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Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Radio Free Albemuth in Books
Mar 2, 2018
A lot of semi-autobiographical elements
While this is not PKD's best science fiction, the fact that much of it comes from his own experiences makes this an interesting read.
From being burgled, by what PKD believed to be an FBI covert operation, to hallucinatory visions, this posthumous book reveals much about his thought processes at the end of his life. Although this novel was written and scrapped, it was released in 1985 and has similar themes to his Valis series. In this, PKD plays a main character himself as a science fiction writer, while Nicholas Brady, a quirky record shop clerk, is his friend although he represents parts of the author himself.
In this dystopian science fiction, an alternate reality shows the US being run by a secret Communist regime despite appearing to be the opposite. Brady one day starts seeing visions in which he is controlled and he is able to communicate with an outer being who is trying to change the course of the country. His sceptic friend, PKD follows him wherever he goes only to find that there are some truths to his ravings.
It's quite a horrifying ending, and it does make you wonder how mentally stable PKD was at the end - but it definitely shows why PKD is still the master of sci-fi.
From being burgled, by what PKD believed to be an FBI covert operation, to hallucinatory visions, this posthumous book reveals much about his thought processes at the end of his life. Although this novel was written and scrapped, it was released in 1985 and has similar themes to his Valis series. In this, PKD plays a main character himself as a science fiction writer, while Nicholas Brady, a quirky record shop clerk, is his friend although he represents parts of the author himself.
In this dystopian science fiction, an alternate reality shows the US being run by a secret Communist regime despite appearing to be the opposite. Brady one day starts seeing visions in which he is controlled and he is able to communicate with an outer being who is trying to change the course of the country. His sceptic friend, PKD follows him wherever he goes only to find that there are some truths to his ravings.
It's quite a horrifying ending, and it does make you wonder how mentally stable PKD was at the end - but it definitely shows why PKD is still the master of sci-fi.
Nick Friesen (96 KP) rated Sid Meier's Civilization V The Complete Edition in Video Games
Jul 19, 2017
Great Selection of Countries (4 more)
Streamlined Military Units
Beautiful Graphics and Art Design
Huge Science Research Tree
Just...One...More...Turn...
Civilization Building Strategy Perfection
I have yet to play Civilization VI, but Civilization V has been my favorite in the series so far. They switched tiles from being four-sided to five-sided, and that extra direction adds plenty of nuance to the game by itself. Military units are streamlined, cities get bigger and better looking as they grow, and it's always a joy to see the wonders you build appear in the landscape. I've sunk a lot of time into full length matches, and usually prefer to win through military action or science, but I have managed a few diplomatic victories as well. The religion system has never really interested me, but I'm sure winning that way appeals to some. It's a great and massive game to get lost in.
Sheridan (209 KP) rated The Martian in Books
Jul 9, 2017
Just Epic :)
[edit]
I loved everything about this book, Watney's sense of humour is golden and I love how he never reacts to a situation like you would expect a normal person to. Instead of breaking down and being dramatic (not every human reacts like this!!) he just accepts that s**t happens and moves on, that's a pretty admirable trate in a person. Not only did I enjoy the way the story was told through his logs but also through different points of view, I also enjoyed how incredibly scientific the book was, it's all reasonably accurate science too which is refreshing, most sci fi books drift into the realm of impossibly and become outright ridiculous but this kept the science pretty on point which is impressive. If you're a space nerd with a dry sense of humour (like me) I'd highly recommend reading this, it's an amazing book :)
I loved everything about this book, Watney's sense of humour is golden and I love how he never reacts to a situation like you would expect a normal person to. Instead of breaking down and being dramatic (not every human reacts like this!!) he just accepts that s**t happens and moves on, that's a pretty admirable trate in a person. Not only did I enjoy the way the story was told through his logs but also through different points of view, I also enjoyed how incredibly scientific the book was, it's all reasonably accurate science too which is refreshing, most sci fi books drift into the realm of impossibly and become outright ridiculous but this kept the science pretty on point which is impressive. If you're a space nerd with a dry sense of humour (like me) I'd highly recommend reading this, it's an amazing book :)
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Luke Skywalker Can't Read: And Other Geeky Truths in Books
Jul 12, 2018
I was really excited to read this book. I love all things filled with geekdom but this one was a little too much for me. I felt like this book was filled with so much opinion that I had a hard time finishing it.
The author was funny and it kept me entertained at times but I felt that this was a giant rant about fandoms. I think that this book could have been marketed a little differently. This is definitely a book that would fit in as a literary essay or critical thinking in a science fiction class. I enjoyed it but I really wish there was more to it than rants about specific details.
All in all, I'm not a huge fan but if you like rants or are missing that science fiction fanatic in your life, this would be the book for you.
The author was funny and it kept me entertained at times but I felt that this was a giant rant about fandoms. I think that this book could have been marketed a little differently. This is definitely a book that would fit in as a literary essay or critical thinking in a science fiction class. I enjoyed it but I really wish there was more to it than rants about specific details.
All in all, I'm not a huge fan but if you like rants or are missing that science fiction fanatic in your life, this would be the book for you.
ClareR (5608 KP) rated Waking Gods (Themis Files #2) in Books
May 21, 2020
Second books in trilogies tend to be the books where the author draws breath and gets things set up for the third and final instalment. So I was happily surprised when this turned out to be as action packed and as full of unanswered questions as the first book. I mean, some questions are answered, but others replace them. It’s all action, there’s loads of science - whether it’s real, fact based science, I neither know nor care. What I REALLY like, is when an author writes something with such certainty that you’ll believe whatever you read. Even if your best friend is a geneticist who decides to debunk everything you read (I thankfully have no geneticist friends, but the Chemist husband makes up for it!)
Ok, so this book leaves us well and truly set up for the big finale, and I’m really looking forward to it!
Ok, so this book leaves us well and truly set up for the big finale, and I’m really looking forward to it!
Shaun Collins (3 KP) rated Doctor Who: Dreamtime in Books
Jan 12, 2018
Some interesting ideas that didn't gel, a villain who isn't, more supernatural elements without science explanations than should ever appear in Who, and a substandard set of additional characters add up to a poor outing from Big Finish here. Sylvester McCoy and Sophie Aldred are great as usual, but thats about as far as I can go in this confusing story set in the land down under. Or is it?
Dean (6925 KP) rated Project Almanac (2015) in Movies
Apr 28, 2019
Decent Sci-Fi Thriller
I remember this seem to go under the radar on release, I think it only had a short run at the cinema. Some kids take up a science project and manage to come up with a time travel device... But things don't go well when you mess with time! The SFX are quite good for the budget. I really enjoyed it and would watch again.
TheDefunctDiva (304 KP) rated Looper (2012) in Movies
Jun 7, 2019
You Spin Me Right Round
Contains spoilers, click to show
I don’t have time for a full review so here’s an abbreviated one. It was good. You should see it. Acting was awesome. Plot was engaging. Joseph Gordon-Levitt looks weird with Bruce Willis nose. Dystopian society scenes were fascinating. Emily Blunt is a total babe.
Mothergamer (1521 KP) rated The Expanse in TV
Dec 19, 2019
This series is so good. I am a big sci-fi fan and this has all the things that are great about science fiction. I love the book series that the show is based on and the show does a fantastic job of staying as true to the books as possible. I just finished season 4 and it is amazing in the storytelling and the cast is fantastic.
