Having begun Ringworld, I've realized that I've read this book but didn't put review for it. The book was an enjoyable read. However, it fits into theHaving begun Ringworld, I've realized that I've read this book but didn't put review for it. The book was an enjoyable read. However, it fits into the category of high science fiction because the science and technology takes precedent over story. One thing I did find interesting, and something that makes this story different from other stories is its depiction of culture. Though humanity has colonized the galaxy and created a huge empire, The differences in culture almost turns most humans into aliens. I'm unsure where the story will go since it is obviously part of a series. I just hope there's more than the basic story of the good guy having to stay one step ahead of the bad guy in a cat and mouse chase. ...more
Honestly, I picked this book up because I had heard Halo had been based off of it. Well, now I knew that isn't true. The only thing the video game tooHonestly, I picked this book up because I had heard Halo had been based off of it. Well, now I knew that isn't true. The only thing the video game took from this game was the location being set on a ring planet. The book was very enjoyable, and was an easy science fiction adventure. The story moved steady without getting bogged down in technology or social commentary. Contrary to what some reviewers have said, I thought the characters were well developed and realistic. I particularly found how Niven made human behavior, conversation, and mannerisms alien to the alien characters. I did have problems with it. Problems that I can't really put into words. Questions are left unanswered, and situations aren't fully explained. I had to explore around on the internet to to fill in the gaps of my confusions. Finally, I felt Niven never brought the theme of overpopulation and population control to a conclusion. I was left asking the dreaded "so what" question about Niven's theme on population. As a whole the book was fun, and if anyone enjoys sci-fi I would recommended it. ...more
The continuation of the Horus Heresy series. Again, I was surprised by the human character of the story. I mentioned in my previous review that this iThe continuation of the Horus Heresy series. Again, I was surprised by the human character of the story. I mentioned in my previous review that this is not really brought to light in the table top game. All around this was a fun read. The plot is not very deep and characters fit into general roles. A good read, fun and entertaining while one reads it, but forgettable once completed. ...more
I started this book as a curiosity, not expecting much out it. I came out of it a little surprised. The book is the back history of the table top straI started this book as a curiosity, not expecting much out it. I came out of it a little surprised. The book is the back history of the table top strategy game Warhammer 40,000. As I mentioned, this book surprised my. I was expecting saturation of blood and gore, over masculine steroid laced characters, stilted and hackney writing, and no plot. However, this book has the tropes of a decedent action story. Plot and character development are laced battles and action that pushes the story forward. Overall, a good read; however, I would have say that if the reader have no previous knowledge of the Warhammer universe they are likely to get confused and lost....more
I have been a comic fan since I was an early teenager, and out of the many comic books that I've read, I have to say that I like the Ultimate series. I have been a comic fan since I was an early teenager, and out of the many comic books that I've read, I have to say that I like the Ultimate series. The series stays true to the originals, but they have a modern take. I also like the art. It's clear, bright, and crisp. ...more
A classic example of pulp fiction. International adventure and espionage, and grandiose crimes thrown in for good measure. Each of the novels, I feel,A classic example of pulp fiction. International adventure and espionage, and grandiose crimes thrown in for good measure. Each of the novels, I feel, portrays the true essences of what makes Bond Bond, far better than the movies. The novels do not overwhelm the reader with gadgets and explosive actions. It is the very lifestyle that Bond lives that creates the marketed saying, "women want him; men want to be him." Roaming Europe in luxury cars (and also being in a dangerous chase), staying in luxury resorts (with the company of beautiful women), and decadent food creates a wonderful, all be it male, fantasy world. However, this Bond adventure does have its short comings. I have to agree with one poster that admitted that a whole chapter describing a golf game was too much. Constantly tying, or trying to tie, Goldfinger to the Soviet cause was instilling too much Cold War fear. Over all, if one is looking for a decent, light read, I would continue to recommend the Bond series....more
The reviews for this book left me a bit disappointed. I agree the writing was good, and when I began to read, I wanted to continue. However, the storyThe reviews for this book left me a bit disappointed. I agree the writing was good, and when I began to read, I wanted to continue. However, the story was flawed. I spent most of my time reading waiting for something to happen. The problem is I had no idea what that something was, and rarely did anything happen. The progression was slow. The same amount of story could have been developed with the chapters being half the length or completely taken out. I was not also particularly drawn to any of the characters. Is this on purpose I wounder? I will say that the book is a reasonable mock of a period piece. If someone is looking for an easy, but very slow and long read, then I might say pick this book up. Otherwise, there are far better examples of this type of book out there already. ...more
Journey to the mythic city of Shangra-La. I picked this book up for a number of reasons: Shangra-La, printed in the 1930's, and the idea of it being aJourney to the mythic city of Shangra-La. I picked this book up for a number of reasons: Shangra-La, printed in the 1930's, and the idea of it being a pulp novel. Though a few of these expectation didn't pan out, I still have to say the the book was an enjoyable read. It is a standard utopia story, but the utopia doesn't collaspe in the end. The secert and mystery that is used to surround Shangra-La I thought was well need and important. The only thing I'm still left with, and it is a good thing. Is the curious question as the whether or not this is the first story of Shangra-La or not. A puzzle that will cause me to take an enjoyable trip of research to find out....more
