Reviews and Comments

This was an excellent book. I can count it among the masterpieces of modern science fiction. The story has elements similar to that of other science fiction stories, such as [b:Nightfall and Other Stories|70771|Nightfall and Other Stories|Isaac Asimov|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1297455226s/70771.jpg|26652722] by Isaac Asimov, [b:Childhood's End|414999|Childhood's End|Arthur C. Clarke|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320552628s/414999.jpg|209414] and [b:Rendezvous with Rama|112537|Rendezvous with Rama (Rama, #1)|Arthur C. Clarke|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1405456427s/112537.jpg|1882772] by Arthur C. Clarke, and [b:Anathem|2845024|Anathem|Neal Stephenson|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1436598125s/2845024.jpg|6163095] by Neal Stephenson. It is important to stress that this is a hard science fiction novel. Generally, hard sci-fi stories focus strongly on the premise of the story (the idea) rather than characters or plot, so approach the story with that in mind. While it is technically part of a trilogy, the story stands extremely well on it's own. Of course, I'll be paying attention for more translated works of Liu Cixin.

For my full review, see my blog at strakul.blogspot.com/2015/07/book-review-three-body-problem-by-liu.html

This was a great Discworld novel and I highly recommend it for newcomers to the series. The best part of the book is probably the character Death, who is very unique and surprising in this universe. The plot moves along quickly as well, making this a short, enjoyable read.

For my full review, check out my blog: strakul.blogspot.com/2015/05/book-review-mort-by-terry-pratchett.html

Sanderson is one of my favorite authors and he has yet to disappoint me. This is another great story featuring excellent characters with both fast-paced action and slow moments to ponder the mysteries of the world. Despite the fact that I usually don't enjoy straight up superhero stories, the Reckoners series is quickly becoming an excellent set of books to read. Maybe it's the fact the superhero story has been turned upside down, or the fact that Sanderson is such a good storyteller. Regardless, this is a series I'll certainly continue and I highly recommend you pick it up.

For a full review, see my blog: strakul.blogspot.com/2015/01/book-review-firefight-by-brandon.html

Another novella by the incredible Brandon Sanderson. This one is a sequel to Legion, which introduces us to the mad genius of Stephen Leeds. We see again his legion of aspects, imaginary people he creates as he learns new things, solving a mystery involving biotechnology and a stolen corpse. The novella is fast paced, though a lot of the focus is on Stephen and his aspects. The more interesting parts of the story where those that touched on his interactions with the aspects and how he seems to be loosing control of them. It sets the stage for some potential future developments.
Overall, a pretty good, fast read. Reading the prior one first ([b:Legion|13452375|Legion (Legion, #1)|Brandon Sanderson|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1338512017s/13452375.jpg|18978261]) is highly recommended.

A short story with an epic scope yet personal touch, The Wandering Earth deserves to be read by any fan of classic science fiction.

For a longer review, check out my blog: strakul.blogspot.com/2014/12/short-story-review-wandering-earth-by.html

This is a short novella with only a handful of characters and a straightforward plot. Despite this, Sanderson manages to create a sense of mystery to the Aviar, the islands, and the Ones Above that drives the story. As always, Sanderson is a master of magic and he provides some partial, yet fulfilling, answers to how the magic of this world works. The book ends rather open-ended, letting the reader imagine what will happen in the future. Some of the secrets also spark my curiosity (ie, why Aviar and not humans?). I hope that Sanderson revisits the First of the Sun world as it sounds very cool (a distinct Polynesian vibe) and feels like the magic could be more fleshed out.

A full, but still short, review can be found in my blog: strakul.blogspot.com/2014/11/book-review-sixth-of-dusk-by-brandon.html

Sun of Suns is an all-around mediocre book. The setting is fascinating, but the characters are subpar. The plot makes for a simple quick read. However, the characters fall completely flat and ruin the experience. It's a shame since the world seems like a great place to explore. It's an OK book if you just want to pass the time and read a quick story, but I wouldn't give this a particularly high recommendation. I think this would have been better presented as a hard sci-fi short story than a full-length novel.

For a full review, check out my blog: strakul.blogspot.com/2014/09/book-review-sun-of-suns-by-karl.html

This was a great book and I would highly recommend it. It's a clever take on fantasy tales and draws from Chinese myth, which most Western readers may not be familiar with. The characters are excellent and the author places them in comical and exciting adventures. The humor in the novel is well-placed and brilliantly executed as well, making it a happy novel to read. I will certainly be reading the third and final novel of the series.

For my full review, check out my blog: strakul.blogspot.com/2014/07/book-review-story-of-stone-by-barry.html

I don't think this book was for me, but I tried to get what I could out of it. I enjoyed the first part, as the character struggles to find her place in the world. This is diminished on the middle parts where it turns to an unoriginal love story. The last part redeems the book as the main character finds herself again, but it was too little, too late. Maybe other people can enjoy her struggle with romance, pregnancy, and motherhood, but it wasn't what I was looking for.
I did enjoy the language she attributes to flowers and, while whenever I have plants they tend to die quickly (apparently they constantly need to be watered, except when they don't), it is cool to think you could be sending a secret message with your choice of plants.

A full review can be found on my blog: strakul.blogspot.com/2014/06/book-review-language-of-flowers-by.html

I really enjoyed this quick read and can see why many people enjoy the Dresden Files. The main character is the primary driving force in the novel and I look forward to seeing more of his adventures as I continue the series.

My full review can be found at my blog: strakul.blogspot.com/2014/06/book-review-storm-front-by-jim-butcher.html

This book was better than I expected. Although I wouldn't call it a favorite, I can see why some people really like it. By itself, it's a good fantastical tale set in more modern times (compared to say, medieval Europe). It's a bit over the top at times, but still enjoyable.

A full review is up in my blog: strakul.blogspot.com/2014/06/book-review-master-and-margarita-by.html

This was not the strongest book in the Malazan series, though it could also be that my interrupting it several times to read other, shorter books hurt my enjoyment of it. In particular, there were several confusing plot lines in an already huge book with too large of cast of characters. However, the endings for both the 3rd and 4th parts were especially epic and thoroughly enjoyable. It doesn't feel as complete as the others, and the author acknowledges that. It clearly was meant as the first part of the finale. Hence, I'm looking forward to the final book as Erikson really knows how to end his books with a blast.

For a full review, see my blog: strakul.blogspot.com/2014/03/book-review-dust-of-dreams-by-steven.html