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wasted's reviews
31 reviews
The Arm Of The Stone by Victoria Strauss
3.0
"To invent or not invent, that is the question" - altered William Shakespeare idiom
The premise of The Arm of the Stone is incredibly intriguing with its binary approach to controlling human ingenuity. In short, if humans invent, they make profound achievements yet sow the seeds of their own destruction. Alternatively, if humans don't invent, they survive albeit with a much lower standard of living. This is a short-term versus long-term contradiction that forces us to question one of the basics of human nature.
A grand story is built around this paradox but merely scratches the surface of what this means to our species. Unfortunately, the dreary length of the book is not justified with its overly-descriptive passages about castle room furnishings and the latest wizard fashion styles. Although somewhat engaging, the time investment was personally disappointing for two reasons. For one, is the primary antagonist seriously the main character's college bully? Two, more importantly, the author failed to include a single example of how Zosterians treat Violators that have committed the unholy act of invention; compared to centuries old public persecution by standard Guardians of the Arm.
To further reflect on what readers aren't rewarded after finishing The Arm of the Stone, it is important to understand that human inventiveness is as fundamental to our existence as breeding. To deny it is unnatural, which serves as a satisfying constant thread of tension throughout the novel. In the example of breeding, generating offspring is a primary aspect of Earth biology that simply must be... because, what is the alternative? The only vague science fiction answer that comes to mind would be a different universe that hosts a unique astrobiological trait of immortality. If only.
Indeed, humans are relatively weak fleshly sacks of water that only dominated pre-historical food chains by banding together and inventing weapons. In the current over-saturated technological society of the 21st century, it is romantic to want to revert back to an agrarian society lit only by fire. Yet, non-industrial lifestyles were generally devoid of comfort that most modern water sacks couldn't fathom.
Humans don't think generationally by considering the long-term consequences of their actions beyond perhaps their great-grandchildren. We simply expect future generations to be intuitive enough to adapt, invent and survive within the world we've created for them. This framework has worked for thousands of years but that time is swiftly coming to an end, and we shall soon invent our own final punishment quickly enough. If only we had the Arm of the Stone to instill the discipline required for us to save us from ourselves.
The premise of The Arm of the Stone is incredibly intriguing with its binary approach to controlling human ingenuity. In short, if humans invent, they make profound achievements yet sow the seeds of their own destruction. Alternatively, if humans don't invent, they survive albeit with a much lower standard of living. This is a short-term versus long-term contradiction that forces us to question one of the basics of human nature.
A grand story is built around this paradox but merely scratches the surface of what this means to our species. Unfortunately, the dreary length of the book is not justified with its overly-descriptive passages about castle room furnishings and the latest wizard fashion styles. Although somewhat engaging, the time investment was personally disappointing for two reasons. For one, is the primary antagonist seriously the main character's college bully? Two, more importantly, the author failed to include a single example of how Zosterians treat Violators that have committed the unholy act of invention; compared to centuries old public persecution by standard Guardians of the Arm.
To further reflect on what readers aren't rewarded after finishing The Arm of the Stone, it is important to understand that human inventiveness is as fundamental to our existence as breeding. To deny it is unnatural, which serves as a satisfying constant thread of tension throughout the novel. In the example of breeding, generating offspring is a primary aspect of Earth biology that simply must be... because, what is the alternative? The only vague science fiction answer that comes to mind would be a different universe that hosts a unique astrobiological trait of immortality. If only.
Indeed, humans are relatively weak fleshly sacks of water that only dominated pre-historical food chains by banding together and inventing weapons. In the current over-saturated technological society of the 21st century, it is romantic to want to revert back to an agrarian society lit only by fire. Yet, non-industrial lifestyles were generally devoid of comfort that most modern water sacks couldn't fathom.
Humans don't think generationally by considering the long-term consequences of their actions beyond perhaps their great-grandchildren. We simply expect future generations to be intuitive enough to adapt, invent and survive within the world we've created for them. This framework has worked for thousands of years but that time is swiftly coming to an end, and we shall soon invent our own final punishment quickly enough. If only we had the Arm of the Stone to instill the discipline required for us to save us from ourselves.
The Burning Land by Bernard Cornwell
5.0
Preceding the upheaval that Death of Kings (Book VI) brings, the Burning Land is a leisurely yet ever brutal tale of Uhtred doing what Uhtred does best:
High Integrity? Check.
Faith in Destiny? Check.
Well then, Onward Into Countless Battles!
This is an explorative adventure throughout infant England and across its waters to Frisia (modern Netherlands / Germany). Despite what Uhtred may think, Alfred’s best interest is always in his heart no matter how far from home he may be. Love is lost, Danes are slain, and Uhtred remains in prime warrior form!
High Integrity? Check.
Faith in Destiny? Check.
Well then, Onward Into Countless Battles!
