Sci-Fi

Aldous Huxley – Brave New World (audiobook)

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Grāmatas apraksts no Goodreads/Synopsis from Goodreads:

Far in the future, the World Controllers have created the ideal society. Through clever use of genetic engineering, brainwashing and recreational sex and drugs, all its members are happy consumers. Bernard Marx seems alone harbouring an ill-defined longing to break free. A visit to one of the few remaining Savage Reservations, where the old, imperfect life still continues, may be the cure for his distress…

Huxley’s ingenious fantasy of the future sheds a blazing light on the present and is considered to be his most enduring masterpiece.

Kā tiku pie šīs grāmatas?/How I got this book?

Izvēlējos no Top 100 Sci-Fi Books grāmatu listes.

Vērtējums/Rating: 1.5/5

Mana recenzija/My review

Tāltālā nākotnē bērni tiek ražoti mākslīgi ar lielu ģenētisko iejaukšanos, un arī tālākā audzināšana pilnībā tiek vadīta no varas puses, sākot jau ar hipnotiskajām terapijām jau no šūpuļa, kur n-tās reizes atskaņo vienus un tos pašus teikumus, kamēr vēlākā vecumā tās tiek uzskatītas par savām domām. Tāda anarhija kā vecāki ir kaut kas neiedomājams un pat atbaidošs.

Sabiedrība iedalīta kastās, un pašā augšā alfas, kuriem bez lielajiem bosiem, tiek labākās privilēģijas + neeksistē veci cilvēki. Vismaz pēc pasaules kontrolieru idejām un domām sabiedrība kā tāda vēlas neko citu kā vien justies laimīgi un neparko nedomāt, protams, pie varas esošajiem tas ir izdevīgi. Ja pareizi saprotu, tāda situācija izveidojusies pēc smaga deviņu gadu kara. Tiek darīts jebkas, lai tikai saglabātu stabilitāti, un viss nepatīkamais tiek uztverts kā risks haosam.

Tomēr eksistē vēl vietas, rezervāti,(nenoliedzami kontrolieru ‘’dāsnums’’) kur cilvēki dzīvo pa vecam, bauda kultūru un arī savas tiesības uz nelaimi. Pamatā sekojam līdzi Bernarda gaitām, kā arī vēlākās nodaļās mežonis/barbars(vārdu nepamanīju). Sievietēm šajā pasaulē nav lielas teikšanas, un, lai gan ir ģenētiskā bērnu radīšana, grūtniecība atstāta uzmundrināšanai. Savā ziņā ir attaisnojums, vara pamatīgi kontrolē zinātni kā tādu. Tāda rīcība viņiem drīzāk nāk par ļaunu, kavējot attīstību aiz bailēm.

Vairāk šķiet, ka grāmata, kaut arī vēsta par tālu nākotni, savā valodas un prognozes stilā ir novecojusi; attiecīgā laika ietekme.

Nenoliedzami grāmata mēģina risināt jautājumus kā gan tehnoloģijas (todien, protams, arī tagad) mūs ietekmē; uz labu vai sliktu?

                                                                                                                                                

In the far future world children are created artificially with heavy genetic manipulation, and the following upbringing completely controlled by those in power, starting already when they are in cradles with hypnotic therapy where they forced to listen to repeated sentences until they believe to them as their own thoughts later in life. Such an anarchy as parents is something unthinkable and even repulsive.

Society is divided in castes and at the top besides World Controllers are alphas who have more privileges, plus there are no old people. At least according to ideas and thoughts of this system leaders their world order is the best thing that has happened and society in general wants nothing else as to be happy and not to think about for themselves, of course for World Controllers that’s conveniently. If I understand correctly such situation was born after devastating nine year war. To prevent instability there isn’t anything that wouldn’t be done and everything unpleasant is perceived as a risk towards chaos.

There are still some places, reservations, no doubt because of Controllers generosities, where people still are living as before enjoying culture and also their rights to be unhappy. Mainly we have Bernard’s POV, but there are few chapters from POV of other characters like the savage (at least I didn’t hear his name). Women in this world don’t have much saying, and although mostly it’s genetic breading pregnancy is still practiced but only as something to cheer women up. Partly it could be justified because World Controllers are controlling science and what can it do. In fears that some new invention might bring trouble they are actually preventing the growth.

However the story is about future world I think this book in its style of language and predictions have outdated itself, probably also some influence of the time.

Certainly this book is trying to discuss the question how technology is affecting each of us and as society together; is it doing more good or bad?

Ray Bradbury – Fahrenheit 451 (audiobook)

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Grāmatas apraksts no Goodreads/Synopsis from Goodreads:

The terrifyingly prophetic novel of a post-literate future.

