Review: Dead Silence by S. A. Barnes

3 stars for Dead Silence by S. A. Barnes.

I have always been on the lookout for a good science fiction story. I cannot remember where and how I came across this book but it must have been raved about by someone or many someones, such that it captured my attention enough for me to add it to my reading list.

This book is all about space travel, space disaster and space mysteries. A team of five, led by 33-year old Claire Kovalik, detects a ghost signal on an old emergency channel while on an assignment to fix the last of the commweb beacons in sector K127. Well, what happens next is rather predictable as there will be no story to tell if this small commweb maintenance team does not check it out. As it is, bulk of the story is the grisly account of their findings of the Aurora, the famous luxury space cruiser that went missing twenty years ago with five hundred passengers and a hundred and fifty crew on its maiden voyage for a tour of the solar system.

I enjoy reading this first person story even though it is revealed right from the start that there is only one survivor - the narrator. The writing is good, the world building is fascinating and the plot flows fluidly. Above all, there is much mystery surrounding the protagonist and the adventure and unchartered space territory that she is leading her team into. The protagonist, Claire, is not just a survivor in this ill-fated expedition, she is also the only survivor in a previous incident that happened at the Ferris Outpost years ago. This alone shroud the protagonist in darkness and puzzlement as she suffers constantly from terrifying hallucinations with memories and visions all jumbled up.

This novel reminds me of the 1997 science fiction horror film, Event Horizon. Though it's been more than twenty years, I still remember watching this movie in the theatre and loving the storyline much. Event Horizon is about space adventure and exploration. The crew members all take turns to hallucinate in the abandoned aircraft they found. As I read on, I am progressively affected by the uncanny similarites between the movie Event Horzion and this book Dead Silence. There was also a Claire in the movie though I cannot recall if she was a main or side character. Seriously, what's the odds of a movie character having the same name as the protagonist in this book? Perhaps this book is somewhat a tribute to that motion picture? The more I read, the less impressed I am with the story and plot developments. Of course, this could all be a coincidence but somehow, it cast the story in the shadow of the old movie and the book comes across as less original after that.

I have other gripes. One, a character that is terrible and horrible to the extreme. In reality, no one person is completely good or totally bad. Though I understand the need for such a character, one so rotten to the core does not do justice to the entire story. Two, unnecessary repetition. Three, long-winded at times. These are minor gripes, however.

On the whole, Dead Silence is a worthwhile piece of work. It is not exactly what I expected but it is good fun reading this spooky science fiction novel.

Review: The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury

2 stars for The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury.

I am never an enthusiast where collection of short stories is concerned. But I make an exception after reading about The Illustrated Man in another book. Though I did not finish that book, I am glad that it leads me to this book and cannot wait to start reading. Why? Because the little introduction about a man completely covered in tattoos, tattoos that come to life when the night falls, totally captivates me.

It starts with a prologue in which a homeless man, a hobo, is sitting in front of his campfire eating his dinner of pork and beans when another man comes by. The hobo narrator thinks it is odd because it is a warm summer night and yet the guy is wearing a long-sleeved wool shirt, buttoned all the way up to his neck and over his wrists. The man asks if he can spend the night by the fire with the narrator, who welcomes him. Getting ready for bed, the man takes off his shirt and reveals that he is covered in tattoos. Beautiful, vibrant, mysterious illustrations.

The man tells the narrator that he got the illustrations, as he calls them, from a woman who turned out to be a time-traveling witch. Right after getting the tats, the guy realizes they are not just simple illustrations. They are enchanted. They move and they change and they tell stories. Of the future. Creepy, scary stories. Each illustration is a little story.

The man also tells the narrator not to look at him during the night, not to watch those illustrations tell their stories. And especially, he is not supposed to look at the one empty spot on the man's back because his own story will materialize there. But, of course, the narrator will look, right? Who wouldn’t? He can’t help himself. Mostly, the book consists of the stories as told by the illustrations that come to life as the narrator looks on. Eighteen illustrations, eighteen stories.

All of the stories have a common theme about conflict between technology and humanity. Considering that this book was written more than seventy years ago, it is amazing that the author is writing stories about the dangers of virtual reality and space travelling. As a reader, I wonder "Who’s the time traveller? That witch or the author?"

