Book Probe: The Wild Dead, Nuomenon Infinity, Metal Chest

You need new geek-centric books. These are the books you need. Get them at the linkage. No thanks necessary.

The Wild Dead is another book set in the post-apocalyptic world of Carrie Vaughn’s “Bannerless,” which I described as a “Reese’s Cup style combination of two great tastes… murder mystery and post-apocalypse.”

This one is a crime drama that happens to be set after the apocalypse. Amid the post-apocalypse, when do people find a space in their schedules for murder? That’s just not good time management.

In spite of all the murder and the post-apocalypse, this story is surprisingly optimistic and sweet. Author Carrie Vaughn digs into her heroes and finds goodness and persistence, not fatalism and pathos.

I admit, I was a little bummed out that my advance review copy promises “map TK.” I love maps of fantasy & sci-fi worlds. So this one will be even better when it goes on sale for normal humans, because of the maps, I’m sure of it.

Metal Chest by Chris Yee

Metal Chest is a story about a robot and a guy roaming an apocalyptic wasteland (that’s the best kind of wasteland.)

But it feels like a Western, and the characters behave like they’re in a Western. By that, I mean the characters and the setting are clearly established through dialogue, which is such a refreshing change from paragraphs and paragraphs of descriptions.

Here’s an example: “Clunkers like you won’t get very far if you stick to being friendly all the time. You got to look after yourself. Put everybody else second. They’ll all leave you dead in the dirt.”

That tells you everything you need to know about the speaker and the one he’s talking to. And it’s just one line. The book contains lots more than one line.

The whole thing is a terrific exercise in subverting tropes. More than that, it celebrates Westerns while also being a fine example of one.

I’m going to need to see more from author Chris Yee. But in the meantime, Metal Chest is worth a reread, preferably with your boots kicked off by a campfire.

Nuomenon Infinity by Marina Lostetter

Nuomenon Infinity is a second book in a series of mosaic novels, containing shorter stories that all take place in the same world.

In this case, it’s about two space convoys, one launched by a space consortium and another a ragtag fleet thought lost, both of which address the story from different directions.

And now that 70s song “Convoy” is stuck in my head.

Both stories are thrilling and crammed with action, with echoes of “Firefly” and “Battlestar Galactica.” Like those shows, these books are surprisingly, effectively human. The story really sticks it to your emotions. I cried a time or two. Then I read in the author’s afterword that she named one character after the Orlando nightclub shooting victims, and cried again.

That’s good stuff, right there.

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Book Probe: Robots of Gotham, Spaceship Next Door, The Poppy War

Posted on June 17, 2018 by joecrowe

Book Probe is where new books come to get found. Your next enjoyable book is right here, without the hassle of having to pick one yourself. Trust Book Probe. Book Probe is your friend.

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.

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RevSF Review: Personal Space (2018 Series)

Posted on March 12, 2018 by joecrowe

Personal Space is just plain fun.

It’s a sci-fi comedy-drama in 28 five-minute episodes, and it’s streaming on Amazon Prime right now. Five minutes is the kind of time investment that I can really get behind.

Check out Personal Space on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079SJZBYX/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_0

Personal Space is about a crew on a generation ship that talks to a therapy computer– but since the ship launched, reality show makers bought the ship from the space program, and are broadcasting it to Earth. Some serious stuff on the ship is juxtaposed with the very funny, goofy reality show parts that are happening on Earth, unknown to the crew.

The crew serves in 25-year shifts, but this time the leader of the previous crew– the late, great Battlestar Galactica star Richard Hatch– doesn’t want to pass the baton to the new captain. Naturally, hijinks ensue.

The ensemble stars Nicki Clyne, who was Cally Tyrol on the revived Battlestar Galactica, as well as Kurt Yaeger, Greg the Peg from Sons of Anarchy, Tim Russ from Star Trek Voyager, and Cliff Simon, Ba’al from Stargate SG-1.

The show is dedicated to Mr. Hatch. I met him a handful of times at Dragon Con’s American Sci-Fi Classics track, and he was unfailingly brilliant, funny, and personable.

In a way, it’s tough to watch Personal Space because of Hatch’s passing. More so, though, it’s cool to see him here. He’s clearly having a ball along with this really cool cast.

The creators thought too hard about the intricate details and backstory of the show, and I mean that as an extreme compliment. The story establishes in a timeline where humans went to the stars in the 1990s, complete with a Ronald Reagan voiceover.