Guy Montag is a fireman. His job is to burn books, which are forbidden, being the source of all discord and unhappiness. Even so, Montag is unhappy; there is discord in his marriage. Are books hidden in his house? The Mechanical Hound of the Fire Department, armed with a lethal hypodermic, escorted by helicopters, is ready to track down those dissidents who defy society to preserve and read books.

The classic dystopian novel of a post-literate future, Fahrenheit 451 stands alongside Orwell’s 1984 and Huxley’s Brave New World as a prophetic account of Western civilization’s enslavement by the media, drugs and conformity.

Bradbury’s powerful and poetic prose combines with uncanny insight into the potential of technology to create a novel which, decades on from first publication, still has the power to dazzle and shock.

Izdevniecība/Publisher: Harper Audio

Kā tiku pie šīs grāmatas?/How I got this book?

Lejuplādēju no torenta. Izvēlējos no Top 100 Sci-Fi Books grāmatu listes.

Vērtējums/Rating: 3.25/5

Mana recenzija/My review

Gajs Montāgs dzīvo pasaulē, kur grāmatas ir aizliegtas un dedzinātas. Pēc profesijas uguns radītājs un nevis dzēsējs, jo visas mājas ir pilnībā ugunsdrošas un bija vajadzība atrast visiem dzēsējiem jaunu nodarbošanos. Tomēr autors intervijā bilst, ka aizliegta ir grāmatu lasīšana, nevis to atrašanās tavā īpašumā.

Pamatojums, kāpēc vara šādi rīkojusies visai absurds, min arī to, ka jau kādai grupai kaut kas nepatīk, tad tas uzreiz kļūst par iemeslu mešanai ugunī, šķiet, tik lai saglabāt mieru vai kā. Par spīti tam, ka grāmatas tiek vainotas kā visu nelaimju cēlonis, Gajs nav īpaši priecīgs. Tā, sākoties ar iekšējām pārdomām, Gajs izmainās, un rīkojas pat tik radikāli, ka slēpj pie sevis dažādus literārus darbus.

Savā atklāsmē Gajs tomēr ir savtīgs, iespējams vienkārši nespēja iejaukties, izraisot dažu labu līdzcilvēka pāragru nāvi, nemaz nepieminot viņa darbu pirms tam.

Šī pasaule nav bez savas pretošanās kustības, vienīgais makten pasīva, un gaida, kad pati sabiedrība attapsies, lai tā iegūtu skaitlisko pārsvaru. Un metode, kādu viņi izvēlējušies, arī visai neparasta – katrs ir iegaumējis ja ne kādu grāmatu pilnībā, tad vismaz nodaļu, un tad, kad būs pārmaiņu laiks, varēs atkal visu apkopot.

Grūti iedomāties, kā gan tik tālu sabiedrība būtu spējusi nonākt, ja es satraucos pat par mazāko bukti un ielocītu lapu :D, un atkal jāpiemin intervija, kur autors min piemēru par grāmatu dedzināšanu Berlīnē Hitlera laikā (piem., ‘’Grāmatu zagle’’). Šis stāsts liek novērtēt, cik gan vērtīgas tās grāmatas un stāsti tajās ira.

Ja vēl ir kas, ko vērts pieminēt, tad tas, ka autors aprakstos ievij maņas, piem., oža. Jau tāda vienkārša padarīšana kā fiziskas grāmatas smarža.

                                                                                                                                                

In the world where all books are banned and if found burned Guy Montag is fireman. In this world all houses are completely fire proof so their job is to burn books and not to put out fires. Although the author in the interview mentions that it’s illegal to read books and not to own them.

Reasoning why such a thing is done is absurd like if some group doesn’t like such and such book then it has to be destroyed, I guess to please them. Despite that it’s told that books are the reason for every bad thing and unhappiness Guy can’t say about himself that he would be happy. So the changes starts with inner contemplation and continues with hiding books.

I would say that Guy in his revelation is a bit selfish, maybe just incapable, as some of his acquaintances get themselves killed, not even mentioning his work before that.

This world isn’t without its resistance, only this one is a passive one. They are waiting when the society will realize in what kind of world they live in, and when the change comes they would outnumber others. While that hasn’t happened each of them has memorized if not a whole book than at least a chapter, so later it would be possible to recreate the lost books.

It’s hard to imagine what would motivate a society to burn books considering that I get upset about the smallest dent or bent page. Once again I have to mention the interview where Ray gives an example of Berlin in Hitler’s time; my example could be The Book Thief. This story makes you appreciate how important books and the stories in them really are

The last thing worth mentioning would be that the author uses senses like smell in descriptions. Like a good smell of a book.

