The Left Hand of God by Paul Hoffman

Listen. The Sanctuary of the Redeemers on Shotover Scarp is named after a damned lie for there is no redemption that goes on there and less sanctuary

Title: The Left Hand of God
Series: The Left Hand of God
Author: Paul Hoffman
Genre:Fantasy, Young Adult, Dystopia Dark Fantasy
Publisher: Michael Joseph
Publishing date: January 7, 2010
ISBN: 9780718155186

Synopsis: “The Left Hand of God” takes place in the desolate Sanctuary of the Redeemers, where young boys endure the brutal regime of the Lord Redeemers. Among them is Thomas Cale, a mysterious and resilient teenager who witnesses a horrifying act that compels him to escape or face death. His only chance for survival lies in reaching the corrupt city of Memphis, but the Redeemers are determined to retrieve him, not just for what he knows, but for a far more terrifying secret he is unaware of.

My Review:

“The Left Hand of God” by Paul Hoffman is a novel set in a desolate world. The story revolves around a boy named Thomas Cale. He has spent most of his life enduring the brutal regime of the Lord Redeemers in a place called Sanctuary. The Lord Redeemers aim to serve the One True Faith. They mould young boys into religious soldiers through cruelty and violence, keeping them at Sanctuary as acolytes.

Cale, a mysterious and multifaceted character, witnesses a horrifying act that forces him to escape the Sanctuary or face certain death. His only hope lies in reaching the corrupt city of Memphis, which stands in stark contrast to the Sanctuary with its godlessness and beauty. However, the Redeemers are determined to bring Cale back at any cost, not just because of the secret he now knows, but because of an even more terrifying secret he is unaware of.

The novel is set in a pre-industrial world where various nations, including the Roman-like Materazzi, the fanatical Redeemers, and their eternal adversaries, the Antagonists, exist. The conflict between the Redeemers and Antagonists serves as a central focus of the book. But sometimes it seems like the story forget this. The Redeemers use a cruel training system that involves kidnapping or buying small children and subjecting them to indoctrination in order to create religious soldiers.

The treatment of the young boys, despite the high death rate, makes the story unbelievable. Part of the training is 10 – 16 hours of physical training, as well as underfeeding. Yet somehow the boys grow impressive muscles and can walk 80 miles a day for several days with little to no food.

The time period of the book is difficult to determine. In the story you find references to for example Norway, which was united as a kingdom in 800s. The book describes Norwegians as violent seafarers aka. Vikings. But then a few chapters later the Materazzi seems baffled at the description of a ballista or catapult. These were in use 400 BCE while the Viking age started around 700 CE. The setting could be a future, post-apocalyptic Earth. In this case the civilization has regressed to a pre-industrial society. It seems like the story takes place in the United States, because most of it takes place in Memphis. Which brings another conundrum regarding the references to Vikings. The mishmash of historical and fantastical elements makes it challenging to pinpoint the exact time and location.

The narrator of the book is witty and engaging, providing insightful tangents that expand the world and plot. But the novel suffers from poor coherence and a confusing plot. It attempts to blend too many genres and lacks a clear identity, alternating between YA coming-of-age and adult themes without mastering either. The multiple viewpoints makes the story difficult to follow because of the clumsy transitions.

“The Left Hand of God” falls short in terms of character development and believability. The characters’ emotions and decisions often feel flat and unreasonable. There is a lack of suspense which leaves the reader feeling detached and uninterested. Although the novel has its occasional bright moments, they are not enough to maintain engagement.

While the premise of “The Left Hand of God” is intriguing but flawed in execution. Paul Hoffman’s mishmash of fact and history with poorly integrated fantasy elements detracts from the overall quality of the story. With a confusing plot, underdeveloped characters, and a lack of suspense, the novel fails to captivate readers effectively.

About the author:

Paul Hoffman, a unique novelist, had an unconventional upbringing, spending his childhood witnessing his father’s parachuting adventures. He faced challenges with the educational system but eventually studied English at New College, Oxford. Hoffman held various jobs, including film censor, and his first novel, “The Wisdom of Crocodiles,” took thirteen years to write, accurately foreseeing events like international terrorism and the financial system collapse. He has also worked as a screenwriter, collaborating with renowned filmmakers such as Francis Ford Coppola.

