Forbidden Knowledge / Stephen Donaldson

Forbidden Knowledge

(The Gap #2)

by Stephen Donaldson

science fiction ... space opera

copyright 1991

re-read in July 2017

rated 8/10: really quite good

05feb22: So I've read this book a third time (at least) ...

This time I read book one just before this book two. What a relief to read two!

Book one is nasty. Book two has nasty characters but the overall style is... tough. Over the top. Lots of suffering -- largely psychological. Tough but not really nasty.

I still agree with my earlier review (below). But I have changed the category from science fiction -- to space opera.

First time I read this book -- quite a few years ago -- I read it as "science fiction". As such it is exciting, space-based adventure, with strange characters, weird aliens and a beautiful heroine. I also read it as my first in the Gap series, so I was a little confused.

This time I have read book one and now this, book two. It all makes a lot more sense! Except for the science...

There is a lot of science: space travel, computing, an android, brain control... And I must say, a lot of it seems to be highly implausible. Some -- eg the computing -- is outdated. Some -- eg the spin gravity -- seems to be vastly simplified.

But so what?! This is science *fiction*.

The author is into characters: driven, tortured, shattered and unshattered, characters. Over the top and overdrawn characters. Characters who operate -- for the sake of the story -- in a fantasy world of "science" fiction. And it works.

This reading, I read more carefully. And recognise that the author has maintained the same writing style as for the Covenant series. That is, overdone prose...

A character may twitch their mouth in a grimace or a silent shriek...They may say hello as though they mean to bring disaster on the world or in a tone of despair... Every sound, every twitch, every word, has a hidden meaning. Or two.

It is all so *significant* !

And yet, enjoyable.

Everyone is suffering. The heroine is too tough to crack... despite the occasional bursts of near insanity. Other characters show that they are essentially heroic, despite their meek and mild exteriors. The villains are... villainous... unless they are villainous but understandable.

The action is... on a fast reading... non-stop. Reading slower I realise, there is a lot of action -- but there is even more thinking about and planning for and suffering due to, the action. All part of this author's writing style :-)

I enjoyed this book -- both first reading and this reading. I'm looking forward to books three, four and five. I expect that all the action will make sense as I read more carefully. I just wonder if the heroic suffering of the characters will also make some overall sense...

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Dr Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting / Problems? Solved.
====

"Lawyers pay for their mistakes, doctors bury them, architects grow ivy on them. And consultants charge for them."

https://notdotdeaddotyet.blogspot.com.au/
   

The Aeronaut's Windlass / Jim Butcher

The Aeronaut's Windlass

(Cinder Spires #1)

by Jim Butcher

fantasy, steampunk, subadult

copyright 2015

read in July 2017

rated 6/10: read to pass the time

Read to pass the time. And I really did enjoy the reading. But it's not great.

Jim Butcher has written more than a dozen "Harry Dresden" books. As the series progresses, there are more and more characters. Each book brings in a few more, many of them continue to appear in subsequent books. So?

This book one of the "Cinder Spires" series starts right at the beginning with a cast of thousands... Sure, I like them all. I want to see more of them. They are each so unique that I am never confused. But there are so many of them...

Dresden is a hero who gathers associates. Windlass is a ... stew of flavours. It adds up to a good taste. Yet there is not enough time to appreciate the individual flavours. There are several strong goodies. No distinct main character.

The result is a great yarn but not a strong novel.

Mind you, I had a similar objection to the later Dresden books: too many characters were diluting the role of the hero. Windlass has simply leapt straight in to the too-crowded category.

Mind you, I'm glad to be reading this *new* series. The Dresden character kept developing & growing, with no end in sight. Cinder Spires has only just begun and the characters are already hinting at super-powers. I'm hoping for a lot more plot and restrained character development before it becomes ridiculous.

*More* ridiculous, that is... Windlass is a series of over the top action sequences. All good fun. All set in an over the top fantasy world.

There's a lot more world to explore. A lot more fun to be had. The story has started on a high note. I hope that the story does not too soon become so high as to be annoying shrill. I hope that the characters do not gain so many strengths that they lose their humanity (or similar).