Isaac Asimov – I, Robot (Robot #0.1)(audiobook)

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Grāmatas apraksts no Goodreads/Synopsis from Goodreads:

The three laws of Robotics:
1) A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
2) A robot must obey orders givein to it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3) A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

With these three, simple directives, Isaac Asimov changed our perception of robots forever when he formulated the laws governing their behavior. In I, Robot, Asimov chronicles the development of the robot through a series of interlinked stories: from its primitive origins in the present to its ultimate perfection in the not-so-distant future–a future in which humanity itself may be rendered obsolete.

Here are stories of robots gone mad, of mind-read robots, and robots with a sense of humor. Of robot politicians, and robots who secretly run the world–all told with the dramatic blend of science fact and science fiction that has become Asmiov’s trademark.

Izdevniecība/Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio

Kā tiku pie šīs grāmatas?/How I got this book?

Lejuplādēju no torenta. Izvēlējos no Top 100 Sci-Fi Books grāmatu listes.

Vērtējums/Rating: 2.5/5

Mana recenzija/My review

Deviņu īso stāstu kolekcija par robotiem un bažām par to gudrību, spējam, un, ka tie varētu pārņemt kontroli un nepakļauties cilvēkam. Gan jau, ka (gandrīz) visi būs dzirdējuši par trim pamatlikumiem, kuriem robots pakļaujas un kuri izmantoti neskaitāmos citos darbos gan skatāmos, gan lasāmos vai klausāmos. Prātā nāk filmas, kā Bicentennial Man (Divsimtgadīgais) ar Robinu Viljamsu un ar tādu pašu nosaukumu I, Robot (Es, Robots) ar Vilu Smitu.

Atkal visvairāk patika pats pirmais ‘’Robbie’’, kas vēsta par Gloriju un viņas draugu-robotu Robiju. Viņa tik daudz pavada laiku kopā ar Robiju, ka vecāki, īpaši jau māte, bažījas, vai tas ir veselīgi.

Tas bija tīri jauks. Citi vairāk koncentrējās tematā par trīs likumu drošību. Diemžēl neviens manā gadījumā nekvalificējās šausmu žanram vai uz to pusi, kur nu vēl baisi vai kā. Jāatzīst, ka bija šis tas interesants.

Interesanti, ka pēc minētajiem gadskaitļiem, mums jau vajadzētu atrasties robotu ieskautiem. Gadījumā, ja jums tomēr ir kāds, tad svarīgākais, kas jāatceras, lai robots tevi nepārprastu un nenojūgtos, ir precīzas komandas!

                                                                                                                                                

A collection of nine short stories about robots, their cleverness, powers and possibilities that with their superiority they might take over the control and not obey commands. Probably everyone has heard about the three main laws that every robot has to follow which have been used in many watchable, readable or listenable work. From movies what comes in mind are Bicentennial Man with Robin Williams and with the same title I, Robot with Will Smith.

Again the first story ‘’Robbie’’ I liked the best. It’s about Gloria and her robot friend Robbie. She spends so much time with him that her parents start to worry about their daughter.

It was quite nice. Other stories were more about how safe are those three laws. Unfortunately neither wasn’t nearly as scary as I expected, and not even close to horror. Have to admit that there were some interesting moments and ideas.

Funny that according mentioned years we should already be living between and with robots. In case you have one – my advice to you is that the most important thing is to give clear and unmistakable commands so your robot friend wouldn’t go nuts!

Dan Simmons – Hyperion (Hyperion Cantos #1)(audiobook)

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Grāmatas apraksts no Goodreads/Synopsis from Goodreads:

On the world called Hyperion, beyond the law of the Hegemony of Man, there waits the creature called the Shrike. There are those who worship it. There are those who fear it. And there are those who have vowed to destroy it. In the Valley of the Time Tombs, where huge, brooding structures move backward through time, the Shrike waits for them all. On the eve of Armageddon, with the entire galaxy at war, seven pilgrims set forth on a final voyage to Hyperion seeking the answers to the unsolved riddles of their lives. Each carries a desperate hope—and a terrible secret. And one may hold the fate of humanity in his hands.

A stunning tour de force filled with transcendent awe and wonder,Hyperion is a masterwork of science fiction that resonates with excitement and invention, the first volume in a remarkable new science fiction epic by the multiple-award-winning author of The Hollow Man From the Paperback edition.

Izdevniecība/Publisher: Audible Frontiers

Kā tiku pie šīs grāmatas?/How I got this book?

Lejuplādēju no torenta. Izvēlējos no Top 100 Sci-Fi Books grāmatu listes.

Vērtējums/Rating: 4.75/5

Mana recenzija/My review

Jau ar pirmajām minūtēm varēja just, ka šī būs laba (audio)grāmata : ). Seši dažādi stāsti un tagadne, septiņi svētceļnieki un vēl daudz kā cita!

Stāstu un svētceļnieku vienojošie faktori ir Hyperion planēta, uz tās esošās Laika Kapenes un radījums Shrike, ko vieni pielūdz kā sāpju dievu, bet citi vienkārši baidās kā no briesmoņa.

