Science Fiction

The Red – Book 2: The Trials – By Linda Nagata

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , , Leave a comment

Hey Jared,

Finally going to try and get this trilogy finished! The first book was just a strong start, I just don’t want to leave it hanging for long.

the_trials.jpgTitle: The Trials
Series: The Red; Book 2
Author: Linda Nagata
Genre: Science Fiction, Military Scifi
Audience: Adult
ROTS Setting: CU, Modern/Near-Future,
Synopsis: Lieutenant James Shelley and his squad of US Army soldiers were on a quest for justice when they carried out the unauthorized mission known as First Light. They returned home to America to face a court-martial, determined to expose the corruption in the chain of command that compelled their actions. But in a country still reeling from the nuclear terrorism of Coma Day, the courtroom is only one battlefield. A new cycle of violence ignites when rumors of the elusive, rogue AI known as the Red go public—and Shelley is, once again, pulled into the fray. Challenged by his enemies, driven by ideals, Shelley feels compelled to act—but are the harrowing choices he makes really his own, or are they made for him, by the Red? With millions of lives at stake in a game of nuclear cat-and-mouse, does it even matter? (Hazard Notice: contains military grade profanity.)
Recommendation: Highly recommended! For mature readers. Graphic violence and explicit sex scenes.

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The Red – Book 2: The Trials – By Linda Nagata

Foreigner Universe – Book 2: Invader – By C. J. Cherryh

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , Leave a comment

Nadi Jared,

I’m continuing my very slow wade into this huge series and very glad that I did. This book confirmed a lot of different things for me, both good and not so good.

invaderTitle: Invader
Series: Foreigner Universe; Book 2
Author: C. J. Cherryh
Genre: Science Fiction
Audience: Adult
ROTS Setting: Distant-Future, Colonization, FTL, Aliens
Synopsis: Nearly two centuries after the starship Phoenix disappeared, leaving an isolated colony of humans on the world of the atevi, it unexpectedly returns, threatening the stability of both atevi and human governments. With the situation fast becoming critical, Bren Cameron, the brilliant, young paidhi to the court of the atevi is recalled from Mospheira where he has just undergone surgery. Upon his return to the mainland, he Cameron finds that his government has sent in his paidhi-successor, Deana Hanks—representative of a dangerous faction on Mospheira who hate the atevi. Haunted by the threat of assassination, Bren realizes his only hope may be to communicate with the Phoenix as the spokesman of the atevi—an action which may cut him off for good from his own species. Yet if he doesn’t take this desperate action, he may be forced to witness the destruction of the already precarious balance of world power.
Recommendation: Highly recommended!

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Foreigner Universe – Book 2: Invader – By C. J. Cherryh

Remnants Series – Book 2: Destination Unknown – By K. A. Applegate

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , 2 Comments

Hello Jared,

This series has take a drastic turn and I’m glad that I was able to read both the first and second books at the same time. I would suggest that everyone else does too.

destinationunknownTitle: Destination Unknown
Series: Remnants; Book 2
Author: K. A. Applegate
Genre: Science Fiction
Audience: Teen
ROTS Setting: CU, Modern, Apocalyptic, Space Travel, Aliens
Synopsis: When the world ended, there was the Eighty. Eighty people given the chance for survival. Given the chance to board a revamped space shuttle programmed to find them a new place to live. Somewhere to start over after an asteroid had destroyed the entire human race. Now, after a five-hundred-year “nap,” the Eighty have landed—but not everyone survived the trip. And some of those who did aren’t quite right. Actually, there are a lot of things that aren’t quite right—especially about the place the Eighty land. Half the terrain looks as if it’s been made of bright, crazy brush-strokes, the other is like a haunting black-and-white photograph. Jobs, 2Face, Mo’Steel, and the others don’t know if they’re on another planet. If they’re dreaming. Or if they are alive at all. But if they are alive, can they survive on this strange, new world…?
Recommendation: This book and series are In Dispute. Meaning there are equal reasons for and against recommending it. I would also say that this may be targeting a slight older audience that it may appear.

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Remnants Series – Book 2: Destination Unknown – By K. A. Applegate

Hunger Games Series- Book 1: The Hunger Games – By Suzanne Collins

Jared, , , , 2 Comments

Hey Robert,

So this is my first review in awhile. I have a bunch more to write and share with you. I’m kinda surprised that I am reviewing this first. But whatever.

Title: Hunger Games41bOj-am1RL
Series: Hunger Games: Book 1
Author: Suzanne Collins
Genre: Sci-Fi, Young adult,
Audience: Teens
ROTS Setting: Alternate Future, Dystopian
Synopsis: The nation of Panem, formed from a post-apocalyptic North America, is a country that consists of a wealthy Capitol region surrounded by 12 poorer districts. Early in its history, a rebellion led by a 13th district against the Capitol resulted in its destruction and the creation of an annual televised event known as the Hunger Games. In punishment, and as a reminder of the power and grace of the Capitol, each district must yield one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 through a lottery system to participate in the games. The ‘tributes’ are chosen during the annual Reaping and are forced to fight to the death, leaving only one survivor to claim victory. When 16-year-old Katniss’s young sister, Prim, is selected as District 12’s female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart Peeta, are pitted against bigger, stronger representatives, some of whom have trained for this their whole lives. , she sees it as a death sentence. But Katniss has been close to death before. For her, survival is second nature. (taken from Goodreads)
Recommendation: I have been really down on the Hunger Games since the movies came out and the hype followed. But I actually kinda liked it. So yes, recommended.

