Na Viro science fiction book by Gina Cole

Review of Gina Cole’s Na Viro – Pasifika science fiction

Criticism

I’ve been waiting for a science fiction novel like Na Viro (2022) by New Zealand author Gina Cole. Threaded with Pacific and Māori imagery, terms, and worldviews, it clearly represents Pasifika science fiction and showcases what Cole has termed ‘Pasifikafuturism’ in a beautiful and engaging way. It also centers on women’s experiences—grandmother, mother, sister—and takes their strength and capability in the face of personal and technical challenges as a given. Though great at what she does, the main character, Tia, has doubts and family troubles like all of us. She has to find ways to overcome her fear of deep

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Dune Imperium: Immortality expansion game board

Review of Dune: Imperium – Immortality Expansion

Community

Dune: Imperium – Immortality is the game’s second expansion and ramps up the strategy with the addition of the Bene Tleilax / Tleilaxu, who focus on genetic engineering and research. This is my summary and review of the new elements based on two 2-player games (around 2 hours each) with both the Immortality and Rise of Ix expansions. I use the Dire Wolf Game Room app for the third automated player, House Hagal, that you need for a 2-player game. Bene Tleilax board The Bene Tleilax board has 2 tracks: a research track and Tleilaxu track. The research track represents your

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J.G. Ballard's The Drowned World book

Review of J.G. Ballard’s The Drowned World

Criticism

J.G. Ballard’s The Drowned World (1962) is often mentioned in scholarship for its positioning on the cusp of the 1960s/1970s New Wave in science fiction. I found it to be an interesting novel that reflected the author’s desire for science fiction to explore inner, psychological space and aim at being more literary. I was surprised by how much this book felt like a traditional novel, yet still managed to weave in science fiction genre elements. It has stood the test of time and might even feel more relevant today due to its climate change-influenced setting. What struck me throughout was

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Dune 101 course logo

Dune 101 Online Course

Criticism

My first online course “Dune 101” has launched! I’ve designed the course with lessons on author Frank Herbert’s life and influences, the 20th-century historical context, setting and factions, and key themes in Dune through audio-visual content based on my research. Check out the Dune 101 course page for more information. This is part of my expansion beyond books and articles into different content types to bring my research and insights to life in new ways. It’s a learning process for me but I hope to reach new audiences and use the power of visual media to enhance understanding about this

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Discovering Dune: Essays on Frank Herbert's Epic Saga book

Discover Something New About Dune

Criticism

Whether you’re an old or new Dune fan, the recently published essay collection Discovering Dune: Essays on Frank Herbert’s Epic Saga will have something to interest you. Edited by Dominic J. Nardi and N. Trevor Brierly, with a foreword by Timothy O’Reilly, this book by publisher McFarland holds itself to academic standards while being largely written in an accessible style that will appeal to a wider audience. The book showcases several interesting topics across 14 main chapters, divided into 4 sections: Politics and Power History and Religion Biology and Ecology Philosophy, Choice, and Ethics In the Politics and Power section,

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