perhaps more a novella; it is a very quick read though well-written. I enjoyed the way the story was told and the end was intriguing. That said, I didn't really care for the details or plot of the story much because I felt most of it revolved around sex to restart the human population.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
You Can't Relax...and Unwind
Unwind by Neal Shusterman
This book as been on my to-read list for a long time. I'm so glad I read it. It's a fast read because of the way it's written and because you can't put it down.
This sci-fi teen novel is set in the future where, it seems, the problem of unwanted children has been solved. From the time a child turns thirteen until the age of eighteen, it's parents can decide whether or not they want to keep the child. If they don't, they can have the kid unwound. All of the child's body parts are used to help other people in need. Not just their organs, but their hands, legs,and even pieces of their brain. The unwound child is then alive in a different way--through the people their body parts go to. So, it's not murder, it's just unwinding.
Unwind has action and suspense to carry you along as questions of life and death, right and wrong, the value of a human and human parts are turned around. Even those who are not inclined to philosophy will enjoy this book and the discussion it can lead to.
I highly recommend this book. Neal Susterman has written many other teen novels. They seem to all have a strong plot with a creepy or eerie flavor surrounding deep questions worth asking. I'm looking forward to reading more along with the sequel to Unwind.
This book as been on my to-read list for a long time. I'm so glad I read it. It's a fast read because of the way it's written and because you can't put it down.
This sci-fi teen novel is set in the future where, it seems, the problem of unwanted children has been solved. From the time a child turns thirteen until the age of eighteen, it's parents can decide whether or not they want to keep the child. If they don't, they can have the kid unwound. All of the child's body parts are used to help other people in need. Not just their organs, but their hands, legs,and even pieces of their brain. The unwound child is then alive in a different way--through the people their body parts go to. So, it's not murder, it's just unwinding.
Unwind has action and suspense to carry you along as questions of life and death, right and wrong, the value of a human and human parts are turned around. Even those who are not inclined to philosophy will enjoy this book and the discussion it can lead to.
I highly recommend this book. Neal Susterman has written many other teen novels. They seem to all have a strong plot with a creepy or eerie flavor surrounding deep questions worth asking. I'm looking forward to reading more along with the sequel to Unwind.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Steampunk is So Cool
Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
Booker...
Remember the show Wild Wild West. It was great, huh? And it could be called steampunk. I've found I really like this genre. Steampunk books take place in the past but have other aspects that are futuristic or science fiction. The Parasol Protectorate Series is steampunk. So is Leviathan, a science fiction/alternate history/steampunk novel for teens.
Leviathan takes place at the very start of The Great War (later to be known as World War I). Alek must hide his identity as he races from the Germans. He and his crewmates pilot a two-legged walking machine. (I pictured something similar to an AT-AT Walker from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.)
Deryn must hide her identity as well. A girl would never be allowed to join the military, but she won't let that stop her from achieving her dream of serving on airship. The airship she ends up on is no ordinary airship. It's actually a whale who's life thread have been incorporated into a blimp like machine.
The Darwinists use life threads of animals to create useful devices. The Clankers rely on metal and machinery to do their work. We follow Alek, a Clanker, and Deryn known as Dillan, a Darwinist on their dangerous journeys filled with danger and suspense and a bit of humor. It's a great book! It might even inspire you to investigate a little more about WWI.
I knew there was a sequel, Behemoth, but I didn't realize Leviathan would end in the middle of the story, leaving us with a big cliff hanger. Luckily for us, Behemoth, is out, and the third book,Goliath, is due to come out September 20th!
[I listened to the audio book of Leviathan, which was very good, but I haven't seen the names in print. I think they are all spelled correctly except maybe Dillan.]
Booker...
Remember the show Wild Wild West. It was great, huh? And it could be called steampunk. I've found I really like this genre. Steampunk books take place in the past but have other aspects that are futuristic or science fiction. The Parasol Protectorate Series is steampunk. So is Leviathan, a science fiction/alternate history/steampunk novel for teens.
