Blood Music (Gollancz S.F.)
Registered by davemurray101 of Christiansted, US Virgin Islands US Virgin Islands on 12/3/2008
This Book is Currently in the Wild!
This Book is Currently in the Wild!
18 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by davemurray101 from Christiansted, US Virgin Islands US Virgin Islands on Wednesday, December 3, 2008
A fantastic read - one of the early scifi novels about nanotechnology. A little bit dated with references to the Soviet Union and the Twin Towers but overall a really modern scifi book with a fast moving plot.
Journal Entry 2 by davemurray101 from Christiansted, US Virgin Islands US Virgin Islands on Monday, December 29, 2008
sending as an RACBK to
Erishkigal
Erishkigal
Journal Entry 3 by davemurray101 at A fellow BookCrosser, A RABCK -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Released 15 yrs ago (1/7/2009 UTC) at A fellow BookCrosser, A RABCK -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
sent to Erishkigal by mail.
sent to Erishkigal by mail.
arrived Saterday past~ sorry it took me a few days to get over here to journal (been busy getting a show open)~~ but I have started reading in bed at night, and so far it's awesome~~makes me want to call in sick, stay home and finish it! Thank you, davemurray101!!
And it goes quite well with the non-fiction I just finished: Your Inner Fish, which is evolution, with more than a smattering of genetics.
And it goes quite well with the non-fiction I just finished: Your Inner Fish, which is evolution, with more than a smattering of genetics.
I'm with davemurray~~a fantastic read~~ A tsunami of a read, catching you with a roar, and sweeping far thru till the end!! And it did feel 'up-to-the-minute;" hard to believe it was written over 20 years ago.
For those who like science in their SF.
I've loaned this to my bro-in-law, and when he returns it , I'll try for a ray. If that doesn't go, I'll rabck-it-forward.
Thanks again, davemurray!!
For those who like science in their SF.
I've loaned this to my bro-in-law, and when he returns it , I'll try for a ray. If that doesn't go, I'll rabck-it-forward.
Thanks again, davemurray!!
getting this bookray on it's way as soon as I have the first address.
The order is:
pati13 US
perryfran US
Mozette AU
vamirequeen UK
crosspatch UK
starflash UK
microsquid Ireland
LadyTrinity Norway
proseknitic: Denmark
Lemon-Crisis UK
salvami Ireland
disneyfreaksam UK
hyphen8 US
ray completed, now continuing to travel onward :-)
Try to read it within a month, jot me a note,please, if it's going to be much longer, and may you all enjoy it as much as I did!
The order is:
pati13 US
perryfran US
Mozette AU
vamirequeen UK
crosspatch UK
starflash UK
microsquid Ireland
LadyTrinity Norway
proseknitic: Denmark
Lemon-Crisis UK
salvami Ireland
disneyfreaksam UK
hyphen8 US
ray completed, now continuing to travel onward :-)
Try to read it within a month, jot me a note,please, if it's going to be much longer, and may you all enjoy it as much as I did!
Journal Entry 7 by 
erishkigal
at -- BOOKRAY, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- USA on Monday, May 18, 2009
erishkigal at -- BOOKRAY, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- USA on Monday, May 18, 2009
Released 14 yrs ago (5/18/2009 UTC) at -- BOOKRAY, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- USA
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
off to the PO now, and off this book goes to pati13. The Ray is on it's way!
off to the PO now, and off this book goes to pati13. The Ray is on it's way!
Received this in the mail today. Will start it as soon as I finish the book I'm reading.
CAUGHT IN GRESHAM OR USA
CAUGHT IN GRESHAM OR USA
Received in today's mail. I have a couple in front of this but hope to get to it soon. Thanks for including me in this bookray!
I had received this book in a bookring. It was slow for me starting out with the technical information but then it sucked me right in and through the book as a great thriller. I have passed this on the next in the ring.
I thought this was a very good apocalyptic novel with a large helping of science thrown in. This novel was originally published in 1985 and in some ways it was very prophetic although somewhat dated. It's the story of a genetic experiment gone wrong resulting in the end of the world as we know it. The book was sometimes quite eerie to me, especially the scenes taking place in an empty New York City and a devastated World Trade Center with images very reminiscent of 9/11 including the collapse of one of the towers! The Soviet Union also plays a role in the story with a threat of nuclear attack and world domination. Overall, Bear’s narrative is very descriptive and suspenseful. He creates some really stunning images of the change in the world by the sentient "noocytes" or intellectual microbes created by a maverick cellular biologist. Recommend this one.Thanks again to all for sharing this book. It is already on its way to the next reader in Australia.
