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pkonno96's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
calebzpreston's review against another edition
challenging
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
edgehannah's review against another edition
5.0
4.5/5
Had some pacing issues but the twists are mind boggling and the science is riveting. Looking forward to reading the sequel!
Had some pacing issues but the twists are mind boggling and the science is riveting. Looking forward to reading the sequel!
sarames's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
cheesecakelova's review against another edition
5.0
In places, the book is so cruel and gruesome, I felt like something died in me. The existential desperation is so dense, I couldn’t help but sympathize with the villains. But I also couldn’t put it down, because it’s beautiful and rich in characters and surprises.
bacchicecstasy's review against another edition
2.75
It took me more than half of this book to actually get invested which is why I couldn't rate it higher. However, the last portion was very strong, so I might continue this series
livreur's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
joshualeggs's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
4.75
miarsb's review against another edition
2.0
I think this ultimately falls apart due to the structure. There are interesting ideas here and, at least, a good story to be told, but it doesn't reach its potential.
The beginning portrays an interesting view of Chinese culture and history as well as a character that is deeply entrenched in it. Once we move on to the actual main character though, these elements become set dressing. It's a shame because the culture and how it affects science, individuals, and progress are the best parts of the book.
The main character swap also deeply hurts the story. I can't help but feel like it was done to add a mystery element that the plot can't support. At its core, this is a straight forward sci-fi story that has been done over and over again. That's not to say that it can't be interesting but attempts to obfuscate it lead to disappointment when the reveals hit. It also doesn't help that a lot of the mystery elements don't make sense in hindsight.
I think the book would have been better served by sticking with the initial character and telling a linear story. Many of the same plot points could have been included. We'd just be experiencing them with context and without the weight that twists impose. It would have also allowed the cultural elements to carry through the entire story and lend justification to the shaky decisions that are made, grounding them in a more believable way.
There are also issues with flat characters and exposition dumps that could have been ignored in a better story, but just add to the pain here. In the end, I'm struggling to understand the praise for this book and would advise you to skip this.
The beginning portrays an interesting view of Chinese culture and history as well as a character that is deeply entrenched in it. Once we move on to the actual main character though, these elements become set dressing. It's a shame because the culture and how it affects science, individuals, and progress are the best parts of the book.
The main character swap also deeply hurts the story. I can't help but feel like it was done to add a mystery element that the plot can't support. At its core, this is a straight forward sci-fi story that has been done over and over again. That's not to say that it can't be interesting but attempts to obfuscate it lead to disappointment when the reveals hit. It also doesn't help that a lot of the mystery elements don't make sense in hindsight.
I think the book would have been better served by sticking with the initial character and telling a linear story. Many of the same plot points could have been included. We'd just be experiencing them with context and without the weight that twists impose. It would have also allowed the cultural elements to carry through the entire story and lend justification to the shaky decisions that are made, grounding them in a more believable way.
There are also issues with flat characters and exposition dumps that could have been ignored in a better story, but just add to the pain here. In the end, I'm struggling to understand the praise for this book and would advise you to skip this.