Tag: books

Netflix’s The Last Czars: Drama, History, and Flawed Royals

Well, let’s face it. Russia is fairly topical at the moment. But how did we get here? Well, any story about Russia has to include the Romanovs, who ruled for 300 years. The Last Czars is an ambitious attempt by Netflix to blend historical documentary with dramatized storytelling, chronicling their downfall —and the rise of the Bolsheviks. The result is an intriguing, visually lavish production that succeeds in moments but often struggles to find its identity.

The lavish costumes, ornate set designs, and snowy Russian landscapes evoke the grandeur—and isolation—of the Romanov dynasty. The performances, especially Robert Jack as Tsar Nicholas II and Susanna Herbert as Alexandra, bring depth to historical figures often seen as symbols rather than people. And rather flawed people they turn out to be.

At times, I felt sympathetic to their plight as their Empire collapsed around them. Other times, not so much as they make one poor decision after another. The Bolsheviks shouldn’t have shot the children, but Nicholas II and Alexandra cared little for the ordinary Russian. It reminds me of someone, I can’t quite put my finger on it.

The most interesting character is, of course, Rasputin. He is someone I have always been interested in. A religious man. God saves sinners; therefore, it is important to sin. Only then can you ask for forgiveness. He tries his best to drink and to make love to as many women as possible. God bless, he loves his God. The Romanovs fall under his spell, a sick son creating a wedge between them and their people (well, she’s German, it’s complicated).

The inclusion of documentary-style narration and expert interviews gives the viewer valuable historical grounding. However, this same hybrid format is also the show’s greatest weakness. The constant switching between drama and documentary can feel jarring, breaking immersion and undercutting any attachment to what is happening.

Personally, I found it a bit of a struggle to keep watching. Three stars out of five for me. If you’re committed to hours of TV every day, give it a try. If time is precious, there is much better out there.

But let me know what you think? Have you seen it?

Heaven’s River: A Review of the Latest Bobiverse Adventure

Hello, dear readers, I finished reading this novel by Dennis E. Taylor last night. It is the fourth book in the Bobiverse series. I have reviewed the others previously and given them strong reviews. But what of this one?

Well, dear readers, to fully appreciate each novel, I recommend reading them in order. It’s a big Universe after all, and so many stories to be told.

The Bobs are copies of the digitally stored personality of a dead human (“Bob”), carried in self-replicating Von Neumann probes. The original mission to explore new worlds was originally tied to saving humanity.

With each replication, there is a drift from the original personality. At this stage, some bobs are the thirtieth generation or more. This has led to factions forming within the Bobiverve, such as Star Trek and the Skippies.

Starfleet believes that the Bobiverse should cease its interaction with biologicals, especially those that don’t engage in space travel, calling it the Prime Directive.

The Skippies want to build a superintelligent AI from scratch.

Each new Bob replicant has an individual name. One of them, Bender, hasn’t been heard from in a very long time. More than a hundred years ago, Bender set out for the stars and was never heard from again. There has been no trace of him despite numerous searches by his clone-mates. Now Bob is determined to organize an expedition to learn Bender’s fate—whatever the cost.

Bob (more or less the original) goes on the same journey where he picks up an alien signal. He deduces that Bender would have followed it. It leads to the discovery of a giant megastructure – rivers that encircle a star. Inside, live a pre-steam civilization, the Quinlans.

The discovery creates a stir throughout the Bobiverse. Starfleet believes that the Quinlans should be left alone, citing the Prime Directive, but Bob would never stop his search for Bender.

It leads to war in the Bobiverse and an epic journey through a truly new world.

I give “Heaven’s River” five stars out of five. Although long, it engages from start to finish. You meet interesting new characters and catch up on old ones. It is very immersive, allowing you to fully engage with the new Quinlan civilization. It has the necessary reveals and plot twists to keep the reader going.

Have you read this novel?

Let me know what you thought in the comments.