This is one of the most well known bits of media in the last ten years. I assume everyone knows the plot, characters, and setting. So spoilers.

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Hunger Games Series- Book 1: The Hunger Games – By Suzanne Collins

Remnants Series – Book 1: The Mayflower Project – By K. A. Applegate

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , Leave a comment

Hiya Jared,

With Katherine Applegate having such a pivotal place in my childhood I really wanted to read more of her work. Since this book and the sequel kindly showed up for me to take them home, I obliged.

themayflowerprojectTitle: The Mayflower Project
Series: Remnants; Book 1
Author: K. A. Applegate
Genre: Science Fiction
Audience: Teen
ROTS Setting: CU, Modern, Apocalyptic, Space Travel
Synopsis: It’s 2011. An asteroid is on a collision course with the earth. And eighty people have been given the opportunity to survive. To leave the planet before the world ends. Jobs isn’t quite sure of what’s going on. Just that he and his family are a few of the lucky ones chosen to board a revamped space shuttle. A shuttle that will leave Earth just before the final impact. No one knows where they’re going. Or if they’ll make it there at all. Because there isn’t a lot of time for questions. And there are fewer answers.
Recommendation: This book and series are In Dispute. Meaning there are equal reasons for and against recommending it. I would also say that this may be targeting a slight older audience that it may appear.

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Remnants Series – Book 1: The Mayflower Project – By K. A. Applegate

Animorphs – Book 5: The Predator – By K. A. Applegate

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , , Leave a comment

Greetings Jared,

I forgot how iconic most of the first few books in the series are. So many things happen, but I suppose it would need to given how short they are.

thepredatorTitle: The Predator
Series: Animorphs; Book 5
Author: K. A. Applegate
Genre: Science Fiction
Audience: Youth
ROTS Setting: CU, Modern, Aliens
Synopsis: Marco never wanted to be an Animorph. He never wanted the ability to change into any animal he touches. He just wants to chill. Whatever happens, happens.
Recommendation: Highly recommend this series.

SPOILER WARNING: This review assumes you’ve read up-to book 4.

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Animorphs – Book 5: The Predator – By K. A. Applegate

Animorphs – Book 4: The Message – By K. A. Applegate

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , , Leave a comment

Hello again Jared,

The Bookshelf Blitz has been going pretty well. I’m starting to see how the month is going to shape up. The big thing is staying focused.

themessenger.jpgTitle: The Message
Series: Animorphs; Book 4
Author: K. A. Applegate
Genre: Science Fiction
Audience: Youth
ROTS Setting: CU, Modern, Aliens
Synopsis: It all started with the dreams. But Cassie didn’t pay much attention to them. She and her friends had all been having weird dreams since they’d first learned to morph. Maybe it was just some crazy side effect.
Recommendation: Highly recommend this series.

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Animorphs – Book 4: The Message – By K. A. Applegate

Jurassic Park Series – Book 1: Jurassic Park – By Michael Crichton

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , , 5 Comments

Hiya Jared,

I was really pleased with this book and that might not be too surprising. I’d heard it was pretty good (as good or better than the movie).

jurassicparkTitle: Jurassic Park
Series: Jurassic Park Series; Book 1
Author: Michael Crichton
Genre: Science Fiction
Audience: Adult
ROTS Setting: CU, Present Day, Dinosaurs, Cloning, Genetic Manipulation
Synopsis: A billionaire has created a technique to clone dinosaurs. From the DNA that his crack team of scientists extract, he is able to grow the dinosaurs in his laboratories and lock them away on an island behind electric fences, creating a sort of theme park. He asks a group of scientists from several different fields to come and view the park, but something goes terribly wrong when a worker on the island turns traitor and shuts down the power.
Recommendation: This book is highly recommended. Good for teens and adults.

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Jurassic Park Series – Book 1: Jurassic Park – By Michael Crichton

Thad Damous and the Intergalactic Conspiracy – By Luke Samson

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , Leave a comment

Hi Jared,

I won this in a Goodreads giveaway a couple of months ago and it’s been sitting on my shelf every since. So it was perfect for my Bookshelf Blitz.

thaddammousTitle: Thad Damous and the Intergalactic Conspiracy
Series: Thad Damous; Book 1
Author: Luke Samson
Genre: Science Fiction
Audience: Youth
ROTS Setting: CU, Instantaneous Travel, Aliens?
Synopsis: Have you ever wanted to spend your summer on an exciting adventure? Well, Thad Damous has and when he gets to his grandparents’ home, he finds an adventure that one can only dream about. Thad meets up with a hermit who lives in one of the caves in Coal Mountain behind his grandparents’ home. The hermit offers an adventure of a lifetime in another world called, M-Core. Thad ends up getting more than he bargained for, and meets a young girl his age. Together they seek to clear the hermit’s name while finding out who really is behind a strange conspiracy that involves transport tubes, spaceships, and a greedy man. Find out if Thad and Tera are able to solve the mystery and help save a man from jail – or worse.
Recommendation: I wouldn’t recommend this book.

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Thad Damous and the Intergalactic Conspiracy – By Luke Samson