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Robots of Gotham

This is good stuff, exploring society in a very “Terminator” future after the puny humans make peace with the machines.

As you can imagine, it doesn’t go well.

The whole story is a thrilling action flick in book form, with cool robots and conspiracies and things blowing up. Read it while walking in slow-motion away from an explosion.

I’m also very pleased with the extensive backstory, with the 2083 Sovereignty Matrix explaining what countries are ruled by which robots (my home state of Alabama is still ruled by a human! That’s a refreshing change (sick burn directed at my own home state.)

One quibble: The title “Robots of Gotham” sounds like it would be an awesome Batman story. The word “Gotham,” perhaps, should be off limits. People may expect certain things from such a story. Well, one certain thing.

Granted, if the title gets one person to pick it up thinking “Batman,” but delivers robots and conspiracies instead, that’s not a bad tradeoff.

The Spaceship Next Door

This one could have been a movie in the 80s; it has the same tone as “Goonies” and the same sense of amazement as “Flight of the Navigator.”

It stars a fearless teenager in a town where a spaceship landed, and then didn’t do anything for years.

It’s the “for years” part where everything gets good. Of course, the spaceship finally does stuff.

This story is thrilling, funny, and heartwarming.

Uncorking a Murder by Michael Carlon

This is a murder mystery that is in tune with current culture, the idea of which blows my mind.

Most standard-issue murder mysteries exist outside of a time period, but this one is so of the moment, and also so good.

It’s about a murder investigating podcast, like Serial and others of its ilk. For story purposes, naturally, hijinks ensue and the host gets involved with a real life case.

The story goes down a dark corner after that, into intensely thrilling action, drama, and conspiracy stuff. It’s a quick, fun read.

And conveniently, unlike podcasts, you don’t have to use your ears for anything.

The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

Author R.F. Kuang has introduced a fantasy world bursting at the seams with imagination.

As I read, I could see the wheels turning in Kuang’s head, as if the author could not wait to tell the reader about the next thing.

The story is inspired by Chinese history, and presents an epic fantasy world of war, gods, and a female hero’s journey from poverty.

The Poppy War is a delight. I’ve already recommended it to a dozen people. I can’t wait for more from this world and this author.