Book Review: I Robot – Isaac Asimov

Isaac Asimov is probably my favourite Sci-Fi writer. To me, he is the unequivocal classical sci-fi writer.

I Robot is similar to Asimov’s other books in the sense that it is made up of a collection of short stories centered around robots. These series of stories were actually originally published in a series of pulp magazines. The common thread throughout the stories is Dr. Susan Calvin, a robopsychologist employed by Earths largest robot manufacturers US Robot Inc. The stories of Dr. Calvin’s retrospection on her career, narrated to an eager journalist.

Gone are the tales of robot killers and cold hearted armies of metal over throwing the human race. Each story explores the moralistic, practical and ethnical arguments for developing artificial life. The novel is seminal in the fact that many future writers included Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics which are pinnacle to the plot:
1) A robot may not injure a human being or through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm;
2) A robot must obey orders given to it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law
3) A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

These laws are created in Asimovs’ story to ensure humans place as the master because ultimately, future robots are far more intelligent and physically durable than humans will ever be. They are also more moralistic than humans (for the afore mentioned rules). Asimov uses his stories to explore this relationship and even debate if Robots should be the rulers, being more capable.

Asimov has a great sense of comedy and the stories are equally comical, as some are dark. Each story generally centers around a problem or fault with a robot which must be solved which by the end leaves you trying to figure out the solution first.
The character of Dr. Susan Calvin is outshone by the robots she encounters. Dr. Calvin is not likable - this is particularly relevant when she drives a robot into madness just to spite him and you begin to empathize with her view that robots are nicer than humans. The first story of Robbie (a little girls Nanny Robot) is particularly endearing to robots.

I’ve never been that much of a ‘robot story’ reader but I really enjoyed this book. The great thing about Asimov is that he creates books that really speculate the future. I Robot (which is nothing like the film!) could be renamed A Comprehensive Investigation into the Possible Affects to the Development of AI. You get the impression that Asimov spent a great deal of time looking into every side affect from the advances this kind of technology would create when in reality, he probably didn’t spend very long on each story. In the height of his career Asimov was churning out stories and ended his career with nearly five hundred books to his name and several hundred articles to his name.

Green Lantern Trailer

I haven't blogged this week! I apologise with the beautiful Ryan Reynolds...
And the promise of a classic Sci-Fi book review tomorrow!

Book Review: Crescendo - Becca Fitzpatrick

As I mentioned, I received a shiny (the cover really is shiny) signed copy of crescendo that I’m delighted to give it a review.



Great start to the sequel with the murder of Nora’s father. We wanted to know more since the first novel and it’s immediately revealed that his death is linked to the dangerous world of angels – the plot thickens.

The book then starts from where it left off which is a nice touch. Naturally, everyone wants to know about Patch and Nora and the reader hasn’t missed anything. I hate when stories leave out the ‘happy months’ after the first novel and immediately go into the drama. Great! We knew they happened but a couple of paragraphs about summer days snuggling on the beach doesn’t really cut explain much does it? At least we know the happy period didn’t last long and there’s trouble from the onset. Understandable, when a fallen angel/come guardian angel is trying to have a sneaky relationship with his protected. So although the novel starts with a blissful relationship we all know it inevitably won’t last long. Fitzpatrick tackles this well. It’s usually the guy who’s the sensible one and breaks it off but Nora manages to beat him to it. In light of the Arch Angels threatening Patch if he doesn’t end the relationship she quickly decides to end it herself (lessening the heartache by making it quick and ensuring Patch doesn’t stay with her but at least stays alive!) Clever girl! Reminds me of a Buffy plot! But surely they have to find some way to get back together?