As mentioned earlier, I am never really into short stories. But for this book, I find myself looking forward to the next story and the next and the next. As I read on, I realise, there is no continuity on the stories. There is much potential to be had in the stories but the author simply uses it as a platform to tell some totally unrelated short stories. Surprisingly, I am actually fine with the standalone short stories. To me, it does not really matter so long as they are good stories about glimpses into the future. Some are interesting. But some are boring. And some feel dated though this cannot be helped as the book was published in 1951.

My favourite is the first story about the Happylife Home. It has a virtual-reality play room where the children can let their imagination run wild. Unfortunately, this first story leads me to set my expectations high and I feel greatly disappointed when the rest of the stories fail to deliver.

Review: Machines Like Me by Ian McEwan

Did Not Finish Machines Like Me by Ian McEwan.

I am in a bit of a fix when writing this review. Because I am not quite sure if I should give this book a star rating or simply a Did Not Finish rating. I like the book title and the book cover of a humanoid robot intrigues me so. Together, they entice me to read the story. But often, liking a book visually may not be enough to sustain the interest to devouring the whole book. This book is exactly that. While I want to like this book, it is difficult to finish reading the entire book. The story starts off well and fair enough, but after reading sufficient pages, I know it is not a book I want to spend more time on and I start to skip chunks and chunks of it.

The story is about artificial human, about having a machine as a companion, both a friend and helper who can help with washing dishes, making beds and... thinking.

How will it be like to own a machine that has an operating system as well as a human nature and personality? It certainly makes an interesting topic and has much potential for a great storyline. I will say that in devising an improved modern version of ourselves, the author has brilliantly invented a technical miracle. Unfortunately, only the first few chapters captivate my attention. After that, the story loses its focus on artificial intelligence and instead, side track onto other sub plots and developments which can be disjointed and confusing at times.

I like that the story mentions the First Law of Robotics by Isaac Asimov. To quote "A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm." Perhaps this is what I feel most comfortable when reading about stories dealing with AI, because only by laying down such a rule that humans can follow our desires and create machines that can think like humans. Otherwise, it is scary to think about the consequences of human's infatuation with technology. Humans may even end up doing the bidding of machines.

Having done some serious thinking, I finally decide to go with Did Not Finish. As disappointing as it is, I have read the opening chapters, the ending and then some, but I think it is only fair to say I did not finish reading as I have skipped way too many pages of the book to properly considered it read.

Review: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

5 stars for The Midnight Library by Matt Haig.

I am not usually keen to read books with title that contains the word "library" or "book". Past experiences have taught me to steer clear of such titles because somehow, these books just fail to keep me going. Well, that is until this book. I am so glad to have given this book a go.

This is one book the more I read, the more I like it. It is a story about living that is inspirational in its own right. It explores the theme of loneliness, grief, depression, love, regrets and the reason to exist.

The main thing about this book that makes it so interesting and mind-boggling is that it deals with the concept of multiverse, the idea that there are many parallel universes that exist, each one different from the other. The breathtaking part of it all is how the many worlds interpretation of quantum physics links up with the Midnight Library to create a library of possibilities, the notion that books are portals to all the lives we can be living.

Reading this book makes me feel as if I have lived many different lives, all variations of what can have been of the main character, Nora Seed. Indeed, every decision taken leads to a variation of sorts. To bring this point further, it means doing one thing differently is the same as doing everything differently. To quote "Every life contains many millions of decisions. Some big, some small. But every time one decision is taken over another, the outcomes differ. An irreversible variation occurs, which in turn leads to further variations."

Upon concluding the book, I cannot help but think of this question: How will you feel knowing that your life, the different variation of it, has the power to shape the life of others in more ways than one?

Review: Arena (Arena #1) by Holly Jennings

1 star for Arena (Arena book 1) by Holly Jennings.

Set in Year 2054, reality becomes unreal and virtual becomes real. Young people who take on career as a pro gamer now straddle between two worlds: the real and the virtual. In the virtual reality, these young people experience the greatest high and the biggest thrill as they enter into full immersion mode in the Arena. Dressed in battle gear, sword and all, they are everything they aspire to be - invincible. Because they do not die even when they are killed, many of these gamers lose their grip on reality and get lost in what is real. To quote "Reality was the game. Plastic. Metal. People. All fake. The game was real - tangible, sweet, and warm - and the only place I was alive and free."

