robot Archives

#SciFi Worth Reading: Klara and the Sun #BookReview

Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro

If you’re looking for a science fiction worth reading book, this is a novel you won’t want to miss. This thought-provoking and deeply emotional, this work of fiction is a testament to the power of storytelling, and it explores themes of love, sacrifice, and what it means to be human.

Set in a not-too-distant future, Klara and the Sun follows the story of an Artificial Friend named Klara, who is designed to provide companionship to children. Through her unique perspective, Klara becomes increasingly aware of the complexities of human emotions and relationships.

Ishiguro is a master storyteller, and his writing style is both sparse and precise, yet it conveys a tremendous amount of emotion and depth. His ability to peel away layers of the story, revealing unexpected depths and complexities, is truly remarkable. The result is a wothy work of science fiction that transcends the genre and speaks to the human experience.

The novel is a reminder that even in a world that is increasingly driven by technology, human emotions and relationships remain at the heart of our existence. That’s a worthy epiphany to walk away with and chew on when reading time is over.

Overall, Klara and the Sun is a science fiction worth reading that deserves all the accolades it has received. It is a deeply moving and engaging work of fiction. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who is looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant read.

Book Blurb:

Here is the story of Klara, an Artificial Friend with outstanding observational qualities, who, from her place in the store, watches carefully the behavior of those who come in to browse, and of those who pass on the street outside. She remains hopeful that a customer will soon choose her. Klara and the Sun is a thrilling book that offers a look at our changing world through the eyes of an unforgettable narrator, and one that explores the fundamental question: what does it mean to love?

Home: Habitat, Range, Niche, Territory, A Murderbot Short Story: #BookReview #scifi #scifibooks #sciencefiction #BookLover

Book Review, Science Fiction Books, Space Opera / By M Pax / March 14, 2023

“Home: Habitat, Range, Niche, Territory” by Martha Wells was a treat I saved for my first chemo treatment. What better companion for battle than Murderbot? Of course, I loved it. Murderbot is my new obsession. As a treat, I pre-ordered the next book due out at end of November. Not only am I excited about the new novel, but I’ll be done with chemo then, done with surgery, and done or nearly done with radiation. So come quickly end of November!

“Home” is a fascinating and thought-provoking short story that expands the world of the Murderbot series in new ways. Unlike previous installments, the story is not told from Murderbot’s perspective, but rather from the point of view of Dr. Mensah, the human who freed him at the end of book one. This story takes place between books 1 and 2 in the timeline.

The story explores the concept of “home” and what it means for different characters in the series. From the perspective of humans, “home” can be a place of safety and security, while for bots like Murderbot, it can be a more elusive concept, tied more to personal freedom and autonomy.

One of the strengths of “Home” is Wells’ ability to create vivid and compelling characters in just a few pages. Despite the brevity of the story, each character is well-drawn and fully realized, with their own motivations and desires.

Wells continues to expand and deepen the world of the series. The themes of family, belonging, and identity are explored in a nuanced and compelling way, making for a satisfying and thought-provoking read.

If there’s one downside to “Home,” it’s that the story is over too soon. Of course, I wanted more. I always want more Murderbot. For a person who doesn’t usually care for robot stories, I’m quite surprised that this series has become such an obsession for me. This story made me laugh out loud a few times. Not an easy feat with chemo drugs being pumped into your veins. Murderbot is always good for some laughs. It has a sense of humor. So yeah, go read you some Murderbot.

Ooo! And here’s the cover of the next one. Can’t wait!

#SciFi Worth Reading: All Systems Red #BookReview

Book Review, Science Fiction Books / By M Pax / April 26, 2022

Robot stories aren’t usually my thing, but All Systems Red: The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells changed my mind.

Murderbot was easy to identify with and to root for. It just wants to be left in peace to watch TV but is forced to figure out what it wants. The clients it is contracted to watch over end up in a pickle, and Murderbot decides to help.

Murderbot can ignore its programming and surprises itself by continuing to assist its humans.

The story stirs up all sorts of questions. What is life? If it can think and feel, does it have rights? Mostly, what will Murderbot do now?

I’m so curious, I ordered the second book. Yup, it was that good. There was suspense and action, and I got to spend some time on an alien planet. All pluses for me.