From Beyond by Jasper T. Scott & Nathan Hystad

Title: From Beyond
Series: From Beyond
Author: Jasper T. Scott & Nathan Hystad
Genre: Science Fiction
Publisher: Anthem Press
Publishing date: July 1, 2022
ISBN: 9798839119581

Synopsis: Commander David Bryce’s routine mission to Mars takes an unexpected turn when he’s informed of a startling discovery approaching Earth. Simultaneously, Atlas Donovan becomes consumed by his pursuit of an artefact in Lake Como, Italy. As they get closer to their goals, they encounter a formidable secret organization that seems unstoppable. The book delves into the question of whether we are alone and reveals a history of prior visitations.

My Review:

“From Beyond” is a captivating novel written by Jasper T. Scott and Nathan Hystad. They masterfully weave a tale that combines two storylines:
The relentless pursuit of a tenacious treasure hunter and a space mission transcends all expectations.
An enigmatic presence approaching Earth. The question quickly becomes whether we are alone in the universe. As the protagonists, Atlas Donovan and Commander David Bryce, venture closer to their goals, they soon discover a clandestine organization working against them. This organisation is seemingly unstoppable due to their vast influence.

Scott and Hystad transport readers into a world where mystery and extraterrestrial encounters intertwine. We follow Atlas on his lifelong quest to unravel the significance of an old artefact and David’s mission to initiate a First Contact. Both plotlines unravel next to each other, providing an engaging narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

The Earthbound action follows are more predictable trajectory without introducing any groundbreaking technology, but it efficiently sets the stage for the space adventure. The journey to the alien ship, albeit somewhat monotonous and lacking surprises, eventually leads to the heart of the story. The time spent within the alien vessel serves as the crux of the narrative, blending intrigue and chaos. Though this journey leaves many questions unanswered in the moment. The navigation through the ship leads from one crisis to another without deeper insight into the situation. It is in this realm that a true team would have planned better.

“From Beyond” delivers an exhilarating science fiction experience. The captivating premise of a mysterious alien entity and the exploration of first contact create a solid foundation for an intriguing story. With fascinating characters and a compelling setup, this first contact novel sets the stage for an enthralling series. For fans of the genre seeking an adrenaline-fueled adventure, “From Beyond” offers an exciting journey into the unknown.

About the author:

Author text

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Title: City of Bones
Series: The Mortal Instruments
Author: Cassandra Clare
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publishing date: March 27, 2007
ISBN:9781416914280

Synopsis: Fifteen-year-old Clary Fray unexpectedly witnesses a murder committed by mysterious teenagers at a New York City club. As the body vanishes, Clary discovers a hidden world of Shadowhunters, demon-fighting warriors. With her mother missing and herself targeted by demons, Clary is thrust into this dangerous realm, encountering Jace, an angelic yet abrasive Shadowhunter. The truth behind her newfound abilities and the demons’ interest in her and her mother becomes a pressing mystery.

My Review:

When I picked up City of Bones by Cassandra Clare as an adult, it was an interesting journey down memory lane. And it was worse than I remember. It occurs to me that many of the YA books I did not mind reading in my teenage years are filled with fluff over substance. The Netflix show “Shadowhunters” was the reason I wanted to reread this series, but it is likely the reading journey ends here.

From a literary standpoint, the writing leaves much to be desired. It tends to be bland and “info dumpy,” overwhelming readers with excessive information. The characters themselves fail to make a lasting impact, lacking depth and memorability. While I generally don’t like love triangles, this one, involving a “friend-zoned” boyfriend, felt contrived and added little value to the narrative.

City of Bones struggles with originality, borrowing heavily from other famous works. This lack of authenticity becomes glaringly obvious, making the story feel like a modified fan fiction rather than an original creation. This is evident since this writing started as a Harry Potter Fan Fic. It’s disappointing when a book relies on someone else’s world to make a profit.

The laziness and repetition in the storytelling are hard to ignore. The narrative spoon-feeds information to readers without subtlety or depth, lacking nuance. However, scattered throughout the book, there are occasional moments that genuinely elicit laughter and surprise.