I picked up this book along with a birthday card for Loey; and this was the day after an usually hot Winter's day here in Brisbane. I'll get into it and read it in between my books during the July Readathon.
Thank you for including me on this bookray. :D
Thank you for including me on this bookray. :D
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
I had been hanging onto this one for a some time because I couldn't afford it. So, after getting some money together, I sea mailed it to the next person on the list. Sorry that this will take some time getting to her; but that's what I could afford.
I had been hanging onto this one for a some time because I couldn't afford it. So, after getting some money together, I sea mailed it to the next person on the list. Sorry that this will take some time getting to her; but that's what I could afford.
Journal Entry 14 by vampirequeen from Coventry, West Midlands United Kingdom on Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Received in the mail today, looks like a good read, which I'm in dire need of, the book I'm reading atm, or rather have been reading for too long, is just dragging, so I need a good read now.
Whoo!
Whoo!
Journal Entry 15 by vampirequeen from Coventry, West Midlands United Kingdom on Friday, February 12, 2010
Finally finished, sorry I kept it so long guys! Forgive me... It's all packaged up now, shall send it off Sat or Mon.
Very good book, wanted more of an end, but I like that it was kept a bit open.
Very good book, wanted more of an end, but I like that it was kept a bit open.
Journal Entry 16 by 
Cross-patch
from Leicester, Leicestershire United Kingdom on Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Cross-patch from Leicester, Leicestershire United Kingdom on Wednesday, February 17, 2010
It has arrived here. I love the cover, yet to see about the contents...
Journal Entry 17 by Cross-patch from Leicester, Leicestershire United Kingdom on Monday, March 15, 2010
Cross-patch from Leicester, Leicestershire United Kingdom on Monday, March 15, 2010
to be completed later, as I need to get it to the post now.
Journal Entry 18 by Cross-patch at to next participant, a ring/ray -- Controlled Releases on Monday, March 15, 2010
Cross-patch at to next participant, a ring/ray -- Controlled Releases on Monday, March 15, 2010
Released 14 yrs ago (3/15/2010 UTC) at to next participant, a ring/ray -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Having been enjoyed here it is going on to the next in line. Enjoy.
Having been enjoyed here it is going on to the next in line. Enjoy.
Journal Entry 19 by starflash from -- Somewhere in West Sussex, West Sussex United Kingdom on Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Arrived at work today, the third in 10 days-I am on holiday at the end of the month, just as well! Thank you erishkigal and crosspatch
sorry, forgot to journal I sent this on a few days ago
Oooooh! Post! Thank you!
Highly enjoyable but the science was... gappy... in parts (I work in biotech). I had previously struggled with Greg Bear (eg. Eon) because I couldn't get on board with his characters, but I really didn't have that problem here and was just swept along by the story. Being an Ending Fiend though I had to take a mark away for that (harsh, but justified). A book I'd recommend to a friend :)
Sending on its way now - thanks to Erishkigal and everyone else for sending it on!
Sending on its way now - thanks to Erishkigal and everyone else for sending it on!
Just arrived in the mail today. Took a while for us to decide if it should come here, or greet me when I return to Germany.
Is there someone next on the list? Where should it go from here?
Is there someone next on the list? Where should it go from here?
Arrived today, thanks! Looks good =]
Started and finished it today, and I loved it! As others have said, there are some aspects of it that are outdated, but nothing that really detracts from the main story-spinning.
I thought this was a beautiful novel, and I found myself contemplating what 'life' actually is while I was reading it. The last three short paragraphs are particularly evocative. I will probably be still thinking about it for a few days, and I'm definitely going to get a copy for my own permanent collection!
Will PM salvami for their address now.
I thought this was a beautiful novel, and I found myself contemplating what 'life' actually is while I was reading it. The last three short paragraphs are particularly evocative. I will probably be still thinking about it for a few days, and I'm definitely going to get a copy for my own permanent collection!
Will PM salvami for their address now.