This book in enjoyable. I'm hoping for an equally enjoyable series.

====
Dr Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting / Problems? Solved.
====

"Lawyers pay for their mistakes, doctors bury them, architects grow ivy on them. And consultants charge for them."

https://notdotdeaddotyet.blogspot.com.au/
   

Moon over Soho / Ben Aaronovitch

Moon over Soho

(Peter Grant #2)

by Ben Aaronovitch

fantasy, humour, horror

copyright 2011

read in July 2017

rated 7/10: well worth reading

I recently read (and reviewed) the sixth book in this Peter Grant series. At the time, I was disappointed. Now I can understand why. The early books -- such as Soho -- mix magic with mundane police work; it's an excellent mix. The Hanging Tree (book six) has lost that contradictory humour.

Moon over Soho also continues to provide the "background material" which I so enjoy in the early Peter Grant books. Material which may -- or may not -- be true...

There are little snippets about London, its history and culture and structure. Told by someone who seems -- as do I -- to love the city. There is snide commentary on human nature, told with humour. Adding little to the story but greatly to the enjoyment of reading. Much of this extra material -- extra depth -- is missing from the later book.

This book two is, again, a "police procedural" with magic. Okay, there are the "paratroopers" who work outside the legal procedures. Who destroy evil without the fuss and bother of a trial. Yet the hero tells them that this is not how it is done -- this is not how we follow the established law of the land. And the law of the land is important.

Right has might. Might does not make it right.

This following of correct process is both humorous and "right". It raises the book above being a wham-bang magical fantasy adventure, to an entertaining fight against wrong, with legal right being clearly distinguished from illegal wrong. It keeps the story clearly within contemporary society... plus magic.

It's a while since I read book one, yet I believe that there has been a shift, from one to two. Book one was for young adults. Book two has more sex and more swearing. I do not class book two as being for anyone other than adults.

There is also a stronger element of horror. Which I may not have even noticed -- except that it is mentioned, several times, in later books.

Later books refer to a particular scene in an abandoned nightclub. Refer to it as being something particularly horrible. No worse that the climax to book one -- in my opinion -- yet I have added "horror" to the categories for this book. Because I don't want to disagree with the author :-)

And as an aside:

While browsing books I came across a graphic novel of a Peter Grant story. I had a look at just a few pages... and did not like it. First, I prefer the image of the hero from my own imagination. Second, another key character is totally at odds with the way in which I see him. And third... there were some series of frames with no text... and I prefer to read between the lines of text, rather than interpret the meaning of pictures. No matter how well drawn they may be.

But that's just my own preference.

As is every other opinion in these reviews :-)

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31jul22: I have read it again.

This time I read book one immediately followed by this book two. The difference is noticeable.

This book has a lot more violence and a lot of explicit sex. Definitely a shift out of "young adult"

And yes, it is definitely horror: the evil magic is nasty. With -- typical of horror -- a lot of people saying, "Oooh that's nasty, don't look." 

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Dr Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting / Problems? Solved.
====

"Lawyers pay for their mistakes, doctors bury them, architects grow ivy on them. And consultants charge for them."

https://notdotdeaddotyet.blogspot.com.au/
   

The Real Story / Stephen Donaldson

The Real Story

(The Gap #1)

by Stephen Donaldson

science fiction

copyright 1990

re-read in July 2017

rated 6/10: read to pass the time

First time I read this book -- quite a few years ago -- I had just read one or more *later* books from the Gap series. That time, I thought, What ?! Not pleasant, rather pointless...

This time I gave more attention to the book. Actually tried to follow what was happening :-) This reading, the book is much better. Still... six out of ten?

Now I understand what it's all about. I also made more sense of the author's afterword. Though mostly, I was amazed at the complexity of the writer's mind.

It's a good story. Especially with an understanding of the author's intent. Good but -- in terms of *my enjoyment* -- not great. Its main strength -- again, to me -- is as an introduction to the Gap series.

It's complex, it's interesting, it's set in a tough and nasty world of space stations, space ships and space piracy. All good fun. Yet the main thrust is to explore the characters.

