To Your Own Self Be True by Ray Melnik

Succinctly I felt this book tries to drive home the point that you are what your choices make you. The experiences of a new, young scientist and her interaction with both her technology and the people around her provide the experiences and data for her to define her self.

The growth of an introverted, somewhat sad self contained young woman into someone who makes some decisions to change her life was interesting. I liked the interaction with an artificial intelligence and the growth of that AI into a personality based on decisions and beliefs. I think Melnik could double the number of pages and put a lot more flesh on the characters. I really liked the willingness of characters to stick out their neck for each other. Rael’s connection to reality and the darker side of human nature was a good counterpoint to KaeIa’s naiveté. I was disappointed that Adam, the AI, wasn’t more of the story. I enjoyed the interaction between it and Kaela. Overall I felt the message was be cognizant that your choices are defining your life.

I recommend the book, it isn’t a kick back, relax and be entertained book, it is a thought provoking, hmm do I believe that kind of book that we all need to read once in awhile.

Body of work of Ray Melnik

Review: did not find one

Web site: http://www.emergentnovels.com/

Old Soldiers by David Weber

Weber’s talent seems to be to evoke emotions. I find myself deeply involved with his characters and caring about what happens to them. He apparently has had some strong women in his life because a majority of his protagonists are tough as nails but yet highly feminine. Bolos are land battleships. They are so far beyond tanks that battleship fits better. This story is primarily a relationship story between the Ai in a Bolo and his commander. The setting for a story is a genocide war between mankind and aliens. The aliens are almost a sidebar for the relationship aspects. My perchance for anthropomorphism has been mentioned often, the Bolo Ai highlights that affectation. This is a stand alone story although there are other Bolo stories by other authors. Weber’s work is normally stellar, this book is no exception. READ IT!

Body of work of David Weber

Review of the book: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Bolo/David-Weber/e/9781416520627

Site: http://www.davidweber.net/

In Fury Born by David Weber

In Fury Born includes the complete novel, Path of the Fury. . I knew it when I bought it and bought it anyway. Once again a female protagonist is put into an untenable position and has to find her way out. Weber definitely favors strong, able, confident women. I think much of his work features excellent role models for women of all ages. Keep in mind this is the opinion of a guy who likes strong, confident, successful women. This book in essence provides the setting and causality of Path of the Fury. There is a smidgeon of Greek Mythology involved which combined with the presence of artificial intelligence adds a nice twist to the plot. I loved the book and strongly recommend it.

Body of work of David Weber

Review: http://www.scifidimensions.com/Nov07/infuryborn.htm

David Weber’s web site is under construction.