This is an explorative adventure throughout infant England and across its waters to Frisia (modern Netherlands / Germany). Despite what Uhtred may think, Alfred’s best interest is always in his heart no matter how far from home he may be. Love is lost, Danes are slain, and Uhtred remains in prime warrior form!
Halo: Primordium by Greg Bear
2.0
Skimming literature is a regrettable act. Even if a good friend humbly acknowledged skimming my amateur writings, I'd be disappointed.
Unfortunately, there is very little value in reading the first 24 Chapters of Halo: Primordium. Even skimming through to read about the Forerunner architecture wasn't rewarding. The entire first half of the book is from a deevolved human's perspective who naturally doesn't understand that construction (a logistic closely associated with the downfall of the human race).
Below is an example of a disheveled passage about a Forerunner platform with compounding confusion from the equally affect-less relationship building:
"A disk cut itself out of one side and descended to the platform. Again, I flinched - but it was just a disk, curved like the part of the wagon it had come from, blank on both sides. A series of smaller poles rose up around the outside of the disk, minus one, where, I supposed, we were expected to step up and get on.
…
'What do you think?' I asked.
…
She took my hand. 'I go where you go.' "
I attempted to look past these demoralizing sections and enjoy the lengthened human wanderings across Halo's habitats. There were interesting descriptions of the harsh valleys and cliffs but these were rare gems amongst the dirt fields.
In my opinion, this disjointed human-told story could have benefited by providing the reader more information related to The Librarian's plan and less about the grassy green hillsides. Compared to the exciting start of the third book, Halo: Silentium, events progress at a slow crawl. With only obscure bits of information from humanity's ancestor "geas" spirits, there is too much vagueness. I abhorred getting weary with the Lord of Admiral's dialogue - a true human warrior meant for better portrayal!
The Forerunner Saga is an absolute worthwhile read for every Halo fan. However, save time skimming by starting Primordium at Chapter 25 and conducting brief online research regarding the outcomes of the first half of the book. Don't forfeit and stop here - more interstellar mystique awaits towards the conclusion of the saga.
Unfortunately, there is very little value in reading the first 24 Chapters of Halo: Primordium. Even skimming through to read about the Forerunner architecture wasn't rewarding. The entire first half of the book is from a deevolved human's perspective who naturally doesn't understand that construction (a logistic closely associated with the downfall of the human race).
Below is an example of a disheveled passage about a Forerunner platform with compounding confusion from the equally affect-less relationship building:
"A disk cut itself out of one side and descended to the platform. Again, I flinched - but it was just a disk, curved like the part of the wagon it had come from, blank on both sides. A series of smaller poles rose up around the outside of the disk, minus one, where, I supposed, we were expected to step up and get on.
…
'What do you think?' I asked.
…
She took my hand. 'I go where you go.' "
I attempted to look past these demoralizing sections and enjoy the lengthened human wanderings across Halo's habitats. There were interesting descriptions of the harsh valleys and cliffs but these were rare gems amongst the dirt fields.
In my opinion, this disjointed human-told story could have benefited by providing the reader more information related to The Librarian's plan and less about the grassy green hillsides. Compared to the exciting start of the third book, Halo: Silentium, events progress at a slow crawl. With only obscure bits of information from humanity's ancestor "geas" spirits, there is too much vagueness. I abhorred getting weary with the Lord of Admiral's dialogue - a true human warrior meant for better portrayal!
The Forerunner Saga is an absolute worthwhile read for every Halo fan. However, save time skimming by starting Primordium at Chapter 25 and conducting brief online research regarding the outcomes of the first half of the book. Don't forfeit and stop here - more interstellar mystique awaits towards the conclusion of the saga.
The Jesus Incident by Frank Herbert, Bill Ransom
2.0
I chose this book because I actively seek out Science Fiction that portrays believable extraterrestrials. Although described on the back cover as "a breakthrough work of speculative fiction that leaps to the end of evolution," this collaborative story by Frank Hebert (Dune) and Bill Ransom is intriguingly ambitious.
Located on a distant planet with organic life, the scene is set to explore and understand sentient underwater kelp. However, as soon as the book enters its Rising Action, a slew of unnecessary sexual innuendos and frustrations are introduced. From the predatory men in leadership positions to the biologist leading the plant research, the story falls apart.
I wanted to read about unique aliens; not lusty space travelers. Yes, Isaac Asimov's "The Gods Themselves" described the sexual reproduction of the Triads but it provided context to the story's dilemma. If it can't be interwoven well, don't.
The Jesus Incident lost me when exposure to the conscious plants caused the female biologist to feel "a sexual excitement very nearly impossible to control at times." Sorry, as a human male, I couldn't help but realize that what I was reading was a joint collaboration between two old male nerds.
I haven't read Dune yet and hope that it isn't like this.
Located on a distant planet with organic life, the scene is set to explore and understand sentient underwater kelp. However, as soon as the book enters its Rising Action, a slew of unnecessary sexual innuendos and frustrations are introduced. From the predatory men in leadership positions to the biologist leading the plant research, the story falls apart.
