Adventure Books - Page 4

Agent to the Stars

John Scalzi

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

lighthearted first contact satire 4 out of 5 stars.
3 of 6 people found this review helpful.

Although relatively young compared to his envious peers, Hollywood agent Tom Stein is the top gun in his vocation at this moment. His confidence is extremely high that he can sell anyone. His newest star literally comes from the stars. He will represent the sentient alien Yherajk as they make their first appearance on the earth stage.

However selling the Yherajk to xenophobics will be difficult as the Yherajk are not what humans would call centerfold material. Instead they are gelatin gels with a distinct odor that makes a spraying skunk smell nice. However Tom is confident he can sell his new client to humans though he understands the issues he and Yherajk face.

Although he leaves the military science fiction sector (see THE ANDROID'S DREAM and the OLD MAN'S WAR), John Scalzi continues his specialty of lampooning icons; this time Hollywood and spin doctors. The story line is amusing as Tom adheres to the Barnum-Bush capitalist theory that you can sell to the American people anything. Fans who enjoy a lighthearted first contact satire will relish the selling of a species that smell worse than fish rotting.

Harriet Klausner

Editorial Review:

The space-faring Yherajk have come to Earth to meet us and to begin humanity’s first interstellar friendship. There’s just one problem: They’re hideously ugly and they smell like rotting fish.

So getting humanity’s trust is a challenge. The Yherajk need someone who can help them close the deal.

Enter Thomas Stein, who knows something about closing deals. He’s one of Hollywood’s hottest young agents. But although Stein may have just concluded the biggest deal of his career, it’s quite another thing to negotiate for an entire alien race. To earn his percentage this time, he’s going to need all the smarts, skills, and wits he can muster.

Mass Effect: Ascension

Drew Karpyshyn

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 23 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

When they vanished fifty thousand years ago, the Protheans left their advanced technology scattered throughout the galaxy. The chance discovery of a Prothean cache on Mars allows humanity to join those already reaping the rewards of the ancients’ high-tech wizardry. But for one rogue militia, the goal is not participation but domination.

Scientist Kahlee Sanders has left the Systems Alliance for the Ascension Project, a program that helps gifted “biotic” children harness their extraordinary powers. The program’s most promising student is twelve-year-old Gillian Grayson, who is borderline autistic. What Kahlee doesn’t know is that Gillian is an unwitting pawn of the outlawed black ops group Cerberus, which is sabotaging the program by conducting illegal experiments on the students.

When the Cerberus plot is exposed, Gillian’s father takes her away from the Ascension Project and flees into the lawless Terminus Systems. Determined to protect Gillian, Kahlee goes with them… unaware that the elder Grayson is, in fact, a Cerberus operative. To rescue the young girl Kahlee must travel to the farthest ends of the galaxy, battling fierce enemies and impossible odds. But how will she be able to save a daughter from her own father?

This novel is based on a Mature-rated video game.

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?

Philip K. Dick

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 212 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

"The most consistently brilliant science fiction writer in the world."
--John Brunner
THE INSPIRATION FOR BLADERUNNER. . .
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? was published in 1968. Grim and foreboding, even today it is a masterpiece ahead of its time.
By 2021, the World War had killed millions, driving entire species into extinction and sending mankind off-planet. Those who remained coveted any living creature, and for people who couldn't afford one, companies built incredibly realistic simulacrae: horses, birds, cats, sheep. . .
They even built humans.
Emigrees to Mars received androids so sophisticated it was impossible to tell them from true men or women. Fearful of the havoc these artificial humans could wreak, the government banned them from Earth. But when androids didn't want to be identified, they just blended in.
Rick Deckard was an officially sanctioned bounty hunter whose job was to find rogue androids, and to retire them. But cornered, androids tended to fight back, with deadly results.
"[Dick] sees all the sparkling and terrifying possibilities. . . that other authors shy away from."
--Paul Williams
Rolling Stone

Shadow of the Scorpion: A Novel of the Polity

Neal Asher

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Origins of Ian Cormac 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Another excellent page turning book from Asher... what Asher has created with the Polity universe is an ideal storytelling platform, complete with AI "Philosopher Kings" that make any turn of events possible. How Asher uses these tools is the key to his stories, and ultimately what makes them so interesting, riveting, and action packed. Thanks, Mr. Asher, for a great series!

