Hella

I won a print copy of Hella by David Gerrold in a Goodreads Giveaway. I was given an uncorrected manuscript. It goes on sale officially 6/16/20, aka tomorrow. The only difficulty in reading for me was, no chapters. When I take a break from reading, I like to use chapter breaks as convenient stopping point. Didn't have that option here. Worth it to get to read this story prior to release.

I really enjoyed this book. Told from the point of view of a teenage (on Earth) boy who used to be a girl. Kyle appears to have a disorder of some sort, perhaps autism or Asperger's or the like. He has an implant which helps him function more "normally", but some people are put off by his lack of emotion.

Hella is an Earth colony on a planet that is larger than Earth, has a weaker gravitational pull and higher levels of oxygen in the atmosphere. Everything grows to incredible size; Hella-big. 

We follow Kyle as he navigates life in the colony. Aside from the inevitable political conflicts and machinations which are well developed and interestingly voiced, the author paints a vivid picture of the flora and fauna of the Hellan landscape. 

Because of the severe weather patterns of the planet, a major part of the story is the trek to Winterland, the site for colder weather living. 

We wind up with an interesting take on the Scooby Gang taking on the bad guys.

Although many references to, shall we say alternative lifestyles and sexuality, there is no real sex. 

Gigantic animals, humongous plants, young love, more mature love, wicked politicians and technology that is at times very useful and at times stifling to actual societal growth. All on a planet that can be openly hostile to human occupation.

Altogether a Hella-fun fantasy read. Enjoy!

Mike

The Silliest Stories Out Of Bustleburg America's Worst City

I received a copy of The Silliest Stories Out Of Bustleburg America's Worst City for review.

For starters, this is the most appropriately titled book I have read if not ever, at least in a long, long time. 

Bustleburg is indeed America's Worst City. It is so dystopic that they can't even see dystopic from their houses. The city has no redeeming social value. 

The denizens of this plane crash, train wreck, volcanic aftermath of a city are well equipped to live in this (insert your own horrific descriptor here). 

Told by various citizens of the city, life is described in a series of short stories. Misery, discomfort, and danger are the status quo. 

You may be thinking to yourself that this must be a dark dreary book. But you would be thinking incorrectly. The stories are so bizarre as to make the reader laugh at the incongruities. 

Talk about escapist fiction, no connection to reality here folks. Check your sense of logic and justice at the door. This book is tongue planted firmly in the cheek fun.

I found it to be a refreshing break from more serious reads. Enjoy!

Mike

The Cold Hearth (The Atheling Chronicles #3)

Author Garth Petterson provided an ecopy of The Cold Hearth Book 3 of The Atheling Chronicles for review.

This was quite a story, of course action and adventure, violence and mayhem; but also tenderness and caring, duty and honor and living with integrity.

Set during early history in "Engla-lond", we have the story of Harald, son of King Cnute, and the love of his life Selia, trying to live a life out of the politics of the throne. Lots of political intrigue for sure, action and violence enough, but what spoke to me was the depth of characters development. None of the main characters fall into the easy trap of one dimensionality. They are developed with such depth that the story could be a primer for adult development. Harald and all his cohorts live by a definite creed of integrity and even when provoked, do not vary from it. 

In fact, I view the story as more of a comment on this personal integrity than on the political situation at the forefront. Several characters come to confront past wrongs committed and found their own redemption. Author Petterson does a great job painting a mental picture of the physical locations and of the people that inhabit the story. Just a fabulous story of personal honor and integrity in hard times. 

The Cold Hearth is a great story to get lost in. The times, the people and the location will wholly draw the reader into a comfortable, magic (without magic) land you won't want to leave. Enjoy!

Mike

Sleepers and Scouts (Bystanders #3)

Back to escapist fiction

Author Phillip Murrell provided a print copy of Sleepers and Scouts (Bystander#3) for review.

This third installment of the four book Bystanders series continues the saga of a world changed by the activities of the "Augmented" people who have suddenly developed superpowers of all kinds. As is the way in the real world, their are some augments with good intentions and some with less than good intentions (probably wouldn't have much of a story without this dichotomy). 

Lots and lots of action and as Iv'e said before; acknowledgement at least of most every social justice construct you can think of. Thankfully not preachy, hit you over the head indoctrination just part of the story. 

Still some secrets to be revealed to bring satisfactory conclusion to the story (I guess that's why there is a fourth book).

I'm still liking the overall story line which is coalescing more as the books progress. If you are not up on your mythological characters, you will be after reading this series. This is a big part of what I enjoy about this book and the whole series, the interplay between mythical characters from differing eras acting as though they have always all been together. 

The only real drawback for me though is the over abundance of augment characters. There are getting to be so many of them that they are getting hard to follow. But that could just be my tired old brain. I was glad to see that Papa Nutmare mellowed out in this book.

The one description that defines this book and series for me is; over the top. All the aspects of this story are over the top; story lines characters, situations, action, violence. You name it, it's over the top. But that is what is keeping it fun, at least for me. Realistic? Not even close. Escapist? You betcha Red Ryder. Enjoy!

Mike  

The Unseen Realm

The same friend that loaned me Reversing Hermon loaned me The Unseen Realm By the same author, Michael S. Heiser.

The focus of The Unseen Realm is to read the Scipture with the understanding of the time in which they were written. In other words with an understanding or at least acknowledgement of the supernatural (read divine) realm. Spoiler: (yep actually doing one) The heavenly Realm is not just God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. It is huge, all the various beings which also inhabit this realm are many and varied.

The author posits that very few pastors have given a sermon based on Psalm 82. The first verse which states : God stands in the divine assembly; He administers judgement in the midst of the gods (Lexham English Bible). HUH? 

Therein lies the focus of this book. Big "G" God vs little "g" gods. How God chose the Jews as his people and how the rest of us are brought back to Him. There is so much in this book that illustrates how reading scripture with our current world and universe view lets us miss much of the message. Indeed how viewing history through the lens of current mores rather than the ethos of the historical time are detrimental to understanding.

My favorite part? The discussion of Armageddon. It blew my mind but made perfect sense. Again, not an easy read. You have to pay attention closely to what is being shared. The author backs up his claims with the usual dedication and academic integrity. 

So, there you have it; my first, and hopefully last, spoiler. For Christians with questions, The Unseen Realm by Michael S. Heiser is worth your time and attention. Enjoy!

Mike

Reversing Hermon: Enoch, the Watchers, and the Forgotten Mission of Jesus Christ

A friend loaned me a copy of Reversing Hermon: Enoch, the Watchers, and the Forgotten Mission of Jesus Christ. The purpose was to expand my Biblical knowledge, not necessarily for a review, but I thought I would share my reactions anyway.

Dr. Michael S. Heiser has authors many books on Biblical topics. He delves deeply into Scripture helping illuminate the meaning to lay-people such as myself.

Reversing Hermon focuses on Genesis 6, 1-4; The "Sons of God" mating with the Daughters of Man". Though this reference is short (4 verses) the author goes into great detail (a whole book) about how this carries on through history and the problems it continues to cause. 

I don't consider myself Biblically illiterate, but I experienced so much more depth to my understanding. Heiser offers levels of understanding that are rarely examined in the usual Church sermon. and "The Forgotten Mission of Jesus Christ" is something I had never been taught or considered.

The author provides an abundance of references to back his ideas. All of his claims are well defended and documented. 

Sharing even his main thoughts here would be a disservice to potential readers because you really need to follow the thread of his logic to fully understand what he's teaching here. So spoilers would be more detrimental than usual here.

Reversing Hermon is not designed to convert the non-believer, but to enhance the understanding of the Christian believer. As my friend told me before I read the book "You'll never look at your bible the same way again" She was right. Enjoy!

Mike