Review: Dragon's Egg by Robert L. Forward

Dragon's Egg by Robert L. Forward

Summary
A neutrino star has made its way into our solar system, and on it live a race called the cheela. Because they move at the speed of neutrinos, a year of their life takes place in less than a minute of our time. This also means that their speed of evolution is incredible. From the time the humans notice the star, to our meeting with the cheela, and the brief time we talk to them, the evolution of the cheela is incredible. This book follows that evolution.

Commentary
Wow! Just, wow! What an incredibly thought provoking book. Each epoch of the cheela civilization is sketched in poignant vignettes, and we don't really stay with any one cheela for very long because we are spanning hundreds of millions of years in their evolution, but this journey is so great.

Forward manages to imbue each cheela we meet with just enough personality for a connection to be made as well as give us an overview how everything is changing even as the humans make their 'slow' way toward the inevitable meeting. It's tough to describe just how awesome this journey through time is. Imagine a time lapse video of a civilization in book form, but so much more poignant.

Now, there is quite a bit of science terminology at the beginning of the book, but for the most part if you don't understand, it doesn't matter for the story. Basically, don't let the fact that this is a hard sci-fi book stop you from enjoying the incredible journey it can take you on. Piece of advice though, the timestamps are very important for the story so pay attention to them.

Oh, also there is a sequel to this story, so even though this book is really awesome as a stand along, I will read the sequel at some point and post a review.

Star Rating: 5.0/5.0

For an explanation of the Star Rating go here.

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Review: The Name of the Wind (Kingkiller Chronicles #1)

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

Summary
This is the story of Kvothe who was a very bright and talented child. When an arcanist joined up with his parents' troupe, he discovers what he wants in life may lie in the learning of magic at the University. Follow this extraordinary journey through the backwaters, the deep forests, and big cities.

Commentary
When you first read the summary, you may think that this is a typical epic fantasy. In some ways, I have to admit, this is (there's lots of stew), but what Rothfuss brings to the table in this book is an absolutely great sense of humor and superb writing.

This is a tale of an unapologetic hero in the making who has an incredible habit of getting himself into trouble and making you laugh along the way. The pacing is perfect, the characters are perfect (minor exception of a female love interest who I really hated) , the plot is well an epic fantasy, and the frame of the story is perfect. You will finish this book saying "That, my friends, was storytelling."

In short, this was one of my favorite books of all time (I think this says a lot as the number of absolute favorites stands at about 30? out of the over 1400 books I've read). This book makes epic fantasy worth your time.

Star Rating: 5.0/5.0

For an explanation of the Star Rating go here.

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Review: Wild Magic (Immortals #1)

Wild Magic by Tamora Pierce

Tamora Pierce has been one of my favorite authors for many many years. Sadly, a lot of the new YA lovers have not met her yet. Her books are about strong women, which many of you profess to loving, so I feel it is my duty to introduce y'all to her. I'm starting with a book that isn't really the beginning, but it's where I started reading Tammy's work.

Summary
Daine has presented herself to Onua, the royal horse mistress, because she is in search of a job working with animals. To Onua, Daine's 'knack' with handling animals seems downright magical. As Daine journeys with Onua through Tortall, magical beasts from myths of old begin to appear, and Daine's abilities may be needed more than ever.

Commentary
This is one of my favorite books of all time in case you couldn't tell by the introduction I gave it. If you're expecting to read this for the romance though, don't because it's not a romance. This book is about empowerment. It's a journey from fearing to believing.

I love worldbuilding, and I believe it is the foundation of any speculative novel. Tammy's worldbuilding is wonderful. The novel starts out small with just the immediate surroundings of Daine, but then it builds and builds. You learn about the world as Daine goes from little back country village to the big Palace and its huge city. I love this kind of slow building that sneaks in details all over the place.

Guys and gals (probably more gals than guys but hey boys can enjoy this book too) I urge you to read this book because it is the wonderful start of a lovely series. Of course, you can also start with Alanna: The First Adventure because that is the beginning of all the Tortall books (there are quite a few now).

Star Rating: 5.0/5.0

For an explanation of the Star Rating go here.

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Review: Kushiel's Avatar (Kushiel's Legacy #3)

Kushiel's Avatar by Jacqueline Carey

*This is the last book in the Kushiel trilogy and the summary may have minor spoilers although I read this one before Kushiel's Chosen (book #2) and still greatly enjoyed both. Reviews of Kushiel's Dart (#1) and Kushiel's Chosen (#2)

Summary
Peace is a blessing, but for Phedre at least, peace doesn't last. Melisande's child, Imriel, is missing, and she asks Phedre to help her locate the child. Phedre reluctantly accepts, and the journey she must take to find Imriel will bring her through hell and heaven (in a sense).

Commentary
As with the previous two books, we are led through many landscapes as Phedre gets captured and flees her captors only to fall in with a different set of travelers. The imagery of these landscapes are wonderfully vivid and distinct in their flavors. Joscelin, of course, follows and protects in his ever conservative yet sexy way.

