Torn Branches: A Science Fiction Review

It's not a competition. It's an honest question. Over at SFsignal the question was asked what it means to consider yourself well-read in science fiction. The author at SFsignal has read over a thousand different books over half a century. While impressive even this effort barely scratches the surface of published books in the genre. Curious, I decided to make my own list using the goodreads app. After about an hour I've come up with a list with 103 different novels in it. One of the things I noticed is a tendency to bulk read the works of authors I liked. Out of the 103 books I've read, roughly a third come from half a dozen authors with a large catalogue of work. The second point I noticed is how far behind the times I am. Most of the novels I've read were published before 1980. Obviously I'm still trying to catch up on the classics in a genre constantly progressing. So am I a reliable source judge sci fi books? I honestly don't know. If you a

Not so much a post. More of a gloat really. Alien: Covenant , due to be completed in 2017 is currently being filmed in little old New Zealand. It's true that parts of New Zealand resemble an alien planet, and with the success of Weta workshops and Peter Jackson, more genre movies are being filmed in the Antipodes. Alien: Covenant film sighting. Photo by/u/nik282000 reprinted with permission Film crews had already been spotted recently in the Fiordlands  . But now Redditor,  /u/nik282000  has also managed to confirm filming in the beautiful Milford Sounds, with a picture of what looks like either the entry to a spacecraft or a shelter. The Alien series, especially the first movie, is one of my favorites. I find myself binge watching the quadrology every year and continue to find new things to enjoy.  Personlly I'm never sure if these are sci-fi or horror movies, and really it does'nt matter.  If you like the Alien series too, check out my review of Eclipse Phase

An Edgar Allen Poe poem. Reminds me simulation theory. Take this kiss upon the brow! And, in parting from you now, Thus much let me avow — You are not wrong, who deem That my days have been a dream; Yet if hope has flown away In a night, or in a day, In a vision, or in none, Is it therefore the less  gone ?  All  that we see or seem Is but a dream within a dream. I stand amid the roar Of a surf-tormented shore, And I hold within my hand Grains of the golden sand — How few! yet how they creep Through my fingers to the deep, While I weep — while I weep! O God! Can I not grasp Them with a tighter clasp? O God! can I not save One  from the pitiless wave? Is  all  that we see or seem But a dream within a dream?

The last week has been hectic as I've been managing the families big move across the Tasman sea. I'm looking forward to watching rugby at Wellington stadium again but also wouldn't mind another eclipse phase nerd night via Skype. I've managed to read a little in the last few days and have discovered a whole world exists of unknown but talented authors trying to make it big. One such author is Colin Weldon, who has written a science fiction novel called The Agathon. So far I'm loving it and will write up a review when I'm done reading.Based on a sample size of not quite one, I would recommend taking a risk with a new upcoming author. Your supporting new talent and getting a great read.