Kevin Kuhn’s books on Goodreads (498 books) (original) (raw)

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| ------------------------ | ------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ | --------------- | --------------------------------- | ------------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----- | ---------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------- | | ------ | | | checkbox | position | cover This Is How You Lose the Time War | title This Is How You Lose the Time War | author El-Mohtar, Amal * | isbn | isbn13 | asin | num pages 209pp | avg rating 3.88 | num ratings 245,148 | date pub Jul 16, 2019 | date pub edition Jul 16, 2019 | Kevin's rating liked it | my rating 1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars add to shelves | review I wanted to love this book. It’s theoretically perfect for me – time travel, spy craft, abstract, and vast. But I didn’t love it, I appreciated it and I wanted to love this book. It’s theoretically perfect for me – time travel, spy craft, abstract, and vast. But I didn’t love it, I appreciated it and admired it, but I didn’t love it. Ultimately, I found it repetitive and too abstract to get truly pulled into the story and the characters. The prose, while skillful and graceful, kept me from fully falling into the tale. Romance does not pull me in like it does for others. Perhaps I should have approached it as poetry with a plot and characters, instead of a novel with near lyrical prose. The love affair felt too quick and deep for the limited interactions, and once I understood the nature of the story, it felt predictable – this tango of spies. However, the ending was nice and unexpected. I should have suspected the seeker. Three stars for this lyrical, braided tale of two spies dancing across time only to find themselves deeply entwined with each other. In the end, too abstract for me but I’m certain many will fall in love with the writing. ...more | notes Notes are private! | comments 0 | votes 21 | # times read 1 | date started Aug 13, 2024 | date read Aug 13, 2024 | date added Aug 13, 2024 | owned | format Kindle Edition | actions view (with text) | | | | | checkbox | position | cover Matter by Iain M. Banks (5-Feb-2009) Paperback | title Matter by Iain M. Banks (5-Feb-2009) Paperback | author Banks, Iain M. | isbn | isbn13 | asin B011T6XDUW | num pages 0pp | avg rating 4.10 | num ratings 28,325 | date pub Jan 31, 2008 | date pub edition unknown | Kevin's rating it was amazing | my rating 1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars add to shelves | review Published in 2008, this is book eight in Bank's Culture series. So far this is my favorite in the collection. It’s not as literary or thematic as some Published in 2008, this is book eight in Bank's Culture series. So far this is my favorite in the collection. It’s not as literary or thematic as some of his other books, but man is it a wonderous, rip-roaring adventure. This book has strong well-built characters, who grow and change over the book. I will say although characters don't carry on across these books (for the most part), personalities do. But still, there was a clear villain, characters to root for, and I never struggled to keep track of the characters. This story displays Bank’s fully realized vision of a populated galaxy with a wonderous array of aliens, machine entities, and habitats. The galaxy is not only richly settled with many incredible environments, but it also has a complex history of ancient civilizations, some well understood, other’s only partially known. As Banks has done in the past, we start in a medieval land, with Kings, Queens, and all the injustice that goes along with such a juvenile culture. The difference from other fiction, is that this one is operating in plain sight. The advanced cultures are aware of this medieval community and the community is aware of at least a few advanced civilizations. The story eventually names over thirty different species. Banks follows two characters from the medieval society as they journey though space, habitats, and worlds. It's a great plot device that allows Banks to explain this complex galaxy through the eyes of these naïve men.While Banks layers on complexity, the primary plot is simple. A great injustice has been done, and two men go on a grand quest to find others who would help them settle the score. Ultimately, a greater calamity is uncovered that threatens much more than the feudal lands of our main characters. The larger plot didn't impress me, but what I enjoyed was the imaginative world-building we experience as we follow the quest. Four and a half stars (rounded up) for this expansive and creative world, with strong characters up against severe risks, having a bold adventure that I fully enjoyed. ...more | notes Notes are private! | comments 1 | votes 16 | # times read 1 | date started Jun 18, 2024 | date read Jul 20, 2024 | date added Jun 18, 2024 | owned | format Paperback | actions view (with text) | | | | | checkbox | position | cover You Like It Darker | title You Like It Darker | author King, Stephen * | isbn 1668037718 | isbn13 9781668037713 | asin 1668037718 | num pages 502pp | avg rating 4.29 | num ratings 38,729 | date pub May 21, 2024 | date pub edition May 21, 2024 | Kevin's rating it was amazing | my rating 1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars add to shelves | review “Some of these truths are ugly, but as the poem says, scars become beauty marks when there is love.” – Stephen KingMr. King said he pulled the title f “Some of these truths are ugly, but as the poem says, scars become beauty marks when there is love.” – Stephen KingMr. King said he pulled the title from Leonard Cohen’s song “You Want It Darker.” In Cohen’s