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And now a quick zip through some of my latest reads
The Praxis by
Walter John Williams
Anyone who has come into contact with the “Lensman” series of classic space opera will feel at home with this one. Apparently it’s the first in a series which follows the fate of humanity after the fall of a galactic empire when various races struggle to assert their place after the departure of their omnipotent masters.
For a clichéd scenario, this works well and because it tends to focus more on the characters than the hard SF elements, I think it succeeds in keeping the reader involved in the plot. All in all, I would recommend this as an undemanding read and if I come across any more in the series, I would give them my attention.
Bitten by
Kelley Armstrong
Lovely concept. The only female werewolf in the world and how she fits into a post-modern situation. Unfortunately, this comes across as a sort of sub-Harold Robbins type romp complete with lavishly descriptive sex scenes. There is a good book struggling to get out from all the crap, but unfortunately, it’s not worth the effort of trying to find it in this case. Maybe her next effort will be better and I hope it is. The concept is fine, it’s just the execution that’s lacking.
Something More by
Paul Cornell
This guy’s bio majors on the fact that he has written tie-ins for the cult T.V. series “Dr. Who”. And good luck to him I say. As long as he sticks to what he knows I wish him well. Unfortunately, this novel does nothing to showcase his talents as a writer. It has several big ideas and clever concepts, but it’s all a muddle and lacks coherence. There are some nice flashes of invention here, but you have to wade through a lot of dross to get to them.
The Greatest Show Off Earth by
Robert Rankin
Oooooh – early Sproutlore!!! That will not mean a lot to those unfamiliar with Robert Rankin’s output, but who cares. This author is a curious beast, sort of a P.G.Wodehouse on acid with a wicked satirical bent. He won’t be to everyone’s taste and many of his references are U.K. based, but I like what he does and his unerring grasp of the absurd appeals to me.
Deathstalker Prelude by
Simon R Green
I would imagine that anyone who reads this author will either love him or hate him. I love him and will seriously consider shelling out my own hard earned cash to buy the rest of this series. I am familiar with the “Hawk and Fisher” series and I think this shows similar promise. If it’s inventive and sometimes surreal imagery you’re after, give Simon R Green a try.
The Meq by
Steve Cash
Not content with being in the band “The Ozark Mountain Daredevils” this guy also feels the need to write a novel [img]graemlins/wow.gif[/img] . And it’s not a bad one at that. I’m sure many years ago I read a short SF story about a girl who never aged past the age of twelve and lived her life going from family to family. This takes that basic concept and weaves a whole mythos around it based on the conceit that there is a small secretive incredibly long-lived offshoot of humanity who live unnoticed amongst us.
For a first novel, this is a well crafted and absorbing tale, similar in pace and tone to Philip Pullman’s writing. Recommended.
[ 04-13-2003, 05:43 AM: Message edited by: Mouse ]