Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Subterranean (2009), Edition: First Edition
Description
Devoted to the Bishopry Militant and to his crew, ship captain Ean Tephe is given a secret mission to a hidden land.
User reviews
LibraryThing member richardderus
Rating: 4.5 horrified, terrified, vindicated stars of five
The Book Report: The Power of God...the Power of Faith...these are concrete, actual things, not powerless mouthings, in John Scalzi's 136-page gut-punch and goolie-kick of a novella. Captain Ean Tephe, commanding the Righteous, is fresh from
He does. The scene that follows is so revolting, so truly disturbing, and so exactly what I believe to be the case regarding religion, that I wasn't at all sure which of my equally strong emotional responses to give pride of place to.
The last words on p136 are: "Pray," he said.
Excellent advice. Won't help, but it's still excellent advice.
My Review: It took about three hours for this book to enthrall, fascinate, frighten, and disgust me. I'm left, here at the end of the experience, wondering what is to become of me now. How will I find a story that will help me feel clean and whole in my bruised and abused mind again? What balm can be applied to a beaten psyche? I was never the most chirpily sanguine of men, I truly always believed that humanity was made up of scum, pond scum, and scum-sucking pond scum, then below that conservatives.
And now that seems the most giddily upbeat and Pollyanna-ish codswallop. Scalzi has stared unflinchingly into the black heart of reality, the place that Lovecraft was scared to go, and brought back this eyewitness account.
Lift your snouts from the trough, humans! This is exactly where you're headed if you don't side-step now!
How lonely John Scalzi must be, having that one eye in this kingdom of the blind.
The Book Report: The Power of God...the Power of Faith...these are concrete, actual things, not powerless mouthings, in John Scalzi's 136-page gut-punch and goolie-kick of a novella. Captain Ean Tephe, commanding the Righteous, is fresh from
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a stinging defeat (in his mind) that, in the view of his superiors, is a victory so signal that he's summoned to HQ and given the most astonishing order: Go to a planet of those who have not heard of Our Lord, convert them, and offer the nourishment of their worship to Our Lord in this difficult war we're waging against the gods whose brother-gods are enslaved as the star drives of the Faithful.He does. The scene that follows is so revolting, so truly disturbing, and so exactly what I believe to be the case regarding religion, that I wasn't at all sure which of my equally strong emotional responses to give pride of place to.
The last words on p136 are: "Pray," he said.
Excellent advice. Won't help, but it's still excellent advice.
My Review: It took about three hours for this book to enthrall, fascinate, frighten, and disgust me. I'm left, here at the end of the experience, wondering what is to become of me now. How will I find a story that will help me feel clean and whole in my bruised and abused mind again? What balm can be applied to a beaten psyche? I was never the most chirpily sanguine of men, I truly always believed that humanity was made up of scum, pond scum, and scum-sucking pond scum, then below that conservatives.
And now that seems the most giddily upbeat and Pollyanna-ish codswallop. Scalzi has stared unflinchingly into the black heart of reality, the place that Lovecraft was scared to go, and brought back this eyewitness account.
Lift your snouts from the trough, humans! This is exactly where you're headed if you don't side-step now!
How lonely John Scalzi must be, having that one eye in this kingdom of the blind.
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LibraryThing member JGolomb
"The God Engines" is dark, heavy, and richly textured beneath a gauze of foreboding. John Scalzi's novella is a severe departure from the tone and wit of his popular "Old Man's War" series. But it's equally as awesome.
The title is quite literal. Superhuman god-like beings are the engines that drive
Scalzi's story, which sits somewhere between scifi and fantasy, takes an compelling look at religion, faith and what they can really mean to individuals and societies. The foundation of characters are military, like much of Scalzi's "Old Man's War", but this military and this universe is much more frightening.
Everything is drawn with muted colors. Scalzi's writing is very clear, and always crisp, but one can't help but feel a little suffocated in reading this story. Scalzi is also a master at forwarding a plot through well-worded and well-timed dialogue.
