Colors of Space, The by Marion Zimmer Bradley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
One of the things I’ve been doing recently is seeking out older works by well known writers, checking in on roots and seeing where they came from. Latest in the effort is one of Marion Zimmer Bradley‘s early works (her fourth novel). Continue reading “Review: The Colors of Space”
The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Seems like I’ve been on a Jules Verne kick lately, slowly working my way through the classics. I’d heard about Mysterious Island before, and seen several of the films, but like watching the movie version of Around the World in 80 Days, the book is very much different! Continue reading “Review: The Mysterious Island”
Monster by A. Lee Martinez
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is my third A. Lee Martinez book and I must say, I’m liking his stuff. This one is a little more serious than the other two I’ve read,, but all of his works have a certain… humanity… to them – regardless of the fact the characters aren’t always, or even often, human. In this one, at least two of the main characters are, nominally, human so that’s okay. And another is a paper gnome from another dimension (a really great creation, by the by). Continue reading “Review: Monster”
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
You know, I’m not sure if I’d ever actually read this before. I think I must have because I remember the hammerhead people (and where were they in the recent Oz film?) but I certainly didn’t remember it the same way it was. Like most people, I figure I’m tainted by the iconic 1939 film because the book, while containing most of the same elements as the movie, has much more (and actually, some less). Continue reading “Review: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This isn’t so much a story as a cautionary tale of what will happen if America (any country, really) lets religion control its politics. There’s not much in the way of plot and smarter people than I have spent a lot more time than I writing about all the allusions and metaphors. I’m glad I read it, finally, though. I’ll be honest, I hadn’t read it because I have a grudge against Margaret Atwood. It’s a personal thing, they way she denounces science fiction and then explains that what she writes is “speculative fiction” because hers doesn’t have space ships in it. I call BS on that.
It’s also interesting in that I’ve recently been on a Dystopian Literature kick and I’m fascinated by the wholesale stealing of ideas from Brave New World to this and This Perfect Day. In the end, though, I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed Claire Danes interpretation of it as well. With audio books, the narrator can save a bad one or kill a good one, but in this case, I think Ms. Danes did a great job.
Sandman Slim by Richard Kadrey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Not a bad entry in the modern magic noir genre, but not a great one either. It’s serviceable. That said, there’s a lot of moments where we as reader need to know something which is conveniently told to us in the form of clunky exposition just before we need to know it.
It’s the first of a series, and I can see how it can be a continuing story, but not sure I want to keep up with the characters.
The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Honestly had no idea how humorous this book was. It’s creepy, sure, but it’s also quite funny. I mean seriously, the Phantom refers to himself as “The Opera Ghost.” Also, the “OG” as he’s known, really is quite the superman. There’s nothing he can’t do. All in all, a fun read, but I think it’s certainly a bit of its time. Interesting to see how it’s been adapted.
Getting the Hang of Thursdays 