Sea of Rust

C. Robert Cargill

Cargill has created a post-human world that is populated by machines. In following the narrator (Brittle) as a freebot who scavenges for parts in the central plains (the Sea of Rust), we get a picture of what life is like for these beings. And with the occasional flashback or memory retrieval, we see how this world came to be. The primary conflict in the world is between the giant mainframes who are competing to become the One World Intelligence by assimilating all the memories and experiences of all other AI machines. Definitely a Borg origin story vibe going on here. Brittle, on the other hand, is a free and independent AI, and is striving to stay that way. She has some serious similarities to Martha Wells' Murderbot. It should not be surprising, that since this is a story of the early independence of sentient AI's, we get to explore the existential questions of life, and meaning, and identity. By integrating these themes with great action and characters, Cargill really hit this one out of the park. 

4 stars (out of 4)

Take Back the Sky

Greg Bear

War Dogs Book 3

The final chapter, Venn and company are on their way to the Antag homeworld (the Sun-Planet), in a Guru built (grown?) ship. The new allies have a goal of saving both the Sun-Planet and Earth from Guru/Keeper meddling once and for all. But even at this point in the story, no one really understands what is going on with this alien life form. So as a reader, we are are also given hints about some crazy alien-ness that puts us in Venn's shoes of perpetual confusion. The first half of this final installment is really good, carrying the story forward. But after that, I began to get the sense that there wasn't really a way to end this well. That is, with clever resolution. So while there is ultimately resolution, I was left flat at the end. I will still recommend the trilogy overall since the vision of the aliens in our solar system is astounding. 

3 stars (out of 4)

Killing Titan

Greg Bear

War Dogs Book 2

Venn is back on earth, in quarantine custody based on his exposure to the Martian toxin. And while it is messing with his head, he is also gaining access to some strange information. Eventually he moves (or is moved) on to the next phase of his VIP involvement with the war against the Antags. This includes another drop onto Mars (to verify his toxin based knowledge) and then on to Titan based on that intel. Each step in the journey reveals more about the nature of the war, the players in the solar system. But we end only with the promise of something. I love the world created here, with the weapons and survival methods and tools developed for the harsh environments of Mars and Titan. Can't wait for the conclusion. 

4 stars (out of 4)

War Dogs

Greg Bear

War Dogs Book 1

Sergeant Michael Venn is a Skyrine (a member of the US Military branch that specializes in space warfare). He has dropped 3 times onto Mars and is about to begin his 4th deployment. The war is between humans and an alien species, referred to as Antagonists. We don't really know where they came from, or what they want. But apparently stopping them at Mars is essential. Apparently since the intel comes from another alien species (the Gurus) who are friendly to earth and dole out high tech secrets to aid in the war effort. It is their advice that the war is essential. Very much feels like an imperial analog to US imperialism in SE Asia in the 60's and 70's. On this 4th drop to Mars for Venn, everything goes wrong and his team of survivors discovers some strange stuff on planet and gain some strange allies. This is high quality space-war storytelling.

4 stars (out of 4)

Gold of our Fathers

Kwei Quartey

Darko Dawson is a police inspector in Ghana. If you want a quick feel for what you will get, think of a Ghanian Harry Bosch. Dawson is a bit of an arrogant investigator, but it is earned based on the results he gets. In this story he is transferred to a new city and a homicide immediately lands on his desk. A Chinese gold miner's body has been dug up from his mining pit, hands tied behind his back. While in many ways a standard police detective drama, Dawson also plays the role of one of the few incorruptible officers in the Ghanian Police (or entire Ghanian gov't for that matter). Quartey does an excellent job of evoking an understanding of what, for me, is a foreign world and simultaneously putting illegal immigration and police conduct on the table (which are relevant social issues globally). These issues in a context different than mine help to add perspective and interest. Definitely a fun read. 

4 stars (out of 4)

Supernova Era

Cixin Liu

When a supernova sends deadly radiation toward earth, and when said radiation kills all adults, what happens next. This novel by Liu is telling that story, a world inhabited and run by children. Sort of a modern telling of Lord of the Flies. Most of the novel is told from the perspective of the Chinese, and when the Americans enter the scene, stereotypes abound (not incorrectly I think). In the end, what is really useful/interesting about this story is the reimagining of the value of children and imagination and play in terms of creativity and productivity and general happiness. Absolutely a fun sci-fi read, probably even if you are not really into sci-fi. 

4 stars (out of 4)

Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning

Cathy Park Hong

An outstanding book. Hong refers to it as an essay, but is a bit memoir, a bit sociology, a bit historical reflection/interpretation. She is a poet who is describing her journey of discovery about how to integrate her Asian identity into her art, without letting it become the identity of her art. It is an illuminating exploration of immigration, integration, race and identity. While I can't really quote any particular story or moral, I do feel like I have a bit more insight into Hong's experience as an Asian American, and I am thankful for her publishing this work. For me, it is likely a read-again book to catch what I missed the first time.

4 stars (out of 4)