Posted by admin on 05 Jul 2010 under books, reviews
Tyler Tichelaar
“Burnished Bridge” is a short novella, but it is big on ideas. In fact, anyone who has read Ray Melnik’s previous novels “The Room” and “To Your Own Self Be True” knows Melnik takes ground-breaking scientific theories and creates impressive, often mind-blowing plots, but not sheerly for the technological magic or special effects, but to explore and develop his characters. Melnik is first and foremost a romantic and a student of the human character, and secondly, a writer of science fiction. His use of science is always integral to the plot and the characters, enhancing and illuminating the situations. If “Sci-Fi Romance” is not already considered a legitimate literary genre, Melnik is well on his way to creating it.
Readers of Melnik’s previous novels will find some cameo appearances of recognizable characters in “Burnished Bridge” but the novella really stands on its own. At its center is Alex Dael, a scientist employed at SciLab, who for seven years has been working on the Glint Project, a new technology that will allow articles to be teleported to other locations. This amazing technology opens up impressive possibilities when a wormhole is discovered in space, through which is found another planet believed to be able to sustain life. Alex and his partner, Elina, instantly have the idea that they will use Glint to teleport objects to the newly discovered planet, including their orangutan, Beatrice. The journey to the distant planet, by using Glint, will only take about 140 minutes as opposed to 40,000 years with a spaceship.
If you’re not into science, don’t worry. Melnik takes it easy on the technical details so the plot is easy to follow, and as I said earlier, the novella is primarily a love story. Alex has recently met a young woman named Janine at a local deli, and since they both go there for lunch each day, they develop a relationship. The problem is that she is much younger than Alex, and she has a boyfriend already. Worse, Alex witnesses her boyfriend mistreat her, but she insists on remaining with him, leaving Alex in a situation he finds unbearable since he cannot be with her.
Torn inside by the love he cannot have, Alex makes a decision that is both nearly unbelievable because of its uncertainty, and yet completely gripping. As occurs in Melnik’s previous novels, science, or rather the mysteries of the universe, intervene to bring about unexpected yet satisfying results in a way I doubt any reader can predict. At the heart of “Burnished Bridge” is the belief that the universe itself continues to evolve and create itself, and that life, and humans, not only evolve but help in that creation. As the back cover states, “Alex believes that because of us, the cosmos comes to know itself. This time it returns the favor.”
Melnik’s books are not big on religious beliefs, but neither are they cold as scientific fact is often interpreted. Instead, the use of scientific theories only adds to the magic, the miracle, and the wonder of everything. The incredible size, power, and unknowable aspects of the universe are beyond the capacity of the human mind to understand, and yet, the universe appears friendly, at least to those who hold love within them. In the novella’s prologue, Melnik quotes Carl Sagan, who sums this situation up by saying, “For small creatures such as we the vastness is bearable only through love.” I do not know enough about science to determine whether Melnik is correct about how the universe functions, but the universe he envisions is one I hope is real.
If readers will have any disappointment in this book, it is only that it is so short, but Melnik is currently working on his fourth novel, one in which he promises to tie together these first three works. I know his fans will eagerly anticipate it.
Tyler R. Tichelaar holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from Northern Michigan University and a Ph.D. from Western Michigan University. His family’s long relationship with Upper Michigan and his avid interest in genealogy inspired Dr. Tichelaar to write his Marquette Trilogy: Iron Pioneers, The Queen City, and Superior Heritage. Dr. Tichelaar is also a professional book reviewer and editor. For more information about Tyler R. Tichelaar, his writing, and his author services, visit: www.MarquetteFiction.com
Article Source: Realistic and Romantic Science Fiction at Its Finest
Posted by admin on 28 Jun 2010 under books, reviews
Paige Mercer
Very few people haven’t heard of author Stephanie Meyer and her wildly popular Twilight books. This four book series details the lives of vampires, werewolves and mere humans in a cleverly spun tale. The books have since been made into extremely popular movies and have attracted a whole new set of fans. But Ms. Meyer has written another book about other worldly creatures, and they aren’t vampires. No, her other book is about aliens, but they are just as intriguing as the Cullen’s!
Stephanie Meyer started out writing her tale of vampires living among humans with the goal to pay off her family’s van. Who knew that a quest to make $10,000 would mushroom into an entire phenomenon! Ms. Meyer’s vampire story is well written and hard to put down. She has created cultures that really don’t exist, but after reading the book you want to believe they do. The same holds true for her book, The Host. Once again she creates a culture and a setting that is so completely believable you wonder if it is really going on around you!