This is not your father's John Scalzi. And this is very good.
The title is quite literal. Superhuman god-like beings are the engines that drive
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human interstellar travel. While they have the power to move humans and ships across enormous amounts of space, their powers are much more vast. The story moves at a rapid pace, and the characters are well drawn despite the books' length. The universe of "The God Engines" is creatively conceived.Scalzi's story, which sits somewhere between scifi and fantasy, takes an compelling look at religion, faith and what they can really mean to individuals and societies. The foundation of characters are military, like much of Scalzi's "Old Man's War", but this military and this universe is much more frightening.
Everything is drawn with muted colors. Scalzi's writing is very clear, and always crisp, but one can't help but feel a little suffocated in reading this story. Scalzi is also a master at forwarding a plot through well-worded and well-timed dialogue.
This is not your father's John Scalzi. And this is very good.
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LibraryThing member HokieGeek
Another Scalzi page turner, this dark science fictional fantasy is set in a universe where a totalitarian theocracy rules the stars and all men.
The richness and detail of the universe which Scalzi was able to convey in the few pages of this novella is nothing short of impressive. The characters are
I would go into more detail but it is very difficult to review this book without major spoilers. Suffice to say, I loved every word and recommend this to any lover of SF as long as they don't mind some blood and gore!
The richness and detail of the universe which Scalzi was able to convey in the few pages of this novella is nothing short of impressive. The characters are
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engaging, lovable and terrifying.I would go into more detail but it is very difficult to review this book without major spoilers. Suffice to say, I loved every word and recommend this to any lover of SF as long as they don't mind some blood and gore!
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LibraryThing member RBeffa
The God Engines is an amazing short novella. I read this a few days ago and was rather stunned. Then, like a penitent with a need to scourge myself I read it again. This is science fiction, horror and fantasy all in one small package. It is a dark story that may offend some. No, actually, I am sure
It may take only two or three hours to read this but it will haunt you for many hours more. It begins with one of the best opening lines I have read in years ... "It was time to whip the god."
Subterranean Press books seem overly prone to typo/typesetter/editor errors and this one is no exception. They make beautiful books (the cover on this is stunning) but seem to mess up the proofreading time and again. The first paragraph of this book is simply awkward and I think that may be the author at work however.
This is a book about Faith.
John Scalzi is rapidly becoming one of my favorite authors.
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it will offend some people. Scalzi's imagination knocked this one out of the park. How do people dream up stories like this? Imagine a future civilization so devout in the worship, faith and belief in their God that they have the power to subdue and torture other gods, and the power of these subdued gods is used to drive their starships across the universe and spread their own true religion. This is only part of the story however.It may take only two or three hours to read this but it will haunt you for many hours more. It begins with one of the best opening lines I have read in years ... "It was time to whip the god."
Subterranean Press books seem overly prone to typo/typesetter/editor errors and this one is no exception. They make beautiful books (the cover on this is stunning) but seem to mess up the proofreading time and again. The first paragraph of this book is simply awkward and I think that may be the author at work however.
This is a book about Faith.
John Scalzi is rapidly becoming one of my favorite authors.
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LibraryThing member bluesalamanders
It's hard to say anything about this book without revealing the whole story. It's a kind of fantasy/science fiction mix. There is space travel using captured gods to power the ships and prayer and rituals have tangible effects, but things may not be quite as they seem.
This was an interesting book
This was an interesting book
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and well-written as always, but definitely not one my favorites Scalzi books. Show Less
LibraryThing member felius
This is a dark fantasy that happens to be set in space. It's currently in the running for a Hugo (Best Novella 2010), and in my opinion it's a worthy nominee.