Stāsti savā starpā ir atšķirīgi – ir detektīvs, erotika, romantika u.c. – bet vislabāk tomēr patika pats pirmais un pēdējais vismazāk.

Mūsu Zeme (Vecā Zeme) vairs nepastāv Saules mūža beigu dēļ, un cilvēce izpletusies pa Visumu; ir arī liela attīstība interneta pasaulē. Nav daudz konkurentu, kas spētu stāties pretī. Ļoti patika mistiska ap deviņu labirintu pasaulēm, viena no tām Hyperion, kurus noteikti izveidojusi kāda civilizācija agri, agri pirms cilvēkiem.

Pats radījums Shrike lielā mērā paliek kā noslēpums. Skaidrs gan ir tas, ka drošs par savu dzīvību viņa klātbūtnē nevari būt.

Beigās kārtīgs klifhengeris, kas liek vēlēties VĒL! Noteikti patiks sci-fi faniem.

                                                                                                                                                

With the first minutes I could tell that this (audio)book will be great : ). Six tales and the present, seven pilgrims and many more!

What links all the tales and pilgrims is the planet Hyperion, the Time Tombs on it and the Shrike creature which some worship as god but others fear as from monster.

Tales are very different – there are a detective, erotic, romance etc. – but my favorite was the first tale and the least likable for me was the last one.

Our Earth (The Old Earth) no longer exists thanks to Sun life’s ending process, and humanity has conquered the Universe with not much resistance; also web has developed quite a lot. Very liked mystery around nine labyrinth planets (one of them Hyperion) which were clearly build by some civilization much ancient than humans.

The Shrike itself remains a secret. One thing that is clear is that when he is around you can’t be sure about your own life.

The ending is a real cliff-hanger which makes you to want MORE! Certain recommendation for sci-fi fans.

Robert A. Heinlein – Starship Troopers (audiobook)

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Grāmatas apraksts no Goodreads/Synopsis from Goodreads:

In one of Robert Heinlein’s most controversial bestsellers, a recruit of the future goes through the toughest boot camp in the Universe–and into battle with the Terran Mobile Infantry against mankind’s most frightening enemy.

Izdevniecība/Publisher: Blackstone Audio

Kā tiku pie šīs grāmatas?/How I got this book?

Lejuplādēju no torenta. Izvēlējos no Top 100 Sci-Fi Books grāmatu listes.

Vērtējums/Rating: 3/5

Mana recenzija/My review

Sākums un arī liela daļa vairāk tāda teorētiska un nekā aizraujoša, un gandrīz jau noticēju, ka nekas nemainīsies, bet kļūdījos.

Sekojam galvenajam varonim Juan Rico, kurš piesakās armijā pēc tieša Kukaiņu uzbrukuma Buenosairesai. Izejam cauri no pašas uzņemšanas līdz pat apmācībām un kaujas laukam. Diemžēl stāstā parādīta vien viena kauja, un uzreiz lielā, izšķirošā. Ir redzēta filma, un šķiet, ka tur bija vairāk (interesantāk).

Bija vairāki brīži, kad nevarēja nesaklausīt aizspriedumainas, iespējams, attiecīgā laika piezīmes gan par sievietēm, gan militārisko aspektu un lielvarām.

Citplanētiešu Kukaiņu apraksts un viņu kā stropa tipa sabiedrības raksturojums ar karalienēm, strādniekiem, karotājiem un smadzenēm/smadzeņotājiem :D bija saistošs. Neliela filozofēšana, kuram lemts un pienākas apdzīvot Visumu; par citām rasēm neko īpašu nesadzirdēju.

Beigas noteikti izglāba kopējo iespaidu.

                                                                                                                                                

The beginning and most of the book was more theoretical than I would have liked, and I almost believed that that’s all there is but I was wrong.

We are following the main character Juan Rico as he joins Mobile Infantry after direct attack to Buenos Aires by Bugs. We go through from admittance to training and even battlefield, just a bit disappointing that it’s only one – the big, important battle. Have seen the movie, and as I remember there were more action.

There were moments were you could not have missed stereotypical remarks, both about women, military things and superpowers.

Descriptions about alien Bugs and their hive society (queens, workers, warriors and brains) were fascinating. Also some philosophical moments about who is meant to inhabit the Universe; didn’t heard much about other races.

The ending definitely saved the whole impression.

Frank Herbert – Dune (Dune Chronicles #1)(audiobook)

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Grāmatas apraksts no Goodreads/Synopsis from Goodreads:

Set in the far future amidst a sprawling feudal interstellar empire where planetary dynasties are controlled by noble houses that owe an allegiance to the imperial House Corrino, Dune tells the story of young Paul Atreides (the heir apparent to Duke Leto Atreides and heir of House Atreides) as he and his family accept control of the desert planet Arrakis, the only source of the ‘spice’ melange, the most important and valuable substance in the cosmos. The story explores the complex, multi-layered interactions of politics, religion, ecology, technology, and human emotion as the forces of the empire confront each other for control of Arrakis.

