This speculative fiction plays hommage to the 19th century science fiction writers, such as Jules Verne, H.G. Wells and Edgar Rice Burroughts and theiThis speculative fiction plays hommage to the 19th century science fiction writers, such as Jules Verne, H.G. Wells and Edgar Rice Burroughts and their works, The Mysterious Island, The Time Machine, The Lost World, respectively.
In this alternative history novel, an event dubbed as "the Miricle" occurs in Europe and much of Great Britain eliminating much of its population in a rapture-like event and returning the land to a primeval state in short order now known as Darwenia. (I'm not sure why someone would consider this a miraculous occurence!)
The novel spotlights in alternating stories two protogonists. First, there is Guildford Law, a young married aristocrat, and a bit of a milquetoast, who is looking forwarded to proving himself on an expedition into Dawrenia to explore the new land. The second protagonist is Elias Vale, a former huckster but now legitimate psychic after a life-changing event who has discovered that he has a greater life purpose soon to be revealed to him by "the gods." Although revealed later, Guildford will also learn that he, too, has a greater purpose, which will put him at odds with Elias during the climax of the book.
The mysteries to be reveals include who terraformed Europe into Darwinia and the fate of those inhabitants that disappeared and what each protagonist's purpose will be.
There were aspects of this novel that I enjoyed, but most of it was simply a meager "meh." I expected fauna dreamed up by Verne and Burroughs but only go horse-sized worms and poisonous insects, similar to the fleshing-eating beetles in Stephen Sommers' The Mummy. Much of the plot appeared to be a mish-mash of several inspirations....more
This cat-and-mouse thriller/suspense embodies themes of the dark side of technology, governmental conspiracy, and family separation and reunification.This cat-and-mouse thriller/suspense embodies themes of the dark side of technology, governmental conspiracy, and family separation and reunification. Jeffrey Coltrane and his young daughter, Amity, encounter a homeless eccentric who thrusts into their hands a cell-phone looking device known as "the key to everything" and urges them to keep it from a clandestine governmental agency seeking it. Although both also receive an admonition not to use the device, curiosity is a strong motivator. When they do use it, they learn that it is a portal to multiple dimensions, those closer to their home world known as prime, being most similar populated with duplicates of Jeffrey and Amity as well as Amity's mother, Michelle, who walked out of the marriage shortly after her daughter was born. Amity believes that she might find another Michelle and reunify the family. This is only if they can only stay ahead of the men dressed in black being transported in dark helicopters.
Although Dean Koontz is an excellent storyteller, this novel reminded me of Dark Matter by Blake Crouh which was published four-years earlier, which, I believe, to be the better tale. The theme of the child who misses a parent going to great lengths to become a family again is a well-worn trope. The short chapters made for a fast-moving and thrilling narrative. The audiobook includes a short-story with some of the same characters which was a cherry-on-top treat. ...more
Have you ever reread a book and found that your second opinion was worse than when you first read the book? I first read I Will Fear No Evil by RobertHave you ever reread a book and found that your second opinion was worse than when you first read the book? I first read I Will Fear No Evil by Robert Heinlein, the "dean of science fiction writers" about fifty years ago when I was an older adolescent and remembered it fondly... up until I read it again. I guess Thomas Wolfe was correct regarding the inability of returning home again. My initial interest in this book was probably due to being a testosterone-surging adolescent. I discovered on my second read that it appears to be influenced by the new age culture of the 1960s including sexual freedom, psychoactive drug use, and rise of transcedental meditation.
The plot focuses on the protagonist, an elderly billionaire Johann Sebastian Smith who is currently on life-support awaiting a younger body in which to transplant his brain into. After finding a donor and successful operation, he discovers upon returning to awareness that his brain has been tranplanted into his ravishingly beautiful young female secretary, Eunice Branca. I used the adjective "ravishing" because the author frequently describes how both men and women are drawn to her beauty. He also discovers that he shares his body with Eunice's consciousness who advises him how to be a woman. Even with Eunice's help, I found it difficult to believe that a cranky old man would so quickly be able to navigate life as a empathetic woman.
There were a number of issues that I didn't like about this book. Hardly a page was turned without finding a sexual innuendo. I did not care how Eunice, pre- and post-surgery, was often placed a on a pedestal to be sheltered from the evils of the country.
Robert Heinlein did appear prescient in one aspect of this book. Crime is rampant in the near future, which has resulted in some areas being abandoned by law enforcement. Anyone living in or traveling through this abandoned areas risk their lives.
Although this novel is considered a classic, it is not a work that has survived the test of time....more
In this second novel of the Lady Astronaut series; physicist and mathematician Alma York and crew aboard a pair of multi-module space ships travel froIn this second novel of the Lady Astronaut series; physicist and mathematician Alma York and crew aboard a pair of multi-module space ships travel from Earth via the moon to Mars on a mission to create an extraterrestrial colony. After a meteor collides with the Earth in the prequel, much of the east US coast is under water and water droplets are dispersed in the atmosphere create a greenhouse effect, which will make Earth inhospitable in a century or so.
Most of this novel takes place on the space ships against the backdrop of space. In this alternate history, it is in the early 1960s, and space travel research has necessarily been expedited because of the meteor strike. As Elma and her fellow astronauts embark on the perilous journey to Mars, they confront not only the physical dangers of space travel but also the pervasive prejudices that threaten to undermine their mission.
The limited number of characters are richly described, each grappling with their respective fears, doubts, and desires. Elma and her husband's struggles with the three-year absence from each other was particuarly poignant.
