Three Unbroken

Three Unbroken by Chris Roberson

A war on Mars (or in his case Fire Star) seen through the eyes of three people in different services but the same side, set in an alternative history where China or Celestial Empire became the dominate world power but is at war with an Aztec-styled Mexican-like nation.

The book is presented in relatively short chapters (or hexagrams) with a little bit of wisdom underneath the title (I admit I didn't understand the meaning in all of these).

The pace is quick and the three main characters are likable and the short chapters help to keep this enjoyable book's pace going. I have enjoyed the Celestial Empire stories since reading some of the short stories in Interzone magazine (a podcast of one can be found at: http://transmissionsfrombeyond.com/2010/02/transmission26/ )

Another review on this book can be found at: http://www.sfsignal.com/archives/2009/02/review_three_unbroken_by_chris_roberson/

The Thousand Emperors

The Thousand Emperors by Gary Gibson, follows on from Final Days where the Earth and humanity was nearly destroyed by alien technology from the mysterious Founder's network. Now set hundreds of years after this incident and largely revolving around a group of worlds cut off from the rest of the worlds after they severed the link (via a stargate type device) to protect themselves from the spread of the alien technology. 


 Ok, as it is being posted on this blog, I think it was a worthwhile read. Power corrupts absolutely seems to a central theme, long with lies as a political tool and fanatism of elite troops. I enjoyed this book. The central character, Luc Gabion, eyes being open (literally at one point in the book) is not rushed, even though he is being used by largely everyone. If you enjoyed the Shoal series I think you will like this, but I would suggest reading Final Days first.

Seal Team Six

Seal Team Six by Howard E Wasdin and Stephen Templin.

I was surprised by this book, but not disappointed. I was expecting a fairly Gung-ho book about this elite team, and that was there in part, but it was largely an autobiography of a man's career in the SEAL, including how he got there and life after being a SEAL.


The early life of Howard Wasdin is discussed with the strict up-bringing suggested as helping him through the infamous Hell Week. His experiences in Desert Storm and Somalia are central as well to the book; including the relationships formed within the SEALs but also we DELTA force and Rangers he served with; as well as (again ) politicians not coming out of this smelling of roses. In some respects this point is fairly standard. What makes this book more interesting is the writing is good; being 'married' to the SEALs having an effect on his marriage and the remaining chapters on life after the SEALs make a well rounded and interesting book.

Micro

Micro - Michael Crichton and Richard Preston Jurassic Park meets incredible shrinking man (and in this case women). This is an enjoyable book from two authors who argo asters at writing science based thrillers (in fact I can't think of a better match). Is it believable? The shrinking bit I find hard to believe and the level of AI as well is also a bit of a struggle. The premise that the very positive benefits of shrunken robots could have, also comes with a nightmare other side that would be hard to resist is extremely believable (as well as little disturbing to think if you were the creator of these would you not develop the darker applications?). A good all round read if you like Jurrasic Park, Prey and Hot Zone I think you will like this as well. This is also Crichton last book.

The monk who sold his Ferrari

The monk who sold his Ferrai by Robin S Sharma is one of those inspirational book you are glad you read. It is a simple read in a lot of respects and the ideas are not original; but the book does not pretend that they are ( it clear says there ancient ideas) or suffer for it. The story revolves around a worldly lawyer changing his life and coming back to teach his protege the lessons learnt. It is very easy to pick holes in the story, but the story really is just a vehicle to get the concepts over and therefore perhaphs should be viewed in that light. If you like Paulo Coelho books you will like this. It is a self help/ spirituality book with a strong eastern philosophic bent, but also very accessible and enjoyable read.

The Curious Case of the Clockwork Man

The Curious Case of the Clockwork Man by Mark Hodder is an interesting book. Richard Burton the explorer as a Sherlock Holmes-style private detective is an great idea, giving the character a reason to be an action hero. What genre to put this book is curious steam-punk or alternative history (a time-traveller had previously changed history), with well-known scientific heroes revealing a darker side or alternative side.


Little touches are good here like good like the foul-mouthed parakeets who pass on messages but add their own insults to the message.I really enjoyed this book, but it is hard (so perhaps best not) to pigeon-hole this book. There are elements of steam-punk, detective story (I keep thinking Sherlock Holmes as this not helped by one of the characters being a Doyle); but also areas traditionally associated with fantasy such as jewels with power.


Well worth a look. I would be interest to know what others think.#

scarecrow and the army of thieves

Scarecrow and the Army of Thieves by Matthew Reilly is an action packed read that is hard to put down with the author's usual style of non-stop action. This is probably should be your first read of a Reilly book, may be one of his West books, but if you liked his other books you will like this one.

I am always surprised there are not more films made from Reilly's books, the fast pace would make good film topics.