Science fiction Archives -

Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson

This novel looks at the next phase of the internet, after a worldwide economic downfall. It is set in early 21st century Los Angeles. America is largely privatised, with the government only controlling selected compounds in an anarcho-capitalist model. Hyperinflation and electronic exchange plague the world. People withdraw into a metaverse – a virtual realityContinue reading “Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson”

The Unwonted Heroes by Jessica Grimsley

Fraser Coast local Jessica Grimsley has written a full-throttle novel that is the first of a series. People from the Fraser Coast are disappearing around the main character Leonie Reine and before she discovers why, it happens to her! This story has so many twists and turns, and just when the reader figures out theContinue reading “The Unwonted Heroes by Jessica Grimsley”

1Q84 The Complete Trilogy by Haruki Murakami

The Christian Society of Witnesses, the doomsday cult Sakigake, The Dowager who supports domestic violence victims, her assistant martial arts instructor Aomame and Tengo the maths teacher and writer are all part of this book. This is mixed with parallel dimensions. The world Aomame arrives in via the staircase accessed from the freeway, at theContinue reading “1Q84 The Complete Trilogy by Haruki Murakami”

Before the Coffee gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi.

In a little coffee shop in Tokyo, Fumiko is dumped by her boyfriend. He leaves for America, leaving her devastated. She revisits the place and enquires about a fabled magic chair that lets people time travel. A ghostly woman occupies the chair and only when she visits the powder room can you sit there, orContinue reading “Before the Coffee gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi.”

Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okorafor

This dystopian book is set in the African desert and is a world fantasy award winner. It weaves a meandering story of magic, great emotional power and horror. Lyrical and clear prose propel the reader forward. Rape as a war crime is brought into stark focus as the story unfolds. Najeeba is raped and findsContinue reading “Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okorafor”

The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin

Le Guin’s writing is beautiful, political and too immense for one genre. She intricately and quietly draws us through her compelling story about the twin worlds of Urras and Anarres. Anarres has split from Urras, is anarchist and the home of physicist, Shevek. He believes his studies on time, called the Principle of Simultaneity, canContinue reading “The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin”

Middle Game by Seanan McGuire

This is a cross between Brave New World and mythology. The author’s lyrical prose slowly interlaces a malevolent drama with avarice. Power is apotheosized with children as causalities. The story begins as a slow burn that concludes in an explosion that provides hope and light. The main protagonist, James Reed, is a Frankenstein like creationContinue reading “Middle Game by Seanan McGuire”