Raymond M. RoseSpace Opera With Equal Parts Space And (Soap) Opera!
Posted on June 1, 2013
The Darwin Elevator by Jason M Hough book review
The Darwin Elevator is going to get compared to Joss Whedon’s cult-fav TV/Movie series Firefly/Serenity. They both have a quirky team of shipmates, a cool but rugged ship, a dashing/complex captain, space, earth or earth-like planet, and, of course, zombie-esque creatures. Because of these elements, comparisons are going to be made.
And they are worth it. This book is worthy of that comparison.
The Darwin Elevator is a hell of a ride.
It’s been awhile since I’ve read a space opera SF/F novel that I didn’t want to put down and couldn’t wait to dive in. The world he creates is complex, gritty, and feels solid under our feet. The characters are rich and interesting, nobody hogging up scenes that I wished they weren’t in.
As the beginning of a series, I can’t wait for the others. I have no idea where he’s going with this and will eagerly follow along to see what happens next.
It can only go up.
Logic and Chaos Do A Waltz.
Posted on May 16, 2013
A book review of The Red Plague Affair By Lilith Saintcrow
I have a soft spot for mentaths. I always have.
Sherlock Holmes. C August Dupin. Lazlo Kreizler. And, now, Archibald Clare.
The Red Plague Affair surprised me. I went into the novel thinking I would enjoy the detective side of things more than the sorcery. But Emma Bannon is a wonderful character and Saintcrow’s descriptions of her power and how she uses it drew me and made me love her aspect even more. Bannon is like a James Bond character – she is in the service of the queen, often doing nasty things for her sovereign. She is forever darkened for what she does. It’s almost tragic.
And then there’s Clare, literally a walking calculator. His logic to her chaos make for a wonderful pair, bringing out depths in each other that couldn’t have been revealed if this was a solo novel.
Altogether, The Red Plague Affair is a great novel. The second in a series with these characters, it’s a worthy addition to the series and great (but meaty) romp through this world Saintcrow has created.
A world I am eager to return to.