While The Host has not received the incredible press attention that the Twilight books have, it is just as well written and intriguing as they are. In this book, Ms. Meyer draws the reader into a world where aliens are taking over the human race. However, they aren’t scary, creepy looking aliens like you would imagine. Instead they are ’souls’ who take over the barbaric human bodies and live among us.
The goal of these alien souls is to leave each planet they conquer a more peaceful place than it was when they arrived. Part of the process is assimilating the role of humans as other members of their race find more human bodies to host the souls. Of course this means killing the human to take possession of their body, but the souls see this as a necessity. As the aliens begin to take over, life becomes more peaceful and calm.
Sounds great right? Well, maybe if you are around to enjoy it! However, the goal of the aliens is to get rid of all the humans. As a result there are people hiding out and trying to survive. That is where the story begins. A human named Melanie is trying to survive when she is taken. An alien soul named Wanderer is implanted in Melanie’s body. But this is where things don’t go as planned. Melanie’s mind is still active and aware.
This story takes you through life with the alien Wanderer trying to come to terms with sharing her host body with its previous occupant. Wanderer has never questioned her role as a soul, but now she is starting to doubt the mission as she feels the human emotions that Melanie shares with her.
Once again Stephanie Meyer has written a book that you will not be able to put down. Her style of writing is so intricate and detailed you will find yourself running through the desert along with the characters. With this book, Stephanie has shown that she is capable of writing about more than vampires. Yet again, she has created a world that is complete fiction but it feels so real.
Paige loves to spend time in reading and spending time outside. She loves to garden and enjoys the beauty of the flowers in her yard. She loves her convenient automatic garden hose reel to keep her garden hoses nice and tidy. She is happy when she finds the best water hose reel for her garden.
Article Source: Stephanie Meyer’s Other Book – The Host
Posted by admin on 20 Jun 2010 under books, reviews
Steph Burkhart
Zoltack expands the kingdom and allows her imagination to shine with “Knight of Flore,” a fantasy romance. Filled with action and adventure, Knight of Glory picks up where Book One left off, with Arnhem at the brink of war with Specia.
Geoffrey of Sivia, a knight for Arnhem, is a close friend to King Caelan and Queen Aislinn. At a royal ball, he meets Celestia, a woman he is attracted to. He finds her beautiful and would like to explore the attraction, but Aislinn sends him on a mission to check on Caelan’s parents.
Geoffrey leaves Celestia and travels with another knight, Jacob, and Raulin, a hawker squire. On their way to Arnhem’s northern border, Geoffrey meets a non-magical sageous, Jenanna, who joins his mission. Jenanna is not a classical beauty, not like Celestia, but she is practical and adventurous. Geoffrey finds himself attracted to those qualities.
Geoffrey encounters a kelpie and has to take his companions through an evil grey mist to reach Caelan’s parents. When they arrive, they learn that Caelan’s mother has passed away. Shortly thereafter, his father departs as well.
On the way back, Aislinn gives Geoffrey a new mission. Arnhem is under attack by Specia. She wants Geoffrey to approach the Darwalis and Haugtrolds to see if they will form an alliance with Arnhem. Celestia soon joins the party and Geoffrey learns she’s a Speican. Still, he accepts her and sets out to accomplish his new task. Along the way they encounter the small people of Darwal and the Haugtrold wine dancers. A shadow rider, magical sageous, and alce also join the story as the Speican/Arnhem war soon encompasses the continent.
As a knight, Geoffrey embodies the idealistic virtues of courtly love. It’s through these eyes he sees Celestia. He sees Jenanna in a more realistic way. Soon, he’ll have to decide which love is the one he wants.
Zoltack’s plot is full of action and adventure as Geoffrey sets out on his quests. Her descriptions are vivid, painting a complete picture of her world. The story’s dialogue captures the authenticity of her world.
The characters are interesting, but as a reader, I was a little disappointed with what happens to Celestia. Geoffrey embodies many knightly virtues, but he would pout and brood when things wouldn’t happen fast enough for him. Jenanna shines throughout. She’s courageous, brave, and not afraid to find her own way.
The story is sweet for romance readers with Geoffrey and Jenanna sharing a kiss or two. “Knight of Glory” is a nice story to curl up with on a rainy Saturday.
