Category Archives: science-fiction

2015, alternatives, drama, Movie Review, science-fiction, thriller

[Alternatives] – Movies – Coherence

January 7, 2015 Joey @ thoughts and afterthoughts 1 Comment

Alternatives is the tagline feature for other forms of entertainment outside of discussing literature. These posts may encompass television, movies, games, and music with a randomized flavour of the moment approach to each post.

Alternatives
Movies – Coherence (2013)

Genre: Science-fiction, Thriller, Drama
Duration: 89 Minutes
Directed/Written By: James Ward Byrkit

On the night of an astronomical anomaly, eight friends at a dinner party experience a troubling chain of reality bending events. Part cerebral sci-fi and part relationship drama, COHERENCE is a tightly focused, intimately shot film whose tension intensely ratchets up as its numerous complex mysteries unfold.

Coherence is as coherent as someone attempting to convince you that coherence is spelled with a –rent. (Okay that doesn’t make any sense at all but I’m running with it.)

Coherence is a solid, in-your-face, handheld recorded (well…not quite, but it looks like it), claustrophobic and dialogue-improvised film that gave me mental and physical chills. I’m not going dissect this film because it’s a viewing best experienced without prior inclinations. I’ll just say that I elicited, “what the [expletive]?” on numerous occasions and perhaps I have an affinity for swearing more when enjoyment increases—or perhaps not—but my swear jar sure is pleased. But I’ll try to spur some interest anyways while making some half-baked commentary.

Continue reading below at your own discretion.

Continue reading [Alternatives] – Movies – Coherence →

2015, Book Review, fantasy, science-fiction, series, YA

[Review] Firefight – Brandon Sanderson

January 5, 2015 Joey @ thoughts and afterthoughts 1 Comment

Book Title: Firefight (The Reckoners Series, #02)
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Number of pages: 432

Synopsis:

They told David it was impossible–that even The Reckoners had never killed a High Epic. Yet, Steelheart–invincible, immortal, unconquerable–is dead. And he died by David’s hand.

Eliminating Steelheart was supposed to make life more simple. Instead, it only made David realize he has questions. Big ones. And there’s no one in Newcago who can give him the answers he needs.

Babylon Restored, the old borough of Manhattan, has possibilities, though. Ruled by the mysterious High Epic, Regalia, David is sure Babylon Restored will lead him to what he needs to find. And while entering another city oppressed by a High Epic despot is a gamble, David’s willing to risk it. Because killing Steelheart left a hole in David’s heart. A hole where his thirst for vengeance once lived. Somehow, he filled that hole with another Epic–Firefight. And he’s willing to go on a quest darker, and more dangerous even, than the fight against Steelheart to find her, and to get his answers.

(re: Goodreads @ Firefight by Brandon Sanderson)

Should this book be picked up? the tl;dr spoiler-less review:

– I recommend reading the Mitosis novella before Firefight. (It isn’t game changing to not have read it but it will help in understanding some references.)
– The world-building is pretty darn creative—it beats the setting in Steelheart if I’m being honest—with plenty of imaginative detailing that continues to exude a cinematic feel. Basically: more epics, more metaphors, more awesome.
– Fast-paced read driven by continual action and atmospheric tension in exploring an unfamiliar landscape even while delving into Phaedrus’ and Firefight’s back story.
– While some minor characters are difficult to connect to, David’s progression of growth remains solid and can be easily rooted for (assuming you can stomach his bad metaphors).
– Reminder notes throughout the text regarding concepts/magic systems from Steelheart. (A reread isn’t necessary.)
– Rating: 4.38/5

Initial Thoughts

It was Boxing Day. There were ordinary sales and satisfactory crowds. Into Indigo I go. Paperbacks, hardcovers, Firefight, Moleskins. Moving on—wait, wtf, huh, why is it out so—?!!?! Seriously though, thanks to Indigo for selling this book early. It made this shopping day well worth the crowded mess in malls.

Quotes will not be included in this review until well after the release date—which is tomorrow, January 6, 2015—so go ahead and get yourself a copy.

Disclaimer: Potential spoilers inherent to this review from here onward.

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Book Review, fantasy, mystery, science-fiction, short story, urban fantasy

[Review] Legion #1 – Brandon Sanderson

November 24, 2014 Joey @ thoughts and afterthoughts 1 Comment

Book Title: Legion (Short Story, Legion, #1)
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Number of pages: 88

Synopsis:

Stephen Leeds, AKA ‘Legion,’ is a man whose unique mental condition allows him to generate a multitude of personae: hallucinatory entities with a wide variety of personal characteristics and a vast array of highly specialized skills. As the story begins, Leeds and his ‘aspects’ are drawn into the search for the missing Balubal Razon, inventor of a camera whose astonishing properties could alter our understanding of human history and change the very structure of society.

(re: Goodreads @ Legion by Brandon Sanderson)

Should this book be picked up? the tl;dr spoiler-less review:

-The dynamic between Leeds and his hallucinatory phantasms is a blast to read into.
– Plot reads like a detective tale with undertones of science, religion, and faith.
– Revelations do feel a bit rushed and open-ended in concept (not to be mistaken for a ‘bad’ ending).

legion-brandon-sanderson-scorecard-600x300

Initial Thoughts

Following the idea that a short story equals a simpler review (because it only makes sense to not ramble too much about so little), this review is increasingly condensed—for your sake and mine (but mainly yours).

Disclaimer: There may be spoilers inherent to this review from this point onward.

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