Posted off to salvami this morning, enjoy!
Thank you Lemon-Crisis! The book arrived in Ireland safely, and I already started reading it :)
I haven't read SF stuff for a long time..so I think I will enjoy this a lot.
Thanks very much Erishkigal for including me!
I haven't read SF stuff for a long time..so I think I will enjoy this a lot.
Thanks very much Erishkigal for including me!
An amazing book. I can't believe it was written many years ago. It did remind me a bit of "Evangelion" (then I learned from Google that Blood Music and many other Sci-Fi books influenced the animation.)
I'm so glad I read this book!
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If nobody else in Europe like to read it before it travels to the States(asking on the forum atm), I will ship this book to hyphen8 in 2 weeks time or so.
I'm so glad I read this book!
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If nobody else in Europe like to read it before it travels to the States(asking on the forum atm), I will ship this book to hyphen8 in 2 weeks time or so.
I am very sorry for the delay ;(
Journal Entry 30 by disneyfreaksam at Warminster, Wiltshire United Kingdom on Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Received today. I will get this read and passed on.
Great, addictive read. I really enjoyed this one.
Will get moving shortly.
Will get moving shortly.
Journal Entry 32 by disneyfreaksam at Warminster, Wiltshire United Kingdom on Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Enjoy
I received this book today, and I agree with Cross-patch: I like the cover. I've never seen one quite like it; I find it very interesting that the front cover doesn't show the title or the author's name (or any text at all)!Thanks for sending this my way - I'm in the middle of something else, but I'll definitely be reading this soon.
Oops, forgot to mention the nice bookmark of a Cornish Oyster Boat that hitched a ride with this book. It's just the right size to fit into this book. :)
Here's another copy on my BookCrossing shelf.
Nanotechnology, genetic engineering, the end of the world as we know it...what a wild mix!
This is the 4th book I've read this tenth anniversary month that features the Twin Towers - although in this case they're intact, at least when they first appear.
Creepy and memorable.
Erishkigal says there isn't a specific plan for where this book should go next, so I may add it to the Medicine Chest bookbox; it should fit there very nicely.
This is the 4th book I've read this tenth anniversary month that features the Twin Towers - although in this case they're intact, at least when they first appear.
Creepy and memorable.
Erishkigal says there isn't a specific plan for where this book should go next, so I may add it to the Medicine Chest bookbox; it should fit there very nicely.
Headed out in JudySlump612's Medicine Chest Bookbox II as re-started by GoryDetails.
Returned in the Medicine Chest Book Box
I didn't like this when I first read it years ago, and on re-reading it now, I really hated it. So then I tried to work out, what was it I was hating?
Very simple answer: Virgil Ulam. Selfish, stupid (in real-life terms), conceited, believes he's so special anybody else's rules can't apply to him. And then I had a flash insight - this is Victor Frankenstein all over again! So blown away by the glory and unique insights and all-around wonderfulness of his own theories, he ignores any thought of responsibility or precaution. In Shelley's case, she was warning us what this kind of attitude can cause. I don't know whether or not this was Bear's intention, but it sure works. Of course, due to the miracles of scientific progress, one idiot is no longer limited to a few murders, but can now single-handedly exterminate the species.
So that part of the book I've come to terms with, but it's less than half. I think the overwhelming of the cities goes on far too long, although it's very atmospheric. But I've just finished re-reading Nevil Shute's 'On the Beach,' the best and most heartbreaking Apocalyptic novel I can imagine.
In honor of the amazing travels this book has already accomplished, I'll be offering it at the Twin Cities meetup tomorrow rather than risk letting it disappear as a wild release.
Very simple answer: Virgil Ulam. Selfish, stupid (in real-life terms), conceited, believes he's so special anybody else's rules can't apply to him. And then I had a flash insight - this is Victor Frankenstein all over again! So blown away by the glory and unique insights and all-around wonderfulness of his own theories, he ignores any thought of responsibility or precaution. In Shelley's case, she was warning us what this kind of attitude can cause. I don't know whether or not this was Bear's intention, but it sure works. Of course, due to the miracles of scientific progress, one idiot is no longer limited to a few murders, but can now single-handedly exterminate the species.
