As social fiction (definition of cyberpunk by Gibson himself) this action-filled story may indeed work. Body mods subculture is what could come out of DIYbio grass roots efforts, and this happens now. What does not work, sadly, is that throwing CPU at biochem problems will get you an unquestionable result---it's always lab work that gives you the feedback from reality. But who knows? Maybe quantum computing can exactly simulate chemistry? Maybe this book will lead to an interest in biochem in a computer geek?
This interesting account of the Cuba invasion in 1898, from a first class observer, contradicts the glorious picture of what you can read about the subject in Wikipedia. Especially the army failed to do its logistics homework, with the result of many dead U.S. soldiers due to lack of transportation and all kind of the most important material. Apparently this was hushed since Spain surrendered anyway, but it should be appreciated more how close it all was to a devastating loss.
For the naval interested reader, this is a condensed account of a successful raider, from when there was neither radio nor much telegraph. It has important facts from the captain's diary augmented with all other things that became known afterwards. Not to be missed if you're into mil history.
Although an excellent read in the first half, I couldn't stand the improbable and contrived events in the second half, which was more like a Wilki Collins mystery. It may well be your fit, and it's worth a try.
Futrelle's Thinking Machine short stories, while distributed in a dozen titles here on manybooks, are quite worth the download. There may be a few with improbable events, but in general they are problem-solving detective stories in the best Sherlock Holmes tradition.
This and the "Black Eagle Mystery" from the same author were quite readable and believable detective stories that kept me on it till the end. Fine transcription too.
Great story set in the Texas cattle industry, where a texan entrepreneur and his outfits fight fraudsters on the trail. Unexpected surprise at the end.
Recent comments: User reviews