Review: Matter ~ by Iain M. Banks

Review by John for Matter (book #8 in the Culture series) ~ by Iain M. Banks  (2008)

A grand galaxy-spanning science fiction tale of ambition, murder, interstellar war, politics and tragedy. Hugely ambitious in scope and concepts.

About:   Sursamen is a Shellworld – a vast, ancient, artificial planet with 15 separate levels and a WorldGod at its core. Humans inhabit two of the levels, and those two kingdoms are at war with each other. When one of the Kings is viciously murdered, the treachery is witnessed by one of his sons, Ferbin, who goes on a quest to seek justice.

Sursamen, and indeed much of the galaxy, is overseen by a hierarchy of increasingly advanced and powerful species, each of which “mentors” the species beneath them; and the humans on Sursamen are low down on the pecking order. Ferbin pleads for justice and help from those higher species, but his pleas fall on deaf ears, as there are strict rules about not interfering too much with the lives and interests of societies lower down the hierarchy. It may be that Ferbin’s sister is the only person in the Galaxy who can help.

His sister, Djan Seriy, left Sursamen many years previously and has changed almost beyond recognition. She is now part of The Culture, an advanced mongrel humanoid civilization, where she has become an agent of their Special Circumstances section - charged with very selective high level interference in civilizations throughout the galaxy. As a member of The Culture’s Special Circumstances section, she has been taught or acquired some very special powers.

But officially Djan Seriy cannot intervene in Sursamen. Drawn by her father’s murder and her brothers pleas, she has no choice but to temporarily leave The Culture and to investigate Sursamen on her own. With no official powers and no official support it soon becomes apparent to her that the human kingdoms on the planet are merely pawns in a much larger and very dangerous game.

John’s thoughts: In many ways this is a pretty stunning book. It is packed with an amazing array of species, societies, technologies, worlds and concepts – all of which become neatly interconnected into a complex saga. Banks has a quite fabulous imagination, and some great story-telling skills.

While this is a work of science fiction with lots of interesting ideas about how societies and cultures might develop, the science and technology doesn’t get in the way and at its heart it’s a very human story about people and what drives them. Actually the main story could almost have come from a Greek tragedy, with humans going on a quest to seek justice for a treacherous act, and seeking help from “Gods” who have questionable motives and goals.

I do have to say, however, that the book was really tough to get into. For the first 80 pages or so I was a little overwhelmed with names, details and information. To give you an idea – the appendices to the book includes a three-page cast of characters, a two-page list of species, and a ten-page glossary of general terms used. At some point the problem becomes a strength and I really enjoyed the sheer scope and complexity of the story, but I can’t help wondering how many readers won’t make it that far. Having kept at it, for me the reward was well worth the effort.

Other than that, if I was going to be picky I’d say that the ending of the story seemed a little rushed somehow, especially given that the build up to the climax took well over 500 pages. As I neared the end I kept on thinking that a lot of stuff still had to happen and there weren’t many pages left to read! But it was a proper ending and you weren’t left dangling, thinking that you had to read another installment to make sense of it all. (I did also think that the little epilogue was a smidgeon silly and out of character with the rest of the book, but now I’m being super-picky).

All in all, a great read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’d rate it 4 stars and I will seek out more of his books. I’d strongly recommend it to any sci-fi geeks and especially those who like grand scale galaxy-spanning stories (think “Dune-ish” in terms of scale, density and intrigue). I’d also recommend it to anyone who likes a meaty saga that they can sink their teeth into.

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We picked the copy of Matter at a small local library in England while we were visiting; all part of our “keep the baggage weight low” strategy. We did not realize it is the 8th in the series; but it’s very self-contained so don’t be put off by thinking you need to read the other seven first.  

As always John will be responding to any comments around his review. So don’t forget to click the follow up box to get his response.

Thanks for reading.

Review: Nebula Awards Showcase 2011 ~ edited by Kevin J. Anderson

Review by Shellie: Nebula Awards Showcase 2011 ~ edited by Kevin J. Anderson        

An incredible collection of short stories, novelettes, one novella,  poetry and more -representing the best in the science fiction and fantasy field published in 2009. All chosen by peers from the SFWA –Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America.