Leviathan takes place at the very start of The Great War (later to be known as World War I). Alek must hide his identity as he races from the Germans. He and his crewmates pilot a two-legged walking machine. (I pictured something similar to an AT-AT Walker from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.)Deryn must hide her identity as well. A girl would never be allowed to join the military, but she won't let that stop her from achieving her dream of serving on airship. The airship she ends up on is no ordinary airship. It's actually a whale who's life thread have been incorporated into a blimp like machine.
The Darwinists use life threads of animals to create useful devices. The Clankers rely on metal and machinery to do their work. We follow Alek, a Clanker, and Deryn known as Dillan, a Darwinist on their dangerous journeys filled with danger and suspense and a bit of humor. It's a great book! It might even inspire you to investigate a little more about WWI.
I knew there was a sequel, Behemoth, but I didn't realize Leviathan would end in the middle of the story, leaving us with a big cliff hanger. Luckily for us, Behemoth, is out, and the third book,Goliath, is due to come out September 20th!
[I listened to the audio book of Leviathan, which was very good, but I haven't seen the names in print. I think they are all spelled correctly except maybe Dillan.]
Saturday, July 23, 2011
An Interesting Book, I Swear
Blood Oath (Nathaniel Cade Series #1) by Christopher Farnsworth
Booker...
In this story, there are worse evils threatening our country than terrorists and biological weapons. And, for over a century, the President of the United States has had a vampire protect us from this evil.
This vampire is Nathaniel Cade; he is forced by a blood oath to always and completely follow the presidents' commands.
Blood Oath is a legal/government thriller with some sci-fi mixed in.
A fair part of this book is spent helping us learn about the characters we'll be involved with as is usual for the first book in a series. I think the author does a good job of keeping this interesting by using flashbacks and a mix of story lines. There is also enough left out to leave us wanting to know more. I thought the idea of the president having a vampire who helps him protect the country was such an intriguing idea. The plot is interesting with a few unexpected turns (unexpected by me at least).
I was excited to read this book. I think I had very high hopes. I did like the book, but I didn't absolutely love it liked I hoped. I think it is very similar to a lot of the bestsellers out there by Patterson, Griffin, Clancy, Cussler, and the like. So there's a few swear words, no biggie. I guess I had a little problem with the woman putting up with rough sex to get what she wanted. But at the same time, I don't think that's uncommon in most books of this type and it's not a big part of the book.
I came to like the main characters and the relationship between Cade and Zach. When I began this book, I did not know it was going to be a series, but I think I will read the next one, The President's Vampire, which just came out this April. Blood Oath was a good story with interesting likable characters that leave you asking questions you're looking forward to being answered.
Booker...
In this story, there are worse evils threatening our country than terrorists and biological weapons. And, for over a century, the President of the United States has had a vampire protect us from this evil.
This vampire is Nathaniel Cade; he is forced by a blood oath to always and completely follow the presidents' commands.
Blood Oath is a legal/government thriller with some sci-fi mixed in.
A fair part of this book is spent helping us learn about the characters we'll be involved with as is usual for the first book in a series. I think the author does a good job of keeping this interesting by using flashbacks and a mix of story lines. There is also enough left out to leave us wanting to know more. I thought the idea of the president having a vampire who helps him protect the country was such an intriguing idea. The plot is interesting with a few unexpected turns (unexpected by me at least).I was excited to read this book. I think I had very high hopes. I did like the book, but I didn't absolutely love it liked I hoped. I think it is very similar to a lot of the bestsellers out there by Patterson, Griffin, Clancy, Cussler, and the like. So there's a few swear words, no biggie. I guess I had a little problem with the woman putting up with rough sex to get what she wanted. But at the same time, I don't think that's uncommon in most books of this type and it's not a big part of the book.
I came to like the main characters and the relationship between Cade and Zach. When I began this book, I did not know it was going to be a series, but I think I will read the next one, The President's Vampire, which just came out this April. Blood Oath was a good story with interesting likable characters that leave you asking questions you're looking forward to being answered.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
A Book to Sink Your Teeth Into
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
Booker...
I'm years behind, but I finally read this best seller. Actually, I listened to the audio book, which uses different actors for the different characters. It was marvelous--the accents for each character (which I don't think I would have been able to hear in my head if I read it) really added to my enjoyment of the story. And some of the voices made some scenes very eerie. The whole audio book is very well done.
