2011 Book Review #4: The Difference Engine

Title: The Difference Engine
Author: William Gibson and Bruce Sterling
Genre: Steampunk
Thingummies: 3 (5 for world-building, 1 for PISSING ME THE HELL OFF)

Synopsis: In one of the first steampunk novels (written in 1991), the founder of cyberpunk suckers you in with the promise of an adventure novel, and then repeatedly slips into experimental fiction for no good reason. More usefully, in Victorian London, Lady Ada and Charles Babbage ushered in the computer age a century early. A whore with a heart of something, a paleontologist who wants to grow up to be in a Clive Cussler book, and a spy who really should have been used better sort of go haring off after a MacGuffin that never really justifies its existence. Entire book ends in a whimper, that made me whimper. Utter waste of a fascinating premise that ends up feeling like the authors invited you over to movie night, you walked in, and then they wanked off in your face.

Thoughts: ( No, really, so what did you think? )

2011 Book review #5: Lirael

Title: Lirael
Author: Garth Nix
Genre: Second in YA fantasy trilogy
Thingummies: 4

Synopsis: Having never inherited the Sight of her clan, Lirael contented herself with working in the Great Library. She's a little more active with her magic than her fellow librarians realize, though. Prince Sameth, on the other hand, is not as active as he should be. After a disastrous encounter with a necromancer, he finds himself unable to take up the responsibilities that have been his since birth. Lirael and Sameth each feel like they were born in the wrong place, unable to do the tasks they're supposed to. But when a necromancer threatens the safety of the Old Kingdom, they will each need to make do with the gifts they have, not the ones they want.

Thoughts: ( So, what did you think? )