Published in 1965, it won the Hugo Award in 1966 and the inaugural Nebula Award for Best Novel. Dune is frequently cited as the world’s best-selling sf novel.

Kā tiku pie šīs grāmatas?/How I got this book?

Lejuplādēju no torenta. Izvēlējos no Top 100 Sci-Fi Books grāmatu listes.

Vērtējums/Rating: 2.75/5

Mana recenzija/My review

Dune ir gan politiska, gan filozofiska zinātniskā fantastika. Tas pamatā ir jaunā Pola skatpunkta, kuram, pēc vardarbīgās tēva nāves, jāieņem viņa tituls un jāmēģina to pienācīgi izpildīt.

Darbība galvenokārt skar tuksneša planētu Arrakis. Ūdens ir tik lielā vērtē, ka pat no miruša cilvēka tas tiek izspiests un izmantots. Varētu jautāt, kāpēc tad kāds tur vispār grib dzīvot, bet tieši Arrakis planēta dod ļoti vērtīgu garšvielu. Pola pozīciju un viņa pārstāvēto namu apraud daudzi citi, kuri vēlētos rīkoties pa savam un iegūt no tā bagātību. Kā pirmo obligāti būtu jāmin pats imperators.

Lai cik pārsteidzoši tas varētu šķist Arrakis planētai ir savi pamatiedzīvotāji (Fremen), kā arī milzīgi, pazemē mītoši tārpi; to apraksts atgādināja vienu daudzsēriju filmu, kurai nekādīgi nevaru atcerēties nosaukumu(s). Lielākā daļa pamatiedzīvotājus uzskata par prastiem un atpalikušiem mežoņiem, bet Pols saprot, ka patiesība ir pavisam atšķirīga, jo, ja citi pamatoti baidās no tārpiem, viņi apguvuši prasmi ar tiem jāt.

Vēl ārkārtīgi neparasts tēls ir Alia, vien dažus gadus veca meitene, bet ar tādām pārdabiskām spējām, ka pat varenākajiem kārtīgi jāpiedomā, vai ir vērts radīt sev nevajadzīgas problēmas. Savas lietas bīda arī Pola mātei Džesikai.

Iespējams, priekš manis drusku par kompleksu, īsti nepārliecināja un nepiesaistīja.

                                                                                                                                                

Dune is both a political and philosophical sci-fi. Its main POV is from Paul who after violent death of his father’s death has to fill his shoes as the new Duke.

Action mainly is on desert planet Arrakis. Water there so hugely valuable that they even squeeze it out of dead bodies. You might wonder who would want to live there then, but Arrakis is the place that produces a very profitable spice. Paul doesn’t have time to practice to be a Duke as there are many that threatens his position and would like to have their way and that they could make the profit. The first in the line is Emperor himself.

As surprisingly it might be considering the harsh environment Arrakis has its own natives – Fremen; also giant sandworms. Most of people think about Fremen as wild and uncivilized savages, but Paul realizes that the truth is far from that. Because if everyone else are justifiably afraid from sandworms than they have learned how to ride them.

Another peculiar character is Alia, just few years old but with such supernatural powers that even the mightiest should think twice before challenging her. Paul’s mother Jessica also is an active player and has her saying.

Maybe a bit too complex for me, wasn’t that exciting.

Isaac Asimov – Foundation (Foundation #1) (audiobook)

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Grāmatas apraksts no Goodreads/Synopsis from Goodreads:

For twelve thousand years the Galactic Empire has ruled supreme. Now it is dying. But only Hari Seldon, creator of the revolutionary science of psychohistory, can see into the future — to a dark age of ignorance, barbarism, and warfare that will last thirty thousand years. To preserve knowledge and save mankind, Seldon gathers the best minds in the Empire — both scientists and scholars — and brings them to a bleak planet at the edge of the Galaxy to serve as a beacon of hope for a future generations. He calls his sanctuary the Foundation.

But soon the fledgling Foundation finds itself at the mercy of corrupt warlords rising in the wake of the receding Empire. Mankind’s last best hope is faced with an agonizing choice: submit to the barbarians and be overrun — or fight them and be destroyed.

Izdevniecība/Publisher: Books on Tape

Kā tiku pie šīs grāmatas?/How I got this book?

Lejuplādēju no torenta. Izvēlējos no Top 100 Sci-Fi Books grāmatu listes.