The story describes a space-faring civilisation whose technology is completely dependent on devine power. It's only about 130 pages long, but
The story describes a space-faring civilisation whose technology is completely dependent on devine power. It's only about 130 pages long, but
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I thought it was wonderful. I'd love to see Scalzi do more with this universe! Show Less
LibraryThing member pstotts
One of my favorite things about John Scalzi’s books is that the man is funny. Along the lines of I-barfed-a-pink-gelatinous-quivering-lung-out kind of funny, which is an incredibly hard thing to accomplish when you are dealing with only the written word. His signature mixture of humor and space
But my absolute favorite John Scalzi scene is the first chapter of an Old Man’s War, where John Perry visits the grave of his wife, realizing this would be the last time he would visit. The writing is so poignant, and heartfelt, and touchingly human. There is so much soulfulness and life bursting from that scene. It’s utterly unforgettable.
But it is also a scene that has been singular in nature; a high that Scalzi has never reproduced in my eyes in subsequent novels. Humor has seemingly won the day in his most recent books, and those moments of profound gravitas have slowly dwindled away, winking out faster than cupcakes at a Jenny Craig meeting. Which is disappointing, since that first chapter of an Old Man’s War showed so much potential for sci-fi greatness. If only he could re-ignite that spark once again.
In The God Engines, a new limited edition novella from Subterranean Press, that’s exactly what John Scalzi has done, re-igniting that spark with an arsonist’s glee. The God Engines is unlike anything he’s done before, shockingly different, both new and completely unexpected. It’s the book Scalzi needed to write in order to mature as a writer and to take his considerable talents to the next level. It’s the book that shows he’s more than just a writer of humorous space operas; he’s also one of the best science fiction writers currently working.
A vastly rich tale set in a theocratic universe, The God Engines is a modern sci-fi classic, an intriguing examination of faith and worship and godhood. Intelligent and provocative, the narrative reminds me of a classic Twilight Zone episode, well-written, multi-leveled and rich with ideas. The God Engines is the best thing yet from John Scalzi and worthy of award consideration.
I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Final Grade: 87 out of 100
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opera have always made for entertaining and vastly enjoyable reads. (Especially if killing someone with your flatulence is your idea of high comedy.)But my absolute favorite John Scalzi scene is the first chapter of an Old Man’s War, where John Perry visits the grave of his wife, realizing this would be the last time he would visit. The writing is so poignant, and heartfelt, and touchingly human. There is so much soulfulness and life bursting from that scene. It’s utterly unforgettable.
But it is also a scene that has been singular in nature; a high that Scalzi has never reproduced in my eyes in subsequent novels. Humor has seemingly won the day in his most recent books, and those moments of profound gravitas have slowly dwindled away, winking out faster than cupcakes at a Jenny Craig meeting. Which is disappointing, since that first chapter of an Old Man’s War showed so much potential for sci-fi greatness. If only he could re-ignite that spark once again.
In The God Engines, a new limited edition novella from Subterranean Press, that’s exactly what John Scalzi has done, re-igniting that spark with an arsonist’s glee. The God Engines is unlike anything he’s done before, shockingly different, both new and completely unexpected. It’s the book Scalzi needed to write in order to mature as a writer and to take his considerable talents to the next level. It’s the book that shows he’s more than just a writer of humorous space operas; he’s also one of the best science fiction writers currently working.
A vastly rich tale set in a theocratic universe, The God Engines is a modern sci-fi classic, an intriguing examination of faith and worship and godhood. Intelligent and provocative, the narrative reminds me of a classic Twilight Zone episode, well-written, multi-leveled and rich with ideas. The God Engines is the best thing yet from John Scalzi and worthy of award consideration.
I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Final Grade: 87 out of 100
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LibraryThing member andreas.wpv
Easy and quick, good read. Nothing exceptional, but a nice afternoon lecture - full of atheism, criticism of religious believes.
LibraryThing member geekpoet
Well written and interesting. I very much enjoyed the set up of the universe this takes place in, and I enjoyed the way gods were both reduced to servants of man subjugating them to serve as everything from the basis of technology and space travel, and that men were in fact pawns of another god who
As much as I enjoyed the book, I was disappointed at the end. It felt quickly ended and I was left with the feeling of a great set up and not much resolution.