song he sings, “You want it darker? I’m ready, my lord.” Give the song a listen, if you want to set the mood for reading this book. I can’t help but imagine that King is starting to tie-up loose ends and prepare for the great ending in the sky, and it’s a bit heartbreaking. King includes several dedications throughout this collection, and he mentions his sons and his wife in the Afterword. He thanks both this editor Julie Eugley and his nephew, Jon Leonard for uncovering old stories which needed to be finished. He once again, as he has before, reveals his self-doubts about his writing. He also takes another swing at thanking his Constant Readers. He confesses that he’s happy that his storytelling has entertained others, and that makes me happy. I’ll just say that I’m grateful he’s finishing old stories and writing new ones because they are just that – entertaining!Five stars from me, not for the plots, or the themes, or the endings, but for the great storytelling and for showing the truth of the real world. ...more | notes Notes are private! | comments 0 | votes 20 | # times read 1 | date started Aug 25, 2024 | date read Sep 02, 2024 | date added Jun 01, 2024 | owned | format Hardcover | actions view (with text) | | | | | checkbox | position | cover The Gold at the Starbow's End | title The Gold at the Starbow's End | author Pohl, Frederik | isbn 0586039872 | isbn13 9780586039878 | asin 0586039872 | num pages 187pp | avg rating 3.91 | num ratings 137 | date pub Jul 12, 1972 | date pub edition 1975 | Kevin's rating really liked it | my rating 1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars add to shelves | review Note: I'm only reviewing "The Gold at the Starbow's End" novella here.This 1973 winner of the Locus Award for Best Novella later became a full-length Note: I'm only reviewing "The Gold at the Starbow's End" novella here.This 1973 winner of the Locus Award for Best Novella later became a full-length novel named “Starburst.” It was first published in March of 1972 in an issue of “Analog Science Fiction/Science Fact.” The story opens with a log entry from the U.S. Starship Constitution on day 40 of their mission to a recently detected planet orbiting Alpha Centauri. The story alternates back and forth between these log entries and narrative of events that occur back on Earth. The Constitution crew is encouraged to study number theory to pass the time. Due to their isolation and resulting focus, along with the crew’s experimental drug use, they rapidly advance their thinking, not only in number theory, but also in language, philosophy, and other capabilities. Meanwhile, Earth degrades into a dystopian society that’s a little too close to 2024 current and directional reality for my tastes.I enjoyed the tale, which includes some excellent plot twists and developments I won’t reveal here. I would have enjoyed it more if I could have more details about the crew of the Constellation, instead of the occasional log communication back to Earth. The characters back on Earth are pretty awful and deserve their dystopian fate, and I would have rather spent the time with the rapidly evolving Constellation crew who becomes a bit rebellious and bohemian.Four rainbow stars (or Starbows . . .) for this rapid paced exploration of the simultaneous devolution and evolution of humanity. ...more | notes Notes are private! | comments 0 | votes 14 | # times read 1 | date started May 28, 2024 | date read May 28, 2024 | date added May 28, 2024 | owned | format Paperback | actions view (with text) | | | | | checkbox | position | cover Look to Windward (Culture, #7) | title Look to Windward(Culture, #7) | author Banks, Iain M. | isbn 0743421922 | isbn13 9780743421928 | asin 0743421922 | num pages 496pp | avg rating 4.22 | num ratings 27,633 | date pub Aug 2000 | date pub edition Nov 01, 2002 | Kevin's rating really liked it | my rating 1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars add to shelves | review This is book seven of Iain M. Banks Culture Series published in 2000. It’s a simple plot told in the ever-expanding Culture Universe. I’m really torn This is book seven of Iain M. Banks Culture Series published in 2000. It’s a simple plot told in the ever-expanding Culture Universe. I’m really torn on this novel, it started slow and seemed to lack a strong story, but it’s also one of his stronger themed tales and the story picked up pace and my interest in the final third.Mahrai Ziller, a Chelgrian composer has left his home world for the safety and comfort of Culture. He is adored, almost worshiped by the Culture and has been tasked with writing a commemorative work to honor the memory of a horrific battle from the Culture/Idiran war. Quilan, a Chelgrian fighter, nearly lost his life in a one-sided battle. He survived but found he lost the love of his life in that same battle. Chelgrian High Command decide he’s the perfect candidate to convince composer Ziller to return to Chelgian’s home world – Chel. Early on, we learn (over and over again) that Ziller stubbornly refuses to meet with any of his Chelgrian comrades and especially not Quilan – who he fears might have been secretly sent to assassinate him. For my tastes, the plot really drags in the first half of the book, except for a fascinating side-quest following ancient, sentient, dirigible behemoths (that I imagined as some type of Kaiju) on a bizarre alien planet. There’s also a fun digression on ship names (a running Culture series gag) that displays Bank’s cleverness.So, I enjoyed the final third of the book, it was exciting and intriguing. I appreciated the exploration of the theme. War is messy, uncertain, and leaves behind a trail of both physical and psychological trauma. The Culture, with all its brilliance and morals, is not immune