Books most popular in the United States●High Tech

Release date: 2018-04-24 $1.99

Release date: 2022-07-31 $9.99

Comments

1. This book dark - It steals all hope that life will change, you think to yourself surely Winston will continue hating big brother, no he loses to big brother he loves him in the end. Morbid, and depressing after taste; mature like fine wine its thick and can only be sipped unless you wish to drown yourself in torpor by downing it all once.
2022-11-18

Release date: 1994-03-01 $8.99

Release date: 1993-01-01 $3.99

Comments

1. Mesmerizing - This book pours on the science of Mars as it is and might well be to colonists. It’s very well written, extraordinarily well researched and offers a compelling story. A great read. It may be, however, a little dry for readers who are used to gripping drama and heroic battles. Here we get a lot of protracted scenes of individuals driving across landscapes, making observations. Mars itself is the main character, called Big Man, and he id dead, though perhaps not for much longer.
2021-06-21

2. Striking desciption and meticulous detail, but not much story - This will appeal to those who enjoy hearing about how gigantic feats of engineering make Mars habitable. But while it is generous with such scientific detail, it is weak on human story, reading mostly like a documentary with some scant soap opera thrown in to give it some drama. I wanted it to be over before I was halfway through, but I deeply respect the work that went into creating it, and I suspect the readers who love it will love it a lot.
2017-08-26

Release date: 1991-10-01 $7.99

Comments

1. I got lost at the midway point. - I totally loved the initial hook and premise of the book, but by the % mark I realized I had no idea what any of the characters where talking about anymore. I figured it’d become clear if I pressed on, but by % I was completely lost. This is probably more of a problem with my reading comprehension than a problem with this book, but for now I’m sticking with the TV series.
2022-08-29

2. Much better than the Apple Series - A small band of Scientists armed with a plan and the task to save all knowledge and mitigate a looming fall and dark ages against the unbelieving Galactic Empire . This formula has made this one of the most enduring science fiction stories . It’s a truth that has its parallel in our earths future history and so that’s why this group of books have been so appealing through the years despite the lack of aliens characters , and space battles .
2021-10-16

3. -Dimensional Chess - I started to read this again when the Apple released the teaser trailer for the adaptation. I read it first in middle school, but a lot of the details faded with time. Like with the rereading of Dune, our social progress highlights many of the patriarchal and white savior narrative in these books that has gotten stale. But the central message and theme remains timeless. This passage from the book summarizes the struggle neatly, “it could be considered that science, as science, had failed the outer worlds. To be reaccepted it would have to present itself in another guise—and it has done just that.” Science as state craft, as religion, and as an economic tool would be the means for preserving scientific advancement and social and political surviving crises. These are objectives that can’t be played out in a single story, which is why it is fitting that the foundation series is so expansive in volumes and in the narrative style. Jumping half centuries in some moments and drilling down to minute interactions in others. The book and series do a great job of demonstrating a philosophy of governance where the actors use a mix of inductive and deductive reasoning beautifully. Leveraging the right details to steer a course in keeping with a macro vision of a future prosperity they themselves will not enjoy.
2020-07-24

4. THE “Fantastic Voyage” of Science Fiction - Incredibly detailed plot spanning a thousand years, impeccably written to make you think as you read (yeah!!), and a completely engaging storyline. This series became an instant favorite of mine when I first read it over years ago, and it still packs a wonderful sci-fi punch of much-needed originality. Thank you Isaac Asimov!!!
2020-07-02

5. What a fantastic book and series of books - I am a big fan of Asimov!!! I started reading in my s and read all books that I could find. I have enjoyed them very much that I read them twice or even times. Now that I’m in my s, I have decided to read them again. I’m still in awe of his writing skills and I am getting more enjoyment out of the whole FOUNDATION series!! I intend to read more from this GREAT AUTHOR!!! He is truly one of THE GREATS!! Michael Paul Zaza
2019-07-11

6. Epic Must Read for all Sci Fi fans - I reread this after reading it by chance in college back in the ’s. The story and concept is engaging. You see how it influenced Star Wars and other greats. Also keep in mind this was written circa and Asimov had to create a universe on his own from scratch. It’s part of one of the greatest epics ever written. This book is a great place to start the thousands of years of Galactic history he created in the Robot, Empire, and Foundation series. If you start here and read the original Foundation books then I would advise going back and reading the Robot novels and short stories then Empire then the Foundation Prelude Novels. Alternatively start with the Robot “Caves of Steel”.
2019-05-27

7. Brilliant - This was the first Asimov book I ever read. I was young at the time. As soon as I started reading it I knew I was in for a challenge. I thought, wow he actually wants me to think as I read. I give credit to this book, more than any other to help me become a good reader and to be able to understand complex concepts. Thanks Issac wherever you are. Out in space somewhere I'm sure.
2016-07-11

8. Timeless sci-if - I picked Foundation up on a whim in college at the university bookstore. I had been dabbing in sci-fi since I was little, but this book blew me away. The story's are timeless, woven together, span thousands of years and the plots and endings are unexpected. As other posts have commented, Asimov's entire universe is a must read: Robot, Empire, and Foundation series. I would recommend reading them Foundation series first then Back to Robot and Empires series.
2014-12-30

9. Foundation - I discovered the foundation series because as a science fiction fan who has read various sci-fi novels randomly, I decided to "go to school" and read what most consider to be the master works in the sci-fi genre - Asimov. Reading a sci-fi novel which was written over years ago took some getting used to for me. The plot, characters, and concept are all outstanding. The depiction and descriptions of space travel and the concept of a "Galactic Empire" was very well conceived. The only thing that took getting used to were the personal technologies we have today which when reading "Foundation" makes it an obvious dated read. I had to constantly keep reminding myself this was written in and move on. Other than those small details, the book was fantastic.
2014-08-06

10. Weak Plot - I was really disappointed with this book. I had heard a lot of good things about it but I basically started disliking the story from about chapter or . Was this Asimov's first book? Because it is poorly written. The dialogue is not believable (people don't carry on conversations that way). His use of italics seems almost random at times. The whole "foundation" of this novella (psychohistory) makes for a lame story where it doesn't matter what anyone does because the further has already been determined. The main characters are not likable, especially Hardin. I hated him. And worst of all, it blurred the lines of religion and science and asked you to put blind faith in a single scientist. Ugh. I hated it.
2014-07-16

11. A masterpiece! - Like The Lord Of The Rings trilogy and Stranger In A Strange Land, the Foundation series (especially the original trilogy) are books that I have read many times over the decades since the late sixties when I first 'discovered' them. These books, along with a few 'honorable mentions' such as Songs From The Distant Earth have become wonderful stories that continue to offer me the reader just a little more each and every time I read them. These are all great works that rely on great dialog rather than mere action to carry the story. Although Lord Of The Rings also contains a lot of so-called action, it is the dialog that truly Makes it great. I love the way characters in these stories cut their teeth on each other, and at the same time bring the reader along for the ride. If they ever do finally make the movies on the foundation series, I can only hope they realize that Peter Jackson's approach was successfull not only because of the wonderful special effects, but because he honored the spirit of the trilogy (as well as the dialog!), I can only hope they don't make the same mistake they made with I Robot, while not a horrible movie, not anything like the novel, and therefore not... I Robot! Thank you Issac for so much pleasure throughout my lifetime!... RIP.
2013-04-22

12. ISAAC ASIMOV - THE MASTER! - If you've never read Isaac Asimov then start right here with Foundation. Asimov's writing style is clear and direct with characters you'll care about. The best part is, if you find you're a fan, there is so much more to read after Foundation. Foundation is just the beginning.
2012-07-15

13. Foundation's a winner - What a clever and sweeping expanse of future history. Asimov's writing is as much sociology, politics, and psychology as it is science fiction. Clever characters and politics carry the story as much as the visionary view of a technological future with ideas that are still relevant years on (and many of which have come to pass).
2011-09-25

14. A staple of any SciFi collection - The Foundation Trilogy (& it's additional volumes) is mandatory reading. In it, Isaac Asimov weaves a tale of intrigue and human interest that is timeless and classic. Set in the far future, it describes the pending fall of a galactic empire, and one man's quest to shape the turmoil into a second empire. Read the series, and I bet it is a set that you will periodically reread.
2011-07-17

Release date: 2012-09-15 $2.99

Comments

1. Small Side-Story Set on Mars - "Gods of Risk" is a novella set in the Expanse, but does not seem to have anything to do with the main plot. It is considered number . in the series, but isn't required reading to understand the main novels. It is a small side-story involving Bobbie Draper's brother David Draper, who is our protagonist. Bobbie does appear in the story, as it takes place after the events of "Caliban's War" she has come home to Mars and is living with her family while she figures out what to do with herself. Teenaged David has a problem with some shady dealings that he has allowed himself to become involved with, and aunt Bobbie helps him a little bit to get it sorted out in the end. While this story is a decent diversion in the Expanse, I wasn't particularly impressed with it. It was good to see Bobbie again, and at home on Mars. But there is one of my problems, we really don't learn much about life on Mars. I feels as if it could have been a vehicle through which we could have learned more about Martian society, culture, or politics. Instead, we have Bobbie as a side character in a story about her brother getting into and then out of trouble. However, I guess that if that is all that it tries to do, it does a decent job of telling that story.
2015-09-07

Release date: 1991-10-01 $7.99

Comments

1. The Foundation Trilogy - I first read the trilogy when I was in my early teens. I think this is my th or th time reading the books. That tells you all you need to know about my opinion as to whether they are a good read. My only other comment is that, in my view, the recent Apple series does a dismal job capturing the essence of the books. Read the trilogy first!
2022-03-16

2. A Mysterious Thread - Sequels and installments of larger works, struggle under a heavy weight of expectation. They often cannot stand on their own, as they need the strong pull of thread of the larger narrative to keep the audience engaged. They have to tell a story in their confines but fit neatly into a larger whole. Too be independent while marching in lock step with the others. This conundrum is why many follow-ups or parts often fall short of the original. I don’t envy anyone who tries to extend a story from one chapter to the next. All of those moving parts and the “glue” that keeps it together must be hard to sort out. That is what I see lacking in Foundation and Empire. The thread that connects it to the first book is stretched very thin. Perhaps that is Asimov’s intention. To not have this book be so heavily dependent on the first so that it cannot have its own meaningfulness. The glue that holds the series together gets revealed nicely in the end. The book itself is nicely tied out and the scale and stakes of the overall arc across the books is take to new heights. Much like the main antagonist of the book, Asimov lulls you to sleep until the surprise is revealed in the end pulling you in deeper.
2020-09-25

Release date: 1994-04-26 Genre:Sci-Fi & Fantasy $3.99

Comments

1. Tegmark's Hypothesis Fictionalized... - ... Except that I believe this predates Max Tegmark's "Ultimate ensemble theory of everything". Anyway, this really a very touching exploration of the idea that math powers "the" universe (and all others beside), combining hard sci-fi and very real human characters. This is probably going to make it into my Top- favorite books ever.
2015-01-31

Release date: 1997-08-28 $3.99

Release date: 2015-03-30 $7.99

Release date: 1987-04-01 $1.99

Comments

1. Words or Less - When reading Gibson, prepare yourself for complete confusion during the first pages. Just accept it. With techno-babble, slang, half-filled descriptions … you’re going to be lost. Oh, it’s a good lost, but it’s still lost. However, once past that threshold, he does bring it all together. Suddenly the verbiage makes sense. The characters start congealing. Then it takes off with a rush. This novel works on that same level, though I felt the ending seemed stilted. The complicated build-up fell apart in the last pages or so. That’s too bad. The middle part of this book is excellent.
2012-10-24

2. Long time Gibson fan - Neuromancer is the first book I purchased on my iPad. Seems only fair. It is unfortunate that Apple does not compete with Ono-Sendai in decks. Be prepared for superb descriptions of context and speculative fiction that has aged very gracefully over the years. In my opinion he is one of the greatest living fiction writers, but what does an old geek know! He also has an uncanny sense of the grit of technology, how it enrapts and enslaves simultaneously, weaving desirable dystopias. Gibson provides so much texture in his books and in his blogs and tweets. A blog he wrote hooked me on FieldNotes - best pencils in the world, though I will use them less with my iPad. This has become somewhat of a tradition for me, since when I purchased my nook I bought Neuromancer.
2010-04-06

Release date: 2003-02-03 $11.99

Comments

1. Decent but not Gibson's best - It was a good book. Not Gibson's best work but a decent book nonetheless. I would still count Neuromancer, Count Zero, and Mona Lisa Overdrive among my favorites he has ever written. I look forward to more like that in the future. This particular book never had much action or any real explanation as to why the protagonist had the condition and what happened to it. The story just felt unfinished.
2012-07-28

Release date: 2018-06-12 $9.99

Release date: 2012-06-05 $8.99

Comments

1. Very good sci-fi novel... - This is my idea of science fiction. The 'world' in which this story is set is described in abundant detail - detail about history, government, social issues old and new, and technology, all of which may not have a direct link to the plot, but that works to create a clear picture of where you are when reading. After Revelation Space, I didn't think Alastair Reynolds could possibly create a different world so interesting and foreign and complex, but in fact he did. All the while the story builds suspense, that like my favorite book Spin, gives you a feeling that you are about to be delivered a dose of perspective regarding our place in the universe. Nice job Mr. Reynolds.
2012-10-24

2. Missed again - I've read all his books and this one is little different. He has a number of ideas but they never form a cohesive story. He wraps them up in a hurry at the end, almost like he realizes he is rambling and needs to "cut to the chase". This inevitably left so many loose ends I wondered what the point of the entire book is? One of his books I read twice only realizing it when I became so bored that I was going to abandon the book and found a page marker from a prior read. I guess I hit the same limit twice. Though I will forward to his next book, I don't know why. If you doubt me, read Terminal World and you will find it was poorly finished, again he says "excuse me for rambling, let me end this thing" and you will agree.
2012-06-27

3. Starts slow but finishes strong - On Reynolds web site he admits he takes too long to get into the meat of his stories. He's right. This book has a slow first half as he sets up his story, but accelerates into the rousing tale that I remember from his earlier novels. Not his best novel, but worth a look from anyone who has enjoyed his previous work.
2012-06-23

Release date: 1992-09-29 $3.99

Release date: 1998-08-17 $3.99

Release date: 2020-11-20 $3.99

Release date: 1996-05-28 $11.99

Comments

1. Book vs movie - I Generally prefer the book even when I read the book after watching the movie it inspired. That is not the case here. I’ve always been a blade runner fan so maybe it was too different from the book and shouldn’t be compared. That being said, I really didn’t like the whole spiritual thing with the box. It didn’t seem to fit.
2023-01-08

2. Meh. - If you’re new to PKD and you want to read this book to see what the fuss is about, I predict you’ll be disappointed. His ideas are brilliant, and many more gifted storytellers have taken those ideas and made art. But his writing is jerky and obscure, his characters are flat and have strange motivations, and the whole thing has the surreal aspect of a fever dream. Bladerunner was inspired by this novel, and, frankly, it’s unlikely anyone would still be reading it if that were not the case. Grab this from the library, don’t spend fourteen dollars on a jumped up novella about a guy with a robot sheep.
2022-10-29

3. Classic Sci-Fi, a little different from the film - As someone who saw the film Blade Runner first, it was interesting to see certain things from the film a bit more fleshed out here. The story was also distinct from the film. An entertaining read to be sure, but I find myself a bit jaded at my age, or spoiled perhaps by my frequent encounters with stories that have copied the exploration of “humanity” that this novel was among the first to explore, so I found a lot of its most major themes very familiar. Still glad to have read it regardless.
2018-11-23

4. What a book... - “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep” was a revolutionary book when it was written and it has only become more poignant over the decades. After reading this book and watching both the new and original Blade Runner movies, I began questioning many things about the world we live in today. The isolation and questions about humanity that the story presents are bone-chilling, often times tear-inducing. Most of all, this book reinvigorated my love for science-fiction with a deeper, more thoughtful approach than many other books take. All I can say is read it, you will not be the same afterwards.
2017-10-16

5. Thought Provoking - Being a fan of Blade Runner I decided to give the book a shot. It is actually quite different from the movie in many ways. I would highly recommend it. It is quite thought provoking. If I were to give it one crititcism it would be that the actions sequences were fairly short lived and anti-climactic. Other than that the psychology and philosophy of this (as well as many other Philip K Dick stories) will make you take a step back and think about life in a slightly different way.
2013-12-17

6. My new favorite - This was a great book and, in my opinion, it is the best book that i have ever read. The commentary on human nature and society is only an undertone to the gripping scenes of action and suspense. The setting is particularly interesting and the detail that is gvien to it is much appreciated. There are also many comedic and ironic situations in the story of Rick Deckard. I would recommend this book to anyone.
2012-02-12

7. Excellent - This is the first PKD book I've read, inspired by Bladerunner. I'm hooked on PKD and plan to read all of his other books. If you've seen Bladerunner, the book is quite different. I think the book is better of course, but the movie helps to cement the visuals. I recommend you watch Bladerunner first, then, if you like it, read this book. PKD has an amazing ability to write with incredible detail and density, while still keeping the story flowing smoothly with zero drag.
2012-01-02

Release date: 1991-11-01 $7.99

Comments

1. Timeless Classic - It's hard to believe that this was written in the mid-fifties! Overpopulation, food/power shortages, and A.I.-- all pretty well in line with today's standards. Either Asimov was prophetic, or we're not moving on. The human/machine relationship was well done; a masterpiece of psychology and A.I.
2011-08-21

2. Hardboiled SF detective yarn - This is a very entertaining book! It is a very successful mix of police detective mystery and a number of compelling science fiction themes. The world Asimov creates is very timely, an overpopulated Earth strained for resources to support it's billion people. The main characters - a human and a robot - form an unlikely team when they are assigned a politically sensitive murder case. I won't say too much more, except this story kept me going up until the last page. I highly recommend it!
2011-07-07

Release date: 2021-02-18 $3.99

Release date: 2014-10-28 $8.99

Comments

1. Well written and comes together nicely! - Like many of his books, the first few chapters are a bit of a tough read. It takes me that long to adjust to his brilliant writing style. Then I'm hooked! Well written with a good story line and a nice implementation of not so distant future technology to start. Highly recommend.
2017-05-02

2. Please endure the first or so pages - It is really worth it. This is one of those books that I will reread soon because it is so worth it. Characters, environment, plot, and pacing all flesh out eventually, like all of Gibson's recent work. If you can push through the beginning, you'll end up--just like any great book--in a place you don't want to leave.
2015-03-20

3. A finely crafted novel - Gibson explore two alternate futures, each with uncomfortable echoes of our present, in this compelling book. The short, fractured chapters generate a kind of narrative vertigo, a sensation entirely appropriate to this tale in which so many of the characters are dealing with disorientation of one kind or another. The only negative is that I found the resolution of the book just a a bit too pat, even a bit mawkish. I hope the ending doesn't preclude a future novel (or two, as he tends to work in thematic trilogies), exploring both the enigma of the continua-creating server, and the almost equally enigmatic character of Ainsley Lowbeer.
2015-02-14

4. Still the best cyber punk - Although he must be much older, Mr Gibson still has a super fresh tone and his dialogue, although pinky to grasp, sparkles with acronyms and 'made on the spot' mashups that are techie but hackable so you can deduce what these future people are running on about. Very good stuff. High order writing.
2014-11-12

5. Sketchy future past present awesomeness - Mr. Gibson, an author I relish and follow with a cult like blindness. He leads us, the reader , down a dark tunnel leaving us to untangle the intricate details of a future past present that in the end emerges on the bright side of now. Getting past the first or so pages is a chore, but then again, why should such a labour of love and depth be an easy path to follow? With each of his missives we are always left holding the emotional bag of wanting more. Thank you for all you have shared with us over the many years of your various expressions. R. W.
2014-11-03

Release date: 2020-04-21 $9.99

Comments

1. Technically Brilliant - Difficult to Read - The author is exceptionally creative and scientifically founded, an astrophysicist… no wonder. Worth reading for SciFi buffs, but a difficult real. Where was his editor? Looooong paragraphs, and jumping around too much between story lines/characters. Story segments not often clearly marked, sometimes in two pages. This could be cleaned up, easily, to make a smoother ride. Here’s a book where - times an illustration would have been nice. The character development was superb in some cases and lacking in others. The romance was a nice touch, a little more of that would have made it more real. The cities and galaxy are sad and gray, which is also too bad, but true to the current social trend for apocryphal world views … which is not to my liking, or view of the Universe. Goodness does seem to win in the end … which is good. / stars.
2021-09-14

2. Cosmic Literature — Whole Other Level - This is a 'hard science' space opera/thriller. The characters are developed to an awesome scale. It’s a small cast of characters whose actions will likely set off a reaction chain, and there is a powerful air of inevitability to this whole situation, but you still want them to win. Beautiful literature that made me look up at the night sky with a new sense of awe. One of the best books I have ever read — well done Mr. Reynolds!
2020-09-02

Release date: 1991-11-01 $7.99

Comments

1. An avid reader - This book provides depth and provokes a great deal of thought concerning Asmov's universe. It describes the society with robots before the caves of steel cites and as such parallels most with our own culture. While in minor details the movie fits with the book, such as the Nestor robots, the underlying themes all but contradict the book. While I do enjoy the movie the two need to be utterly separated which might do well to start with taking will smith off the cover of a book which he has no relation to.
2013-02-10

2. Great book - This is one of the greatest novels of all time. Well thought out and imaginative. This is the book that started me reading as a child. The movie, while entertaining and within the same universe, glosses over finer points and tries to blend too much into a single action movie and is much less thought provoking even though the story is consistent with the robot novels universe. I agree that the publisher should revert to an original cover since this book is not the story explored in the movie and will likely confuse those not familiar with the situation. RPR
2013-01-01

3. I Robot - A bit slow. Isaac Asimov was a very deliberate and detailed writer. But once you get into these delightful short stories, you are in for a delightful ride of brain teasers. Asimov plays with human prejudices, greed, and all the rest of our short comings and throws in the perfect machine...a robot. We will love and hate them. We need them and fear them. The are precise and we are greatly imperfect. What a combination, almost two separate worlds that are trying to come together. These separate realms must somehow co-exist while all the time mankind must remain superior. A lot of fun going through theses mind bending stories.
2012-05-19

Release date: 1984-07-01 $8.99

Comments

1. The Penultimate Cyberpunk Story - It doesn’t get any better than this book the winner of science fiction’s biggest three awards and the go to novel for anyone wanting to get into the Cyberpunk sub-genre. The story comes in hard and fast and doesn’t let up. It’s not just great characters but it’s also a unique and rather dark world where everyone is looking for a big score and life and death dance on a razor’s edge. It’s this book that gave birth to so many more worlds throughout science fiction. So many works would not have been made if it weren’t for Neuromancer. It’s a must read.
2022-12-23

2. Reads Like a Movie - The visually visceral method of writing by Gibson uses to tell this story allow the reader to understand the literary work without needing to understand the technology presented by the author. Similar to the matrix film, the reader can understand the raw implications without being overwhelmed by technicalities and instead visualize the story in its well paced and surprisingly human narrative.
2022-12-04

3. Definitive, formative, an onslaught of imagination! - Highly recommended. What William Gibson has created in Neuromancer has had an effect that reaches far beyond the realms of entertainment. Though one can see the influence most readily there, in movies, episodics, games, other books, even music, the ideas are so strikingly original and still today futuristic, a vision of what lies just beyond our time horizon.
2022-10-23

4. Beautifully chaotic writing - This book is beautiful and chaotic and I feel that perfectly represents the futuristic dystopia that the characters live in. The concepts of technology and how they relate to humanity is so far beyond its years that it astounds me. How was this book written in ?! Great read, can’t wait to read the rest of the trilogy.
2022-09-04

5. Brilliant, fast-paced sci-fi - Finally getting around to reading Neuromancer after already enjoying the cyberpunk genre through various video games and movies made for a sort of reverse referential reading, the sort of thing where I often found myself thinking, “oh so this is where X, Y, and Z all got their inspiration from.” The book probably grabbed my attention faster than anything I’ve ever read, and made such a strong first impression that I actually texted someone after reading the first five pages with, “I’ve started reading Neuromancer, and I think it might be incredible.” Its story is inventive, its writing and structure immediate and fast-paced, its characters tremendously flawed and memorable, and my goodness the imagery that flows through this thing. I’ll never forget the introduction to Chiba City. Just amazing.
2022-05-17

6. Better late than never - It was nice to find this unique voice of the futuristic Zeitgeist that was the ’s. Plenty of a kind of “Free Jazz” in places, describing the poetry of consciousness exposed naked and vulnerable to its fraternal twin, the dream. Above all a ride, each character unforgettable, and crafted to birth many interpretations by way of leaving that license very much up to the reader.
2021-08-29

7. A Few Diamonds in this Dustbin - There are a few ideas here that are pretty impressively prescient, given when the book was written. And there are some strong characters and vivid action scenes. But the plot is really a wreck. Quite difficult to follow in terms of what’s going on. Lots of first person narration from very drug-addled or tech-distorted perspectives. The number of people who give this stars leaves me baffled. It’s a badly written book with a few strong points.
2016-03-17

8. Indecipherable gibberish - Frustrating book to read. Confusing description after confusing description without ever establishing a solid base to progress from. Found myself constantly rereading to garner meanings out of gibberish. Found it annoyingly tough to understand his nicknames and couldn't muster the brain energy to make enough of an effort to do so. I strongly dislike this style of writing and much prefer imagining my own atmosphere from a clear, simple description to struggling to find sense in this abstract and unnecessary excess of a book.
2015-12-10

9. This I not science fiction - Let me say it again, this is not science fiction. Yes, some of it does take place in space, and yes it does take place in the future, but it is not Science Fiction!! It is a drug trip, a very poorly written drug trip that makes no sense at all. Don't waste your money like I did.
2015-10-15

10. Words or Less - I was looking for something weird and fast paced … and this novel fits. Does it always make sense? No, especially at the beginning. You have to slog through the first few chapters, trusting the author, until it begins to come together. That’s his style: throw you in the deep end for better or worse. Personally, I enjoy the challenge when it works, and in this case it does for me. The world he creates is crazily fun. The plot whips along. The action is detailed and surprising. Overall, a quick hard-sci-fi enjoyable read.
2012-08-13

11. The future was then, but it shows up now and also later - According to lore, Gibson got the idea of this epic book from watching Escape from New york. The line that planted the seed was: "You flew the gulffire over leningrad," From that we got cyberspace and a sort of reverse engineered computer reality. While it did not create cyberpunk, it gave it the shove to the front that made if break into reality. Read it, love it, live it. I just wish Willam would get back on the ball and write some more like it, unlike his last two.
2011-07-26

12. Remarkably Prescient - To read Neuromancer on an iPad will the memory that I cherish of the beginning of the second decade of the st century. Never before have a vision of the future been so prescient. We are all jacked in now, on our iPhones and iPads, a constant data stream available / to which we are able to jack in and interact with others through our avatars on facebook or myspace. Gibson saw the future and we are living it today.
2011-01-14

13. This is where The Matrix got it's ideas from - Read this book and you'll soon realize that The Matrix did not get it's ideas from Ghost in the Shell as many people say, but rather The Matrix and Ghost in the Shell both got their ideas from this groundbreaking book. A must-read not just for any sic-fi fan, but for any one interested in literature and popular culture in general...
2010-08-12

Release date: 1986-09-03 $8.99

Release date: 2003-01-01 $11.99

Comments

1. Too much - The story line was excellent and well written, BUT the author is gratuitously and grossly graphic. I know we live in an age of “over the top”, however I seek quality in the written word in hopes of avoiding the sensationalized movie and tv industry. Not likely to read the next books as a result. It is a shame as the storyline and story crafting are excellent...
2018-02-06

2. Words or Less - This is a well-written hard-boiled (and a bit retro, in style) detective novel, which happens to be set in the year or so. I really enjoyed the way Morgan immerses us into the culture, with references that we don’t get, but at the same time still understand. Great plot. Interesting characters. However, one caveat. I’m no prude, but the use of the “c-word” was a shock. Every time I ran across it (maybe times, I guess) I was a bit stunned. For those who are offended by explicit sex scenes and that type of vulgarity, skip this.
2012-06-06

Release date: 2020-09-01 $11.99

Release date: 1991-11-01 $7.99

Release date: 1991-10-01 $7.99

Comments

1. Trilogy’s End - A Trilogy is an interesting enterprise. The rising first part, the bridging second movement into a chilling climax, and then the natural descent in the denouement that is part three. This particular trilogy started with the challenge of setting a thousand year experience before the reader that would somehow remain engaging despite the ever changing cast of characters. Chinua Achebe did something similar in the African Trilogy that spanned generations. It was the careful weaving story arcs at the macro and micro level that made Achebe’s trilogy cohesive and compelling. Asimov’s vision, attempts the same at an even greater scale. In some ways it achieves this cohesiveness and in others it fails. The meta questions about society and science do successfully make their way from one part to the next. The characters, however, all seem to throw away; save for The Mule. It’s hard to care for any of them and thus there is no character anchor to pull you through the trilogy that you root for or against. Just camps of ideology and governance. Regardless, I can see how it inspired the likes of Star Wars and more.
2020-12-06

Release date: 1991-10-01 $8.99

Release date: 2017-03-14 $9.99

Comments

1. Don’t Know How It Ends - Hate to admit it, but this was the very rare book I gave up on. Too much lecture on the evils of capitalism and global warming, not enough story. I’ve enjoyed KSR’s books in the past, but this did nothing for me. Made it one-third of the way through, and there was nothing endearing enough about the characters to make me want to finish.
2018-11-13

Release date: 1988-04-01 $8.99

Comments

1. Do NOT read this one first - My modest advice, start with Foundation, read through the end of the series and get back to this one. Enjoy the purity of “Foundation” first then get back to discover Harry Seldon. Whether you follow my advice or not, this is a fantastic series you’re about to start/continue. Enjoy...
2020-03-18

2. Amazing series - Incredible realistic plot and a fitting beginning to one of the most famous and well respected sci fi series of all time. Oh how I would love to see this done as a film series-but with such nuance and detail I am not sure it should even be attempted or could even come close to doing service to the books
2017-12-26

Release date: 2015-09-10 $5.99

Comments

1. Half Decent - I read this book when it was published, and I liked it a lot. This second reading, as an old guy, leads me to think that the Ringworld itself is a great idea, but the author is incapable of putting a really good story around it. I got through it, but there were a couple of moments when I set it down, and I almost let it stay down permanently.
2017-04-03

Release date: 2007-04-01 $12.99

Comments

1. I liked this very much- Engrossing read - A complicated and interesting tale of interplanetary traders thousands of years in the future. It took a month to read. It took some effort to get into it, because there are many characters and it has a sort of 'alien' feel to it - so much to learn and remember. Almost a chore. By the end it became very interesting and familiar, I read a few hundred SciFi (Futurist) books in the mid to late Seventies. Over the past year I've read a couple more. I chanced on this, sampled it, then bought it. I am glad I did. I like the authors use of familiar and unfamiliar names for the characters. Also a strange book. The idea of "focus" as slavery of a new sort was intriguing.
2011-06-30

Release date: 2022-04-26 $0.99

Release date: 1969-05-12 $11.99

Comments

1. Still fascinating after all these years - Michael Crichton has the rare gift of being able to observe the present, and foretell the future. I could barely believe this book was written in the ’s. In , it is still fascinating. He makes bacteria and virus fascinating. A page turner. Wish he were still alive, so someone could ask him what’s next.
2023-02-15

2. Engrossing - I often jump into a book and then fall off quickly due to work, life and family. Delving into The Andromeda Strain I became immediately engrossed. I am a RN and the technical writing and medical drama really pulled me in. Sadly, this is one of only two books I read all of this year. On the plus side, it was excellent and I would highly recommend it!
2018-12-31

Release date: 1968-01-01 $8.99

Comments

1. Thought provoking and awe inspiring - One of my top favorite novels of all time, and I say that as a reluctant fiction reader. After years of revisiting the masterpiece of a film Kubrick gifted us just so I could induce that unfailing sense of awe and bodily transcendence I felt when first witnessing the spectacular sequences, I decided it was time to read the book. Boy was I happy I did it. I consumed it in two sittings. The writing is crisp and concise; hasn’t aged at all for me. And Clarke’s descriptions are simply superb. I felt like I was floating in space with Dave, Frank, Hal and the rest of the crew. When I closed the book, I had to take a long pause just to shake the feeling of awesomeness that infiltrated my mind and permeated my body. Left me with a sense of wonder about my place in the universe I hadn’t experienced since childhood. Highly recommend it for anyone who is curious about their place in existence and the role human consciousness can play in this infinite question that is our universe.
2023-03-07

2. A predecessor - I have not watched the movie. This book was a wonderful experience, traveling through space time. I can see how this could have inspired many space faring movies. The book starts before the dawn of civilization and takes us in a journey through an unexpected discovery on the moon, from there to the far flung of the solar system and beyond. Now, I am ready to watch the movie.
2022-10-25

3. One of the all time greats - Easily one of the foundational tales in my life. I read this as a child and have read it several times since. My interpretation of events has changed as I grew older and I am able to enjoy the book and movie independently. HAL and Dave are amazing characters who’s conflict is founded in misunderstanding and misaligned goals. The lessons this story shares are deeper and broader than the short length would ever seem possible.
2019-01-07

Release date: 2006-10-03 $11.99

Comments

1. Guess you thinking, but has a lot of filler - The main parts of the book are well written and interesting. It introduces concepts that make you put the book down and think about them for a few minutes befor continuing to read, like a good thought experiment. I would recommend it to anyone based on that alone. It also has too much filler. After the first hundred pages i began speed skimming all the flashbacks because they didn’t really add value in my opinion. It felt like he was attempting character development but didn’t quite pull it off.
2020-11-28

2. Better the second (and third) time through - This is one of the most unique books I have ever read. There is a lot of philosophical meat held together by a science fiction plot. What does it mean to be sapient? Consciousness? Language? Neither? On top of these big questions, Watts does a superb job of making the reader feel claustrophobic and uneasy. For me, the main negative aspect is Blindsight can be jarring during the first reading. There are time jumps and digressions, and the descriptions can be confusing. I still haven't picked up the sequel, Echopraxia, but I'll be reading it soon!
2016-05-31

3. Words or Less - Some novels are better the second time through – except I was at midway point before realizing I’ve read this novel already. First was a summer vacation past-the-time read. Suddenly, this time around, the memories come back to me: good plot, interesting characters, great pacing. And yet, the revisit is better. Slowing down, focusing more on the subtleties, it’s easier to dive into the novel’s layered rich world. Very realistic, yet unique enough to throw some surprises. It’s good. It’s fun. It’s thought provoking. Even when repeated.
2012-08-20

4. Not Hard SF - Don't judge this book by it's cover. The science is flimsy, to say the least, and Watts takes way more creative liberties than he should for a book that calls itself 'Hard SF'. That said, the story is only incidentally interesting, but the prose is difficult to navigate. You leave with the sense that not only are you not entirely sure what happened, but you're not sure you care.
2011-04-27

Release date: 2016-09-27 $7.99

Release date: 2021-07-13 $4.99

Release date: 2012-11-30 $7.99

Release date: 2010-09-07 $6.99

Release date: 2007-08-07 $11.99

Comments

1. character-driven, espionage-"lite" - Not quite as engaging as Pattern Recognition, but, in and of itself, a great character study, and often tongue-in-cheek, in regards to many issues of the modern age. Takes the continually-used themes of “people caught up in the schemes of people more rich and powerful than themselves”, and makes them interesting. From the man who dreamed of hyperspace, it's so great to see him still on the cutting edge of what's happening and what will happen, sooner than we think.
2012-06-14

Release date: 2012-11-30 $7.99

Release date: 2019-05-31 $3.99

Release date: 2016-07-12 Genre:Sci-Fi & Fantasy $14.99

Release date: 2003-03-04 $8.99

Release date: 2008-05-01 $13.99

Release date: 2020-11-16 $3.99

Release date: 2014-12-19 $2.99