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used them to keep the other gods subjugated. The characters were the strongest part of the book, well rounded and dynamic.As much as I enjoyed the book, I was disappointed at the end. It felt quickly ended and I was left with the feeling of a great set up and not much resolution.
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LibraryThing member Cataloger623
136 pages Science fiction . This is the best work of short fiction I have ever read. It is an intense short story . This much different from Scalzi other works. This is world where space ships transit thevoid between stars by means of enslaved being known as Gods. This is a story about one man's
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faith and one God's rebellion. Written as a stand alone story I hope Scalzi returns to this universe and writes more stories in it. Show Less
LibraryThing member 2wonderY
Hated it. Loved my first read of another Scalzi, but found this one pointless and depressing.
LibraryThing member whitewavedarling
An interesting read with haunting illustrations, this is a dark novella that has some striking scenes and language. With powerful writing and characterizations, Scalzi's work comes together into a quick and multi-leveled read that provides both entertainment and thought based off of a fascinating
For this reader, the work does move a bit too fast, but that's my primary complaint: simply, I wanted more from the characters and the narrative because I felt like it was worth more time and concern. The depth of thought was here to back up a fuller commitment, but it ended up feeling less thought out than it might have because of the small rushed package.
Still, for science fiction fans, I'd definately recommend this work, and I may very well reread it myself. Certainly, I'll look out for more of Scalzi's work--the concept here was amazing, and again, I can't say enough for the illustrations by Vincent Chong that brought this work to another level entirely.
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concept. For this reader, the work does move a bit too fast, but that's my primary complaint: simply, I wanted more from the characters and the narrative because I felt like it was worth more time and concern. The depth of thought was here to back up a fuller commitment, but it ended up feeling less thought out than it might have because of the small rushed package.
Still, for science fiction fans, I'd definately recommend this work, and I may very well reread it myself. Certainly, I'll look out for more of Scalzi's work--the concept here was amazing, and again, I can't say enough for the illustrations by Vincent Chong that brought this work to another level entirely.
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LibraryThing member theWallflower
This seems to be Scalzi's first try with fantasy. Dark fantasy. But it still has plenty of space action. It reminded me of the Old Man's War trilogy with the contrast turned way down and added religion. But it's a hella awesome combination - space opera with "mythological religion" - two great
But I gotta air one beef. And I didn't realize this until I was doing my fun thing where I look up trivia/info about the story. I saw this review that called attention to one component -- the established harem on the ship designed to give the crew "release". That's all fine and dandy -- not uncommon practice for this level of cultishness -- until Scalzi points out he never assigned any pronouns to the prostitutes. No physical gender characteristics or anything that could define as this, that, or the other.
This is creepy. It's clever, but it's creepy. And I'm not sure how I feel about it. On one hand, it's a neat writer trick, one that I didn't see coming. I guess it's a technique to let the reader fill in the blanks with what he/she wants to. Which is the sign of a good writer. On the other hand, now that I know that the prostitute could have been a girl or a guy, I feel icky. All I can do is imagine him as a guy. Maybe it's my instinctive homophobia. Maybe in my mind, if the character has no gender, it's potentially both -- a hermaphrodite or someone like Pat.
I also feel betrayed by the author, that he fooled me. Maybe it's that I know how the trick is done. Maybe it's that I feel, as a writer, omitting information for the sole purpose of messing with the reader is not cool.
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tastes that taste great together.But I gotta air one beef. And I didn't realize this until I was doing my fun thing where I look up trivia/info about the story. I saw this review that called attention to one component -- the established harem on the ship designed to give the crew "release". That's all fine and dandy -- not uncommon practice for this level of cultishness -- until Scalzi points out he never assigned any pronouns to the prostitutes. No physical gender characteristics or anything that could define as this, that, or the other.
This is creepy. It's clever, but it's creepy. And I'm not sure how I feel about it. On one hand, it's a neat writer trick, one that I didn't see coming. I guess it's a technique to let the reader fill in the blanks with what he/she wants to. Which is the sign of a good writer. On the other hand, now that I know that the prostitute could have been a girl or a guy, I feel icky. All I can do is imagine him as a guy. Maybe it's my instinctive homophobia. Maybe in my mind, if the character has no gender, it's potentially both -- a hermaphrodite or someone like Pat.
