Author Topic: Science Fiction / Fantasy (Read 385157 times)

Steph · « **Reply #2080 on:** March 12, 2014, 08:35:04 AM »

Science Fiction / Fantasy

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Welcome to the whole universe! This is where we gather to share our experiences in science fiction and fantasy. We like everything, from Gregory Benford to Stephanie Meyer—hard science to magic and fantasy.

Come in, sit down with us, and tell us what you are reading or have read, what you like or dislike.

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Fantastic Fiction, bibliographies of 30,000 authors

Discussion Leader: PatH

Kuttner and Moore bring back memories of the old fashioned science fiction.. Whew.. used to love the monthly magazines.
Ahabs Wife.. I loved it. It is from her point of view, which involves waiting for him.. She portrays him as a gentle caring husband that she lost..

PatH · « **Reply #2081 on:** March 14, 2014, 07:53:40 PM »

Steph, I used to love the monthly magazines too. My father was a science fiction fan, and when I was growing up I had access to all the best. Those were the golden days, before John Campbell turned to psi phenomena. I'm not following them now, but I have the feeling they aren't such an important part of sci-fi anymore.

Frybabe · « **Reply #2082 on:** March 15, 2014, 08:16:24 AM »

Fuzzy Nation is finished and back at the Library. Scalzi never fails to please. I often wish he would be a little more prolific, but if that compromises the quality of his books, I can wait.

My next SciFi adventure, I think, is the first of a series. I'm barely into it and have to double check the name, but I think it is the first of the Far From Home ebook series.

Frybabe · « **Reply #2083 on:** April 12, 2014, 08:54:16 AM »

I just picked up a new SciFi at the library. It was just being scanned it to the system as I arrived.

The Martian by Andy Weir. Twentieth Century Fox has already optioned it for a movie. It seems to be getting rave reviews everywhere. There is a proviso that if you don't like scifi that is heavy on science, this book is probably not for you. Several science website made note that the book used realistic science.

http://www.thespacereview.com/article/2452/1

Here is an article from Wired Magazine about an app that Weir created to help him get accurate numbers on distance and transmission times to and from Earth. Kind of interesting. http://www.wired.com/2014/02/the-martian-software/

Steph · « **Reply #2084 on:** April 13, 2014, 10:09:05 AM »

I tend to be more into fantasy or alternate worlds.

PatH · « **Reply #2085 on:** April 16, 2014, 09:36:57 PM »

My library has 19 copies of The Martian, with a wait list of 29. So now I'm #30. Thanks, Frybabe, I like that kind of thing when well done.

I've read another Miles book, and two minor Liaden Universe books, but that will have to wait until tomorrow; I'm too sleepy.

Frybabe · « **Reply #2086 on:** April 17, 2014, 02:26:19 PM »

PatH, I really, really like The Martian. Sadly, I don't think Science Fiction is big around here. No was was on hold for the book when I took it back. The science used in the book was not hard to understand. He used some basic chemical and mechanical science to get things done. The math is there, too. The author keeps it light; no going to long details of chemical or mechanical processes, or mathematical formulas. Enough to inform what he was doing and why; enough to, hopefully, inspire a few young minds who may read the book. Oh, and funny? Yes! If this is the author's first book, why is his name familiar?

Frybabe · « **Reply #2087 on:** April 18, 2014, 10:56:26 AM »

I've finally started the first of Jack McDevitt's Pricilla Hutchins series, called The Engine of God. Hutchins is the pilot of a research ship. So far, so good. Still waiting on McDevitt's latest Alex Benedict book which is due out this year. It will be titled Coming Home.

Also started, an ebook scifi called Redliners. Nothing spectacular so far, but not bad either. It opens with a military raid at an alien airport.

Frybabe · « **Reply #2088 on:** April 19, 2014, 04:58:33 PM »

Well, I'll be pickled in formaldehyde.

While reading The Engines of God I came across a line that mentioned an unusual abundance of formaldehyde on a dead planet where ancient monuments were found. I wondered about it, thinking it might be a clue to things to come in the book, and went on a Wikipedia search:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstellar_formaldehyde

For those who have had Organic Chemistry or have kept up with such things, it turns out that it was the first organic compound precursor discovered in interstellar space.

PatH · « **Reply #2089 on:** April 19, 2014, 08:12:25 PM »

Aaah, the wonderful fresh aroma of outer space.

