Brian

Star wars. Thrawn

by Timothy Zahn

SCIENCE FICTION Star Wars

Rescued from exile by Imperial soldiers, Thrawn proved to be indispensable to Emperor Palpatine and the Empire. Ambitious and a warrior never to be underestimated, one promotion followed another. Follow the events that launched the blue-skinned, red-eyed master of military strategy and lethal warfare into the highest realms of power and infamy as Thrawn rises to Admiral.

Way back when I first got into Star Wars, I fell in love with the books just as much as the movies. My favorite was "Heir to the Empire," which introduced Grand Admiral Thrawn. When Disney bought Lucasfilm, all of those books were no longer considered canon. They decided to reintroduce Thrawn into the Star Wars universe in the TV show Rebels and in these books. It sounds like Thrawn will be a major part of the Ahsoka show as well. Anyway! I really enjoyed this book, and its two sequels are even better! -Brian

Upgrade : a novel

by Blake Crouch

FICTION Crouch Blake

"An ordinary man undergoes a startling transformation--and fears that all of humanity may be next--in the mindblowing new thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of Dark Matter and Recursion Logan Ramsay can feel his brain... changing. And his body too. He's becoming something other than himself. Maybe even something other than human. As he sets out to discover who did this to him, and why, his transformation threatens everything--his family, his job, even his freedom. Because the truth of what's happened to him is more disturbing than he could possibly imagine. His DNA has been rewritten with a genetic-engineering breakthrough beyond anything the world has seen--one that could change our very definitions of humanity. And the battle to control this unfathomable power has already begun. But what if humankind's only hope for survival lies in embracing this change--whatever the cost? Which side will Logan take? And by the time it's over, will he--and the people he loves--even recognize him? Upgrade is a stunningly inventive, ferociously plotted science-fiction thriller that explores the limits of our humanity--and asks what's at risk when technology lets us reengineer not just the world around us, but ourselves"--

I've said in the past that Crouch writes Sci-Fi thrillers like Michael Crichton but way better. David Koepp, the screenwriter of "Jurassic Park," has a blurb on "Upgrade" that says it even better: "Blake Crouch has the mind of Crichton and the heart of King." I don't think there's a way to top that. -Brian

Everything everywhere all at once

by

DVD MOVIE SF/HORROR Everything

Evelyn Wang, a flustered immigrant mother, is contacted from a parallel universe and told that only she can save the world. The unlikely hero must learn to channel her newfound powers and fight through the splintering timelines of the multiverse to save her home, her family, and herself in this big-hearted and irreverent adventure.

How often do you get to say that a movie is hilarious, heartfelt, action-packed, and utterly bizarre? Probably just once--go watch it and see if you agree. -Brian

The Batman

by

BLU-RAY Batman

Two years of stalking the streets as the Batman, striking fear into the hearts of criminals, has led Bruce Wayne deep into the shadows of Gotham City. With only a few trusted allies, Alfred Pennyworth, Lt. James Gordon, amongst the city's corrupt network of officials and high-profile figures, the lone vigilante has established himself as the sole embodiment of vengeance amongst his fellow citizens. When a killer targets Gotham's elite with a series of sadistic machinations, a trail of cryptic clues sends the World's Greatest Detective on an investigation into the underworld, where he encounters such characters as Selina Kyle/aka Catwoman, Oswald Cobblepot/aka the Penguin, Carmine Falcone, and Edward Nashton/aka the Riddler. As the evidence begins to lead closer to home and the scale of the perpetrator's plans becomes clear, Batman must forge new relationships, unmask the culprit, and bring justice to the abuse of power and corruption that has long plagued Gotham City.

This is my favorite live-action Batman movie of all-time. The cinematography is beautiful and the score and sound design are out of this world. It just feels like they adapted a long-lost comic book arc. -Brian

The lathe of heaven

by Ursula K. Le Guin

SCIENCE FICTION LeGuin, Ursula K.
Science Fiction

In a future world racked by violence and environmental catastrophes, George Orr wakes up one day to discover that his dreams have the ability to alter reality. He seeks help from Dr. William Haber, a psychiatrist who immediately grasps the power George wields. Soon George must preserve reality itself as Dr. Haber becomes adept at manipulating George’s dreams for his own purposes.

