book review
Books reviews of the best science fiction stories, texts, educational texts, and journals.
An Ontological, Existential, Tripped-Out Tempest in a Cosmic Teapot
Callens combines a touch of Douglas Adams, a dash of Dave Barry, and the allusive dexterity of James Joyce, mixes it up with a whole lotta blasphemy, philosophy, psychology, mythology, history, comparative religion, science, drugs, sex, and rock ‘n roll, to produce one of the most unique books you will ever read.
Joseph FergusonPublished 7 years ago in FuturismThe Shadowvectors Present The Jokeress
Welcome to the world of The Jokeress The Jokeress is a STATE of MIND. We humans are constantly told how to dress, how to look, and how to act. The Jokeress is an ebook and paperback series on the subject of obsession. It is how far our obsessions can drive us. It also reminds us of how we can search for things we already have. All we have to do is find the nearest mirror and stare into it.
Bryan FollinsPublished 7 years ago in FuturismYoung Adult Sci-Fi Books
Science fiction has been a favorite genre for a very loyal group of fans, old and new, for an incredibly long time. And while you may have started reading it young, many children might not be drawn to the complex narratives that sci-fi books often spin. So how can you best introduce your child to science fiction novels? By seeking out the best young adult sci-fi books for them to begin delving into the genre.
James LizowskiPublished 7 years ago in FuturismBest Soft Sci-Fi Books
Soft sci-fi books form a treasure trove of ideas combining imagined scientific scenarios, future technologies, and the progression of human society in accordance with these elements. Instead of delving deep into the technical and scientific aspects of a story, these books prioritize humanity. Thus, this brand of science fiction is more concerned about the political, economic, social, and cultural characteristics. This means that a story can still involve space colonization and superior alien races, but the main focus is on the social consequences of these occurrences. If you are looking for science fiction that puts a lot of effort into character development and exploring through the lens of the social sciences, you should definitely check out these soft sci-fi books.
Stephanie GladwellPublished 7 years ago in FuturismTop Dying Earth Science Fiction Books
A sub-genre of both fantasy and science fiction, the concept of a dying earth has been around for a while. Though its first origins remount back to the Romantic Era, its true shape took form much more recently, in the 20th century. Since then, it has been explored by several authors and brought forth books that are true masterpieces of the science fantasy genre and that are hugely influential to this day.
Stephanie GladwellPublished 7 years ago in FuturismIntriguing Alternate History Books
Alternate history books (AH to those in the know) speculate as to what might happen if key real world historical events occurred differently. They can, but don’t necessarily, involve speculative fiction tropes such as time travel or a character’s awareness that the timeline is “wrong.” Delve into these fascinating, often thought-provoking scenarios with this list of the most intriguing alternate history books.
Stephen HamiltonPublished 7 years ago in FuturismMust Read Cyberpunk Books
Cyberpunk books are a distinctive cross-section of sci-fi narratives typically taking place in dystopian, near future settings, and featuring high-tech post-industrial societies, contrasted against a gritty, seedy underbelly akin to hardboiled detective fiction. The reader navigates sprawling neon cities populated by hackers, gangsters, outcasts, and femmes fatales. The protagonist, usually an anti-hero, often struggles against an evil, above-the-law megacorporation. Another hallmark of cyberpunk books is that often hackers possess the ability to literally enter an online world, or "cyberspace," by connecting their brains to advanced computers.
Stephanie GladwellPublished 7 years ago in FuturismAncestor by Matt Sheean and Malachai Ward
Here’s a drink you can make to best enjoy Ancestor, which was released October 2016 in trade paperback by Image Comics. Take one Philip K. Dick and one Alejandro Jodorowsky (circa The Holy Mountain) and throw them in a cocktail glass with two blackberries and a splash of agave nectar. Muddle. Add two shots of blanco tequila, two drops of Dimethyltryptamine or Lysergic Acid, and give it a dash of Black Mirror. Mix, shake, and serve. Now take your drink to a dark corner of your room, far from your computer or any wi-fi enabled devices. Read and drink slowly. Short as it is, Ancestor is a trip for the mind that’s worth your time.
Mickey RiveraPublished 7 years ago in FuturismWho Was Isaac Asimov?
Isaac Asimov (1920-1992) is remembered as one of the top 3 science fiction writers, along with Robert Heinlein and Arthur C. Clarke. Asimov is widely considered to be the founder of modern science fiction, born near modern-day Smolensk to a family of poor Jewish millers in Soviet Russia during the Russian Civil War. His family immigrated to the U.S. when he was three years old to escape the chaos of the Russian Revolution.
Stephanie GladwellPublished 7 years ago in FuturismBooks to Read if You Liked '1984'
The best books to read if you liked 1984 carry on its traditional of complex themes wrapped in interesting fiction. While 1984 is mostly about surveillance, there are plenty of other themes for the books on this list to draw on. These themes include thought control, war, and the ways that societal pressures can control everyone in a collective. If you’re ready to challenge how you view society, read on.
Joshua Samuel ZookPublished 7 years ago in FuturismBest Pulp Sci-Fi Books
To some, the phrase “best pulp sci-fi books” may seem like an oxymoron. Pulp sci-fi has been dividing fans of science fiction for decades. You either love it or you hate it. Many certifiable pulp sci-fi obsessives understand why some people have a bit of trouble embracing it. A poorly written pulp sci-fi book can turn you away from the whole genre; and there is, sadly, no shortage of them.
Arnold SeleskeyPublished 7 years ago in FuturismThe Hot War: Bombs Away
Harry Turtledove doesn’t identify as an alternate history writer, but rather as “a historian who writes science fiction.” Bombs Away isn’t quite what most readers would think of as science fiction, but this alternate history novel does deal a lot with the science of nuclear weapons, fallout, and contamination. Turtledove delivers another masterfully crafted novel that provides a frighteningly plausible picture of World War III, or when the Cold War turned Hot.
Zach FosterPublished 7 years ago in Futurism