The Eye of the World

 Robert Jordan's near endless series "The Wheel of Time" starts here.  Though it is now common knowledge that the later books suffer from an obvious quality drop, the early works were, if nothing else, rather entertaining.

 Yeah the book has a pretty obvious pathing that resembles the Lord of the Rings, the female characters are largely identical to one another while simultaneousness serving as some of the most annoying individuals in fantasy-- but this flaw only becomes a major issue in later books when the females are given more focus.

 I originally read this series in the 90's, but sometime around the 8th or 9th book I quit.  Since then Brandon Sanderson has taken over, following the death of Jordan, and apparently done a rather good job of it.  So I'm slowly rereading the series, since I'd like to see Sanderson's works.  There is a 2-3 book gap between Jordan and Sanderson that I'm not sure entirely sure how I'm going to surmount.

 Anyway, don't read this expecting anything else other than entertainment.

9/10

Borders of Infinity

 Alright, here was the first sign of life from the Vorkasigan saga.  I had only gotten this far for two reasons.

1) The entire series was released for free(except memory)
2) My iPad could read it aloud while I worked

 Then I stumbled on Borders of Infinity.  This is a novella, not a full novel, but oh man is it a huge improvement over the previous stuff in this series.

 Miles is in a prison camp.  He is naked.  He plans to rescue everyone.

9.0/10

The Void Trilogy

  The Void Trilogy is really a sequel to Hamilton's earlier Commonwealth series and should be read only after reading those earlier books--starting with Pandora's Star.

 So it's 1500 years after the Starflyer War, and the Commonwealth is a very different entity from the rich mans paradise that existed in the previous novels.  Humanity has spread far into the galaxy, and in the process splintered into various factions, each with their own idea of how mankind should evolve.  Colony ships have passed beyond the known regions of space, but little to no contact has occurred between them and the remaining Commonwealth.

 One artifact that humanity has stumbled across is the Void, an expanding region of space which consumes all in its path. As it turns out the Void has existed for millions of years, with countless species encountering it, fearing it, and studying it so that they might stop its growth.  One species particular has devoted itself to the destruction of the Void, having launched a failed war against it millions of years past, and now guarding its borders so that none may enter.

Then a human named Indigo, while visiting the boundary of the Void, begins to dream of a world without technology, whose human inhabitants are able to shape the world around them with their thoughts. He shares his dream with Gaiafield, a sort of mental network for sharing feelings and experiences, and soon it is realized he is dreaming of a human population actually living within the Void.

 This sets off a series of events that eventually lead to a sizable portion of humanity deciding that they wish to enter the Void.  Most alien races are opposed, and the border guardians in particular have no intention of letting anyone enter, for it is believed that this would trigger a huge Void expansion-- eventually leading to the destruction of the entire galaxy if left unchecked.



  One thing of note about this series is that a significant chunk of it takes place within the Void, in what would traditionally be labeled a fantasy setting.  It tells the story of Indigo's dreams, for he dreams of a young man whose story is something of a heroes journey.  Probably something like 30-40% of the series is dedicated to this story.  It is very well done though, and does tie in nicely with the science fiction story taking place outside the Void.


 Overall I feel that this was a nice improvement over his first Commonwealth series(which was already excellent).  The pacing is much improved(particularly over Judas Unchained), and the characters are all interesting.  And yes, some old characters do make appearances, even the SI eventually shows up.

 9.2/10

The Commonwealth Saga

  This is a giant space opera by Peter Hamilton, although only two novels(Pandora's Star and Judas Unchained), each one packs near 1000 pages.

 The story builds, and builds, and keeps on building-- Hamilton describes a future humanity spread out among the stars via wormholes, with hundreds of inhabited worlds and immortality for any that can afford it.  Pretty depressing to still see such a capitalistic society.

 Yet for all the distance mankind has come from Earth, few aliens have been encountered, and none with any galaxy spanning civilization.

 Enter Dudley Bose, an astronomer watching the night sky, he records two distant stars as the suddenly go dark(On/Off star from Deepness in the Sky anyone?).  Scientists in the commonwealth decide that the only thing capable of causing such an event would be an advanced civilization-- leading to the decision to send a ship 1000 light years to investigate.


+Incredibly detailed galaxy, Hamilton creates many interesting worlds
+Plot that builds and builds, with strong control by Hamilton

-Juda's Unchained, the 2nd novel is weaker than Pandora's Star.  At times it devolves from space opera into much ado about police investigation.
-The ending is too drawn out



 9.0/10

The Farseer Trilogy

Robbin Hobbs first novels(at least under that name--she also published under the name "Megan Lindholm" though the storytelling is quite dissimilar ), and still some of her best.