Editorial Review:

Raised to adulthood during the end of the war between the human Polity and a vicious alien race, the Prador, Ian Cormac is haunted by childhood memories of a sinister scorpion-shaped war drone and the burden of losses he doesn't remember. Cormac signs up with Earth Central Security and is sent out to help restore and maintain order on worlds devastated by the war. There he discovers that though the Prador remain as murderous as ever, they are not anywhere near as treacherous or dangerous as some of his fellow humans, some closer to him than he would like. Amidst the ruins left by wartime genocides, Cormac will discover in himself a cold capacity for violence and learn some horrible truths about his own past while trying to stay alive on his course of vengeance.

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea (Dodo Press)

Jules Verne

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 186 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Reads Like a Travel Journal 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I loved this classic French novel by Jules Verne and found it to be very entertaining from start to finish! I was very surprised that I would enjoy this book as much as I did.... I figured "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea", like many classic novels, would be boring, but Jules Verne is a marvelous storyteller. He imbues this novel with lots of intrigue and mystery as you wonder how the story will unfold... There is lots of adventure and interesting predicaments, and of course, many unforgettable characters one comes to care about during the course of the novel. Also if you like science fiction then this is the novel for you! Jules Verne seems to be ahead of his time in terms of technology and creates quite a wonderful piece of classic literature that has stood the test of time.

The attention to detail that Jules Verne used to capture the readers attention is marvelous... This book is written in the 1st person through the eyes of Assistant Professor Pierre Aronnax of the Paris Museum of Natural History. Professor Aronnax unfolds the story to the reader of this novel about several sightings of a mysterious object seen around the world by many different people.... Some believe it to be an island, others seem to think the object is a floating reef, a large whale or other large mammal and so on. It isn't until Professor Aronnax and his faithful Flemish assistant, Conseil, take part on an expedition aboard the Abraham Lincoln to seek out this unknown object once and for all. Eventually, it is discovered that this unknown object is a submarine named the Nautilus, on which Professor Aronnax, Conseil and Canadian harpooner, Ned Land, spend the remaining part of the novel sailing on the Nautilus through the various oceans of the world along with the crew of the Nautilus. What adventures they have while sailing on the Nautilus!! And the exquisite detail in which Jules Verne imparts is wonderful. One feels like they are truly reading the actually travel journal/diary of Professor Aronnax. Professor Aronnax writes from a scientific/natural history perspective as he is very much interested in the under water world of the worlds oceans.

The only draw back I had with this novel was that some of the descriptions were a bit overdone or a bit too much to take in (like classification of animal species or various nautical terms).... These descriptions aren't overwhelming or occur that frequently, I'd just find myself skimming through these parts rather quickly.

Editorial Review:

Jules Gabriel Verne (1828-1905) was a French author who pioneered the science-fiction genre. He is best known for novels such as Journey to the Centre of the Earth (1864), Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea (1870), and Around the World in Eighty Days (1873). Verne wrote about space, air and underwater travel before air travel and practical submarines were invented, and before practical means of space travel had been devised. He is the third most translated author in the world, according to Index Translationum. Some of his books have been made into films. Verne, along with Hugo Gernsback and H. G. Wells, is often popularly referred to as the "Father of Science Fiction". Amongst his other works are From the Earth to the Moon (1867), Five Weeks in a Balloon (1869), The Fur Country; or, Seventy Degrees North Latitude (1873), The Blockade Runners (1874), The Field of Ice (1875), The Mysterious Island (1875), Facing the Flag (1879), and An Antarctic Mystery (1899).

The Sparrow

Mary Doria Russell

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Total reviews: 459 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

"A NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENT . . . Russell shows herself to be a skillful storyteller who subtly and expertly builds suspense."
--USA Today

"AN EXPERIENCE NOT TO BE MISSED . . . If you have to send a group of people to a newly discovered planet to contact a totally unknown species, whom would you choose? How about four Jesuit priests, a young astronomer, a physician, her engineer husband, and a child prostitute-turned-computer-expert? That's who Mary Doria Russell sends in her new novel, The Sparrow. This motley combination of agnostics, true believers, and misfits becomes the first to explore the Alpha Centuri world of Rakhat with both enlightening and disastrous results. . . . Vivid and engaging . . . An incredible novel."
--Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"POWERFUL . . . Father Emilio Sandoz [is] the only survivor of a Jesuit mission to the planet Rakhat, 'a soul . . . looking for God.' We first meet him in Italy . . . sullen and bitter. . . . But he was not always this way, as we learn through flashbacks that tell the story of the ill-fated trip. . . . The Sparrow tackles a difficult subject with grace and intelligence."
--San Francisco Chronicle