In terms of narration, City of Bones suffers from inconsistency. While a third-person omniscient perspective can provide flexibility, here it feels forced and contrived. The focus primarily follows Clary, only to without notice switch to another character’s point of view when convenient for the narrative. This jarring shift disrupts the flow of the story.

The writing itself, though comprehensible, raises eyebrows due to its dialogue and descriptions. The manner of speech feels unnatural, and it’s difficult to believe anyone would talk that way in real life.

The issue of information dumping reaches its peak in the final scene with Valentine. An entire chapter is dedicated to an exposition session where the villain reveals his past and provides explanations to potential victims in great detail.

Characterization in City of Bones is generally one-dimensional and lacks development. Attempts to add layers to the characters often feel abrupt and out of place, lacking a gradual and consistent progression. Overall, the characters remain stagnant, failing to evolve throughout the story.

Despite its flaws, Jace stands out as the most developed character, displaying traces of depth beyond being labelled a jerk. He embodies the struggles of someone with daddy issues attempting to maintain a tough exterior. Though as you might see this is shallow waters when it comes to character depth and reasons.

In essence, City of Bones feels juvenile, lacking maturity and depth. Even during critical plot moments, it’s difficult to take anything seriously. The initial promise wanes as the narrative ventures into ridiculous scenarios, such as Simon’s transformation into a rat, encounters with vampires and werewolves, and even motorcycles that fly. These absurdities undermine the story’s credibility because it is introduced so abruptly.

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare falls short in terms of writing quality, character development, and originality. While it offers sporadic entertainment and decent pacing, it caters primarily to a younger audience seeking lighthearted fantasy. For those seeking more substance and depth, there are better options available.

About the author:

Cassandra Clare was born overseas and spent her early years travelling around the world with her family and several trunks of fantasy books. Cassandra worked for several years as an entertainment journalist for the Hollywood Reporter before turning her attention to fiction. She is the author of City of Bones, the first book in the Mortal Instruments trilogy and a New York Times bestseller. Cassandra lives with her fiance and their two cats in Massachusetts.

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

Title: Coraline
Author: Neil Gaiman
Genre: Children’s books, Fantasy
Publisher: HarperTrophy
Publishing date: First published July 2, 2002
ISBN: 9780060575915

Synopsis:
In Neil Gaiman’s dark and mesmerizing tale, Coraline’s exploration of her immense old house leads her to discover a hidden door, revealing an alternate universe beyond her imagination. In this distorted-mirror world, she finds everything she has ever yearned for, but at a sinister cost. With eerie doppelgänger parents and unsettling marvels, Coraline must summon her courage to escape the clutches of this twisted reality and return to her own world.

My Review:

Neil Gaiman’s spellbinding novella, “Coraline,” takes readers on a thrilling journey through the looking glass of imagination. In this novel you will find yourself captivated by the eerie and enticing world that Gaiman weaves. The world is reminiscent of Lewis Carroll’s classic, “Through the Looking-Glass.” However, don’t be mistaken—Coraline’s adventure is a twisted and chilling tale that stands uniquely on its own, leaving you unsettled.

At the heart of this enchanting narrative are three unforgettable characters:
Coraline, our courageous young heroine, embodies an insatiable curiosity, pushing boundaries and seeking the truth.
A cat, nameless but wise. He acts as her enigmatic guide, providing just the right amount of guidance along her treacherous path.
Last we have the other mother, known as The Beldam, a malevolent force lurking in the shadows of Coraline’s newfound world. With her button eyes and unnerving charm.

Gaiman’s mastery lies in his ability to blend the macabre with vivid imagery. In his writing, he conjures a genuinely disturbing atmosphere that will haunt your dreams. The pacing of the story is quick, carrying you swiftly through each page with anticipation and dread. Gaiman’s prose is hitting its mark; evoking a sense of unease that lingers long after you’ve turned the final page.

“Coraline” is a testament to Gaiman’s skill in crafting a tale that combines horror, fantasy, and mystery into a seamless and captivating narrative. Its concise length and concise paragraphs make it the perfect choice for readers seeking an escape from a reading slump. Moreover, Gaiman sprinkles the story with moments of humour. These small breaks provide a welcome respite from the darkness.

Beyond its thrilling plot, “Coraline” offers deeper layers of symbolism, inviting readers to explore themes of identity, bravery, and the power of facing one’s fears.

