Review: CITY AMONG THE STARS by Francis Carsac

4 Stars

Francis Carsac was a pseudonym of French geologist, archaeologist, and author Francois Bordes (1919-1981), who penned  six novels and several shorter works. CITY AMONG THE STARS is considered to be in the Golden Age of Science Fiction.  This is the first translation into English. 

A member of the Emperor's security force, traveling through Space with an urgent method, is the victim of sabotage and his spaceship is destroyed.  Fortunately he is rescued by a spacefaring civilization which eschews planetary living. Unfortunately, the leaders have designs on Empire technology, knowledge he has. 

SCI FI SUMMER READATHON!

Coming June 2020!

sci-fi-summer-readathon-sign-up

Watch my Progress at:

2020_sci-fi_june

For this Readathon,  I plan to concentrate on "Classic " SF, starting with Harlan Ellison and Fritz Leiber, Andre Norton,  Philip K. Dick, Roger Zelazny, John W. Campbell.

JUNE READS:
THE CREATURE FROM CLEVELAND DEPTHS by Fritz Leiber (classic)
THE BIG TIME by Fritz Leiber (Classic)
KILL SHOT by Clive Fleury
LORDS OF DECEPTION by Christopher Fuchs [Fantasy]
ALL CATS ARE GRAY by Andre Norton (SF Reread) (classic)
NIGHT OF THE LONG KNIVES by Fritz Leiber (classic)
CONJURE WIFE by Fritz Leiber (SF Reread)(classic)
ODDMIRE: BOOK 1 THE CHANGELING by William Ritter (Fairytale Fantasy)
ODDMIRE: BOOK 2 THE UNREADY QUEEN by William Ritter (Fairytale Fantasy)
THE LIGHTEST OBJECT IN THE UNIVERSE by Kimi Eisele [Apocalyptic--post-apocalyptic]
FINISH THE FIGHT [ECHOES OF WAR BOOK SEVEN] by Daniel Gibbs [Military SF]


Reading: SHATTERDAY by Harlan Ellison (classic) [daily]

TOTAL JUNE STATS:

ARC: 34

SF: 8 + 3 Fantasy 

REREADS: 3

REVIEWS: 62

READS IN JUNE: 55

At Goodreads group Devour Your TBR,  July will be SF, so I'll read Modern Science Fiction then. At 2020_sci-fi_july_devour your TBR

SERIAL CORTEX by Chris Yee

4 Stars

I liked SERIAL CORTEX, I thought the technology was fascinating [albeit potentially dangerous]. I just did not enjoy it as much as METAL CHEST,  which I found much more humanized and emotional [despite one of the two protagonists being a simulated intelligence,  and the apocalyptic War having been "robots" vs. Humans].  

As for the advanced technology in SERIAL CORTEX,  I've read Science Fiction in which [in the future] detectives or technicians can read the victims' last moments on their eyes [or brain or some other technique] and so I was reminded of that. I think the most interesting aspect for me was the use of "thought-hopping" psychologically rather than in crime-solving, particularly in regards to aversion therapy.

Review: METAL CHEST by Chris Yee

5 Stars

 I chose this novel to review because it's post-apocalyptic science fiction, and because I liked the premise. Smart choice: I REALLY like it! Despite the fact that the protagonists are one human and one damaged household robot, trekking a post-apocalyptic wasteland (destroyed by robotic war against humans), METAL CHEST is a heartfelt and human story that frightens, warms, and excites, with lots of adventure and chills (not least of which are certain self-righteous humans who claim to be restoring civility and rule of law, and certain Simulated Intelligences who are every bit as elitist and disdainful as some humans). It's an adventurous and highly enjoyable read.

Review: BREACH OF TRUST by Daniel Gibbs

5 Stars
There is no pause to accomplish "suspension of disbelief" in any of Daniel Gibbs' superb Science Fiction. Immediately the reader is absorbed into the story, as if we observe, not on a page or on a screen,  but as the proverbial "fly on the wall," and even as a "I'm right there, I can almost reach out and touch" participant. From explosive reader's hooks through to taut conclusions,  we revel in adventure,  science,  military strategy, and tactics.  The characters will variously wring our emotions,  warm our hearts, or in some cases infuriate and anger us.  Whichever their effect, we "live" their stories vicariously and in the end, we are better individuals for doing so.

Review: WHERE THE FOREST MEETS THE STARS by Glendy Vanderah

5 Stars!

Sometimes I'm blessed to read a book that just makes me happy during the duration and after. WHERE THE FOREST MEETS THE STARS is a champion in that category.  The writing is gifted, the reader's hook gives an immediate suspension of disbelief and the conviction that "yes, this is real" and throughout reading,  I felt that the storyline was what mattered most, irregardless of the circumstances of the "real world. " THIS is the focus.  I found it incredible that this was a debut novel; I think it is a novel no thinking reader should miss. 

Review: ICE CAVE by Toby Nichols

4 Stars

ANTARCTICA! Very creatively imagined, both the "new world" the scientists discover,  and also in their varied responses to the discovery,  the dangers, and the consequences.  The conclusion is also intriguing,  unexpected,  and scary.