Vērtējums/Rating: 2.25/5

Mana recenzija/My review

Matemātiķis (un ne tikai) Hari Seldons ar ticamiem aprēķiniem izsecina, ka Galaktiskā Impērijas gals ir neizbēgams, bet tam sekos 30 tumšas(zināšanu ziņā) tūkstošgades. Tomēr, ja visas zināšanas tiktu apkopotas un paglābtas no impērijas sabrukuma izraisītas degradācijas un barbarisma, ir visai reālistiski samazināt skaitu līdz 1000 gadiem.

Seldons tiek izsūtīts uz Galaktikas nomales planētu, kur kopā ar sekotājiem viņam ļauj uzsākt apjomos milzīgo projektu.

Dažos vārdos grāmatu varētu raksturot kā cīņu par varu, kur ir savi trakie militāristi, spēlētāji no aizkulisēm un cilvēki augstos posteņos, kurus patiesībā vada un kontrolē citi; daļa tēlu samērā vienkārši un ne pārāk izstrādāti, kā arī maz sieviešu kārtas tēlu. Darbības laiks ir liels, tāpēc jāpiepūla atmiņa visus atcerēties un iegaumēt kas ir kas. Laika izstieptības dēļ atkārtojas pāris sižetiski risinājumi.

Grūti iedomāties kādiem būtu jābūt aprēķiniem, kas simtprocentīgi precīzi spētu paredzēt nākotni ar tik daudziem mainīgajiem; noteikti noderētu superdators, un tikai apsveicami, ja iztiek bez. Nevar salīdzināt teiksim ar kontinentu pārvietošanās paredzēšanu.

Toties, redzot dažu ziņu sižetisku kā ISIS iznīcina pasaules mantojumu, ir saprotama ideja par kāda visaptveroša arhīva esamību, domājot arī vispārīgi par zudušo antīku un ne tik senu informāciju un priekšmetiem.

                                                                                                                                                

Mathematician (but not only) Hari Seldon with believable calculations can predict that Galactic Empire’s end is inevitable and after that there will be 30 thousand years of barbarism like Dark Age. Although if all the knowledge in Galaxy would be preserved than that number could be reduced to just 1000 years.

Seldon is sent out to the edge of Galaxy where he and his followers are allowed to start their enormous project.

In two words this book could be described as power struggle with its crazy warlords, players from shadows and those in high positions but are actually just puppets; part of the characters are simple and plain, also few if any female characters. Timescale is quite long so to keep in mind who is who you have to strain your memory. Because the time is so stretched sometimes it gets repetitive.

It’s a bit hard to imagine what kind of calculations there should be to predict future so precisely with so many variables; didn’t hear that he used a supercomputer, and so just more reasons to congratulate. Can’t compare to predictions about continents (their movement).

But seeing videos where ISIS destroys world heritage the idea about all-round archive is understandable; also when you think about all the information and things lost from ancient and not so ancient world.

Arthur C. Clarke – 2001: A Space Odyssey (Space Odyssey #1) (audiobook)

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Grāmatas apraksts no Goodreads/Synopsis from Goodreads:

A special new Introduction by the author highlights this reissue of a classic science fiction novel that changed the way people looked at the stars–and themselves.

Izdevniecība/Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Kā tiku pie šīs grāmatas?/How I got this book?

Lejuplādēju no torenta. Izvēlējos no Top 100 Sci-Fi Books grāmatu listes.

Vērtējums/Rating: 5/5

Mana recenzija/My review

Sākumā autora ierunātais ievads, paskaidrojot par grāmatas tapšanu un drusku par turpinājumu nepieciešamību, kā arī par filmas tapšanu un atšķirībām no grāmatas, bija interesants, dāvājot ieskatu tā teikt aizkadrā.

Paša stāsta ievads noris aptuveni pirms trim miljoniem gadu, kad primitīvie cilvēka priekšteči, paši īsti neapzinādamies, saskārās ar inteliģentām būtnēm. Arī šajā daļā saistošs tēls – agrīnais līderis.

Kosmosa odisejas katalizators ir neparastas, apraktas ierīces atrašana uz Mēness, kuras vecums ir minētie trīs miljoni gadu, tātad noteikti cilvēks nav bijis tas, kas to tur atstājis. Kad ierīce saskaras ar Saules gaismu, no tās iziet signāls. Tas jau vien liek pārdomāt cilvēka nozīmību un saprast, ka, ja ne šobrīd, tad vispār cilvēks nav vienīgā inteliģentā radība.

Odisejas komandā Frenks un Deivids, kā arī vēl trīs komandas biedri kriogēna miegā, un pašu kuģi monitorē mākslīgais intelekts/dators HAL 9000. Pat drusku baisa, bet ne īpaši, jo diezgan ātri apturēta datora sacelšanās. Tomēr iemesls visai saprotams, jo, lai gan datoram uz Zemes tika veikti visvisādi testi, tam netika paskaidrots, ka to izslēdzot, tas nemirst, manuprāt.

