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The Long Mars by Terry Pratchett My rating: 3 of 5 stars "The Long Mars," the third installment in the Long Earth series, continues to expand the already vast canvas of Pratchett and Baxter's creation. While the concept of "Joker Mars" – echoing the familiar "Joker Earths" – is intriguing, it's just one of three distinct narrative threads woven throughout this book. We follow Sally Linsay on a journey across the Martian Stepped worlds, unraveling the mysteries her father, Willis, seeks. This exploration of the alien landscapes of the Long Mars is certainly compelling, but personally, it was the storyline involving "The Next" that truly captivated me. Joshua Valiente's arc, which delves into the emergence of these post-human children, is where the book really shines. It's a powerful exploration of prejudice, fear, and the potential societal clashes that arise when faced with the "other." The authors masterfully tackle ...

  "Miss Scarlet" Season 5: A Detective's Triumph and a Welcome Shift "Miss Scarlet" Season 5 marks a significant and, in my opinion, successful evolution for the series. While the departure of "The Duke" (Stuart Martin) was a major change, this season truly shines as one of the show's best, allowing Eliza Scarlet to step fully into her role as a formidable detective. Unlike previous seasons where the show sometimes felt weighed down by overt feminist messaging, Season 5 strikes a more balanced tone. It delves deeper into the intricacies of Victorian England, offering a richer portrayal of the era's social dynamics without feeling preachy. The mysteries themselves take center stage, allowing Eliza's sharp intellect and investigative skills to truly shine. The introduction of Detective Alexander Blake (Tom Durant-Pritchard) has been met with mixed reactions, but I found his presence refreshing. He offers a different kind of dynamic with Eliza...

Having just finished Ultraman Orb, I can confidently say it's a shining example of why Japanese science fiction, even in a series aimed at children, often surpasses much of what's currently being produced elsewhere. In a landscape saturated with lackluster entertainment, Orb delivers a compelling narrative, memorable characters, and top-notch special effects. While yes, it's a children's show, Ultraman Orb transcends its target audience with a depth of storytelling and character development that resonates with viewers of all ages. This 2016 entry in the long-running Ultraman franchise stands out for its innovative approach and engaging narrative. The Power of Fusion and Character At the heart of Orb's appeal is the "Fusion Up" concept. Gai Kurenai, a wandering warrior with a mysterious past, utilizes the powers of past Ultraman heroes to transform into various forms, each with unique abilities. This dynamic mechanic keeps the action fresh and visually stun...

The Long War by Terry Pratchett My rating: 2 of 5 stars Just finished The Long War, the second book in the Long Earth series, and I'm finding it leans heavily into fantasy rather than hard sci-fi. Pratchett's influence is clear, with the inclusion of familiar characters like the Kobolds and the Beagles (sentient dogs). Honestly, I'm only continuing because 1) it was recommended, and 2) I foolishly bought the whole set at once. Here's hoping The Long Mars brings the science back! The Long War itself isn't your typical military conflict. It's more of a sprawling, societal struggle sparked by "stepping" – the ability to instantly travel to parallel Earths. This opens up a practically infinite frontier, leading to a scramble for resources as people flee the overpopulated "Datum Earth." Competition and clashes are inevitable, not just for land and materials, but also between emerging ideologies. Some embrace technology, others a simpler life, a...

The Long Earth by Terry Pratchett My rating: 2 of 5 stars I recently finished the first book in the The Long Earth series. While it's an interesting and entertaining read, I wasn't overly impressed. Having read numerous novels about parallel worlds or universes, I'd categorize this one more as science fiction fantasy than pure science fiction. Despite my initial impression, I plan to continue the series, as I've already purchased the entire set. A Brief Summary The Long Earth by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter introduces a mind-bending concept: a multiverse of parallel Earths, each accessible through a device called a "Stepper." The story follows Joshua Valiente, an ordinary man who discovers his ability to traverse these infinite worlds with the guidance of the enigmatic AI, Lobsang. As they venture deeper into the multiverse, they encounter worlds with vastly different histories and futures, witnessing the rise and fall of civilizations and the evoluti...

Children of Ruin by Adrian Tchaikovsky My rating: 2 of 5 stars Review of Children of Ruin by Adrian Tchaikovsky Children of Ruin is a masterful sequel to Children of Time, continuing the author’s ambitious exploration of humanity’s legacy and the uncharted complexities of life beyond Earth. This novel dives deep into hard science fiction, weaving intricate themes of advanced technology, speculative biology, and the far-reaching consequences of human ambition. In Children of Ruin, a human-Portiid expedition—comprised of humans and their evolved spider allies—embarks on a journey to Damascus, a once-terraforming candidate planet now inhabited by a highly intelligent species of octopuses. Originally seeded by humanity with the intent of accelerated evolution, these octopuses have transformed into something extraordinary. Their society and technology showcase a rich cultural tapestry, both familiar and distinctly alien, and they possess a profound understanding of their world and the co...