Reading in Science Fiction, August 2020

Hobbit

Hobbit

Cat Wrangler and Reader
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Jul 16, 2001
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And so to August.... still in semi-lockdown here, though there has been some easing. Weird to think what life was like 5-6 months ago.

BUT: as I type this, we're about an hour away from the announcement of this year's Hugo Awards - all done virtually! In my opinion, it's an amazing achievement, especially given the time to turn it around. (You may still be able to catch a livestream, btw, HERE if you're quick.) But what an indication of how things have changed globally.

Anyway - the usual message here - it is in these strange and uncertain times that perhaps you telling us about what you've been reading in Science Fiction this month is important. Communication on such matters means that you may feel less alone. Remember, good or bad, we still want to know what you think.

Continue to stay safe and stay well.

Mark
 
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I read Axiom's End the debut novel by Lindsay Ellis. Cora's father is a whistle-blower on the US government, in particular on the cover-up of the alien presence that's been on Earth for years. When Cora becomes in contact with one of the aliens (called Ampersand, an arbitrary name by the government), she becomes the only human who can communicate with them, leading to a culmination that could affect Earth's future.

This novel was quite an interesting and detailed exploration of an alien species; their social structure, biological make up, and in particular their communication methods and the barriers needed to overcome something so different. The author does a good job of portraying these "post-natural" beings that are very different to us, not only in appearance but in their actions, and how simple things like reading facial expressions can be subjective.

It also strongly raises issues of government cover ups and whether the public should know the full truth, and humanity's tendency to make decisions for political reasons first - before moral reasons or what is "right".

As the story progresses, it becomes much more about the relationship between Cora and Ampersand - I found some aspects of this a bit unrealistic, but the author gets the message across that the boundaries of race, and in this case species, can be overcome. I also found that most of the story was set in the one region in the U.S. - and this, in combination with how much of the book was just between Cora and Ampersand, made me feel as if there was potential to open the story up into something bigger.

But on the whole a very readable, quite original, first contact story, with an ending that is quite neat and not unexpected (and reads like a stand-alone, even though it looks to be the first in a series).
 
Weirdly, this was one Titan Books haven't sent me this year, which is strange because it sounds like one I might be interested in! Thanks, Westy.
 
I popped in here to post that I'm currently reading Axiom's End and to give a mini blurb about it.
Westy has saved me the trouble!
 
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Westy said:
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I read Axiom's End the debut novel by Lindsay Ellis. Cora's father is a whistle-blower on the US government, in particular on the cover-up of the alien presence that's been on Earth for years. When Cora becomes in contact with one of the aliens (called Ampersand, an arbitrary name by the government), she becomes the only human who can communicate with them, leading to a culmination that could affect Earth's future.

This novel was quite an interesting and detailed exploration of an alien species; their social structure, biological make up, and in particular their communication methods and the barriers needed to overcome something so different. The author does a good job of portraying these "post-natural" beings that are very different to us, not only in appearance but in their actions, and how simple things like reading facial expressions can be subjective.

It also strongly raises issues of government cover ups and whether the public should know the full truth, and humanity's tendency to make decisions for political reasons first - before moral reasons or what is "right".

As the story progresses, it becomes much more about the relationship between Cora and Ampersand - I found some aspects of this a bit unrealistic, but the author gets the message across that the boundaries of race, and in this case species, can be overcome. I also found that most of the story was set in the one region in the U.S. - and this, in combination with how much of the book was just between Cora and Ampersand, made me feel as if there was potential to open the story up into something bigger.

But on the whole a very readable, quite original, first contact story, with an ending that is quite neat and not unexpected (and reads like a stand-alone, even though it looks to be the first in a series).
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I don't like Lindsay Ellis, so I won't bother.
The book's blurb begins with "Truth is a human right." That's a pretty revolting statement coming from a wokester. Barf me out. Gag me with a spoon!
 
About half way through Eon by Greg Bear, which I had thought I'd read ages ago, but it became quickly apparent that I hadn't :rolleyes:. I'm enjoying it very much so far - some interesting concepts.

Also un-dnf'd Children of Ruin by Adrian Tchaikovsky and now almost finished. Still struggling, to be honest - it seems a lot longer than it really is, at least to me.
 
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Over the weekend I read The Crystal World by J.G. Ballard - Dr Edward Sanders, who specialises in treating leprosy, travels to a small outpost in Africa, searching for a lost acquaintance. The search becomes more difficult as the forest begins a transformative process into crystals, and a travel partner is hunted by a local mine owner.

The main positive of the novel was plenty of vivid and detailed descriptions of the strange forest that's constantly changing, turning stationery (or too slow) objects into colourful crystalline constructions.

But the characters themselves were fairly one-dimensional, and ultimately not a lot really happens, so for me this was a slightly above average read at best.
 
Read this as a serial in New Worlds for Galactic Journey last year.

It's odd, which is why I think it's memorable. Reading it in context, I see why it surprised readers at the time, but its not really my thing. At the time (1964-65) it was noticed because it was trying to do something different. The characters are not really the point, nor really is any idea of a plot, I believe. How New Wave!
 
Hobbit said:
At the time (1964-65) it was noticed because it was trying to do something different. The characters are not really the point, nor really is any idea of a plot, I believe. How New Wave!
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Definitely would have been unusual when it was published; seems like it would fit in the weird fiction category to a degree. Unfortunately not enough works to make it great (for me), though.
 
It's strange like that: now it's nothing special, and you wonder what the fuss is about, but then I could see it having quite a shock, especially when you look at what's around it in the same magazines. (LINK)
 
Starting Christopher Priest’s the Prestige whic I seem to have missed when it came out in 1996 rather uninteresting cover though.
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I really like this one, Windy. As long as you're aware that it is rare that anything that Chris's characters say or do is entirely true.... :)

It is also one of my youngest son's favourite movies - Christopher Nolan directing, Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman and even David Bowie in a cameo.... but I can't remember how close/similar it is to the book. (I think it is, but I could be wrong!) Recommended, though.
 
Just finished the two Weapon Shop novels for the first time in 40 years. (Combined edition.)
With all his stiffness and creaky psychology, Van Vogt does set an almost unparalled pace. A moment after saving the world/civilisation he's back at it with no transition one page later taking on another foe.
Sort of a waste compared to recent stuff, but vividly recalls my youthful reading pleasure.

About to retire to my porch to enjoy the cool breeze (finally) from Canada, via Lake Erie with a beer and The Quantum Magician. Reading it based on positive mention here.
Wonder how Belisauius will compare to Slippery Jim diGriz. ;)
 
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