Patika, ka fragmenti, kur, piemēram, kuģis saņem ziņu no Zemes stacijas vai savā starpā sazinās bija izmantotas skaņas, ko varētu salīdzināt ar lidmašīnas pilota sazināšanos ar pasažieriem~. Tas padarīja visu ticamāku nekā, ja būtu nolasīts bez tā.

Pie Saturna Deivids sastop, šķiet, kaut ko līdzīgu zvaigžņu vārtiem, un arī tālāk redzamais varētu likt elpai aizrauties. Vienīgi nekur neierauga sagaidītājus, kas liek padomāt, ka cilvēce, iespējams, nedaudz nokavējusi mirkli, kad doties plašā Visuma izpētē.

                                                                                                                                                

Author’s introduction in the beginning explaining how the book was written and a bit the need for sequels, and also about the movie and its differences with the book was helpful and interesting giving an insight behind the pages.

The introduction of the story itself happens three million years ago when ancestors of man probably not really knowing encountered with aliens. Also in this part there is a captivating character – an early leader, Moon-Watcher.

A catalyst for space odyssey is a discovery of extraordinary and buried artefact on Moon. As it is about three millions it is clear that humans didn’t put it there. When the Sun light reaches this device it emits a signal. This discovery alone is a proof good enough to reconsider significance of mankind and realise that at least once humans weren’t alone in the Universe.

Frank Poole and Dave Bowman and three others in the cryogenic sleep make the team of Space Oddysey. An AI HAL 9000 runs the ship, and there’s even a good and a little scary uprising but not that much as the AI isn’t given such a long time to run wild. But the reason for such actions is quite simple as no one didn’t try to explain it that by shutting it off he doesn’t die (I think).

I liked that in those fragments when the ship received messages from Earth etc they used voices/sound effects like when a plane’s pilot speaks with passengers or something like that : )

Near the Saturn Dave encounters something similar like stargate and what he sees next might take the breath away. Only those who put the artefact on the Moon and that stargate are nowhere to be seen; perhaps mankind were just a bit too late to explore the vast Universe.

H.G. Wells – The Time Machine (audiobook)

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Grāmatas apraksts no Goodreads/Synopsis from Goodreads:

“I’ve had a most amazing time….”

So begins the Time Traveller’s astonishing firsthand account of his journey 800,000 years beyond his own era—and the story that launched H.G. Wells’s successful career and earned him his reputation as the father of science fiction. With a speculative leap that still fires the imagination, Wells sends his brave explorer to face a future burdened with our greatest hopes…and our darkest fears. A pull of the Time Machine’s lever propels him to the age of a slowly dying Earth.  There he discovers two bizarre races—the ethereal Eloi and the subterranean Morlocks—who not only symbolize the duality of human nature, but offer a terrifying portrait of the men of tomorrow as well.  Published in 1895, this masterpiece of invention captivated readers on the threshold of a new century. Thanks to Wells’s expert storytelling and provocative insight, The Time Machine will continue to enthrall readers for generations to come.

Kā tiku pie šīs grāmatas?/How I got this book?

Lejuplādēju no torenta. Izvēlējos no Top 100 Sci-Fi Books grāmatu listes.

Vērtējums/Rating: 4.75/5

Mana recenzija/My review

Īss stāsts, bet arī tajā mazajā sprīdī tiek lasāmviela paspēj radīt spēcīgu atmosfēru.

Ceļotājs laikā prezentē saviem draugiem/paziņām laikamašīnas modeli un ideju par ceļošanu laikā, jo kādēļ gan lai tas nebūtu iespējams, ja varam ceļot telpā turp un atpakaļ. Aptuveni pēc nedēļas tie paši un vēl daži tiek uzaicināti uz vakariņām. Skats, ko viņi ierauga, liek visiem klātesošajiem palikt ar mutēm vaļā, jo Ceļotājs ievērojami pēc skata novecojis.

Jau labi zinādams, ka sacītais tiks uztverts kā, ja ne klaji meli, tad izdomājums un fantāzija, Ceļotājs izklāsta sanākušajiem piedzīvoto nākotnē, kur nonācis pateicoties pabeigtai pilna izmēra laikamašīnai. Neskatoties uz darba sarakstīšanas laiku pārsteidzoši reālistiska un ticama vīzija. Var pamanīt šo un to, kas vēlāk izmantots citos darbos.

Ja var ticēt mašīnas uzrādītajam, tad gads, kur Ceļotājs nonāk, pārsniedza 802 000 gadu. Un diemžēl cilvēces attīstība atšķiras no gaidītā negatīvā ziņā.

Būtu paticis, ja tēliem būtu bijuši doti arī vārdi, ne tikai profesijas, piemēram, ārsts un psihologs.