"SMOOTH STORYTELLING AND GORGEOUS CHARACTERIZATION . . . Important novels leave deep cracks in our beliefs, our prejudices, and our blinders. The Sparrow is one of them."
--Entertainment Weekly

Cain's Last Stand (Ciaphas Cain)

Sandy Mitchell

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

YES! Book six has finally been released! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

The Commissariat oversees all branches of the Imperial military, with the exceptions of the Astartes and the Adepta Sororitas. Somehow it seemed that by being talented in misdirection and keeping his pristine image (incorrect according to him) as a man who was brave and actually cared for those in his charge, Commissar Ciaphas Cain had earned his retirement and now considered the planet of Perlia to be his home base. Cain's malodorous gunner/aide, Jurgen, remained by his side, even in retirement. After all, they once saved Perlia from an invasion of greenskins. Cain no longer had to worry about being on the front line and getting himself killed. Cain found himself part of the schola progenium, playing the role of instructor to a small number of cadets. (As well as playing cards with various important people, such as Sister Julien with the Adepta Sororitas. She and her protégées watch his six and save his life more than once.) The locals named the first siege "Cain's Last Stand". Yet, it was only a matter of time before the forces of Chaos tried to invade again. Most do not know about the clandestine Inquisition research facility nestled within the Valley of Daemons. There, the Adeptus Mechanicus research a xenos device known as the Shadowlight. In the last few decades the magi staffing the facility have recovered several more artefacts and believe the Shadowlight to be part of a more complex mechanism and have been attempting to assemble it. (It would be an affront to the Mechanicus to even consider dismantling it.)

It seems as though Cain will be making his name even more legendary when he must step in and help stop a second Chaos siege in the planet's near future. There has been a massive incursion from the Eye of Terror. The Traitor Legions are massing for a full assault and the fighting has already engulfed most of the Segmentum Obscurus. However, Perlia seems to be the main target for Warmaster Varan, who may have some psykers in his dark army. Even worse, it seems Varan might know something about the Shadowlight. But when it becomes evident that an ancient race also seeks the Shadowlight, the chances of surviving the next few days drop from slim to negligible.

***** YES! I was thrilled to learn that book number six of the Ciaphas Cain series had been released!

First off, let me say that the author lives in the UK and I reside in the USA. Please forgive me for any mixing of the UK and USA spellings at times.

For those of you interested in looking up the previous novels in this series, the first three novels (For the Emperor, Caves of Ice, and The Traitor's Hand) are all together in the omnibus "Ciaphas Cain: Hero of the Imperium" and the ten digit ISBN is 1844164667. Book four is "Death or Glory" and the ISBN is 1844162877. Book five is "Duty Calls" and the ISBN is 1844164659.

This series has all the non-stop action of other W40K series, but is not all stiff and serious. The Ciaphas Cain novels tend to be a bit on the comical side. (I could never actually be scared of Freddie in the popular horror movie series because I was too busy laughing. This series is much the same except with futuristic military instead of horror. That is the best way I can describe it.) The author's writing style is exquisite! It is so easy to read and understand, even for the FNGs (frekking new guys) to the series. You do not have to read the previous novels to fully comprehend and enjoy the adventure (a.k.a. SNAFU). Outstanding, as always. *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

Editorial Review:

After a long and distinguished career, Commissar Cain is about to enjoy a well-deserved retirement, but when a Black Crusade threatens the sector, everyone must rise to the defence, including Cain and his cadets. Can this unlikely hero prove himself one last time?

Starship Troopers

Robert A. Heinlein

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 688 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

All I can say is.. Wow.. 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This book is fantastic

Keeps you absorbed

I thought I was not going to like it due to the lack of action, but no way. I loved it

Anyone can read and appreciate this book

Conclusion: Buy it, you will love it

Not what it's believed to be. 3 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

What many people consider to the grandfather of all military science fiction is really the grandfather of political science fiction. Is that really a bad thing? Well, yes and no. One characteristic of science fiction/speculative fiction is creating a wholly new world or civilization and Heinlein did exactly that. The problem is that it is an extremely boring read. Out of 263 pages (Ace edition) only maybe fifty pages are dedicated to actual descriptions of combat and technology. The rest is a massive essay about a pseudo-democracy, pseudo-fascist, militaristic society that seems to work.