This is a book that starts out refreshing, original and exciting. It seems to check all the right boxes that I find promising in a science fiction novel. Sadly, it is also a book where the more I read, the more I feel it is not the one for me. While the idea of a story on gaming and virtual reality is interesting, there is just that much to it. After the initial excitement of virtual gaming league and tournament, it is mostly about partying, drinking, pills popping, drugs, publicity and image. The story spirals from a refreshing high to a disappointing low of typical young people and their indulging lifestyle.

At less than halfway mark, I thought of ending it all, but somehow, cannot bear to. Perhaps I hold a sliver of hope that it will turn out differently after all. But it does not. This is definitely not a book I will recommend.

Review: The Luminous Dead by Caitlin Starling

3.5 stars for The Luminous Dead by Caitlin Starling.

I do not remember how I come about adding this book to my reading list. But I do recall looking for this book on a few occasions when I make the trip to my usual library. Each time, this standalone novel is available on the bookshelf. I finally decide to give it a go and check the book out during my last library visit.

Most, if not all, of the science fiction novels that I have read so far are related in one way or another, to outer space or space travelling. This is my first time reading one that is not related to the void above, but rather, to the caves or tunnels under the ground.

This book is about cave exploration mission. It begins with the protagonist, a caver, fulfilling the terms of her contract, climbing, crawling and making her way deep within the cave at camp 4, and stepping off the edge to make the long drop to camp 5. The story then takes a step back, to the start of the mission where the caver is at camp 1, to give readers some background on the 22-year old caver named Gyre Price, the mission and the investor of the expedition known as Em.

The story has a promising start. I am captivated by the well-thought-out plot and initial development of the story. The author makes excellent use of uncertainties, unease, self-doubt, half-truths, cover-ups, fear of the unknown, helplessness and frustration to spin a story. The world-building is fantastic. The mystery and suspense surrounding the entire cave expedition keeps me riveted to the story as it gradually builds up its intensity. I am equally impressed by the author's use of technology to craft a high-tech climbing suit and helmet such that everything is well taken care of, to protect the caver from the elements in the cave. It is essentially redundant to remove either the helmet or the suit to eat, sleep or defecate.

At the base of it all, the aim of the mission is not to stay true to the terms and conditions as set out in the contract, but rather, to stay alive and get out of the cave. And this is exactly what makes the story tick, like a time bomb, as the caver races against time to keep herself alive. Everything about the story flows well except that I feel the later part of the story can have been better. The unfolding of events towards the last quarter of the book, especially the last four to five chapters feels unnecessarily prolonged, draggy and repetitive. Perhaps the story should have ended when it is time to draw to a close. In the end, what I enjoy so much about the story initially took a beating as I struggle to finish the last few chapters. It should not have been like this.

Overall, The Luminous Dead is a book worth reading. I have great fun exploring the underground cave and tunnels and sumps while getting myself spooked. It is just that I also have to endure the little unfortunate glitch before I can call it a day. Other than that, it is actually quite a remarkable debut novel. I will definitely keep a lookout for more of author Starling's books.

Review: Exit Strategy (Murderbot Diaries #4) by Martha Wells

4 stars for Exit Strategy (Murderbot Diaries book 4) by Martha Wells.

This is my fourth Murderbot book in a month. I guess it goes without saying how much I enjoy this science fiction series.

For a SecUnit that spends its entire life on security contracts trying to stop humans from catastrophic stupidity, it certainly has gained the tactics and stealth in overcoming any interior security camera or audio surveillance. As such, this SecUnit has gained my trust and confidence in whatever mission it undertakes, be it a seemingly easy job of copying codes to work towards its advantage or the ever mounting task of fighting off an enemy combat SecUnit. It is always a pleasure to see Murderbot at work for there is no lack of action, excitement and entertainment.

I like that in this book 4, the adventures of Murderbot is linked back to the same group of people in book 1 All Systems Red. It is good to see familiar faces again and a relief to know that Murderbot is once again, doing what it is best at, which is, trying to stop this same group of humans from book 1 from getting themselves killed.

