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Review Date: 11/5/2009
This is the 1st of two books (the 2nd being "The Smoke Ring") by Larry Niven on life in a micro-gravity environment. The author postulates on how life and social interactions would develop among the survivors of a space exploration that settled within the gas torus around a neutron star. Within this environment are plants (generally very fragile except for the "integral trees" that the humans live on), animals (including birds of a kind that fly as a threesome, fish, and whales), and ponds that are essentially floating spheres of water. Human adaptions are notable (taller, thinner) except for the "dwarves" - humans of what would currently be considered normal stature.
I enjoyed this very much. Do note that it is more hard science (as is typical of Niven) than space opera.
"The Integral Trees" was nominated for the Nebula Award for Best Novel in 1984 and the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 1985.
I enjoyed this very much. Do note that it is more hard science (as is typical of Niven) than space opera.
"The Integral Trees" was nominated for the Nebula Award for Best Novel in 1984 and the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 1985.
Review Date: 8/24/2009
A novelized account of a Navy SEAL's time in country - coming to grips with the harsh reality of war, its effects on him, and its effects on the country. Not for those easily offended by coarse, realistic language and situations. A great read and a great representation of those that America sent to do a very dirty job.
Review Date: 11/5/2009
This is the 2nd of two books (the 1st being "The Integral Trees") written by Larry Niven on life in near-zero gravity. His postulations on how life and social structures would develop are very interesting. This is more hard sci-fi than space opera. While I enjoyed "The Integral Trees" more, this was a good companion piece and got into more detail on interactions between inhabitants of different trees.
Review Date: 9/18/2009
Helpful Score: 1
Fascinating - and at times terrifying - factual account of the largely unknown "tunnel rats". Dropping into tight, dark holes in the ground where the enemy could be waiting to attack you, fighting in cramped, black, and poorly ventilated tunnels - this was the daily lot of the tunnel rats.
Very well written, compelling stories that you won't hear about anywhere else. I couldn't put down this book.
Very well written, compelling stories that you won't hear about anywhere else. I couldn't put down this book.
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