I also feel betrayed by the author, that he fooled me. Maybe it's that I know how the trick is done. Maybe it's that I feel, as a writer, omitting information for the sole purpose of messing with the reader is not cool.
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LibraryThing member halkeye
Simple review... I found it pretty odd at first. I didn't know what was going on. By the end it started to make sense.
Its really nothing like scalzi's normal writing. Its very serious. Kinda dark. Very short.
Its really nothing like scalzi's normal writing. Its very serious. Kinda dark. Very short.
LibraryThing member reading_fox
Average SF novella whereby Scalzi pokes fun at religion and discovers the 'Turtles all the way down' issue that Pratchett first poked fun at years ago.
HUmmanity has spread ot the stars as have other beings. But theur gods are no match for ours, and can get caught and subdied. Once shackled to the
Kind of obvious, and going ot be offensive to many believers probably. I've no idea why this is a novella form, because with a bit more exploration, plot and characterisation it could be quite good. But as it is it's just average.
HUmmanity has spread ot the stars as have other beings. But theur gods are no match for ours, and can get caught and subdied. Once shackled to the
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floor of a spaceship they can be persuaded - with the proper tools - to take the spaceship anywhere the captains and priest decide. Preists obviously become very important in such a scenario. Although when the captured gods start rebelling then it all gets a bit more tricky.Kind of obvious, and going ot be offensive to many believers probably. I've no idea why this is a novella form, because with a bit more exploration, plot and characterisation it could be quite good. But as it is it's just average.
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LibraryThing member lithicbee
In this novella, Scalzi manages to quickly bring to a life a world where gods use humans to fight for them, and the fallen gods power starships. It manages quite a few twists and turns in its short span and I would happily read more stories set in the same universe.
LibraryThing member Fledgist
An examination of the tension between faith and power.
LibraryThing member AwesomeAud
It's a fabulous read! There's not a word out of place. It's also very unlike Scalzi's usual wisecracking work. He manages to give the characters great depths with very few words - what he does with the character Shalle Thew is fascinating. I don't give many books a '10', but this one deserves
"It was time to whip the god" has got to be one of the best opening lines ever! This is a far future story where starships are literally powered by captured gods. Captain Ean Tephe commands the battleship Righteous in an interstellar theocracy with a real god. The gods are a race of beings that take power from being worshiped, and Tephe's Lord has many followers, and, thus, is the most powerful. He has captured other gods and chained them to serve as engines for his ships. The god engine of the Righteous is a tricky, rebellious god - difficult to control - and Tephe must be constantly on his guard to preserve his faith in his Lord. Now Tephe's latest mission proves to be enough to shake the faith of the most hardcore fanatic.
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it!"It was time to whip the god" has got to be one of the best opening lines ever! This is a far future story where starships are literally powered by captured gods. Captain Ean Tephe commands the battleship Righteous in an interstellar theocracy with a real god. The gods are a race of beings that take power from being worshiped, and Tephe's Lord has many followers, and, thus, is the most powerful. He has captured other gods and chained them to serve as engines for his ships. The god engine of the Righteous is a tricky, rebellious god - difficult to control - and Tephe must be constantly on his guard to preserve his faith in his Lord. Now Tephe's latest mission proves to be enough to shake the faith of the most hardcore fanatic.
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LibraryThing member CarsonKicklighter
The God Engines is entertaining because of its strong characters and shifting conflicts. The first pages introduce Tephe (the ship's captain) arguing with Andso (the ship's priest), who manages the ship's engine (a captive god). The god doesn't like being captive, so he's been killing people, and
Other characters enter: Tephe's female confidant (head of the ship's sex therapists), the Bishops of Tephe's church, and Tephe's God Himself. The Bishops send Tephe to a hidden planet to evangelize the natives, promising that Tephe will be promoted to a desk job after he gets back. Tephe, however, would prefer to keep his ship.
