Other Books you are currently reading?

Good point. Hadn't considered that...
In that case another book is almost a certainty.

 

Iain M Banks - Hydrogen Sonata
Finally got around to picking this up, love the Culture universe, especially the Ship classes and names.

 

I found that particular book to be a lovely swan song to the series.

It's themes wrap in perfectly with the end of Iain's life.

 

Just started reading (well listening) to Rendezvous with Rama by Arthur C Clarke, 10 chapters in.

Enjoying it so far. Rama so far is very mysterious and I'm looking forward to exploring it with the characters. Almost feels as if you are there with them.

 

Neapolitan novel series. Wasn't quite as taken with the third, but still looking forward to the final instalment.

 

Recently finished:

Robert Harris - The Fear Index
Ernest Cline - Armada
Richard Adams - Shardik
Stephen King - Finders Keepers

Currently reading:

Robert Harris - Enigma

 

Not there yet, I'm leaving it to last.

Working my way through Surface Detail currently; as ever, I have to concentrate [reading at bed time] as there's a lot going on.

 

Gilead by Marilynne Robinson. Incredible tone throughout the book.

 

Andy Weir - The Martian

At work, and I cant put it down! argh!!!! If it lasts the week I will be surprised...

 

I boght Player of Games on Kindle to reread it a couple of weeks ago since my friend stole my copy (don't worry, I've still got his Band of Brothers box-set).

 

...aaand finished. Damn that was a good read. Can. Not. Wait. For. The. Film.*

* if they f*ck it up, i'll kill 'em.

 

One of my favourite IMB books; I loved that and Consider Phlebas, but really didn't like the way Use of Weapons went.
Looks like you got the better end of the 'deal'

 

Just finished Ancillary Justice, Anne Leckie.

 

Started reading "Don't Sweat the small stuff" Omnibus

 

"The Shepherd's Crown"
I'm not ashamed to admit that I shed a tear or two when

Spoiler

Granny Weatherwax died

. I wonder whether that part was semi-autobiographical?

 

I've found the books that Baxter has written solo to be extremely wearisome full of turgid padding with characters I never care about.

I bought his Destiny's Children and Time's Tapestry series together with Flood and Ark based on his collaboration with Arthur C Clarke in the Time Odyssey trilogy and for the first time ever gave the whole lot to a charity shop after struggling to read them and without managing to finish most of them.

 

Finished listening to Rendezvous with Rama and was a very enjoyable "read". The ending leaves you wanting to know so much more.

There are 3 sequels co authored but get quite mixed reviews, will probably wait for a bargain price or check my local library before seeing what the next one is like, in case I don't like it.

In the meantime......

Started Abbadon's Gate the 3rd book in the Expanse series by James S A Corey, loved the first two books and looking forward to this one just as much. A few chapters in and the premise seems good. Hoping for another quality story.

 

I generally have no problem with Baxter's writing, but I do find that he tries to take on some rather odd/complex/crazy subject matter. If you liked his Time Odyssey colab with Clarke, then try the "Light of Other Days" (another colab with Clarke!).

With regard the series you mention:
Destiny's Children I've only read the first book and that was VERY weird, so haven't bothered with the latter books.
I haven't tried the Time's Tapestry series, so cant comment there.
I really liked Flood, but haven't got around to Ark

His NASA series is pretty good, especially Moonseed
But I do find I have to be in the right frame of mind to enjoy his work, more so than other authors (Pratchett, Clarke, Bova, Hamilton, Reynolds, Azimov) that almost get me into the right frame of mind...

I enjoyed them, they do get pretty odd at points but I feel that they successfully build on the mystery of RAMA.

Really need to get in to this series, especially with the TV series coming up...

 

The Voyager's handbook

 

Finished Enigma, great read!

Currently reading:

The Girl in the Spider's Web
Selling Hitler