This is a classic, and it still holds up today. Le Guin, like all great Sci-Fi authors, was way ahead of the curve. It's a fast, short read, so pick it up and read it over the weekend! -Brian

The lighthouse

by

DVD MOVIE SF/HORROR Lighthouse

A hypnotic and hallucinatory tale of two lighthouse keepers on a remote and mysterious New England island in the 1890s.

Do you like your movies weird? How about in black-and-white and in an archaic aspect ratio? Then do I have a movie for you! "The Lighthouse" is incredibly compelling and defies classification. My mind just keeps going back to the movie after watching it. -Brian

Star Wars. The High Republic

by Cavan Scott

COMIC Star Wars High
Graphic Novels, Science Fiction

"A new era of Star Wars storytelling begins! Journey back to the High Republic -- the golden age of the Jedi! Centuries before the Empire and the Skywalker saga, the Jedi are at their height, protecting the galaxy as Republic pioneers push out into new territories. But as the frontier prepares for the dedication of the majestic Starlight Beacon, Padawan Keeve Trennis faces the ultimate choice -- will she complete her Jedi trials, or rescue the innocent from disaster? And can she trust her closest ally? Enter a rich and vast world of new Jedi! New worlds! New ships! And new evils to fight -- including the terrifying Nihil!"--Amazon.

I've been evangelical about The High Republic, though, I have to admit that the comic has been the weakest link so far. There seems to be a weird disconnect between what happens in the books vs. the comics. It seems like I wouldn't recommend it, but it features some of the best characters of the High Republic era and great art throughout. -Brian

What we do in the shadows. The complete first season

by

DVD TV What 1st season

Four vampires have lived together for hundreds of years. After an unexpected visit from their dark lord and leader, they're reminded that they were initially tasked with completing domination of the New World upon their arrival in Staten Island; over a hundred years ago. But what exactly is the best way to go about achieving said domination?

I have a bad habit of watching TV shows long after they're recommended to me. I usually joke that I'll talk to the person about it in around three years. We're at the three year mark on What We Do in the Shadows Season 1, and, guess what, it's great! It's perfect for people who have or haven't watched the movie of the same name. Familiars, energy vampires, and werewolves abound! -Brian

The Kaiju Preservation Society

by John Scalzi

SCIENCE FICTION Scalzi John
Science Fiction

"The Kaiju Preservation Society is John Scalzi's first standalone adventure since the conclusion of his New York Times bestselling Interdependency trilogy. When COVID-19 sweeps through New York City, Jamie Gray is stuck as a dead-end driver for food delivery apps. That is, until Jamie makes a delivery to an old acquaintance, Tom, who works at what he calls "an animal rights organization." Tom's team needs a last-minute grunt to handle things on their next field visit. Jamie, eager to do anything, immediately signs on. What Tom doesn't tell Jamie is that the animals his team cares for are not here on Earth. Not our Earth, at at least. In an alternate dimension, massive dinosaur-like creatures named Kaiju roam a warm and human-free world. They're the universe's largest and most dangerous panda and they're in trouble. It's not just the Kaiju Preservation Society whose found their way to the alternate world. Others have, too. And their carelessness could cause millions back on our Earth to die"--

This was a fun and quick read. It's Scalzi being extremely Scalzi-ish with snarky, witty humor throughout. If you like his other books, you'll like this too. -Brian

Nightmare alley

by

BLU-RAY Nightmare

From visionary filmmaker Guillermo del Toro comes a suspenseful psychological thriller about a manipulative carnival man who teams with an equally deceptive psychiatrist to grift the wealthy in 1940s New York society. Del Toro co-wrote the enthralling film with Kim Morgan, based on William Lindsay Gresham's novel.