from this. I also enjoyed the Culture world building, getting more insight on things like Orbitals and Hub minds. However, the first two thirds of the book were slow, it’s a long build-up to an average plot. Ziller is a great character, but the rest are flat. And I despised the final ending. It seemed to make all the build-up and stakes nearly meaningless. Unfortunately, I can’t say more without major spoilers. Four stars for this tale of echoes of long past galactic war. A slow starting space opera with a worthy theme of the damage of war to society and to survivors. ...more | notes Notes are private! | comments 0 | votes 16 | # times read 1 | date started May 21, 2024 | date read May 29, 2024 | date added May 21, 2024 | owned | format Paperback | actions view (with text) | | | | | checkbox | position | cover Tales of the South Pacific | title Tales of the South Pacific | author Michener, James A. | isbn 0449206521 | isbn13 9780449206522 | asin 0449206521 | num pages 384pp | avg rating 4.04 | num ratings 16,170 | date pub 1947 | date pub edition Sep 12, 1984 | Kevin's rating it was amazing | my rating 1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars add to shelves | review A series of short stories set in the South Pacific during World War II. James A Michener lays it all bare, like a bleached-out beach, baking in the is A series of short stories set in the South Pacific during World War II. James A Michener lays it all bare, like a bleached-out beach, baking in the island sun. The stories tell of unbearably hot days and frigid nights, of relentless mosquitoes and horrible diseases. And not just physical disease, but the mental illnesses that accompanies war. Not surprisingly for the 1940’s, the book is full of solders displaying racism and misogyny. Female native women of child-bearing ages had to evacuated from islands to prevent rape by American military men. Nurses had to be constantly chaperoned to avoid the same. Yes, it’s set during war, and while you’ll get a glimpse of the horrors of battle, you’ll spend more time, like many of the military did, waiting and preparing for battle. Mitchener is at his best describing the unique characters and events in between the military action. When days turn into months, and months into years, soldiers eventually realize they are not just fighting a war, they are living their lives.“I wish I could tell you about the sweating jungle, the full moon rising behind the volcanoes, and the waiting. The waiting. The timeless repetitive waiting.” There is such a juxtaposition between the tranquil beauty of the South Pacific and the ugliness in wartime and in men’s hearts. Michener describes moment of bravery, empathy, and even love and then alternates to moments of bigotry, violence, and death. He lovingly describes the beauty of natives and scenes of tropical paradise, then a few pages later he reveals the confusion and insanity of combat.Five stars for compelling storytelling that brings to life the locations, characters, and events of World War II in the South Pacific. Deserving of its Pulitzer Prize for the honest writing of the weakness and strengths in humanity that war exposes. ...more | notes Notes are private! | comments 4 | votes 28 | # times read 1 | date started Apr 03, 2024 | date read Apr 14, 2024 | date added Apr 13, 2024 | owned | format Mass Market Paperback | actions view (with text) | | | | | checkbox | position | cover Inversions (Culture, #6) | title Inversions(Culture, #6) | author Banks, Iain M. | isbn 074341196X | isbn13 9780743411967 | asin 074341196X | num pages 343pp | avg rating 3.95 | num ratings 18,776 | date pub Jun 1998 | date pub edition May 01, 2001 | Kevin's rating really liked it | my rating 1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars add to shelves | review Smack dab in the middle of Ian Bank’s highly acclaimed science fiction series (‘Culture’), is “Inversion.” A tale full of feudal rule, distant war, sp Smack dab in the middle of Ian Bank’s highly acclaimed science fiction series (‘Culture’), is “Inversion.” A tale full of feudal rule, distant war, spies, torture, harems, and loads of palace intrigue -- it’s closer to ‘Game of Thrones’ than Star Trek. Set on a backwater planet somewhere in the Culture universe, the entire novel happens away from the technological sophisticated Culture, with only a few characters that even aware of the vast technological society that exists beyond the medieval cities, towns, and countryside of this planet.I struggled to find the meta-meaning of why Banks authored this novel in the context of the broader Culture series. Perhaps it’s to remind us of the ‘inverse’ of the Culture – an unjust, misogynistic, and at times brutal world. Maybe the reflections of power/powerless, men/women, sickness/healing, and love/hate. It caught me off guard, I was prepared for another dazzling technology story depicting a far distant future. But as I settled in, I certainly appreciated the taut intertwining of multiple story lines, distinct characters, and a rich plot. I’ve always been fascinated by stories where the downtrodden and powerless find ways to affect the rich and powerful. As in most feudal tales, there is nothing noble about noblemen and given enough time, even the subjugated will find revenge/justice/reprisal.Four chiseled stone stars for this well-written medieval tale of contrasting themes, exposed by fascinating characters and plot. ...more | notes Notes are private! | comments 0 | votes 17 | # times read 1 | date started Mar 04, 2024 | date read Mar 09, 2024 | date added Mar 09, 2024 | owned | format Paperback | actions view (with text) | | | | | checkbox | position | cover Jack O'Dander | title Jack O'Dander | author Sharma, Priya * | isbn 1250333504 | isbn13 