Maybe it’s unfair to expect every science fiction book I read to be on the same level as some of the greatest examples of the genre, but Planetfall barely even deserves to be shelved as science fiction.
The Consolation of Philosophy Review
Although it’s often described as being in the vein of one of Plato’s dialogues, the conversation between book-Boethius and Lady Philosophy reads like a cross between the style of Plato and the style of Dante.
The Man Who Knew Too Much Review
Modern science is a highly specialized discipline, and scientists are expected to be removed from their experiments. It is not the science of Hooke’s day.
Crossroads of Twilight Review
Long series aren’t for everyone, but if you’ve made it this far, I think it’s fair for an author to take advantage of the scope of the form to tell a story in a spanning way that shorter forms couldn’t support.
Leviticus Review
The rulebook-like nature of Leviticus is probably why you don’t see it referenced or quoted more often, or maybe it’s because people struggle to quote Biblical passages about wave-breasts and heave-thighs with a straight face.
On Benefits Review
“Benefits” seems to be the most common and literal translation, but you will also see it translated at times as “Charity,” “Generosity,” or “Giving.” One annotated version I came across titled it An Ancient Guide to Giving. Though perhaps less accurate than On Benefits, I think this last might be the most appropriate.
Life of Marcus Cato the Elder Review
It paints a rather different picture of the famous Roman statesman than is perhaps suggested from simply reading On Agriculture. Quiet descriptions of the infinite utility of cabbage somehow don’t lead one to think of a man who would conclude every public speech with the line “and Carthage must be destroyed.”
On Agriculture Review
It is also interesting to note that Cato, like many of his Roman contemporaries, successors, predecessors, and others in different places and times well into the modern day, lauded the agrarian lifestyle as the pinnacle of human thriving.
Winter’s Heart Review
Nine books into Wheel of Time, a series famous for its length and detail, I found myself thinking the series could really be longer.
Exodus Review
Most all of us are probably familiar already with its most famous and iconic moments, but that does not mean there are not still fresh insights to be gained by reading the story straight through.
IGC Publishing 