"Nightmare Alley" is a gorgeous and haunting film noir. It's one of my favorite movies from last year. -Brian

Ring shout : or, Hunting Ku Kluxes in the end times

by P. Djèlí Clark

SCIENCE FICTION Clark P. Djeli
Fantasy, Horror

"In this dark fantasy historical novella that gives a supernatural twist to the Ku Klux Klan's reign of terror, The Birth of a Nation cast a spell across America, swelling the Klan's ranks and drinking deep from the darkest thoughts of white folk. All across the nation they ride, spreading fear and violence among the vulnerable. They plan to bring Hell to Earth. Standing in their way is Maryse Boudreaux and her fellow resistance fighters, a foul-mouthed sharpshooter and a Harlem Hellfighter. Armed with blade, bullet, and bomb, they hunt their hunters and send the Klan's demons straight to Hell. But something awful's brewing in Macon, and the war on Hell is about to heat up. Can Maryse stop the Klan before it ends the world?"--

Have you ever read a novella and wished that it was twice as long or--better yet--a series? That's exactly how I felt about "Ring Shout." I was drawn in by the cover and then hooked by the book's pulpy fantasy horror vibe. I mean, how can you beat a group of women hunting and killing demons that have disguised themselves as humans and joined the Ku Klux Klan? -Brian

Barry. The complete first season

by

DVD TV Barry 1st season

A hit man from the Midwest moves to Los Angeles and gets caught up in the city's theatre arts scene.

"Barry" is absolutely hilarious, and it's my favorite show currently on TV (seriously, nothing is funnier than NoHo Hank). Season 3 premieres in April, so now's your chance to get caught up. -Brian

The fallen star

by Claudia Gray

SCIENCE FICTION Star Wars

In this gripping sequel to Star Wars: The Rising Storm, the light of the Jedi faces its darkest hour. Time and again, the vicious raiders known as the Nihil have sought to bring the golden age of the High Republic to a fiery end. Time and again, the High Republic has emerged battered and weary, but victorious thank to its Jedi protectors - and there is no monument to their cause grander than the Starlight Beacon. Hanging like a jewel in the Outer Rim, the Beacon embodies the High Republic at the apex of its aspirations: a hub of culture and knowledge, a bright torch against the darkness of the unknown, and an extended hand of welcome to the furthest reaches of the galaxy. As survivors and refugees flee the Nihil’s attacks, the Beacon and its crew stand ready to shelter and heal. The grateful Knights and Padawans of the Jedi Order stationed there finally have a chance to recover - from the pain of their injuries and the grief of their losses. But the storm they thought had passed still rages; they are simply caught in its eye. Marchion Ro, the true mastermind of the Nihil, is preparing his most daring attack yet - one designed to snuff out the light of the Jedi.

The last adult novel of Phase 1 of The High Republic was a doozy. The writing team said that not everyone would make it out alive, and they weren't kidding. I've really enjoyed all of these Star Wars novels. It has been a treat to explore a new time period. They've announced that the next wave won't begin until October. That's okay, though, cause I need a breather after this one! -Brian

Legends of the Dark Knight : Matt Wagner

by Wagner, Matt, writer, artist.

COMIC Batman Wagner

"Matt Wagner's complete collection of Batman stories in a new hardcover format! Matt Wagner's prolific run on Batman is collected in one place for the first time ever. From a mad scientist who has created a race of giant monster men to do his bidding, to Batman encountering sinister machinations and new dimensions of wickedness as he confronts the hooded menace of the Mad Monk, there's plenty of horror and action!"--

This hardcover includes Batman and the Monster Men along with its sequel Batman and the Mad Monk. Both tales are set early in Batman's career after the events of Batman: Year One. Matt Wagner draws and writes the heck out of these stories! This was out of print the last time I made a Batman list. I was bummed, because it's one of my favorites! -Brian

Nightwing

by Tom Taylor

COMIC Nightwing 2016 Taylor
Graphic Novels

"Nightwing is back-and his drive to keep Blüdhaven safe has never been stronger! But his adoptive city has elected a new mayor with the last name Zucco. When Nightwing enlists Batgirl's help in investigating the politician bearing the same name as the man who murdered his parents, she unearths details that will shock and fundamentally change the hero. Dick Grayson's big heart has protected those persecuted by bullies in his youth, combated evil alongside Batman as Robin, and pledged his newly inherited wealth to enriching Blüdhaven as Nightwing. His kindness and generosity have always guided his life. But now a new villain stalks the back alleys, removing the hearts of the city's most vulnerable. Who is this terrifying new menace named Heartless, and will he be able to resist plucking out the biggest heart in all of Blüdhaven?"--

