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What I Read
After reading far too many lousy books over the years (i.e. Mercedes Lackey) here are some books I enjoy and strongly recommend. They might just be fun, contain a deep meaning or teach you something. But one thing they all have in common is they are quite good. So trust me, and do some reading.
Enough Of This Bookworm Stuff! Let's Go!
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Science Fiction
Chung Kuo -- David Wingrove
This is perhaps my favorite science fiction series of all time. I warn you though this series is 8 books long and about 2.5 million words. Unlike some long spanning series Chung Kuo does not fall apart at the end, far from it. It stays true to form and does get wierd but in pleasing, starling and satisfying ways.
The world is one in which the Chisese managed to dominate and control mankind and lock the world down to thier order. Technology while great by today's standand is controlled and not near where it should be. The people of earth number 35 billion and growing, most of whom have never been "outside." The world is alseep in a Chinese dream, but the reality of morning is coming, fast.
It starts with the assasination of a minor bueruecrat in the Earth-spanning city that is Chung Kuo (the assassin becomes a major character throughout the books). This is just a harbinger of things to come as humanity finds itself, fights itself and does so much more (that I can not even mention without major spoilers). The villian is Howard DeVore who is far much more than what is ever revieled. A former Chung Kuo colonel in charge of the Tang Security Forces (the seven emperors). His desire is to tear down the wall of Chung Kuo.
This series is great because it does not get bogged down by its size, so much happens with such detail in the 8 books. In other words it is rarely a dull moment (save for the teenage years of Ben Shepard, which I admit was a bit tedious). So do not be intimidated and pick up this series, it is far to impressive, interesting and fun to miss.
The Paratwa Saga - Christopher Hinz
This is perhaps one of the best obscure science fiction writers in the industry. The Paratwa Saga (Liege-Killer, Ash-Ock and Paratwa) is a series of three books about humanity living in orbital stations after the earth has been poisoned and nuked into sterility. The cause rampant genetic engineering of soldiers/assassins who turned on their masters. Once thought dead, Liege Killer tells of a pair of Paratwa killers from the past fought by two of the master Paratwa hunters of the past. But this pair is only a sign of things to come.
Tale Of Continuing Time - Daniel Keys Moran
Most notable in this series of books is the Last Dancer and The Long Run. The Long Run focuses around the character of Trent the Uncatchable, who flouts the UN dominated world and becomes bigger than life. In essesnce The Long Run is one 300 page chase, in a world the is both detailed and intriguing. The Last Dancer is a book that really has it all...War, intrigue, meta-physics, 50,000 year old immortals, revolution and incredible characters. It is too bad Moran is an obscure author who now owns the printing rights to his books. Getting them may be a good trick till he gets a new publisher...
Uplift Series - David Brin
David Brin is a writer that does a good job with all of his books, but the standouts are the two Uplift series. The first series is three independent (well somewhat) consisting of Sundiver, Startide Rising and The Uplift War. The second series is a direct continuation of Startide Rising, but I will not say how. The synopsis op the series to date is humanity somehow managed to become star travellers without the benefit of a parent race (who uplifts its client races into sentiency). Secondly the humans have already uplifted dolphins, chimpazees (and, well, maybe more). Thirdly there are races around who really do not like the humans and want them and their clients for themselves. Fourthly humans are alone, save for a few wiley allies who manage to protect the wolflings as they learn inter-stellar brinksmanship. And lastly Brin writes the technology and aliens so well this series is a must read for science fiction on a grand, yet personal scale. Too much to describe, just go read. It is worth it.
I have finished the final book, Heaven's Reach. While I did enjoy the book and still recommend it as-well-as the rest of the series, I do believe it has fallen prey to Brin's latest writing habit. That is he puts too many characters and sub-plots that muddle the larger plot and protagonists. But even after 6 books, there is still a good deal to be resolved, so don't look for everything to be answered in Heaven's Reach.
Foundation Trilogy - Isaac Asimov
Well this series might be boring, but it is a must read for a foundation of science fiction. Its scope and detail are immense. While dry and perhaps lacking action, it is important none the less.
Dune - Frank Herbert
Another classic, that if you work through the first couple hundred pages it takes off. The last 50 pages are incredible and makes that long trek through the book seem worth it. I have never read the follow-up novels, I have not felt the need. This book tells a complete story and it almost diminishes it by trying to add more. The movie is a good watch to gain some understanding of the book, but it is hardly a substitute.
Dreampark - Larry Niven and Stven Barnes
This series of three books (Dreampark, California Vodoo Game, etc) is a very good mix of virtual reality, live roleplaying and real world plots. Set in the near future where mankind is just becoming enlighted and trying to genuinely improve itself, the game provides a setting for people who might disagree.
The Maurid Audron Series - George Alec Effinger
A classic cyberpunk series, these books take place sometime in the next century. Set in a large city (possibly Cairo) on the North African coast, we get to read about the life of Marrid Auron, a half arab and half french detective, schemer and eventually assistant to a powerful "business" man. The texture and plot of the three books, so far, is deep and lush.
Walter Jon Williams
It is hard to pick out any one book Walter has written in the past 15 years. They are all good if not great. But if you had to pick one, read Aristoi. It packs the biggest punch and acts as a node for all of the themes he has written about. Then you can branch out from there. Walter is a great science fiction writer because his writing is so diverse in the field (Cyberpunk, post-cyberpunk, techno-fantasy, hard science fiction, heck even a great civil war story). His understanding of science and humanity makes him a great writer and a muct read.