Prepare to be enchanted, unsettled, and ultimately exhilarated as you delve into the twisted world of “Coraline.” Neil Gaiman’s writing, with its delightful blend of entertainment and sophistication, will leave you spellbound. This is a story that will resonate with readers of all ages, as it explores the depths of imagination and the triumph of the human spirit. Embrace the darkness and let Coraline guide you through a hauntingly beautiful tale that will leave you yearning for more.

About the author:

Neil Gaiman is an accomplished English author. He is known for works such as the iconic comic book series “The Sandman” and bestselling novels “American Gods,” “Stardust,” and “Coraline.”

Lock In by John Scalzi

Title: Lock In
(Series: Lock In #1)
Author: John Scalzi
Genre: Science Fiction
Publisher: Tor Books
Publishing date: August 26th, 2014
ISBN: 9780765375865

Synopsis: A quarter of a century later, in a world shaped by what’s now known as “Haden’s syndrome,” rookie FBI agent Chris Shane is paired with veteran agent Leslie Vann. The two of them are assigned what appears to be a Haden-related murder at the Watergate Hotel, with a suspect who is an “integrator” – someone who can let the locked-in borrow their bodies for a time. If the Integrator was carrying a Haden client, then naming the suspect for the murder becomes that much more complicated.

My Review:

Lock In was the first novel by John Scalzi I read a while back and I recently reread it. I stumbled upon it the first time while browsing Audible. What initially caught my attention was its seamless integration of cutting-edge concepts like virtual reality and telepresence. This gives the story a refreshingly modern twist that sets it apart from traditional science fiction.

Blending elements of crime fiction and police procedural within a futuristic backdrop, Lock In managed to captivate even someone like me, who doesn’t typically enjoy detective novels. Scalzi’s skilful storytelling kept me engrossed, preventing me from prematurely unravelling the plot.

One aspect that impressed me was Scalzi’s deliberate decision to leave the gender of the main character open to interpretation. Throughout the narrative, there are no hints or indications, allowing readers to project their own vision onto the story. The audiobook, featuring separate narrations by Wil Wheaton and Amber Benson, further adds to the personalized experience. This enables listeners to choose between a male or female perspective.

Locked-in syndrome is both fascinating and terrifying to me. In Lock In, Scalzi delves into this haunting concept with remarkable finesse. He crafts a world that feels eerily plausible, where individuals are trapped in their own bodies, conscious but utterly powerless. The helplessness and inability to communicate create a morbid curiosity that transcends the bounds of science fiction, evoking deep contemplation about the nature of human existence.

What sets Lock In apart is Scalzi’s trust in the reader’s intelligence. He doesn’t spoon-feed the intricate details of his world. Scalzi trusts us to figure things out on our own or await explanations, fostering an engaging sense of discovery. The story delivers unexpected twists and turns, leaving me gasping with surprise on more than one occasion.
Although the climax may not have met my initial expectations, the story concludes with a satisfying documentary-style epilogue that brings added depth and vibrancy to the overall experience.

John Scalzi has created an extraordinary world within the pages of Lock In. This book is an absolute delight, seamlessly blending entertainment, humour, and thought-provoking storytelling. Lock In is an enjoyable read that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone seeking a blend of entertainment and thought-provoking storytelling. And don’t forget to savour the added bonus of the mini-novel at the end, which further enriches the already captivating world Scalzi has crafted.

In summary, Lock In is an enthralling and masterfully executed book that combines modernity with timeless themes. Scalzi’s storytelling prowess, coupled with his refusal to shy away from complexity, makes this a must-read for fans of science fiction and intelligent detective fiction alike. So dive into Lock In and let yourself be captivated by its compelling narrative and imaginative world.

About the author:

John Michael Scalzi II (born May 10, 1969) is an American science fiction author and former president of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. He is best known for his Old Man’s War series, three novels of which have been nominated for the Hugo Award, and for his blog Whatever, where he has written on a number of topics since 1998. Lock In is a science fiction police procedural novel. The audiobook of the novel was released in two versions, one narrated by Wil Wheaton and one by Amber Benson.
Website | @scalzi

Paradox Bound by Peter Clines

Title: Paradox Bound
Author: Peter Clines
Genre: Science Fiction, Time Travel
Publisher: Crown
Publishing date: September 26th, 2017
ISBN: 9780553418330

Synopsis: Eli’s willing to admit it: he’s a little obsessed with the mysterious woman he met years ago. Okay, maybe a lot obsessed. But come on, how often do you meet someone who’s driving a hundred-year-old car, clad in Revolutionary-War era clothes, wielding an oddly modified flintlock rifle—someone who pauses just long enough to reveal strange things about you and your world before disappearing in a cloud of gunfire and a squeal of tires?