In summary: I enjoyed every story in this great anthology, one of which is the best short stories I have ever read. Yep, it was that good. Subjective star ratings are shown for each individual work. I encourage you to read these yourself as they are an exciting bunch for anyone interested in SFF (and horror since there are many threads within this selection). Overall, I give this book a rare 5 stars.

Short Stories ~ (under 7,500 words):

“Hooves and the Hovel of Abdel Jameela” by Saladin Ahmed  ~  An exotic story set in old Iran where a Sultan’s physician is sent into a dusty rural area as punishment because of his directness (he confronted the king, opposing the marriage of his lover to an old rich man.) During his exile he is called to cure a hermit’s wife, who has a startling affliction. Purported to be a witch, she is in fact more. With descriptive language and light insight into some of daily practices from Muslim culture, I re-told this great tale to John over Persian food the subsequent evening. Delicious and entertaining at 4.5 stars.

“I Remember the Future” by Michael A. Burstein  ~  An aging and dying science fiction author deals with the anger and angst from his daughter from his slights and perceived neglect toward her over the years. As he descends into a happy madness, there was a tear inducing ending. 5 stars.

Non-Zero Probabilities” by N. K. Jemisin  ~ A down to earth and intelligent story, that is a “walk around” New York. It has a creative, fantastical, and magical link into a  probability of sorts. It made me giggle and blush too. 4 stars.

“Going Deep” by James Patrick Kelly  ~  A science fiction story whose main character is a tween girl. Living on a dying space center this girl’s genetic heritage is determined as – “space traveler”. The last in this “retired” collection, it is a relatable tale which accesses the psyche of the main character in an amazing way. A terrific story, which I want to read more of. It’s a 4.5 stars in my opinion.

“Bridesicle” by Will McIntosh  ~  Horror, science fiction, and humor mesh in this story, where attractive dead women are frozen for reanimation and can be revived for dating and marriage purposes. Darkly hilarious and an incredible idea, this tale gave me “giggle tears”. I laughed till I cried at 4.5 stars.

Winner:  “Spar” by Kij Johnson ~ A dark, horrific, and erotic science fiction short that includes an amorphous non-human alien. Not for the faint of heart or stomach. This story deserves 4 stars.

SFWA Author Emeritus – Neal Barrett, Jr.  ~  “Getting Dark” ~  A southern story of sorts where the female narrator is haunting or being haunted - perhaps both? This is surreal and earthy, with a dark and sexual thread told in an authentic female voice. I give it 4 stars.

Novelette ~ (over 7,500 and under 17,500 words):

“The Gambler” by Paolo Bacigalupi  ~  Set in the future, a Laos refugee escapes his deteriorating country for the US only to find that his idealism does not work here - within the ever increasing thrill and monetary seeking society that the US has become. With an environmental thread - apparently one of this author’s major themes; this is an incredible story with interesting and sensitive cultural insight. It’s definitely a 5 stars.

“Vinegar Peace” by Michael Bishop  ~  An emotional and convoluted story about orphaned parents - designated as such and put to pasture when they loose their children in death. Set in the future it is difficult, full of angst, and has a hallucination-like feel to it as it is often a natural consequence from a severe loss. Its is a 4 stars in my opinion.

“I Needs Must Part, the Policeman Said” by Richard Bowes ~  A dying man is brought into a hospital and falls into various dream like states around his life and the experiences of his friends; many ill like himself from Aids-related complications. I laughed, cried and just loved this incredible story. I’m now a serious fan; this is a 5 star from an incredibly sensitive and insightful author.

“Divining Light” by Ted Kosmatka  ~ Every once in a while you read something that just “blows you away”. That is the case with this story – consequently it is my favorite from the collection. It goes beyond any of my expectation and includes elements from several of my preferred genre mixes - horror, science fiction and an encompassing “meaning of life” thread. In my opinion it’s an impossible 5.5 stars.  

“A Memory of Wind” by Rachel Swirsky ~  Reviewed by me in another post - linked via the title. It is based upon Iphigenia and set in ancient Greece. I gave it 4 stars.