War Against The Chtorr - David Gerrold
Not the cute little tribbles from the writers famous episode of Star Trek. Take the worst way you can think of for a alien race to take over the world. Okay, now make it 10,000 times worse. First humanity is decimated by 8 plagues, and counting....killing billions. Then alien creatures start appearing the wilderness. Then alien life forms start squeezing out terran lifeforms. Now giant pink worms emerge whoose sole purpose appears to eat humans, animals and anything else...but behind the ravenous appetites is something else...It takes Gerrold year to write each book, they are that detailed and rely on a solid biological and scientific base. There are four out now, and the possible last one should be out in 1998...in theory.
Gatherer of Clouds, Initiate Brother -- Sean Russell
perspective of action, romance, treachery and detail. It takes place is an analog of China (where a canal rather than a wall defines the geography). The tale is about a clan who has fallen out of favor with the corrupt and weak emperor. They are sent to a northern province which turns out to be invaded by the northern barbarians. The trick is why these barbarians are invading, why are there so many...and will the clan and their allies have to fight 2 wars to survive.
In all of this is a monk who could very well be the next incarnation of "budda." He is the advisor to the clan and on a quest entirely his own too.
The ending is very surprising and gratifying. What I like about Russell's writing is he is very detailed but is so good at plotting that the book does not get weighed down by this.
Moontide and Magic Rise -- Sean Russell
Another analogous historical novel by Wingrove, this series takes place in an analog of England. It is about the coming of the new age of logic, reason and science. The age of mages is passing and flikering like a candle running out of wick. But someone does not want it to end, the increibly old king needs a magical plant, and someone knows the secrets of why the mages left. Caught in the middle is the main character who gets involved in all three.
The great thing about this series is that we do not get the big answers of what the world is all about. We must learn with the characters and see what they see. The ending is a bit confusing and I felt a bit rushed considering the size of the two main books. The prequil is even better, more mystery and focuses in the days of the last mage.
The Drenai Saga and Other Series -- David Gemmell
What makes David Gemmell so good is the fact that he writes in a formula that seems predictable, yet always remains satisfying. The Drenai Saga wa sone I stumbled upon when I was looking ina used book store and saw the UK editions of the books. For 10 bucks, I figured this was a good deal. Numerous books later I still feel that way.
Unlike many Fantasy authors Gemmell covers almost an era of history in and around the lands of the Drenai. The Drenai are kind of proud losers. They are always being invaded, put upon or otherwise threatned by their neighbors. But they have heroes by the dozens! This is great high heroic fantasy, with just enough evil and darkness to make it interesting. A * Denotes a Drenai Saga novel.
The Riftwar Saga -- Raymond Feist
Fiest like many fantasy writers, plays on a single hook for his stories. In his case its a young man goes onto greatness. However he does it so well, I can not complain about his prodigous use of this plot device.
The Riftwar Saga streatches over 2 series, plus several related books to form a massive history of the war. Some of the books have the weakness of similar plots (i.e. sailing across the ocean to kill Panathians), but Fiest enriches his books so much with details, plots and characters it is a delight every single time. This series is well worth reading and is a fine example of a modern fantasy series.
The Wheel of Time -- Robert Jordan
More on this at a later date....
Fiction
James Ellroy
James Ellroy is quite simply one of the best authors of this century. I came across him after watching the movie LA Confodential and got curious. So I picked up a few of his books and I got to reading. I was stunned.
The LA Quartet (LA Confidetial, White Jazz, Big Nowhere, Black Dahlia) and American Tabloid are stunnijg, connected works. Ellroy paints a bleak picture of Los Angeles in the 1950's, a complete 180 turn from the gilded memories of tinsel town.
Ellroy takes you deep into the characters and settings, sometimes it makes you feel like you are drowning. It is like looking at something you know is wrong, yet you do it anyways. However immersed in this darkness are good people...just people who are willing to do what is right even if they have to do the wrong things to do it.
Very noir to say the least. Pick up the following books...just do not read them ALL at once (or out of order).
Non-Fiction
Inside the Third Riech - Albert Speer
While the Nazi regime in Germany was a sad and despicable time for all of humanity, Albert Speer perhaps had the best view of the private lif eof Hitler and the inner workings of Germany. He was one of only two survivors from Hitler's ministers and his perspective is better than any English scholar could come up with. This is not only a good war history book, but also a good biography of a good man gone bad, who then redeamed himself.
Hyperspace - M. Kaku
Hyperspace is a truely excellent book for physics, relativity and dimensional theory. While consise and detailed it is not bogged down by mathmatical formulas. It concentrates on the theory with few mechanics. Better, by-far, than any physics class you had in high school and college, Kaku takes the time to explain the world of physics in an amusing, personal and detailed way. If you do ANY science fiction gaming, this book is a must...if for nothing else correcting boneheads who think they have some understanding of the universe.
Engines Of Creation
This is a great overview on the theory and practice of nanotechnology. While nanotech may be the biggest thing that humanity invent, or the biggest pipedream is to be determined. But I lean to the fact that it will happen. This book goes over all the uses and basic mechanics of this atomic level tools. Very cool.
The Fifties - David Halberstram
A great social look into the fifties, each chapter is on one specific issues (cars, McDonalds, TV, etc.) but it is brilliantly written and ordered so that the book flows. Unlike TV shows like Happy Days, The Fifties does not romanticize the era. Rather it looks at the events and people in them from a good perspective.
Sea Hunters - Clive Cussler & Craig Dirgo
While half fiction and half non-fiction this book looks at many wrecks and the events behid them. Sea Hunters also looks at Clive Cusslers discovery and renovations of these wrecks over the past 20 years. Great for naval and archeology nuts, but good for everyone else.
Film Noir
A look at one of the most enigmatic films in recent history: Blade Runner. Film Noir takes a looks at every step that was taken in the making of Blade Runner, from Phillip K Dick's story to the odd post release popularity of this box office bomb. Blade Runner wad a great movie and well ahead of its time in every way. This book tells a tale just as interesting as the movie itself.
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