Who can not have a romantic thought towards the Noir genre. Shady detectives, femm fatals, gangsters, and a treasure thrown in for good measure, this Who can not have a romantic thought towards the Noir genre. Shady detectives, femm fatals, gangsters, and a treasure thrown in for good measure, this story is an entertaining ride. However, it is not a crime or mystery novel that I think most people would assume it to be. As one poster put, most of the story is about bargaining. How will Spade out wit the police and the bad guys. The prose is short crisp and economical. Hammett does not waste words to create his world or characters. The reader feels more than sees what is going on. Overall, it is a fun book, and a good starter for anyone wanting to dive into the Noir genre....more
This is the forth Bond novel I've read, and consequently the third novel in the series. So far, this is the only one that has made a reference to a paThis is the forth Bond novel I've read, and consequently the third novel in the series. So far, this is the only one that has made a reference to a past mission, though it's just a small footnote. I have to be honest and say that I enjoyed the book. Of course, I purposefully pick these books because of their light read. I also like Fleming's approach and style. It's sparse without leaving anything out. He develops and shows a scene with just a word. I think anyone else would say that he imparts the aura, essence, the romance of the story. The elemental style allows the reader to soak in the story more than read it. The spartan style continues to the story itself. The Bond books are nothing like the movies, I think one reason why I like them a little more. The story is not weighed down with gadgetry and stunts, which make for a good movie. Bond makes it on his wits and his wits alone. Keeping in mind that this is nothing more than another in a long line of hard boiled detective novels, Bond doesn't deviate from the mold of hard manly men. The books, I have discovered, seem to border on masochistic tendencies. In ever story, Bond is captured and graphically beaten. I think this is just to prove that he is a man?...more
This was my first experience with Jules Verne. To begin with, the stories and images that have grown out of this book are more romantic and adventurouThis was my first experience with Jules Verne. To begin with, the stories and images that have grown out of this book are more romantic and adventurous. Jules Verne's story shows us small episodes of Phileas Fogg's adventure around the world. These episodes, chapters really, are generally about five pages long. There written in such a way that leads me to believe that the book was written in parts and published in serials. Because of that, each episode Fogg meets a challenge, usually a delay, and by sudden chance overcomes it. The reading is one of the easiest I encountered for the period. However, much of the writing is devoted to narrative. The weakness should overlooked because it is an enjoyable read, and the reader keeps wanting to turn the page. It is very much the proto-adventure plot. A true adventure plot is defined by the journey of the hero, the hero finding romance, and adversity along his path. Overall, I still hold that Jules Verne is the grandfather of the science fiction and adventure genre, and that Around the World in Eighty Days was an enjoyable read....more
I picked this book up in an attempt to understand what the hype was all about surrounding the movie. I'm still wondering. I honestly don't know what tI picked this book up in an attempt to understand what the hype was all about surrounding the movie. I'm still wondering. I honestly don't know what to say. The art work didn't strike me as extraordinary or revolutionary. However, I'm not an art person. The story, though, is bleak and dismal. I actually had to put it away for awhile because I found myself thinking of death. Basically, I think the message of the story is that everyone is messed up: psychologically, sexually, financially, intellectually, and any other way I can't think of. Honestly, I think the story tried to take on all the faults and pit falls of the human condition. Instead of creating a social commentary, Watchmen comes across more as a convoluted mosh pit of sexual frustration. ...more
Reading what is said to be the grandfather of all adventure stories, I was left a little wanting. There was a multitude of things that kept distractinReading what is said to be the grandfather of all adventure stories, I was left a little wanting. There was a multitude of things that kept distracting me from the story. Obviously, the book dripped with imperialism, racism, and sexism. However, I kept reminding myself that that was typical for the time, but that wasn't the only issue. In the version I read, there were a few reactions to the book provided in the back. C.S. Lewis said it best, "The real defects of Haggard are two. First, he can't write. Or rather won't ... Secondly, the intellectual defects ..... though Haggard had sense, he was ludicrously unaware of his limitations." I'd like to think my response is not so harsh. The writing was weak. Haggard would repeat himself in word choice and sometimes even passages. He would spend paragraph after paragraph describing a scene, but advance the narrative little. So, what makes this book a classic? I think that even with all its faults the book is a fun read. It speaks to the little kid in all of us....more
In typical Gaiman fashion, this story is as entertaining as it is thought provoking. The story follows the mysterious character Shadow through a phantIn typical Gaiman fashion, this story is as entertaining as it is thought provoking. The story follows the mysterious character Shadow through a phantasmagorical journey of arcane gods and self discovery. Like most of Gaiman's work, this book is written in metaphor about a metaphorical world. ...more
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