Late last night I finished John Scalzi's novella The God Engines. It wasn't because of its length that I started late. I had to stay up to finish as it was so utterly engrossing. Scazli completely surprised me with the settings, characters, and stark darkness he created. I've always found his work very entertaining with an often lighthearted bent not found in most other Sci-Fi. Who else would have the impetuous of a story center around a fart joke? Yet with The God Engines he clearly wanted to try not only a different genre, but an entirely new mindset. Scalzi still manages to sneak in some wonderful Sci-Fi elements into his Fantasy such as setting the story mainly in space, which I haven't seen before but it works beautifully. If Scalzi doesn't write more stories in this universe it would truly be a crime against Fantasy. I've already seen The God Engines on some lists being nominated for the Nebula award and it would certainly get my vote if I were eligible. Sub Press has sent the trade hardcover back for a second printing, which they seldom do so get it while you can.
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Rarely do I mention a book when I've only just begun, but I feel so strongly about Paul Hoffman's Fantasy debut The Left Hand of God that I had couldn't hold back. The amount of world-building is staggering considering I am only a few chapters in. The main character Cale has never been shown kindness living in the strictest setting imaginable yet he is still impertinent and snarky. Mark my words when this is released in the US this summer it will make waves. Right now it reminds me of The Name of the Wind only about ten times darker. If Abercrombie and Rothfuss had a baby it might write something as screwed up as The Left Hand of God. I can only hope the story keeps up to the extraordinary start, but so far the hype is well deserved. I'll most likely do a full review when I'm done. FYI: My thoughts changed dramatically about this book once I got further.You Might Also Like:
Covers Unveiled for The Left Hand of God by Paul Hoffman
10 Facts About John Scalzi
LOOKING FORWARD | Fantasy Books to Watch for in 2010
Both of these sound really good. You're right about the cover of TLHOG, the UK cover is much better.
ReplyDeleteAs I get deeper into Left Hand of God I'm still enthralled. The word choice is a little on the simplistic side so makes it read a bit like a Thriller, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Not sure how much I'll get to read this weekend though. I am finally moving back into my house after 3 months. Woo hoo!
ReplyDeleteHappy National Hat Day Hatter!
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