The SF-O Book Club

[Clearwater]

I decided to create this topic so we can share the books and stories we've read to everyone on SF-O, and review any new books we like or that have just been released. These can be from normal books, to fan-fics, and I suppose point-and-click games can be part of it, seeing how there's usually a lot of story in those kind of games. Here's what I'm currently reading:

 

NORMAL BOOK: The Hunger Games - Catching Fire

 

The second part of Suzane Collin's fantastic Hunger Games trilogy. When Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark make it back

to their homes in District 12 in one piece, they, President Snow, Haymitch (Their coach) and their families soon realize a revolution is at hand, because of how the 74th Hunger Games ended, with two victors instead of one. To get rid of the pests who started all this, President Snow calls together all the previous winners of the Hunger Games as the combattants to celebrate the 75th Hunger Games. Soon Katniss and Peeta realize that they cannot win without each other, and soon they and their new 'allies' hatch a plan to escape from the arena.

 

MY REVIEW: 9.1/10. It's a fantastic book, and I love the cliffhanger ending leading into the final book, Mockingjay. The only thing I don't like about it is perhaps the book doesn't spend enough time in the arena.

 

POINT-AND-CLICK: Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge

 

The sequel to The Secret Of Monkey Island. Now that he has achieved legendary status, Guybrush Threepwood, Legendary Pirate© sets off to make himself even more known by finding the hidden treasure, Big Whoop, but soon realizes that LeChuck

is not finished yet...

 

MY REVIEW: 8.2/10. A very funny game adds a lot of points to the score and the swordfight insults/comebacks are hilarious, but I don't really understand the ending. Maybe because it's not how it's depicted in the 3rd game in the series, The Curse Of Monkey Island.

[Gestalt]

The Story of an Hour is decent short story most definitely worth your time and thought, there afterwards.

[Snys93]

Finally, a book thread. (squeeee)

 

Dune aka Dune Chronicle #1

 

   Written by Frank Herbert in 1965, Dune is a science fiction epic of war, mystery and prophecy. Part of a series of novels that have inspired generations of writers and filmmakers alike.

 

   Description: In the year 10191, the most precious substance in all the universe is the spice Melange. The spice extends life and expands consciousness to anyone who digests it and breaths it. The spice is also vital to space travel. The Spacing Guild and its navigators, who the spice has mutated over 4,000 years use the spice, which gives them the ability to fold space, literally thinking their way to any destination...without even moving.

 

   The spice exists on only one planet in the entire universe. Arrakis, also known as Dune. A desolate, dry planet with vast deserts. Hidden away within the rocks of these deserts are a people known as the Fremen, who have long held that a man would come, a messiah who would lead them to true freedom.

 

   And most importantly, whomever controls the spice controls the universe.

 

 

 

 

   My Thoughts: Think Game of Thrones in space. Though I personally like the book, it can drag on for a little too long. Some dialog can be a difficult to understand as the lines between philosophy, symbolism and down to earth logic can smudge. Keep an open mind and try not to take much of what is being said as literal. The character development is what truly carries the story, while the blood feud between the Houses of Atreides and Harkonnen makes up for the sketchy pace. I still stand by it as a scifi classic.

 

   There are two film adaptions, one for theaters and the other made for TV, but I recommend you read atleast the first book before watching them. It will effect your viewing experience for the worst if you don't, because you won't know just what the hell is going on. Personally the book is better.

 

 

 

   Rating: I give it a good but fair 7/10. Its slow in spots, a bit confusing, but ultimately a good read.