“You’re sitting up here deciding the fate of the Dedelphi. You’re planning out their every move and correcting them when they go wrong. Why don’t you “You’re sitting up here deciding the fate of the Dedelphi. You’re planning out their every move and correcting them when they go wrong. Why don’t you just get yourself a throne and a beard, declare yourself God, and finish it!”
A complex science fiction adventure involving family, good intentions, lies, and race hatred. Zettel establishes her characters and setting by immersing the reader in a dramatic change in the history of an alien planet and people. Complexities of Dedelphi biology and familial structure are scattered through the interactions of humans who have conflicting goals and loyalties.
“Somebody’s obviously decided that there’s something more important than saving the world, and we got in the way.”
Cross purposes abound between and within various factions. Imperfect knowledge of what their own side is doing, not to mention the actions of adversaries, force dilemmas on everyone.
“But this I promise you, my Sisters, as I promise my daughters in my womb. When our world is saved, the [redacted] will no longer walk on it to plague us.” ...more
In a hundred thousand years, mankind had faced no real rivals except those it had made itself. So far it seemed that no world, and perhaps no galaxy, In a hundred thousand years, mankind had faced no real rivals except those it had made itself. So far it seemed that no world, and perhaps no galaxy, was big enough for two sentient species.
A maybe-not-first-contact story set twenty-eight millennia into the future. Standalone science fiction published in 2010. Worlds, faiths, personalities, and maybe species collide as a team of not-quite friends and maybe scapegoats investigate a populated planet-like moon reported to have been invaded by humanoid aliens. Team members have their own, often conflicting, agenda.
“It’s faith. [Redacted] says it won’t happen, so it won’t.” “A whole world refusing to face the truth? That’s horrible!” “It’s human. People ignore bad news whenever they can.”
In addition to the usual rich, talented, powerful, and gearheads, the team includes a Capuchin friar, out of step with the secular and pagan of his day, but even more so with the faith of Pock’s natives. Unfortunately, he fades to a caricature as the story evolves to old-fashioned politics, lust, and avarice.
Sample paragraph, emphasis added: [Redacted] was breakfasting alone on a terrace beside a gently steaming pool. Ravenously hungry, he was gobbling like a New Winish swamp dragon. It was a fine morning, almost too hot already, although the grass was wet and shining like diamonds. The sun was higher than yesterday; Javel had already set.
Annihilation clock ticking. Crisp, clean storytelling with distinct point-of-view shifts. Quibble: much passive voice. Duncan does better. The story’s first half surpasses the second.
“Go forth and multiply. Isn’t that a rather primitive motive for a superhuman species?” “No. It’s the defining characteristic of life.” ...more
This is weird. I liked this story: a contemporary post-apocalyptic female hero’s journey. Good premise; engaging protagonist. I started this review inThis is weird. I liked this story: a contemporary post-apocalyptic female hero’s journey. Good premise; engaging protagonist. I started this review intending to give it four stars, but as I wrote I realized it made no impression on me.
Normally I record quotes as I read, to give readers of my reviews a sense of the writing style of the author. I got to the end of The Road and discovered I’d written nothing. Broncucia writes well; her writing just didn’t move me. In fact, I paused several times while reading it, uncertain whether I wanted to finish it.
Loses one star for the obviously-driven-by-sequel-concerns afterword tacked on the end. It was hokey and added nothing to this story. Other than that, a good first novel.
Merged review:
This is weird. I liked this story: a contemporary post-apocalyptic female hero’s journey. Good premise; engaging protagonist. I started this review intending to give it four stars, but as I wrote I realized it made no impression on me.
Normally I record quotes as I read, to give readers of my reviews a sense of the writing style of the author. I got to the end of The Road and discovered I’d written nothing. Broncucia writes well; her writing just didn’t move me. In fact, I paused several times while reading it, uncertain whether I wanted to finish it.