The 28 episodes range from silly to serious, then back to silly, in each episode. It’s well worth the binging vortex you will find yourself in.

Stream the whole series now on Amazon.

Now Go Here:

On Twitter: PersonalSp_ce

On Facebook: PersonalSpaceSeries

On Tumblr: PersonalSpace

On Instagram: PersonalSp_ce

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Movie Probe: Prodigy (2018)

Posted on March 9, 2018 by joecrowe

Movie Probe eliminates troublesome freedom of choice from your movie watching experience. Prodigy is good. Watch it now. See? Totally easy.

Prodigy (2018)

Watch this movie with a friend, preferably one who is not easily terrified.

Prodigy is a thriller starring an analyst talking to a creepy kid. Well, that’s how it starts.

It’s the kind of story that might have been at home in 20-something minutes on The Twilight Zone. But here, it plays out slowly over the course of a feature-length span. It’s not padded; it’s deliberately drawn out, exploring all the angles of the Creepy Kid-style story.

However, unlike the usual method in those movies — showing zany examples of how crazy the kid is– it delves into the psychology of it all.

It’s deep human drama laced with horror and sci-fi that I was not at all expecting.

Savannah Liles, who plays the kid, is a superstar. She is terrifying. I mean that as a compliment.

The film is essentially a two-person discussion. It could be a stage play. The analyst and the kid put on a master-class performance that evolves and unravels .

In other words, see this now. Do it. Have you seen it yet?

Prodigy will be available on iTunes March 13.

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Black Panther: 4-Word Movie Reviews

Posted on February 28, 2018 by joecrowe

Full-length movie reviews are the worst. Four words? We’ve got plenty of time for that. Especially when we’re talking about BLACK PANTHER.

Shuri = rules.

When is Shuri’s movie? — Tegan Hendrickson, @artfulusername

Representation that matters. Finally! — Jessa Phillips, @SultryMinxZoe

M’Baku is my cuddle-bunny. –– Shaun Rosado, @Pneumaz

Genuine epic. Visually stunning. — Jennifer Hartshorn, @ThatJenHarts

Dora Milaje movie, please! — Tegan

Gorillas save the day! — Mark Finn, @FinnsWake

Killmonger was not wrong. — Jennifer

Where’s the brass frog? — Michael Gordon, @NewLegendMike

Wakanda out-cosmics Asgard. — Van Allen Plexico, @VanAllenPlexico

Suck it, white supremacists! — Deanna Toxopeus, @UbalStecha

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Book Probe: Indie Science Fiction Cinema Today: Conversations With 21st Century Filmmakers

Posted on February 28, 2018 by joecrowe

Book Probe eliminates an issue that most humans must face constantly: freedom of choice. Book Probe eliminates freedom of choice, providing you only with options that are good for you. Obey Book Probe.

Book Probe: Indie Science Fiction Cinema Today

With advances in tech and advances in ways to get your stuff out to the public, it’s an incredible time to be a fan of science fiction and of movies and TV in general.

Today, you can make a thing and get your thing out to an audience in ways that makers for decades have dreamed about.

Kathleen Fernandez Vander-Kaay and Chris Vander-Kaay, the authors, talk to those people who are getting out there and making things, and their stories are fascinating.

I’ve had the opportunity here at RevolutionSF to talk to some people who are doing these things and to experience their work, and this book provides a critical mass of their experiences and enthusiasm all in one place.

I’ve already seen and loved “Iron Sky” and “Turbo Kid,” as well as a couple others profiled in the book; literally, a couple of others, out of the dozens profiled.

I thought I was fairly well-versed in these things. I literally had never heard of the overwhelming majority of these movies. I can’t wait to see them.

This book will make you want to get off your duff.

You will discover approximately a zillion new creators and their productions that are waiting out there for you to binge upon. If you get started now… well, you’ll still never finish. After all, you have your own stuff you need to make.

Watch This:

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Book Probe: Star Wars: Forces of Destiny Tales of Hope and Courage

Posted on February 28, 2018 by joecrowe

Book Probe eliminates the petty concern that many humans have: what to buy. Book Probe tells you. Obey Book Probe.

Star Wars Forces of Destiny: Tales of Hope and Courage

Of course, Star Wars fans should own this book, an anthology of stories about female heroes in all the Star Wars time frames, from Padme to Jyn Erso to Princess Leia.

The stories are thrilling and inspiring, with action, humor, and good triumphing over evil.

