Any other Alastair Reynolds fans here?

[J-Sun]

Originally Posted by icowdave

Let us know if you get past your bookmark on the second try.

Will do.

[shadow9d9]

Revelation space started great, but fell apart halfway through.. I might try another down the line, but it was quite a disappointment.

[BlueMeany]

Originally Posted by Hypnos164

I like his writing ... definately on the "always buy" list - and i'm pretty sure House of Suns is already out (I'm sure i have a copy at home - not yet read it though)


The Prefect however I thought was fantastic, one of the better SF books of the last couple of years.

Agreed about "The Prefect".

Wow! Let me know if you like "House of Suns". I'm in a bit of a remote spot. Belle Vue Island, (Part of the British Virgin Islands). It's beautiful here, but costly to have books shipped in. (There are bookstores on the bigger islands, so I can get there once in awhile).

Looks like some good responses here, mates. Thanks! I'm glad I'm not alone.

[livens]

Originally Posted by BlueMeany

I was quite surprised to notice that Alastair Reynolds doesn't have his own thread in the "authors" section. In my opinion, he is one of the most readable writers around. He tells a good story with interesting twists, and it's all more or less believable in terms of what could happen. He keeps me turning the pages. Here's is the list in chronological order, starting in the year 2000.

Revelation Space
Redemption Ark
Chasm City
Galactic North
Zima Blue and Other Stories
The Prefect - Acclaimed as one of his best.
Diamond Dogs and Turquoise Days
Absloution Gap - Finale of the Revelation Space theme.
The Six directions of Space

And, due out June 2, 2009:
House Of Suns

Hi BlueMeany,

I think you have the order of his books off a little...

hzzp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alastair_Reynolds#Bibliography
^^still cant post links... so just replace the zz's with tt's

I like his work so far. And Like others it seems his books dont really pick up until after the first 100 or so pages. But after that they are great!

I started reading Redemption Ark this month, and I see alot of references to Chasm City... I guess I should have started from the beginning but oh well, Ill go back and read the other 2 when I find them in hardback

Livens

[Rodders]

I really like Reynolds and tend to get into his books straight away. I think the first 100 pages is to set the scene and the characters and since the RS universe is so rich, i enjoy this.

[rol7805]

I was a touch disappointed with the conclusion of the Revelation Space trilogy but I've loved his writing. His vision is epic, and he mixes settings, technology, and people with plot wonderfully. His science feels more real with all its pros and cons. I have at least one on my to read list that I'm looking forward to.

[Rodders]

I will conceed that the ending was a little bit disappointing.

[Allegra]

I have only Prefect by Reynolds, haven't read it yet. Very curious about his other books, hope they are not packed with high-tech stuff? And, what does 'hard S.F.' mean exactly (my interpretation to be 'hard nut')?

[Rodders]

I believe that Hard SF refers to the science being factual and realistic within known science.

[AE35Unit]

Hard SF is the stuff written by authors who either are scientists or have a scientific background. Clarke,Asimov,Heinlein etc. It tends to be factual in its methods whereas the soft SF of Dick and Ballard etc have stories that don't rely so heavily on being scientifically viable. Hard SF however doesn't have to mean hard to read,and soft SF doesn't mean its easier to read or less accurate,its just being scientifically spot on isn't such a priority.

[Allegra]

Thanks for the explanations. I'm looking forward to read Prefect. If Reynolds doesn't go too 'professional' on the science parts and I like his writing, I'll get more of his books.

[AE35Unit]

Originally Posted by Allegra

Thanks for the explanations. I'm looking forward to read Prefect. If Reynolds doesn't go too 'professional' on the science parts and I like his writing, I'll get more of his books.

Try his Pushing Ice too. Its fairly lightweight and a fun adventure

[Rodders]

Reynolds is a very accessable writer and i think you'll enjoy the prefect.

Also, i though the Whiphound is one of the best weapons i've ever read about too. Very cool concept.

Don't forget to let us know how you get on.

[Ursa major]

Originally Posted by Rodders

I believe that Hard SF refers to the science being factual and realistic within known science.

Reynolds's books are mostly "hard" SF if one takes on board how things such as intelligence enhancement might develop over the timescales encountered. There are, though, small examples of not-so-hard SF in the Revelation Space universe, but I shan't go into specifics as they might (to a very small degree) be considered to verge on being spoilers.

[Allegra]

Originally Posted by Rodders

Reynolds is a very accessable writer and i think you'll enjoy the prefect.

Also, i though the Whiphound is one of the best weapons i've ever read about too. Very cool concept.

Don't forget to let us know how you get on.

Sure. The only problem is that there are just too many books I'm looking forward to reading. But it is definitely in the 'first to read' batch.

Oh I like cool weapons, as long as they remain a concept.