What’s to be said about Jack Vance that hasn’t already been said? The man is simply one of the most imaginative writers of the 20th century. His sci-fi fantasy styled adventures are deceptively simple, but the complexity of being human hides just below the surface, rearing its head in profound fashion in the middle of all the humor and fun. Vance’s 1966 The Blue World is no different.
Our hero, Sklar Hast, is an assistant hoodwink living on Tranque Float.
February 6th, 2014. Jesse Hudson´s rating: 4 | Jack Vance | Stand-Alone | SFF Reviews | 1 comment |
The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert A. Heinlein
“Sometimes I think that government is an inescapable disease of human beings. But it may be possible to keep it small, and starved, and inoffensive.”
It’s the year 2075. The Earth, which has a worldwide government of Federated Nations, sends its criminals and exiles to the moon where they won’t bother anyone on Earth. The “Loonies” are governed by wardens who require them to grow hydroponic grain which is sent back to Earth. This has been going on for over a century,
April 3rd, 2013. Kat Hooper and Stuart Starosta | Robert A. Heinlein | Audio, Hugo Award, Stand-Alone | SFF Reviews | 4 comments |
The Green Brain by Frank Herbert
The Green Brain is one of the novels that Frank Herbert published following the release of Dune. It was first published as a novelette under the title Greenslaves in Amazing Stories in 1965. Apparently the title is a reference to the English folk song Greensleeves. It was released as a novel by Ace Books in 1966. My copy is one in a series of four Frank Herbert titles reissued by Tor in 2002,
June 27th, 2012. Rob Weber | Frank Herbert | Stand-Alone | SFF Reviews | 2 comments |
This Immortal by Roger Zelazny
The Earth has been mostly depopulated as humans have discovered more sophisticated and comfortable cultures elsewhere in the universe. Much of its infrastructure was destroyed during “The Three Days,” and most of the mainland areas are still “hot.” Genetic mutations have caused the birth of creatures previously thought to be only myth. Now Earth is a strange and dangerous place, fit only as a tourist attraction and a vacation spot for the Vegans.
But some people still love Earth, including long-lived Conrad Nomikos, Commissioner for the Arts.
October 8th, 2010. Kat Hooper and Stuart Starosta´s rating: 5 | Roger Zelazny | Audio, Hugo Award, Stand-Alone | SFF Reviews | no comments |
The Witches of Karres by James H. Schmitz
The Witches of Karres by James Schmitz is classic, old school science fantasy. Originally published in 1966, this is the story of Captain Pausert of Nikkeldepain, who rescues three young slaves on a foreign world only to find that they are actually three witches from the interdicted planet of Karres. With magical abilities to see the future, teleport objects over long distances, and destroy objects with just a whistle, these three young ladies turn Pausert’s life completely upside down.
May 20th, 2010. Ruth Arnell´s rating: 5 | James H. Schmitz | Stand-Alone | SFF Reviews | no comments |
What a fascinating exploration of Edwige Fenech's contributions to the giallo genre! I love how the post highlights her unique…
Pretty challenging book. Cut by half, speed up the cadence. Trying to figure out the plot, the main point of…
Thanks for the kind words, Marion! Coming as they are from a professional writer, they are much appreciated!
Wonderful review, Sandy.
The "body count" bothered me a bit less because being dead seemed more like an inconvenience than anything else... unlike…