 This trilogy consists of "Assassin's Apprentice", "Royal Assassin", and "Assassin's Quest", and is narrated by Fitz, a bastard son of the dead Prince Chivalry brought up in the stables of the King Shrewd.  Hobb is a master of characterization and she brings Fitz to life like few others could manage.

  Hobb gives those of royal lineage a name that indicates something of the characters nature hence the somewhat peculiar names.

 Fitz eventually enters training as an assassin for the King, and as his father was royal he inherits 'the Skill', one of the two magical systems Hobb employs, and so is also trained in its usage.

 Fitz also has something known as 'the Wit', an ability to bond with  animals.  The Wit is widely loathed, those possessing it are often persecuted.

 Fitz doesn't have many friends--a shop girl in the nearby town,  a wolf he bonds with, and the King's Fool who is strangely fascinated with him.

 Hobb is not afraid to do terrible things to her characters, and Fitz suffers deeply in her hands.  This is why the series works so well. A great example of a character driven story.

9.3/10

Gateway

 Pohl wrote lots of books(and still is actually), but if you are only going to read one, this is it.

 Gateway is a great little book about a man named Broadhead who wins the lottery, that is the lottery that sends you off to Gateway, a space station built to house and maintain the small alien space craft that were discovered here in our own solar system.
    Each alien craft can only fit a few people, lottery winners can volunteer for missions, launching into the unknown in a craft they don't fully understand, and hoping it isn't a one way ticket to nowhere.

 There are also segments where an older Broadhead  recounts his story to a robotic shrink named Sigfrid.

 A deft SF read, not the strongest on characterization, but doesn't weight you down with exposition so it works something akin Arthur C. Clark.

 Pohl's Blog: click

9.0/10

The Forest of Peldain

  I randomly picked this on up in a used book store years ago, had no idea who Barrington J. Bayley was, and it seems I wasn't alone as I've never seen anyone mention this book or much about this author.

 It is a short but enveloping book.  A man wanders out of the forest of Peldain, a forest long avoided for its denseness and danger, claiming that a secret kingdom lies in the center of the forest.

 As expedition is organized to enter the forest, and what follows is a terrific if short science fiction piece.

 The cover indicates that this is crap fantasy, but it isn't, more science fiction in nature.

 Must read if you can actually find a copy.

9.0/10

Marooned in Realtime

  "Marooned in Realtime" is the sequel to "The Peace War", also by Vernor Vinge.  It is not a direct sequel, as we are dealing with new characters, but it is set in the same world.

 This is actually a detective story, mixed in with Vinge's singularity concept, and using time travel(only forward though) as a means to a unique murder investigation.

 The world seen here is after-humans, there are no survives of a nuclear holocaust, just a few lost time travelers with no hope of return.

 Excellent read as are most of Vinge's books.

9.1/10

The Peace War

The Peace War is an early science fiction novel by Vernor Vinge, it deals with a future Earth where a new technology has changed the operation of the world.

 They are referred to as "bobbles", huge impenetrable spheres which can be erected wherever one wishes.  Some of the scientists involved in its creation use it to stop war, by bobbling all military bases and equipment around the world.

 The plot picks up many years after the initial bobbling occurred, in a world where warfare is largely eliminated, but innovation is quelled and society is stagnant.  The story follows an old man, one of the original scientists involved in the creation of the "bobbles", a young man he trains, and the rebellion against the Peacers(those who control the bobble machines).

 This is Vinge, so the novel is filled with ideas, plenty more than what I spoiled here.  A fine novel that is absolutely worth reading, especially as it leads into yet another fine Vinge novel, "Marooned in Real Time".

9.0/10

Ender's Game

 This book is the reason Orson Scott Card is a recognized name, it won him the Hugo and it is if nothing else, an
entertaining read.

 The story follows Ender a third child, and whose birth was only allowed because of his parents high IQ, as he is shipped off to battle school to be trained to fight the alien menace Earth faces.  Battle school is where the majority of the story transpires, with Ender having to learn to fend for himself, but also to lead his squad in battle.

 The book ends with a twist ending, which is probably what has made this novel somewhat enduring.  Card also wrote numerous sequels and related books, but none are as captivating as this first one.

 Ender is interesting to read about, and the book is quickly and deftly paced, I've encountered very few people who didn't enjoy this one.

9.1/10

The White Mountains

  This was one of the first science fiction novels I read, it is considered a YA novel but I think it works for all ages.

 It is the first novel in John Christopher's Tripods Trilogy, and is set on a future Earth that has long since been conquered by giant tripods.

 Humans live a medieval lifestyle, only interrupted when they are "capped", this occurs when they reach adulthood.   A tripod comes to their village, they are picked up by the tripod, and returned shortly with a new cap affixed to their skill.