Written by: Nicole Zoltack
Desert Breeze Publishing
ISBN: 1-936000-49-0
Ebook Format
4 Stars
Reviewed by: S. Burkhart.
StephB is an author who likes to read many books and a variety of different genres. StephB is an author at http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Creative Writing.
Article Source: Book Review For “Knight of Glory”
Posted by admin on 02 Jun 2010 under movies, reviews
Paul Gallen
1. Blade Runner
Blade Runner follows policeman Rick Deckard, and the pursuit of four illegally cloned humans in a dystopian, futuristic Los Angeles. So many things make this movie the best: a brooding score, the “I’ve seen things…” polemic, and the iconic future LA cityscape all work to tell a gripping story.
2. 2001: A Space Odyssey
It achieved world-wide praise for its revolutionary special effects.
It had many brilliant moments: accurate simulations of space that are still unparalleled even with today’s CGI, the characterization of Hal, the malevolent super-computer, and using classical music in the opening scene.
3. Star Wars
The film weaved themes of good warring with evil in a space opera setting. It used an all-encompassing “force” wielded for good or evil, adding a touch of mysticism not usually seen in sci-fi films. It was the first blockbuster, influencing sci-fi sagas for decades thereafter.
4. Alien
It was lauded for Gothic set design, terrifying Aliens, and heroic Ripley, played by Sigourney Weaver. Alien also addresses themes of motherhood, and shows effective tension by showing long stretches of quiet followed by scenes of sheer terror.
5. Solaris
A compelling, tragic drama of a psychologist travelling to another planet to replace a scientist. Once he arrives, he meets secretive survivors… and his dead wife. Reality is replaced with the dreams of the planet’s alien intelligence.
6. Terminator
Robots from the future send a cyborg back in time to assassinate a future human rebel’s mother. It’s a perfect piece of film-making in its genre, blending gripping action with intelligent time travel mechanics.
7. The Day the Earth Stood Still
In postwar America at the height of the Red Scare, an alien named Klaatu tries to convince the world’s leaders to stop the rush towards nuclear destruction. It has excellent dramatic tension and a message of peace that was far ahead of its time.
8. War of the Worlds
HG Wells’ tale of invaders from Mars of Earth was adapted into another cold war era movie. The idea that there could be life developed on different worlds which one would never recognise was a compelling idea for its time. The spare special effects only heightened the contrast between humans and the unknowable invaders.
9. The Matrix
Stylish clothes, martial arts action, and ground-breaking special effects combined to make a fresh spin on artificial intelligence enslaving humans. It also pioneered the use of “bullet time” sequences used worldwide today.
10. Close Encounters of the Third Kind
A tale of Richard Dreyfus’ growing obsession with aliens against a backdrop of a mysterious governmental agency has given the core of sci-fi film lore ever since.
Paul Gallen writes guides on gadgets, gaming and electronics and is the encyclopaedia of LCD TV. He can tell you all about the best deals on cheap LCD TVs, including a LCD LG TV or a plasma Panasonic TV.
Article Source: Top 10 Sci Fi Films
Posted by admin on 28 May 2010 under books, reviews
Johnnie Rico
I have to say, this is my favorite science fiction book ever. Just last week I reread it for what must have been the fifth time. The way that the author takes a central idea, which in this case is nanotechnology, and projects it so completely into the story, is just breathtaking. Everything in the story just makes sense-it is true science fiction that takes everything that is happening in society and science today and projects it 100 years into the future. The excellent execution of hard science technology is enjoyable, but what makes the book truly thought-provoking are the characters.
The subtitle of the book is “a Young Lady’s illustrated Primer,” and one of the reasons that I go back and read this book, is so I can think through the ideas of how I raise my own daughters. I have three girls, ages ten, five, and three. Just as in every Neal Stephenson book, there is major cataclysmic societal change during the course of the novel, and the book makes me think how I want to prepare my daughters in case something like this ever happens. Furthermore, the story follows along through the growth and development of one of the main characters, Nell, from an impoverished young girl growing up in the ghetto, to a remarkably capable person who accomplishes great things. I have always loved books about inspirational characters who overcome hardship to claim their place in the world, and in this story is remarkably well done.
