Review: Open Borders: The Science and Ethics of Immigration

Open Borders: The Science and Ethics of Immigration by Bryan Caplan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An excellent presentation of the economic and moral arguments for open borders. Zach Weinersmith's (of SMBC comics) wonderful art makes the arguments more interesting and more approachable. Caplan doesn't just give his argument. He takes seriously the most influential arguments against open borders. He gives his reasons for rejecting these arguments, but never merely dismisses them.

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Review: Dark Disciple

Dark Disciple by Christie Golden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ventress is one of Star Wars best anti-hero characters. Her arc in the Clone Wars was a great part of a great series. Dark Disciple continues and close that arc. Her growth and redemption was well done. But even more interesting was Vos's descent to the dark side and his ultimate redemption. The fall to the dark side can sometimes be construed in simplistic terms: the character just wants power or is crudely selfish. But Vos's descent -- not unlike Anakin's -- is fueled by love and commitment. This is far more interesting and allows the reader to explore the relationship between light and dark.

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Review: Titanshade

Titanshade by Dan Stout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So many sci-fi/fantasy books run through the same cliches, but Titanshade is a delightfully original novel. It's also a great mash-up of genres: part noir, part detective, part fantasy, part sci-fi. The characters and settings are well drawn and engaging. I recommend it.

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