 The narrator's name is Will, and he dreads his upcoming adulthood, for he has seen the behavioral changes that take place in those that are capped.  One day he meets a wandering old man, he tells him of a legend of a white mountain, where people live without interference by the Tripods.

 Will and his cousin Henry end up running away to avoid capping, and this novel covers their travels across a future Europe to the White Mountains.  They must avoid being captured, because if they are they will be capped.

 This is the start of a terrific story, forget Harry Potter, Narnia, or His Dark Materials,  this is a far more enjoyable YA series.

9.2/10

The Forever War

 The Forever War is Haldeman's classic novel of interstellar war,  and this one should not be missed.

  An elite group of soldiers is formed on Earth, conscripted into this group is Mandella, our narrator.  It is the not to distant future, and Earth has encountered a hostile alien race.  In response they form Mandella's squad-- with the best and brightest Earth has to offer, and send them out into the stars to wage war.

 There is an element of Vietnam to the war, and the story, and not suprisingly Haldeman served in Vietnam.  Eventually Mandella returns to Earth, but due to the effects of relativity, it is not the Earth he knew.  He doesn't belong, and once again he heads out into the stars for a second tour of duty.

 Read this shit

9.2/10

The Moon is a Harsh Mistress

 This is the story of a rebellion, and I consider it the best of Heinlein's many works.

 The narrator is Mannie, he's a technician born and raised on the Luna(which is used a sort of castaway location for the unwanted of Earth), and as the story begins he is assigned to fix a malfunctioning computer.  As it turns out the malfunction is that the computer has become self aware and developed a personality, this is of course ridiculous, but this is not a hard science fiction, more science lite.  Mannie names this computer "Mike", and they strike up a friendship.

 Soon enough Mike has Mannie running a few errands, others are brought in, and talk of rebellion against Earth begins. Mike is the brains behind the rebellion which soon consumes Luna.

 One thing many might find off-putting initially about this novel, is that it is not written in standard prose. It is in first person, from the perspective of Mannie, and Mannie writes in a very abbreviated style with a heavy accent. You do get used to it.

 Heinlein fills the story with ideas, and it is these ideas that make this novel his best.

9.3/10

The Red Wolf Conspiracy

 The Red Wolf Conspiracy is the debut novel of Robert Redick, and it is shockingly good.

 The story centers on two characters and the voyage of a mighty ship.

  The first character is Pavel a young lad who lost his family and his homeland, he now works as a cabin boy on board whatever ship he gets tossed on, and as the story begins he finds himself aboard the largest ship upon the seas, the Chathrand. Pavel does have one magical ability, he can instantly learn any language after only hearing it once.

 The other lead is Thasha, daughter to the general that destroyed Pavel's homeland, she boards the Chathrand with her father-- whose duty it is to see that Chathrand succeed in its mission; sail to the land of their enemy and seal a treaty of peace

 Redick populates the world with countless creative and fantastical creatures, pint sized humanoids, a talking mink, an abused rat.  The world building and writing are quite spectacular.  This is in no way typical fantasy.

 This is yet again the first of a series, but it seems safe to assume Redick knows what he's doing so I expect great results from the forthcoming sequels.

 A great novel.

9.2/10

The Warded Man

 The Warded Man is the debut novel of Peter V. Brett.  This is a very entertaining read, and although it does follow many of the traditions of fantasy their are some original aspects, especially the world itself.

  There are three characters which the story follows, but one receives an overwhelming focus, this is Arlen.

 The world is very important to the story here, but to explain it does constitute something of a spoiler.

Arlen is raised in a remote village, the villages only contact with the outside world is via an rare rider that braves the night to bring them supplies and letters.

 In Arlen's world demons rise at night, anyone caught outside is easy prey for the demons, and humans are slowly loosing ground against them.  Their only defense are wards which they inscribe around their homes, these wards prevent the demons from entering.  But if the ward is obscured or destroyed all defense is gone.

 In addition to Arlen the story also follows Leesha, a woman trained as a village healer, she is a solid character, not developed quite as much as Arlen, but possibly in the sequel?  The last character is Rojer, he's an entertainer/musician, but his character receives little attention, and as a result is the least interesting.

 A good entertaining read, the writing is solid if not spectacular, and Brett presents an exciting main character with Arlen, along with unique world.

 I am mildly fearful that any sequels might not hold up as well, but hoping Brett will surprise me.

9.0/10

The Name of the Wind

 The Name of the Wind was Patrick Rothfuss's debut novel, and it received all kinds of attention when it was released.  Numerous awards too.

 The story centers around Kvothe, and is primarily told in first person from his perspective, although there is a section at the begging written in third person.  As the story begins, Kvothe is an old man, and apparently regarded as a hero, or at least in his own mind.

