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Ross (3282 KP) rated Limited Wish in Books
Dec 20, 2019
More of the same (timey wimey)
The second book in this trilogy is largely a retelling of the first book. Nick sees some mysterious people, who turn out to be from the future, there is a lot of talk about time travel and parallel universes and there is a heist sequence at the end.
This book was a lot heavier on the pseudo-science and that got a little tiring and head-scratchy at times, with all the talk of paradoxes and whatnot.
This was an enjoyable read, but as with anything time travel related too much creativity and inventiveness can only lead to stretches in plausibility and lengthy justifications for the "science".
This book was a lot heavier on the pseudo-science and that got a little tiring and head-scratchy at times, with all the talk of paradoxes and whatnot.
This was an enjoyable read, but as with anything time travel related too much creativity and inventiveness can only lead to stretches in plausibility and lengthy justifications for the "science".
Erika (17788 KP) rated Alien Worlds in TV
Apr 17, 2021
This pseudo-documentary is really hard to define. It utilizes science, and science-fiction to great these different worlds with their our different flora, fauna, animals and landscape. Each episode is a new planet. It was definitely thought provoking.
I'm torn on the VFXs, I felt like they helped, but in some ways, hurt the program. At some points, it was a little shoddy, but at other times, it was great and visually appealing. It was definitely worth watching, and I would be willing to watch another season.
Forgot to mention, I loved Sophie Okonedo as the narrator. I've been a fan of hers since Aeon Flux, and her voice was amazing for this program.
I'm torn on the VFXs, I felt like they helped, but in some ways, hurt the program. At some points, it was a little shoddy, but at other times, it was great and visually appealing. It was definitely worth watching, and I would be willing to watch another season.
Forgot to mention, I loved Sophie Okonedo as the narrator. I've been a fan of hers since Aeon Flux, and her voice was amazing for this program.
Mothergamer (1521 KP) rated The Martian in Books
Aug 14, 2017
Great Book
I've read this twice now and I love it. It's a great book. The main character is interesting, smart, and witty. I loved reading the science aspects of it and I found myself reading late into the night because I had to know what happened next. Quite an enjoyable read.
ClareR (5603 KP) rated The Essex Serpent in Books
May 4, 2019
This is a beautifully written novel that I really didn’t want to finish. It explores the gaps between science and superstition, and between friendship and romantic love. I felt immersed in 1890s Victorian England. I loved the bits about the surgeon Luke Garrett and his companion Martha who was a suffragette as well.
Kevin Phillipson (9970 KP) rated At the Earth's Core (1976) in Movies
Nov 10, 2018 (Updated Oct 14, 2019)
Peter cushing (2 more)
Doug mclure
Mystery science theater 3000 the return
Remember this one from my childhood liking it at the time still have a soft spot for the movie maybe slightly outdated especially the creatures and the effects being low budget but any film that Peter cushing in it is okay by Me
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.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Relativity in Books
Feb 8, 2018
Twelve-year-old Ethan is a bright boy, who loves physics and science. His mom, Claire, loves him with a fierceness that she can barely fathom sometimes. It's just Ethan and Claire living happily together in Sydney. However, a sudden accident forces Claire to confront her past, especially what happened with Ethan's father, Mark. At the same time, Ethan must deal with his own emotions about his absent father.
Hayes' book is well-written, with strongly developed, complicated characters who jump off the page. It's a small cast of characters: Ethan, Mark, Claire, and a few others. I fell immediately for Ethan, who is lovable, sweet, and slightly nerdy. Claire and Mark are slightly more problematic. Mark especially is a very difficult character with whom it is hard to sympathize. Hayes does an excellent job of unfurling her plot in such a way that the reader is as perplexed as the characters. The storyline is tense and runs the gamut of emotions.
The book revolves a lot around science. While much of the storyline uses science and physics to its advantage--for instance, I found the idea of genetic memory fascinating--at times, I also found my eyes glazing over at the scientific passages. Sometimes the science overshadowed the actual plot. Still, overall this is a sharp, well-written novel with in-depth characters. A strong 3.5 stars.
I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in return for an unbiased review (thank you!); it is available everywhere on 5/3/2016.
