Monday, January 19, 2009

Fun read

Neal Asher's book Prador Moon is a fun space opera novel that leaves you wanting more. Part of this is helped by the fact that the novel itself is only about 200 pages long, and this short space allows Asher's prose to zing, as we see the Polity encounter the first ever space faring alien species. And what a species they turn out to be, massive crab-like creatures who are nearly indestructible and called the Prador.
Sure it is full of Asher's trademark violence, and tough characters, but it also manages to make both sides of this conflict real, as we have different narrators, Prador and Human. As always Asher will raise issues with the reader, but then gives his reader's space to think about it in their own time without preaching to them if they so choose. Or they can concentrate on the many characters getting gutted in various vicious ways.

Overall another great read, from an author who never fails to deliver.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Alias

I've been reading my way through Brian Michael Bendis' run on Alias and realising how much I enjoy his writing when he is in tune with a character. His stories of Jessica Jones as a private detective are wonderfully constructed and we see Jessica deal with her cases and her personal life, ex-superhero, single woman etc.
Rather than trying to run massive company wide crossovers, Bendis is much better off telling small stories with a noir twist and allowing big name superheroes to make cameos. As he tells his story of power and the responsibility that comes with it, and how having superpowers impacts on your life (to a lesser degree).

Find the TPB and start reading, and you will discover why so many people rate this series.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Back to work

Now that my holidays are over I can look back at the mountain of books I tried to read and shake my head. I must be mad ...
Anyway here are some of my favourites that I did finish,
  • R. Scott Bakker - The Darkness That Comes Before. Wow, really enjoyed this, the world he describes is vivid and the characters are interesting, can't wait to read the rest.
  • Kristin Cashore - Graceling. Quick, fun read that left me wanting more.
  • Nick Stone - King of Swords. Thriller set in 1980s Miami.
  • Jack Kirby - Jack Kirby's Fourth World Omnibus Vol 1. Mind blowing comics from one of the best.

Just a quick glimpse at what I've been reading, I'll be back with proper reviews soon.