Comments on: REVIEW: The Solaris Book of New Science Fiction, Volume 2 edited by George Mann

By: Gary

Gary — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 20:50:17 +0000

I just finished this collection last week and now after reading your review, I feel pretty much vindicated in my own opinions.

I definitely agree that Moorcock’s piece was wasted space in this collection, having enjoyed so much of the others (although “50 Dinosaurs” was so odd and nightmare-ish I would have given up if not for Neal Asher’s presence). Whatever flavor those two represented reminds me of some of the more nauseating Berty Bott’s flavors (perhaps ear wax and boogie).

This anthology has led me to some new authors and series that I can’t wait to read.

Thanks for the great review!

By: John

John — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 20:22:16 +0000

Thanks for the flattering words, Jim. And just when I thought my head couldn’t get any bigger… (H)

By: Jim Shannon

Jim Shannon — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 20:11:01 +0000

John: I read your “On Reviewing Science Fiction” I like to “review” SF/F books I read as well but not to the informed and entertaining way you do. I’ve bought many books based on your reviews alone. Your book reviews are great:)

thanks

By: Fred Kiesche

Fred Kiesche — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:47:42 +0000

Mark, like I said…Rumor Control. I’m glad to get the word that the books are going to continue. Now I need to finish the collection (myself) and get a review up at TBG.

:^)

By: Blue Tyson

Blue Tyson — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 16:59:25 +0000

If you really dislike that one that much then yeah, you can probably pretty much skip Jerry Cornelius, I’d suggest, barring the odd very different appearance like in The Distant Suns.

By: Mark Newton

Mark Newton — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 16:13:41 +0000

“Solaris and Black Library both continue the plan continue the plan of world domination!”

However, we’re that excited, my sentences occasionally descend into buffoonery.

By: Mark Newton

Mark Newton — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 16:10:53 +0000

Well, that’s news to us!

BL Publishing trimmed our RPG imprint so we could concentrate on our hugely successful novel line. George Mann has been promoted to the top. Solaris and Black Library both continue the plan continue the plan of world domination!

By: Fred Kiesche

Fred Kiesche — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:36:33 +0000

Rumor Control has said that the Solaris line has been axed. I haven’t been able to verify this. Anybody?

Seeing that I just picked up several of their books (including this one), I’m hoping it is just a rumor!

By: John

John — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:24:51 +0000

@Jim: Check my review policies where I describe ratings. Basically 1/2/3/4/5 = bad/mediocre/good/very good/great. Anything 3 and above is worth the read; missing a 2-star story is no big deal. Less than 2 and you'll miss nothing by skipping it. Overall, the anthology is worth the read, but each story supports that to varying degrees. @ Derek: Agreed, though I imagine there are some folks - particularly those who read the Jerry Cornelius books - who might disagree.

By: Derek

Derek — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:38:46 +0000

The inclusion of the (long) Moorcock story ruins an other wise excellent collection.

By: Jim Shannon

Jim Shannon — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:22:27 +0000

Um, just curious, if you enjoyed the book so much why only give it a mediocre rating?:^)