"If you ask 'Should we be in space?' you ask a nonsense question. We are in space." -Frank Herbert

ALL SYSTEMS RED, by Martha Wells, A No-Spoiler Review of the first novella in the Murderbot Diaries Series

By Susi Jensen | December 8, 2021 |

A novella. Hey, what’s that? Well…it’s shorter than a novel. And…as with all printed matter, it’s a pleasure to read when it’s entertaining and well written. ALL SYSTEMS RED is a 127 pages story, entertaining and well-written, that one can read in about 4 hours. Rated PG-13 for adult themes. I read this novella on…

Space Sweepers, A No Spoiler Review

By Susi Jensen | November 22, 2021 |

A wonderful story, compelling characters and a science fiction setting that floods me with joy. Plus, it’s free on Netflix. I rate this film PG-13 for some violence, but it’s a bit like “Star Wars” type violence. Not a lot of blood, but definitely carnage. Not that this story only bleeds happiness…it doesn’t. There is…

Paul's Mother Jessica, the Bene Gesserit concubine of Duke Leto

DUNE Part 1, The film. A No-Spoiler Review

By Susi Jensen | November 16, 2021 |

DUNE, the 2021 film is a true hit and a must-see large screen theater event. It drew millions across the globe to the theater. I was among those who saw it and loved it. I saw it a second time within a week and the film was still breathtaking, and I’ll see it again though…

ONE SECOND AFTER, A No-Spoiler Review of the Novel, by William R. Forstchen

By Susi Jensen | October 23, 2021 |

My son handed me this paperback during the pandemic. Here, Mom. I think you’d like this book. I read at night before bed. This book gave me nightmares. And…I did like this novel, mostly. Here are 5 Reason I recommend ONE SECOND AFTER Decent story-telling and an interesting unique setting A thoughtful and action-oriented main…

SQUID GAME, A Review without Spoilers

By Susi Jensen | October 8, 2021 |

Netflix has done it again. It has found another international gem, this one created by South Korean writer/director, Hwang Dong-hyuk. I had barely heard of SQUID GAME until about a week ago, but now the buzz is everywhere. If you’re like me, you’re wondering…Why all the hype about this Korean dystopian series? So, last night,…

FOUNDATION, A No Spoiler Reveiw of the first 2 Episodes

By Susi Jensen | September 27, 2021 |

Science fiction fans were delivered a treat over the weekend. Asimov’s Foundation Series is finally consumable via screen, television streaming to be precise. Writers/Creators, David S. Goyer (Batman Begins, 2005) and Josh Friedman (Terminator: Dark Fate, 2019) have teamed up to attempt what many had believed unthinkable. Why unthinkable? The Foundation Series, which began as…

WIDOWLAND A No Spoiler Review of the Novel

By Susi Jensen | September 1, 2021 |

Five Reasons I recommend WIDOWLAND, by C.J. Carey Excellent pacing and page-turning tension A female hero who comes into her agency in a believable way Legit world-building of a bleak UK governed by Nazis The writing around the sexual relationships feels vital and true (more on this in the longer review) Given the consistent point…

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A QUIET PLACE II

By Susi Jensen | June 4, 2021 |

Worthy of a trip to the movie theater. I say yes! Here is a really lame photo (yet authentic because it was taken in a dark theater) of our party of 4, my husband and I and two friends, watching our first film in an actual theater since Covid lockdown. A QUIET PLACE II was…

THE HOBBIT, Chapter 1…A Study on Craft

By Susi Jensen | March 8, 2021 |

The following is a post about the craft of storytelling. Posts like this are somewhat unusual for me on my author website. Most of time I am reviewing science fiction for the average consumer, not just for the writer. In this post, I am poking my nose into craft. I don’t want to just taste…

DUNE, Chapter 1…A Study on Craft

By Susi Jensen | March 3, 2021 |

Spoilers below. If you want to read a review of the novel without spoilers, click here. I happen to be in a writing critique group that started up this past week. A couple of the folks in this group are writing novels and sent in first chapters for a swipe at getting critique. So, I…