Before reading this, I hadn't read a superhero comic in... *checks Goodreads* over a year. They, for whatever reason, didn't appeal to me during the ongoing pandemic. What it took to get me back was a writer I like writing my FAVORITE superhero. Nightwing: Leaping Into the Light by Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo is exactly what I wanted: More character work than fighting and playful, energetic art. It's a perfect jumping on point if you've never read a comic about Dick Grayson. I highly recommend it. -Brian

Nobody

by

DVD MOVIE ACTION Nobody

Hutch Mansell is an underestimated and overlooked dad and husband, taking life's indignities on the chin and never pushing back. A nobody. When two thieves break into his suburban home one night, Hutch declines to defend himself or his family, hoping to prevent serious violence. His teenage son, Blake, is disappointed in him and his wife, Becca, seems to pull only further away. The aftermath of the incident strikes a match to Hutch's long-simmering rage, triggering dormant instincts and propelling him on a brutal path that will surface dark secrets and lethal skills. In a barrage of fists, gunfire and squealing tires, Hutch must save his family from a dangerous adversary, and ensure that he will never be underestimated as a nobody again.

Have you ever wanted to see Bob Odenkirk beat the living daylights out of someone? How about see Christopher Lloyd with a sawed-off shotgun? Then do I have a movie for you! I was completely surprised by this fun and violent movie. Warning: if you're squeamish, like me, then there will be a lot of cringing and covering your face. -Brian

Pig.

by

ON ORDER DVD

Though the description sounds like John Wick with a pig, the movie is more of a quiet meditation on love and what gives us purpose. -Brian

Star Wars: the Rising Storm (the High Republic).

by Cavan Scott

Science Fiction

The High Republic continues, and, honestly, these books have no right being this good. They make my heart swell with their hope and purity, but the ending of this one is BRUTAL. It makes the wait for the next installment all the more difficult. -Brian

Black sun

by Rebecca Roanhorse

SCIENCE FICTION Roanhorse, Rebecca
Fantasy

"A god will return when the earth and sky converge under the black sun in the holy city of Tova... The winter solstice is usually a time for celebration and renewal, but this year it coincides with a solar eclipse, a rare celestial event proscribed by the Sun Priest as an unbalancing of the world. Meanwhile, a ship launches from a distant city bound for Tova and set to arrive on the solstice. The captain of the ship, Xiala, is a disgraced Teek whose song can calm the waters around her as easily as it can warp a man's mind. Her ship carries one passenger. Described as harmless, the passenger, Serapio, is a young man, blind, scarred, and cloaked in destiny. As Xiala well knows, when a man is described as harmless, he usually ends up being a villain. Crafted with unforgettable characters, Rebecca Roanhorse has created an epic adventure exploring the decadence of power amidst the weight of history and the struggle of individuals swimming against the confines of society and their broken pasts in the most original series debut of the decade"--Provided by publisher.

This is an easy one to recommend to lovers of epic fantasy. The worst thing that I can say about it is that it ends abruptly, and now I have to wait for the sequel! -Brian

Fugitive telemetry

by Martha Wells

SCIENCE FICTION Wells Martha
Science Fiction

"When Murderbot discovers a dead body on Preservation Station, it knows it is going to have to assist station security to determine who the body is (was), how they were killed (that should be relatively straightforward, at least), and why (because apparently that matters to a lot of people-who knew?) Yes, the unthinkable is about to happen: Murderbot must voluntarily speak to humans! Again! A new standalone adventure in the New York Times-bestselling, Hugo and Nebula Award winning series!"--

Yes, another Muderbot book for me to rave about! Am I ever going to be quiet about these? No. Only when all of you have given it a try! Seriously, if you're a Sci-Fi fan, you should be reading these. -Brian

Into the dark

by Claudia Gray

YOUNG ADULT FICTION Star Wars
Science Fiction

"Long before the First Order, before the Empire, before even The Phantom Menace...Jedi lit the way for the galaxy in The High Republic. Padawan Reath Silas is being sent from the cosmopolitan galactic capital of Coruscant to the undeveloped frontier and he couldn't be less happy about it. He'd rather stay at the Jedi Temple, studying the archives. But when the ship he's traveling on is knocked out of hyperspace in a galactic-wide disaster, Reath finds himself at the center of the action. The Jedi and their traveling companions find refuge on what appears to be an abandoned space station. But then strange things start happening, leading the Jedi to investigate the truth behind the mysterious station, a truth that could end in tragedy..."--Amazon.com.

