So… new year, more books to read! Got a chance during the Xmas  break to catch up with some overdue reading, and now find myself with some overdue reviews. So, here are some quick and short thoughts on a couple of recent reads:

The Martian

By far one of the best Sci Fi novel’s I’ve ever read. I was aware of the hype surrounding this novel, billed as Apollo 13 in Mars, but still didn’t know what really to expect. Quite frankly, it was an amazing story. I found myself completely gripped with an amazing story of human spirit, laughing out loud at some points, hooked in suspense at others, Hands down, an amazing read, and very strongly recommended. 5 stars!

The Great Zoo of China

It’s a very fine line between homage and rip-off. Very early on in “The Great Zoo of China”, one of the characters asks “Have they not seen Jurassic Park?” Perhaps Mr Reilly thought it was sufficient to acknowledge the existence of Jurassic Park, and people wouldn’t judge his book as a copycat (here’s a clue: it’s dragons instead of dinosaurs). As such, he goes to different lengths to show how the stories are different… However, what you end up is with a vastly inferior book with way too much action and not enough substance. Bit disappointing really… wished the author had spent more developing the character, less creating implausible action pieces and constantly attacking the Chinese culture. Oh well… 1.5 stars

Station Eleven

I finally got around reading Station Eleven… Had been on my reading list since early in the summer, and just seemed to keep getting dropped back. Well, I’m quite glad I finally did. Station Eleven has popped up in countless Best of the Year lists, and with good reason. The writing is exquisite, the plot ingenious and refreshing, the story leaves you with a warm sense of hope for mankind. In an age where dystopian fiction is so commonplace, this book definitely stands out as one to read. My only gripe with the book is perhaps the length of it… one feels there could’ve been more to he story, the ending more developed. In any case, 4.5 stars.