The following Gap books -- if I remember correctly -- add more to this book of the beginning. Read this book to pass the time. Definitely read it first, if you intend to read the entire series.

And yes, the entire Gap series is -- at least -- as far as I remember -- well worth reading.

===

2feb22: Yes, it's still an unpleasant book. I can't claim that I enjoyed it.

The writing style is.. ridiculous! I mean, Eyes that are the black of fear and loathing... good grief.

The plot hangs together. Motives are dubious. The world is interesting.

Now I plan to re-read the entire series. Which -- as I remember -- is over the top space opera... but not, I hope, as nasty.

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Dr Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting / Problems ? Solved
=======

​"Vegetarian": Old Indian word for "Bad hunter".

Broome & Beyond: http://notdotdeaddotyet.blogspot.com.au/

Woodworking Handtools / Graham Blackburn

Illustrated Encyclopedia of Woodworking Handtools

by Graham Blackburn

reference, self help

copyright 2015

skimmed in July 2017

rated 7/10: well worth reading

For various reasons, I visited my local library once a week over several weeks. Each week I would spend the last few minutes of my visit sitting near a "new books" display. This book sat on the display... How could I resist ?!

I checked it out. Skimmed it. Found it to be absolutely fascinating ! Yet it is not perfect.

Who would have thought there were so many types of axe? Including the very recognisable fireman's axe, with it's distinctive spike. Why a spike? And that's a weakness of this book...

Or perhaps not a "weakness". More an "incompleteness". Something which would take a much... much... larger book to satisfy.

The book is fascinating. I'm reminded of facts which I had forgotten. Presented with facts which I have never known. And left with more questions unanswered...

There are hundreds of handtools listed. Each tool deserves at least a chapter of further explanation: where, when, why, and how to use it. I'm left wanting more!

If you are a regular user of handtools, this book is ... an encyclopedia ... which will round out your knowledge and understanding. For the person with a vague but impractical interest -- that is, me -- it's a fascinating yet incomplete introduction to historic and modern handtools.

Well worth reading. If you agree with that opinion -- you will be left, wanting more.

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Dr Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting / Problems? Solved.
====

"The man who cannot visualize a horse galloping on a tomato is an idiot." ... André Breton

https://notdotdeaddotyet.blogspot.com.au/
   

True Names / Vernor Vinge

True Names

by Vernor Vinge

science fiction

original copyright 1980

read in July 2017

rated 6/10: read to pass the time

The novella True Names is, "one of the primary shapers of ... what the net could become." That's what it says on the back cover. Possibly true. It is similar to many (presumably later) stories based on immersive virtual reality supported by the internet. Immersive VR which is still to be achieved.

The *book* True Names is the original novella wrapped in a dozen analyses of... of whatever it is that the analysis writers decided to analyse. The novella itself begins -- almost -- on page 189. Even after the title at the top of the page, there is a bit more than a page of further introduction. Finally, on page 190, this last unknown interventionist writes, "Enough prelude." And -- after a further sentence -- the novella begins.

Oh, and the end of the novella is followed by further analysis.

I actuallly read a novel -- or novella -- in order to enjoy the story. If it *needs* to be explained then the story has failed. If the explanation takes more pages than the story itself... well... This is either a book for students with an assignment to write. Or it is a time-wasting excuse to sell a novella in a novel-sized wrapper.

Be prepared for a lot of analysis of whatever it is that various writers have analysed. Or -- like me -- just skip to page 190 and read the story.

The story itself is quite good. Interesting ideas, interesting vision of a possible future of technology, enjoyable plot. With a solid and believable link between the action in VR and the threat in real life.

There is one idea which is central to the plot -- but which is simply glossed over. No consideration of right or wrong. Yet there is a strong moral question which is the absolute centre of many other science fiction stories. Did the author consider the moral side of this issue? Or did he just run out of words.

And I can't think of any way of even hinting at the issue without completely spoiling the surprise!

It's an entertaining story. Of extra interest if it is, indeed, a leader in the field of immersive VR fiction.