I have drank deep from The High Republic Kool-Aid! I liked this YA outing even more than the Adult "Light of the Jedi." I loved each and every character that was introduced. Especially Geode! Oh, my heart belongs to Geode. If the entire The High Republic initiative is going to be like this, I might not be able to handle it! There's a middle-grade novel as well, and it's calling my name... -Brian

A memory called empire

by Arkady Martine

SCIENCE FICTION Martine Arkady
Science Fiction

"During a time of political instability in the highest echelons of the imperial court, Ambassador Mahit Dzmare arrives in the center of the multi-system Teixcalaanli Empire only to discover that her predecessor, the previous ambassador from their small but fiercely independent mining Station, has died. But no one will admit that his death wasn't an accident--or that Mahit might be next to die. Now Mahit must discover who is behind the murder, rescue herself, and save her Station from Teixcalaan's unceasing expansion--all while navigating an alien culture that is all too seductive, engaging in intrigues of her own, and hiding a deadly technological secret--one that might spell the end of her Station and her way of life--or rescue it from annihilation"--From publisher.

I loved this engrossing and ridiculously smart science fiction novel! I was blown away by the worldbuilding! The thought and care that went into brewing up this galaxy is staggering. On top of all of that, it's a complex mystery and political thriller. I was very pleased to learn that there's a sequel for me to read. -Brian

Light of the Jedi

by Charles Soule

SCIENCE FICTION Star Wars
Science Fiction

"The lead book in an exciting cross-publishing event, exploring a new era of Star Wars storytelling: the never-before-seen in any medium High Republic"--

Light of the Jedi marks the beginning of a brand new era in Star Wars--The High Republic. It takes places 200 years before Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, and introduces us to a huge new cast of characters. We meet many of them at a breakneck pace and get to see the Jedi in their prime. This is an exciting novel that I think is a perfect introduction to Star Wars books. -Brian

Network effect

by Martha Wells

SCIENCE FICTION Wells Martha
Science Fiction

"Murderbot returns in its highly-anticipated, first, full-length standalone novel, Network Effect. You know that feeling when you're at work, and you've had enough of people, and then the boss walks in with yet another job that needs to be done right this second or the world will end, but all you want to do is go home and binge your favorite shows? And you're a sentient murder machine programmed for destruction? Congratulations, you're Murderbot. Come for the pew-pew space battles, stay for the most relatable A.I. you'll read this century. I'm usually alone in my head, and that's where 90 plus percent of my problems are. When Murderbot's human associates (not friends, never friends) are captured and another not-friend from its past requires urgent assistance, Murderbot must choose between inertia and drastic action. Drastic action it is, then"--Amazon.com.

After a series of novellas, we have our first full-length Murderbot novel, and it is fantastic. The novellas were always over too soon, so I'm pleased to say that a novel is a perfect fit for my favorite anti-social cyborg. If you haven't read any of these, I'd suggest starting with "All Systems Red." This is one of those series that just keeps getting better. This is great Sci-Fi! -Brian

A deadly education : a novel

by Naomi Novik

SCIENCE FICTION Novik Naomi
Fantasy

"Enter a school of magic unlike any you have ever encountered: There are no teachers, no holidays, and no friendships save strategic ones. Survival is more important than any letter grade, for the school won't allow its students to leave until they graduate . . . or die. The rules are deceptively simple: Don't walk the halls alone. And beware of the monsters who lurk everywhere. El is uniquely prepared for the school's dangers. She may be without allies, but she possesses a dark power strong enough to level mountains and wipe out untold millions. It would be easy enough for El to defeat the monsters that prowl the school. The problem? Her powerful dark magic might also kill all the other students. So El is trying her hardest not to use her power . . . at least not until she has no other option. Meanwhile, her fellow student, the insufferable Orion Lake, is making heroism look like a breeze. He's saved hundreds of lives--including El's - with his flashy combat magic. But in the spring of their junior year, after Orion rescues El for the second time and makes her look like more of an outcast than she already is, she reaches an impulsive conclusion: Orion Lake must die. But El is about to learn some lessons she never could in the classroom: About the school. About Orion Lake. And about who she really is."--Provided by publisher.

