Found whilst reading a 'most Antipater science fiction books of 2026' on the new scientist web page. Usually these lists are pretty crappy, but this time it pulled up a gemstone, as I don't have a Chilean author on my radar, so it's always nice when one is delivered to me with out much effort. Just need to pop to my local book store to see if they can source me a copy.
Ghana - Third Loch from the sun - Rex Burke
Ghana - Third Loch from the sun - Rex Burke
How I found the Book: I follow Rex on Facebook and Bluesky, and subscribe to his newsletter, I'm not a stalker. Promise. and having read Orphan Planet, Twin Landing and Star Bound I've become a huge fan of Rex Burke, his easy style with loads of humour, and neat ideas. He also builds wonderful characters and relationships. So when I was give a voucher for my local independent book shop for my birthday I purchased this, (and Special Delivery, and The Wrong Stop). I also saw that Third Loch was available on Audibe too. So I plumped for the audio book, and wasn't disappointed. The voice actor was great, great Scottish accents, and great character voices, especially for the General.
The Story: A brilliant twist on the first contact Theme with Aliens crash landing on a remote Scottish Island, into an even more remote loch. A British lad stumbles on the hidden aliens whilst doing a summer job on the island. The aliens had been in contact with two of the locals on the island who kept it all a big secret. Much fun and japes is had with the three humans trying to maintain the secret and there is even a little romance on the side.
The Physical Book: It's a great quality book, with a fun cover. What I do love about Rex's books are the short chapters, maybe 10 or 20 pages. This makes progresses much easier. I can just get a chapter in here and there whilst having a coffee or before bed. Means I really can crack on with the books.
Angola - Transparent City - Ondjaki
Angola - Transparent City - Ondjaki
22 Jan 2026
I finished the audio book today, and I'm torn, very torn. I mean it was a fun book, dealing with corruption at a low levels and at the very highest levels of the Angolan political spectrum. It was enjoyable with some very funny scenes and stories. I feel I've learnt more about Angola, then I ever knew; which was pretty much nothing! So the reason I'm torn is because. I'm just not sure how Science Fiction this book is. There is a character that is slowly turning invisible, and towards the very end of the book ends up floating also. There are weird things that happen, such as solar eclipse suddenly doesn't happen. Even though it was predicted by NASA. There is also an unusual scene when a dead body is incredibly heavy and ends up making a hole in the floor and falls through all six floors of the building. None of these incidents seem remarkable to the people around these moments. They are just commented on and seen as a little unusual. But life just goes on. So i'm not sure if it belongs in this project or not. I've done a little more research and the same author has another book, which may have a little more science fiction.
I'm not sure if this is me just trying to convince my self, but The invisible man by HG Wells is often seen as science fiction. The odd astral phenomenon makes it sound more science fiction too! It has a dystopian fee to it also. So the book is going to sit in the project for now, and i'll look out for the author's other books too... and I that is more convincing as science fiction I'll buy the Physical book, and it WILL be part of the project!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)