Prelude to Asimov

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Prelude to Foundation (Foundation: Prequel, #1)Prelude to Foundation by Isaac Asimov

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One of Isaac Asimov’s best works, and – I think – the one I read first (many years ago, of course). Given my renewed interest in science fiction, I decided to begin collecting Asimov’s works again, and (at my hinting) my wife gifted me a new copy of this.

It is an excellent work of science, culture, and supposition, as good science fiction should be. Some of the twists I remembered from previous readings, but others I could foresee without remembering (the nature of Dors, for example, is easily surmised, but the person of Hummin is a surprising twist). Asimov did a swell job, too, as he portrayed the various emotional and personal characteristics that he pointed out in each character in the final section of the novel. There is no doubt, no confusion, as we look back on the story, that each character is exactly as described (especially Seldon and his pride).

I have every intention of continuing to (re-)read Asimov’s works, and this was a delightful way to remind myself of his universe. I shall endeavor, of course, to go back as well as forward; I have read his Foundation novels, but not his Empire ones, and few of his Robot works. This must be remedied.

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Mitth’raw’nuruodo & Co.

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Star Wars: Outbound FlightStar Wars: Outbound Flight by Timothy Zahn

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

NOTE: Some minor spoilers may follow.

Timothy Zahn did a truly excellent job with young Commander Thrawn; I enjoyed his interactions with Car’das, but especially his tactics and strategy for dealing with the Vagaari and Outbound Flight.

Speaking of Outbound Flight, I enjoyed the perspective of the Jedi, but I felt that perhaps Zahn covered too much ground. We went from before Outbound Flight was officially and finally green-lit until its destruction, and I thought more could have been done on the vessel (especially as things deteriorated between C’baoth and the non-Jedi crew). I also thought that, while Obi-wan was well portrayed, Anakin was a bit wooden (I guess maybe it was the Hayden-Christensen-in-“Attack-of-the-Clones” version).

C’baoth, I had read before reading this book, seemed to be way too much of a jerk to be a genuine Jedi Master. Sure, he apparently had a lot of power and a lot of experience, but he was completely emotional, arrogant, and obsessed, and nobody ever called him on it (to his face, at any rate). It’s a fair question to wonder how such a man managed to become a Jedi Master. Still, it does explain his clone’s personality, and it seems to have been the only way to compel Thrawn to destroy Outbound Flight in the end.

Ultimately, I enjoyed the book immensely, but it wasn’t Zahn’s best work.

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Classic Star Wars FTW

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Allegiance (Star Wars)Allegiance by Timothy Zahn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Excellent work from Timothy Zahn, as always. He has a delightful blend of intrigue, humor, and action that keeps the pages turning, and it plays out well in this book as with his others.

I will note that there were, perhaps, too many characters in the book. Some of them were not as fleshed out as they could have been. Even so, the book flowed together well and even managed a few twists that couldn’t be nailed down until the very end.

I also enjoyed the expert use of irony as Zahn foreshadowed events of the films and stories to come in the characters’ future; this was especially noticeable with the relationship between Han and Leia, as well as with herein-Captain Ozzel’s impending demise.

All in all, a very enjoyable book and a great addition to the Expanded Universe (not to mention its classic Original Trilogy setting).

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Review in WordJourney Magazine

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“31 Prayers for Courage” has been reviewed by WordJourney magazine, and Matt Keegan has some swell things to say:

Merriam-Webster defines courage as the “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.” That sounds like the typical Christian’s life, right? Courage is something that we want, but often don’t have. Our present circumstances may require us to have a courageous heart, but we may find ourselves lacking in that department.

And that is where God comes in: by responding to our prayers and petitions, He equips ordinary people to do extraordinary things. By your personal definition of extraordinary, those feats may not be big in anyone else’s eyes, but they are to you – instances where you have overcome doubt, fear or despair, and gained an important spiritual victory.

A number of years ago I was taught to pray the scriptures. That means when praying, I may include an appropriate verse as I praise God or ask for His guidance in a matter. I believe that incorporating scripture is important as it serves to do two things: it speaks truth as the word of God is true. It also serves to build up our faith, giving us the courage to face difficult circumstances.

Read more at WordJourney.com.