Loses one star for the obviously-driven-by-sequel-concerns afterword tacked on the end. It was hokey and added nothing to this story. Other than that, a good first novel....more
Excellent feel-good twenty-first century The Swiss Family Robinson. Natural apocalypse. Maybe. Neighbor binds with neighbor t“If the sun was shining…”
Excellent feel-good twenty-first century The Swiss Family Robinson. Natural apocalypse. Maybe. Neighbor binds with neighbor to survive and thrive. Kritzer unwinds the skein of her tale just fast enough to keep readers engaged and entertained. Doesn’t shy away from the ugly underside of her disaster tale.
I felt like if I started screaming at him, I might never stop.
Quibbles? Sure. It’s all too easy, just like Defoe’s and Wyss’s protagonists. A broad-brush treatment like this can’t get all the details right, but Kritzer builds her story with sufficient verisimilitude.
I just listened, thinking about the suburbanites who’d strung up a mannequin, and how much I didn’t want that to be us.
Unlike so many award winners, this one deserves the 2024 Hugo Novelette Award and other honors it’s received. Good job, Naomi.
“Because I want to live somewhere that people take care of each other.”...more
It was lovely. Too lovely. There had to be something wrong with it. There was.
Excellent first-person narrative of survival in post-apocalyptic North AIt was lovely. Too lovely. There had to be something wrong with it. There was.
Excellent first-person narrative of survival in post-apocalyptic North America. Gritty in a way that engages rather than panders. Refreshing lack of insults to the intelligence of his readers. Contemporary writers could learn about focus from Leiber.
“I ask you now, is any little thing like being damned eternally a satisfactory excuse for behaving like a complete rat?”
Modern readers may miss how original and creative this text is. Published in 1960. Early in the Cold war. Before ICBMs, the Cuban Missile Crisis, before Vietnam. Eisenhower was President. Laser new that year. Computers used tubes. Integrated circuits invented 1959.
“I’ll grant you they got a monopoly of brains. Not sense, though. “Intellectual snobs. I know the type and I detest it.”
Leiber is associated with swords and wizardry fantasy, but this is even better than Ill Met in Lankmar, which is no small feat.
“Every culture is a way of growth as well as a way of life, because the first law of life is growth.” ...more
Our fate is rolling in from the east and it will transform the entire climate, like another Ice Age.
An extraordinary literary event: the first-person Our fate is rolling in from the east and it will transform the entire climate, like another Ice Age.
An extraordinary literary event: the first-person report of the rape (literal and figurative) of Berlin in 1945. The journalist is an educated, well-traveled German woman who journaled her experiences in the two months from the Nazi defeat to the settling into the Allied occupation.
The women seem to have reached an unspoken agreement—all of a sudden no one is bringing up “that subject.”
While the circumstances of this journal coming to press are interesting, as the primary source it provides a window into that place and time and the sadly-too-common experience of women in conquered countries (including Russian women at the mercy of Nazi conquerors a few years before). She tells it straight as she experiences and reflects on her months of hunger, fear, and degradation. And the men blame the women for what the men did.
The widow told me she’s still having wild dreams of Russians. I haven’t had anything like that, probably because I’ve spewed everything onto paper.
While Marta Hillers is not universally accepted to be the author, the justification is explained. A literate, true report on the plight of conquered women. Includes many French quotes without translation, for which I fault Philip Bohem, the translator.
All I can do is touch my small circle and be a good friend. What’s left is just to wait for the end. Still, the dark and amazing adventure of life is beckoning. I’ll stick around, out of curiosity and because I enjoy breathing and stretching my healthy limbs.
I have to run around and look for some greens along the street curbs and stand in line for groats. I don’t have time for feeding my soul. ...more
Man’s remorseless and deadly foe was only—himself.
Humans in a post-apocalyptic future vie over possession and use of a trove of pre-apocalyptic resouMan’s remorseless and deadly foe was only—himself.
