Reviews and Comments

Overall, this was a pretty interesting book. A Ringworld would be incredible to behold and live in. While this novel is just the introduction to this world, it does a good job at selling the wonders and dangers of it. Plot-wise and character-wise it's not particularly noteworthy, but I think this is the type of book you read just for the setting. Maybe the other books in the series drive up the story, but even if they only explore the Ringworld and it's mysteries, that might be enough.

See my full review on my blog: strakul.blogspot.com/2018/05/book-review-ringworld-by-larry-niven.html

I can see why this is a well-regarded book. Its strengths, like many classic science fiction novels, is in the setting, in the way alien ideas are presented in a way that reflects modern life today. This is a story of making an alien culture feel more human than our own. I was left wondering if a society like theirs could somehow improve upon the ills of our own world or if it would only make things worse. While I didn't care much for the slow plot and the cast of characters, I was impressed by the philosophical implications of their society and I'm sure it's the sort of thing I will think of for years to come.

See my full review at my blog: strakul.blogspot.com/2018/04/book-review-left-hand-of-darkness-by.html

This was a fascinating short read. It can be finished in an hour or two and you can even find a free preview of it at Tor. I'm always a fan of world building but frequently forget that while other species and distant planets are fine, there are plenty of exciting peoples here on Earth too. Binti is indisputably human and a hero with intriguing talents and an exotic culture that makes her that much cooler. I'm curious to learn more about her story and wonder what the other two books in the series are about.

You can find my full review over at my blog: strakul.blogspot.com/2018/02/book-review-binti-by-nnedi-okorafor.html

I'm sad to say I was a bit let down in this book of the series. Maybe I over-hyped my memory for the past books or maybe I've just been reading too many good books recently, but I felt it fell far short of what I remembered from the past. The characters are still there, though I didn't feel they were as outstanding on this novel. Plot wise the book felt incomplete; clearly setting up for the next installment. I still intend to finish the 5-book series, though, since I have hopes that the latter two novels will be as good as the first two.

For my full review, check out my blog: strakul.blogspot.com/2018/02/book-review-tyrants-law-by-daniel.html

This is a worthy addition to The Stormlight Archive series. It has everything you could love about the prior books and so much more. Despite the odd pacing at the start, it quickly picks up and delivers the frenzied pace we have come to expect from Sanderson. I'll eagerly await the continuation of this saga in the years to come.

For a full review, check out my blog: strakul.blogspot.com/2017/12/book-review-oathbringer-by-brandon.html

A nice, short novella on one of the cool side characters introduced in Words of Radiance. I wish it were longer, but I'm sure Oathbringer will be satisfying enough in terms of length.

A full review will be up later on my blog: strakul.blogspot.com/

Brandon Sanderson has achieved another epic masterpiece with Words of Radiance. The 2nd book of The Stormlight Archive series is thoroughly enjoyable. You do need to have read the prior book to understand what's going on, but it is totally worth it. Words of Radiance continues where it left off with some of the same strong characters, plot, and magical settings. I sincerely hope that Sanderson dedicates more of his time to growing these series. I wouldn't mind a longer wait for the second Mistborn trilogy if we get more Stormlight books!

Read my full review on my blog: strakul.blogspot.com/2014/03/book-review-words-of-radiance-by.html

Wow! What an awesome book! I finished it and wanted to immediately re-read it.

This is an incredible book and likely among the best I've read this year. I strongly recommend The Broken Earth trilogy as the best that N.K. Jemisin has to offer thus far. Not only does it have an engaging plot, interesting narrative style, amazing setting, and intriguing characters, it also delves into deeper themes that are timeless and relevant for everyone. How do we protect those weaker than us while striving for advancement? How do we deal with our fear of those different from us? How do we respond to those that hate us? What does it mean to be part of a family? What does it mean to be human? This and so much more makes The Broken Earth trilogy a masterpiece of modern science fiction and fantasy.

For my full review, check out my blog: strakul.blogspot.com/2017/09/book-review-stone-sky-by-nk-jemisin.html

Like most of Guy Gavriel Kay's work, this book keeps you thinking deep thoughts. In this case, I wonder at the nature of history and legends and how individuals make ripples that bring lasting change to countless others. It is a beautiful book, tinged with sadness and regret. This book is about the Kitai Empire, modeled after China during its Song Dynasty, with its decadent lifestyle and the troubles that befall it. While the characters are decent, they are overshadowed by the idea of Kitai and end up like pawns in a great game whose actions are drops in the coming waterfall. Regardless, I enjoyed reading of their lives and cheered them on as they faced insurmountable odds.

For my full review, check out my blog: strakul.blogspot.com/2017/08/book-review-river-of-stars-by-guy.html

This was a great book; I'm glad I finally got around to reading it. The setting, with it's mix of fantasy, science fiction, mysticism, Hinduism, and Buddhism, is exceptionally clever and well written. The characters and plot are likewise engaging; you really feel like the main character, Sam, is a figure out of legend. I can certainly see why this is an often-cited book among the science fiction community.

For a full review, check out my blog: strakul.blogspot.com/2017/06/book-review-lord-of-light-by-roger.html

This was an enjoyable, light read. The premise is very interesting and the humor and story telling are great. The characters are a bit bland, but engaging in their own right- you'll certainly be cheering for the good guys. Overall, this was pretty good book and I would recommend it for people looking for a quick read and lighthearted sci-fi fun. Bear in mind, that this appears to be the first of a series: the stage is set for subsequent books, which I hope Scalzi writes to fully explore the universe he has created!

For my full review, check out my blog: strakul.blogspot.com/2017/05/book-review-collapsing-empire-by-john.html

This book was just as good as the first one, which was excellent. We continue the story where we left off and learn a lot more about the world, orogeny, the Seasons, and some of the characters. While the characters are still great, it feels much smaller in scope as we spend practically all the book with either Essun or Nassun. The setting is fantastic and the plot is still pretty good, though it feels a bit slower or more confined than its predecessor. Regardless, The Obelisk Gate is a top notch book and a must-read.

For my full review, check out my blog: strakul.blogspot.com/2017/01/book-review-obelisk-gate-by-nk-jemisin.html

This was a very enjoyable book and very approachable despite being so long since I read the prior book, Leviathan Wakes. The setting is cool, as it's futuristic space-based but with plenty of realism. Characters and plot are decent as well and keep the story moving at a fast pace. It's a solid book in The Expanse series and sets the stage for future events in the series.

For my full review, check out my blog: strakul.blogspot.com/2017/01/book-review-calibans-war-by-james-s.html