Reviews

Book Review

Reviewed by Paige Lovitt

When attorney Philip Carr is offered what appears to be the perfect job, on a private Greek island, he jumps at the chance. Leaving his Manhattan life behind, things seem pretty idyllic at first. The island contains both natural beauty and incredible technological advances in both the people and the structures. As Philip learns more about the research that is going on, he is faced with issues that involve many areas including bio-ethics. He also learns more about himself and why he was chosen for the position.

“Oneiro” is an incredibly well-written science fiction novel. It is the first in a four-part series. The author John Stuart Goldenberg manages to blur the edges of real science with science fiction, so the reader is left wondering what is real and what is fictional. The story itself is vividly written so that the reader really can so what is happening. The technological advances are described in such a way that they appear to be incredibly fantastic at times and at other times, incredibly scary, because they leave you with the question of “What if?”

As a matter of fact, as I was enjoying the story, in the back of my mind, I was pondering this question. Forcing human evolution can definitely have some unusual consequences. Creating incredible technology that can solve the world’s problems such as food shortages and oil depletion makes for more of a fantastic story, however, as in the book, not everyone in the world is receptive to positive change, especially if it affects their wallets. In spite of the fantasticalness of the story, I think that the events that occur would be very realistic considering how our world is today. I also really enjoyed the philosophical discussions as they were written. The author definitely gave me some things to think about regarding my own spiritual beliefs.

I highly recommend that people who enjoy science fiction novels that have depth read this novel, “Oneiro,” by John Stuart Goldenberg. It will be refreshing for them to find a new science fiction author to get hooked on!.

Reviewed by R.B. Ackerman

Love SiFi

If you love or just like SiFi books this is one you must read. Totally different and new ideas. I rate this up with Arthur C. Clark, Robert Heinlein, and Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

Reviewed by John Matlock

A Good Start on a Four Volume Saga

A monumental first novel. It's said to be the first of a four part saga, but it doesn't appear that the subsequent books have appeared.

It is surprising that in a first novel he starts the story with a couple of short vignettes that quickly get you to wondering what is going to happen, specifically you are wondering just who are the bad guys and at whom are they so mad.

This book is not exactly what I'd call science fiction. It is rather like some of the stories that have come out in recent years that make some guesses as to what science will reveal in the near future. The hero is kind of a superman. But again not an uncommon technique to use in a story.

All in all, a good story, and I indeed hope that this is the start of a four volume story.

Reviewed by Freddy V.

Nice Surprise

I have to admit that I am not used to reading science fiction. A friend passed this roman
and I had to change my opinion. No, science fiction novels are not "minor" literature.
This book has convinced and I am eager to start reading the next ones

Reviewed by Mark O.

Great Reading

Great story that kept my interest wondering what will happen next. Interesting thoughts about the future and what could happen.

Book Review

Reviewed by GPW

All you wanted to know about the Nike missile system but were afraid to ask

I worked with this missile system during the cold war. Since everything was secret, technicians like myself only knew about the part of the system we were trained to maintain. This book brought the entire system to my knowledge.

Book Review

Reviewed by Mark W. Lyon

Fabulous Artistry

I've read several of John's books. In this one he takes his imagination and writing skills to new heights. Brilliant and insightful, not to mention very humorous, characterizations of French life, culture and personalities. I thought I was in France. Story is well conceived and the mystery well executed. This author is an artist and he keeps on getting better and better.

Reviewed by Toni O

Interesting Characters, Good Mystery

This book drew me in right from the start. Set in the south of France, the author’s abundant knowledge of the area shows through clearly in the wonderful descriptions of the places and towns, as well as the fitting dialogue. The characters and their wonderfully unique histories are revealed little by little – much as you would get to know a new friend. I came to care about them and wonder what would happen to them next. I could hardly put the book down, but I wanted to revel in the mystery a bit longer – so I took my time.

Book Review

Reviewed by Colin Keary

I have been a reader of science fiction for over fifty years; I have read many of the works by most of the masters of the genre. This book is one of the best I have ever read! I found it difficult to put down; thoroughly gripping and extremely brutal. It is not for the faint-hearted! Inevitably it will be offensive to many but it is certainly thought-provoking. I hope the next two volumes in the series appear very soon.