Of course, trying to keep away from the guy you love is never easy. Especially for a teenage girl and especially when he decides to spend his new found freedom in the company of your slutty arch rival – Marcie Millar (cue for girl drama). It’s not often you get a girl fight in a fantasy novel. I found it pretty entertaining! Nora suddenly plays the typical girl writhed with jealously. She becomes consumed with the fact that Patch is suddenly with Marcie and becomes obsessed with finding out what’s going on. This annoyed me a little as it seemed obvious to me that Patch was performing some angelic duty. But fair enough! At least she doesn’t sit sulking in her room and Fitzpatrick really captures the emotional rollercoaster of being a teenage girl in love. The truth is her irate behavior and snap decision are a little annoying and get her in trouble but they also make her character interesting and exciting. I didn’t like the sensible Nora. I like the Nora that goes to pool halls with random boys to prove she’s cool and breaks into people’s bedrooms to find their secrets.

Fitzpatrick’s Patch is as ever, delightfully mysterious, sexy and secretive. His attitude to the break up is handled brilliantly. He comes off uncaring and cold to Nora but to the reader he seems to be acting like an adult trying to handle the situation; it is obvious there is more to the story than Nora is aware of. He refuses to be drawn into the unnecessary drama that Nora creates in her angst.

The great thing about these novels is they manage to mix the everyday drama and angelic drama really well! In the midst of worrying about demonic and angelic attacks, Nora still manages to worry about buying a car, landing a job and getting one over on Marcie Millar.

Another irritation about Nora during the novel is her inability to reaction to threats. During the novel, Nora keeps having glimpses of her dead father. One of these sightings turn into a supernatural attack but at no point does Nora think she should mention it to someone. Anyone. Nor does she realize it’s strange that Patch doesn’t notice the danger and come to the rescue? Stupid things like that get heroines killed. Not to mention she didn’t get a punch in during the girl fight!

The main thread in this novel is Nora’s quest to find out who killed her father. She receives a mysterious note claiming the murderer is The Black Hand. Could it be that Patch is The Black Hand? All clues lead to him… This is a brutal blow to Nora. Fitzpatrick has set up the worst kind of betrayal. I really was swaying from yes to no. He couldn’t have done it? Could he? Maybe? The brilliance of the novel is that Patch really does appear capable of anything.

The end is a good twist. And the setting is great. The mythology of the nephilim, archangels and fallen angels, progresses and it’s a plot that has potential for an epic fantasy if Fitzpatrick hadn’t gone down the Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy root.

I think this is the success and the downfall of a novel like this. People who want a paranormal romance might find it falls short of a novel enthralled in romance whereas readers who love a good plot with a love line thrown in are going to be slightly put off by the huge focus on Patch and Nora. I personally think the Hush Hush series does well to tick all the boxes. It has an original idea that is undoubtedly evolving; a great love story; and a firm grasp on the elements you need for an urban fantasy.

What I also found interesting in the novel is it had the sequel feel to a novel series and not a trilogy. If the series was a trilogy it should have packed more punch. Crescendo sits well against other fantasy series for a sequel. Not as good as the first but leaves you excited for the third. And just over the horizon you feel a bigger plot could immerge. If it is a trilogy I'll be disappointed. It has more potential than that.

Plus, Crescendo has a cliffhanger that guarantees you will be buying the next book! You have been warned.

Can I buy it now please?

New Tron Legacy Trailer

Loving the Daft Punk soundtrack.

Just read an article in The Independent about Disney using child labour... Bit of a downer on the upcoming movie.

Best Comics of 2010

Amazon are to first to put up a list of the top ten best comics of 2010.

Check it out

Sucker Punch! Trailer!!!

I'm not going to lie, its not adapted from a book, graphic novel or comic but just the trailer has made me unequivocally, manically excited! It just looks brilliant.

Zack Snyder (the director) has described Sucker Punch as "Alice in Wonderland with machine guns"

Visually Snyder is uncomparatable at the moment for artistic direction. Similar to Burton or Taranto, you know when your watching Snyder. Snyder is creating a visual signature for himself. The trailer follows The Watchmen with an almost immaculate PS3appearance that makes you want to watch the movie on a big screen.

The film actually has a Quentin Tarantino meets Baz Luhrmann/Death Proof meet Moulin Rouge. Girls with huge machine guns and burlesque show clothes

The plot is revealed in the trailer. Set in the 1950's, Babydoll has been institutioned in a mental hospital after murdering her Step Father. Facing lobotomy she must delve into a imaginary world to escape reality and her fate. Taking her inmates with her reality and fantasy are blurred as they enter a world of ww2 machinery, samurai swords and dragons.