Humans in a post-apocalyptic future vie over possession and use of a trove of pre-apocalyptic resources. One of this SF/F master’s early novels: published in 1952. Young adult focus but well-developed and plotted. Protagonist is mid-twentieth century stereotypical but introspective enough to engage readers.
“So this is the excitement and glory of war! I’ll never believe a ballad singer again.”
Not-quite-four-stars but better than modern equivalents. Optimistic appraisal of humans surviving, competing, and occasionally cooperating. Numerous typographical errors—perhaps induced by OCR scanning; Open Road Media should invest in proofreaders.
“Peace is kept by the good will and strength of the peaceful.” ...more
Hatred of the murderers crowded out fear and grief alike. Hatred focused so sharply on the thing which pursued her ship that it seemed the steel must Hatred of the murderers crowded out fear and grief alike. Hatred focused so sharply on the thing which pursued her ship that it seemed the steel must melt.
Writing in the early 1960s, Anderson develops a more engaging, plausible tale than current SF authors. Two challenges interweave. His failure to anticipate the coming digital and solid-state revolution dates the book but doesn’t make him unusual.
They could be anywhere among a couple hundred billion stars. How can we get word to them?
Simultaneously I was reading Stars and Bones. a contemporary post-Apocalyptic novel with a similar approach. Anderson wins. The story and storytelling are direct and well-paced. In retrospect humorous that so many characters smoke on space craft.
‘In the Seven Classics of Voyen, one may read, “Many desperations do not equal one hope.”’ ...more
‘We’d wanted adventure, excitement, and really wild things… and we’d received them in abundance. Just not in the way we’d hoped.’
Central plot borrowe‘We’d wanted adventure, excitement, and really wild things… and we’d received them in abundance. Just not in the way we’d hoped.’
Central plot borrowed from a Star Trek movie. Too-stupid-to-survive humans contact inimical aliens with inevitable results. Things get worse. The usual sophomoric misapplications of basic physics and economics. Good, if obvious setup for feel-good ending.
“We’re a team, and if you think I’m going to let you walk in there alone, you’re even crazier than you look.”
Simultaneously I was reading After DoomsdayAfter Doomsday, 1962 Poul Anderson post-Apocalyptic novel. Powell sure makes Anderson look good.
“What do you think I should I do?” “You’re seriously going to ask dating advice from an unneutered tomcat?” “Oh god, I am, aren’t I?
The rating started as a solid four stars; now three would be a gift. Had I known the extent of profanity I wouldn’t have started, let alone finish, this book. One character knows no other adjective than f---ing. Even the computer curses.
“They have no poetry in their souls.” “That, they do not. Also, no souls.”...more
Having to step into this new role made her teeth ache.
A steampunk fantasy dystopia where only a single compendium of knowledge is allowed; divergent vHaving to step into this new role made her teeth ache.
A steampunk fantasy dystopia where only a single compendium of knowledge is allowed; divergent voices outlawed. Limited time travel must be understood before it can be exploited. Main characters in conflict.
But while he’d been a student, [redacted] had read several adventure novels in the library. He knew now that he only needed one good chance, and everything could turn right around.
More action in the cover art than the entire story. Well told but unengaging. The ending was completely foreshadowed and a bit flat. Wilde can and has done better.
If she’d learned nothing from antiquity, it was this: the hardest changes to see are those happening all around you, until it’s too late.
Naïve economic and political perception but typical for modern fantasy. “Perhaps there was a future without an economy that did not rely upon scarcity.”
