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If you've read my other reviews, you'll know I liked the previous novels, Spin and Axis, a LOT. Sadly, I can't say the same of this final book in the Spin trilogy (this was not entirely unexpected, having read other reviews). It didn't have the same sensawunda for me as Spin and Axis did, nor did I find it as engaging. The two 'familiar' characters from the previous books didn't feel like the same characters (which in a way makes sense, but was still disappointing), and I think the storyline(s) suffered from the switches between the two vastly different times the book follows - and also from the way the 'future' storyline was told (the reason for this becomes clear at the end, but it still doesn't alter the fact that for me, the way those viewpoints were shown felt stilted and distant). I didn't really feel connected to any of the viewpoint characters, and the most interesting character to me (Orrin) only got the briefest of viewpoint sections - not even a whole chapter.
I'd only recommend reading Vortex if you feel (like me) you HAVE to complete the trilogy, or if you really MUST know the true nature and/or motives of the Hypotheticals - and if it's the latter, be prepared for that to be something of a disappointment, too.
Every bit as enagaging, intriguing and enjoyable as Spin, the first book in the series. While not an immediate sequel (it follows a different cast of characters), concepts and consequences from Spin are explored further here.If you liked Spin, you'll find Axis well worth your time. If you haven't read Spin, you should start there.
This is a wonderful, magical book in several senses of the words (although, sadly, I don't think there any actual spells contained within it). I loved Sophie, and Howl, and Calcifer, and all the other myriad characters. The anime film version of Howl's Moving Castle was already a favourite of mine, which meant that the stories and characters in the book were comfortingly familiar and at times jarringly strange, both at the same time, which made for an interesting read. In some ways I wish I had read the book first, but then perhaps I wouldn't love the film quite so much, which would be a shame. In any case, whether you've seen the film or not, I wholeheartedly recommend this book if you like magical fantasy at all.
What would you do if, one night, all the stars just disappeared?That's just the starting point for 'Spin', one of the most enjoyable sci-fi novels I've read recently. Set in our own solar system, this is an engaging, thought-provoking and eerily plausible story, full of sensawunda, but firmly grounded in the story of the protagonist, Tyler, and his friends Jason and Diane. The characters feel realistic, and the well-paced plot keeps you wanting to know more.
I don't know what to say about this book. I mean, I loved it - really, really loved it. But how to describe it... I have no words.It's the first time I can remember getting to the end of the book and seriously contemplating immediately starting over again at the beginning, simply because I didn't want the story to be over. It grabs you and doesn't let go. I think it may not ever let go.Just read it. You won't be sorry.
This isn't the easiest book to review. After finishing it, my main coherent thought about it is still: Wow, that's one seriously messed up family.Despite some disturbing subject matter, it was a surprisingly easy read. The character of Frank, as he sees himself, is fascinating and troubling in equal measures - as is the world he sees around him. I was genuinely apprehensive about the return of Eric, at the same time as I was intrigued to find out what his return would bring. The book kept me guessing all the way through as to how it would all play out, and whether or not Frank's worldview was based in reality. My only regret is that it took me until now to read an Iain (M) Banks novel, having intended for many years to do so. This will certainly not be the last of his I read.
This isn't the easiest book to review. After finishing it, my main coherent thought about it is still: Wow, that's one seriously messed up family.Despite some disturbing subject matter, it was a surprisingly easy read. The character of Frank, as he sees himself, is fascinating and troubling in equal measures - as is the world he sees around him. I was genuinely apprehensive about the return of Eric, at the same time as I was intrigued to find out what his return would bring. The book kept me guessing all the way through as to how it would all play out, and whether or not Frank's worldview was based in reality. My only regret is that it took me until now to read an Iain (M) Banks novel, having intended for many years to do so. This will certainly not be the last of his I read.
A fitting and fulfilling conclusion to an entertaining sci-fi trilogy set in our own solar system. Recommended, but don't start here - start with Boundary, the first in the series.
A fitting and fulfilling conclusion to an entertaining sci-fi trilogy set in our own solar system. Recommended, but don't start here - start with Boundary, the first in the series.
This was a delightful short story - entertaining and well paced, with a satisfying conclusion. The copy I read also had a bonus short story, 'Scrawny Pete', which was equally good. If you are a cat person, I highly recommend them.
This was a delightful short story - entertaining and well paced, with a satisfying conclusion. The copy I read also had a bonus short story, 'Scrawny Pete', which was equally good. If you are a cat person, I highly recommend them.
On the whole, I almost liked this book - but only barely. While I knew going in that this was a romance, I had hoped for a sci-fi novel with added romance. That's not what this book is. It's a romance novel with a sci-fi setting.That might not have been a problem, if I had liked the protagonist, Cat. Sadly, I didn't. I found her extremely unsympathetic, and at times she actually struck me as more robotic than Finn. I DID like Finn, but this isn't Finn's story - as the title suggests, it's Cat, the mad scientist's daughter, who takes centre stage.I also hoped the book would explore in more depth the issues of sentience and humanity, of AI rights, and so on - but it felt like we only skimmed the surface of these, as mere background to Cat's angst-filled life.Ultimately, I didn't hate the book - but it definitely wasn't my cup of tea.
I approached this book with a little reluctance, after my re-read of The Talisman last year proved less enthralling than I'd expected. I'm pleased to say that Black House, in contrast, exceeded my expectations. Perhaps that's because those expectations were lower, but all the same, I found it a much more engaging read. I also found that I liked the adult Jack Sawyer rather more than the twelve-year old Jack from The Talisman. I also found the secondary characters to be well-rounded and interesting - and on the whole, very likeable (except, of course, the ones we weren't supposed to like!) The pacing was just right, and the plot remained involving all the way through. I did find the narration/viewpoint a little distracting at times, but it didn't affect my enjoyment of the book.If you like Stephen King's horror/dark fantasy novels (and presumably Peter Straub's although I'm not familiar with his other works), and especially if you liked The Talisman, then you should definitely read this one.
I approached this book with a little reluctance, after my re-read of The Talisman last year proved less enthralling than I'd expected. I'm pleased to say that Black House, in contrast, exceeded my expectations. Perhaps that's because those expectations were lower, but all the same, I found it a much more engaging read. I also found that I liked the adult Jack Sawyer rather more than the twelve-year old Jack from The Talisman. I also found the secondary characters to be well-rounded and interesting - and on the whole, very likeable (except, of course, the ones we weren't supposed to like!) The pacing was just right, and the plot remained involving all the way through. I did find the narration/viewpoint a little distracting at times, but it didn't affect my enjoyment of the book.If you like Stephen King's horror/dark fantasy novels (and presumably Peter Straub's although I'm not familiar with his other works), and especially if you liked The Talisman, then you should definitely read this one.
Sadly, I didn't care for this book - it just didn't engage me. I found the setting interesting, but not enough so to carry the book - and for me, the characters and the meandering plot were both lacking. I found it slow going, and it's only because I'm too stubborn to abandon a book half-read (unless it's TRULY awful) that I finished it at all.This is not to say that it's not a good book, and I'm sure there are plenty of readers who will love it. It just wasn't for me.