In a very short time, the relationships among these six characters shift through submission, subversion, alliance, and dominance. The shifts are believable and never feel rushed. It all ends with a deus ex machina, but what better way to end a story called The God Engines?
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Tephe doesn't trust Andso to do his job, so Tephe disciplines the god himself. Since I saw Tephe immediately taking charge and putting down rebellion from both the god and the priest, I wanted to read more about him.Other characters enter: Tephe's female confidant (head of the ship's sex therapists), the Bishops of Tephe's church, and Tephe's God Himself. The Bishops send Tephe to a hidden planet to evangelize the natives, promising that Tephe will be promoted to a desk job after he gets back. Tephe, however, would prefer to keep his ship.
In a very short time, the relationships among these six characters shift through submission, subversion, alliance, and dominance. The shifts are believable and never feel rushed. It all ends with a deus ex machina, but what better way to end a story called The God Engines?
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LibraryThing member nmele
Scalzi has written and said that he wrote this book to prove he can write dark fiction. Maybe so, but I found the book full of his wit and the ending both terrifying and humorous.
LibraryThing member lavaturtle
This is just... super weird. Weird premise, weird setting. A lot of brutality and gore. The "twist" at the end, that the protagonist's god is actually horrible ? Not really a surprise, and the ending is just meaningless.
LibraryThing member KittyCunningham
This was good. I was sorry it only took 3 hours to listen to it. It is a sci fi horror story. Be warned; Scalzi has a gruesome imagination and his descriptions are very vivid.
LibraryThing member antao
‘“And then let those ships kill you?” Shalle smiled and kissed Tephe. “You silly man. You haven’t been listening to a word I’ve said. Our lives are Our Lord’s. I’ve made peace with the fact that I am going to die today, Ean. One way or another. This way I get to save you. And the
In “The God Engines” by John Scalzi
Great SF is the King's Jester in the court who has immunity from having the head chopped off for telling the truth. Scalzi keeps on rehashing the same worn-out crap, by getting closer to the prophetesses than most of us have time to. Unless one is brave enough to confront the spirit of the age, in objective terms, 'Scalzi-SF' is hardly the right description of his work. The word 'sycophant' comes to mind. What do I want? Roll back the thick scum of 'enlightenment' that sits in a slurry upon our literary consciousness, cut into the feotid morass of bloated SF.
Worth reading Stephen King's “On Writing”. King reckons his plots reveal themselves like dinosaur bones to an archeologist. The same happens with Scalzi but in a bad way.
I’m sure Scalzi is laughing all the way to the bank. I’m laughing as well but not for the same reason.
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ship and the crew you love. You will live because of me.’In “The God Engines” by John Scalzi
Great SF is the King's Jester in the court who has immunity from having the head chopped off for telling the truth. Scalzi keeps on rehashing the same worn-out crap, by getting closer to the prophetesses than most of us have time to. Unless one is brave enough to confront the spirit of the age, in objective terms, 'Scalzi-SF' is hardly the right description of his work. The word 'sycophant' comes to mind. What do I want? Roll back the thick scum of 'enlightenment' that sits in a slurry upon our literary consciousness, cut into the feotid morass of bloated SF.
Worth reading Stephen King's “On Writing”. King reckons his plots reveal themselves like dinosaur bones to an archeologist. The same happens with Scalzi but in a bad way.
I’m sure Scalzi is laughing all the way to the bank. I’m laughing as well but not for the same reason.
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LibraryThing member dreamweaversunited
Darker than anything I've read from Scalzi. Gave me some thrills and chills.
LibraryThing member devilwrites
The premise: ganked from Subterranean Press: Captain Ean Tephe is a man of faith, whose allegiance to his lord and to his ship is uncontested. The Bishopry Militant knows this -- and so, when it needs a ship and crew to undertake a secret, sacred mission to a hidden land, Tephe is the captain to
Tephe knows from that the start that his mission will be a test of his skill as a leader of men and as a devout follower of his god. It’s what he doesn’t know that matters: to what ends his faith and his ship will ultimately be put -- and that the tests he will face will come not only from his god and the Bishopry Militant, but from another, more malevolent source entirely...