I enjoyed this book a lot, and I'm glad I was listening in the car rather than reading the book at night. I'm sorry I can't remember the young girls name, but she lives with her father who travels throughout Europe. She begins to travel with him and finally asks about her mother. He has never spoken of her to his daughter before, but reluctantly begins to tell his daughter bits and pieces of the painful story over many months. The daughter learns her parents met at an English university where they were both researching historical data on Dracula. Things transpire and eventually a desparate hunt for Dracula begins again.
This story has beautiful descriptions, interesting historical information, suspense, and a few shiver-inducing moments. You don't have to be a Dracula fan to enjoy this intelligent book. I highly recommend it.
Booker...
I'm years behind, but I finally read this best seller. Actually, I listened to the audio book, which uses different actors for the different characters. It was marvelous--the accents for each character (which I don't think I would have been able to hear in my head if I read it) really added to my enjoyment of the story. And some of the voices made some scenes very eerie. The whole audio book is very well done.
I enjoyed this book a lot, and I'm glad I was listening in the car rather than reading the book at night. I'm sorry I can't remember the young girls name, but she lives with her father who travels throughout Europe. She begins to travel with him and finally asks about her mother. He has never spoken of her to his daughter before, but reluctantly begins to tell his daughter bits and pieces of the painful story over many months. The daughter learns her parents met at an English university where they were both researching historical data on Dracula. Things transpire and eventually a desparate hunt for Dracula begins again. This story has beautiful descriptions, interesting historical information, suspense, and a few shiver-inducing moments. You don't have to be a Dracula fan to enjoy this intelligent book. I highly recommend it.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Are you Hungry for the Hunger Games? You Should Be
The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins
HUNGER GAMES CATCHING FIRE MOCKINGJAY
Blogger...
Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is the first book I've read on our new Nook. I had been steering clear of the e-readers, but we took the plunge and got one.
Ok, so "Hunger Games." This is a science fiction book with a different take on a post apocalyptic United States. In the country of Panem (old United States) the Capitol rules the people with an iron fist. The country is divided up into 12 districts, though prior to some earlier rebellion there were 13. Every year, as a show of the Capitol's power, each district is forced to send 2 of their children, ages 12-18, to compete in the Hunger Games. Think TV's "Survivor" but instead of voting each other off the island, they end up killing each other. When 16 year old Katniss Everdeen's younger sister is selected to compete, Katniss volunteers in her place. Now, she's off to the arena to face 23 other "tributes" from around the district.
I liked "Hunger Games" but I'm not sure I loved it. The concept is an interesting one, and it certainly was an exciting read. What is throwing me off a little is there is slightly more teenage angst going on then I would really like to read about. However, I did like the story enough that I plan to read the other 2 books in the series, "Catching Fire" and "Mockingjay," though I predict some depressing things ahead.
HUNGER GAMES CATCHING FIRE MOCKINGJAY
Blogger...
Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is the first book I've read on our new Nook. I had been steering clear of the e-readers, but we took the plunge and got one.
Ok, so "Hunger Games." This is a science fiction book with a different take on a post apocalyptic United States. In the country of Panem (old United States) the Capitol rules the people with an iron fist. The country is divided up into 12 districts, though prior to some earlier rebellion there were 13. Every year, as a show of the Capitol's power, each district is forced to send 2 of their children, ages 12-18, to compete in the Hunger Games. Think TV's "Survivor" but instead of voting each other off the island, they end up killing each other. When 16 year old Katniss Everdeen's younger sister is selected to compete, Katniss volunteers in her place. Now, she's off to the arena to face 23 other "tributes" from around the district.
I liked "Hunger Games" but I'm not sure I loved it. The concept is an interesting one, and it certainly was an exciting read. What is throwing me off a little is there is slightly more teenage angst going on then I would really like to read about. However, I did like the story enough that I plan to read the other 2 books in the series, "Catching Fire" and "Mockingjay," though I predict some depressing things ahead.
I don't want to give too much away. My wife recommended I read this book, and I do like it...she's really good at picking books for me. I wouldn't recommend "Hunger Games" for anyone under about 16 years old...it's somewhat intense at times.
Booker...
