Comments for AQ's Reviews

Comment on Wolfhound Century by Redhead

Redhead — Tue, 14 May 2013 02:45:18 +0000

So happy you enjoyed it! I did love Higgins’ prose style, but I’m pretty sure you enjoy the book itself more than I did.

thanks for sending it back so quick, it showed up in my mailbox safe and sound the other day, with some lovely goodies tucked inside.

Comment on Wolfhound Century by Daniel Burton

Daniel Burton — Tue, 07 May 2013 23:06:18 +0000

I’m totally gonna read this. Either you’re being paid by the Higgins, or it just sounds like a really interesting read. Thanks for reviewing and sharing.

Comment on Flow My Tears, The Policeman Said by John Stephen Walsh

John Stephen Walsh — Wed, 01 May 2013 00:33:47 +0000

Reading one of the biographies on PKD might give you some insight into the questions you ask in the review–try the chatty, casual I AM ALIVE AND YOU ARE DEAD as a light intro if interested. I don`t think it`s fair to think a writer is a misogynist because of the unlikability of his characters, but I do think PKD`s problems with the women in his life emerge in his fiction [and got him in trouble with the women in his life]. Likable characters aren`t a factor for me, and in PKD`s case are even less important, as the books become illustrations of his particular mental health issues–were he alive today he`d be on prescription meds and probably happier. But the gnarled, odd novels of the mid-60s to mid-70s are more interesting to me than 99% of the sf out there with its earnest, likable heroes doing the same damn things earnest, likable heroes are doing in 99% of sf novels. Thanks for reviewing this [I prefer UBIK, too].

Comment on Rogue Moon by John Stephen Walsh

John Stephen Walsh — Wed, 01 May 2013 00:24:34 +0000

I`m glad to see people still reading this book, or any Budrys. His point of view seems influenced by his unconventional youth [he came with his family after they fled communism] and he just doesn`t approach stories the way many American writers do. I particularly find his endings problematic–they don`t build to a clash between a good guy and a bad guy and a resolution with one side defeated. ROGUE MOON has the feel of an extended Outer Limit episode without the bear. MICHELMAS is an extended dialogue between a kind of world-controlling T.V. reporter and his computer. SOME WILL NOT DIE is an odd post-apocalypse story following two storylines. Definitely not for everybody, but I suspect his lack of linear storylines has a bit to do with some people not liking his work–he rewards multiple readings, but he`s never gonna work for folks who like space war novels [not implying this is why you didn`t like it, your reasons are perfectly logical]. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this book, it is a favorite.

Comment on Consider Phlebas by Redhead

Redhead — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 23:17:37 +0000

I recently picked up a copy of this one. Your review pretty much matches what I’ve heard elsewhere,that this isn’t the best Culture book, and probably isn’t the best place to start.

If you go for another Culture book, I really hope you do, try Player of Games or Look to Windward. They have the sprawling “what the hell is going on? why are we doing this??” plots, but are probably a more compelling read. The bizarro and meandering plots seem to be a Culture thing.

Comment on Books Reviewed by Updates: Joachim Boaz’s List of Worthwhile Classic Esoteric/Science Fiction Blogs and Resources | Science Fiction and Other Suspect Ruminations

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 21:21:29 +0000

[...] 5] AQ’s Reviews: Nice long, thought-out, and intriguing reviews of a mix of new and old science fiction. For example, Vance’s Big Planet (1957), Hal Clement’s Needle (1950), etc…. And there’s an INDEX. [...]

Comment on Needle by Updates: Joachim Boaz’s List of Worthwhile Classic Esoteric/Science Fiction Blogs and Resources | Science Fiction and Other Suspect Ruminations

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 21:21:26 +0000

[...] of new and old science fiction. For example, Vance’s Big Planet (1957), Hal Clement’s Needle (1950), etc…. And there’s an [...]

Comment on Big Planet by Updates: Joachim Boaz’s List of Worthwhile Classic Esoteric/Science Fiction Blogs and Resources | Science Fiction and Other Suspect Ruminations

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 21:21:23 +0000

[...] and intriguing reviews of a mix of new and old science fiction. For example, Vance’s Big Planet (1957), Hal Clement’s Needle (1950), etc…. And there’s an [...]

Comment on Rynn’s World by Word Wabbit

Word Wabbit — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 04:36:58 +0000

Cool, thanks!

Comment on Rynn’s World by nawfalaq

nawfalaq — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 04:30:21 +0000

Truly, I’d start with “Horus Rising” by Dan Abnett. But, this one ain’t a bad thing to start with….