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Ahoy, Critterfolk!
New entry May 28
Critter Notices
Books from Critters!
Check out Books by Critters for books by your fellow Critterfolk, as well as my list of recommended books for writers.
How to Write SF
The Craft of Writing Science Fiction that Sells by Ben Bova, best-selling author and six-time Hugo Award winner for Best Editor. (This is one of the books your ol' Critter Captain learned from himself, and I highly recommend it.) (Also via Amazon)
The Sigil Trilogy
If you're looking for an amazing, WOW! science fiction story, check out THE SIGIL TRILOGY. This is — literally — one of the best science fiction novels I've ever read.
Interviewed!
I was interviewed live on public radio for Critters' birthday, for those who want to listen.
Free Web Sites
Free web sites for authors (and others) are available at www.nyx.net.
ReAnimus Acquires Advent!
ReAnimus Press is pleased to announce the acquisition of the legendary Advent Publishers! Advent is now a subsidiary of ReAnimus Press, and we will continue to publish Advent's titles under the Advent name. Advent was founded in 1956 by Earl Kemp and others, and has published the likes of James Blish, Hal Clement, Robert Heinlein, Damon Knight, E.E. "Doc" Smith, and many others. Advent's high quality titles have won and been finalists for several Hugo Awards, such as The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and Fantasy and Heinlein's Children. Watch this space for ebook and print editions of all of Advent's current titles!
Book Recommendation
THE SIGIL TRILOGY: The universe is dying from within... "Great stuff... Really enjoyed it." — SFWA Grandmaster Michael Moorcock
Announcing ReAnimus Press
If you're looking for great stuff to read from bestselling and award-winning authors—look no further! ReAnimus Press was founded by your very own Critter Captain. (And with a 12% Affiliate program.) [More]
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FEATURED BOOK
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Comments
Comments for: First Born Sons, Vincent Meis, Spectrum Books, https://www.amazon.com/First-Born-Sons-Vincent-Traughber-ebook/dp/B0B6T5WWHK
The comments below are from those who voted for this entry. (To add a comment, visit the voting page and vote for this entry.)
There is a lot to unpack from this novel. First, I came into this novel not having read anything from Meis. So, that may have had me at a disadvantage. First Born Sons has several characters that we follow through out the story, which can be distracting at times, but overall all the characters are handled well, which I liked. Also, all the characters are related and intermingle through out the story, which made it much easier to follow. And I found that I liked each of the characters and felt like they were real people. Typically, I don’t read contemporary novels (I prefer something fun to help me escape from reality) so this novel would not have been my first pick. That said, I’m glad I did read it. I found a lot of the characters easy to relate to and enjoyable to read about. I can’t pick out a favorite, because I don’t feel close to any of them, but I did enjoy learning about them. If you haven’t figured out from the blurb, this book takes place right before the pandemic and ends while the pandemic is still going, but things are opening back up and everyone is learning to deal with our new reality. Given the nature of the story, I had to wonder if the novel would stand the test of time, but then I figured that people could read this story to learn a bit about what the pandemic was like during this time. First Born Sons, is well written and the tail is engaging overall, however I’m not a big fan of being hit over the head with a writer’s message or opinion. I prefer to have the message be vague and open to interpretation as well as come about naturally and organically, sadly First Born Sons is all about the message the author wants you to learn, which bothered me. I also, felt the book could be heavy handed at times with the message. Despite sensing what was coming I was disappointed to be proven correct. I think there may have been another way to achieve the author’s goal. I will say that I agree 100% with the message of the story, which made the constant beating of the drum bearable and, for me, forgivable. Perhaps this is my own bias and privilege speaking, so take it for what it’s worth. In total if you enjoy gay contemporary stories that touch on a variety of lives with a clever weaving narrative, then this is the book for you. I highly recommend it.