Other than that... A good story wrapped in a lot of extraneous -- to me -- analysis.

====
Dr Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting / Problems? Solved.
====

"The man who cannot visualize a horse galloping on a tomato is an idiot." ... André Breton

https://notdotdeaddotyet.blogspot.com.au/
   

Hard-Boiled Wonderland etc / Haruki Murakami

Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World

by Haruki Murakami

(translated from Japanese by the author)

science fiction

written (in Japanese) 1985

read in July 2017

rated 7/10: well worth reading

There are two parallel stories in this book. A review on the back cover says that the book, "Combines a witty sci-fi pastiche and a dream-like Utopian fantasy..." Which goes to show how little that reviewer understood of the book.

This is science fiction. And the fantasy-like world is not Utopian. It may be a pastiche but I doubt it.

The author references lots of Western artists, authors and culture. A "pastiche"? An "imitation"? If it is an imitation, I'm not sure of the author or style being imitated. (Not that that means it is *not* a pastiche. I'm no style expert!)

What the book is, is clever, entertaining, complex, sometimes incomprehensible. Very Western -- with distinctly Japanese food and, occasionally, references. All influenced by the free-thinking leftovers of the hippy culture... as adopted by a stricter Japanese culture.

Or so it seems to me :-)

I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the way in which the two stories built to the single plot. I was disappointed by the ending.

And then, on reflection, I could see no "better" ending. The logic of the plot allows for no better ending. The hero wishes for happiness for everyone... which limits his final choices.

Which pleases me :-) The ending *surprised* me but, on consideration, it is a good ending. Not perfect, just the best option for maximum happiness all round.

The style of the book is fun. (Perhaps it is a pastiche of a soft-hearted hard-boiled private eye?!) An interesting look at the (possible) underbelly of modern Japan! Characters who are -- counting only the goodies -- nice people.

An enjoyable book as a science fiction novel. With the added bonus of being an enjoyable book written by an author from a not-my-own cultural background.

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Dr Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting / Problems ? Solved
=======

​"Vegetarian": Old Indian word for "Bad hunter".

http://notdotdeaddotyet.blogspot.com.au/

I Shall Wear Midnight / Terry Pratchett

I Shall Wear Midnight

(Discworld 38)

by Terry Pratchett

fantasy, humour, subadult

copyright 2010

read in June 2017

rated 7/10: well worth reading

This is one of Pratchett's books "for young readers". How young? The heroine is now sixteen -- and she is a fully-fledged witch with responsibilities for her own area. The theme of the book is the darkness within ordinary people, the propensity to be violent against anyone who is different.

Serious topics are handled with wild humour, lots of action and a blatant disregard for subtlety. Almost every character has at least one redeeming feature. Everything is sorted out with goodwill and good sense... eventually.

Much like every other Discworld book, really !

I seem to remember an earlier book starring the heroine, Tiffany Aching. It was much lighter. Much more obviously a book "for young readers". That's the trouble with a heroine who grows up... her books will also grow up. As I understand it, the book title indicates a major stage of growing up. Would the next book still be, for young readers?

And all of that simply means, this is a good Discworld book !

The heroine may have grown too old for another subadult book. This book is suitable for "subadult" readers but it is also suitable for adult readers. Many of the characters may have begun as an appeal to younger readers. They have all grown into a more adult appeal... Without losing the younger readers.

Apart from all that... Midnight is another excellent book set on Pratchett's Discworld. It is set in a microcosm of the Discworld, with its own set of unique characters. Plus some overlap -- not too much -- with a few people and places from the broader Discworld.

The story has less depth and less complexity than most other Discworld books. This suits the "young reader" target audience. The threat is as serious but not as dark as some Discworld books.

The humour, however, is excellent. The adventure is enjoyable. The ending is -- a bit simplistic, a bit confused but -- solid.

A morality fable for young readers but a bit dark for extremely young readers. An extremely enjoyable book for any fan of Discworld... Or for any reader who likes a good laugh with their adventures.

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Dr Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting / Problems? Solved.
====

Hamilton's fourth law: "Infer nothing without ground or reason."