Novik delivers another super satisfying fantasy with her lethal twist on a school for wizards with characters you'll love. It's an interesting commentary on the haves and have nots as well. I can't wait for the sequel! -Brian

A closed and common orbit

by Becky Chambers

SCIENCE FICTION Chambers Becky
Science Fiction

Lovelace was once merely a ship’s artificial intelligence. When she wakes up in a new body, following a total system shut-down and reboot, she has no memory of what came before. As Lovelace learns to negotiate the universe and discover who she is, she makes friends with Pepper, an excitable engineer, who’s determined to help her learn and grow. Together, Pepper and Lovey will discover that no matter how vast space is, two people can fill it together.

I said I'd post more books from series, and I'm sticking to it! The second book in the Wayfarers series follows two minor characters from The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet. None of the POV characters from the first book even make an appearance, which was a surprise to me. I still really enjoyed it, though, and recommend it to all Sci-fi readers. Did I put off reading the end for a couple days because I knew it would make me cry? Yes. Yes, I did. -Brian

Exit strategy

by Martha Wells

SCIENCE FICTION Wells Martha
Science Fiction

"Martha Wells's Hugo, Nebula, Alex, and Locus Award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling series, The Murderbot Diaries, comes to a thrilling conclusion in Exit Strategy. Murderbot wasn't programmed to care. So, its decision to help the only human who ever showed it respect must be a system glitch, right? Having traveled the width of the galaxy to unearth details of its own murderous transgressions, as well as those of the GrayCris Corporation, Murderbot is heading home to help Dr. Mensah--its former owner (protector? friend?)--submit evidence that could prevent GrayCris from destroying more colonists in its never-ending quest for profit. But who's going to believe a SecUnit gone rogue? And what will become of it when it's caught?"--Provided by publisher.

Sometimes when I'm reading a series, I wonder if I need to share the later titles. There are series that drop off in quality or that you lose interest in. That is not the case with Martha Well's Murderbot Diaries. If anything, these books are getting better. So, if you haven't started "All Systems Red," I highly encourage you to give it a try. This is fun, Sci-Fi adventure with a cranky, but loveable, cyborg that I can't recommend enough. -Brian

The long way to a small, angry planet

by Becky Chambers

SCIENCE FICTION Chambers Becky
Science Fiction

Follow a motley crew on an exciting journey through space-and one adventurous young explorer who discovers the meaning of family in the far reaches of the universe-in this light-hearted debut space opera from a rising sci-fi star. Rosemary Harper doesn’t expect much when she joins the crew of the aging Wayfarer. While the patched-up ship has seen better days, it offers her a bed, a chance to explore the far-off corners of the galaxy, and most importantly, some distance from her past. An introspective young woman who learned early to keep to herself, she’s never met anyone remotely like the ship’s diverse crew, including Sissix, the exotic reptilian pilot, chatty engineers Kizzy and Jenks who keep the ship running, and Ashby, their noble captain. Life aboard the Wayfarer is chaotic and crazy—exactly what Rosemary wants. It’s also about to get extremely dangerous when the crew is offered the job of a lifetime. Tunneling wormholes through space to a distant planet is definitely lucrative and will keep them comfortable for years. But risking her life wasn’t part of the plan. In the far reaches of deep space, the tiny Wayfarer crew will confront a host of unexpected mishaps and thrilling adventures that force them to depend on each other. To survive, Rosemary’s got to learn how to rely on this assortment of oddballs—an experience that teaches her about love and trust, and that having a family isn’t necessarily the worst thing in the universe.