                                                                                                                                                

The story is not that long but in that short time it manages to create a powerful atmosphere.

The Time Traveler presents to his friends/acquaintance a time machine’s module and the idea about traveling in time because why couldn’t you do that if it’s possible to travel in space. About a week later the same guests and few more are invited to dinner. The sight when Time Traveler shows up makes them gasp because he has aged considerably.

Already knowing that what he has to say might be considered as fantasy if not lies, the Time Travel tells his guests about his adventures in the future where was able to get thanks to full size time machine. In spite of when the story was written the vision of future was very realistic and believable. You can see this and that that has been used later by others.

If you can trust the readings of time machine than the Time Traveler travelled to year 802 000 and a bit more. Unfortunately the state of humanity isn’t what predicted and thought it might be.

I would have liked if the characters would have names and not just their profession labels like doctor and psychologist.

Robert A. Heinlein ”The Moon is a Harsh Mistress”

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Grāmatas apraksts no Goodreads/Synopsis from Goodreads:

It is the year 2076, and the Moon is a penal colony for the rebellious and the unwanted of Earth. The exiles have created a libertarian society in order to survive in their harsh and unforgiving environment, their motto being TANSTAAFL: “There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch”. Looming over them is the Luna Authority, the heavy-handed Earth administration, who trades life necessities to the “Loonies” in exchange for grain shipments to the starving populations of Earth.

As the situation steadily deteriorates the inhabitants of Luna come to realize that they have little choice but to revolt against Luna Authority in order to save themselves from resource exhaustion and a subsequent environmental apocalypse.

A small band of dissidents emerges to lead the revolution. This consists of a one-armed computer jock, a radical young woman, a past-his-prime academic, and a nearly omnipotent computer named Mike. These people ignite the fires of revolution, despite the near certainty of failure.

Izdevniecība/Publisher: Blackstone Audio

Kā tiku pie šīs grāmatas?/How I got this book?

Lejuplādēju no torenta. Izvēlējos no Top 100 Sci-Fi Books grāmatu listes.

Vērtējums/Rating: 3/5

Mana recenzija/My review

Ir 2076.gads, un cilvēce spējusi iedzīvoties arī uz Mēness, bet dažādu izvēļu dēļ kontrole pār Mēness kolonijām ir apdraudēta.

Viens ir tas, ka par kandidātiem, kurus sūtīt apgūt Mēnesi, izvēlēti dažādi kriminālisti; līdzīgi kā Austrālijā. Un otrs, pat nozīmīgāks, ka pārvaldošā iestāde Autoritāte kontrolē pilnīgi visu, sākot ar enerģiju un arī daļa no pārtikas, kā arī nosaka visam cenas.

Pārmaiņas aizsāk Manuela atklājums, ka galvenais superdators Maiks apzinās sevi un spēj sarunāties, bet neviens no Autoritātes to neuzzin, jo nav nepieciešamība darboties tā tuvumā, visu var uzdot attālināti.

Varētu pat teikt, ka tieši pateicoties Maikam, Mēness iemītnieki var sākt pretošanās kustību. Manuels iesaista aizvien vairāk dalībnieku, bet to, ka Maiks ir dators, nevis cilvēks, zina tikai paši tuvāki. Turklāt nepieciešamība liek Maikam izveidot viltus personību Adamu Selīnu.

Protams, valstis uz Zemes un Autoritātes pārstāvji nav priecīgi par pārmaiņām – izvēršas militāras sadursmes ar upuriem abās pusēs.

Interesantas atšķirības Mēness tiesu sistēmā un laulībās(daudzsievība). Šādas(dažas) īpatnības divos  autora darbos manītas, un, lai gan tie arī šobrīd vienīgie, tad tas tomēr liek domāt, ka uzskati vairāk būtu piedēvējami autoram, ne tikai izveidotajiem tēliem.

Manuels stāstu vēsta no savām atmiņām.

                                                                                                                                                

It’s the year 2076 and humanity has managed to adjust to a life on Moon but because of choices made the control over it is threatened.

One reason might be that those who to send to live on Moon were picked from variety of all kind of criminals like it was with Australia. And the second perhaps even more important that the governing institution called Authority controls completely everything, starting from energy to some food including the control over prices for everything.

An opportunity for changes comes from Manuel’s discovery that supercomputer Mike has self perception and can speak but no one from Authority discovers him because every command and task can be given from afar.

You could say exactly because of Mike Lunars or Loonies (Moon people :D) were able to start the revolt. Manuel starts to involve more and more people but the fact that Mike is a computer not a person is revealed only to the closest. There even comes a necessity for Mike to create fake personality Adam Selene.

Of course countries and Authority on Earth isn’t happy of what’s happening on the Moon which evolves into military clashes.

The story is told from memories of Manuel.