Books, newspapers, online fiction. My recommendations.


Science Fiction and Fantasy

Infinity Plus is a great place to go to sample the wares of sci-fi writers old and new. Herewith one of its gems:

They wrote down my brain
on a hard knot of space,
You cannot turn me.

That's from the 'Skyfaller's Scream', by Tony Daniel, found in 'A Dry Quiet War' . That story is a work of genius.

Also found on Infinity Plus, Ian MacLeod has the ability to write a hole into my heart. His best, most brilliant story, in my opinion, comes from Gardner Dozois' 16th annual collection. The Summer Isles. It's about the Britain of an alternate universe, it's about love, about longing, about growing up and learning yourself. Reading it is like finding a new friend and your worst enemy both inside yourself. I highly recommend it.

Robert Reed is another fantastic author. I recommend his short story collection, 'The Dragon's of Springplace'.
My favourite story of his is called 'The Cuckoo's boys'. It's about fatherhood and identity, and it is sweet and touching and above all human. If you never manage to read it, you've missed something stupendous. Also in Gardner Dozois' 16th annual collection.

C. J. Cherryh is the most prolific writer I know. Occasionally her books attain to some mad genius and we get an offering like 'Cuckoo's Egg'. What is it with works titled 'cuckoo' and their propensity for exploring father-son relationships? Anyway, this is excellent and I cried for a whole day when I realised she wouldn't be writing a sequel. This is one world I never wanted to leave, and after reading this, you'll understand I didn't say it lightly. Her 'Fortress' series isn't bad either, but in my opinion, the first book was superlative and latter series lack its innocent charm. But then again, the protagonist has to grow up... it's a terrible balance to keep.


More coming soon.