Panic Reading 2024 Science Fiction | SFF Reviews

[@rachelny5209]

Literature Science Alliance had a video about goodreads sci fi snubs - I learned about a few 2024 releases there.

[@Octobig]

seconded! that video really helped me find some new stuff 🪐✨

[@TheShadesofOrange]

It's on my "to watch" list! I had already filmed this video when she posted it

[@lissavanhouten6628]

I started reading a few Adrian Tchaikovsky sci-fi books. I've been enjoying them because I like his stories, characters, writing.

[@angelwalker979]

Your thumbnails crack me up girl 😂

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Thanks. I was rather pleased how this one turned out

[@gryftkin]

5 weeks left... keep reading ;)

[@jensraab2902]

Don't worry about the number! And if you really like to have 10 books, just present 10 books in base 8! Or you could present them in base 7 and you could even talk about 11 books! In all seriousness, I don't think anyone here will complain if the number is off. 😁 You could even talk about the books that didn't make the cut. That's still very useful. (And in case you're concerned about giving bad press, it's quite possible that your negatives are someone else's positives, or that that person might at least not care about those things that bothered you. I've certainly took interest in books that others actively disliked, sometimes even for the very reasons they didn't dislike them.)

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Thanks! I appreciate the feedback. And I'm definitely not afraid to give negative reviews. I'll be posting a "worst of" video in December

[@jensraab2902]

@@TheShadesofOrange I'll be watching out for that one. Maybe I'll come away WITHOUT new suggestions for my ever-growing book pile, as is usually the case when I'm watching your videos! 😅

[@joannatrefethen1197]

"archetype" is right for Red Sonja. Robert E. Howard created the character in 1934 to represent a female version of the Conan the Barbarian character he created. I can see why it may not read so well today, despite the attempt at updating.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Ah thank you

[@redstarleo]

I’m pretty sure Red Sonja was created for the Conan comics in the 70s. Robert E Howard had female characters, but Red Sonja started as a comic book character created by Roy Thomas.

[@vintagesf]

I’m more interested in the question why there isn’t more good science fiction to read? Is this a trend or a hiccup?

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I hope a hiccup. I'm just not loving the kind of science fiction that seems to be popular or published right now

[@LaughingStockfarm1]

I follow Locus Magazine’s weekly new release vlog and I think the sense of imbalance is because most of the fantasy is romantasy, there’s very few truly epic fantasy as well. Anyway, it’s a great way to hear about books that are flying under the radar, as well as the usual well publicized ones. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJKveWCceb2Gf7Msi=gs1fGxxDwv_wu3hE

[@chrisconnors7418]

I can understand your struggle. I think this is my poorest year for reading good sci-fi that was published this year. Just doesn’t seem to be as much-or the libraries aren’t getting as many. Fortunately I have a backlog of books from previous years I can read so no real problem-but then again I’m not wanting to make a top 10 2024 sci-fi video either :$

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Yeah my backlist Sci fi reading has been great but it feels like we're in a dryspell for new releases

[@LaughingStockfarm1]

Do you follow the Locus Magazine weekly releases? While there’s a lot more fantasy released every week, I’m finding some titles that aren’t on the popular radar.

[@TheBeastReads]

Top ten SF books this year? I only read three 2024 releases. I haven't heard of anything coming in 2025 that I'm excited about either. I am getting very picky in my old age! My motto has always been, "If you ain't cheatin, you ain't tryin"

[@caspergt]

🎶It’s your party. You can cheat if you want to, cheat if you want to, cheat if you want to 🎶 But since you’re asking: No cheating 🤠

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Haha now that song is stuck in my head 😄

[@cbenson513]

Alien Clay is my favorite scifi from this year which you put on my radar with your review. Thanks! It does seem like it hasn't been a great year for new scifi overall. Hoping to find another good one when you release your top list.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Alien Clay will definitely make the list

[@lissavanhouten6628]

@@cbenson513 I just read that one. I really enjoyed it.

[@mgelliott1]

My Relentless Region showed up the other day. I have not read it yet though. Plan to read B4 year's end. I have found a lot of SFF have predictable endings, especially if a series. This is why I have increased my consumption of one off horror/thriller. Those books often have surprises/twists at the end. Hope you get your 10!!!!!