Exploring Human Evolution in BBC’s ‘Humans’

Hello everyone. I hope you are all having a good weekend. I know I am. My plan was to finally finish Wheelchair Wars (some day soon, I promise), but as is quite usual for my good self, I got distracted. One of my distractions, other than watching the Lions getting slaughtered by Australia was setting eyes on the above BBC series, called “Humans” presented by the wonderful (and quite pretty) paleoanthropologist Ella Al-Shamahi. It details how humans have evolved and dispersed over the last three hundred thousand years, as well as the demise of our sister species (unless you’re an alien reading this in which case I’d like to remind you to please like, share and subscribe) Neanderthals, Denisovans and the human hobbits Homo floresiensis.

What does it mean to be human? Is it the way we look that is important?

These questions are asked and an answer is given.

It is clear that modern humans did not appear all at once but more gradually. It also states that East Africa was only one pocket among many others across Africa where humanity developed. It makes clear that our intellect and ability to change our behavior is what sets us apart.

A criticism though about its portrayal of the extinction of the Neanderthals. It never explicitly stated that although they covered a wide range, their population was always low even at its height, with possible as few as three thousand breeding pairs. So, although they persisted for hundreds of thousands of years, they always lived close to the edge. The fact that human pathogens might have killed them off was never mentioned.

No comment was really made on how they were probably not our intellectual match. Their groups were far smaller, and they were more heavily dependent on kinship lacking the Machiavellian intellect that is theorized to be required for larger groupings .

It did make clear that the second wave of humans (the first wave failed) were far more advanced and better able to thrive in the harsh conditions.

I recommend you give it a watch.

A Deep Dive into Arthur C Clarke’s Childhood’s End

Well, readers, I have a treat for you today after I completed the above novel that was written in nineteen fifty-seven by what is considered to be one of the best science fiction writers of all time. This is considered by most to be his greatest work.

First, a description from Wikipedia (in italics) that I’ve read and agree with.

In the late 20th century, the United States and the Soviet Union are competing to launch the first spacecraft into orbit when alien spaceships suddenly position themselves above Earth’s principal cities. After one week, the aliens announce they are assuming supervision of international affairs, to prevent humanity’s extinction. They become known as the Overlords. In general, they let humans go on conducting their affairs in their own way, although some humans are suspicious of the Overlords’ benign intent, as they never allow themselves to be seen.

Yeah, remember the Soviet Union? They were a big deal back then.

The Overlord Karellen, the “Supervisor for Earth”, periodically meets with Rikki Stormgren, the Secretary-General of the United Nations. Karellen tells Stormgren that the Overlords will reveal themselves in 50 years, when humanity will have become used to their presence. When the Overlords finally reveal their appearance, they resemble the traditional Christian folk images of demons, with cloven hooves, leathery wings, horns, and barbed tails. Humankind enters a golden age of prosperity at the expense of creativity.

The Overlords are interested in psychic research, which humans suppose is part of their anthropological study. Rupert Boyce, a prolific book collector on the subject, allows one Overlord, Rashaverak, to study these books at his home. To impress his friends with Rashaverak’s presence, Boyce holds a party, during which he makes use of a Ouija board. Jan Rodricks, an astrophysicist and Rupert’s brother-in-law, asks the identity of the Overlords’ home star. The Ouija board reveals a number which Jan recognizes as a star-catalogue number and learns that it is consistent with the direction in which Overlord supply ships appear and disappear. Jan stows away on an Overlord supply ship and travels 40 light years to their home planet.

The story then continues to reveal that humans are about to make a psychic leap, which will elevate humanity to a new level of existence, allowing it to join the Overmind, but also lead to the end of humans as an independent race.

So what did I think? Well, it was interesting what the author conceived a future alien species would be like. There is no advanced robotics, and only a brief mention of computers that can do wondrous things. Although they are still described as mostly mathematical tools.

Credence is given to the supernatural. This is something that the author quasi-believed at the time but later disavowed. Still, it helps the story come along.

The character development and writing are of the highest quality, and it is refreshing to read something from a nineteen-fifties perspective. You should give it a read.

On a more negative level, the passing of time shows. So, you have to put things we know now out of your mind and use some imagination.

Overall, I’d give it four stars out of five.

Remember to subscribe if you like my content, and chat with you all again soon.

My Journey as a Writer: Updates and Goals

Hello, dear readers, I hope you are all doing well. A quick reminder to consider subscribing to the website to be kept fully updated. It really is the best way.

