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The River of Time
by
David Brin (Goodreads Author)
The River of Time brings together eleven short stories, including "The Crystal Spheres" (WINNER: Hugo Award Best SF Short Story 1985), and four new stories published here for the first time.
Here are powerful tales of heroism and humanity, playful excursions into realms of fancy, and profound meditations on time, memory, and our place in the universe.
CONTENTS:
DESTINY
The Cry ...more
Here are powerful tales of heroism and humanity, playful excursions into realms of fancy, and profound meditations on time, memory, and our place in the universe.
CONTENTS:
DESTINY
The Cry ...more
Paperback, 352 pages
Published
1997
by Orbit
(first published June 1986)
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(showing 1-30)
It wasn't clear from the cover that this was a collection of short stories. They all move quickly, but most of the author's discussion at the end of each is redundant, pointing out the extremely obvious.
'Fourth Vocation of George Gustaf' reminded me a of Fred Pohl's 'Midas World', where humanoid robots displace human workers.
'Thor Meets Captain America' covers the same ground as parts of Charlie Stross's 'Atrocity Archives', or the first Hellboy movie, or many other Nazis-as-demon-summoner stori ...more
'Fourth Vocation of George Gustaf' reminded me a of Fred Pohl's 'Midas World', where humanoid robots displace human workers.
'Thor Meets Captain America' covers the same ground as parts of Charlie Stross's 'Atrocity Archives', or the first Hellboy movie, or many other Nazis-as-demon-summoner stori ...more
I just don't like short stories. A couple of these were interesting conceptually, especially Crystal Spheres...or was it Crystal Shards. I want character development though. The author notes between stories provide some interesting insights. One of the later stories is largely incorporated in Existence...that was mildly annoying.
There were a few great stories in this collection, but too much of it was a little awkward, a bit corny. His novels are amazing, but this sampling of short stories was a little disappointing after tearing through the uplift trilogy. I think this is still worth reading, but I'd recommend lowering one's expectations a little.
Feb 27, 2010
Raj
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
sci-fi,
short-stories
This is an excellent collection of short stories, split into four sections: destiny, recollection, speculation and propagation. There are very few misfires amongst this collection, but The Crystal Spheres and The Loom of Thessaly stand out (the latter being a Hugo award winner). Definitely one for people that like hard science fiction in particular.
Collection of short stories by Brin. Most of the stories were good. A few were great. I tried to be more varied in my reading. Right after I finished this book, I read a book of short stories about space habitats. Another version of "Tank Farm" was included in it. The version here was better.
Nice stories by David Brinn. He's a talented author with a good imagination. A few of the stories are really excellent, and the others aren't bad. Some nice spacefaring pieces. I still prefer his novels, but I recommend these short stories, too.
I first read this book 20 years ago when it first came out. After rereading it I was amazed at how much these stories have stuck with me. I'm contently remembering the themes and scenes while forgetting where they came from.
Amazing collection of short fiction by a respected sci-fi author. Particularly interesting, he gives "author's notes" at the end of each story which don't interfere with the individual reader's interpretation of the stories, but lend to a deeper understanding.
May 14, 2008
Robin
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
science fiction fans
Some really interesting and quality stories in this collection. I will have to read some further works by Bryn soon, most likely the "more-like-his-short-stories" book The Postman, which I swore I wouldn't read after watching the Kevin Costner movie, but I'm sure it will be better than that.
Great collection of stories!
Thor Versus Captain America and The Loom of Thessaly are two of my favorite short stories - period! Brin's writing style is crisp and compelling and always original.
I particularly loved 'The Crystal Spheres' and the 'Loom of Thessaly'. Some good imaginative ideas overall.
Excellent collection of short stories by David Brin. Science Fiction is definitely a genre that lends itself well to short stories, and this collection has a great variety of settings and themes.
Brin is a great author to read if you have ever wondered what an alien encounter might be like. This collection has several what if stories that each have an individual feel.
Scurlock Tower (parking?) receipt, with Vivek's number written on the back: as a bookmark.
Mostly middling short fiction from Brin. Not the first case I can think of wherein an author who writes great novels falters at a shorter length (Vonnegut coems to mind).
Really good earlier stuff from Brin. His ideas are so amazing, keeps you reading.
Grade C+. Short stories.
This book had a mixture of great stories and some real stinkers. My favorites were "The Crystal Spheres", "The Loom of Thessaly", and "Thor Meets Captain America".
Oct 23, 2014
Maryanne
added it
The River of Time 04012011 by David Brin
I liked a lot. So did Lar.
The Crystal Spheres. crystals protect planets and can break only from inside
I liked a lot. So did Lar.
The Crystal Spheres. crystals protect planets and can break only from inside
A little uneven, but I mostly liked it. I used to be a huge Brin fan; these short stories remind me why.
The crystal spheres was amazing but most of the stories are. Brin's stuff is must have.
Oct 17, 2016
Bill
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
owned-books,
scifi-fantasy
An Excellent collection of novellas and short stories, including the Hugo for short stories, "The Crystal Spheres".
Good short stories. If you have read something like Stranger From a Strange Land you will recognize the general style of writing. Most shorts have unique ideas explored in fun ways.
Great science fiction of the caliber of Asimov, Clark etc. Liked every story.
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| Question re: river of time (SPOILERS) | 2 | 6 | Dec 01, 2010 04:39AM |
David Brin is a scientist, speaker, and world-known author. His novels have been New York Times Bestsellers, winning multiple Hugo, Nebula and other awards. At least a dozen have been translated into more than twenty languages.
Existence, his latest novel, offers an unusual scenario for first contact. His ecological thriller, Earth, foreshadowed global warming, cyberwarfare and near-future trends ...more
More about David Brin...
Existence, his latest novel, offers an unusual scenario for first contact. His ecological thriller, Earth, foreshadowed global warming, cyberwarfare and near-future trends ...more
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