Steph · « **Reply #2090 on:** April 21, 2014, 09:59:00 AM »

wow... so space stinks.. ah well.

PatH · « **Reply #2091 on:** April 21, 2014, 05:54:55 PM »

Fortunately, we won't be able to smell in a vacuum.

Frybabe · « **Reply #2092 on:** April 21, 2014, 08:00:03 PM »

I finished Engines of God. Let's see now one ship abandoned, two or three shuttles destroyed, at least four people dead. The first book in the Priscilla Hutchins series was a little over ambitious in my opinion, not to mention more than a few supposedly smart characters showed an uncommonly lack of good sense more than once. Who knew archeology could be so dangerous. I did not care for the book or characters as much as the Alex Benedict series or, for that matter, several of his stand alones. Still, I requested #2 in the series from the library today. I expect the series to get better. The latest in the series was recently published and, from what I read, is a prequel to the first.

Steph · « **Reply #2093 on:** April 24, 2014, 09:37:39 AM »

I am reading #4 in the Cassandra Clare series. She does some nice plot twists. Labeled Young Adult, but no idea why..

mrssherlock · « **Reply #2094 on:** April 30, 2014, 02:52:50 PM »

The Martian was compelling to say the least. Keeping track of all the calculations bored me after a while. I can see the young Tom Hanks playing the title role. I don't keep up with the new young actors and am mystified when one of them wns an award.

Frybabe · « **Reply #2095 on:** April 30, 2014, 03:27:12 PM »

Hi, mrssherlock. Haven't seen you posting for a while.

Okay, second of the Priscilla Hutchens series (Deepsix) is done. This one is 20 years after the first. She manages to lose more aircraft and more people. I don't think I would want to be a passenger in anything she pilots. Once again, some of the scumbags came out smelling like roses, a scapegoat or two created, and in the end, the usual rumors and scandal that come from people who disbelieve or know better the official line. A little corporate greed here, and one or two who bent rules hoping to add to their prestige, several reluctant heroes.

Being stranded on a planet, about to get bowled over by a rogue gas planet, with some really nasty critters can't be a lot of fun. An exotic plant (it turns out it's a man eater) provided a little erotic interlude. So, the race was on to inspect and bring back artifacts (didn't happen) from ruins discovered just before the big event, dodge the nasties, and get rescued.

I still don't care for this series as much as the Alex Benedict series. Speaking of, the next one is due out in November, in print and on Kindle. It is called Coming Home. Can hardly wait.

PatH · « **Reply #2096 on:** April 30, 2014, 03:36:06 PM »

Jackie! Welcome back. We've missed you.

PatH · « **Reply #2097 on:** May 01, 2014, 08:38:18 PM »

People must be reading The Martian lickety split. I've gone from #30 to #15 in a little over 2 weeks. I'm eager to get it.

My recent visit to Portland, OR netted me some good books from Powell's--a good thing, since I had something to read while recovering from the latest grandchild bug.

I've been trying to read Bujold's Miles books in order, and the one I got wasn't quite, but it doesn't seem to matter. It's Brothers in Arms--the usual wildly improbable machinations. I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of Miles' clone--he's too good to waste. Why are so many of the early books out of print? The series is still popular, the early books are good, and there must be people wanting to join in.

I got 2 minor books by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller. Necessity's Child takes place on Surebleak while Clan Korval is settling in, and deals with the adventures of young Syl Vor, Nova's son, in discovering an underground nest of Gypsies, dealing with them, and helping them come to terms with what is happening on the planet. A Liaden Universe Constellation Vol. 2 is a bunch of short stories filling in bits and pieces of the major stories, mostly dealing with Surebleak.

PatH · « **Reply #2098 on:** May 01, 2014, 08:41:40 PM »

Jackie, you must have read a lot of sci-fi/fantasy stories in the last 3 years. Care to hit some highlights for us?

Steph · « **Reply #2099 on:** May 02, 2014, 08:43:33 AM »

As I remember Jackie loved fantasy.. and Miles of course

mrssherlock · « **Reply #2100 on:** May 02, 2014, 01:37:53 PM »

Let me review my reading list for highs and lows in sf. Fantasy, wow, who would have predicted the vampire to become ubiquitous? Closely followed by ghosts (why are ghosts so comical?) and werewolves. Charles de Lindt's urban/contemporary fantasies are not even on the same floor in the "library" of imaginitive fiction as Asimov, Connie Willis, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. When I want to read hard core sf I fall back on the Oldies but Goodies such as Anne McCaffrey. Lois McMaster Bujold is worthy of reading over and over so rich in detail are her stories.