The citizens of the Federation can only gain a political voice through government services--thus also retaining full citizenship--that service being anything, you don't have to be a front line soldier or in perfect physical condition,(crippled? Deformed? You can still applied for federal service) you serve a minimum of two years and boom, you have a vote and can run for public office. The Federation's military is also all volunteer and you can back out at any moment you wish, unless you are already sealed inside a drop capsule. The character of Sergeant Ho who is missing three limps, serves as a visual reminder that Federal Services is full of risks.

Punishment is either public flogging or hanging, once a criminal takes their punishment the matter is drop and everyone will welcome you back unless you commit a capital offence. The Federation is not here to wield power(and those who wield the power must, in practices, risk their own lives before they can have any) the federation is here to protect the human races as a whole.

The controversy surrounding the book is the political overtones and themes. For a book targeted at a juvenile audience that was born just before and during the Second World War, or for the audience of any generation, political themes are not the material for a juvie book. Also the seemly pro-fascism aspects of the book seems like a slap in the face to people who spent three years trying to destroy it. Heinlein's book says "Hey, a military fascism can work if it is done correctly and here's how."

The combat and technology are only described in vague detail with the exception of the power armor. Airtight suits that amplify a soldiers overall strength and stamina, allowing a cap soldier to fight in toxic environment while carry heavier weapons. The power armor uses some form of nuclear batteries and is equip with small jests that allow the solider to "jump" very fall distances. Weapon descriptions never go beyond "rocket launcher" "Flamer" or "bomb".

This is not the book to read if you want a real rousing military adventure with things going boom and people getting their heads split in two. "The Forever War" and "Armor" will be more your cup of tea.

Editorial Review:

A recruit of the future goes through the toughest boot camp in the universe and into battle with the Terran Mobile Infantry against humankind's most frightening enemy. Reissue.

Invincible (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 9)

Troy Denning

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Total reviews: 94 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

No war can last forever. Now, in the long and punishing battle between the defiant champions of the New Jedi Order and the juggernaut that is the Galactic Alliance, the endgame is finally at hand. With so much lost–and nothing less than the course of the future still at stake–there can be no turning back. No matter the consequences.

The rebel cause is losing ground under the twin blows of Admiral Gilad Pellaeon’s assassination and the death of Mara Jade Skywalker. At the same time, having gained the support of the Imperial Remnant and its ruthlessly efficient forces, the Galactic Alliance, with the extraordinary power and dark brilliance of newly ascendant Sith Lord Darth Caedus at its helm, may be unstoppable. Tormented and torn between the call of duty and the thirst for vengeance, Luke has searched the Force and beheld an unspeakable vision of the galaxy enslaved under tyranny more monstrous than even Palpatine’s. Now it seems that the last, best hope lies in mobilizing the scattered Jedi for one decisive search-and-destroy mission. The objective: eliminate Darth Caedus.

It’s a plan that will be as difficult and dangerous to execute as it is daring. For Caedus is a scion of both the Skywalker and Solo bloodlines whose command of the Force surpasses even that of his grandfather

Darth Vader. There is only one who is bound by destiny to stand against him in what will surely be a duel to the death, only one with an outside chance of bringing down the dark lord who was once Jacen Solo.

Failure is not an option. The furious final moments between power and peace are here, and whoever confronts Darth Caedus will decide the outcome–and the fate of those left standing.


From the Hardcover edition.

Alien Voices Presents: Journey to the Center of the Earth

Jules Verne

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 128 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Recommended as a faithful translation 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

If you are looking for a English translation of JTTCOTE that is faithful to Verne's French one, this one (and a couple others) has been recommended to me by members of the North American Jules Verne Society ([...]). Verne has been poorly translated since the novels were first published and he has received unfair reviews based on those poor translations. I think we owe it to this brilliant man to at least read his books the way he intended them!

Editorial Review:

In this fully dramatized adaptation of Jules Verne's classic, "Journey to the Center of the Earth," Leonard Nimoy, John de Lancie, and cast members from "Star Trek"(R) feature films and all four TV series take you on an incredible journey. "Journey to the Center of the Earth" is the story of Professor Lindenbrock, his nephew Axel and their quest for the secrets contained at the earth's core. Led by Hans, their Icelandic guide, Lindenbrock and Axel descend deeper into the planet than anyone has ever gone before...but will they make it back to the surface alive? Featuring virtuoso performaces from the entire cast, riveting sound effects and original music, Alien Voices' production of "Journey to the Center of the Earth" is an adventure in sound.