Reviews and Comments

scienced

scienced@books.theunseen.city

Joined 2 years, 10 months ago

Mostly reading science-fiction, with a preference for hard sci-fi. Alastair Reynolds, Vernor Vinge and Peter Hamilton wrote novels and series that I enjoyed very much.

This link opens in a pop-up window

Riley Sager: Lock Every Door (2019, Penguin Random House)

"Lock Every Door" follows Jules, a down-on-her luck young woman who takes a questionable job …

Not worth the time spent on reading it

Content warning Spoiler!

Becky Chambers: A Closed and Common Orbit (2017)

A Closed and Common Orbit is a 2016 science fiction novel by Becky Chambers, published …

Better than the first one in the Wayfarer series

This is a relatively short book using two narrative threads focused on how interactions of humans with self-aware artificial intelligence systems could look like in a very distant future. While the first Wayfarer story introduced well the universe and alien species, this second book has a better pace and was more enjoyable overall. Still, it is probably better to read them in order.

Andy Weir: Project Hail Mary (Hardcover, 2021, Ballantine Books)

Ryland Grace is the sole survivor on a desperate, last-chance mission--and if he fails, humanity …

A lot of fun and technical imagination

If you read 'The Martian', this one follows the same chain of technical puzzles in a survival setting. But both the setting and the science are quite a lot more fictional. I still enjoyed it very much as it also has 'Enemy mine' vibes. Highly entertaining read, if you don't take the science too seriously.

Military-type science fiction

The book is way too long for what it describes. A lot of unexpected physical violence in a technologically advanced society. I skipped many pages to the end. Could represent a somewhat entertaining light read for those who like, for example, Alistair Reynold's universe.

Douglas R. Hofstadter: I Am a Strange Loop (2007, Basic Books)

What do we mean when we say "I"? Can thought arise out of matter? Can …

Review of 'I Am a Strange Loop' on 'Goodreads'

While the book started fine as an autobiography, I think it would have been better to continue in the same vein. Also tried reading the previous and famous "Gödel, Escher, Bach" book from the same author and did not find the value other people seem to find in it.

Tiffany McDaniel: Betty (2020, Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, Knopf)

A stunning, lyrical novel set in the rolling foothills of the Appalachians about a young …

Review of 'Betty' on 'Goodreads'

Similar in spirit with John Steinbeck's 'East of Eden' novel, at least this was the impression the book left on me. Graphic scenes of rape and violence, even if they are very important for the narrative and for the development of partially life-inspired characters. Denouncing racism, religious bigotism and sexism. Excellent book altogether.