So that part of the book I've come to terms with, but it's less than half. I think the overwhelming of the cities goes on far too long, although it's very atmospheric. But I've just finished re-reading Nevil Shute's 'On the Beach,' the best and most heartbreaking Apocalyptic novel I can imagine.
In honor of the amazing travels this book has already accomplished, I'll be offering it at the Twin Cities meetup tomorrow rather than risk letting it disappear as a wild release.
Shared with quietorchid, an astute sf fan who can do this book justice.
JudySlump612 pointed this out to me at the meeting. Normally not a Bear fan (we wear the purple up here [sorry inside MN joke, couldn't resist the pun]), but JudySlump612 pointed out the similiarities to the Frankenstein story. She caught me with the analogy, and now I'll have to get to it and report back. Thanks for the book!
This book reinforces what I have always thought about Greg Bear. I don't like him. He comes up with very interesting ideas, but requires something more to complete them. It's nice to know that the Star Trek franchise was able to take Blood Music to its logical completion. The Borg certainly make a more chilling threat than 'noocytes'.
Okay, now on to the Frankenstein theme: Is it really? Shelley created a monster that judged his creator, exposing flaws and human frailties. Bear does not. He likes Vergil Ulam, for being arrogant, intelligent, immature. He likes Dr. Bernard for his smooth ambition and self delusion about his importance as 'god' to the noocyt control nodule within him. The only clear voices are the doctor friend Michael (who dissolves into a puddle) and the mentally defective Suzy, who isn't even allowed to go off into her new 'better' life by going through "the Wardrobe" although that is what she wants (a clear refernce to Narnia if you ask me). So, no, this isn't the new Frankenstien, shedding light on the human condition and the consequences of follies and frailties, it is a book that left me fairly cold, as I expected Bear to at least let some moral questions develop. (I mean the mother commiting suicide by walking gladly into a purple fog to merge with her son? How Freudian is that?)
I am glad I read it, I would not have if JudySlump612 hadn't told me it was an important book. It is. But like all creations, it is flawed. I found the flaws larger than the creation. But I am in the minority, and I will find this book a safe haven.
Okay, now on to the Frankenstein theme: Is it really? Shelley created a monster that judged his creator, exposing flaws and human frailties. Bear does not. He likes Vergil Ulam, for being arrogant, intelligent, immature. He likes Dr. Bernard for his smooth ambition and self delusion about his importance as 'god' to the noocyt control nodule within him. The only clear voices are the doctor friend Michael (who dissolves into a puddle) and the mentally defective Suzy, who isn't even allowed to go off into her new 'better' life by going through "the Wardrobe" although that is what she wants (a clear refernce to Narnia if you ask me). So, no, this isn't the new Frankenstien, shedding light on the human condition and the consequences of follies and frailties, it is a book that left me fairly cold, as I expected Bear to at least let some moral questions develop. (I mean the mother commiting suicide by walking gladly into a purple fog to merge with her son? How Freudian is that?)
I am glad I read it, I would not have if JudySlump612 hadn't told me it was an important book. It is. But like all creations, it is flawed. I found the flaws larger than the creation. But I am in the minority, and I will find this book a safe haven.
Handing this over to JudySlump612, for inclusion in a Bookbox. We're collaborating on keeping it travelling.
Welcome to Bookcrossing, where Books roam freely! I hope you enjoy the book, and leave a journal entry so I can see where the book ended up. You can remain anonymous if you'd like, or join and follow the book's travels throughout the world! If you join, please mention me, quietorchid, or any other journaller as the referring member. The site is free, secure, and non-spamming. Take a look around, and then go read!
P.S. If the book is too good to read and release, that's okay, you can keep it, just let me know that it's found a good home!
Welcome to Bookcrossing, where Books roam freely! I hope you enjoy the book, and leave a journal entry so I can see where the book ended up. You can remain anonymous if you'd like, or join and follow the book's travels throughout the world! If you join, please mention me, quietorchid, or any other journaller as the referring member. The site is free, secure, and non-spamming. Take a look around, and then go read!
P.S. If the book is too good to read and release, that's okay, you can keep it, just let me know that it's found a good home!
Apparently I have to re-catch this to be able to release it.
Journal Entry 43 by JudySlump612 at by mail, A Bookbox -- Controlled Releases on Sunday, July 22, 2012
Released 11 yrs ago (7/22/2012 UTC) at by mail, A Bookbox -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Placed in bookstogive's "I Hate Science Fiction" book box.
