Reviews and Comments

Another interesting "explore an idea" novel from Greg Egan around physically embodied versus reality simulating virtual versus no bounds virtual living. But this one didn't engage me as strongly as Egan's books usually do. Mainly I think because the discussion of the differences between the two virtual modes of living went on to long for me. I understand why that length and depth was needed for reasons critical to the plot, but it was too much for me.

Overall a good story in Asher's Polity universe. However, the backstory on Ian Cormac has too many "miraculous man!" sequences that kept jarring me out of the story. And by the end of the book the rationale for the reasons Cormac reacts in certain ways were letting him evade responsibility for his not great responses in some situations.

This story blends real people and events from the Apollo missions into a fictional Apollo 18 mission today never happened.

This was an interesting story but the ending felt abrupt and a little incomplete.

Wherein: Eric learns to be careful what you wish for and to read the fine print of the wishing rules. Rincewind appears to possibly have -some- magic skills and definitely has great "run away" skills. The Luggage continues to be a strong candidate for my favorite Discworld character (it's a tight race with the Librarian).

A very entertaining collection of early work done as newspaper serials under the names Patrick Kearns and Uncle Jim.

An interesting set of short stories about time travel and love/relationships. I particularly enjoyed Timed Obsolescence.

Once again, a great story constructed by Greg Egan from real theories. Some of the concepts are a bit heavy since they come from physics theory, but well worth the time and effort thinking about them to enjoy the story.