Monthly Archives: June 2011

Chasm City, Alistair Reynolds (Gollancz, 2001)

Posted on June 30, 2011 by Thomas Evans

Chasm City is Alistair Reynold’s second book, and though set in his Revelation Space universe, it is a stand alone novel in its own right. It follows the story of a man hell bent on revenge and his journey through a post nano-apcolyptic technogoth world. It is marvelously dark story that in many ways epitomizes the best elements of New Space Opera (particularly Space Opera Noir), and could serve as a great sampler for those curious about the Revelation Space Universe. For more on this story, go to http://www.sophyanempire.wordpress.com Continue reading →

Posted in Crime Thriller, Cyberpunk, Cycle, Hard SciFi, Identity, Mystery, New Space Opera, Post Modern, Ripping Yarn, Science Fiction, Series, Space Exploration, Stand Alone Novel, Strong Characters, Thoughtful, Ultratech, Unique or Imaginative World, World | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Ghost King: Transitions Book Three, R. A. Salvatore (Wizard’s of the Coast, 2009) {Random House Audio, 2009; Narrator: Mark Bramhall}

Posted on June 23, 2011 by Thomas Evans

The final installment of the Transitions trilogy The Ghost King is a High Fantasy novel by R.A. Salvatore that ties into the most recent incarnation of the Dungeons and Dragons franchise. It ties together and closes the author’s many Forgotten Realms storylines, including those of the popular drow elf ranger: Drizzt Do’Urden, while setting up new possibilities for adventure (both literary and gaming). A solid read for High Fantasy fans and a must read for fans of the Forgotten Realms… see more at: http://www.sophyanempire.wordpress.com Continue reading →

Posted in Chronicle, Cycle, Fantasy, High Fantasy, Identity, Post Modern, Ripping Yarn, Saga, Serial, Series, Strong Characters, Trilogy, World, Zombies | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Pirate King: Transitions Book Two, R. A. Salvatore (Wizard’s of the Coast, 2008) {Random House Audio, 2009; Narrator: Mark Bramhall}

Posted on June 16, 2011 by Thomas Evans

An epic, High Fantasy novel, The Pirate King by R.A. Salvatore is the second installment in the Transitions Trilogy. It continues the story of Drizzt Do’Urden, the drow elf ranger whose saga is told in some twenty preceding stories, as well as tying in characters from other tales – most notably Captain Deudermont and his crew of Pirate Fighters. It is an excellent addition to the Forgotten Realms Chronicles, but suffers from some of the clichés common to this genre. Additionally, while it was about Pirates it had very few elements of naval combat or high seas adventure in it. On the positive side, it did a remarkable job of mixing complex political intrigue with high action combat. It also brought to a close some of the key storylines of Salvatore’s earlier works. Continue reading →

Posted in Chronicle, Cycle, Fantasy, High Fantasy, Political Drama, Post Modern, Ripping Yarn, Saga, Serial, Series, Strong Characters, Trilogy, World | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Guest Post: Why do we need female aliens in fiction? (via Smart Girls love SciFi)

Posted on June 15, 2011 by Thomas Evans

My recent guest spot at the always interesting Smark Girls Like Science Fiction and Paranormal Romance site. Even if you are not a fan of Romance, I’d still subscribe to this site. It has some of the most interesting discussions … Continue reading →

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