My Review:

Get ready for a wild time-travel ride with Peter Clines’ Paradox Bound—a book that left me torn between admiration and disappointment. As a newcomer to Clines’ work, I had high hopes, but unfortunately, this peculiar tale didn’t quite hit the mark for me. However, it does possess a unique charm that may resonate more strongly with its intended American audience.

Time travel narratives are notoriously tricky to execute, but Clines took a fresh approach in Paradox Bound. Instead of hopping across the entire fabric of time and space, our protagonist Eli embarks on a quest through the nooks and crannies of American history, in search of the elusive American dream.

While the book reads more like a road trip adventure than a conventional time travel saga, it boasts several commendable aspects. I particularly enjoyed the enigmatic faceless men — these mysterious federal agents guard the American dream until it mysteriously disappears into the depths of history. This added an intriguing layer of mystery. With countless individuals scouring the past in search of power and the ability to shape the nation, Eli and his companion Harry navigate their journey in a Model A, braving perilous encounters along the way.

Despite my initial reservations, Clines succeeds in crafting a narrative filled with intricate time paradoxes that manage to stay logical amidst the craziness. The characters, particularly Eli and his interactions with Harry, eventually won me over… It is a shame, however, that it took quite a while for me to genuinely care about their plight. By the time I became invested, the story was reaching its conclusion.

One of Paradox Bound’s strengths lies in its vivid portrayal of an America-centric tale, complete with historical references that may not fully resonate with international readers. This inherent limitation might hinder some readers’ ability to engage with the story. Nevertheless, Clines’ imaginative take on time travel deserves admiration, even if it didn’t completely captivate me.

In conclusion, Paradox Bound offers a refreshing blend of history and time travel, with its fair share of strengths and weaknesses. While it may not have been the perfect match for me, it possesses an undeniable charm that will appeal to fans of quirky adventures.

About the author:

Peter Clines, born in Cape Neddick, Maine is an American author and novelist best known for his zombies-vs-superheroes series, Ex-Heroes, and Lovecraftian-inspired Threshold novels 14 and The Fold. While Clines worked as a props master, his writing turned from prose to focus on scripts. In 2006, after the end of a film project, he dedicated himself to writing full-time. He worked for Creative Screenwriting Magazine, writing interviews, reviews, and articles. Clines made his first fiction sale, The Hatbox, to online journal The Harrow.
Website | @PeterClines

Aurora by Kim Stanley Robinson

Title: Aurora
Author: Kim Stanley Robinson
Genre: Science Fiction
Publisher: Orbit
Publishing date: 7th of July 7, 2015
ISBN: 9780316098106

Synopsis:Our voyage from Earth began generations ago. Now, we approach our new home. AURORA.

My Review:

“Aurora” is a science fiction novel that defies romanticized notions of deep space exploration. In this story, you journey with the characters on a generational ark. The Author’s unwavering commitment to crafting a “hard” science fiction work is commendable. In a genre where scientific accuracy often takes a backseat, Robinson diligently incorporates scientific principles. This results in a thought-provoking narrative.

The story revolves around a community of space farers aboard a generational ark. A generational ark is a spacecraft engineered to traverse the cosmos and reach a distant solar system over generations. Throughout the novel, Robison incorporates scientific concepts into the fabric of the story, which adds a layer of authenticity to the plot.

Narrated through the perspectives of select individuals, each offering a unique viewpoint. The most captivating personality in the novel is Ship, the ship’s quantum computer. Ship’s distinct voice injects vitality into the narrative, overshadowing the relatively flat portrayal of the human characters. The scientific aspects maintain their allure throughout the story. While the plot and character development could have been more robust. This leads to occasional stumbles in an otherwise very engaging read.