I LOVED Hunger Games. Our store got an advanced reader copy and I think I was the second person in our store to read this book. Erica and I were trying to get everyone to read this book. (One of our managers discovered Twilight and it was a huge hit in our store before it ever reached the conscience of mainstream America!) I was having some trouble convincing people because it just sounds weird when you say, "You've got to read this awesome book! It's about a distopian America where one boy and one girl age 12-17 from each district have to go to a battle to the death." Sounds good, huh? But it is. I don't think it's nearly as gory as it sounds, and the strategy and government politics are extremely intriguing. There is also an innocent love triangle to add to suspense.
Blogger...
"Catching Fire": This was my favorite book in the Hunger Games Trilogy, by Suzanne Collins. "Catching Fire" was a great bridge between "Hunger Games" and "Mockingjay". This book was longer than "Hunger Games" and I appreciated the extra detail. We learn much more about our heroes, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, and we meet some fun new characters, including my personal favorite, Finnick O'Dair. Overall, this was a really good book, but be sure you have access to "Mockingjay" right away because there is quite the cliffhanger.
Mockingjay": After reading "Catching Fire" I was a little disappointed with "Mockingjay", the conclusion to the Hunger Games trilogy. It's not that "Mockingjay" was a bad book, it just didn't live up to the quality of "Catching Fire". I felt like some of the momentum was lost and the story was a little disjointed. I did enjoy the end of the book though, I just wish Suzanne Collins would have gotten us to that ending a little differently.
Overall, I did enjoy the Hunger Games trilogy. I think it's an appropriate series for teenagers on up. If you like post apocalyptic style stories, give these books a shot. I'd really like to discuss them with someone else who has read them.
Booker...
I liked Cathching Fire and Mockingjay. I knew Katniss would be in trouble with the government at the end of Book 1, but what happened in Catching Fire took me completely by surprise. I couldn't believe it!! I didn't find anything wrong with Mockingjay like Blogger did. I found it interesting and I feel it flowed very well.
This trilogy is a great read. There's lots of action and suspense, political intrigue, an innocent love, and hope in the face of catastrophe. I loved this series!
Booker...
I LOVED Hunger Games. Our store got an advanced reader copy and I think I was the second person in our store to read this book. Erica and I were trying to get everyone to read this book. (One of our managers discovered Twilight and it was a huge hit in our store before it ever reached the conscience of mainstream America!) I was having some trouble convincing people because it just sounds weird when you say, "You've got to read this awesome book! It's about a distopian America where one boy and one girl age 12-17 from each district have to go to a battle to the death." Sounds good, huh? But it is. I don't think it's nearly as gory as it sounds, and the strategy and government politics are extremely intriguing. There is also an innocent love triangle to add to suspense.
Blogger...
"Catching Fire": This was my favorite book in the Hunger Games Trilogy, by Suzanne Collins. "Catching Fire" was a great bridge between "Hunger Games" and "Mockingjay". This book was longer than "Hunger Games" and I appreciated the extra detail. We learn much more about our heroes, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, and we meet some fun new characters, including my personal favorite, Finnick O'Dair. Overall, this was a really good book, but be sure you have access to "Mockingjay" right away because there is quite the cliffhanger.
Mockingjay": After reading "Catching Fire" I was a little disappointed with "Mockingjay", the conclusion to the Hunger Games trilogy. It's not that "Mockingjay" was a bad book, it just didn't live up to the quality of "Catching Fire". I felt like some of the momentum was lost and the story was a little disjointed. I did enjoy the end of the book though, I just wish Suzanne Collins would have gotten us to that ending a little differently.
Overall, I did enjoy the Hunger Games trilogy. I think it's an appropriate series for teenagers on up. If you like post apocalyptic style stories, give these books a shot. I'd really like to discuss them with someone else who has read them.
Booker...
I liked Cathching Fire and Mockingjay. I knew Katniss would be in trouble with the government at the end of Book 1, but what happened in Catching Fire took me completely by surprise. I couldn't believe it!! I didn't find anything wrong with Mockingjay like Blogger did. I found it interesting and I feel it flowed very well.
This trilogy is a great read. There's lots of action and suspense, political intrigue, an innocent love, and hope in the face of catastrophe. I loved this series!
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