[@TheShadesofOrange]

That's true that I tend to satisfy my craving for surprise endings with thrillers & horror

[@dougsundseth6904]

I have a total of 7 books published this year that I've given three or more stars. 4 of those were SF&F. I think it's likely that there will be a few more, but really only a few. The difference, I suspect, is that I'm not trying to make sure I read new books as they come out to provide timely reviews/reactions for subscribers. And there's a universe of books of various ages out there to read, so the probability that I'll read a new book after finishing any given book is low.

[@socaltoobie8984]

Can’t wait to hear about the upgraded sci fi!!

[@JoeNicolosi-l8i]

I thought Red Sonja was originally a Robert Howard/Conan the Barbarian character. Am I wrong?

[@redstarleo]

A little wrong, Red Sonja was created in 1973 by Roy Thomas for the Marvel Conan comics series. I had to double check, but I was pretty sure she was not a Howard original.

[@noiseofknowing8964]

I read Cory Doctorow’s review of Polostan and his definition of science fiction is a fiction story that is centered around science and technology. The date that the story takes place isn’t really that important. “At the core of sf is an approach to technology (and, sometimes, science): sf treats technology as a kind of crux that the rest of the tale revolves around.” "a story gets increasingly stfnal to the extent that interactions among characters either directly relate to a technology, or are triggered by the consequences of such a relation, or fears, plans or aspirations for same." So, by his definition you can place Polostan on your sci-fi list.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Why thank you!

[@noiseofknowing8964]

@ That is if you agree with his definition.

[@Montie-Adkins]

I just started Exodus. Along with it being a chunker I started a new job with long shifts so it's gonna take me forever to read it.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I feel you! With my new job I'm putting in my 10 hour days and my reading is starting to take a hit

[@candicebarbata5028]

Challenge accepted! I’ll be rewatching all of your channels SFF review videos made in 2024 and see if I can figure it out!✨✨

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Have fun!

[@candicebarbata5028]

Would the book you’re going to reread and give another chance …Is the book Mercy of the Gods? I’m having a great time rewatching your SFF reviews?✨✨

[@candicebarbata5028]

Would the book you’re going to reread and give another chance …Is the book Mercy of the Gods? I’m having a great time rewatching your SFF reviews!✨✨

[@Sweetreads87]

Can I shamelessly plug my own book? It’s called Afterburn and is in this year’s SPSFC, made it through one round of cuts so far. I’m pretty bad at promotion but it’s about a woman with telekinetic powers trying to figure out if her friend is manipulating her or if she’s losing her mind. I think you might like it 😊

[@MrBoJangles]

Oh wow i didn't know there was a Red Sonja novel

[@caspergt]

I believe “Not Till We Are Lost” (Bobiverse #5) by Dennis E Taylor is out on Audible, if that’s your thing. Also, the sequel to “Alliance Rising”, C.J. Cherryh & Jane S. Fanchers “Alliance Unbound” came out in October. I expect both to be solid, but not mind blowing. And in both cases it’s probably best to have read the previous books in the series, so if you haven’t… then never mind. 😊

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I think that's my problem is apparently the best sci fi books coming out this year are sequels

[@josephiyeke8946]

Would you say there’s any crossover between Peter Watts and Sur Burke? I’m trying to figure out if I want to read the trilogy.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Mm I don't see much

[@epiphoney]

Monk would prefer 10 books. In the Black by Patrick Tomlinson is pretty fun.

[@debramaertens893]

Is it “The MercyOf the Gods”? I’ve listened to this a few times since it came out and I’ve liked it better each time.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

It's a good guess, but not that one

[@MrIzzyDizzy]

Try the Misfits by PE Rowe - its really a compilation of audio episodes - which are great and the second book will be even better. I haven't actually read them but they are a great listen.

[@chones_]

How about Megan O'Keefe's Devoured World trilogy? I think the 3rd--The Bound Worlds--was published in June.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I read that one. I'm featuring it in a different yearend video which includes my honorable mentions

[@guillaumecusson3219]

Maybe Tusks of Extinction by Ray Nayler for your Top 10?