As the story unfolds, Robinson introduces mysterious events set centuries in the future. Humanity’s struggle to make sense of these occurrences reflects Robinson’s underlying ecological and philosophical arguments. This is occasionally diverting attention from the overarching narrative. At times, the characters’ decisions appear moulded to serve Robinson’s intentions, rather than arising for the story’s natural progression.

In its scientific depth and musings, “Aurora” excels, but it falls a bit short when it comes to storytelling. Despite its imperfections, the novel provides an absorbing reading experience. And I can only say that Robinson’s unwavering dedication to scientific accuracy is admirable. Yet, readers seeking a more balanced fusion of science and narrative might find the story lacking.

“Aurora” engages both the intellect and imagination, but it sacrifices storytelling for scientific rigour. Nevertheless, it remains a captivating read, showcasing Robinson’s prowess as a writer. Whether you’re a fan of hard science fiction or curious about humanity’s journey into the cosmos, “Aurora” offers a compelling exploration of our limitless quest for discovery.

About the author:

Kim Stanley Robinson is an acclaimed American science fiction writer renowned for his Mars trilogy, which reflects his extensive research and fascination with the Red Planet. His novels often explore ecological and sociological themes, earning him a reputation for “literary science fiction.” Additionally, Robinson’s passion for Mars has led him to become a member of the Mars Society.

Redshirts by John Scalzi

Title: Redshirts
Author: John Scalzi
Genre: Science Fiction
Publisher: Tor Books
Publishing date: June 5th, 2012
ISBN: 9780765316998

Synopsis:Ensign Andrew Dahl has just been assigned to the Universal Union Capital Ship Intrepid, flagship of the Universal Union since the year 2456. It’s a prestige posting, and Andrew is thrilled all the more to be assigned to the ship’s Xenobiology laboratory. Life couldn’t be better…until Andrew begins to pick up on the fact that:
(1) every Away Mission involves some kind of lethal confrontation with alien forces
(2) the ship’s captain, its chief science officer, and the handsome Lieutenant Kerensky always survive these confrontations
(3) at least one low-ranked crew member is, sadly, always killed.

My Review:

As a moderate StarTrek-fan this book immediately tickled my fancy once I came across it while browsing John Saclzi’s bibliography. I found this story a little harder to get into at firsts, but once I got the hold of the characters I found the story easy to follow (Despite thinking that one of the male characters were female until the last part of the book for some unknown reason). The book is a humorous commentary on our science fiction TV-show trends, mainly of course: StarTrek, hence the title “Redshirts.” Redshirts is a rather familiar term, and it plays into the story as it plays with breaking the fourth wall, something I found very well done in this story. I found the characters to be likeable and entertaining, even though the story has an aura of lightheartedness and doesn’t take itself too seriously. While reading I did find myself laughing several times  because of the humorous and moronic events the characters were facing.
Please be advised that the rest of this review contain spoilers.
Normally I am very critical of stories where they are attempting to break the fourth wall in literature, in TV shows and movies they can be entertaining but in books it tends to be less well done and with less entertainment value. The build up for this angle in Redshirts was well done. It builds on a slow and steady pace to ease you into the first proposed mystery and for you to be convinced of the “insane” truth proposed in the story.
The entertainment value in this book come from your own interest in science fiction, if you have little interest in science fiction many references will be lost form you. I am not huge science fiction buff, and I still enjoyed reading it, though some references might have flow straight past me. All in all I was greatly entertained while reading this book, and I know I will be visiting more books by Scalzi in the future.

About the author:

John Michael Scalzi II is an American science fiction author and former president of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. He is best known for his Old Man’s War series, three novels of which have been nominated for the Hugo Award, and for his blog Whatever, where he has written on a number of topics since 1998. Lock In is a science fiction police procedural novel.
His 2012 book Redshirts: A Novel with Three Codas won the 2013 Hugo Award for Best Novel. Scalzi decided to write Redshirts after noticing that while many short satirical works dealt with the idea of “‘redshirts’—the unnamed, low-ranking characters of Star Trek who always died on away missions,” there was a dearth of novels exploring the concept
Website | @scalzi

We Are Legion We Are Bob by Dennis E. Taylor

Title: We Are Legion – We Are Bob
(Series: Bobiverse #1)
Author: Dennis E. Taylor
Genre: Science Fiction
Publisher: Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency
Publishing date: April 14th, 2017
ISBN: 9781680680584

Synopsis: The safest place for Bob is in space, heading away from Earth at top speed. Or so he thinks. Because the universe is full of nasties, and trespassers make them mad – very mad.

