decent world by martin lochnar
923110
I haven't been able to put this book down,I keep re-reading it. Martins poetry will take you on a journey inside yourself. His compassion and his willingness to bare his soul is both compelling and deeply touching. Pieces like Poetry? Sacrificial lilies-the deceit and I only want you when I die are my personal favourites but its all wonderful. You will truly enjoy this raw,gritty,honest collection of poetry,thank you Mr Lochnar.
34948
An excellent book which contains characters that you will like and believe in.  Much better than average - its interesting to see the world develop around the character over the different books.
3261427
As a fan of "The Dominion Trilogy" I was looking forward to Robin's next book. Although not as good, I did find "Offworld" to be a lot of fun, quite the page-turner and what I would classify as an easy read. Teenagers would love it. The characters were well-developed, very likable and honorable. The story flowed well and at a fast pace leaving little time to rest. Some reviewers didn't care for the ending but I found it very satisfying. If you like good old real-world sci-fi then you'll love this book.

I'll tell you what this book is not. It's not a long drawn-out description of what the world would be like with no one in it. It's not a dream sequence. It's not like so many science fictions stories that push some socialist agenda or weird religion. And it's not an End Times rapture book.

Since this is categorized as a Christian novel some have complained there's not a whole lot about following Christ in it. I'd say there's nothing about following Christ in it but I'd also say if you're looking for some spiritual truth you'll find it. Not much but it's there. I've read and listened to a few interviews with Robin and he seems to live what I would call a secular Christian lifestyle. Secular books, movies, TV and music etc. If that's what you spend your time feeding yourself then that's what you'll give. He doesn't want to come off as "preaching" in his books and it shows. Although I prefer a message that changes lives I can also see where good ole entertainment is needed too.

If you're looking for a powerful message you won't find it here. If you're looking for an entertaining sci-fi novel without all the filth of this worlds fiction then you've come to the right place. I was sorry the book had to end and in my opinion that's a sign of a great book.

1 Star = Pathetic
2 Stars = Fair
3 Stars = Good
4 Stars = Excellent
5 Stars = Life changing
862890
I liked this book. Good read, reasonably well written, interesting concept, thought provoking. Decent character development. I'll look for other books by Brad Thor.
1844939
SYNOPSIS: In the world of Middle Earth, a homebody, worrisome, comfort oriented hobbit is convinced to go on a long, wondrous quest with a wise, old wizard and fourteen dwarves.  At the end of this journey lies a huge quantity of dwarven wealth.  Only problem is that it's guarded by the most fearsome dragon in the realms.  CONCEPT: The creator of hobbits and the Father of Fantasy.  The concept itself deals with a stay at home hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, who is given the opportunity to partake in a long hazardous quest to recover lost Dwarvish treasures from a guardian Dragon.  Promises plenty of adventure, amazing tales, encounters with mean monsters, wizards and long gone History.
This is the best fantasy novel to start with for fantasy series; even above HARRY POTTER (gasp! Yes, I said it).  I even gave this  to two former girlfriends, both pretty and both not fitting the stereotype of fantasy readers, and they both loved it.
4324146
Timothy Zahn creates interesting worlds to visit.  Complex, but real.  This ones asks a moral issue and compares it to the reality of business need and greed.
1830690
now this is not a bad book. good information, a downright hilarious section on new zealand, and good insight as to how the world's biggest tax havens are probably the least expected, and the world's biggest financial bullies. good book, good read, good author, i enjoyed it. thanks!
3824064
The book was pleasing to me. The world seems to be large and complex. The characters are well developed.
950551
The one thing i found pretty good was its decent language and the emphasis  on family values, retaining current marraige and then a gentle romance.  It's about a hi-fly construction magnate in 1950's where pressure takes its  tool on him and he shouts at his wife. He leaves for scotland to have a  quiet vacation where he meets a tempestous unmarried woman who's steep in  scottish traditions. There blooms a delicate romance between the two. And  more fun when the wife hears about it in US and comes to scotland! Boy,  what a story.
800404
It's not the best sci-fi ever; it's not even Karl Schroeder's best work.  But the book creates an intriguing world and guides us through Virga with a fun plot and likable characters.  The characters are not as deep and the writing not as philosophical as Schroeder's other works (like Lady of Mazes).  Still, I found it very enjoyable and worthwhile.
4403611
As an individual tired of hearing how the world is terrible this book is uplifting. Matt Ridley brings light to the other half of the worlds half empty glass. I would recommend this book to anyone, it just might change your opinion of the future.
4158496
Just an FYI: The actual author of the book is the late William Rotsler, a reasonably well-known SF author from a few decades ago. He was writing under a pseudonym for this media adaptation work. I think he did a decent job adapting an interesting, but flawed screenplay into a pleasantly readable novel. I enjoyed the book enough that I've re-read it along with Michael Crichton's published screenplay for "Westworld" several times.
3590905
This is one of my favorite and one of the best worldbuilding books I have come across. I highly recommend it for those of you considering building your own worlds or to add life to one you already have.
4671319
I love to read a book that is positive.  What I really appreciate are the values this book emphasizes - human values that make the world a better place.  It is intelligent and thought provoking.  Well done, Howard Wand.
3800077
A brilliant novel with multi-POV and interchanging and related stories. He creates another world. A world that parodies, satirises and mocks our own with the lightest kindest touch. The only criticism (that is a compliment) Cuddy and Detritus are the best characters and theme and you read through the other sections to get to them. The parody of race relations through the relationship of a dwarf and troll is excellent.

A great read!
3874537
I'm only writing this comment because the main review above uses the "S-F" word to describe this book in its first sentence.  This wonderful and humane novel only deserves that epithet if you would also apply it to "Brave New World" and "1984" and Martin Amis's "London Fields" and other literary representations of conceivable dystopias.  This is a realistic picture of a world inhabited by people like us, a world in which certain current technological and societal trends are taken to a possible logical conclusion.
But it's a hopeful book too, because the world of this novel is NOT inevitable.  There is still time for moral and philosophical judgements to temper those of technologists and businessmen with shorter-range victories in sight.
And despite some of the other reviews here, I loved the protaganist, Jimmy/Snowman. He's a fine representation of the last of the human race.
4188566
Jack Bower is a brilliant author. The Orange Crested Phrump is a timely book for those who care about humanity. Highly recommend.