Monthly Archives: January 2011

Welcome Chaos, Kate Wilhelm (Houghton Mifflin, 1983){Audio Version: Blackstone Audio, 2007; Narrator: Johanna Ward}

Posted on January 27, 2011 by Thomas Evans

The recent(ish) audio release of Welcome Chaos by Kate Wilhelm suffers slightly from the now dated plot concept, but remains a classic read due to the author’s tremendous skill as a writer. Continue reading →

Posted in Near Future fic, Science Fiction, Strong Characters | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

City of Illusion, Ursula K. LeGuin (Ace 1967) {Blackstone Audio 2007, Narrator: Stefan Rudniki}

Posted on January 20, 2011 by Thomas Evans

City of Illustion is a Sci-Fi classic, that follows the tale of a fully grown man who wakes up in a forest with no memories at all. He does not even know how to speak. His only clue to his identity arehis cat-like yellow eyes. This is a wonderful tale told brilliantly, and recently re-released as an exceptional audiobook.

Continue reading →

Posted in Science Fiction, Series, Strong Characters, Thoughtful, Unique or Imaginative World | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Anathem, Neal Stephenson (William Morrow and Company, 2008){ Audio Version Macmillan Audio, 2008: Narrator: William Dufris, with Oliver Wyman, Tavia Gilbert and Neal Stephenson)

Posted on January 13, 2011 by Thomas Evans

Anathem is a book that breaks all the rules and is all the better for it. Set on the world of Arbre, it is the story of Erasmus (or Raz), an aesthetic living as an academic within the monastic like setting of his Concent. Told in a manner that drew me and my thought processes into those of the characters, this book excelled in creating a believable and thought provoking world. This story is definitely not for everyone, however, and even I found it dragging at times. Even so, it proved one of the best reads I have had in a long time.
Continue reading →

Posted in Alternate History, Identity, Post Modern, Science Fiction, Strong Characters, Thoughtful | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

Hidden Moon: An Inspector O Novel, James Church (Minotaur Books2008)

Posted on January 6, 2011 by Thomas Evans

Hidden Moon has all the intrigue and fascination of a LeCarré novel, combined with an affable, sarcastic hero whose outlook makes one understand how good people can support a corrupt system. Set in North Korea, we find the Intrepid Inspector O assigned to investigate a Bank Robbery, something almost unheard of in North Korea. The case soon spirals into intrigue as it becomes clear that powerful domestic and foreign concerns are involved in crime. A stand alone story that builds on the previous volume, Hidden Moon was a great read that I highly recommend to any who enjoy tales of Espionage.

Continue reading →

Posted in Crime Thriller, Espionage, Identity, Mystery, Political Drama, Series, Strong Characters, Thoughtful | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments