This book thrust me into a totally different world than any I could imagine. Its originality was both fascinating and challenging. I can see its influence in more recent works of literary science fiction that I have enjoyed greatly. The hints of long histories and mythological tales woven into the main narrative reminded me of Nordic and Arctic cultures. They added depth and richness and linked the fictional world to our real one. I can see why this book is considered a science fiction classic.
50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION-WITH A NEW INTRODUCTION BY DAVID MITCHELL AND A NEW AFTERWORD BY CHARLIE JANE ANDERS
Ursula K. Le Guin's groundbreaking work of science fiction-winner of the Hugo and Nebula Awards.
A lone human ambassador is sent to the icebound planet of Winter, a world without sexual prejudice, where the inhabitants' gender is fluid. His goal is to facilitate Winter's inclusion in a growing intergalactic civilization. But to do so he must bridge the gulf between his own views and those of the strange, intriguing culture he encounters...
Embracing the aspects of psychology, society, and human emotion on an…
This book is the third in a series combining realistic human characters with a magically-infused plot that presents an alternate history for the ancient Roman republic. I enjoyed it as much or more than the first two books. Descriptions of magical events are vivid and believable, making it clear that they require skill and sacrifice on the part of those invoking them. I recommend this book, and indeed the whole series to anyone interested in Roman history and/or with a taste for realistic fantasy.
In the third book of the Aven Cycle, a trio of sisters and an ambitious senator use charm, wit, and magic to protect their city from ruin.
Latona of the Vitelliae, mage of Spirit and Fire, lies still as death. Her fate rests in the hands of her allies, who must redeem her soul from the churning void where Corinna, leader of a banished Discordian cult, has trapped it.
Protected by a cabal of corrupt priests and politicians, Corinna plans her most daring assault yet: a ritual striking at the ancient heart of Aven, with the power to swallow the…
The book begins with a situation that seems familiar (retired military type persuaded to check out a strange situation), but unfolds in a unique way that's totally entertaining. From the characters' names to the multiple chases, confrontations, and crises, it made me gasp and laugh (sometimes concurrently). It packs elements of spy thrillers, military science fiction, fantasy, and sly humour into a fast, fun read. Pop culture allusions add to the humour. Definitely an amusing book with enough depth to linger in the mind after reading.
A stolen piece of classified technology. An opulent hotel. A neurotic scientist and his personal robot. A mysterious person in a trench-coat. A spy with a Russian name. A gorgeous femme fatale. And one jaded military operative dragged out of retirement to take them all on...From the author of The Directorate, 1NG4, and Vespasian Moon's Fabulous Autumn Carnival, John Nuclear at the Perihelion Palace is a fast-paced and fun action-adventure novella. (approx. 30,000 words)
France Leighton is studying Egyptology at Miskatonic University in Arkham, where a lonely ghost haunts the university library, and strangeness is normal. France's hopes for a return to Egypt are complicated by her talent for rash decisions and the arrival of her twin half-brothers from England. Edward and Peter are contrasts. One is a rational scientist, the other a dabbler in the occult, but they are equally capable of persuading France to help them with dubious schemes. France does return to Egypt, if not quite the way she intended. Accusations of antiquities theft drive France and her companions into hiding in the Theban Hills west of Luxor, where an attack by an old enemy in a new form turns an adventure into a desperate predicament. On the brink of another failure, France must make hard choices and prepare for the ultimate sacrifice.