That [redacted] could travel back in time, but only to learn how to change the present, was a sharp, cold fact....more
“Godslayer, huh.” His mouth bleeds into a half smile. “I always knew you were the crazy one in the girl gang.” Excellent story; excellent storytelling.“Godslayer, huh.” His mouth bleeds into a half smile. “I always knew you were the crazy one in the girl gang.” Excellent story; excellent storytelling. Roanhorse continues her saga woven with Navajo language, culture, and lore in a post-apocalyptic Dinétah, approximately a hundred years in the future. The geography is based on the American Southwest after the Big Water, a series of cataclysms including California sliding into the Pacific. People live as best they can on the remnants, using their clan powers to aid or oppose each other and spiritual deities, including the Diyin Dine’e. I open my mouth to remind him of her clan powers, but I shut it when I see the look on his face. Why ruin his familial pride with a few pesky supernatural facts? Maggie is totally believable in a speculative fiction way, which is way over the top. The genesis and inner dynamics of her gang of girls adds to her and their depth. Gratuitous profanity cost Ronan a star. Yes, that’s who Maggie and company are, but beyond establishing character, it dulls the edge which it presumably was meant to whet. “You know, I grew up in the church, but I’m not sure I believe in all that sin stuff.” “I have to believe, because if I don’t, then there’s no chance of forgiveness. It’s the only hope I have.” Mechanics: Roanhorse reveals that she wrote Storm before publishing Trail of Lightning. Assures continuity. Pace and timing propel the reader onward. Kudos to Tommy Arnold for the cover illustration. “I’ve got issues, if you haven’t notice.” “Oh, I noticed.” “Thanks.” ...more
'I was on the brink of a world that contained so much more than I ever knew, and everything was terror. Then everything was wonder.'
Excellent science'I was on the brink of a world that contained so much more than I ever knew, and everything was terror. Then everything was wonder.'
Excellent science fiction coming-of-age tale set in a dystopic world which seems to reject its human inhabitants. Handry isn’t quite ready to become an adult member of his community when he finds himself thrust from it. His savior may be worse than what he was saved from. Plenty of social commentary.
'The revelation shook me. Sharskin and the ghosts were no different, save in who benefitted.'
Self-depreciating narrator still manages to be unreliable, ala Holden Caulfield (but without the trash talk). Though told in retrospect, Handry doesn’t spill the beans too soon—allowing attentive readers to figure out what’s going on for themselves. Good job.
'It is a great poison, to know you have a destiny and that everything you do is right by default.' ...more
Almost gave up after the first thirty pages; glad I stuck with it. Good coming-of-age tale about a settled city pers“You believe everything you read?”
Almost gave up after the first thirty pages; glad I stuck with it. Good coming-of-age tale about a settled city person thrust into the wilderness. This story is more than it seems. Yes, it’s the agenda-driven stuff claimed in the blurb, but it’s potentially more.
“Awful worldly for a colt. What’s at the end of that road, then, world traveler?” “Nothing but trouble.”
Quibbles: Correctly identifies the dangers of slow travel in the desert southwest, then ignores them. Serious issues with how far and fast horses can travel, especially pulling a loaded wagon. Stumbles over her own contrived pronouns occasionally.
"She had seen a man decide that she deserved to die, and she had killed him for it."
Gailey must decide whether she’s wants to serious, challenging fiction or disappear in the sea of pulp writers.
“Dead as shoe leather, and fixing to stay that way.” “I should feel worse about it. Shouldn’t I?” “You will.”
“You might have saved my friend. But I do not trust you.” “When you begin to trust, the friendship the world has spun for us will be put in motion.”
A “You might have saved my friend. But I do not trust you.” “When you begin to trust, the friendship the world has spun for us will be put in motion.”
A good-hearted if naïve coming of age science fiction set is a far future dystopic “Erth.” Stereotypical characters act in the expected ways. Predictable but well-developed plot arc--teens against the big bad guys trying to save the world.
Antiquity lowered the knife. “Why you not ending me?” the golem implored. “I not real.” “You are real enough,” Antiquity said, decision made. “Besides, you are about the only family I have left.”
Antiquity will appeal to some readers as a plucky female lead. Other will be irritated by her Mary Sue ability to shed each adversity almost as soon as it manifests.
“Do you see what’s down there, Chekker? Are your sensors shot? Look!” “I do. I see trouble.” “Trouble finds me all by itself, you old bot!”