Book Review: Inversions - Iain M Banks

I’ve never read Iain Banks or Iain M Banks before (the difference of name coincides with whether Banks is writing fantasy or science fiction). I probably should have chosen my first book from The Culture Series more carefully but I wanted to read a Culture novel before buying Surface Details (his latest) and my Mum had this one lying around (free book). My mum didn’t think to warn me that I would be extremely confused and not understand the context of the story without pre reading the other books. But that is very typical of my mother!

Inversions is by Iain M Banks and therefore a sci-fi. This surprised me, as it appears to be fantasy, particularly at the beginning of the novel. The novel is set on a world reminiscent of our feudal times. Rest assured the novel is speculative fiction but if you’re expecting advanced technology, spaceships and intergalactic mercenaries you will be disappointed.

The important thing to know with this book is if haven’t read The Culture Series before you are going to be left with loose ends and mystery. Like the narrator Uelph, you will not be able to understand certain events. The clues are there but without the background knowledge it’s hopeless to figure out unless you read some of the other novels. Fortunately, you can read the other novels after, which isn’t too bad because regardless of still being in the dark, I still quite enjoyed the novel.

Whereas, the other Culture novels take the bird’s eye view on society. Inversions is the point of view. It’s the micro as opposed to the macro. The main focus appears to be how one person (or indeed two people) can influence the culture of a country.

The novel is told by Uelph. He tells two stories that appear to have no connection. The connection, in reality, is the culture. Although he can’t explain it, Uelph believes something extraordinary influenced and connects the two stories – the culture.

The first story is of Doctor Vosill, Uelph’s mentor and the doctor to King Quience of Hapside.

The second story is set in another country where DeWar is the bodyguard of The Protector, General UrLeyn who is the target of assassination.

Both characters are mysteriously from other realms. Each is trusted in positions to the most influencial people. Both appear to be highly trusted and given the opportunity to influence the future of the nations. They are also hugely successful in their chosen pursuits; the Doctor is the best in her profession and DeWar demonstrates impeccable abilities to protect the General from harm.

The truth about the pair is revealed through a ‘fairy tale’ DeWar tells his General’s younger son. In this sense the novel is a moralistic tale above all else. The two members on the Culture must decide:

“ Was it better to leave them alone or was it better to try and make life better for them? Even if you decided it was the right thing to do to make life better for them, which way did you do this? Did you say, Come and join us and be like us? Did you say, Give up all your own ways of doing things, the gods that you worship, the beliefs you hold most dear, the traditions that make you who you are? Or do you say, We have decided you should stay roughly as you are and we will treat you like children and give you toys that might make your life better? ”

—Inversions, chapter 6


This book is a funny one because the plot appears relatively simple. It could of fallen flat on its face if Banks wasn’t a good writer and the characters weren’t interesting and likeable. The intrique carries you through though. And put together with the context of the culture series and the value behind it, it makes a good but not great read.

Book Review: Hush Hush - Becca Fitzpatrick

Didn’t you know Angels are the new Vampires?

I’ve just finished the sequel to Hush, Hush so I thought I’d do a quick review in preparation for the second novel.

Everything is going to get compared to Twilight – especially if it’s a paranormal romance. Becca Fitzpatrick by no means breaks the stereotype of the teen paranormal romance but I think this book is the best in the genre (at least the ones I’ve read).




Synopsis:
Falling in love was never so easy . . .or so deadly.

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.
For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.


So why am I such a fan? To start, it’s well written. Fitzpatrick took five years creating this novel and it shows.

For young adult fiction the book is dark. It’s dangerous. The atmosphere is intense and the plot is actually pretty twisted. The love interest Patch isn’t just a dangerous being. He’s dangerous full stop. He spends the book playing with Nora like a cat plays with a mouse. Unfortunately, he’s a very charming cat. The appeal of Patch is that you are actually scared of him. But you still secretly want him. You shouldn’t. But you do anyway.

