Bookworm Press

5 Minutes by Gareth Stokes

I am not exactly a sci-fi fan but I read a few novels in that genre I really enjoyed, one being 5 Minutes by Gareth Stokes.

Here is my review:

More than 5 minutes worth of excitement.

This is a novel of epic proportions which deals with events in Russian history of the early twentieth century and stretches far into the future to the planet Excel and the Five Moons. The inhabitants of these places are descendents of “old Earth,” mixed in with robots, talking spaceships, and characters which are part human and part machine. These worlds are far ahead of earth as far as technology is concerned and yet they deal with the same problems their ancestors struggle with and their leaders remind us of our modern corrupt and power-hungry politicians.

Empress Lydia, the ruler of Excel, wants to destroy Earth as an act of revenge for the murder of her children when she was tsarina in Russia. She is even ready to sacrifice her daughter who opposes her plan. Her husband, a gentler creature, tries to reign in her hatred and her violent leanings. Marielle, her daughter, escapes with Pegasus, the talking spaceship and attempts to thwart her mother’s plans. While all this turmoil and warfare is going in outer space, a young child by the name of Amy is cruelly abused by her foster father. But it is Amy, vulnerable but tenacious and lovable, who becomes an important instrument in saving Earth.

5 Minutes is full of dark and at the same time humorous and crazy incidences. The characters, whether human or machine-like, are vividly portrayed and genuine. One of the funniest parts for me is the verbal exchange between Pegasus, the talking computer which controls the spaceship, and Marielle, the commander of the ship.

Lovers of sci-fi will really enjoy this story as well as readers who are looking for a good adventure novel with a deeper meaning, because in essence the story deals with very “human” problems: greed, corruption, and the hunger for power as well as the power of love. One word of caution: the novel is quite long, so set enough time aside to be able to enjoy it.

In other words, the perfect book to get lost in during our stay-at-home time.

More to follow. Stay safe and healthy!

The Jennifer Project by Larry Enright

Larry Enright has written many excellent novels in a variety of genres. The Jennifer Project is futuristic story about present-day reality. Others that I loved are The Transcriber, the series The Adventures of Walter Stickle, FIN, A Cape May Diamond, The Blacker Death. I picked my review of The Jennifer Project as example. Here it is:

Dr. Deever MacClendon, a brilliant scientist, who speaks and acts like a hippy, develops together with the help of his best friend/sometime-lover, Dr. Jennifer Crane, a close-to-human, highly intelligent “machine” he names “Jennifer.” His ultimate goal is to use it to create a better world where people don’t have the power to hurt one another. The powers that be (corporations, the government) want to use his invention to achieve—what else?—power and money. MacClendon, a good, kind-hearted guy sees himself forced to deceive and manipulate in order to keep his invention from getting into the wrong hands. Jennifer—his invention—supports him and Dr. Crane “wholeheartedly.” Will MacClendon succeed or will his invention cause the destruction of the world? Will he be able to save his human friend and lover, Dr. Crane? Who is really in charge here? MacClendon? The Corporations? The Resistance (those who fight the government)? Jennifer, the invention? Well, you have to read the book to find out.

This is a fascinating novel, full of “groovy” sixties-like language and humorous situations. But it is also a serious book that portrays the human evils—cruelty, greed, egomania—as well as the power of love and compassion. Lots of scientific research must have gone into this story. Since I am scientifically handicapped, I have no idea how much of it is real, but it sounds authentic!

As in the other of Larry Enright’s books, the colorful, quirky, flawed but lovable, very funny characters keep you entertained from beginning to end. Perfect! I loved it!

If this review triggered your curiosity, check out this fascinating author. Click on the book cover above or the book link here: The Jennifer Project.

Stay safe and sane during these difficult times and stay tuned for more excellent reads in the coming weeks.