9781250333506 | asin B0CHQLFZV3 | num pages 34pp | avg rating 3.71 | num ratings 94 | date pub Oct 04, 2023 | date pub edition Oct 04, 2023 | Kevin's rating liked it | my rating 1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars add to shelves | review This is an interesting horror short story. Some stories focus on plot, some on theme, and some on characters. This one focuses on relationships - moth This is an interesting horror short story. Some stories focus on plot, some on theme, and some on characters. This one focuses on relationships - mother/daughter, sister/sister, mother/mothers sister, etc. It's not even a character-driven story. The characters weren't described deeply and I didn't find them to be that distinctive - but the connections were everything that mattered in the story. The ending had a nice twist, but ultimately even the horror took a back seat to the examination of relationships. ...more | notes Notes are private! | comments 0 | votes 21 | # times read 2 | date started Feb 05, 2024 not set | date read Feb 05, 2024 not set | date added Feb 05, 2024 | owned | format Kindle Edition | actions view (with text) | | | | | checkbox | position | cover The Kaiju Preservation Society | title The Kaiju Preservation Society | author Scalzi, John * | isbn 0765389126 | isbn13 9780765389121 | asin 0765389126 | num pages 264pp | avg rating 3.99 | num ratings 58,714 | date pub Mar 15, 2022 | date pub edition Mar 15, 2022 | Kevin's rating really liked it | my rating 1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars add to shelves | review A great Christmas present from my son. Scalzi is at his best storytelling through the eyes of the naive everyman experiencing the marvel of unforeseen A great Christmas present from my son. Scalzi is at his best storytelling through the eyes of the naive everyman experiencing the marvel of unforeseen wonders. This novel isn’t particularly literary or mind-blowing, but it is . . . full-on fun! It’s ‘Old Man War’ fun, and it’s full of Scalzi-snark. Jamie Gray is our MC and hasn’t just been fired, he’s been exploited and screwed by his boss. He’s been let go during the Covid-19 pandemic and must resort to driving for a food-delivery app to barely make ends meet. He serendipitously makes a delivery to an old friend who offers him a job on the spot. A job which will not only solve his money issues but take him to a place he could never imagine and see things he could never believe – namely awe-inspiring, real Kaiju (if you’re not familiar with that term – think Godzilla or Mothra – giant monsters). The book was a very fast read for me, it’s just over 250 pages. Scalzi burns some pages explaining both the pseudo-science that allows for inter-dimensional travel, but also the creative eco-system of the Kaiju and their environment. It wasn’t until I completed the book that I realized the letter ‘A’ in John ScAlzi on the cover was a nuclear mushroom cloud. He has likeable characters that fast find comradery as you might expect in a dangerous but wonder-filled environment. And what makes a better villain than a dishonest, government-funded, unscrupulous billionaire? The entitled, manipulative, cut-throat son of a billionaire, of course. I think that’s enough of the plot, if you loved Crichton’s “Jurassic Park” then you’ll enjoy this tale. Four moss-covered, scaly (or Scalzi?) stars for this amusing romp into a delightfully dangerous world filled with impossible creatures and a great balance of wit and peril. ...more | notes Notes are private! | comments 4 | votes 36 | # times read 1 | date started Jan 18, 2024 | date read Jan 21, 2024 | date added Jan 22, 2024 | owned | format Hardcover | actions view (with text) | | | | | checkbox | position | cover Excession (Culture, #5) | title Excession(Culture, #5) | author Banks, Iain M. | isbn 0553575376 | isbn13 9780553575378 | asin 0553575376 | num pages 500pp | avg rating 4.20 | num ratings 31,850 | date pub 1996 | date pub edition Feb 02, 1998 | Kevin's rating really liked it | my rating 1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars add to shelves | review This is my fifth Iain M. Banks ‘Culture’ novel. I purchased the complete set all at once, and I’m working my way through them in order. It’s an intere This is my fifth Iain M. Banks ‘Culture’ novel. I purchased the complete set all at once, and I’m working my way through them in order. It’s an interesting series which all takes place in the same Universe and revolves around the same civilization/society (The Culture), but the characters are, for the most part, new each novel. You can think of ‘The Culture’ as similar to ‘The Federation’ in Star Trek. This book came closer to my favorite theme/plot/storyline in Science Fiction, which is ‘Wonder and Big Ideas’ than the first four books in the series. Bank’s reveals more about the technical wizardry of The Culture and it’s AI ‘Minds.’ We learn more about how FTL works, and we get deep into the thinking, communication, and motivation of the AI ‘Minds.’ We got some exposure to the Minds in prior books, but this one cracks them open bare for us to see. Ultimately, it’s one of the challenges of writing far-future grandiose science fiction. How do you characterize vast artificial intelligence far beyond human thinking in a way that’s approachable and interesting for the reader. In Excession, the Minds are very human-like in their thinking and somewhat in their motivation. It’s slightly disappointing, as I had higher expectations of the Minds, but also understandable, as it wouldn’t make much of a novel, to have them be flawless and communicating in incomprehensible binary languages. There is also an artifact that appears in this book (The Excession), that makes the Culture Minds look like drooling toddlers. This god-like power also creates another common problem for this and similar sci-fi books, how do you end it? Think of 2001 – ‘A Space Odyssey’ – big build up . . . what will happen . . . it’s . . . it’s. . . “something wonderful.” Don’t get me wrong, I love ‘2001,’ it’s just it can’t help being a little anti-climactic. There is a second plot line in this tale – more focused on humans. Genar-Hofoen is the main character, that keeps us connected to the storyline. Genar-Hofoen again felt to me like the same character Bank’s reincarnates (not literally) over and over again. He’s Horza in ‘Consider Phlebas,’ Jernau Morat Gurgeh in ‘Player of Games,’ and Cheradenine Zakalwe in “Use of Weapons.” Despite being in a future society, managed by super-advanced artificial intelligence, he’s still a ‘notch in the bedpost,’ love ‘em and leave ‘em character. I’d like to talk about my major disappointment in this strand of the tale, but it would include major spoilers. Ultimately, I enjoyed the book. There’s more of the Culture revealed, a deep dive into Mind’s, the threat of galactic war, and some intriguing big sci-fi ideas. I once again enjoyed the non-human characters more than the human ones and I found the ending disappointing. I wish Bank’s would have found a character or two, that could tie all these books together (a drone and ship Mind would be perfect). Four stars for this creative, energetically written adventure that continues to build out Bank’s wildly imaginative ‘Culture’ universe. ...more | notes Notes are private! | comments 0 | votes 23 | # times read 1 | date started Jan 02, 2024 | date read Jan 15, 2024 | date added Jan 14, 2024 | owned | format Mass Market Paperback | actions view (with text) | | | | | checkbox | position | cover We All Died at Breakaway Station | title We All Died at Breakaway Station | author Meredith, Richard C. | isbn 0099388804 | isbn13 9780099388807 | asin 0099388804 | num pages 244pp | avg rating 3.98 | num ratings 175 | date pub 1969 | date pub edition Apr 1985 | Kevin's rating liked it | my rating 1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars add to shelves | review Earth has ventured out amongst the stars, establishing colonies connected by a series of relay posts to remain connected to Earth. One of these relay Earth has ventured out amongst the stars, establishing colonies connected by a series of relay posts to remain connected to Earth. One of these relay posts is Breakaway Station. Unfortunately, our expansion has also thrust us into conflict with aliens we have nicknamed the Jillies. The story orbits around Captain Absolom Bracer, commander of the Iowa Jima, a battered interstellar warship that is limping home from battles that have left the crew and the commander crippled and mutated. In fact, most of the survivors have been resurrected from death or near death and many live in constant pain and misery.Richard C. Meredith published this in 1969, first as a two-part novella in Amazing Stories, then as an expanded novel by Ballantine Books. I read the Amazing Stories version. Early in my read, I suspected that this was written by someone who had some sort of military experience. Meredith described well the emotional toll of war. The characters are both physically and mentally shattered. I also feel he did well in imagining an alien species (the Jillies) that was bizarre and somewhat incomprehensible. While the horrors of war are not ignored, it is ultimately a tale of bravery in the face of insurmountable odds and sacrifice for the sake of hope. While I don’t read a great deal of military sci-fi, I did find this readable and intriguing. ...more | notes Notes are private! | comments 2 | votes 21 | # times read 1 | date started Jan 12, 2024 | date read Jan 13, 2024 | date added Jan 13, 2024 | owned | format Mass Market Paperback | actions view (with text) | | | | | checkbox | position | cover Unauthorized Bread | title Unauthorized Bread | author Doctorow, Cory * | isbn 1250220076 | isbn13 9781250220073 | asin 1250220076 | num pages 112pp | avg rating 4.14 | num ratings 453 | date pub Mar 19, 2019 | date pub edition Jan 15, 2019 | Kevin's rating it was amazing | my rating 1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars add to shelves | review Lovely and effective absurdism following in the footsteps of Gilliam's "Brazil." Lovely and effective absurdism following in the footsteps of Gilliam's "Brazil." ...more | notes Notes are private! | comments 0 | votes 14 | # times read 2 | date started Dec 10, 2023 not set | date read Dec 10, 2023 not set | date added Dec 10, 2023 | owned | format Paperback | actions view (with text) | | | | | checkbox | position | cover The State of the Art (Culture, #4) | title The State of the Art(Culture, #4) | author Banks, Iain M. | isbn 1597800740 | isbn13 9781597800747 | asin 1597800740 | num pages 188pp | avg rating 3.83 | num ratings 18,201 | date pub Mar 1991 | date pub edition Apr 25, 2007 | Kevin's rating liked it | my rating 1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars add to shelves | review This is book four in Ian M. Banks' Culture Series, but perhaps it would have been better numbered as 3.5? It's an odd assortment of shorter works. It This is book four in Ian M. Banks' Culture Series, but perhaps it would have been better numbered as 3.5? It's an odd assortment of shorter works. It begins with five short stories most of which are connected into the Culture universe. Story five "Piece," is a bit of a departure, but a rather brave and moving story. The rest of the book is a 6 or 7 part novella for which the book is names - "State of the Art." I'm struggling with this review, the opening four stories were underwhelming (especially when I compare to the first three Culture novels). The