I also really enjoyed the travails of the other main character, who is a nanotechnology engineer, and doesn’t really fit into any society. He, however, through his hard work, and intense focus on accomplishing tasks by using his main strengths, succeeds beyond his wildest dreams. I have personally taken the lessons of focused and concentrating on strengths and applied them to my life with excellent results. As an electrical engineer, of course I identify strongly with this character.
The science of nanotechnology is not just a sidelight in the story. It is truly woven into the fabric of society. The author demonstrates how things would be different in daily life through the use of nanotechnology, and also in the scary application of nano-scale machines interacting with people brains.
This is a follow-on book to Neal Stephenson’s best-selling book Snow crash; careful readers of the diamond age will note that one of the characters makes a reappearance, which is enjoyable.
I don’t want to spoil any enjoyment of this book for you if you haven’t read it. It may also surprise you that I’m writing review of a book that was published in 1995. Neal Stephenson is such an excellent author that nothing that has happened in the world in the intervening 15 years since the book’s publication has changed any of the validity of the predictions. The story is as enjoyable and believable today as when it was first published.
Author: Johnnie Rico at posted at Priority Queue
Article Source: Review – The Diamond Age by Neal Stephenson
Posted by admin on 25 May 2010 under reviews, television
Paul Gallen
When discussing the greatest science fiction television series of all time, there is sure to arise a heated debate amongst friends. There are so many great science fiction TV series’ that it may be impossible to compare them to each other, especially when they are compared among different eras and generations of television viewers. However, there is only one television series that is always brought up in these types of conversations: Star Trek.
The main reason that Star Trek is the greatest science fiction series of all time is that it has reached across several generations of television viewers. The Original Series of Star Trek began in 1966 and lasted for about four years. Over the course of the next 30 years, Star Trek continued to be aired across the world, concluding with the Enterprise series which concluded in 2005. More than 30 seasons of the show were produced and have totalled close to 730 original episodes. Aside from the television series, Star Trek has also spawned 11 different feature-films with one more in production and due for release in 2012. The franchise truly has attracted fans from several different generations and allowed parents and their children to enjoy the same show.
Another significant factor that makes Star Trek the All Time greatest science fiction television series is the cultural impact that it has generated. Trek is a multi-billion dollar industry that has changed the way people talk and the gadgets we have around us. Many lines from the series, such as “to boldly go where no man has gone before”, have been adopted as favourite quotes by celebrities, politicians, and average citizens. Many fans of the show have given themselves the name of “Trekkie” to describe their addiction to the show. The series has also influenced many of the technological devices and advancements that have been made in recent years. The handheld computer, mobile phones, and even the MRI machines were made popular by the hit show many years before they were adopted as “necessities” by western civilizations. Many future devices may also come from the series’ attention given to teleportation, space travel, and other science mysteries. NASA even named the original prototype for its space shuttle the “Enterprise”, given after the name of the fictional starship that the cast called home.
Perhaps the greatest contribution made by the show was the casting of individuals of different races and cultures. Prior to the Star Trek era, most television shows did not intermingle its cast members with those of other races for various reasons. The cast included individuals whose roots are traced to Japan, Russia, Africa, Europe, and even extraterrestrial regions such as Vulcan.
Star Trek has proven, and will continue to prove itself as one of the greatest science fiction television series’ of all time.
Paul Gallen writes guides on gadgets, gaming and electronics. Paul’s your personal guide to all things LCD TV including where to find the best cheap LCD TVs and LCD TV deals. He can also tell you all about those new fangled 3D TV things.
Article Source: All Time Greatest TV Sci Fi
Posted by admin on 24 May 2010 under movies, reviews
Adam Krause
When I found out a few weeks ago that I was being sent a copy of the upcoming DVD release of Surrogates to review, I was neither excited nor disappointed. Mainly because when the film was released in theaters this past September, it was one of those movies that I gave an “Eh, I’ll rent it” response to when asked what I thought of it. And even though I was familiar with the highly popular graphic novel in which the movie was based on, I just wasn’t impressed enough by the film’s trailer to run out to my local marquee and see it upon its theatrical release.
Turns out I was correct in my decision to hold off on seeing Surrogates until it came out on DVD, as the film was surprisingly entertaining; a fun science fiction tale to get lost in but with a few minor glitches that might have provided more disappointment if I had purchased a $12 movie ticket to view it. But seeing it as a rental was an enjoyable experience, leaving me with a much more positive impression when the end credits began to roll.
