Tag Archives: Shopping

Strings on a Shadow Puppet: The Art of a Book Cover

I have long said that, initially, the cover art for a novel is more important to a novel’s success than the writing itself.[1]  We may all say, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” but if we are honest, we … Continue reading

Posted in Chronicle, Classic Sci Fi, Conspiracy, Conspiracy Novel, Cyberpunk, Cycle, Espionage, Far Future, Future History, Identity, Military Science Fiction, Mystery, New Space Opera, Non-Fiction, Opinion Piece, Original Fiction, Part of A Series but can be Read without reading previous volumes, Political Drama, Post Colonial, Post Modern, Ripping Yarn, Saga, Science Fiction, Series, Space Exploration, Space Opera, Spy Thriller, Stand Alone Novel, Strong Characters, Thoughtful, Thoughtful Espionage Tale, Thriller, Title, Titles, Uncategorized, World | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Double Blind: Battletech No. 31, Loren L. Coleman (Roc, 1997 {Defiance Audio(Listen & Live), 2002 Narrator: Christopher Grabill)

Double Blind: Battletech 31 by Loren L. Coleman is a mediocre MilFic book that serves as a tie-in to the Battletech game system. For a full review go to http://www.sophyanempire.wordpress.com. Continue reading

Posted in Chronicle, Military Science Fiction, Saga, Science Fiction, Series, Uncategorized, World | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

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

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

Feersum Endjinn, Iain M. Banks (Orbit)

Feersome Endjinn is a wholly enjoyable book, but may not be for everyone. It is a wonderfully imagined and brilliantly written book is occasionally difficult to read. This is not only due to the complex multi-perspective post-post-modern form that the book takes, but also because part of the book is written in a quasi-phonetic form that approximates a working class British accent (e.g. the title of the book might have been spelled Fearsome Engine). As one reads on, however, what began as a headache becomes one of the best elements of the book. I highly recommend Feersum Endjinn to anyone who is looking for a intellectual teaser wrapped inside a good solid adventure. Continue reading

Posted in New Space Opera, Post Modern, Ripping Yarn, Science Fiction, Strong Characters, Thoughtful, Ultratech, Unique or Imaginative World | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments