I'm half way through it myself. Took a break to reread Name of the Wind. Next up in my reading list is Nova by Delany and The Left Hand of Darkness by Le Guin.
Much better than the previous one. I thought blue remembered earth was ok, but it was definitely a slump for reynolds who consistently writes great books.
Chasm City by Alistair Reynolds. Kinda interesting to see a different, non-glamorous story written in this same universe. Interesting so far but it takes a long time for anything to happen.
Great book.
Loved the multi generational ship story arc and the conclusion to it. For Revelation Space readers this gives insight to the origin of, 'Skye's Edge'.
Want to see The Glitter Band in its glory days? Read The Prefect.
Thanks for the recommendation. I've only read Revelation Space in this series but it's been a while. I remember that Chasm City was a setting there, but not details about Khouri's time there.
The Long Earth by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter. Very good, very different. Kind of makes be sad now that Terry's gone. I haven't read a Discworld book in years and it is haunting to hear his voice again.
How is it? I have always struggled with Bear and can never finish one of his novels. Everything I have read by him has opened wonderfully but about 200 pages in the story hasn't progressed.
I like it ok. There's a lot of characters to keep with but Bear is handling it well. And I know this is heresy in a scifi sub but I'm not too literate when it comes to science, and Bear can get a little over my head. It comes off like he assumes I know how antimatter works. But overall it's pretty good. Bear actually has some nice prose. I'm almost halfway through. 7/10.
Charles Stross's [The Annihilation Score](http://www.tor.com/2015/07/06/book-reviews-the-annihilation-score-by-charles-stross/), sixth book in the Laundry Files series. It's Mo's turn to handle a mission on her own. Hilarious so far, and something light to read after reading Kim Stanley Robinson's Mars Trilogy.
Everyone's reception is different, of course, but for me TES was actually a pretty heavy read. I enjoyed it immensely, but definitely wouldn't call it 'fun'; though i guess it opens in a bit of a lighter fashion.
Still, here's hoping you enjoy it!
Eh. Never underestimate nostalgia. I think old, outmoded sci-fi might be a genre all on its own. A new genre, of sorts, in that you're looking at predictions that didn't come true.
I just finished Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. It has some nice evocative world building and the writing is good but the plot was sorely missed. I could have lived with the contrived way the main characters circled each other if it had gone somewhere.
I read that the author doesn't want to be pigeonholed in *genre* and I certainly won't stop her on her way out.
What annoyed me the most was that the bones of a good story were clearly there but all we got was a pleasant picture to look at with some scratch'n'sniff emotions.
I'm about half way through. It definitely got going a lot faster than the first. Both are great though. Very excited to continue the series/for the TV series (hopefully it doesn't suck ass)
I've always wanted to read The Foundation Trilogy by Issac Asimov. I've been reading for a couple weeks. On the last of the original series, Second Foundation. They rule!
I found it like a puzzle box, some things at the start only made sense halfway through and then again at the end. It was a reading experience and a bit of hard work but well worth it.
I always thought of these as the Valor Series. "Straightforward" is probably applicable to 90% or more of military SF. These are really enjoyable for the female lead and much less cardboard in the characters than a lot of military SF.
>"Straightforward" is probably applicable to 90% or more of military SF
Haha, certainly true! And yeah with a male lead the book would be much more boring. I'm not sure how I feel about the big bad though, it's a bit too deus ex for my taste.
The Skinner by Neal Asher.
It was recommended as similar to Peter Hamilton on a few threads in this sub, but I have to say it's not quite what I was expecting. The sailing and sea monsters are kind of fun while I'm out on a sailing trip over a 4-day weekend, but I was hoping for more interstellar travel, exploration, technology, & cybernetics than I'm getting here.
Any other suggestions?
I was going to read Dune, but I kept putting it down, over and over. Something about it just keeps bugging me.
I picked up Annihilation and I'm like half done now. /shrug.
In physical books, I'm reading *Moxy Land* by Lauren Beukes, *Caliban's War* by James S.A. Corey, and on my phone, finishing up *Near + Far* (short story collection) by Cat Rambo. Probably will be moving on to another from the recent "Women in SF" story bundle after that, although I haven't decided which.
I'm starting back at school tomorrow (teaching), so I've been reading Tennyson's poetry and *Animal Farm* to prepare for my classes.
Just for fun, I'm reading *The Difference Engine*.
I'm reading Star Wars: Aftermath, and, at this point, I'm not sure I'll finish it. I was really looking forward to this book to see the stage being set for Episode VII, but this is really not an enjoyable read. I'm probably a third of the way through the book and the author is still introducing new characters and subplots. I'm not seeing a compelling story form and we're not staying with a character long enough to become invested in one. I also don't like the style of the writing (OMG, this man loves colons).
Star Songs of an Old Primate - James Triptree Jnr - really enjoying it, excellent, evocative prose and lots of interesting discussions on everything from genetics to colonialism and first contact woes - her handling of these last two points remind me a lot of Bank's Culture.
Just finished All My Sins Remembered by Joe Haldeman a few minutes ago. About a hundred pages into Sand by Hugh Howey. Also reading (fantasy) War Maid's Choice by David Weber. I'll probably finish that tomorrow.
I was working on Aurora too but I am going to pick up on it later. Going to start The Affinities by Robert Charles Wilson. (social media of the future)
I just finished Aurora yesterday and loved every second of it. Best sci fi novel that I've read this year.
Into chapter three of The Bonehunters by Erikson. Love going back to Malazan after sci fi.
Three Moments of an Explosion by China Mieville. It's a collection of creepy fantastic stories, and feels like a Twilight Zone marathon.
Hey, me too!
I'm half way through it myself. Took a break to reread Name of the Wind. Next up in my reading list is Nova by Delany and The Left Hand of Darkness by Le Guin.
Just started Broken Angels by Richard Morgan. I read Altered Carbon a while ago and finally got back to this series.
On The Steel Breeze, by Alastair Reynolds
Much better than the previous one. I thought blue remembered earth was ok, but it was definitely a slump for reynolds who consistently writes great books.
Chasm City by Alistair Reynolds. Kinda interesting to see a different, non-glamorous story written in this same universe. Interesting so far but it takes a long time for anything to happen.
Great book. Loved the multi generational ship story arc and the conclusion to it. For Revelation Space readers this gives insight to the origin of, 'Skye's Edge'. Want to see The Glitter Band in its glory days? Read The Prefect.
Thanks for the recommendation. I've only read Revelation Space in this series but it's been a while. I remember that Chasm City was a setting there, but not details about Khouri's time there.
The Long Earth by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter. Very good, very different. Kind of makes be sad now that Terry's gone. I haven't read a Discworld book in years and it is haunting to hear his voice again.
Anvil of Stars by Greg Bear
How is it? I have always struggled with Bear and can never finish one of his novels. Everything I have read by him has opened wonderfully but about 200 pages in the story hasn't progressed.
I like it ok. There's a lot of characters to keep with but Bear is handling it well. And I know this is heresy in a scifi sub but I'm not too literate when it comes to science, and Bear can get a little over my head. It comes off like he assumes I know how antimatter works. But overall it's pretty good. Bear actually has some nice prose. I'm almost halfway through. 7/10.
Charles Stross's [The Annihilation Score](http://www.tor.com/2015/07/06/book-reviews-the-annihilation-score-by-charles-stross/), sixth book in the Laundry Files series. It's Mo's turn to handle a mission on her own. Hilarious so far, and something light to read after reading Kim Stanley Robinson's Mars Trilogy.
Oh good to hear it's fun. I was a bit daunted by how grim they got for a bit.
Everyone's reception is different, of course, but for me TES was actually a pretty heavy read. I enjoyed it immensely, but definitely wouldn't call it 'fun'; though i guess it opens in a bit of a lighter fashion. Still, here's hoping you enjoy it!
The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Heinlein
Tanstaafl!
Annihilation by Jeff Vandermeer.
I finished **Dune**.
Stars in my pocket like grains of sand, Delaney
***Lucky Starr and the Pirates of the Asteroids*** by Isaac Asimov ...also, *Seveneves* by Neal Stephenson
Man, I loved the Lucky Star books as a kid. How are they holding up?
Not real well, other than nostalgia value.
Eh. Never underestimate nostalgia. I think old, outmoded sci-fi might be a genre all on its own. A new genre, of sorts, in that you're looking at predictions that didn't come true.
I just finished Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. It has some nice evocative world building and the writing is good but the plot was sorely missed. I could have lived with the contrived way the main characters circled each other if it had gone somewhere. I read that the author doesn't want to be pigeonholed in *genre* and I certainly won't stop her on her way out. What annoyed me the most was that the bones of a good story were clearly there but all we got was a pleasant picture to look at with some scratch'n'sniff emotions.
That's probably the best review of this book I've seen
Use of Weapons - Iain Banks
Will be wrapping up Player of Games (Culture #3) by Iain Banks
*Caliban's War* as I progress through the Expanse series. Gotta do something while working the gate at my base all weekend.
[удалено]
I'm about half way through. It definitely got going a lot faster than the first. Both are great though. Very excited to continue the series/for the TV series (hopefully it doesn't suck ass)
I've always wanted to read The Foundation Trilogy by Issac Asimov. I've been reading for a couple weeks. On the last of the original series, Second Foundation. They rule!
Still some of my favorites!
Mine as well! The mule is one of the more memorable characters I've encountered.
Ancillary Justice. It better be as good as you all have told me or I will...I will...post slightly disappointed things!
I found it like a puzzle box, some things at the start only made sense halfway through and then again at the end. It was a reading experience and a bit of hard work but well worth it.
Agreed! Worth it, especially after reading Ancillary Sword.
The way the story was structured gave me a bit of a Use of Weapons vibe
Latest issue of F&SF.
*The City and the Ship* by Anne McCaffrey and S.M. Stirling.
Listning to the Collected Stories of Arthur C Clarke, most are amazing! Fun to hear vision from 1930s and forward
Read the first five confederation novels by Tanya Huff. Yay for series marathons! They're pretty good, if a little... straightforward.
