Comments on: Time’s Eye / Sunstorm

By: QUICKGASM >> 4.2.07 » Bookgasm

QUICKGASM >> 4.2.07 » Bookgasm — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 11:26:30 +0000

[...] Time travel novels are tricky to pull off because most current ones come off as little more than gimmicks. There are exceptions: John Varley’s MAMMOTH, the Arthur C. Clarke/Stephen Baxter collaboration TIME’S EYE, and now THE PLOT TO SAVE SOCRATES. In it, author Paul Levinson wonders what would happen if the famed Greek philosopher was saved from his fatal hemlock cocktail by a female graduate student from 2042. She becomes involved with the whole shebang when a friend shows her a transcribed conversation suggesting as much, conveniently leading her to a time machine so she can do just that. I’m shortcutting things, but it doesn’t read so far-fetched as Levinson tells it. In fact, his speculative account has the added benefit of sounding plausible, if only because he eschews the usual flashy trappings in favor of a serious, smart plot. For a journey through time that’ll make you think as it thrills. It’s so accessible, even those generally put off by sci-fi should enjoy the trip. [...]

By: Bookgasm » Elemental: The Tsunami Relief Anthology

Bookgasm » Elemental: The Tsunami Relief Anthology — Mon, 08 May 2006 12:33:55 +0000

[...] None other than Arthur C. Clarke provides the introduction, which – though surprisingly a little self-congratulatory – suggests the giant wave will be far from Earth’s last. From there, you’re on to 23 stories with no unifying theme, other than being printed here for the first time. Many are written in the worlds of some of their authors’ famous franchises, including Tim Lebbon and David Drake. [...]

By: Bookgasm » Best Short Novels 2005

Bookgasm » Best Short Novels 2005 — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 12:05:52 +0000

[...] The rest are definitely a mixed bag: • Furry fans can get their kicks from “Sergeant Chip” by Bradley Denton, a futuristic dog soldier’s take on life and loyalty, and Eleanor Arnason’s “The Garden,” a cross between STARSHIP TROOPERS, the Care Bears and BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN. • Stephen Baxter takes a side trip into his Xeelee universe with “Mayflower II,” chronicling the 10,000-year voyage of a generation starship as its inhabitants evolve as they travel between stars. • The remainders – “The Gorgon in the Cupboard” by Patricia A. McKillip and “Arabian Wine” by Gregory Feeley – try their best to tell historical tales with vaguely fantastic flavoring, but just don’t connect. With Neal Stephenson and Susanna Clarke doing such amazing jobs with these kinds of tales, efforts that aren’t total barnstormers pale in comparison. [...]