Frybabe · « **Reply #2101 on:** May 03, 2014, 07:33:24 AM »

PatH, at least people are reading The Martian at your library. It is a little hard to tell because the new website still isn't entirely accurate. but it looks like our system has six books. Only one, that I know of is checked out, and on our website, that one is still showing up as being processed but not yet available. I'll have to call Monday and tell the director the site still has bugs. The book was put into the system three weeks ago. I grabbed it as soon as it was entered, and now the gal that is in Friday's with me has it out. Like I said I don't think SF goes well here.

Fantasy is a different matter altogether. I noticed that the popular I Am Number Four is a movie. When I mentioned it my gal Friday told me to read the book first, otherwise the movie may not make as much sense. So, now I have that to read. Or, at least, I brought it home. I thought it was a super hero type thing, but gal Friday tells me it has SF elements.

Jackie, I have yet to pick up an Ann McCaffrey.

mrssherlock · « **Reply #2102 on:** May 03, 2014, 11:31:40 AM »

Fry: What a delight it would be to "discover" McCaffrey again. So many hours to spend exploring her various creations.

Steph · « **Reply #2103 on:** May 04, 2014, 10:17:07 AM »

Oh to begin again with Anne McCaffrey.. To cry once more on the Ship who Sang.. to meet the dragons.. What a lovely thought.

mrssherlock · « **Reply #2104 on:** May 07, 2014, 03:17:24 PM »

Anne McCaffrey's passed in 2011 and I missed it. What a prolific imagination! Somehow the world is diminished without her, green-eyed and gray-haired, in her Irish cottage. I missed it.

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/m/anne-mccaffrey/

Steph · « **Reply #2105 on:** May 09, 2014, 09:16:09 AM »

I remember the passing because I adored her and had always hoped to somehow meet her. I grew up In Delaware and she lived there when young.

PatH · « **Reply #2106 on:** May 12, 2014, 06:35:42 PM »

It would have been nice to meet her. She must have been a remarkable person.

PatH · « **Reply #2107 on:** May 12, 2014, 07:46:09 PM »

Last week's f2f sci-fi book was After the Golden Age, by Carrie Vaughn. It's about superheroes, the second such we've had this year. I'm not big on superheroes, and I'm not alone here. Several of us suggested that was enough for this year. But the book isn't bad. The main character is the daughter of two superheroes struggling with their disappointment that she is totally ordinary. She has become a forensic accountant, and the main plot involves a sort of detective story, as she tries to sort out the current sinister plot against her parents. The excuse for calling it sci-fi is the scientific explantation for the origin of superpowers. It's a quick read, pleasant enough.

PatH · « **Reply #2108 on:** May 12, 2014, 08:47:59 PM »

Be careful what you wish for; you might get it. I wanted a hard science sci-fi book as antidote, and what I got for next month is Blindsight, by Canadian writer Peter Watts. There's definitely hard science in it; you better not flinch when he throws out Oort clouds and O'Niel colonies with no explanation. It's a rather unappealing future in which people are a combination of their original selves, gene modification, corrective surgery, reconstruction from the dead, etc. Into this comes a shower of information-gathering pebbles from aliens, who don't answer our broadcasts. Now we have an expedition sent to find out what's going on. Fantastic Fiction says it better than I can:

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/w/peter-watts/blindsight.htm

In fact, this description was useful, since Watts makes you work hard to figure out what's going on. The narrator so far is the "synthesist—an informational topologist with half his mind gone". I don't know how it's going to come out, but I doubt it's good.

Frybabe · « **Reply #2109 on:** May 13, 2014, 07:37:38 AM »

oooo! Blindsight, I was absolutely fascinated by it. Very strange. Keeps you on your toes. Enjoy, PatH. Anyone wishing to read it can download it free from Project Gutenberg or ManyBooks. Here is ManyBooks link. http://manybooks.net/titles/wattspother06Blindsight.html
PS: PatH, let me know what your f2f discussion thinks of the book.