fifth story is powerful but disconnected from the rest of the work. The final novella was what carried the book for me. The plot for this novella is that the Culture has discovered Earth. Familar characters (Sma & the Drone Skaffen-Amtiskaw) are part of the crew sent to observe, record, and ultimately decide the fate of our planet. A Culture crewmember, Linter, goes 'native,' creating a challenge for Sma and the ship. This has the effect of make the tale feel a little like Banks' version of "The Man Who Fell to Earth." Anyway, I found myself enjoying the intellectual analysis of humanity from a Culture perspective. I think this novella sparked more thinking in me than any other Culture book and I appreciated Banks' observations of people, places, and ideas. It made me want to read his non-sci-fi fiction. I almost feel like Banks has keep his philosophical musings in check while writing the Culture books, while is a shame, I want more of this. Anyways, I'm giving the book three stars as overall it's a bit disjointed and disconnected. However, it has moments of real value when it dives deep into the study and questioning of humanities dichotomies, worth, and trajectory. ...more | notes Notes are private! | comments 2 | votes 25 | # times read 1 | date started not set | date read Oct 19, 2023 | date added Oct 19, 2023 | owned | format Paperback | actions view (with text) | | | | | checkbox | position | cover Use of Weapons (Culture, #3) | title Use of Weapons(Culture, #3) | author Banks, Iain M. | isbn 185723135X | isbn13 9781857231359 | asin 185723135X | num pages 411pp | avg rating 4.16 | num ratings 49,033 | date pub Mar 1990 | date pub edition Jan 01, 1992 | Kevin's rating really liked it | my rating 1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars add to shelves | review “Use of Weapons” is book three in Iain M. Banks’ Culture series. Nominated for several Science Fiction literary awards (British SF Association, Arthur “Use of Weapons” is book three in Iain M. Banks’ Culture series. Nominated for several Science Fiction literary awards (British SF Association, Arthur C. Clarke), it’s considered one of the Culture series most ‘literary’ novels. This book has an odd narrative structure. The main story moves along in chronological order with normal numbered chapters. But intertwined between these chapters, are roman numeral chapters that descend. They follow the main character’s past, but in reverse chronological order. I enjoyed this book, although not as much as “Consider Phlebas” or “The Player of Games.” It’s fun to continue to see more of the Culture universe, but I felt Banks was trying too hard to be ‘literary’ and theme heavy. I appreciated the strong characters and the war strategy that the main character Zakalwe crafted, but I dreaded the continuous shift in timeline which pulled me out of the story.Something struck me while reading the early part of this book. I’m not sure I can explain it adequately, but I feel there is a strong parallel to Ian Flemming’s James Bond series. While there is no titular character in the “Culture” series, all the main characters (at least in the first three books that I’ve read), felt similar to me. We have Horza, a mercenary who’s adept in any situation (prison escape, pirate raid, high stakes card game), or Jernau Gurgeh, a rich playboy and skillful player of sophisticated games, and then Cheradenine Zakalwe a Special Circumstances agent, which is the Culture’s version of Her Majesties Secret Service. All these characters are good with weapons, disguises, gadgets, and women. We often change from one exotic location to another. I can’t help it, but in my mind it’s ‘James Bond in Space’!My tenuous James Bond connection doesn’t take away from the fact that Banks is an excellent writer who has built out a very intriguing universe with strong characters and unique plotlines. A plasma rifle carving out four stars for another strong book in the excellent Culture series. ...more | notes Notes are private! | comments 0 | votes 14 | # times read 1 | date started Sep 04, 2023 | date read Oct 08, 2023 | date added Sep 04, 2023 | owned | format Paperback | actions view (with text) | | | | | checkbox | position | cover Flowers for Algernon | title Flowers for Algernon | author Keyes, Daniel | isbn | isbn13 | asin | num pages 311pp | avg rating 4.22 | num ratings 700,214 | date pub Apr 1966 | date pub edition May 01, 2005 | Kevin's rating it was amazing | my rating 1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars add to shelves | review Written in 1959-1965, “Flowers for Algernon” was required reading for many High School English Literature students, but somehow, I’m just getting to i Written in 1959-1965, “Flowers for Algernon” was required reading for many High School English Literature students, but somehow, I’m just getting to it in 2022! Author Daniel Keyes first wrote a short story with the same title, then expanded it into a novel. Keyes was pressured to change the ending both by a short story magazine and later in his novel by Doubleday. Keyes refused both times, went with other publishers, and the book went on to sell over five million copies!I found the book an easy, absorbing read. Keyes leverages his university degree in psychology giving the book an authentic feel. We get couch sessions, Freudian analysis, and Rorschach Inkbot tests. The academic process of grants, pressure to publish, and surrounding ethics of clinical trials are examined and questioned. The book deftly deals with issues around mental health and mentally challenged in a way few were addressing it in the 1960’s. It’s sort of a cousin to Ken Kesey’s 1962, “One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” The plot follows Charlie Gordon, a 30-year-old with