Sci-Fi Group Book Club discussion

This is the discussion thread for the second book of the month, or group read, for December. Please remember to use the spoiler tags where necessary. The other group read topic for this month (The Ballad of Black Tom) can be found here.

I enjoyed this book very much when I read it almost 10 years ago. A great mix of ideas from philosophy and psychology. I remember the story much better than most books that I read that long ago.

Bill wrote: "I enjoyed this book very much when I read it almost 10 years ago. A great mix of ideas from philosophy and psychology. I remember the story much better than most books that I read that long ago."

Are you thinking of reading it again for the group read?

I probably will not get to it this month, since I have 4 other books to read before the end of the year, to complete a challenge in another group. 4 books per month is usually my limit.

Bill wrote: "I probably will not get to it this month, since I have 4 other books to read before the end of the year, to complete a challenge in another group. 4 books per month is usually my limit."

No problem. Four books a month is a good rate though.

I also read this book some years back, and really liked it. A lot of great concepts.

I've started on this and enjoying it so far, although it doesn't yet seem Lovecraftian me (as suggested by someone on SFF World). But it's early days. I like the wry humour of the storytelling and the characters seem pretty engaging.

I read Firefall, the omnibus edition of Blindsight and Echopraxia recently. I agree, it’s got some great ideas and I thoroughly enjoyed both books. I think I understand which are the Lovecraftian elements , I won’t include spoilers but it’s gets fairly head bendy and the nature of the alien.....thingy, which you won’t really get to until you read the sequel, reminds me a bit of P. K. Dick.

JuniperGreen ~✰Knowledge is Sexy✰~ wrote: "I finished a couple of days ago. Although the jargon's a bit over the top at times, I was positively surprised. The integration of vampires worked quite well, the creepy parts were creepy, and the ..."

Glad you liked Blindsight, Juniper! Feel free to suggest Echopraxia for next month's group read if you wish.

JuniperGreen ~✰Knowledge is Sexy✰~ wrote: "I finished a couple of days ago. Although the jargon's a bit over the top at times, I was positively surprised. The integration of vampires worked quite well, the creepy parts were creepy, and the ..."

I enjoyed Blindsight more than expected, too, JuniperGreen and once Theseus encountered the alien element interfering with each character's mind, I could see where Lovecraftian comparisons could be drawn. Really enjoyed the way the 1st person narrative leaves the reader in some doubt over the reality of the main character's perceptions - nice twist!

I bought the omnibus edition - Firefall - so currently reading Echopraxia that way. The characters are all different as we now start from Earth, but the writing style is similar enough to keep the continuity going. I'm only a short way through, but - so far - I would recommend reading Echopraxia if you enjoyed Blindsight.

I've also read The Horror at Red Hook, The Ballad of Black Tom and The Dreams in the Witch House in between the two Firefall novels for this month's reading group - that's a lot of reading, but I can't remember when I've enjoyed myself more! Thanks to everyone for this month's nominations!

JuniperGreen ~✰Knowledge is Sexy✰~ wrote: "Donna Rae wrote: "I bought the omnibus edition - Firefall - so currently reading Echopraxia that way. The characters are all different as we now start from Earth, but the writing style is similar e..."

Thanks for that, JumiperGreen - I wasn't aware of The Colonel as it doesn't appear in the omnibus edition. Looks like it certainly bridges a gap between the two novels.

Thanks, I am going to read that one now.