[@TheShadesofOrange]

😉

[@0mprakashyadav957]

Thank you Love you 🎉 I recently started and readed 2 so far, love to try new things I am here for recommendations 😅 I mostly watch a channel who explains horror movie explanation Honestly i dont like horror movie that much but his voice over makes it interesting He also explains some novel mostly of sthepen king 's I loved it and started reading i fell in love with book Now i want more After checking your videos it does Fells I have to read all of them And it will take ages to be a part of book community Last time I felt when i Started watching anime It took 3 years to finish Most of good and masterpieces works I fell this is no different either 😅 If u saw this. And read this 💀 I am sorry to right a page of book 📚 Hope i will catch up with book world soon

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Thanks for sharing. I hope you enjoy the booktube community

[@grey_wulf]

I recommend Infinite by Jeremy Robinson. Interesting plot that takes you on a wild journey.

[@Jzscrstsprstr]

No regrading! 😆

[@genxjason]

I wonder if you have considered doing another challenge where you go a period without reading again? That was really heavy content and was like looking in a mirror. This video triggered memories from that experiment.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I've been so bogged down with work that I pretty much stopped reading unintentionally this last week

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

😅 sadly u’ve already seen my list of 15…. Dont have more to add🤔 but ill second ur viewers…. If it isnt 10 - just be real … it isnt 10 :) also glad u had better time with polostan than i did… im worried about quicksilver now Im wondering if mercy of gods grew on you….

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Nope not Mercy. Still disappointed by that one

[@emryborge7027]

Have you read anything by Greg Egan? He writes hard sci-fi and I think he has published a novel this year, I haven’t read it yet though

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I have. I'll have to see if he has a new release

[@CMDR_Verm]

Ten SF books? New is not necessarily better. The Culture series by the late, great Iain M. Banks consists of ten novels exactly and they throw up more ideas in any one of the books than some authors manage in a lifetime of writing. As the years go by they become more relevant than ever. I heartily recommend all of them.

[@Maeve_Ever_Books]

💫

[@OfficerB--]

Have you had a chance to read The Escher Man yet?

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I started it but it wasn't working for me

[@elonmusksellssnakeoil1744]

I think you read more than any other 20 people I know put together.

[@lithiliel9904]

I just released a scifi book 😅 Read "Darkness - After the Fall" and decide that you love it (/my vain hope)

[@roanokebrooks]

🛸

[@ButOneThingIsNeedful]

Your discrimination is to your credit. What use are reviewers who tell you a dozen books every video are "amazing" and "incredible"? On the other hand if you (Rachel) place a book in S-tier you definitely have my attention. :)

[@johannyman9822]

Have you read cascade failure yet? Or have I missed the review?

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I actually haven't but I heard so many mediocre reviews that I assumed it wouldn't be top 10 material

[@paulallison6418]

I know what you mean about adjacent stuff - but I do think it is cheating to include non SF in a SF list - Inversions from the culture series was still a great read but there is very little SF in there so that is down at No.9 of 10 in my Culture series ratings (still 4 stars though). I do wish I could read at your pace, I only read 55 books a year so have to be very picky and stick to my favourite genre.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Fair points

[@zubaerchaudhari8267]

Hi there Hi there there

[@FrankOdonnell-ej3hd]

Yes it’s easy for even smart people to become hung up or obsessed with certain numbers. Some people really carry it way too far for example in the “science” of numerology which is just as much rubbish as astrology. For some strange reason the universe seems to obey laws that can be described and understood by humans using mathematics which often involve numbers but there’s nothing supernatural about it. Anyway the Stephenson book looks interesting but I plan to read seveneves first since it’s actual sci-fi. Be well.⚛️❤

[@Shelbyproductions]

Do androids dream of electric sheep was great

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Agreed

[@anonymes2884]

Genuinely not intended as a criticism but why the emphasis on publication this year ? Or do you do another list of "best i've read ignoring year" ? Just seems a stressfully narrow range :).

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Totally fair question. I just posted my "best backlist" science fiction video. I have just used this particular method to divide up my videos for the last few years. No deep reason other than I like how it curate my favourite buzzy new releases into a separate list from the older backlist titles that have held up over the years

[@CrAsHBon]

I'm currently half way thru listening to 2 2024 books Nether Station by Kevin J. Anderson (for now 4,5 *) Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky (for now 3,9*)

[@halko1802]

👽

[@dalejones4322]

🌌🚀 ⚛️ 🌙🌝 ⭐✨ 👾👽

[@CyraNoavek]

Nope. Please do not fudge a historical novel into a sci fi list. It can be an "honorable mention" imo.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Yeah fair