The author's detail in describing life in zero-gravity and space travel technology reminded me of the similar attention included in The Martian by Andy Weir. I found myself transported to the two space ships as the crew experiences the wonders and perils of space travel. If you enjoy "hard" science fiction, I would include this series as one of your future reads....more
This speculative fiction novel continues the Gunnie Rose series, which is set in a alternative history of a fractured United States broken up among diThis speculative fiction novel continues the Gunnie Rose series, which is set in a alternative history of a fractured United States broken up among different countries after the assassination of Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt. For example, the setting of this novel is San Diego, part of the Holy Russian Empire, which governs the former west coast of the U.S. Mexico and Canada have respectively expanded their borders northward and southward into the US, while Great Britain reclaimed the original 13 colonies.
The first three books in the series focused on Lizbeth "Gunnie" Rose, while this novel focuses on Lizbeth's half-sister, Felicia, as she navigates the challenges of her new life at a prestigious school for magicians. The challenges include threats to her safety, from within the school and outside, and learning how to use her blossoming magical abilities.
The novel blends together magical elements, intrigue, and personal growth. The author makes Felicia an engaging protagonist, one with quiet resilience and sharp intellect but still vulnerable. The supporting cast is equally rich, including the enigmatic students and teachers as well as the threats embodied outside of the school. Harris’s prose is lean and evocative, propelling the story forward with a sense of urgency periodically pausing for reflection.
This series reflects Harris's skill as a storyteller and a protagonist that you can't help but root for. Hopefully, Lisbeth "Gunnie" Rose and Felicia will come together in the next novel to have an adventure together. ...more
This fantasy is a delightful young adult adventure in a world of parallel 19th century Londons, each with its respective degrees of magic and correspoThis fantasy is a delightful young adult adventure in a world of parallel 19th century Londons, each with its respective degrees of magic and corresponding battle to either gain, keep, or forgo its power. The novel introduces us to Kell, one of a dying breed of Antari, magical beings who can travel between these worlds, and Lila Bard, a fiercely independent pickpocket with a knack for getting herself into trouble. Their unlikely partnership sets the stage for an adventure filled with intrigue, magic, and danger.
One of this author's creative skills is her world-building. The story unfolds across four Londons: Red London, where magic thrives; Grey London, a dull and magic-deprived and shunned place ; White London, where magic is dying and the inhabitants are desperate to control it; and Black London, a place consumed by its own dark magic, now abandoned.
Kell is a complex protagonist: an adoptive member of a royal family who feels more like one of his many artifacts stolen from another world. Lila, on the other hand, is a fiery, street-smart thief with a thirst for adventure and a complete disregard for the rules. She is a compelling character serves as a perfect foil to Kell's more reserved nature. When these two characters are initially independently introduced, I was drawn to them; however, when these two join forces to return a magically dangerous artifact to Black London, the novel becomes more exhilarating and alluring. The stone artifact in this novel reminded me of the seductive ring in The Lord of the Rings and the protagonist's arduous journey to destroy it.
The novel was an exhilarating ride from start to finish never slacking in its pace. I am not generally a fan of fantasy, but this one with its richly described world and characters hooked me and I look forward to finishing the other two in the series. ...more
This historical fantasy is a charming trip through thresholds of imagination and self-discovery. Although the portals referred to in this book of a phThis historical fantasy is a charming trip through thresholds of imagination and self-discovery. Although the portals referred to in this book of a physical nature, I thought the author might have used these doors into new worlds as metaphors for the imaginative worlds any reader can enter with a good book. This coming-of-age novel weaves together elements of fantasy, adventure, and romance into a panoramic tapestry.
The novel follows the story of January Scaller, a young woman of mixed heritage growing up in the early 20th century. She is being raised in the mansion of a wealthy benefactor, who is the employer of her father who serves as a factorum traveling to acquire artifacts for the mansion's cabinets of curiosities. January is lonely missing her father and feels confined by societal expectations and the limitations placed upon her as a woman of color. However, her world is turned upside down when she discovers a mysterious book that opens doors to other worlds, challenging everything she thought she knew about herself and the universe. As January navigates in and out of different worlds, she confronts her own fears and insecurities, ultimately finding the strength to embrace her true self.
The story is a blending of real world facts with fantastical elements. Although the reading of the the found book was necessary to learn about January's back story, its depiction was as plodding as it was informative. The primary characters were well defined, I thought that more detail was needed with the alternate realities visited since I often became confused about what world she was currently in.
This book was a bittersweet read for me for several reasons. After reading it, I found that I immensely enjoyed it but regret that it has has been sheThis book was a bittersweet read for me for several reasons. After reading it, I found that I immensely enjoyed it but regret that it has has been shelved in my bookcase for ten years. Then I discovered it is the first book in a three-part series. This could be read as a standalone novel; however, there is enough teasers in this book to hound you until you complete the series and find how our group of protagonists fare in the end.
Regarding the book's plot, the Earth has experienced a cataclysmic extinction event. Essentially, all have died with the exception of a widow, actress, cartoonist, augur, a boy and a girl. Six people, who shortly before their ends are rescued by omniscient god-like beings who magically appear and slap silver bracelets on their wrists. Each are then surrounded by a spherical egg-shape device that transports them to an alternate earth, where they are safe for a while. Each possess a similar genomic pattern that served as a beacon attracted these rescurers. Days after their arrival each begin developing specific paranormal abilities.
Initially, the group are guests of a scientific facility located in San Diego employing a number of physicists. For reasons, I won't divulge, the new arrivals discover that they must flee for their lives and make a long journey to, a different than ours, NYC. During the journey, each will discern their superhuman abilites, learn more about themselves, and learn how to be a new family.
If you enjoy science fiction, especially those with characters possessing paranormal powers, I would recommend this series. The plot for the inaugural novel of the Silvers series are the trials and tribulations the group encounter as they travel across country to hopefully reach sanctuary in New York. It is a roller-coaster ride of thrills and suspense as they encounter people they don't know whether they are friend or foe, ally or enemy.