Review: Atmosphere

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Whilst the book is a work of fiction, it highlights the very real struggle for gender equality at NASA in the 1980s.

The story focuses on a group of "AsCans" (Astronaut Candidates) training to earn a place on the early space shuttle flights. The principal candidates are female trainees who have finally been accepted into the program. At the center of it all is Joan, a brilliant teacher who has been obsessed with the night skies since childhood. Throughout the book, we see her struggles with breaking barriers, balancing family, and navigating her sexuality.

I won't go into too much detail, but let's just say she is a devoted aunt to her sister's child. Her sister frequently takes advantage of Joan's love for her niece; she is the sort of person who clearly loves her child but has a strong tendency to focus on herself.

This is definitely worth a read if you were around in the '80s or have any interest in NASA history.

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Review: New Avengers, Vol. 1: Everything Dies

New Avengers, Vol. 1: Everything Dies by Jonathan Hickman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Really enjoyed this story we get to see more of the Illuminati of superheroes, the self imposed custodians of the Infinity Gems. This occurred a good year or so after I stopped reading X-Men but, I believe it occurs shortly after Avengers vs X-Men so, this is at the point when Professor X is dead (he comes back if I remember rightly...this is comics after all).

We get to see some deep moral questioning and watch the Illuminati members struggle with their morals and just what they would do to save parallel world and the multiverse if it meant to destroy another.

Nice to see that Professor X has entrusted Beast with the Gem he was custodian of (ironically in recent comic events I believe have shown Earth 616's Hank to be less than morally virtuous).

Great story from start to finish with great art.

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Review: Elliptical Billiard Balls: Eccentric Short Stories in Sci-Fi, Tech and Alternate Worlds

Elliptical Billiard Balls: Eccentric Short Stories in Sci-Fi, Tech and Alternate Worlds by Neil Rackham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great collection of interesting sci-fi short stories.
Some rather intriguing concepts, ever wondered what dogs would say if they could speak?
Perhaps you have wondered what a business consultant in an ecclesiastical scenario would be like?

Really enjoyed the view of tech entrepreneurs being juxtaposed with the fashion industry

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Review: The Infinity Gauntlet

The Infinity Gauntlet by Jim Starlin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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Review: Atmosphere

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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Review: New Avengers, Vol. 1: Everything Dies

New Avengers, Vol. 1: Everything Dies by Jonathan Hickman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



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Review: The Service of Mars

The Service of Mars by Glynn Stewart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Really enjoyed this book.
Another great entry in the series.
Whilst it is a shame we get less of the titular mage I do enjoy seeing how Roslyn Chambers is continuing to develop.

Much like Stewart's Duchy of Terra series (a personal fave) I believe viewing the progression of the major characters and seeing the development of new ones adds a richness to the series.

Plus, Roslyn is frankly a baddass so there :P

Another thing I have been appreciating is the reintroduction in this and the previous book of Kelly Lamonte.

Great continuation.....onto book 10.

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