I would recommend this book, however, t’s a short one. It doesn’t take long to devour it. It’s also a pricey series.

“As a heartless killing machine, I was a complete failure.”

In a corporate-dominated spacefaring future, planetary missions must be approved and supplied by the Company. Exploratory teams are accompanied by Company-supplied security androids, for their own safety.

But in a society where contracts are awarded to the lowest bidder, safety isn’t a primary concern.

On a distant planet, a team of scientists are conducting surface tests, shadowed by their Company-supplied ‘droid — a self-aware SecUnit that has hacked its own governor module, and refers to itself (though never out loud) as “Murderbot.” Scornful of humans, all it really wants is to be left alone long enough to figure out who it is.

But when a neighboring mission goes dark, it’s up to the scientists and their Murderbot to get to the truth.

#SciFi #MovieReview : Zone 414

Movie Review, Science Fiction Movie / By M Pax / February 12, 2022

A daughter goes missing in the only place where humans and androids are allowed to interact. It’s a zone free from crime. So the creator of the androids says…

It’s actually not a bad movie. If you think ‘Blade Runner’ through the whole thing, you’d not be mistaken. The setting and parts of the story seem inspired by Blade Runner. And also by Logan’s Run. At least, Husband Unit and I thought so.

This movie has the slowest moving taxi in the galaxy, and the Husband Unit and I think that should be a movie of its own. It made us laugh every time it came on screen.

I had to wonder why androids would smoke or eat or drink, but logic isn’t required to have fun watching a movie. Otherwise, very few movies would be fun.

Parts of the plot could have been bridged more smoothly, but the ending didn’t make us groan or want to throw something. So, that’s always a good thing.

There was some good social commentary if you wanted to give any thought that way to the topics stirred up by the plot.

We give this movie a 1.5 beer rating.

Here’s the trailer:

#SciFi #MovieReview : Space Sweepers

Movie Review, Science Fiction Movie, Space Opera / By M Pax / December 14, 2021

A fun adventure set in space, with lots of space action, Space Sweepers is a fun watch.

It was a little long and the backstories were a bit clumsily done, but I felt like I was in space through the whole film. And, the backstories add a lot to the plot and the story on an emotional level. It made it easier to connect with the characters.

On first impression, the main characters are not people you want to know, but their job isn’t pleasant. They’re outlaws and have few ethics. As we learn more about them, they become more likable, and I rooted for their victory.

The movie starts with a trip up into orbit on a space elevator. We stay in space for the rest of the movie. Sweepers clean up space debris in orbit and earn very little for their efforts. In fact, they often end up further in debt.

The plot centers around them stumbling across a very valuable piece of space debris. It can earn them a fortune and change their lives. The sticking point… the debris is alive.

There’s lots of action, fast flying ships, battle explosions, bad guys, adversaries, and adventure. The world-building is very well done, and I loved the way it ended.

Space Sweepers is definitely worth a watch. And, you don’t need beer!

This movie gets the coveted ‘beer is optional’ rating. It’s currently on Netflix.

#SciFi #Movie Review : Assasin

Movie Review, Science Fiction Movie / By M Pax / March 31, 2021

My memories of the drive-in are what inspires my love of hokey, cheesy movies. Youthful years spent sitting in the backseat of a car with my friends, our bare feet over the front seat, a paper grocery sack filled with candy and junk food, frosty sodas and beers in a cooler, and a movie we didn’t care about on the screen. The night was more about laughing, making ourselves sick on sugar, and talking.

The sillier the movie, the more fun we had. That’s why I still love watching that genre of movie. My husband is a good sport and often watches them with me. Basically, we watch them so you don’t have to. First up, Assassin!

1986, a made for TV movie, starring Robert Conrad. A retired agent from an Intelligence Agency is contacted by the Agency in order to stop an ultra-secret robot who is killing some government officials.

This movie was on the same disc as THE CRATER LAKE MONSTER. Its feel ala The Six Million Dollar Man caught our attention, so we watched.

Was it great? No, but we had fun watching it thinking of bionic people. The plot really lags for a bit before the big finale, but overall it was good-bad. Be on the look out for the creepy shoulder touch. What? Husband Unit is still laughing. You’ll have to watch.

I give this a ONE BEER rating. One is enough to have fun watching the ASSASSIN.