This is some feel-good space opera. Seriously, it's filled with warm fuzzies, but in space. I kept thinking of it being a cross between Firefly and Star Trek. I dug it. I dug it a lot. -Brian

Exhalation

by Ted Chiang

eBOOK
Science Fiction, Short Story

This much-anticipated second collection of stories is signature Ted Chiang, full of revelatory ideas and deeply sympathetic characters. In "The Merchant and the Alchemist's Gate," a portal through time forces a fabric seller in ancient Baghdad to grapple with past mistakes and the temptation of second chances. In the epistolary "Exhalation," an alien scientist makes a shocking discovery with ramifications not just for his own people, but for all of reality. And in "The Lifecycle of Software Objects," a woman cares for an artificial intelligence over twenty years, elevating a faddish digital pet into what might be a true living being. Also included are two brand-new stories: "Omphalos" and "Anxiety Is the Dizziness of Freedom." In this fantastical and elegant collection, Ted Chiang wrestles with the oldest questions on earth--What is the nature of the universe? What does it mean to be human?--and ones that no one else has even imagined. And, each in its own way, the stories prove that complex and thoughtful science fiction can rise to new heights of beauty, meaning, and compassion.

Chiang explores determinism, A.I. and alternate realities. Every tale is unique and fascinating. So much so that I can't choose a favorite. I recommend this to anyone who wants their Sci-Fi to get them thinking. -Brian

Jojo Rabbit

by

DVD MOVIE COMEDY Jojo

A World War II satire that follows a lonely German boy named Jojo whose world view is turned upside down when he discovers his single mother is hiding a young Jewish girl in their attic. Aided only by his idiotic imaginary friend, Adolf Hitler, Jojo must confront his blind nationalism.

I've been working my way through the Best Picture Nominees. So far I've watched: Parasite, Ford v. Ferrari, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. They have all been great, but I think I like Jojo Rabbit the best so far. There's so much humor and heart and oh-my-god did it make me cry! It felt like Taika Waititi was channeling Wes Anderson a bit too (in a good way). -Brian

Dune

by Frank Herbert

SCIENCE FICTION Herbert, Frank
Science Fiction

Here is the novel that will be forever considered a triumph of the imagination. Set on the desert planet Arrakis, Dune is the story of the boy Paul Atreides, who would become the mysterious man known as Muad'Dib. He would avenge the traitorous plot against his noble family-and would bring to fruition humankind's most ancient and unattainable dream. A stunning blend of adventure and mysticism, environmentalism and politics, Dune won the first Nebula Award, shared the Hugo Award, and formed the basis of what it undoubtedly the grandest epic in science fiction.

I decided to re-read my favorite book after 10 years to see if it was as good as I remembered. Thankfully, it definitely is! Dune is considered a Sci-Fi classic for a reason. -Brian

Star Wars. Jedi: fallen order.

by

VIDEO GAME PlayStation 4 Star Wars

A galaxy-spanning adventure awaits in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, a new 3rd person action-adventure title from Respawn Entertainment. This narratively-driven single player game puts you in the role of a Jedi Padawan who narrowly escaped the purge of Order 66 following the events of Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith. On a quest to rebuild the Jedi Order, you must pick up the pieces of your shattered past to complete your training, develop new powerful Force abilities, and master the art of the iconic lightsaber - all while staying one step ahead of the Empire and its deadly Inquisitors. While mastering your abilities, players will engage in cinematically-charged lightsaber and Force combat designed to deliver the kind of intense Star Wars lightsaber battles as seen in the films. Players will need to approach enemies strategically, sizing up strengths and weaknesses while cleverly utilizing your Jedi training to overcome your opponents and solve the mysteries that lay in your path. Star Wars fans will recognize iconic locations, weapons, gear, and enemies while also meeting a roster of fresh characters, locations, creatures, droids and adversaries new to Star Wars. As part of this authentic Star Wars story, fans will delve into a galaxy recently seized by the Empire. As a Jedi hero-turned-fugitive, players will need to fight for survival while exploring the mysteries of a long-extinct civilization all in an effort to rebuild the remnants of the Jedi Order as the Empire seeks to erase the Jedi completely.