Hayes' book is well-written, with strongly developed, complicated characters who jump off the page. It's a small cast of characters: Ethan, Mark, Claire, and a few others. I fell immediately for Ethan, who is lovable, sweet, and slightly nerdy. Claire and Mark are slightly more problematic. Mark especially is a very difficult character with whom it is hard to sympathize. Hayes does an excellent job of unfurling her plot in such a way that the reader is as perplexed as the characters. The storyline is tense and runs the gamut of emotions.
The book revolves a lot around science. While much of the storyline uses science and physics to its advantage--for instance, I found the idea of genetic memory fascinating--at times, I also found my eyes glazing over at the scientific passages. Sometimes the science overshadowed the actual plot. Still, overall this is a sharp, well-written novel with in-depth characters. A strong 3.5 stars.
I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in return for an unbiased review (thank you!); it is available everywhere on 5/3/2016.
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated Unknown Reality in Books
Nov 28, 2019
Chloe lives with her family in what seems to be a fairly normal life. But after meeting a stranger during a trip to the theatre, she starts to realise that all might not be as it seems and her world - and her entire life- might be nothing more than a simulation. Abruptly thrown out of the only existance she has known she has to face up to a different reality. She must adapt to her new circumstances and new reality when all she wants is to return 'home'.
Following on from the young adult fantasy stories of Truth Teller and The Wrath of Siren, Chambers once again sets out to encourage an interest in fiction in young adults, in this case science fiction. Once again he produces an interesting and engaging work, choc full of characters and ideas. Just the first few chapters contain enough material for the average science fiction work but Chambers goes further, layering further nuanced plots and subplots together and managing to spin them together into a terrific ending.
Chloe is a strong protagonist, intelligent and thoughtful while always remaining an 11 year old in outlook and the reader will really root for her and want her to succeed. The world Chambers creates is very well described and imagined, relying on science fiction standards for some parts but carefully avoiding cliche and doing what science fiction does best - highlight some of the folly of the real world.
Yet another terrific book from Chambers, one of those authors who is a 'must read' for my teenage sons.
Following on from the young adult fantasy stories of Truth Teller and The Wrath of Siren, Chambers once again sets out to encourage an interest in fiction in young adults, in this case science fiction. Once again he produces an interesting and engaging work, choc full of characters and ideas. Just the first few chapters contain enough material for the average science fiction work but Chambers goes further, layering further nuanced plots and subplots together and managing to spin them together into a terrific ending.
Chloe is a strong protagonist, intelligent and thoughtful while always remaining an 11 year old in outlook and the reader will really root for her and want her to succeed. The world Chambers creates is very well described and imagined, relying on science fiction standards for some parts but carefully avoiding cliche and doing what science fiction does best - highlight some of the folly of the real world.
Yet another terrific book from Chambers, one of those authors who is a 'must read' for my teenage sons.
Duncan Jones recommended Blade Runner (1982) in Movies (curated)
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Get a Move On, Neuron! in Books
Jun 18, 2018
Get a Move On, Neuron! by Philip R. Kennedy presents a basic description of brain function to young readers who enjoy science.
Throughout the book the reader goes on a tour of the brain learning about different brain functions. The reader learn about some interesting issues during the tour; such as, memory, self-awareness, and emotions. Each brief chapter ends with a series of questions that recap and review the material. I find the questions a bit distracting since the answers are not provided. The illustrations are nice and helpful. The illustrations are not overly busy, in fact, they help emphasize the topic being discussed. A friendly looking neuron is the "instructor".
Young readers who enjoy science will enjoy this book and will learn a lot of interesting brain facts from this book. This book could be used within the science classroom for going beyond the lesson when discussing brain function.
I give this book 3/5 stars being of the continual repetition which caused the book to come off as boring at times.
I received this book from Choice Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Throughout the book the reader goes on a tour of the brain learning about different brain functions. The reader learn about some interesting issues during the tour; such as, memory, self-awareness, and emotions. Each brief chapter ends with a series of questions that recap and review the material. I find the questions a bit distracting since the answers are not provided. The illustrations are nice and helpful. The illustrations are not overly busy, in fact, they help emphasize the topic being discussed. A friendly looking neuron is the "instructor".
Young readers who enjoy science will enjoy this book and will learn a lot of interesting brain facts from this book. This book could be used within the science classroom for going beyond the lesson when discussing brain function.
I give this book 3/5 stars being of the continual repetition which caused the book to come off as boring at times.
I received this book from Choice Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.