Surrogates starts off with an opening credits montage that brings the viewers up to date with the film’s alternate reality where a brilliant doctor has invented a technology that allows human beings to operate remote controlled robotic versions of themselves with nothing but their minds, feeling and experiencing everything the machine experiences. Originally created for humans suffering from disabilities like paralysis, like the doctor himself, the technology soon becomes so advanced that anyone is able to purchase a “surrogate” for themselves, allowing them to live a flawless, carefree life vicariously through their mechanical versions.
With the vast majority of the world’s population becoming hermits while using their surrogates for all of their daily activities, life has become all but perfect on planet earth. That is, until the son of the doctor who invented the technology is mysteriously murdered while attached to a surrogate, marking the first homicide in 14 years. FBI Agent Tom Greer, played by Bruce Willis, heads the investigation that takes many twists and turns, leading Greer to abandon his surrogate as he starts questioning their extensive use in a society that is now essentially run by machines.
As I said earlier, the film is based on the highly popular 5-issue comic book series that was drawn by Brett Weldele and written by Robert Venditti, who was obviously influenced by classic sci-fi tales like Terminator and Blade Runner as he explores many of the same concepts. The film version of Surrogates was directed by Jonathan Mostow, the man who previously gave us such titles as Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines and the submarine drama U-571.
With Surrogates, Mostow envisioned the story and characters in a much more polished, saturated look then the dark, gritty source material it was based on, a move that turned a lot of die-hard fans of the comic book off. I, on the other hand, feel the film’s clean-cut look added to this notion of a faux world of perfection due to surrogacy. A world where all the men desire to look like mannequins from the Gap and the women look like the fembots from Austin Powers.
Surprisingly, Surrogates is actually one of those rare movies that’s based on a comic book that would have actually benefited with a longer running time. With the film’s duration clocking in at just under the 90-minute norm, the film’s entire third act seemed incredibly rushed just as the story’s progression started picking up steam. And the character development of Tom Greer (Bruce Willis) seemed a little short-changed and needed more screen context to justify the earth-shattering decision he makes at the end of the film (no spoilers here).
Now as far as the actual DVD goes, unfortunately if it’s special features that you’re after, you are better of opting for the Blu-ray release of the film instead. The DVD only offers a rather stale commentary track by Mostow and a Breaking Benjamin music video of a song that never even appeared in the film. Nonetheless, Surrogates is definitely worth a viewing as the film’s intriguing premise and entertaining action might surprise you, especially if you’re a fan of the comic books. So if you were like me and shrugged it off back when it was in the theaters, you’ll get another shot at it; Surrogates is available on DVD and Blu-ray now.
Adam Krause is a huge film buff. If he is not watching a movie, he is most likely writing one or about them. To read film reviews, blog posts and more articles like this one, please visit adamkrause.webs.com. Or visit http://www.staticmultimedia.com, a website that Adam writes for that thoroughly covers film, television, video games and music for all of your entertainment needs.
Article Source: Surrogates – A DVD Review of the Sci-Fi Film Starring Bruce Willis
Posted by admin on 10 May 2010 under books, reviews
Adam Krause
With pop culture’s insatiable love for seeing the flesh eating undead on the big screen, it was really only a matter of time before zombies invaded classic literature as well. When I first came across Seth Grahame-Smith’s “rendition” of Jane Austen’s beloved romance novel Pride and Prejudice, I immediately purchased the book onsite. And I’m not a big reader of books and certainly not a big collector.
The title was simple and yet to the point. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Freaking genius! It was the first time I experienced the whole “couldn’t put it down” syndrome while reading a book and I literally finished it in one day.
Released in the spring of last year, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies didn’t take long to find itself on the New York Times Best Sellers List. Published by Quirk Books, the novel has gone on to inspire a new niche in the world of literature. Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (Seth Grahame-Smith’s follow up) are just two of the countless titles that have used the same formula.
With a Hollywood film on the way starring Natalie Portman as well as the recently released prequel novel Dawn of the Dreadfuls picking up steam, it’s safe to say that Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is a certified hit among American literature.
And now, to expand the audience base of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies even more, Quirk Books has teamed up with Del Rey Publishing to refashion Seth Grahame-Smith’s story into a graphic novel, a format I feel is much more suited to the novel’s violent and campy attributes.
The graphic novel is adapted by writer Tony Lee and stays very faithful to Grahame-Smith’s novel, using much of the dialogue verbatim. Like Jane Austen’s story, we follow Elizabeth Bennet and her family as she deals with issues of love and social standings in her aristocratic surroundings.