For an Android that is only interested in freedom and unlimited downloads of new episodes of drama, Murderbot is certainly getting more than what it bargains for in Exit Strategy. It has worked towards improving the code to mimic humans in terms of facial expression, body language and other small random movements. It is now getting better and better in blending with humans and augmented humans, and even better at pretending to be one. I wonder what will happen in the next instalment. Will it receive full citizenship and be recognized with a status equivalent to that of a human? Well, it is nice and easy to imagine that happening in a science fiction novel. But to think of it, if it does happen in real life, I think I will freak out. Seriously.

Review: The Giver (Giver Quartet #1) by Lois Lowry

5 stars for The Giver (Giver Quartet book 1) by Lois Lowry.

This is a remarkable coming-of-age story. The lessons that Jonas - the protagonist boy of eleven years of age going on twelve - learn throughout the book are applicable to all human beings. It is especially of importance for adolescents to know what they are facing when growing up and to overcome those difficulties and fears by themselves.

The Giver is a novel that intrigues me right from the start. One chapter into the book, I find that there are strange goings-on in the story. Everything is normal. But yet, nothing is. The setting, the community, the family unit, the adults, the children, the behaviour. Something is amiss.

And then, my suspicions are confirmed as I read on to find out more. The community is meticulously ordered, and choices are carefully made. Any infringement on the community's sense of order and success is frowned upon. Everything in the community is performed with ceremony to mark the event. To name but a few, there is the Ceremony of Age (from One right up to Twelve), Ceremony of Loss, Ceremony of Release, Ceremony of Murmur-of-Replacement. To quote "The first Ceremony began right on time, and Jonas watched as one after another each newchild was given a name and handed by the Nurturers to its new family unit." Yes, everything has its place in the community. But too orderly to a fault.

The world building is unusual and unnatural, so much so that I am absolutely riveted to the story. For a book that is written more than a quarter of a century ago, it is certainly ingeniously crafted with no lack of originality. I can never know for certain what to expect except my own emotions that play out as I read on. Emotion and memory play a major part of everything in our world. It is hard to fathom a world where people are conditioned not to know what these are.

The Giver, book 1 of the Giver Quartet series, starts off incredibly well and hit all the right notes with "what's going on" and "what's next" that it lures me to keep the pages turning until I gobble the story up in two days' time. It is so good that I am not sure if the next book in line will be able to match up to my expectations. Well, I guess there is only one way to find out.

Review: Rogue Protocol (Murderbot Diaries #3) by Martha Wells

3 stars for Rogue Protocol (Murderbot Diaries book 3) by Martha Wells.

When I borrowed Murderbot Diaries book 2 Artificial Condition and book 3 Rogue Protocol - on top of a few other books - from the library three weeks ago, I wasn't sure if I will have the time to read them all. But being overzealous with books that I rarely managed to secure, I decided to risk hauling the books home against my better judgement. Looking back, I cannot be more glad to have done just that. This post is proof that my weight-bearing risk has been worth it.

Once again, I have a great time with the rogue Murderbot, a heartless killing machine that is not so cold-blooded actually. It is in fact one of the most humane version of a nonhuman; it finds itself in moral dilemmas more often than not.

Rogue Protocol is about the investigation of the failed terraforming attempt at Milu and the possibility of dealing with alien remnants. The story is exciting and absorbing as much as it is funny and entertaining. But I do have one slight grievance against the storytelling, and that is, it gets too technical at some point, bad enough that I have issues visualizing the scenes in my mind's eyes. Well, I try solving it by reading the same passage or sentence a few times, and it works to some extent.

Regardless of the difficulties in transforming words into images, I am looking forward to my next library trip. Hopefully I will have good luck with procuring book 4 Exit Strategy.

Review: Artificial Condition (Murderbot Diaries #2) by Martha Wells

4 stars for Artificial Condition (Murderbot Diaries book 2) by Martha Wells.

I like this book 2 of the Murderbot Diaries, but not as much as book 1 All Systems Red. Part of the reason I reckon is that one third of the book is spent on a certain research transport vessel that the Murderbot protagonist aptly named ART (A**hole Research Transport). I do not much like this ART, not at all, but I do recognise the reason for its presence as a necessary foundation for the story to develop further subsequently. So, I just have to bear with it and read on to get it over with.