You know, Star Wars stuff.

As the dad of a daughter, these stories really poke me hard in the emotions. My daughter loves them. They’re the kind of stories that will be read and reread a jillion times.

For the younger young-uns, they’re suitable for bedtime stories. OK, I’ll admit it. They’re suitable for bedtime stories for any age.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi: Bomber Command

This is a novel starring Paige Tico, sister of Rose from The Last Jedi. Author Jason Fry digs into Paige’s character in this all-ages novel, as is the traditional style of the movie tie-in. Kids of any age are going to dig this story, a brand-new adventure with a terrific hero in the time frame of The Last Jedi movie.

The illustrations and the haphazard, fun journal-style design of the book will pull in younglings who are not quite ready for page after page of text.

All books should have design schematics for space bombers. There, I said it.

Bonus Review: The Dragon Inside by Alex Sapegin

This is a very fun fantasy novel, where a human from our own humdrum, dragon-free world discovers a fantasy realm that has all the elves orcs, quests, and mythos that one requires from such a thing.

The author beautifully reveals the world as the book’s hero discovers it, and by that I mean, I want to go there now.

The world has Eleraffs, a cross between an elephant and a giraffe. Eleraffs are my new favorite thing, and I want them to be in every book.

“The dungeon is not a spa” is the funniest quote I’ve seen in awhile.

This whole story is fun, with heroes, villains. You know, the good stuff. Highly recommended.

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Book Probe: Frankenstein: The 200th Anniversary Edition

Posted on February 1, 2018 by joecrowe

RevolutionSF’s Book Probe eliminates the troublesome freedom of choice from your book purchasing needs. Buy this book at the links provided hereafter. You deserve it.

Frankenstein: The 200th Anniversary Edition

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is the first science fiction novel, according to some learned individuals. You should have already read it. You’ve had 200 years. Get on that.

To celebrate properly, what you need is this fancy anniversary edition, with illustrations by David Plunkert.

The entire book is all here, with brilliantly moody art. The colors are dull and beige, which evokes the dread that encompasses the whole story. Many of the pieces look like haphazard assemblies of patchwork, which is totally appropriate, because, you know, Frankenstein.

Here is another one of the pieces, which is attached in the book in a vinyl inlay.

Even if you own a dozen other copies of the story, the art makes this edition worth your purchase.

Besides, without this story, there would be no Young Frankenstein movie, and that is a dreadful happenstance that I cannot imagine.

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X-Files Season 10 (2016) — We Knew It Was a Snake When We Picked It Up

Posted on January 4, 2018 by joecrowe

The X-Files came back with a six-episode new series. At RevolutionSF, we were in the trenches for the show’s last few seasons. We watched. We had to. Well, when we remembered to set the VCR. I believed that my outrage at the show’s last few years has subsided. So here is the show again. Old wounds. Feelings. This is what is happening. Here’s my look at all the new season-10 episodes.

Oh, Monster of the Week episodes. How I missed you.

1. My Struggle

I am so happy to see Mulder and Scully again that I am willing to forgive a lot of things. If that is true, I must be willing to forgive:

1: Debunking of everything in the X-Files up till now.
2: Instant belief in that debunking by Mulder. Mulder.
3: A new old guy that Mulder has never mentioned before who says something cryptic then vanishes.

4. References to real-life things that happened since X-Files went off the air. That takes me out of the X-Files universe and back to sucky reality. The references have no purpose; Mulder says, “I’m familiar with Edward Snowden,” and that’s it. No punchline. No follow-up. Now, if Snowden was a Fluke-Man, OK. I would’ve been down for that.

The good parts are seeing Mulder and Scully again. They’ve aged with their actors. They are a couple who have lived their lives together. They’re both still Mulder and Scully, but they’re smarter and more confident. The show hasn’t tossed away the relationship. It’s comforting that the show reopens the X-Files and gets back to business so quickly. It’s sweet, even.

So I say all that to say this: I’m willing to let a few things go.

A FEW things.

2. Founder’s Mutation

Oh, Monster of the Week episodes, how I missed you.

After over-delivering on its first episode back, this one simmers down. It’s just a murder investigation. Mulder and Scully investigate Lester from Chuck, who is totally not in Jeffster style here.

They have dream sequences about William, their telekinetic baby who they shipped off in the final season. They didn’t have time to do emotional acting about William during the original series. The stories back then desperately tried to un-filk the conspiracy and the Black Oil and the aliens and ha ha ha, that turned out great. Hooray for the conspiracy!