I wanted to read about unique aliens; not lusty space travelers. Yes, Isaac Asimov's "The Gods Themselves" described the sexual reproduction of the Triads but it provided context to the story's dilemma. If it can't be interwoven well, don't.
The Jesus Incident lost me when exposure to the conscious plants caused the female biologist to feel "a sexual excitement very nearly impossible to control at times." Sorry, as a human male, I couldn't help but realize that what I was reading was a joint collaboration between two old male nerds.
I haven't read Dune yet and hope that it isn't like this.
The Naked Sun by Isaac Asimov
3.0
Asimov is my favorite Science Fiction author and this story has been on my shelf for a few years - in the day and age of COVID-19, it was finally time to read about an advanced human civilization that purposefully isolates themselves from all human contact within a sea of robotic servants.
This quote from a secluded Solarian captures the mindset well:
"You conjured up the most striking picture of us breathing - breathing one another's breath." The Solarian shuddered. "Don't you find that repulsive? I realized that after all we were in the same room and even though I was not facing you, puffs of air that had been in your lungs must be reaching me and entering mine."
Humans are indeed repulsive and this novel makes avoiding physical interaction relatable and, in certain satisfying ways, socially acceptable.
Unfortunately, I believe Asimov missed a few opportunities to expand on how the Solarian psychology evolved after centuries steeped in this culture. Aside from the unique isolationist environment, two concepts left me wondering:
1.) What happened to the Solarian's human libido? Sex is of course abhorred in this hermit culture but why is that? The Solarians don't consider their peers ugly or unattractive when viewed by video so something in their human brain must have been "turned off."
2.) Why do Solarians hold the arts in such high regard? Art quality is relative and Asimov doesn't expand on this individualistic pursuit. Solarians pridefully video-sharing each other's art is a contradiction that is never explained.
Overall, this cynically unique story is fun to relate to but leaves the reader hungry. A worthwhile read for Asmiov fans despite its near monolithic representation of the modern COVID-19 culture.
This quote from a secluded Solarian captures the mindset well:
"You conjured up the most striking picture of us breathing - breathing one another's breath." The Solarian shuddered. "Don't you find that repulsive? I realized that after all we were in the same room and even though I was not facing you, puffs of air that had been in your lungs must be reaching me and entering mine."
Humans are indeed repulsive and this novel makes avoiding physical interaction relatable and, in certain satisfying ways, socially acceptable.
Unfortunately, I believe Asimov missed a few opportunities to expand on how the Solarian psychology evolved after centuries steeped in this culture. Aside from the unique isolationist environment, two concepts left me wondering:
1.) What happened to the Solarian's human libido? Sex is of course abhorred in this hermit culture but why is that? The Solarians don't consider their peers ugly or unattractive when viewed by video so something in their human brain must have been "turned off."
2.) Why do Solarians hold the arts in such high regard? Art quality is relative and Asimov doesn't expand on this individualistic pursuit. Solarians pridefully video-sharing each other's art is a contradiction that is never explained.
Overall, this cynically unique story is fun to relate to but leaves the reader hungry. A worthwhile read for Asmiov fans despite its near monolithic representation of the modern COVID-19 culture.
Pompeii by Robert Harris
2.0
Discipline. Leadership. These are common traits associated with the empire that led the Mediterranean world for 1,000 years.
However, these are not the traits of this novel's Roman protagonist, Attilius. An engineer in command of an important portion of the Aqua Augusta (the most complex aqueduct in Rome), he is a leader that continually fails to exercise his command. For example, consider this interaction with the should-have-been-executed antagonist, Corax:
"And if, by any remote chance, we can't make the repairs in twelve hours," said Corax sarcastically "what then?"
. . .
It occurred to Atillius that the overseer, in his bitterness, might even try to sabotage the entire mission. . . He [Atillius] smiled. "So don't try to screw me around."
Is this annoyance supposed to be comic relief? When a leader becomes concerned about a disobedient subordinate, action is necessary; especially if the mission's success is in jeopardy! Alas, the exquisite descriptions of the aqueduct engineering is indeed overshadowed by such egregiousness.
However, these are not the traits of this novel's Roman protagonist, Attilius. An engineer in command of an important portion of the Aqua Augusta (the most complex aqueduct in Rome), he is a leader that continually fails to exercise his command. For example, consider this interaction with the should-have-been-executed antagonist, Corax:
"And if, by any remote chance, we can't make the repairs in twelve hours," said Corax sarcastically "what then?"
. . .
It occurred to Atillius that the overseer, in his bitterness, might even try to sabotage the entire mission. . . He [Atillius] smiled. "So don't try to screw me around."
Is this annoyance supposed to be comic relief? When a leader becomes concerned about a disobedient subordinate, action is necessary; especially if the mission's success is in jeopardy! Alas, the exquisite descriptions of the aqueduct engineering is indeed overshadowed by such egregiousness.