Reading Roundup: The 18th week of 2025
a chilly bank holiday, a horror and some Star Trek.
Another bank holiday weekend here, and another dip in temperature. We had this before Easter, too - the weeks leading up were wonderful, the weekend itself damp and chilly. The joys of being a Britain
Not too much new this week, but a Star Trek story, a techno-horror and a fanfic to keep me ticking over.
4 stars to Immortal Coil, by Jeffrey Lang
Book Description:
" He is perhaps the ultimate human achievement: a sentient artificial life-form -- self-aware, self-determining, possessing a mind and body far surpassing that of his makers, and imbued with the potential to evolve beyond the scope of his programming. Created by one of the most brilliant and eccentric intellects the Federation has ever known, the android Data has always believed he was unique, the one true fulfillment of a dream to create children of the mind. But is he? Investigating the mysterious destruction of a new android created by Starfleet, Data and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise(TM) uncover startling secrets stretching back to the galaxy's dim past. That knowledge is coveted by beings who will stop at nothing to control it, and will force Data to redefine himself as he learns the hidden history of artificial intelligence."
My Thoughts:
"I quite enjoyed this, although it suffered from a bit of extraneous TOSism. Not just revisiting Korby, but the M5 and throwing in Flint and all that was just perhaps a bit of a stretch. I guess it's all history now with the collapse of the litverse and perhaps I'd have appreciated it more being a proper TOS fan too." This Book: has 331 pages, a community rating of 4 and was first published in 2002.
4 stars to Polybius, by Collin Armstrong
Book Description:
"Stranger Things meets The Walking Dead in this shivery novel based on a terrifying urban legend about a small seaside town descending into chaos when an unusual video game is unveiled at the local arcade. Having recently moved to the gentrifying seaside town of Tasker Bay with her mother, the only thing on high schooler Andi’s mind is saving up enough money for her escape to Silicon Valley. Though it’s owned by the shadiest resident in town, she takes a job at the dingy arcade Home Video World. Pining over Andi is Ro, the son of Tasker Bay’s sheriff. With his friend’s matchmaking help, he begins spending more time at the arcade and soon, Andi finds herself opening up to Ro. But when the store gets an unusual new game of unknown origin, the floor is suddenly overwhelmed with players fighting to get some time on the machine. Seemingly overnight, a virus-like epidemic sweeps through the town while a major coastal storm rolls in, further isolating them from the outside world. Time is of the essence as residents collectively experience anger, paranoia, hallucinations, and even catatonia. And when one heinous act of violence goes unsolved, the town descends into utter chaos. Realizing no one is coming to their rescue, Andi and Ro take matters into their own hands to get to the bottom of the spiraling madness…until it begins affecting them, too."
My Thoughts:
"with a smattering of techno-thrillerness about it, a dollop of 1980's arcade culture and leaning heavily on the horror, I found myself enjoying this quite a lot. Not a book for those seeking happiness!" This Book: has 352 pages, a community rating of 3.78 and was first published in 2025.
Things not on Goodreads or reread
Harry potter and the GUI, by Samhane
I've read this all the way once, and started it when it was incomplete, much to my frustration. I couldn't remember how it ended so read it again as a comfort thing. Enjoyed it just as much the third time around, even if Harry as a 12 year old is a bit unbelievable.