Winner: “ Sinner, Baker, Fabulist, Priest: Red Mask, Black Mask, Gentleman, Beast”  By Eugie Foster  ~  In this consciousness-bending story –  described as a “dystopian” tale - identity is a key element. The individuals of this society are required to wear masks imbued with different drugs/hormones which change daily. There is an element of blending of genders so the story will be classified as GLBT; it also contains a horrific thread. I enjoyed this phantasmagorical story at 4 stars.

Damon Knight Grand Master - Joe Haldeman ~  “A !Tangled Web”  ~  An excellent science fiction short which tells the tale of a business deal made between humans and aliens on a planet other than earth. The aliens have an interesting physiology and language, and a method of self-depreciation which is beyond western behaviors. Because of this it’s a darkly funny short with an intriguing alien, written by an author who is rightly honored as a Grand Master in the field. This is my first story by him at 4.5 stars. 

Rhysling Awards (poetry):

“Song for an Ancient City” by Amal El-Mohtar ~  Is about a magical ancient city; a short and lovely poem.

“Search” and “Fireflies” by Geoffrey A. Landis ~  The first poem speaks of a hope in finding other life forms in the stars; the other compares fireflies and the stars.    

I enjoyed all three at 4 stars each.

Novella (over 17,500 and under 40,000 words): 

Winner:  The Women of Nell Gwynne’s ~ by Kage Baker ~ This is a historical fantasy which will be reviewed in a separate post. Its published cover is to the right. 

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Full Length Novels (40,000 words or more) and not included in this book are:

Andre Norton Award (young adult) ~  Winner:  The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making ~ by Catherynne M. Valente.  Reviewed by me in another post on this blog which is linked via the title. 4 stars. 

Winner for the Novel: The Windup Girl ~ by Paolo Bacigalupi ~ This is sitting on John’s nightstand so should be read soon. I predict that this may be his first 5 star review for the blog?

That’s all folks - for this huge and complicated post with highly recommended stories from this “cream of the crop” collection. This was a tough one to complete. How do you review an anthology such as this?  I am thinking maybe I should start working on the 2010 winners and nominees since maybe I will be fortunate enough to receive next year’s copy of the Showcase. One can dream.

Thanks for reading.

Giveaway: Three books in the “Vineart War” series ~ by Laura Anne Gilman

Trilogy giveaway ~ 3 books to one lucky US winner:    

Flesh and Fire (#1) ; Weight of Stone (#2); and The Shattered Vine (#3)  ~ by Laura Anne Gilman

About:     Flesh and Fire (#1) ~  (Nebula Award Nominated in 2009):     Once, all power in the Vin Lands was held by the prince-mages, who alone could craft spellwines, and who selfishly used them to their own gain. But a new darkness is rising in the vineyards, and only one Vineart, Master Malech, senses the coming danger. He has but one weapon to use against it: a young slave named Jerzy, whose origins are unknown, even to him.

 Weight of Stone (#2):    An island nation has vanished. Men of honor and magic have died unnatural deaths. Slaves flee in terror. . . . Are the silent gods beginning to speak? Or is another force at work in the Lands Vin? Jerzy, Vineart apprentice and former slave, was sent by his master to investigate strange happenings—and found himself the target of betrayal. Now he must set out on his own journey, to find the source of the foul taint that threatens to destroy everything he holds dear.

And soon to be released: 

The Shattered Vine (#3):      Vineart Jerzy was set to track the source of these rumors and violence, accompanied by the three people in the world he trusts: a trader crippled by a sea monster’s attack, a young woman with no place in the world, and a prince who abandoned his people. They have their enemy’s name, and they know his plan. What they don’t know is how to stop him.

Bio:  Lara Anne Gilman’s Flesh and Fire is a Nebula Award finalist. She also is the bestselling author of another series and for numerous short stories and young adult books. An amateur chef, oenophile, and cat servant. She lives in New York City. www.lauraannegilman.net 

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Giveaway:  

• You do not have to be a follower/reader to win.
• But you must leave your name, mailing address, and email address in the Google form so I can contact you if you win.
• This giveaway is for US addresses only.