My Review:

This is the first book in the Bobiverse series which was initially recommended to me by a former co-worker, but I put off for way too long. “We Are Legion” is one of those hard to describe books that are highly entertaining, and I still haven’t found the correct words for how to describe this book in a flattering way. (Which might suggest I shouldn’t write this review, but I’ll give it a try anyway). 
This book series, and the first book in particular, has quickly jumped up as one of my all times favourite books. It got lots of humour, and it is full of references to pop-culture and current science fiction trends. The first time I read it I felt the first book started off a little slow and it took me a while to get the hang of what was going on, but reading the series again (within a matter of months) I having a blast.
Because of how the story is progressing it is a little hard to know where the first book stops and where the next book picks up,but that is what you would expect when you are reading a trilogy, it is one story over three volumes, and this is the beginning of one huge story.
The world building in We are legion is done carefully with great attention to details, even minors such as how a language changes in a century. This is careful planning that I really appreciate because it makes the story believable and sucks you in.
I did not really think that I could care about and AI, just like I did not think I could care about Spiders. The character of Bob is very entertaining, with his wit, sarcasm and humour. Not to mention the all the geekiness and culture references that pops up and colours the story so that we can see it though Bob, though I cannot go further into that without revealing too much of the surprises that lays ahead of you in this book.
Because I enjoyed this book so much, I find it very hard to describe, if you enjoy science fiction that is quirky, fun and doesn’t take itself too seriously, this book if definitely for you.
I would also like to mention that this is also wonderfully narrated by Ray Porter on Audible, if you prefer audiobooks.

About the author:

Dennis E. Taylor is a Canadian novelist and former computer programmer known for his large-scale hard science fiction stories exploring the interaction between artificial intelligence and the human condition. He is also an enthusiastic snowboarder.
Homepage | @Dennis_E_Taylor

How to Stop Time by Matt Haig

Title: How to Stop Time
Author: Matt Haig
Genre: Science fiction, Literary Fiction
Publisher:Canongate Books
Publishing date: July 6th, 2017
ISBN: 9781782118619

Synopsis: A love story across the ages – and for the ages – about a man lost in time, the woman who could save him, and the lifetimes it can take to learn how to live

My Review:

I don’t know where to start with this book because it was highly uneventful but I still enjoyed reading it immensely. This is also one of those book I find hard to put into a genre, on one side it read very much like literary fiction, on another side it is about people who live really long life. So I decided to put it in both the science fiction and literary fiction category, though I would like to remark that for the science fiction buffs this book is not very science fictiony.
It is hard not to draw comparisons to “The Humans” which I reviewed a couple of weeks ago. Though the narrating style of the two novels are roughly the same, “How to stop time” is much more introverted, it reads more like recollection of past events and the narrator seemed to be a magnet for significant historic events which was rather intriguing. I’ve seen reviewers complain about how the narrator was present on many significant historical events and met many famous people, the argument being that just because I am alive now I don’t know/meet X, Y or Z celebrity, but without these encounters there would be less of a story in the book. Also the encounters seems to be reasonable enough in the context of the story, and most important of all: they are entertaining.
The story has a very low intensity to it, not much happens and it goes on slowly, but this is in good harmony with the narrator who ages slowly. Time drags out for him and it is shown through the narration of the story. This is not to say that there weren’t parts of the story where I felt the story was dragging a bit too much and wished it would hurry up.
Though a little confusing at the beginning I did enjoy the jumps in the narration between the present and the past, they were well intertwined and it made sense to make the shift every time the narrator jumped back or forth.

About the Author:

Matt Haig is a British novelist and journalist. He has written both fiction and non-fiction for children and adults, often in the speculative fiction genre. Haig is the author of both fiction and non-fiction for children and adults. His novels are often dark and quirky takes on family life.
In 2017, Haig published How to Stop Time, a novel about a man who appears to be 40 but has, in fact, lived for more than 400 years and has met Shakespeare, Captain Cook and F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Homepage | @matthaig1