Arthur C. Clarke
I like Arthur C. Clarke. I like his work for the technical aspect. I've read several of his books and I've found out that an aspiring SF writer can pick up many ideas from his writing.
The following reviews cover the books that I own. Many more are to follow once I get their publishing info.
Rendezvous with Rama (1973)
A mysterious alien craft scientists call Rama is heading towards Earth. Are aliens visiting Earth? Do they wish to destroy us? The ship "Endeavour" is sent to find out these answers. What they find are more questions.
This is the best in the series by far. If you want to read a good mystery SF book this is the one.
With Gentry Lee
Rama II (1989)
Many years after the strange encounter with Rama Earth is recovering from a economic depression. With news of another Rama heading towards Earth another ship is sent to find the answers to the questions from the last enounter.
This book is not to bad. However it sets you up to read the next book.
Garden of Rama (1991)
Nicole de jardens, marooned member of the last mission, and her family must survive on Rama for the long voyage to Rama's unknown destination. What they will encounter will be incredible.
This one is still not too bad, However at the end the soap opera begins.
Rama revealed (1994)
Rama's colony continues to decline while Rama continues it's trip to the node. Nicole now freed from prison flees with her family to the octospider habitat.
Don't Read this book! The Soap opera begins from page one and continues to get worse till the last page. Also, get this! The ramans are servants of God! and the Node is one of thosands to chart the progress of the universe! Bad ending, very bad. Forget the last three books and be content with the mystery of Rama.