Last week I finished I Am Number Four, a book recommended by my library counterpart. It was okay, definitely written for teens. I thought it a bit repetitious here and there. Not real interested in superhero type books.

This week I am in the middle of another of Jack McDevitt's Priscilla Hutchins series, Chindi. So far two more shops were lost, not hers this time, her budding romance with one pilot cut short and a long time friend lost. It bugs me a little that Hutch mourns the loss of her new romantic interest, but not the guy she's known a long time and who considered her the next thing to a daughter. What is left is a guy she dated briefly years before and who has a crush on her. I don't care for the guy. Doesn't seem her type. What he says about how he feels towards Hutch and his behavior seem at odds. I think insecure, afraid of rejection. So far, aside from the other ships, Hutch has lost two of her passengers so far and I still have about half the book to go. Good story even though I don't like Tor.

Steph · « **Reply #2110 on:** May 13, 2014, 09:11:16 AM »

It is amazing how many adults collect the original
TOR.. I used to get them in the store all the time.. They don't care about the story, just the actual books,, first edition paperback of course

Frybabe · « **Reply #2111 on:** May 13, 2014, 10:55:34 AM »

Sorry, Steph. I forgot that there is a book publisher called Tor. In Chindi, Tor is the name of the guy who harbors a long time love/crush on Hutch.

PatH · « **Reply #2112 on:** May 13, 2014, 11:41:37 PM »

Oh, good, Frybabe, You've read Blindsight. that means if I get stuck figuring it out, I can ask you what's going on.

Steph · « **Reply #2113 on:** May 14, 2014, 09:16:45 AM »

OK. Frybabe,, I was bewildered about why you would hate a famous sci fi publisher, but figured you had your reasons.

mrssherlock · « **Reply #2114 on:** May 15, 2014, 01:29:48 PM »

Fry: Jack McDevitt is the author of one of my faves, Ancient Shores. Love the Alex Benedict stories, but I've never read this series. More goodies for my TBR list. Thank you.

Frybabe · « **Reply #2115 on:** May 15, 2014, 02:42:34 PM »

Jackie, I haven't read Ancient Shores yet. Infinity Beach is still in my TBR. I did read, and liked very much, Eternity Road.

I'm done with Chindi. I do like that name. It's a Navajo term for the part of the spirit that is left behind when a person dies, the bad part. Wikipedia's take on it: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chindi The chindi in the book was neither good nor bad. I took a decided dislike to several of the characters. Hutch, for as experienced and smart as she is supposed to be manages, once again, to ignore her better judgement to get into some pretty spectacular predicaments. Well, if she didn't, there would be no story. Next up is Omega.

Steph · « **Reply #2116 on:** May 17, 2014, 10:42:42 AM »

I have several McDevitt on my tbr list , beginning with Infinity Beach. Oh well.Did score two Terry Pratchett just reissued in paperback. Hooray.. I hoard them until I am in a blue meanie mood, than drag them out to laugh and laugh

Frybabe · « **Reply #2117 on:** May 18, 2014, 08:26:50 AM »

Several observations during my reading of Omega:

1. The description of the inhabitants of a possibly doomed civilization reminds me of Shrek. The movie came out in 2001 (gosh, that long ago?) and McDevitt's book was published in 2003.

2. One of the rescue crew is trying to translate Antigone into the native language. It seems the "Goompahs" like tragic drama.

3. Hutch married the guy I didin't like in the last book.

4. Too many good characters, or ones I actually like, die in this series. Many of the characters who created the tragic situations through overoptimism, refusal to heed warnings, monumental egoism, neglect/not paying attention, manage to survive.

Steph · « **Reply #2118 on:** May 18, 2014, 09:33:17 AM »

Hmm, McDevitt sounds like he likes to kill off the type of characters that I like.

Frybabe · « **Reply #2119 on:** May 18, 2014, 10:05:56 AM »

Some of them redeem themselves, Steph. I probably should be happy that the characters are not perfect, showing all the missteps, insecurities, arrogance, superego, intelligence, stupidity, and all the other things that go into making up the human condition. I just hate to see a good character or one I take a liking to written out especially because someone else's stupidity. Even Hutch can take the blame for some of the consequences of her decisions or lack thereof. To McDevitt's credit, he writes many characters that can evoke such a reaction from the reader.

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Author Topic: Science Fiction / Fantasy (Read 385157 times)