But now they have plenty of time to discuss William and be sad.

The investigation parts are fine. This episode is OK. It’s just neat to see Mulder & Scully back together again. Six episodes isn’t long enough for this nice feeling to wear off.

OR IS IT?

3. Mulder and Scully Meet the Were-Monster

They appear to be attempting, with each of these six episodes, to revisit a different genre of X-Files episode.

“My Struggle” was a conspiracy. “Founder’s Mutation” was a Monster of the Week episode. This is a funny one. The show used to do a funny one every now and then, usually to clear our pallet for something with the Black Oil the next week.

It’s quite silly, and I mean that as a compliment. The heroes meet a lizard man and he is hilarious. This episode is very fun, and it reminds us that the show can be fun when everyone just relaxes.

Comedian Kumail Nanjani has a role in this episode. He analyzes the show on his podcast, The X-Files Files. That’s where the X-Files people say they found him, and offered him a part on this episode.

I and most of the RevolutionSF irregulars wrote analyses of X-Files episodes for years. The show ended before they had a chance to offer us parts. Obviously.

But I ain’t mad at you, X-Files! Well, I’m not mad about that one thing.

Scully makes a nice reference to “Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose,” when she reminds Mulder that Bruckman told her she doesn’t die.

Which reminds me, what did Raymond’s dad on Everybody Loves Raymond mean by that?

That never got a payoff, and doesn’t here, either. Hooray for X-Files!

4. Home Again

This show is not a sequel to “Home,” the episode where Scully and Mulder fought inbred hillbillies who kept their scary-ass mother under their bed for breeding purposes.

But it is about mothers!

Scully’s mother is dying, and that’s a big old bummer. Before that happens, they encounter a monster who kills people who hate homeless people. He’s Swamp Thing made out of garbage.

Scully and Mulder have some good relationshippy moments. Very sweet. Very human. Then Scully yells at Mulder that she has to go to work and find Garbage-Thing to take her mind off her grief.

So Scully goes back to work, then doesn’t stop the monster from killing, doesn’t catch it, and doesn’t find out anything.

So on The X-Files, you handle the grieving process by getting frustrated and confused about something else.

5. Babylon

Please allow me to paraphrase a character from a different speculative-fiction show from the 90s, Chandler from Friends.

Could the first few minutes of this episode BE any more outdated, hacky and offensive?

Spending a wordless few minutes with Middle-Easterners as they prepare for a suicide bombing is something, all right — but the ensuing story isn’t about Middle-Easterners. The bombers could have been literally any race and the story would be the same.

I’m going to assume this episode is named after the David Gray song “Babylon,” which this video will now cram into your brain. Baaaaaaa — bylon. This is super appropriate since that song, like The X-Files was also popular in 1998.

The Lone Gunmen came back in this one.

For about three seconds.

Seriously.

A sci-fi show where almost everyone has died and come back.

But the Gunmen came back for a couple of seconds during Mulder’s line-dancing peyote-trip.

It’s revealed that Mulder was not hopped up on goofballs. It was a placebo, which raises more questions, but that’s the X-Files‘s thing.

He wasn’t hallucinating that he line-danced, because Scully told him he had to be dragged out. That scene was hilarious. So I choose to think the Lone Gunmen were there, in cowboy gear, alive, just hanging out, then Mulder showed up. I WANT TO BELIEVE.

Before I get to the last episode, here’s what I think about the whole thing. I’m glad it’s back. I’m glad the same creators and actors are coming back and trying this thing again.

I still love The X-Files. If it didn’t have the same problems it always did, I don’t know what I would do. Rewatch it for fun? Discuss episodes all the time with friends? I do that already.

My Struggle, Part 2

“Well, I knew it was a snake when I picked it up.” — Becky Pano

RevSF writer Becky summed it all up in one sentence. I’m going to try to do it one word.

WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT.

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American Sci-Fi Classics Track at Dragon Con 2017: The Podcasts

Posted on January 2, 2018 by joecrowe

Every year, the American Sci-Fi Classics Track at DragonCon puts on panels, game shows, screenings, and geeky fun that provide more fun than humans should legally be allowed, directed by RevSF’s Gary Mitchel and Joe Crowe.

Journey with us back to the thrilling days of a few months ago. Check out hours and hours of Classic Track panels from 2017!

Updating… we’ll update this page as new panels get posted!