So what have I been up to? Well, not too much in the last day or two (I’m so lazy). Before then, I did make some steady progress.

Wheelchair Wars – The reworking is almost complete of my far future dystopia, where people with disabilities are forced to fight to the death for entertainment. I’m hoping to have it published (probably self-published), but I’ll try to look for an agent in the new year. I joined an online writing group, and I think I have significantly improved my writing skills. Like everything I do, I will always endeavor to improve.

Pegasus – This action-packed story set hundreds of years in the future recently came to an end. Like Wheelchair Wars, it will be reworked and published at a future date.

Distant Love – I only started this recently. It is still easy to find Part 1. This is my latest story – a sci-fi romance. I’m still working this one out in my head, not sure how long it will be.

General Overview:

I am on track to get a record number of views this year. I’m hoping to break the 2,000 mark. From research, to be a professional blogger would need an absolute minimum of 24,000 views per year. I’m a long way off, but not beyond the realms of impossibility to do it in a few years.

I now have 1,400 followers on Bluesky. My plan is to try and get over 2,000 by the end of the year. Then drive that audience towards here, along with my Twitter and Facebook followers.

Please don’t be afraid to comment. It would be great to have some feedback.

Pegasus (Part 119)

There was not a second to waste as I heard laser fire blasting. I ran into the ship and straight to the bridge. Wide-eyed I took a moment to take in the different control panels and visual displays before sitting into the soft pilot’s chair.

Multiple cameras viewed outside the ship from every conceivable angle. From one viewing the rear, I could see that Leanne and her companion had hobbled in. The next minute seemed like an eternity as white flashes appeared. Then, I saw Tabitha, standing and returning fire.

Get into the ship for fucks.

Then the others appeared scurrying into the ship before Tabitha made a run for it.

Immediately, I pressed the button to close the cargo bay door and fired up the thrusters rattling the ship. Pulling back the lever, the ship began to rise just as the blue flashes of its force shield activated.

My finger hovered over the red button to return. Then I pulled it back.

Tabitha came up beside me, kissing me on the mouth. “That was close. I wasn’t sure I’d see you again.”

I reached out and held her hand.

The habitat receded into the distance and my heart began to beat more slowly.

Winding Up a Scammer: My Encounter with Ingrid

Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve been at it again – winding up a scammer. Should I be wasting their precious time? Of course, I should. Today, I talked to a lovely, scheming, evil woman called Ingrid. Little did I know, there was a massive grant I was missing out on.

M = me I = Ingrid

I: Hello. How are you doing.?

M: I’m good and you?

I: Am doing pretty good

Hey…..I have something important to discuss with you (I knew she was a scammer right about now)

M: You do Ingrid, what is it?

I: I saw your name on the NCG list..did you get anything from them? (Now the fun can begin)

M: That’s really interesting. Is that the Navan Carlow Galway rejuvenation list?

I: No…….this is about the national community grant from (Government) which assisted the employees, Old, retired, workers, non-workers, youth and disabled, did you get yours?

No, I’ve never heard about it. I heard that FG government never do nothing. How much is it Could really do with it. Need money for wheelchair

I: I got a hundred thousand dollars from them I had money delivered to me when I applied, you can get it too…I can give you their contact if you don’t mind

M: Wow, that’s cool. But should it be paid In euros. I’m so silly about these things.

Are you there? I really need this money? I’ll do anything.

I: Yeah… I think (to the euro question, wondering what is a euro?) Wait a minute Let me help you check for their website link and send it to you..

M: Cool

I: Link is forwarded to someone claiming to be an agent. Do that now and keep me posted.

M: Where is he based? How did you meet him?

I: A friend also told me about it like I told you..

I had some financial issues then but I have no hope than to try it because I thought it was a scam so after trying it I was surprised to recieve the money from them. I was surprised when they delivered to me. In front of my doorstep,

M: Where are you based again? Are you in the US?

I: Nope

Crokedwood

But they base in the US through my research

M: Where is Crokedwood? Never heard of it.

You there?

I: Really.

M: yes, honestly. Is it in England?

I: Yeah.

Hey… have you drop a message to them?

M: Where in England? You’re pretty, we might meet up (Is it ok to sexually harass a scammer? I’m probably talking to a guy pretending to be a woman so let’s make him squirm lol)

I: Huh

M: you know get it on.