Jedi: Fallen Order was an addictive blend of Metroid and Dark Souls with a fun cast of new Star Wars characters. -Brian

Star wars : Doctor Aphra

by Kieron Gillen

COMIC Star Wars Doctor
Graphic Novels

"Following her time in the clutches of Darth Vader, Doctor Aphra has barely escaped with her life. If the Dark Lord of the Sith ever learns of her survival, he'll hunt her to the ends of the galaxy. But for now, it's time for a return to what she does best. With droids Triple-Zero and BeeTee-One in tow, as well as Wookiee Black Krrsantan, she's off in search of rare artifacts from the galactic center to the Outer Rim -- and everywhere in between. Aphra's got debts to pay, after all. Just as long as she can stay one step ahead of the Empire, some bounty hunters...and just about everyone else in the galaxy!"--Back cover of Volume 1.

Doctor Aphra was my favorite part of Gillen's Darth Vader comic. I had high-hopes for her solo series, and I haven't been disappointed in the least! Aphra has set out on her own after faking her death to get a certain Sith Lord off her back. The rogue archaeologist, along with BT, Trip and Black Krrsantan, is up to no good and trying to make a buck in the galaxy. Star Wars: Doctor Aphra is non-stop fun. I highly recommend it to any Star Wars fan. -Brian

This is how you lose the time war

by Amal El-Mohtar

SCIENCE FICTION El-Mohtar Amal
Science Fiction

Among the ashes of a dying world, an agent of the Commandant finds a letter. It reads: Burn before reading. Thus begins an unlikely correspondence between two rival agents hellbent on securing the best possible future for their warring factions. Now, what began as a taunt, a battlefield boast, grows into something more. Something epic. Something romantic. Something that could change the past and the future. Except the discovery of their bond would mean death for each of them.

Any description of this book will sell it short, but I will say this--don't let the Sci-Fi aspect scare you off if it's not your thing. This is a beautifully written romance wearing Sci-Fi clothing. -Brian

Wayward son

by Rainbow Rowell

YOUNG ADULT FICTION Rowell Rainbow
Young Adult

"Simon Snow is back and he's coming to America! The story is supposed to be over. Simon Snow did everything he was supposed to do. He beat the villain. He won the war. He even fell in love. Now comes the good part, right? Now comes the happily ever after... So why can't Simon Snow get off the couch? What he needs, according to his best friend, is a change of scenery. He just needs to see himself in a new light... That's how Simon and Penny and Baz end up in a vintage convertible, tearing across the American West. They find trouble, of course. (Dragons, vampires, skunk-headed things with shotguns.) And they get lost. They get so lost, they start to wonder whether they ever knew where they were headed in the first place... With Wayward Son, Rainbow Rowell has written a book for everyone who ever wondered what happened to the Chosen One after he saved the day. And a book for everyone who was ever more curious about the second kiss than the first. It's another helping of sour cherry scones with an absolutely decadent amount of butter. Come on, Simon Snow. Your hero's journey might be over--but your life has just begun"--

Rainbow does it again! I know of no other author with such a knack for writing and creating characters to absolutely fall in love with (SHEPARD <3 <3 <3). If you liked "Carry On," you're going to like this--no doubt about it. It ends on a cliffhanger (curses!), but Rainbow has already announced a follow up: "Any Way the Wind Blows." I can't wait! -Brian

Recursion : a novel

by Blake Crouch

FICTION Crouch Blake
Science Fiction

New York City cop Barry Sutton investigates the devastating phenomenon the media has dubbed False Memory Syndrome-- a mysterious affliction that drives its victims mad with memories of a life they never lived. Neuroscientist Helena Smith dedicated her life to creating a technology that will let us preserve our most precious moments of our pasts. If she succeeds, anyone will be able to re-experience a first kiss, the birth of a child, the final moment with a dying parent. Together they face a force that attacks not just our minds but the very fabric of the past. Memory makes reality-- and the force is beginning to unmake the world as we know it. -- adapted from jacket

I devoured this book. The jacket copy doesn't do it justice, but I don't want to spoil the story! I'll say this: Blake Crouch writes AMAZING Sci-Fi thrillers. Think Michael Crichton but way better. If you like this, read "Dark Matter" afterwards. -Brian