Indestructible robot sidekick, enemies turned allies, and enigmatic ancient advisor. Who needs light sabers when you have dragons?
Be the change of the moment,” the old woman said. “My love for you would be remiss if I did not prepare you for the world such as it is, not the world we wish it would be. And that world is coming for us even as we speak.” ...more
“By the end of the century, should our population continue to increase at the same rate, this country will need more than 100 per cent of the world’s “By the end of the century, should our population continue to increase at the same rate, this country will need more than 100 per cent of the world’s resources to maintain our current living standards.”
Cutting-edge social commentary then. On the bandwagon bleating about over population and over consumption, followed by a huge die off. So incorrect as to be ironic. By 1973 they rewrote the plot for the movie Soylent Green because the over-population red shirt had worn thin.
“You know well enough that birth control has nothing to do with killing babies. In fact it saves them.” No unwanted children, they promised.
Not a bad story. It only drags when one of Harrison’s hand puppets sermonizes.
“The Loop? Absolutely foolproof and safe and harmless and all the rest.” Propaganda. Loops are very effective for about five years, if you ignore menstrual problems, perforation, expulsion, and ovarian cysts, and pelvic inflammatory disease.
Since Malthus, we’ve known the danger of making linear, or worse exponential, projections, but we keep doing it. Harrison, the Club of Rome, and The Population Bomb all wailed doomed. It hasn’t happened, though it still could.
“Whiskey. There was almost none being made now because of the grain shortage and each year the stored supplies grew smaller and the price increased.” Even if Harrison doesn’t understand supply and demand, he should remember the history of Prohibition. “Couldn’t they just hire more policemen?” “With what? There’s no money in the city budget, almost all of it goes for Welfare.”
If, with a population of 35 million in 1999, “the New York City averaged seven murders a day,” that’s low. Especially factoring in a heat wave, drought, and collapse of the economy. (Speaking of which, shouldn’t inflation have been through the roof?)
“They never baptize the kids until after they are a year old because most of them are dead by that time and baptisms cost a lot of money.” Anti-Catholic untruth.
Technological howlers abound, though Harrison does a better at projecting the near future than many more famous science fiction authors. The electronic revolution of the past fifty years, if forecast in 1969, would have met skepticism. “I can’t get the tube, so I get a couple transistors and breadboard up a circuit that will do the same job. It’s not easy, I tell you.” It was/is.
“They’re going to be damn unhappy when the world doesn’t come to an end at midnight ….” “We’ll be a lot unhappier if it does.” ...more
“So long as you keep on pretending that money is anything but a consensus hallucination induced by the ruling elite to convince you to let them hoard “So long as you keep on pretending that money is anything but a consensus hallucination induced by the ruling elite to convince you to let them hoard the best stuff, you’ll never make a difference. Money only works if there isn’t enough to go around. (Weimar Germany tried to print “enough to go around” in the 1930s. Didn’t work.)
Wanted to like this more. Doctorow obviously worked hard on creating a gripping, convincing story. Convincing? Oh yes, because this is a 400-page infomercial on socialism.
“Sci-fi and fantasy are two sides of the same coin.”
Science fantasy. Not because of magic or elves, but the fairy tale that you can wish away limited resources and human nature. A post-apocalyptic utopia about building a better world, as realistic as Star Trekkian replicators, artificial gravity, and warp drives. But utopias are good for all of us.
“The plural of anecdote is not fact.”
About that assumed plentitude of resources, even socialists understand that human history has always been about limited resources and unlimited wants, even when it seems like resources ought to be unlimited. Where did the feedstock, servers, processing, power come from? An eggbeater on the roof? The garbage pile? In your dreams. Entropy and friction assure that almost every process takes more energy and materials than it outputs. “There is only so much electromagnetic spectrum in the universe.” That’s not all that’s limited.
“We’re not making a world without greed, Jacob. We’re making a world where greed is a perversion.” ...more
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