Sci Fi Book Reviews – Page 2 – Lee J. Russell, Author

I enjoyed re-reading Nigel Kneale’s 1979 novel “Quatermass”.

from my original blog on 12/12/19: I first encountered this story as the TV serial that is advertised on the front cover. To my childhood eyes it seemed quite possible for Britain in the late ’70s and early ’80s to collapse into the anarchic state being shown. Five years of Labour Party governance (Harold WilsonContinue reading “I enjoyed re-reading Nigel Kneale’s 1979 novel “Quatermass”.”

I have just re-read Michael Crichton’s “The Andromeda Strain” (1969) and totally enjoyed it…

from my original blog on 1/12/19: I first became aware of Michael Crichton’s story “The Andromeda Strain” through the 1971 film starring Arthur Hill, David Wayne, James Olsen and Kate Reid. Having seen the film, I wanted to read the book, and was not disappopinted with it! I’ve just read it again about thirty yearsContinue reading “I have just re-read Michael Crichton’s “The Andromeda Strain” (1969) and totally enjoyed it…”

Alien 3 – The Unproduced Screenplay…

From my earlier blog on 23/11/19: I thought I had missed getting a first edition copy of this but found one by chance in a local bookstore today – fantastic! I like the filmed version of Alien 3 – it felt rather British, which appealed to me. I also enjoyed reading Gibson’s script and nowContinue reading “Alien 3 – The Unproduced Screenplay…”

I have just finished reading “Gravity” (1999) by Tess Gerritsen – I’m so pleased that I did, it is one of the very best science fiction novels I have ever read!

from my original blog on 8/10/19: However, it’s a miracle that I ever picked this wonderful book up. What were Harper thinking when they published it in this cover? That image speaks to no genre, certainly not sci fi (in my opinion). Even today HarperCollins still seem to be misplacing this book. Amazon lists itContinue reading “I have just finished reading “Gravity” (1999) by Tess Gerritsen – I’m so pleased that I did, it is one of the very best science fiction novels I have ever read!”

I finally read William Gibson’s “Neuromancer”, and it’s awesome!

From my earlier blog on 7/7/19: There are gaps in my sci-fi reading from about ’83-’85, when I was finishing sixth form studies and starting work, through 2002, when I finished my distance-learning BSc. I’m still making my way through that back-list and have just been BLOWN AWAY by William Gibson’s “Neuromancer” from 1984. I’dContinue reading “I finally read William Gibson’s “Neuromancer”, and it’s awesome!”

“Jem” – Frederik Pohl

I’ve just enjoyed reading Frederik Pohl’s 1979 novel “Jem”. Pohl was a prolific author- first published in 1937, with a final novel (‘All the Lives He Led’, 2011), and a collection of essays in 2012 – he died in 2013. I’ve been reading SF for about forty years and was aware of Pohl but neverContinue reading ““Jem” – Frederik Pohl”

“Hellstrom’s Hive” – Frank Herbert

I’ve just enjoyed reading Frank Herbert’s 1973 novel “Hellstrom’s Hive”. Originally published (in 4 parts, I think) in Galaxy Magazine, the book is a written version of the 1971 film ‘The Hellstrom Chronicle’ directed by Walon Green (easily found on YouTube). Film-Book crossovers, and visa versa, are often unsatisfying experiences, but this novelisation by HerbertContinue reading ““Hellstrom’s Hive” – Frank Herbert”

Sci-FI author Ray Bradbury talking about love…

I just stumbled upon this wonderful quote about love from legendary sc-fi author Ray Bradbury… “The only thing you’re ever going to own in your life is your work… we belong only by doing, and we owned [things] only by doing, and we loved only by doing… if you want an interpretation of life andContinue reading “Sci-FI author Ray Bradbury talking about love…”

“Extinction Game” – Gary Gibson

There are more sci-fi books published every year than any reader could comfortably read in their lifetime. It is impossible to keep up with them all and I find myself discovering gems like Gary Gibson’s “Extinction Game” long after they were first released. ‘Extinction Game’ was first published in 2014 by Tor, but being onlyContinue reading ““Extinction Game” – Gary Gibson”

“Hospital Station” by James White – first published in 1967…

Just finished reading “Hospital Station” by James White – first published in 1967, an auspicious year! I had a strong sense of déjà vu from the first short story in this collection, but the others were new to me. What stands out in this sci fi book is that although it is set in space,Continue reading ““Hospital Station” by James White – first published in 1967…”