Optional ~  Keep up to date on giveaways, reviews, interviews, quirky humor and general geeky nonsense with a subscription to Layers of Thought:

1. Google: via the blog’s side bar (I will follow back if I can find your blog.)
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4. Your Email Box.
5. Feed Reader.

 

Thank you to Simon and Schuster’s publicity department for this giveaway set.

Good luck!

Three Winners: The Hum and The Shiver ~ by Alex Bledsoe

We have three winners for

The Hum and The Shiver ~ by Alex Bledsoe!

**Drum Roll** 

Chosen by the Random.org fates, the lucky winners are:

Logan @ Rememorandum    Lori @ she treads softly  

and  Laura @ Dogs Mom Visits

Congrats to our winners!

*Showers of Applause*

For more information please see our:

• giveaway post (now closed)
• guest post from Alex Bledsoe

In Alex’s guest post we find out some interesting facts about this latest fantasy which is perfect for fall. Just remember one word: “fairies” - perhaps?

Winners:   Please comment on this post and respond to my email as I already have your snail mail details. Then I will forward your information onto the publicist.

Don’t forget to stop by to enter our other giveaway! Our newest is a fantasy three book set for one winner, and the first book in the series is Nebula nominated. Exciting stuff!

A big *Yee Ha and Applause* for our winners!!!!

Review: The Hum and The Shiver ~ by Alex Bledsoe

Review by John for The Hum and The Shiver ~ by Alex Bledsoe (September 27, 2011)

An urban fantasy story with a difference – it has a rural setting! A very well written and intriguing piece of magical realism with a strong story and some great characters.

About:    Bronwyn Hyatt comes home from the war in Iraq, physically battered and mentally scarred. She returns to her small home town deep in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, getting a hero’s welcome that she neither wants nor appreciates. Her home is also the home of the Tufa, a quiet, inward looking and enigmatic community of people with a mysterious past. No-one knows where they came from – when the first Europeans arrived in the area they were already there; seemingly neither European nor Native American. Distrusted and disliked by many, some suspect that the Tufa have some strange powers. And Bronwyn is a first daughter of the Tufa.

Being a first daughter there are responsibilities and expectations of Bronwyn that she has spent her life rebelling against, but now she is back home to recuperate and she once again has to face up to a life she tried to escape. She returns to find cryptic omens suggesting a tragedy is impending that will impact her family, while a Tufa ghost is keen to communicate with her and her wayward ex-boyfriend is determined to make a nuisance of himself. To make matters worse she seems to have lost touch with music – something which is deeply important to the Tufa and helps to define what they are, both individually and collectively.

As Bronwyn reacquaints herself with her family and her past, she is forced to tap into the powers of the Tufa to help heal herself and to try and protect her loved ones.

John’s thoughts:   I’m not sure what the accepted term is for this genre (magical realism?), but this was a slightly unusual read for me and I have to say that I enjoyed it. Bledsoe paints a detailed picture of life in rural America and interweaves it with a strong story, some rich characters and a mystical people with links to an ancient “mythical” past.

I also liked the musical angle. It is an intrinsic part of who the Tufa are, where they’ve come from, how they live their lives, and how they’re bonded together. It’s a tremendous source of strength for them and is used for the common good; though it can also be used for other purposes too. It’s a nice angle and given my love of music it helped to draw me in to the book.

Bledsoe does a good job of developing some interesting characters and some complex but believable family dynamics. Bronwyn is a very feisty lead character who is strong, headstrong, and by no means angelic. There is a lot of tension between her and her mother, and as the story develops Bronwyn discovers some surprising things about her mother that helps to explain why they are often at loggerheads.

It looks like this may be the first in a series, and if so, Bledsoe has created a strong foundation on which he can build. There are none of those annoying loose ends you often find in series openers, but there are plenty of angles and sub-plots that can be further developed.

Overall I liked the book a lot and I’d rate it 4 stars. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading fantasy stories that are firmly rooted in gritty real-life and rural settings.

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For more information on the book see our question and answer guest post from Alex Bledsoe where he tells about this new book.

As always John will be available for your thoughts and questions. So please remember to check the follow up box since we do respond to all our comments.

Cheers!