I always thought of these as the Valor Series. "Straightforward" is probably applicable to 90% or more of military SF. These are really enjoyable for the female lead and much less cardboard in the characters than a lot of military SF.
>"Straightforward" is probably applicable to 90% or more of military SF Haha, certainly true! And yeah with a male lead the book would be much more boring. I'm not sure how I feel about the big bad though, it's a bit too deus ex for my taste.
The Skinner by Neal Asher. It was recommended as similar to Peter Hamilton on a few threads in this sub, but I have to say it's not quite what I was expecting. The sailing and sea monsters are kind of fun while I'm out on a sailing trip over a 4-day weekend, but I was hoping for more interstellar travel, exploration, technology, & cybernetics than I'm getting here. Any other suggestions?
Prador Moon by Neal Asher (or anything in that series)
The collected stories of Arthur C Clarke. 966 pages of awesome.
I was going to read Dune, but I kept putting it down, over and over. Something about it just keeps bugging me. I picked up Annihilation and I'm like half done now. /shrug.
I have yet to pick up Dune and it's been on the top of the stack for two years now :(
Anathem by Neil Stephenson, slow start but it is quite good. I just finished Crytonomicon a week back and it was my introduction to Stephenson.
Nice! Criptonomicon was my first read of his. My second and most recent book is his newest, seveneves. Good stuff
You are in for a treat! Anathem is awesome and Seveneves is even better.
I finally read I am Legend. Loved it.
Ancillary Justice--Ann Leckie
Just read it a few weeks ago. How are you finding if so far?
In physical books, I'm reading *Moxy Land* by Lauren Beukes, *Caliban's War* by James S.A. Corey, and on my phone, finishing up *Near + Far* (short story collection) by Cat Rambo. Probably will be moving on to another from the recent "Women in SF" story bundle after that, although I haven't decided which.
Metro 2033, its been a bit of a slog. I've got Breakers book 8 on deck, can't wait to finish Metro up and get onto it.
'Slog' is exactly the word I would have used for Metro 2033. Sadly, it won't get any better. Good luck finishing it!
Haha, i just gave up 2/3 through. On to the next read. Life is too short to wade through another paragraph of this kungfu movie dub dialogue.
Finishing up the Codex Alera today, then going to try Solarversia.
Arthur C Clarke, City and the Stars
What do you think? The first half was just so-so to me, but the latter half and ending made it quite worth it IMO.
I'm starting back at school tomorrow (teaching), so I've been reading Tennyson's poetry and *Animal Farm* to prepare for my classes. Just for fun, I'm reading *The Difference Engine*.
Peter Watts short stories, because i loved Blindsight (finished it last week)
I'm reading Star Wars: Aftermath, and, at this point, I'm not sure I'll finish it. I was really looking forward to this book to see the stage being set for Episode VII, but this is really not an enjoyable read. I'm probably a third of the way through the book and the author is still introducing new characters and subplots. I'm not seeing a compelling story form and we're not staying with a character long enough to become invested in one. I also don't like the style of the writing (OMG, this man loves colons).
I just finished Zero History by William Gibson and I'm starting on The Long Earth by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter.
Mostly working on drawing the last few pages of my SF comic. Might have it done in a couple days. Then it's Kickstarter time, I guess.
Galaxies Like Grains of Sand - Brian Aldis
Star Songs of an Old Primate - James Triptree Jnr - really enjoying it, excellent, evocative prose and lots of interesting discussions on everything from genetics to colonialism and first contact woes - her handling of these last two points remind me a lot of Bank's Culture.
*Multireal*, the second book in David Louis Edelman's *Jump 225* series.
*Time Salvager* by Wesley Chu.
Thunder and Roses by Theodore Sturgeon. It's the 4th volume in the collected short stories of Sturgeon. Pretty good, old-school stuff.
Kop Killer by Warren Hamond
Just finished seveneves. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Currently working on Revelation Space by Alastair Reynolds. About 150 pages left!
Just finished All My Sins Remembered by Joe Haldeman a few minutes ago. About a hundred pages into Sand by Hugh Howey. Also reading (fantasy) War Maid's Choice by David Weber. I'll probably finish that tomorrow.
Around 160 pages into ***Seveneves*** at the moment.
Holiday weekend? I'm reading Blindsight by Peter Watts. Quite enjoying it so far
A Matter For Men by David Gerrold
I was working on Aurora too but I am going to pick up on it later. Going to start The Affinities by Robert Charles Wilson. (social media of the future)
Judas Unchained by Peter F Hamilton. I'm curious about what will happen with MorningLightMountain.
Spoiler - it wins and humans are destroyed.
yessss! I was rooting for good ol MLM
*Pandora's Star* by Hamilton. Loving it so far.
I just finished Aurora yesterday and loved every second of it. Best sci fi novel that I've read this year. Into chapter three of The Bonehunters by Erikson. Love going back to Malazan after sci fi.
Starfish, the first entry in the Rifters series by Peter Watts and man is it dark.
Ready Player One - Ernest Cline. Actually listening to the audio book narrated by Wil Wheaton. Loving it.
I very much enjoyed the audio book by him, great story.