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Phil Leader (619 KP) rated Explorations: First Contact (Explorations #2) in Books
Nov 13, 2019
Science Fiction has always been at home with the short story. The science fiction magazines from the mid 20th Century onwards was frequently the only way of writers to get their work published. As a bonus the concept of science fiction - taking an idea and seeing where it goes - is a really nice fit for short stories.
This collection is more than just a selection of tales from up and coming science fiction writers; all the stories are set in the same universe and are in some way on the theme of first contact. The introduction sets this up, with a damaged alien ship discovered on the moon. It is able to transmit details of nearby inhabited star systems - and a terrible warning about a dangerous foe - before it shuts down. Mankind learns all it can from the message and the wreckage before setting out for the stars.
Each story then follows the fate of the mission to one of the star systems. This is the point where any similarity in stories ends as each writer brings their own style and ideas for their contribution (although there are some neat nods to the other stories now and again). The result is a satisfying mix of different ideas but all within a consistant whole.
That's not to say that every story hit the spot for me, but that's inevitable given the range of authors here, but every story was interesting to read. There are also the occasional one that felt a little rushed, the idea either too big for a short story, or too many ideas vying for the limited word count. But these are minor niggles and the standard of all the stories is very high.
Overall a really good collection showcasing the talents of current science fiction writers. If you like interesting ideas and gripping stories about aliens and space exploration you won't be disappointed.
This collection is more than just a selection of tales from up and coming science fiction writers; all the stories are set in the same universe and are in some way on the theme of first contact. The introduction sets this up, with a damaged alien ship discovered on the moon. It is able to transmit details of nearby inhabited star systems - and a terrible warning about a dangerous foe - before it shuts down. Mankind learns all it can from the message and the wreckage before setting out for the stars.
Each story then follows the fate of the mission to one of the star systems. This is the point where any similarity in stories ends as each writer brings their own style and ideas for their contribution (although there are some neat nods to the other stories now and again). The result is a satisfying mix of different ideas but all within a consistant whole.
That's not to say that every story hit the spot for me, but that's inevitable given the range of authors here, but every story was interesting to read. There are also the occasional one that felt a little rushed, the idea either too big for a short story, or too many ideas vying for the limited word count. But these are minor niggles and the standard of all the stories is very high.
Overall a really good collection showcasing the talents of current science fiction writers. If you like interesting ideas and gripping stories about aliens and space exploration you won't be disappointed.
Duncan Jones recommended Blade Runner (1982) in Movies (curated)
BookCritics (259 KP) rated Borne in Books
May 16, 2017
“Borne” is a work that exemplifies the notion of pick-and-choose literature; there are elements of science fiction and fantasy of course, but also flavors of thriller and love story and coming of age.
Critic- Allen Adams
Original Score- 5 out of 5
Read Review: http://www.themaineedge.com/buzz/jeff-vandermeers-weird-wonderful-borne
Original Score- 5 out of 5
Read Review: http://www.themaineedge.com/buzz/jeff-vandermeers-weird-wonderful-borne
Ari Augustine (10 KP) rated The Lightning Stenography Device in Books
May 4, 2020
I loved how wacky this book was, balancing a mix of horror and surreal fantasy in a way that kept me moving through the pages. Unlike anything I've ever read, with a quad of narrators, deep philosophy, and the stitching together of Science Fiction and Fantasy in a delightfully horrific way.
Hands down LOVED it.
Hands down LOVED it.
ClareR (5561 KP) rated The End of Men in Books
Jun 8, 2021
Oh. My. Goodness. This book is totally my cup of tea (unlike in this book, it has both tea and milk in it). I’ve always been drawn to science fiction, dystopian and apocalyptic styles of novels ever since I read Stephen Kings The Stand as a teenager. The End of Men drew me in and had me checking the news outlets, just to check that Covid-19 hadn’t taken a turn for the even worse - and I’m not joking here. I did question whether reading a book about a global pandemic during a global pandemic was a good idea, and then I told myself to shut up, sit back and just enjoy it (much the same as when I read Last One at The Party by Bethany Clift!). And I really did!
