Velocity Weapon
by Megan E. O’Keefe
Our book pick for our September Science Fiction and Fantasy book discussion, Velocity Weapon by Megan E. O’Keefe, includes an AI ship who feels abandoned by its crew and is looking for friendship; but is Bero hiding something? The thrilling Space Opera also features two siblings, one of whom is an injured space pilot, and another, who has had a chip implanted into his brain in order to keep his society’s blue prints to a space gate protected. I liked the story especially since often families are shown as fractured in fiction, but the bond between the siblings and their two dads were strong ones and it was an interesting spin to see sibling dynamics rather than a romantic relationship at the heart of a story. It was also nice to see strong representation for someone with a disability who doesn’t let the loss of the limb keep her from her heroic actions. There are so many twists and turns throughout the plot. I highly recommend checking out this novel, the first in the Protectorate series.
The Last Murder at the End of the World
by Stuart Turton
In November, the Sci-fi/Fantasy group joined with the mystery book group to read a post-apocalyptic mystery, The Last Murder at the End of the World, featuring an AI who is connected into most of the characters minds mimicking if not just their conscious but also at times seeming like an all knowing god, but is this AI intentions truly as benevolent as she seems and with whom do her loyalties lie? A small group of survivors has been living on a an island surrounded by a pestilence; when a murder occurs it starts to dissolve the island’s protective shields. The book had a mixed reception with readers feeling the mystery being stronger than some of the science fiction elements. The story looks at what it means to truly be human. You can read about another of Turton’s books, The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, here.
We hope to have a combined mystery and scifi/fantasy discussion again in the future, but you can always check out the individual group discussions till then. On December 16 at 6:30 PM we will be discussing The Eight Reindeer of the Apocalypses by Tom Holt-for this holiday discussion, participants are encouraged to bring their favorite holiday cookies to share.
Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager
Hoboken Library Staff Picks 