I cannot be more glad when the Murderbot protagonist finally reaches its destination and leaves the transport vessel to begin a different set of adventure. Once again, I have a good time going on an action-packed adventure with this Murderbot whose governor module is hacked and is now acting as a free agent and interestingly, a free agent with a conscience.

Review: All Systems Red (Murderbot Diaries #1) by Martha Wells

5 stars for All Systems Red (Murderbot Diaries book 1) by Martha Wells.

One, two, three... seven. Seven pages. I have read a mere seven pages when my hunch tells me that I am going to like this science fiction novel. As it is, my intuition proves itself right. Again.

All Systems Red is exciting, mysterious and captivating. There is no lack of imagination involving science and fiction with Imitative Human Bot Unit, combat SecUnit, drone, habitat, dataport, transport pod, visual feed, audio feed, security feed, field camera feed, system feed, HubSystem command feed, emergency beacon, combat override module, augmented human, scientists, researchers, etc.

There are so many things to like about this novel. It is in first person narrative. It is not a thick and heavy read. The storyline is good. There is mystery to be solved. It is packed with action. There is light-hearted humor. Most of all, it is not some story masquerading as a science fiction fantasy. For those who love a good story on spacefaring future and planetary missions, you know what I mean.

The protagonist is a robot. A murderbot. One made up of organic components and non-organic parts. Monitored and controlled by HubSystem, the existence of this android is to keep things from attacking its clients when on contracted jobs and to discourage the clients themselves from attacking one another. Then, this murderbot hacks itself and becomes a free agent, meaning it is free to do as it pleases. Doesn't it sound scary and intimidating? But this is where things get interesting. Because the word rogue takes on a new meaning.

Having read book 1 All Systems Red, I can see why book 5 Network Effect comes in third place under the science fiction category in Goodreads Choice Awards 2020. I may be late to join the party in this Murderbot Diaries series but I am definitely not planning to miss out on any of the subsequent instalments. Hurray for more good reads to come.

Review: Undercity (Major Bhaajan #1) by Catherine Asaro

5 stars for Undercity (Major Bhaajan book 1) by Catherine Asaro.

It has been a long time since a science fiction novel - or better yet, series - sweeps me off my feet.

I chanced upon this book last month during one of my Sunday visits to the library. I borrowed it because it is written in first person and the writing style seems to suit my reading whims, at least from what I glimpse on the first two pages, well, that and the futuristic vibes I glean from the book cover that looks ready to propel me into an alternate world, one which I so love and will gladly stay put in if it is even possible.

Undercity is a story with a straightforward plot. No gimmicks, period. The protagonist, Major Bhaajan, is hired to do a job, a handsomely paid one, to look for a missing person. Since it sounds so simple, what makes this book so good to earn itself a 5-star rating? It is the rich imagination, the engaging plot, the execution of the story, the complexity of the world-building, the depth of the characters and the ensuing development. Not only is it not dry as a space fiction novel, this book encompasses elements of mystery and suspense, romance and even a dash of lighthearted humor. It is literally a gift to fans of science fiction literature.

The author uses impressive imagery, intriguing science and tech-mech to spin a drama set in a vast star empire. To name but a few, there is star travel, space travel, interstellar civilisation, nanomed tech, augmented human capabilities, extrasensory communcations, evolving intelligence (EI as opposed to AI), tech-mech arms, beetle bots, laser carbines, pulse revolvers, IR vision. The world building reaches far and wide with no lack of action and adventure. Yes, there are fightings and killings, grief and pain and death, but there are also reconciliations and fence-mending, triumph and joy and births.

Undercity is everything a good science fiction fantasy novel should have and then some. I am thrilled that this is a series which means I can look forward to having more adventures with Major Bhaajan. Have I mentioned that she is a woman? She is well into her forties but has the appearance of one in her late twenties, all thanks to the nanomeds in her body that give her the health and appearance of one. Speaking of which, this is one more reason why I enjoy living in the world of fiction that dabbles in science. You can stay young and look good. Anything is reasonably possible.

