What I’m reading: Time Past and Mars Life
October 16th, 2008
I picked up Time Past because I was on the prowl for a quick unknown science fiction novel and the synopsis really took my interest.
It’s set aboard a space station that is being blockaded by a mysterious alien race for reasons known only to them and they are cut off from the rest of the universe. Forced to make do with their dwindling supplies, the space station is left hanging by a very thing thread.
Straight away i nearly put the book down though, it’s written from first person perspective which more often than not I find really tedious. I’m not really sure why, I can’t really remember the last first person narrative that I read, maybe I am Legend which ironically was really good. Fortunately here I stuck with this book because by the end of the exhausting end it was a very satisfying experience.
I say exhausting because Time Past has no fat on its bones, it is a lean book where no page is wasted, it is constantly moving forward. This constant action adds to the overall effect of the novel, the feelings of claustrophobia and the smelly, overcrowded, sleep deprived world that has been created are vivid.
Apparently the book has a sequel which I must admit I will now be on the lookout for as I’m curious to revisit this world.
The other book I just finished is a sequel, the third in a series of books (unless you count all of the other books in the Grand Tour series). Mars Life continues the story of the first explorers on Mars, following on from Mars and Return to Mars.
I love Ben Bova books at the best of times, when he is writing about Mars I’m more than happy. His books have great stories of classic space exploration mixed in with enough believable science and political/religious intrigue.
Mars Life is no different, though to be honest this does have all the feelings of a filler installment. It’s just that nothing of huge significance happens unlike the previous two, obviously stuff happens and it’s all entertaining but if you hadn’t read the other two you would be less than impressed.
So if you haven’t read Mars yet go out and give it a go, me, I’m waiting for the fourth book now.
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Categories: Books | Tags: Ben Bova, Books, Mars Life, Maxine McArthur, novels, science fiction novel, Time Past, What I'm reading
Haven’t read a good sci-fi for ages, I’ll look out for both of those books
An old favourite of mine is Robots and Changelings by Lester del Rey, a bit of everything tossed together with yummy results.
Jaynes last blog post..The answer to Name That…Thing!
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I haven’t heard of Robots and Changelings so I guess that’s one I’ll look out for now.
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Speaking of Time Travel, if you happen to find a copy of Downtiming the Nightside by Jack Chalker, I would recommend it.
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By Lee on October 20th, 2008 | Reply
I’ll certainly be on the lookout then - loving the time travel books.
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I’ll have to tell my husband about these books; I think he would like them. Lately he’s been reading a lot of alternative history by Harry Turtledove (what happened if the South won the Civil War, etc.). Turtledove has written science fiction books as well. Thanks for the recommendations!
Hannahs last blog post..Delonghi Espresso Coffee Makers
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By Lee on October 20th, 2008 | Reply
I’ve heard those Turtledove books are really good, I’ve got one or two alternative history books floating around here that eventually I’ll read.
Thanks for dropping by!
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