The only difference is that England has been ravaged by a plague of zombies, or “unmentionables” as they are referred to in the story. Oh yeah, and Elizabeth’s father has trained her by the way of the ninja to be a deadly, ass-kicking zombie killer. Pretty cool, hey?
Just like the book, the graphic novel of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is a thoroughly enjoyable read and is sure to entertain anyone who is enthralled by the title and subject matter.
My only gripe with it is that the illustrations are at times scribbled and come off as uninspired. Drawn by Cliff Richards, they are presented in black and white in a style that at times gives the impression of unfinished storyboards. I’m sure the decision to present the graphic novel this way was an attempt to relate the material more to its time period and setting.
But I feel the creators missed a great opportunity to breath stunning, visualized life into this story by not illustrating it with color and more detail. I thought the handful of illustrations that appeared randomly throughout the original Pride and Prejudice and Zombies book from artist Philip Smiley had more bite than those of the graphic novel.
Believe it or not, I have now actually read both the book and the graphic novel of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies as well as Jane Austen’s original Pride and Prejudice (Women’s Literature class in college; thought it would get me some action… it didn’t) and I can safely say that incorporating “dreadful” flesh eaters is the best thing that could have ever happened to this story and these characters. I’m sure if Ms. Austen were alive today, she’d be ninja-kicking herself for not thinking of it first.
Adam Krause is a huge film buff. If he is not watching a movie, he is most likely writing one or about them. To read film reviews, blog posts and more articles like this one, please visit adamkrause.webs.com. Or visit www.staticmultimedia.com, a website that Adam writes for that thoroughly covers film, television, comics and music for all of your entertainment needs.
Article Source: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies – The Graphic Novel
Posted by admin on 15 Apr 2010 under books, reviews
Jerran Wolf
I recently read I, Robot, a collection of short stories written by Isaac Asimov in 1950’s. The movie that came out a few years ago with the same title was loosely based upon some of the themes from the stories, but did not follow any particular plot in the stories. While I did enjoy the movie, it failed, in my opinion, to capture the depth of the original writing and and themes Asimov was trying to communicate. Asimov’s body of work is considered a pillar of science fiction, and his Robot Series is some of his best work. If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend that you do. And if you don’t want me to spoil it for you, stop reading now.
I, Robot tells the story of the creation of a robotic race, for lack of a better term, created initially as a work force for people, and the problems that arise as this race integrates into humanity. For safety, every robot is programmed with three basic laws,
- A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
- A robot must obey any orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
- A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law
The overall plot of the stories explore how various robots, as they become more advanced, interpret these Laws, and how those interpretations affect the world. As the stories near the end, a handful of humans realize robots have assumed more and more control over the world, politically and economically. Everything has become more efficient. Better rules. Less poverty. The world is truly a better place, because robots have become far more advanced, and are less corrupt than humans. In one of the last scenes, it is revealed that the robots have done this on purpose, for the sole purpose of fulfilling the First Law. They have taken control because they know humans are better off in their hands than our own. However, they go to great lengths to hide the fact that they have taken control, because our awareness of our loss of control would injure us emotionally, and that would be a violation of the First Law. In essence, humans could never know they were not in control.
This is why Asimov is a genius. He understood something profound about humanity. It seems we would rather run our own lives, even if we know its not the best life possible.
If you’re a parent, you’ve probably used the phrase “This is for your own good”. This phrase is normally followed by the parent making the child do something they do not want to do, like eating vegetables. The child probably understands that the parent is right, even if they don’t understand why. But they will fight as long as they can. Why? Because they are being made to do it. They are fighting for control, even if keeping that control means facing otherwise avoidable pain and difficulty later.
In many ways, we never grow up. I still find this theme in my own life. I grasp for control and fight to understand things that are often completely beyond me. I know I don’t have the wisdom or knowledge to call the shots in my own life, but keep doing it anyway. I know what it means to trust and see when doing so would benefit my life, but still find it hard to bring myself to do it. I tend to be much more willing to do something when it is my idea.
This is what made Asimov great. In these stories, he chose to use robots to examine the human condition. He wove creativity and insight into extremely fascinating, entertaining stories that challenged us to think.
Jerran Wolf is a science fiction author and a fan of all types of sci-fi. Visit http://jerranwolf.com to read more of his thoughts on science fiction books and movies.
