Science Fiction Books

Advantages: Highly effective large-scale plot
Disadvantages: Prose style is sometimes pedestrian

Anyone who seriously wants to read science fiction should probably take the time to read some of the classics, as an idea of sf's history can be invaluable in understanding where modern author's are coming from. "Childhood's End" would undoubtedly be one of those classics. The three novels Clarke had written before (including one children's book) were dull, plodding books about space exploration. With "Childhood's End" he turned to a more original ...
...The story concerns the alien Overlords, who despite their fearful appearance, have contacted humanity to guide us towards our destiny (a destiny that the Overlords themselves are barred from). The book effectively builds up to its moving climax, where the next stage of humanity is observed by the last living human being - one of the most moving passages Clarke has written. Clarke is not always the finest writer in sf, but he has an imagination to ... Read review

Advantages: A decent, entertaining piece of fiction
Disadvantages: None really, but a little strange -ooooooooh

...sure it’s very nice. Certainly the picture Robert Rankin paints of it in his novel, “The Antipope”, depicts an extremely interesting place to visit - full of places of interest and colourful (to put it mildly) local characters. I’m guessing the book is set in the very early seventies, the only clue we get is that two pints of “Large”, the preferred local draught, costs 10/6 (10 shillings and sixpence – ask ...
...that one of the central characters has been dead for a few hundred years the exact timing of the novel's “present day” seems a trifle irrelevant. Much of the action takes place in The Flying Swan, a local pub run by Neville, the part-time barman. Although never actually stated, we are left with the impression that Neville has been, and will be, a fixture in the bar for many years. Two of his work shy regulars, John O’Mally, a drunken ... Read review

Advantages: hilarious
Disadvantages: none

Even better then the film, Hitch-hikers delivers more of Douglas Adams hilarious humour to the audience. Follow Ford Prefect, Arthur Dent and co. on their adventures through the Universe. From the destruction of Earth to wondering around Stone Age England with a talking sofa. Discover the final fate of the characters you meet; Slartibartfast, Marvin, Zaphod Beeblebrox and Trinian. This book is not just for those who like science-fiction as it brings ... Read review

Advantages: Very readable, enthralling
Disadvantages: Too heavy to read in the bath

...started reading adult science fiction, the Amber chronicles were an introduction to what serious fantasy writing should be. Some 20 odd years later I was pleased to see that the first ten books had been gathered together in one volume and bought it thinking I'd dip in and indulge in a bit of nostalgia. A week later my sleep deficit is way up but I've been thrilled by the richness and depth of imagination shown in this book. The writing style feels ...
...of twenty years or so. The book describes the machiavellian plots within an extraordinary family. As they fight each other for rule of the city of Amber they must also work together to prevent the destruction of their world by a dark force. It would have been easy for Zelazny to sink into the usual sword and sorcery cliches but instead he gives a more scientific slant to the powers used by our protagonists. All in all I'd recommend it to anyone who ... Read review

Advantages: Unique idea of a threat from beyond
Disadvantages: Some of the lanuage a little dates now

...regarded by many to be the fore runner for one of science fictions greatest ever writers. Released in 1967 this novel firmly established a formula and framework to which Michael Crichton has stuck to, with massive success ever since. The first book by this author I read (predictably) was Jurassic Park, shortly before the film came out. I loved it even more than the film itself and so saught out other works by Mr. Crichton. Trying to be thorough ...
...This book is brilliant in the way it makes every single reader ask 'what if...?'. The science involved is scarily realistic and also explained to a point where even a layman can understand it, a tactic Crichton has continued to use in his subsequant bestsellers. The plot of this book involves a rogue satellite which has been collecting samples from space, only to come crashing down to earth in the small town of Piedmont. The military moves in to ... Read review