an unusually low IQ, who agrees to experimental surgery that may drastically increase his intelligence. The risky surgery has already been performed on a mouse named Algernon. The story follows the changes in Charlie and Algernon and make for a rich examination of intellect verses emotional intelligence and how abnormal/extranormal people are treated.My primary disappointment with the novel was of my own making. When reading the back cover, I imagined that Algernon, the mouse, would become so intelligent he would communicate somehow with Charlie and become an endearing character. Well, you feel for Algernon and Charlie, but the book is a little more realistic than my over-the-top vision of the plot. I also felt like the use of the mouse maze theme (city streets, solving the Algernon-Gordon effect, etc.) was a little overdone, but I'm sure it was good material for high school lit papers.A moving, original tale that invites the reader to think about the interplay of intelligence and emotion and which is more impactful on purpose and happiness. Five maze-engraved stars for this classic book that sits on the edge of literature and science fiction. ...more | notes Notes are private! | comments 0 | votes 11 | # times read 1 | date started Nov 03, 2022 | date read Nov 03, 2022 | date added Aug 23, 2023 | owned | format Paperback | actions view (with text) | | | | | checkbox | position | cover Tales of Known Space: The Universe of Larry Niven (Known Space) | title Tales of Known Space: The Universe of Larry Niven(Known Space) | author Niven, Larry | isbn 0345334698 | isbn13 9780345334695 | asin 0345334698 | num pages 240pp | avg rating 4.19 | num ratings 5,943 | date pub Aug 1975 | date pub edition Nov 12, 1985 | Kevin's rating liked it | my rating 1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars add to shelves | review This is thirteen tales from Niven’s Known Space universe. And that is the best thing about this collection, that each of the stories are connected by This is thirteen tales from Niven’s Known Space universe. And that is the best thing about this collection, that each of the stories are connected by a shared history of humanities expansion throughout the ‘Known Space.’ This book also contains a graphic which categorizes all of Niven’s tales into a master timeline that also includes key events. At the end of the book is a full bibliography. Niven wrote these stories between 1964 and 1975. I think my favorite of the stories was “The Borderland of Sol.” For a short story, it’s got a nice mystery and a few twists. My least favorite was “How the Hero’s Die” which is homophobic and basically fears that without women, some men settlers will turn homosexual - ugh. Again, overall solid 1960’s hard-ish sci fi, with the best part being the overarching Known Space universe connecting tissue.Three stars for this dated collection of thirteen stories in Niven’s Known Space series. ...more | notes Notes are private! | comments 2 | votes 17 | # times read 1 | date started Aug 07, 2023 | date read Aug 17, 2023 | date added Aug 17, 2023 | owned | format Paperback | actions view (with text) | | | | | checkbox | position | cover The Color Out of Space | title The Color Out of Space | author Lovecraft, H.P. | isbn 1443427063 | isbn13 9781443427067 | asin 1443427063 | num pages 25pp | avg rating 4.08 | num ratings 7,158 | date pub unknown | date pub edition Sep 03, 2013 | Kevin's rating it was amazing | my rating 1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars add to shelves | review H.P. Lovecraft wrote this first contact story in 1927. It appeared in the September 1927 edition of Amazing Stories. Apparently, it was a personal fav H.P. Lovecraft wrote this first contact story in 1927. It appeared in the September 1927 edition of Amazing Stories. Apparently, it was a personal favorite of Lovecraft’s short stories. It’s been adapted to film at least five times. Stephen King reveals that the tale influenced his 1987 novel “The Tommyknockers.” Although Jeff VanderMeer hasn’t admitted it, I wonder if it also influenced “Annihilation.”A surveyor from Boston gathering information for a planned reservoir, learns of a cursed place named the ‘blasted heath.’ He meets a withered old man named Ammi who tells him a dark tale of a meteorite that releases a strange curse on the land. A farm and family are overtaken by something not of this earth in an unnerving and grotesque fashion that only Lovecraft can describe. While Lovecraft himself might have been influenced by H.G. Wells 1897 classic, “The War of the Worlds,” I appreciate how Lovecraft attempted to make extraterrestrial life more alien. This is not an entity that the characters can even begin to understand, which adds greatly to the horror aspects of the work. His dark imagination paved the way for so many future sci fi creatures in books, TV, and movies. Five stars for both the gruesome storytelling and the groundbreaking creativity. ...more | notes Notes are private! | comments 0 | votes 20 | # times read 1 | date started Aug 15, 2023 | date read Aug 15, 2023 | date added Aug 15, 2023 | owned | format ebook | actions view (with text) | | | | | checkbox | position | cover Holly | title Holly | author King, Stephen * | isbn 1668016133 | isbn13 9781668016138 | asin 1668016133 | num pages 449pp | avg rating 4.11 | num ratings 122,283 | date pub Sep 05, 2023 | date pub edition Sep 05, 2023 | Kevin's rating really liked it | my rating 1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars add to shelves | review I always learn something from King’s books. In “Holly,” I learned that even though you are in your eighties, you can still have a huge impact on other I always learn something from King’s books. In “Holly,” I learned that even though you