My Rating
Buy the Paperback: or in other words, find a cheaper copy. Here's the thing: for me personally, it's "worth the cash," BUT!!! This is an expensive book: $20 for a 136 page hardcover. Don't get me wrong, it's a very NICE hardcover with some LOVELY illustrations, but I can't recommend you plop down $20 for something so slight without totally falling head-over-heels for the book in question. That said, this is very fun and very good. I enjoyed the world-building very much, and the book sticks with you long after the end. This edition is really for collector's, so if you're a Scalzi fan who MUST HAVE EVERYTHING HE WRITES, then yeah, grab it. Just be warned that contrary to marketing, this is actually science fantasy, not fantasy. It's a fair distinction to make, because while it's very different from Scalzi's Old Man's War books, it's still, IMHO, science fiction with a very strong fantasy twist. A wicked COOL fantasy twist and a fun one at that, but not enough of one to simply label the book as fantasy. George R.R. Martin is fantasy. Neil Gaiman is fantasy. This? Is not fantasy. But still, it's very, very good. It just got a Nebula nomination for "Best Novella," which I think is deserved, so make your own decision about how much you do or do not want to pay for this, but definitely read it when you can. It's worth that much. :)
Review style: short and sweet, just like the book. NO SPOILERS!!! Because really, I can't talk about the book THAT much without spoiling it, and why spoil something that's so short? So if you're interested in the full review (and why it's science fantasy, not straight fantasy), then feel free to click the link below to my LJ. As always, comments and discussion are most welcome.
REVIEW: John Scalzi's THE GOD ENGINES
Happy Reading!
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whom the task is given.Tephe knows from that the start that his mission will be a test of his skill as a leader of men and as a devout follower of his god. It’s what he doesn’t know that matters: to what ends his faith and his ship will ultimately be put -- and that the tests he will face will come not only from his god and the Bishopry Militant, but from another, more malevolent source entirely...
My Rating
Buy the Paperback: or in other words, find a cheaper copy. Here's the thing: for me personally, it's "worth the cash," BUT!!! This is an expensive book: $20 for a 136 page hardcover. Don't get me wrong, it's a very NICE hardcover with some LOVELY illustrations, but I can't recommend you plop down $20 for something so slight without totally falling head-over-heels for the book in question. That said, this is very fun and very good. I enjoyed the world-building very much, and the book sticks with you long after the end. This edition is really for collector's, so if you're a Scalzi fan who MUST HAVE EVERYTHING HE WRITES, then yeah, grab it. Just be warned that contrary to marketing, this is actually science fantasy, not fantasy. It's a fair distinction to make, because while it's very different from Scalzi's Old Man's War books, it's still, IMHO, science fiction with a very strong fantasy twist. A wicked COOL fantasy twist and a fun one at that, but not enough of one to simply label the book as fantasy. George R.R. Martin is fantasy. Neil Gaiman is fantasy. This? Is not fantasy. But still, it's very, very good. It just got a Nebula nomination for "Best Novella," which I think is deserved, so make your own decision about how much you do or do not want to pay for this, but definitely read it when you can. It's worth that much. :)
Review style: short and sweet, just like the book. NO SPOILERS!!! Because really, I can't talk about the book THAT much without spoiling it, and why spoil something that's so short? So if you're interested in the full review (and why it's science fantasy, not straight fantasy), then feel free to click the link below to my LJ. As always, comments and discussion are most welcome.
REVIEW: John Scalzi's THE GOD ENGINES
Happy Reading!
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Awards
Hugo Award (Nominee — Novella — 2010)
Nebula Award (Nominee — Novella — 2009)
Language
Original publication date
2009-12
ISBN
1596062800 / 9781596062801