Since Angela recently conceded her struggle to get through The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert Heinlein I thought I should review a recent science fiction read of mine that I really think she will like. The book, chosen to be one of the Sci Fi Essential volumes, is Old Man’s War by John Scalzi. I remember seeing the book in the store when it was released in trade paperback and absolutely loving the cover art. It is the work of John Harris and is reminiscent of the covers of science fiction books that caught my eye as a young man and first interested me in this genre. I decided to pick it up and read it after this review by Nic on the Eve’s Alexandra site. Her description of the story made me rush right out to get it.
Neil Gaiman’s latest collection of short stories, Fragile Things, arrived on bookshelves Tuesday, September 26th and I wasted no time in rushing out to purchase my copy. Despite any good intentions I might have had, all books were laid aside while I sat at the feet of the master. Short story collections are something of an enigma. I have read a fair number of short story collections this year, and while some were fantastic from start to finish others contained stories ranging from the very good to the very average. Fragile Things occupies this latter category.
Did you catch the opening episode of NBC’s new show Heroes? If not, you’re in luck. The premiere episode is being show again on Tuesday night on NBC and over the weekend on Sci Fi and you can even watch it online at the show’s website. Why am I telling you this? Because the first episode was chillingly good. I had goosebumps by the end. Fun comic book references, interesting characters, just the right amount of set-up and a great ending makes for a perfect pilot episode. A plus for all the comic book geeks out there are the brief glimpses of artwork from phenomenal artist Tim Sale.
Interestingly enough there is an online graphic novel that provides back story for one of the characters and another character has his own blog to post thoughts on each week. It is rare that I find a first episode so compelling. It did not feel like the actors were trying to get their bearings. They were obviously all very well versed in the story and their performances showed the preparation. This show, with its fantastic opening episode, has the chance to be something very special…or will be a show that goes bust and breaks geek hearts in the process. I hope it turns out to be something special.
It is a dark and stormy night as I write this. Or, to be more accurate, a dark and stormy morning. The weather reflects the exquisite melancholy that has settled itself upon me at the completion of The Thirteenth Tale. Diane Setterfield’s debut novel is one of those all-too-rare stories that gets under your skin, that grabs hold of your imagination with both hands and won’t let go.
Despite my best intentions…who am I kidding, I had no best intentions…it has happened again. I have been caught in the web of temptation that is the book cover.
