The Rest of the Robots by Isaac Asimov

The Blurb On The Back:

The rest of the robots are not simple unthinking machines victimised by frightened men.

The rest of the robots are positronic with brains of platinum-iridium. Independent. Precision-engineered. Sensible. Rational. And from the moment the last rivet is in place ...

The rest of the robots is Isaac Asimov's final, classic, terrifying picture of robotic developments in the future.

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The Verdict:

If you like science-fiction then you have to read this - Asimov is a god-father of the genre and his short stories are an inspiration.

Asimov's Mysteries by Isaac Asimov

The Blurb On The Back:

Isaac Asimov is renowned the world over as creator of the magnificent Foundation trilogy, a galaxy-spanning saga of warfare and political intrigue. He has also virtually pioneered the mystery story as a distinct branch of science fiction with such novels as The Naked Sun and The Caves of Steel. Now he presents thirteen fiendishly ingenious stories of crime, murder, puzzlement and detection in the far reaches of space and centuries in the future. This book is a superb showcase of Dr Asimov's brilliant storytelling talent.

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Again, if you're a sci-fi fan then you need to read these stories. Similarly, if you like a good mystery then I think you'll get a lot out of them two. Quite simply, a delight.

Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell

The Blurb On The Back:

Six interlocking lives - one amazing adventure. In a narrative that circles the globe and reaches from the 19th century to a post-apocalyptic future, David Mitchell erases the boundaries of time, genre and language to offer an enthralling vision of humanity's will to power, and where it will lead us.

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Technically this is an excellent book, but it grabs me by the head rather than the heart (despite its intentions to the contrary). I would recommend reading it for the assured way in which Mitchell keeps the strands together and uses so many different styles and voices.