Article Source: Science Fiction Book Review – Themes From Asimov’s Robot Series
Posted by admin on 11 Jan 2010 under books, reviews
Rick Taylow
#1: Dune (Frank Herbert)
Science Fiction doesn’t get much better then this. Dune is every Science Fiction aficionado’s wet dream. Many people claim Dune is Science Fiction’s answer to “Lord of the Rings” and I have to agree: it sure is. There are many good science fiction books, but Dune is indeed a giant among giants. It truly is a pinnacle of Science Fiction literary achievement. If you haven’t read Dune, doesn’t waste any more time. Read it now!
# 2: Starship Troopers (Robert Heinlein)
War is beautiful according to Robert Heinlein. This is a novel about the glorification of war. The premise: space-marines wearing special armor battle vicious alien insect aliens. This is classic “old school” science fiction at it’s best. It’s a rip-roaring ride through the galaxy that you don’t want to miss.
#3 : Ender’s Game (Orson Scott Card)
This is one of the corner stones of science fiction and one novel that you shouldn’t miss. A critique on society, the story of a boy who refuses to give up, a battle to save the fate of mankind – this science fiction book combines them all into one addictive and compelling mix that shouldn’t be missed.
#4: Foundation (Isaac Asimov)
This is undoubtedly on of the finest works of science fiction ever written. If you a fan of science fiction with grandiose and epic storylines, get your hand on this book.
A corollary: Foundation is a series for people who love grand and complex ideas. If you are looking for a book heavy on the action but thin on concepts, this may not be the book for you. The strength of the ideas presented are the focus of this story, not the characterization. Regardless, this is one of those Science Fiction books that you just need to read. You will never think about Science Fiction the same way after reading the Foundation series.
#5: Snow Crash (Neal Stephenson)
Part-time hacker and pizza delivery boy and full time samurai swordsman, meet Hiro Protagonist. Snow Crash is breath taking novel with action and pacing thick enough to drown in. Snow Crash redefined and rejuvenated the Cyberpunk genre. If you want a novel with bucket loads of action, futuristic technologies ala The Matrix, and the gritty futuristic dystopia of the Blade Runner world, Snow Crash is the perfect recommendation.
#6: Forever War (Joe Haldeman)
The Forever War is pretty much The Vietnam War in space. It’s brutal and bloody and makes a strong case that war really is pointless. Don’t let the strong political statement of the novel deter you, however; this is Science Fiction at its finest: a complex, disturbing novel that makes you think…and feel. It’s a great science fiction story that you don’t want to miss, a true masterpiece of the genre.
#7: The Night’s Dawn (Peter Hamilton)
This is space opera science fiction done right: Massive space battles, a large cast of compelling characters, political tension between planets, and an all out grand adventure. There is a good deal of space opera in the science fiction genre already, but Peter Hamilton is one of the best character writers in the genre and his plots are just so damn interesting. He really knows how to write a rip-roaring adventure that keeps you up into the late hours of the morning. Those in the mood for something big with lots of action, both in and out of space, Night’s Dawn trilogy delivers.
#8: Gap (Steven R. Donaldson)
This disturbing series is a dark ride into hell that you don’t want to miss. It’s one of the darkest set of books I’ve read, period. But the world that Stephen Donaldson draws is superb. Stephen Donaldson is an author that cares deeply about characterization, and he excels at crafting anti-heroes. If you are looking for some dark space opera, I highly recommend the Gap series.
#9: Otherland (Tad William)
Those looking for something like the Matrix in written form need look no longer. Otherland is about as close as you’ll get. With less mumbo jumbo psycho babble and more realism, Otherland makes for a really compelling read. Otherland starts slow, but those willing give it a chance will be greatly rewarded.
#10: Altered Carbon (Richard Morgan)
This is one dystopian cyberpunk with a lot of style and some seriously punishing action. I guarantee that once you start reading this novel, you won’t be putting it down. Morgan is a man with some visionary ideas; he always has interesting characters, twisting plots, and heart-pounding action. Those that love Blade Runner, Snow Crash, and Neuromancer are in for a treat.
See the expanded [http://www.bestfantasybooks.com/best-science-fiction-books.html]best science fiction books list.
Go to Best Fantasy Books for the best fantasy and science fiction book recommendations on the web.
- The Sci-Fi Guru
Article Source: Top 10 Best Science Fiction Books