If you like gigantic space opera science fiction in the vein of Star Wars, you should read Peter Hamilton's The Reality Dysfunction. Here is the tricky thing. Don't read anything about the book and be sure not to read a thing about the sequels. If you just start it, you will get a hell of a surprise about 1/4 of the way through the book, it's worth it, I promise. If you want big battles, political intrigue, cool sci-fi characters, this is your book, seriously, it's awesome.
I managed to avoid learning about through circumstance. I was at Powell's with my Dad and he saw that it was recommended by the sci-fi staff (their recommendations are GOLD.) Since it was a used copy I figured what the hell, and picked it up. I through on the stack and took it with me on a two week trip to Spain. When I started it, I couldn't stop. There was much gnashing of the teeth, wailing and rending of clothing, when I realized I would have to wait to get back to the States to continue the tale.
So again, just decide if you like space opera. If you do, buy the book but don't read a thing about it. You won't be sorry.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Shut your eyes and trust in me
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3 comments:
Reality Dysfunction rocked. In terms of space opera, I think I like Hamilton almost as much as IM Banks (Culture series) and V Vinge (Fire Upon the Deep), about the same as Dan Simmons (Hyperion/Endymion), and a little better than Greg Bear (Eon/Eternity) and OS Card (Ender's Game).
By the way, the Jungle Book soundtrack is in heavy rotation at my pad, even though the Kaa song sorta freaks the tots out. My fave is the Louis Prima number. Oh, Doobie-Doo!
b
Way to get the reference, although that one was kinda easy.
I like your hierarchy of space opera books and I think I agree with your assessments. This would be a handy guide of which books to read first
I should also mention that we too listen to the Disney CDs quite frequently and the Louis Prima one is one of the best. Along with the Winnie the Pooh Heffalumps and Woozles one.
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