This kind of plot is always going to strike some controversy. It’s wrong to promote your heroine to fall in love with someone who’s no good for her. And considering Patch wants to kill her… He really is NO good for her! However, if this book was an adult novel, fantasy or not, we wouldn’t be questioning this. Some of the greatest novels are centered round the heroine falling for the wrong guy. The guy that is trying to seduce her. The guy with the shocking past. The guy who she can never truly be with… The truth is falling for that guy; the wrong guy; is great suspense and great reading. The sexual tension in Hush, Hush is unbelievable.

Suspense is the key to this novel. It has a crime thriller feel. Nora knows something is going on; she just needs to figure out what. And she does try. Branching out from the sensible girl next door, she takes on a Nancy Drew style sleuth role. I think people who have criticized Nora as a strong lead are overlooking this. She does go out her way to figure out the truth. Furthermore, she doesn’t trust Patch. Yes, she does want to and she puts herself in dangerous situations because of this. But she would get in these situations regardless. Patch can do whatever he wants. He’s immortal and she can’t escape. She doesn’t ignore his behavior; she recognizes Patch turning up constantly is stalking. So does the book. It’s never overlooked as romantic - it’s sinister and Nora strives to discover the truth behind it.

Fitzpatrick leaves you successfully guessing up to the last moment (apart from the angel part, which is hardly surprising considering the front cover). The Nephilim plot is interesting. It’s a new idea that hasn’t been done before which made the book refreshing. This plus the angel angle. It’s not exactly as astounding a concept as Philip Pullmans Dark Materials but at least it’s not another Zombie or Vampire book which is getting old.

The settings are well described and make a successfully eerie yet urban landscape. You can imagine every in horror movie overtones from the amusement park and to Nora’s home in the middle of nowhere. The plot also makes for a realistic plot for a teenager. Meet ups are arranged by text and sharing car rides presents problems getting home.

The other characters create some amusement in the novels which reminds me of PC Cast’s House of Night series. Vee is a vivacious character who brings fun into the book and also Nora’s’ life.

I really enjoyed this book. Young Adult fiction should be addictive. A story you have to read in one night. This definitely left me tired in the morning.

Revamp of the Dandy

Comics hit the mainstream news in England last week with the release of the much anticipated relaunch and revamp of the iconic comic The Dandy.

My personal favourite is probably the Sun’s ever witty puns... Chez and Si look Dandy. Featuring a little clip of Simon Cowell skipping through Xfactorville!



The Dandy is Britain’s longest running comic book and the third longest in the world. I remember it most for it’s character Desperate Dan. Sales figures have dropped since 2006 and this is DC Thomson’s latest attempt to reignite public interest in the comic.

Harry Hill adorns the front cover anticipating his new strip written entitled Harry Hill’s Real-Life Adventures in TV-Land (Featuring Knitted Character). Considering I hate TV Burp, it doesn’t appeal to me to check out the new Dandy… Although the references to the other celebrities sound hilarious! But not particularly, as Bleeding Cool points out, child orientated? So, on this note I’ll leave it to Bleeding Cool to make their (as always) informed opinion on the first issue.

Bleeding Cool: Number Crunching The Dandy

Marvel Comics Cutting back and Cutting Costs

Marvel Comics will begin to scale back the number of titles in some of its lines.

Marvel has decided to cut back these numbers based on retailer feedback that certain characters and teams in the Marvel Universe have such a high and varied number of titles that readers are confused over the purpose of each series, miniseries and one-shot.

The prime example of the overload of books in a series seems to be THOR and CAPTAIN AMERICA. Marvel have created multiple tie-in series in the running to the upcoming movies.

"I think it's going to take a few more months before you really see the evidence of that in the catalogue," executive editor Tom Brevoort told CBR. "But if you tally everything up for January, you can already see just the barest tip of the iceberg - we had fewer releases in January than in previous months, I believe."

The other news from Marvel was the cut costs of books from $3.99 to $2.99. The hope is that customer will still spend the same amount but be able to gain an extra book out of their comic book spree.