  The initial section, written in third person is somewhat slow, but once Kvothe begins to recount the story of how he came to be a hero, everything picks up and the novel really shows its strength.
 We follow Kvothe from his days a street entertainer, to his time at a university, although as this is just the first of what is likely to be a trilogy, this novel doesn't go much past that.

 Kvothe is an entertaining narrator, a touch arrogant perhaps, but he seems more capable than most.

 As a single novel this is good read, although it lacks much in the way of conclusion, so until the rest of the story is available, it is hard to judge it fully.  The quality of the writing is fairly high, Rothfuss seems to have spent a great deal of time trimming and perfecting the prose.

9.1/10

The Lies of Locke Lamora

Scott Lynch's debut novel serves as damn fine entertainment.

 The Lies of Locke Lamora tells the story of Locke(who does bare some resemblance to the character Locke in the video game Final Fantasy 6).  We meet Locke as a youngster, he's a born thief and gets himself into a great deal of trouble.  He's eventually sold to a fellow by the name of Father Chains, where he and few other boys serve as apprentices.

 Soon the story moves to Locke's adult life, he has a crew now, and they are out to deprive the wealthy members of the city of their excess coin.  The crew ends up getting themself into serious trouble soon enough.

Lynch comes up with lots of clever pranks and scenarios, sometimes serious, sometimes funny, this is a pretty terrific novel, especially for a first time one.

9.1/10

The Arthurian Saga

I have to admit I never referred to this series as "The Arthurian Saga" growing up, but this is what it appears to be called now.  I am only reviewing the first three books, which form a trilogy.  This consists of  "The Crystal Cave", "The Hollow Hills", and "The Last Enchantment" by Mary Stewart.

 Someone gave me a copy of this series as a child, it took me a few years to get around to reading them, but once I did I loved these books.

 The narrator is Merlin, he tells the story of his life, starting from when he was just a boy.  This is really the story of Merlin, not the story of Arthur.  Arthur does not even exist until the second book, and even then he is still mostly a child.

 Merlin grows up a bastard, living in a minor kingdom where his mother is Queen and married to a man that it not his father.  The story follows his education at the hands a hermit, who Merlin discovers living in a cave not far from his mothers keep.  Later this crystal cave serves as sort of home base for Merlin, he continually returns to it throughout his life.

 Merlin is a very well developed character in the hands of Mary Stewart, she knows how to craft a character and does it expertly here.

 There is very little, almost no magic in this series, and what little "magic" exists could be interpret as just being some inner eye/mind Merlin posses and which he chooses to listen to.

 The series is terrific through the first two books, but I do feel that the third one suffers somewhat.  Merlin is very old by the second half of the third novel, and I felt it negatively effected the story.

 There is a fourth novel of sorts, but Merlin is not the narrator, and the quality is low compared to this masterful work, so reading it is by no means necessary.

9.3/10

Mistborn

 The Mistborn series consists of three books by Brandon Sanderson, "Mistborn", "The Well of Ascension", and "The Hero of Ages".

 It does has some traditional fantasy tropes, but it is not entirely a traditional fantasy novel.

 The main character, Vin, is a young girl who grew up on the streets of the Final Empire, an empire controlled by a man known as the Lord Ruler.  The Lord Ruler was once, long ago the hero of his people, but now he is an immortal force controlling them.  Vin is half Ska and half Noble, the Ska are those without power, many live virtually as slaves, and are often used and disposed of at whim.

 In this world there are powerful individuals known as Allomancers, possessing the ability to ingest special metals which temporary give them magical powers.  Sanderson creates a variety of original magical abilities, many of which require a degree of skill to use, this is not your typical magic bolt or ball of fire type stuff.

 Vin soon runs into the crew of Kelsier, known as "the survivor", because he escaped from a work-pit where people are sent to die.  This crew takes an assignment to overthrow the Lord Ruler, and what follows from that consumes the first book.

  Now to some problems.  Sanderson seems to have issues with dialog--it crops up in most of his works( except "The Way of Kings" which shows marked improvement).  On occasion dialog will seem forced, as if characters are mealy saying what they need to say in order to move the plot along, not because it is what they would naturally say.
  Another quibble is that Sanderson's world is G rated, some might say a-bit too disney.  This is noticeable in most of his works, though I'm hoping his Way of Kings series will to suffer less of it as it progresses.
  Some may be more bothered by these issues than others, I was mostly able to overlook them on account of how entertaining the novels are.



  I feel that the first book is the strongest, Sanderson takes the story in a very different direction with the second and third books. Saying where it goes would spoil it, but while it is original and these follow-ups are still very entertaining, they don't stand as strong.

9/10