Alas, the scammer stopped communicating for some reason. Don’t worry I’ll report them and remember – Don’t forget to subscribe! And stay safe too. There are bad people, or at least bad bots out there to get you.

Pegasus (Part 90)

Previously, I read about entering Earth’s atmosphere but to experience it is another. The shaking grew larger, and I could see the heat shield at the front glowing red.

Then, everything was still again. Tabitha shouted out her approval. We were coasting now in the Earth’s upper atmosphere. The sky was beautiful blue. The toxic grey clouds that covered most of the planet were like a carpet below us. We were going to try and avoid them altogether.

That carpet gradually faded, then disappeared giving us our first opportunity to see the tainted purple sea. Tabitha was thrilled. “Do you think there is anything alive down there?”

I didn’t want to crush her dreams.

“Yes, I’m sure there must be something. What exactly, I don’t know.”

And maybe there was. I had serious doubts though.

A few minutes later, the sea turned to sand.

“We must be close,” Tabitha said.

“Another ten minutes or so.

The ruins of London were something else. They became visible as jagged pieces sticking out of the land in the distance. They drew closer and what were a few pieces, grew into a sea of its own. Tabitha scanned the vicinity for movement.

“Nothing, apart from some rats.”

We are Legion (We are Bob) by Dennis E. Taylor

Hello readers, I do hope you are all in good form. The cold weather is really settling now, at least in Ireland. Let’s hope it doesn’t last too long for the sake of my sanity. On much more positive notice, I have just finished reading We are Legion (We are Bob) by Dennis E. Taylor.

This is the best sci-fi novel I’ve read in quite some time. Thoroughly original and engaging throughout, it was impossible to stop reading.

Bob is the main character or is that characters? In the current time, Bob has come to riches through the sale of his software company. One of the first things he does with his newfound wealth is sign up for a life extension company. He is an atheist, so he wants to live as long as possible. Upon his death, his head will be removed from his body in the hope that in the future with advancements in technology, he can be brought back to life.

Of course, he thinks this is something that is the far future.

But it’s not.

He dies in a car crash.

The next thing he is awakened over a hundred years from now. But, not all is as he would have hoped. He quickly realizes he no longer has a body but is now computer code. Due, to political changes, he has also lost all of his wealth and his body has been incinerated. He is now private property, belonging to the Ministry of Truth, and is what is called a replicant.

Most replicants quickly have psychotic breaks and don’t make it even with their mood qualifiers. But, Bob sees it as a chance at immortality and realizes he is in the running for an important task.

That task is integral to a Von Neumann probe seeking new habitable worlds for humans. A self-replicating probe to cover the galaxy will necessitate more copies of Bob being created. But, other probes are being sent by other political entities, and some will be armed.

Bob just about manages to take off before missiles strike. This ultimately leads to a nuclear conflict on Earth.

What follows is a tale of exploration, kinship, and what it means to be human.

This gets five stars out of five for me. Highly recommended.

Have you read this novel? What did you think? Let me know in the comments.

Don’t forget to subscribe!

Pagasus (Part 84)

Seeing that the food was similar to my home habitat was a pleasant surprise. I ordered turkey and ham for myself, whereas Tabitha ordered some salmon.

“Why salmon?” I asked.

“Actually, I’ve never tried it before. But I’ve heard about it. Might as well give it a try.”

I felt an urge to say more.

“It was a wild fish that once roamed the seas of earth before being wiped out by the change in climatic conditions. But fortunately for them, and us there are specifically built habitats just to breed them for our palates.”

“Oh, they are so lucky,” Tabitha replied smiling.

“Oh yes, so very lucky.”

It took some time for the food to arrive and our conversation turned to more pressing matters. Top of the list was that we were already running short of money and were nowhere close to accomplishing our end goal.

“We need to work or do something,” Tabitha said, looking down at the table.

“There might be work with artifacts that we can do here. There are so many people here, some of them must want something.

The meals finally arrived after nearly an hour.

“So, sorry,” the waitress nervously blurted out.

Tabitha took one bite of the salmon before her facial muscles tensed up.

“You don’t like it, do you?”

We quickly swapped dishes.