This is told from multiple perspectives. There are mostly recurring characters, such as Dr Maclean, some scientists, the anthropologist, intelligence and government types, interspersed with ‘ordinary’ people who were also affected and lost friends and family. We see perspectives from all over the world. The voices of these people all seem so real: their pain, confusion and determination coming through in their own voices, as their stories are all told in journal form.
The End of Men had pretty much the same effect on me as World War Z: I was checking the news and the windows (just in case), completely preoccupied with the book whilst I was reading it, and I predictably experienced a stonking book-hangover when it ended.
This is science fiction for people who wouldn’t normally pick up science fiction (a bit like a gateway drug!). It reads like contemporary fiction - the here and now.
This novel had me on the edge of my seat and in tears - and a bit angry at times, truth be told. This doesn’t feel like you’re reading science-fiction, it has a tinge of the non-fiction about it. Perhaps that’s because of the times we’re living in...
Would I recommend it? You’d better believe I would!
This is told from multiple perspectives. There are mostly recurring characters, such as Dr Maclean, some scientists, the anthropologist, intelligence and government types, interspersed with ‘ordinary’ people who were also affected and lost friends and family. We see perspectives from all over the world. The voices of these people all seem so real: their pain, confusion and determination coming through in their own voices, as their stories are all told in journal form.
The End of Men had pretty much the same effect on me as World War Z: I was checking the news and the windows (just in case), completely preoccupied with the book whilst I was reading it, and I predictably experienced a stonking book-hangover when it ended.
This is science fiction for people who wouldn’t normally pick up science fiction (a bit like a gateway drug!). It reads like contemporary fiction - the here and now.
This novel had me on the edge of my seat and in tears - and a bit angry at times, truth be told. This doesn’t feel like you’re reading science-fiction, it has a tinge of the non-fiction about it. Perhaps that’s because of the times we’re living in...
Would I recommend it? You’d better believe I would!
Caffeinated Zombie (3374 KP) rated Contagion (2011) in Movies
Apr 8, 2020
Realistic (1 more)
The science!
Didn't realise this was going to become non-fiction
Contains spoilers, click to show
I used to love this film as I like the fact the science was quite good. I like Kate Winslet's character and her difficulties in attempting to explain the severity of the situation to politicians. I like the ending where it shows how the virus jumped to humans. I found that I wanted the punch Jude Law throughout the film but am glad that he at least wasn't completely able to get away with it.
Anna Steele (111 KP) rated Slaughterhouse-Five in Books
May 20, 2018
Non-Realistic Classic
The first time I read this book, I took everything at face value. I thought anything I would be reading for an English class would be a realistic piece of literature. Boy, was I wrong. This science fiction WWII book launched my love for Kurt Vonnegut’s body of work, and I am so glad for it.
Trish (4 KP) rated Starters (Starters, #1) in Books
Feb 8, 2018
Read this in one day! I loved the premise of this novel and the mystery. It is science fiction but based somewhere close to reality. The characters don't fly around in spaceships or anything like that. This was a fast read and really grabbed my attention. I'm looking forward to the sequel coming out in December!
mmb02191 (81 KP) rated The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy in Books
May 29, 2018
Humor (2 more)
Wit
Characters
Wonderful Story!
This book is hilarious from the first page to the last! The story of Arthur Dent and unfortunate events that lead up to him traversing the galaxy grab the reader! If you enjoy Science Fiction, humor, and a writing style akin to Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, definitely give this a read.
mmb02191 (81 KP) rated The Cost of Survival in Books
Nov 16, 2018
Good, but not 100% gripping
The storyline kept me reading, but it wasn't one of those books that you can't put done. I would definitely put it on my bookshelf at home, but there's still something that leaves me wanting more.
As a fan of Science Fiction, I'm glad I won this giveaway because it was definitely something new!
As a fan of Science Fiction, I'm glad I won this giveaway because it was definitely something new!