What I love about this book is how incredibly dark it gets in Dharsanga, which I will term 'hell.' This part of the book is NOT for the squeamish. You may have thought there were squeamish bits in the previous books, but the time we spend in hell trumps them all. Part of the measure of a book is how much emotion it can evoke, and this will elicit a very visceral reaction.

Another reason to love this book is how nicely it wraps up all the loose bits and character plots for the entire series of Phedre books. It's always nice to have an ending that does justice to the series so if you have started this series, definitely finish reading it!

Star Rating: 5.0/5.0

For an explanation of the Star Rating go here.

Review: The Hunger Games (Hunger Games #1)

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

So I said I would post a review of The Hunger Games because it was an excellent book (beginning of a trilogy actually), and here it is:

After much persuasion from a friend, I picked this book up to read. The cover is not all that great, and the author's other series was not particularly well known. What lay inside that uninspiring cover though was the first part of an excellent story. No wonder my friend was so adamant that I pick this up.

Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take part in a fight to the death, which is put on every year for the amusement of those living in the Capitol. The grueling fight to survive, the ever present government, and the stark contrast between those who were born lucky and those who weren't are some of the main elements which makes this such a thrilling ride.

You are lucky to be starting this now because all 3 books in this trilogy are out. This is another one of those break-out books that is an enjoyable read for readers of all ages despite being billed as young adult.


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Review: Old Man's War (Old Man's War #1) by John Scalzi

Old Man's War by John Scalzi

This is one of the few books/series with war as a prominent theme that I truly enjoy. Scalzi writes witty amusing characters, who are an absolute joy to read.

John Perry is old, and he is being recruited for war in outer space. In this first book, you get to learn about this new world where it's better to have old people fighting than young people. It's not your typical space opera especially with Scalzi at the helm.

The action is interspersed nicely with character development, and the depth, richness, and mild sarcasm of the author's imagination makes this book a great read.

If you like sci-fi, you should read this. If you don't like sci-fi, you still might find yourself enjoying this book.

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Review: Kushiel's Dart (Kushiels Legacy #1) by Jacqueling Carey

Kushiel's Dart (Kushiels Legacy #1) by Jacqueling Carey

I got this book originally as a present. I hadn't heard of the author nor the book before, and I wasn't sure it was going to be any good although the cover did promise sex if nothing else (which is did have in abundance). Once I cracked it open, however, I simply couldn't stop reading it.

Some may say that the author makes too much out of each gesture, but I love the shades of meaning she packs into each character's thoughts and actions. There is a sort of enchantment that the characters have, which makes me love them.

While the Carey does draw a lot of details of the different cultures from existing ones, it's a lot of fun to discover each "new" one through the eyes of Phedre (the main character).

Terre d'Ange is made magnificent and gorgeous through Carey's descriptions, and the political intrigue throughout the kingdom is great to follow.

Basically, I really loved this book. I think people who are into romantic fantasy should pick this one up. Do be forewarned, that there is S&M.

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Review: Little Brother by Cory Doctorow

Little Brother by Cory Doctorow

Dystopian present, alternate reality games, characters I can relate to, and a plot that's well written what's not to love? It is also somewhat alarming how easily this might take place today. It almost seems cyberpunk, but it's not extended into the future enough perhaps to be called cyberpunk.

The main characters are your slightly anti-authority pretty intelligent kids, who are caught up in a plausible scenario with the US government. What happens to them and their quest to fight back is just a great read. I think plenty of nerds/geeks will like this although the references in the book will become dated in a few years.

This is my first Cory Doctorow read, and I don't think it will be my last.

Star Rating: 5.0/5.0

For an explanation of the Star Rating go here.

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Review: The Warded Man by Peter V. Brett

The Warded Man by Peter V. Brett

Heart-wrenching, seat-clenching, and beautifully written. This is really a must read for epic fantasy lovers. The only thing that is in the same league as this, which I've read recently, is Name of the Wind. This may even slightly edge it out although that may be because I am still high on the adrenaline from this book.

The magic does not take center stage so much as the characters' stories magnify the mechanics the author has put in place. Despite there being quite a few characters, they are all distinctive enough to remember and add to the story.

It's not really what I expected and in many ways, so much more than I expected. I can't wait to read Desert Spear, and I lament the fact that the third book is still being written.

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Review: Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

Heist involving magic? YES! Plot to overthrow a ruler? YES! Combine for uber-ness.

The magic system is really interesting in this book, and I really enjoyed reading through all the intricacies. The character development is also excellent. The pacing was good... All in all I liked it a lot (hence the rating obviously). It's an epic fantasy type so it's definitely not one of those easy read type things, but definitely a good read.

A bonus is that the author has annotations on his website for every chapter (kind of like director's commentary except for the fact that it's a book). I definitely don't recommend reading the annotations until after you read the 3rd book since he keeps hinting at things in the 3rd book in the annotations.

Star Rating: 5.0/5.0

For an explanation of the Star Rating go here.

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