Review: Recursion by Blake Crouch

Did Not Finish Recursion by Blake Crouch.

One word - confusing. Two words - very confusing. Three words - very, very confusing. I think you get the drift. Yes, this is one confusing story that has me completely baffled.

While I enjoy stories on alternate world, time travel and the like, there is a limit to how far I am willing to journey with science fiction on the topic in question. Mostly, it depends on the writing, the story and the context. I am not sure which one falls short in this case but I know for sure it makes the going tough. I am sad to be saying all these as I quite like author Blake Crouch. He has been added to my list of authors to watch out for ever since I read his other science fiction, Dark Matter, three years ago.

I may try reading this book again in future. Or not. I don't know. I only know until then, Recursion will remain a Did Not Finish.

Review: Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein

3 stars for Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein.

This is my third attempt to read the book. For my first two tries, I cannot for the life of me recall reason for the reading failure other than a vague recollection that I did not go anywhere beyond the first few chapters. All things considered, I think I did a good job this time round as I manage to enjoy more than half of this original version of the science fiction classic, complete and uncut with a preface by Virginia Heinlein, erm.. before it loses me again. Yes.

This book was first published in 1961, eight years before The United States' Apollo 11's first crewed mission to land on the Moon. It is quite amazing to think that way before man's first successful Moon landing, author Robert Heinlein has already set the wheels turning to piece together a story about Earth making successful contact with another planet, another civilised race - the Martians. It goes to show how creative this writer's imagination is.

Stranger in a Strange Land revolves around an intelligent being with the genes and ancestry of a man. He is a man, but he does not think like one having been brought up on Mars by the Martian way shaped by Martian environment. He thinks like a Martian and feels like a Martian. In fact, he is more a Martian than a man and possesses great powers exclusive to the Martians. The author makes it easy for readers to guess who the stranger is and which planet this strange land is referring to.

There are three things I like about this novel. First is the good sense of humor throughout the book and the good dose of innocence as displayed by the Man from Mars, Valentine Michael Smith. He seems like an ordinary young male human, bright, docile and eager to learn, but he is more than he appears to be due to his strange background and upbringing. As such, I find myself constantly entertained by Smith and his grokking. Yes, he groks! Second is the superb display of political and media manipulation. I read with great delight the many conversations so masterfully crafted to show social media manipulation as a political tool with science fiction as the backdrop. Third and also last is the unexpected twists and turns of the story. Though a slow-paced story, it is not easy to predict what Smith is going to do next and this makes the reading fun and forward looking.

I will have gladly given this book a 4-star rating or more has it not been the way the story develops two-thirds into the book. From the writing, I have an inkling where the story is heading and my intuition tells me that I am not going to like it. As usual, intuition wins and I find myself losing grip with the story, especially when the Man from Mars goes into the sacred grounds of Archangel Foster Tabernacle of the Church of the New Revelation to meet with the Supreme Bishop. It didn't get any better from then on but progressively worse. There are pages and pages of discussion on religion. This science fiction of a story has turned into a wearying religious philosophy. I am so not interested to grok the topic of faith and doctrine even though I am only an egg (in the Martian sense), so I started skipping large chunks of text. And before I know it, I have reached the end of the book. Well, at least the ending chapter is funny and entertaining still.

I am thankful to friend Robert (of Mafia and Pet Society) for recommending this book to me. It has been an entertaining read (save the religious portion). I have finally completed my journey with the Man from Mars. And I think I have learnt to grok, not perfect but can make do.

Review: After the Fall by Kristine Kathryn Rusch

3 stars for After the Fall by Kristine Kathryn Rusch.

This short novel is a story worth reading. It encourages us to see beyond that which we fear, for in confronting and taking our fears to its outer edges, we can learn to think differently than the average human. Our lives could have been different. Very different. Totally different.

Review: Red Letter Day by Kristine Kathryn Rusch

4 stars for Red Letter Day by Kristine Kathryn Rusch.

This is actually a reread. I remember being awed by the very idea of time travel when I first read this novella. Now? Perhaps less so. I guess knowing the answers to our own fate beforehand spoils half the fun of rereading. But still, the topic of time travel continues to intrigue me. A mystery. A mystery it will always be.

