Phelix_da_Kat

One of my first alternative history (audible) books. Saw this in hardback, was waiting for the paperback - but to my surprise (even better) it's on Audible!

Basically, the British are losing the war - the US did not join in the war and the Germans have created the ??bermensch (Superman/women) - sociopathic orphans taken from WW I, and endowed with X-menesque power by mad scientists.

In response, a desperate Admiralty establish the Milkweed organisation - British warlocks that use magic to fight back.

I believe this is Tregillis' first novel - stunning piece of work and fortunately there's more to come as this is the first book of the Milkweed Triptych (trilogy).

Summary: The CIA investigate a reclusive "young looking man" who lives in a remote farmhouse in Wisconsin - he claims to be a Civil War veteran and he's called Enoch...
It turns out that there is more to this mysterious man that meets the eye - in fact, in Enoch's backroom - there's a way station for the Galactic transport network - and he one of the station masters!

Insights: A warm and well written book that won a Hugo Award. Although written in the 60's, it's philosophy is that you cannot judge a person (well aliens as well) by it's cover.

A quiet classic.. recommended!

It's set on the 22nd century and starts when astronomers detect an object near Jupiter.

They believe it to be an asteroid and name it after a Hindu God named "Rama". Upon investigation they discover that the orbit is not consistent with a solar orbit and send an unmanned probe to investigate - whilst broadcasting pictures back they learn that its a reflective cylinder 16km x 50km..

An survey spaceship is thus sent out to investigate..

This is a very detail oriented book - with the usual "forecasting" as Clarke does best.

Good physics and descriptions applied. Timeless - Real old school sci-fi, not so hardcore it's unreadable, but definitely absorbing.

Recommended! (Both Hugo and Nebula "Best Novel" award winner)

This series comprises of:

Rendezvous with Rama (1972)
Rama II (1989)
The Garden of Rama (1991)
Rama Revealed (1993)

You know how you sometimes wish you did something different after some event has happened.. well Robert J. Sawyer explores this here.

Based around a group of scientists who are conducting an experiment at CERN (the place where they have a massive collider running thats SO large it spans 3 different boarders/countries) in Switzerland. The results are not as they expect..

What would be your path in life if.. for 2 mins, you could see 20 years in to the future.. would you be with that person you thought you loved? If not, how would that affect you today... with that person you're with now... hhmm.. how does fore knowledge affect your daily decisions in life??

As with his other books - the science behind his stories are not outrageous, indeed they are scientifically sound (reference to SCI-FI weekly). Enjoy it, its a great story..

If you enjoyed this I would recommend one of his other books: Terminal Experiment.

Ok, I must admit this was actually my 2nd attempt at this book.

On my fist attempt I found the initial 20mins a struggle to get into - but with hindsight it was just the style of writing - with several story lines running in parallel.

Predominately this is a detective novel within a sci-fi framework. The writer twists several threads that come together at the finale.

I thoroughly enjoyed this - right to the end. Am definitely getting the next in the series and looking forward to seeing Flint progress. The narrator Jay Synder is great - reminds me of Scott Brick.

Definitely more fantasy than sci-fi.

After listening to this, (for you dads out there) the storyline reminded me of Mark Twain's "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" - whereby the main character is transported to a less advanced civilisation - using their wits and brains they save the day.

For the kids, this was more like Alex Ryder crossed with "The Traveller". The boy is a "choosen one" who unknown to him, is being mentored, travels with his "uncle" through different worlds to fight on behalf of good against an evil foe that is present in worlds.

The narration by William Dufris has light and lively pace that is definitely young adult. Something for both father and son to enjoy together..

SUMMARY: archaeologist/antique dealer duo Alex Benedict and Chase Kolpath (well, probably better to describe them as salvage team) find an artifact in the form of an old cup, from a lost colony ship. In turn this leads them on a voyage to discover what happened to the ship, its crew and passengers....

On it's on it was a good story, albeit a little sluggish in parts - in the end I was still left wanting more.. due to the bold description that Jack McD is the next Isaac Asimov and Arthur C Clarke.

With the hype it was a close 3 - but I am giving this a 4 out of 5 because I enjoyed the book on its own merits. There's a good level of detail and the narration is what I would call mature and firm.

Being a long time Bond fan - I had quite high expectations.. I have listened to some of the original titles.. even tried Silverfin, from the Young Bond series to feed my appetite..

I am quite particular about the narration - so was pleased with Jeremy Northam's reading - it's crisp clear.. and sometimes a little... old school, especially when he does the foreign accents - put a smile on my face.. (He's the chap from that brill BBC series The Tudors and twisted sci-fi Cypher) - and he could even make a convincing Bond...

The author is definitely what some people would say "writing by numbers".. and so faithfully brings Bond back. If you were expecting something different then this may disappoint you.. if like me, you were looking for more of the old school.. then step right up. Brilliant..

To put this in perspective: I see this book more a Sean Connery's Bond.. classic cars.. tennis whites.. a little flawed.. the descriptions of these are wonderful..

Bond is DEFINITELY back..

Semi space opera/military.
The lead character is a Wilson Cole, an officer in the Navy of the Republic. The backdrop is an interstellar war with Teronis (and fluid alliances with other parties in the outer rim of the galaxy).
It's not as gung-ho a say David Weber's "Prince Roger" series - but a good start.
Basically, its based around a very quick witted Cole, who has been given a bunch of misfits for a crew, a crap ship and is posted out of the way. Cole came about to this predicament because he was too good and did everything to ensure a successful mission (beyond the call of duty) - in doing so embarrassing his superiors.
We follow Cole, in his journey to transform the misfits in to a fighting force..

I have been follow the saga for a couple of years now - i have not actually read any of these books so cannot comment on the faithfulness of this audiobook, BUT I do have every audiobook of this series now and do eagerly anticipating each new release.

With this I am glad to say this is another smash hit - I so do feel for Miles' character and love the twists and turns as each mystery has to be solved. Again, there is the development of existing and new characters (in the form of Quaddies).

The narrator is Grover Gardner and this is the icing on the cake - would have to admit I am partial to Scott Brick and Stefan Rudnicki - and have actually picked books up with the narrator being a major fact as they carry you through the tale, adding emotion and a charm to each character.


By the way, if you did not know, the series order is:
"The Warrior's Apprentice"
"The Vor game"
"Borders of Infinity"
"Cetaganda"
"Brothers in Arms"
"Mirror Dance"
"Memory"
"Komarr"
"A Civil Campaign"
"Diplomatic Immunity"