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The Book Of Skulls (S.F. Masterworks) by: Robert Silverberg

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Rating: - Genuinely scary

This book is genuinely scary and very different from other sci-fi novels, almost a horror story. The ending, whilst a little disappointing, leaves one wanting to know more...

Rating: - This IS Science Fiction. Good Science Fiction, at that.

If your definition of "Science Fiction" means far-fetched, yet oddly familiar heroism involving space travel (pointless), robots (dull), or extra-terrestrial invaders (implausible), then stop reading now and walk away.

If by "Science Fiction" you mean, you mean taking a perhaps incredible scientific premise, the achievement of human immortality, where - rather than endlessly attempting to account for such a possibility scientifically - the author develops the characters and investigates their motivations, then this is for you.

Of the new-wave era American writers, Silverberg is the most literary; the form of this book is exciting, his thirty-five-year-old character studies feel remarkably contempary, the dialogue is sparse and believable. Most pleasingly, the portrayal of the gay characters is sensitive, unabashed and realistic, a far cry from the bad sex and misogyny of many contemporary SF novels!

A transcendent mystery exploring themes of belief, predestination, male friendship and sexuality, with an ending that is less unsatisfactory or unsurprising than it is inevitable.

Rating: - Sex and skulduggery

I like Silverbergs's work, and have read a number of his books, so it's somewhat disappointing that this one left me strangely unmoved. TBoS starts out well and shows great promise at the start. The writing style is deceptively straightforward, the prose clear and precise. The foundation for a fascinating mystery is well-laid. Unfortunately predictability soon sets in which gradually dilutes the story's effectiveness. As we get to know the four would-be immortals it becomes clear what the outcome will be. Although the backstories are for the most part interesting some sections feel almost superfluous and I can't help but think that this might have worked better as a pared-down novella. Despite this, however, its never dull, it's just that I was left feeling somewhat ambivalent rather than fulfilled.

Rating: - Very original and memorably written, but not sci-fi

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R24H6SXI0ZQ4J2 My first video review, the sound is a bit off, just thought I'd try it out!

Rating: - Witty, entertaining, but not SciFi

R. Silverberg's book is NOT a Sci-Fi book, but the story of 4 students travelling to a far-away place in order to gain immortality. This basic plot, in spite of having been written a thousand times already (think of Ulysses for a start), gives the author plenty of opportunities to entertain us with intelligent, witty and sometimes even profound writing. I can recommend the book.

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