I've chosen this from the I Hate SF bookbox, attracted initially by the unconventional cover (isn't it funny what catches our eye sometimes?) and then by the extensive comments, pro and con, on this well-traveled book!
Later: Wow! I wasn't sure about this when I started - seemed to be a typical "renegade genius screws around with Things Man Was Not Meant To Know" plot at first, with the very unpleasant Vergil getting all huffy because he was caught breaking umpteen procedural rules. I had to swallow some serious disbelief at his solution for transporting his prized bootleg nano-magic out of the lab - inject himself with it? Really? [It's on the back cover so it's not a spoiler.] When he meets a very disturbing fate I was pleased that we'd seen the last of him, but - aha! - the author fooled me big-time on that.
I enjoyed the different characters' views of what was happening, and the mind-bending speed and scope of the events; I don't think I've read a book in which a nuclear strike was an "oh, by the way" kind of incident. And I was eager to find out just what all the terraforming was going to result in...
My only quibble is that my suspended disbelief slipped a few times, especially near the end; the premise is so far outside normal experience (that being the whole point, of course) that trying to work out just what it/they knew and how they could know it was a challenge. It does take the Power of Positive Thinking into a whole new stage, doesn't it? {wry grin}
Spoilers re the ending: I appreciated the debates about whether humans who've been fine-tuned to have their flaws removed are, in fact, the same people they started out as, and whether this is as good a thing as the Noosphere seemed to believe, but I found myself thinking "Lotus Eater Machine" as the implications of the overwhelming changes became clear. If everyone's happy, is it a bad thing? Is this heaven, or are the people living in a dream, with the Noosphere going on about its own business while leaving its gods/creators/parents safely tucked away in their happy little fantasies... Or is that not it at all? End spoilers.
The way the book kept surprising me - and challenging me to think about what was happening - impressed me very much. Glad I read this one!
Later: Wow! I wasn't sure about this when I started - seemed to be a typical "renegade genius screws around with Things Man Was Not Meant To Know" plot at first, with the very unpleasant Vergil getting all huffy because he was caught breaking umpteen procedural rules. I had to swallow some serious disbelief at his solution for transporting his prized bootleg nano-magic out of the lab - inject himself with it? Really? [It's on the back cover so it's not a spoiler.] When he meets a very disturbing fate I was pleased that we'd seen the last of him, but - aha! - the author fooled me big-time on that.
I enjoyed the different characters' views of what was happening, and the mind-bending speed and scope of the events; I don't think I've read a book in which a nuclear strike was an "oh, by the way" kind of incident. And I was eager to find out just what all the terraforming was going to result in...
My only quibble is that my suspended disbelief slipped a few times, especially near the end; the premise is so far outside normal experience (that being the whole point, of course) that trying to work out just what it/they knew and how they could know it was a challenge. It does take the Power of Positive Thinking into a whole new stage, doesn't it? {wry grin}
Spoilers re the ending: I appreciated the debates about whether humans who've been fine-tuned to have their flaws removed are, in fact, the same people they started out as, and whether this is as good a thing as the Noosphere seemed to believe, but I found myself thinking "Lotus Eater Machine" as the implications of the overwhelming changes became clear. If everyone's happy, is it a bad thing? Is this heaven, or are the people living in a dream, with the Noosphere going on about its own business while leaving its gods/creators/parents safely tucked away in their happy little fantasies... Or is that not it at all? End spoilers.
The way the book kept surprising me - and challenging me to think about what was happening - impressed me very much. Glad I read this one!
Journal Entry 45 by GoryDetails at Little Free Library in Russell, Massachusetts USA on Sunday, October 21, 2012
GoryDetails at Little Free Library in Russell, Massachusetts USA on Sunday, October 21, 2012
Released 11 yrs ago (10/19/2012 UTC) at Little Free Library in Russell, Massachusetts USA
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
I left this and a couple of other books in the Little Free Library on Blandford Stage Rd. in Russell, at about 3 or so; hope the finder enjoys it!*** Released as part of the 2012 Chills & Spills release challenge. ***
*** Released for the 2012 Spook-tacular Halloween release challenge. ***