are in your eighties, you can still have a huge impact on other’s lives. It’s not’s too late to take up new things like remodeling your basement or find a passion for food preparation and cooking. ;)“Holly” is a straight up crime novel – none of King’s signature supernatural in this tale. We follow a well-known King character – Holly Gibney. She has appeared in “If It Bleeds,” “End of Watch,” “Finders Keepers,” and originally in “Mr. Mercedes.” In prior books, Holly is depicted as a bright, shy, but courageous character, with OCD and some emotional baggage. She is a strong character and carries the novel. I mean this book has no mysterious supernatural element. There is plenty of creepiness and evil, but nothing paranormal. There is little mystery either, as the narrator is omnipotent, and we see both sides of the equation play out. The action is light, although there is a healthy parfait of suspense. The villains are fairly typical these days – racist and narcissistic psychopaths. The twists and turns are fairly limited for a crime novel – I was never shocked about a turn of events (although the crimes are certainly shocking). I also didn’t enjoy the fact that it was set during Covid-19, who wants to relive that!So, let’s summarize, little mystery, no paranormal, light on action, no big revelations, and it dragged me back though living the pandemic. But guess what, I still enjoyed it. Why, King’s character building is top notch here. Holly is as real a character as you’ll find, and the side characters are strong and unique. King pulls us deep into Holly mind, and that makes for good storytelling. There’s also a bit of nostalgia, connecting back to the past novels that Holly was in. Basically, King makes you like his characters, then lets your root for them, and finally puts them in peril. It works.Four blood dripping stars for this suspenseful detective novel. In my opinion, it’s doesn’t crack his top ten, but if you enjoy deep character development, you’ll eat-up this book. ...more | notes Notes are private! | comments 0 | votes 44 | # times read 1 | date started Nov 11, 2023 | date read Dec 2023 | date added Aug 11, 2023 | owned | format Hardcover | actions view (with text) | | | | | checkbox | position | cover The Player of Games (Culture #2) | title The Player of Games(Culture #2) | author Banks, Iain M. | isbn 1857231465 | isbn13 9781857231465 | asin 1857231465 | num pages 309pp | avg rating 4.28 | num ratings 74,485 | date pub Aug 1988 | date pub edition Jan 01, 1989 | Kevin's rating really liked it | my rating 1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars add to shelves | review Jernau Morat Gurgeh is a master “Player of Games.” In fact, he is so masterful, that he is becoming jaded and cynical. His success allows him to live Jernau Morat Gurgeh is a master “Player of Games.” In fact, he is so masterful, that he is becoming jaded and cynical. His success allows him to live an idyllic existence surrounded by friends and admirers. Like a mountain climber who has crested Everest, what’s left? Cue a series of events that will lead him to a hidden empire – The Empire of Azad. This entire culture is built around a game – a game so complex that the winner becomes the emperor. I greatly enjoyed this novel mostly due to its fresh, unique storyline. I guess the only thing that comes close in my reading history was “Ender’s Game.” You can feel the clarity of plot that Banks had in his mind when he wrote this and that makes it an accessible and engrossing tale. In addition, the Culture universe is complex and sophisticated, filled with cool space megastructure, amazing ships, and interesting AI self-aware minds and drones. This is my second read in the Culture universe and it’s a fun place to explore.As to downsides, my primary disappointment was with the Empire of Azad itself. I liked the ambiguity of ‘Consider Phlebas,’ where it was often difficult to determine who to root for. In that tale the main character saw flaws in both the Idirans and the Culture and that led to subtleties and a realistic texture. In this book, while there are still flaws in the Culture’s approach, once the underbelly of the Empire of Azad is revealed, there is no longer any doubt of who to favor and that weakens that plot in my opinion. At that moment, you know how the book must end. I also felt like Gurgeh accepted some plot points way too easily, which went against his earlier-established character and values. Unfortunately, I can’t explain this deeply without revealing spoilers. None of this ruined the novel, but ultimately, it lessened the ending greatly in my opinion. Four puzzle-pieced stars for this wildly imaginative, energetically paced, and intellectually constructed space opera entry into the Culture universe. You’ll want to break out your Risk Shadow Forces board game (or any sci-fi related complex strategy game) after you’ve read the last word. ...more | notes Notes are private! | comments 0 | votes 34 | # times read 2 | date started Jun 02, 2023 not set | date read Aug 06, 2023 not set | date added Aug 06, 2023 | owned | format Paperback | actions view (with text) | | | | | checkbox | position | cover Nothing to See Here | title Nothing to See Here | author Wilson, Kevin * | isbn 0062913492 | isbn13 9780062913494 | asin 0062913492 | num pages 288pp | avg rating 3.96 | num ratings 194,932 | date pub Oct 29, 2019 | date pub edition Sep 01, 2020 | Kevin's rating | my rating 1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars add to shelves | review None | notes Notes are private! | comments 0 | votes 1 | # times read 0 | date started not set | date read not set | date added Aug 01, 2023 | owned | format Paperback | actions view | | | |

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