Gully

This is the first time in my life a read a true science fiction novel. Much of the story is at times too complex, but it is overall interesting and satisfying. The novel's protagonist is Gully Foyle and the setting is the future in a war-stricken, hyper kinetic solar system. Throughout the story Gully turns from a mere human to a hero for mankind. Vengeance is the dominant theme of the novel. Gully is the sole survivor of a wrecked ship called the Nomad. Another ship, the Vorga, flies by but does not stop to aid the ship. He tried signaling the ship, but the Vorga leaves him to die there in outpace. He vows eternal revenge on the people who left him out there. The pressures of his circumstances forces his intellect. Gully now only has one objective: to find the commander of the Vorga and kill him. Vengeance drives him throughout the story. Towards the end, vengeance stops becoming the dominant theme and is replaced by the survival of mankind. He is a complete anti-hero since we want him to succeed even though his actions are harmful and selfish.


What I love most about the story is the tattoo on Gully's face. The tattoo comes out whenever he is looses control of his emotions. The markings thus show his emotional state. He trains himself to become more disciplined in his emotional reactions.

Brandon Sanders War Breaker

Since I've been swamped with work this week, I was only able to read about a hundred pages of this novel. War Breaker, by Brandon Sanders, is a novel about two princesses. Vivianna is the brightest and most intellectual of the two. Siri on the other hand is the youngest of the two and is kinder. In their world, it is not money that counts, but rather the amount of breath you have. Breath is another word for the soul, and it is either traded or sold. The more you have, the more abilities you acquire. There are also Gods in the story. These are returned gods who do not understand their position. There is much misconception as no one knows what these Gods truly do. The story is filled with intrigue and mystery.

Neil Gaiman Anansi Boys

I was unable to read the entire book. The novel by Neil Gaiman, is interesting and entertaining at the same time. The novel has a great sense of humor. The book is essentially about two brothers that find each other and go on a journey together. Their quest is to explore their background and heritage. 

The story is basically about a minor deity who has two children that had never met. One of them, Spider, is the only one that posses powers. He is able to transform into a spider and do other things.  The story is set into a modern world. What I appreciate most is the African culture and traditions put into the modern world. Gaiman successfully brought mythology into modern literature. The main character is Charlie because he has much to change about himself. He reflects over his childhood in the hopes of understanding why he has failed in life. The story unfolds quicker as his confidence grows and develops. Also, with the introduction of spider, he is also introduced into the magical world. It is another way of the 'Hero' leaving the known world for the unknown world, where he will have to deal with unknown conflicts.

There is also another story in the novel involving another character, Grahame Coats. This character is Charlie's boss. Spider discovers long-standing practice of financial fraud. Spider, in the guise of his brothers reveals this knowledge to Grahame in order to not get fired. Grahame keeps Charlie but later is able to frame him for the financial fraud. Thus Charlie faces his brother and his own boss. One with magical powers and the other with financial powers.

It is interesting and humorous to see the relationship between Charlie and his brother. Both are exact opposites. Spider, unlike charlie, is wealthy, charming and the center of attention.