Kent mentioned that I’m bringing a bunch of books down to TechEd for him. Since I’ve done a bunch of reading over the last 6 months or so, I have a bunch of books lying around that is just taking up space. I try to give away the books after I’m done (especially the paperbacks), since I can’t get much for them anyway, and I’d rather pass them along to someone that would read them. Anyone that travels knows that good paperback books are a godsend when flying. So in no particular order, here a list of sci-fi books I’ve read recently. Oh, I’ve been on a Starship Troopers kick, so you will see a bunch of books in that vain (and yes, I’ve read every single thing by Heinlein except for I Will Fear No Evil).
Joe Haldeman’s The Forever War, Forever Peace and Forever Free series. Good sci-fi along the lines of SST, but not equal to the task (but who is?). 3 stars
John Steakley’s Armor – Yet another SST like book, but a great, easy read. 4 stars
Robert J. Sawyer’s Neanderthal Series, Hominids, Humans, and Hybrids. A light fair sci-fi series of booka, with lots of commentary on the world we live in. His alternative universe version of the Earth, where Neanderthal’s became the dominant species, is a great way to express the failings of this world, but it does come up light on realism. But, if you look beyond that and to what he is trying to say, then it becomes a very good series. 4 stars
Allen Steele’s, Coyote, and Coyote Rising. A great series, if you don’t like the socialist way of thinking. The first book, Coyote, stands on its own, and is far superior to the 2nd Coyote Rising. But, if you want to see what happens in the end, then you have to read the second book. Coyote, 5 stars, Coyote Rising 3 stars.
Allen Steele’s, Clark County, Space. Picked up this book thru EBay (since it isn’t in print anymore), because of reading Coyote. Very similar to some of Heinlein’s early 60’s work. 4 stars
Robert Buettner’s Orphanage. Amazon recommend this book ( because I keep them up to date with what I read), and was surprise how good this book was. Since he is a new author, he has done the right thing and has his own website, Unfortunately, he doesn’t have a blog. The sequel to this book comes out in September, and I can’t wait. 5 stars.
John Scalzi’s Old Man War. Another Amazon recommend book that was a perfect suggestion. Not only is Scalzi a fan on Heinlein, and leans toward the libertarian way of thinking, but is a blogger, and has been for a long time. Best non-Heinlein book I’ve read in the last 5 years. If you are going to pick one book out of this list to read, pick up this one. 5 Stars.
Scalzi is on the forefront of how good books are going to be written in the future (great feedback from your core audience thanks to blogging, and undermine the choke hold the publishing companies current have on all authors). Scalzi is leading the way for guys like Rory Blyth to transform themselves from great bloggers to great authors.