Tag Archives: sci-fi

Acclaimed comics writer Michael Moreci branches out into novel-writing with 'Black Star Renegades,' an homage to 'Star Wars' with a tone a bit more along the lines of 'Guardians of the Galaxy' and 'Firefly.' Fans of the genre will not be disappointed, as Moreci has the conventions of space opera down pat. This is an entertaining adventure from start to finish.

'Luna: Wolf Moon' continues to develop the complex characters and fascinating setting established in 'Luna: New Moon,' but never skimps on page-turning action. Although incomplete, Ian McDonald’s saga already outpaces Robert Heinlein’s 'The Moon is a Harsh Mistress' (1966) as the definitive lunar epic.

As in Deism, 'Mass Effect' emphasizes freedom and choice. We can’t expect anyone or anything else to push us to the right action. We are the ones responsible for determining our path, and meaning is in the way there.

This article seeks to offer a model of political consciousness rooted in spirituality as inspired by the ideas and writing of Philip K. Dick. It is one possible Dickian model, not the only possible one.

'The Twilight Zone' proves to be an unexpected but rich sourcebook of life lessons. Author Mark Dawidziak has done a splendid job of distilling those lessons in this entertaining, illuminating book.

Robert Charles Wilson continues his run of smart science fiction with 'Last Year.' The book offers a new look at time travel, with plenty to say about capitalism, cultural relativism and the ethics of tourism. Especially when the tourists come from the future.

Dan Wells explores the dark side of genetic engineering in 'Extreme Makeover,' a satirical science-fiction novel that is equal parts terrifying and hilarious. Wells excels at gallows humor, blending the serious with the silly without collapsing into farce.

'Theology and Science Fiction' is an accessible overview of how theology and sci-fi “speak” to one another. McGrath writes clearly and explains complex concepts effectively. But the book could have benefitted from more detailed analysis of specific examples from sci-fi to illustrate his points.

The fight to assert one's humanity drives the narrative in 'The Obelisk Gate.' It is not merely a political aspiration but a deeply personal one, making the 'Broken Earth' series never feel polemical. N.K. Jemisin’s characters aren’t symbols; they are complex and conflicted human beings who want only to live in peace. But in the Stillness, as in the real world, sometimes you have to fight for peace.

Luke Rhinehart, author of the cult classic 'The Dice Man,' depicts an invasion of hairy balls from outer space who want to save humanity from themselves. While this is a frequently visited theme, it is Rhinehart's trademark humor and social and political incisiveness that make 'Invasion' stand out among other alien invasion stories.

As with any anthology, the quality of the stories in 'Dead Letters' is uneven, and there are some flubbed endings. But on the whole, the all-star writers who contributed to this volume do indeed deliver.

'The Fifty-Year Mission' is a Star Trek book for fans that will become an indispensable reference resource that documents a personal history of the franchise. If you're a Trek fan, it's a must.

Here's an exciting look at the upcoming sci-fi adventure series 'Empress' by Mark Millar and Stuart Immonen to be published by Marvel's ICON imprint in April.

'The One' is a wonderfully imagined YA series that is every bit as engrossing as 'The Hunger Games' or 'Divergent' series. But it has an edge of sophistication over other series in its sci-fi conception and elements of conflict, and it explores more complex issues of power than the average series. This is highly recommended reading for adult and young adult readers alike.

My ability to recommend 'The Final Programme' is dependent on your familiarity with Michael Moorcock’s work. If you already know Elric of Melniboné or Duke Dorian Hawkmoon, you’ll enjoy analyzing Jerry Cornelius as another aspect of the Eternal Champion. But if this is your first visit to the Multiverse, start with Melniboné first.