Have you ever wondered what it will be like to reach back into your own past and reassure yourself or put something right? Have you?

Review: The Retrieval Artist by Kristine Kathryn Rusch

5 stars for The Retrieval Artist by Kristine Kathryn Rusch.

I have always wanted to read this book, the book that introduces Miles Flint to the world and subsequently leads to the birth of the entire Retrieval Artist series. Yes, I may have read all seven books in this series, but somehow, there is always this nagging feeling at the back of my mind that something is amiss. So, I am delighted to be able to read this short story now.

Searching for an interstellar Disappeared is a lot harder than finding a missing person. Here, we see Miles Flint, the best and quickest Retrieval Artist in the business, in action - that stretches from Armstrong Dome, one of the colonies on Moon, to Sahara Dome on Mars, to Gagarin Dome on Moon - all because of a case that has turned personal.

I enjoy this short novel tremendously. It feels very much like meeting up with a good old friend and reminiscing about old times. And the best part? Everything is seen and told through the eyes of none other than Miles Flint.

The Retrieval Artist series is never complete until one has read the book that started it all; well, at least that is how I see it. Yes, I have come to complete this one terrific science fiction series. Finally.

Review: Annihilation (Southern Reach Trilogy #1) by Jeff VanderMeer

2 stars for Annihilation (Southern Reach Trilogy book 1) by Jeff VanderMeer.

To say that I am disappointed with this science fiction novel will be an understatement. It is not that the story is slow or boring, in fact, the mystery and suspense intrigue me and motivate me to keep the pages turning. The thing is, I keep on reading and reading, waiting to be sucked into the story. But it never materialise. This is so disappointing because there is so much potential in a story with such a great concept and theme.

In the end, the story is as elusive as it has started off. I expect some discoveries, answers or explanations, perhaps not in all its gory details but at least some to appease my inquisitiveness. Sadly, there is none. Zilch.

The mission:
To continue the government’s investigation into the mysteries of Area X, slowly working the way out from base camp.

The people:
Four women: a biologist, an anthropologist, a surveyor, and a psychologist. All chosen as part of the complex set of variables that govern sending the expedition.

The duration:
There is no hard and fast rule. The expedition may last days, months, or even years, depending on various stimuli and conditions.

The findings:
........

What ahout the findings? Well, your guess is as good as mine. So, either you read this trilogy or you don't. As for me, to spare myself of further grievance, reading book 2 is not something I have in the pipeline.

Review: Six Wakes by Mur Lafferty

5 stars for Six Wakes by Mur Lafferty.

Six wakes. Six crew. One starship project.

This story has the novelty of a one-stop shop space opera with cloning, mindmapping, hacking, artificial intelligence and plenty of secrets to go around.

The Dormire, a spacecraft whose crew on board is given the promise of a clean slate and new planet is on an exciting mission; a mission that is not supposed to end with slaughter and rebirth. To ensure their continued existence, the crew seek to unravel the mystery surrounding their circumstances and soon find themselves with no choice but to share their delights and fears and that skeleton in the closet.

Intense and gripping, the mystery and suspense embedded in the isolation of deep space keeps me on my toes from the start right to the end. Come join me on this story that reads like having a front-row seat watching a science fiction movie on the Big Screen, a space mission that is definitely a challenge worth taking up and a journey worth travelling.

Review: Vacant (Mindspace Investigations #4) by Alex Hughes

4 stars for Vacant (Mindspace Investigations book 4) by Alex Hughes.

What is Mindspace exactly? It is the space in which minds interact with the world, through a medium which no one truly understands.

Here, in Vacant, there are lessons taught on how to be more in charge of your own space, your own head, your own mind; lessons on how to seal up the mental walls, put in siding, add on big doors and windows that are strong enough to let the world in when you want to and then shut it out when you choose to.

Yes, Mindspace is not the safest place in the world; telepaths run the risk of losing their way, or worst still, losing themselves. But as life has a way of unfolding as it is meant to, our Boy Wonder does not get to choose; he has a kid to keep safe and a vision to stop.

Together as one, I have a wonderful time losing myself in Mindspace with Boy Wonder on top of witnesses, politics and everything else.