Book News and Reviews » L. Ron Hubbard

Book Review: If I Were You by L. Ron Hubbard

Julia — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:00:38 +0000

Genre: Fantasy

Julia Rating: 10

Comments: This is a fun book that contains two shorts: If I Were You and The Last Drop, both stories published in pulp magazines during that era.

The first story, If I Were You, is about a dwarf who works at a circus. An old man leaves books of black magic to the dwarf, who quickly discovers that there is a way for his soul and the soul that occupies the other body to switch. He decides to switch with the ringmaster, so he can be the true lead of the circus. Unfortunately his dream does not go according to plan.
If I Were You is a lighthearted story with good character development, humor and a little suspense thrown in. While reading it, I felt as if I were reading and old pulp magazine – like Astounding Science Fiction and Fact - from back in the day.

The second story, The Last Drop, is about Mac the bartender who has been looking to make the perfect cocktail for some time. He finally does make it with a concoction that comes from Borneo. There is an unfortunate side effect, however. The Borneo alcohol, when mixed with certain substances can make one grow bigger or smaller. Another complication arises – the gang is out to get Mac and his bar patrons. Will they escape? Will Mac ever get smaller? Find out.

Book Review: Final Blackout by L. Ron Hubbard

Julia — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 06:06:00 +0000

Book: Final Blackout

Author: L. Ron Hubbard

Genre: Sci Fi

Julia Rating: 10

Comments:
This book is a short and fascinating read. It’s a sci-fi/action/adventure/military type book. The story is about a man – The Lieutenant – who has grown up amidst war torn nations and decides to make a change for the good of his men – and later for the good of England. It’s very inspiring, but people who like more up-beat books may not like it. The ending is hopeful, not happy.
I think that if you like the movie V for Vendetta or liked the book 1984, you’d like L. Ron Hubbard’s Final Blackout.

Book Review: Writers of the Future Vol XX presented by L. Ron Hubbard

Julia — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 21:04:00 +0000

Book: Writers of the Future, Vol. 20

Author: A collaboration of talented authors

Genre: Sci Fi/Fantasy

Julia Rating: 10 out of 10

Comments:

I’m not always always enamored with these collaboration pieces, however this particular Writers of the Future volume really stood out for me. The majority of the stories were fantastic, and there’s little nuggets of gold in there from acclaimed writers and editors like Robert Heinlein, Algis Budrys and L. Ron Hubbard. So, these books really have something for everyone.

I really love the Writers of the Future contest because it gives such a wonderful opportunity to aspiring writers. The winning writers get their work published in one of the Writers of the Future volumes and some get cash prizes. The judges of the contest are writers and editors themselves, so they generally pick excellent material for the books.

Just as a note, my favorite stories in the book are:
Asleep in the Forest of the Tall Cats by Kenneth Brady
Shipwoman by Roxanne Hutton
The Key by Blair MacGregor