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readerette's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
tense
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? No
4.25
The way some of the dialogue was written in this one made it harder to read than the other Scalzi books I've read. Great world building that unfolds a bit at a time, relatable characters who cross tropes and feel very real for doing so (and some of whom are hilarious), and engaging take on future human expansion, including all the things we'd likely do wrong.
Started slow for me but started to feel like something I couldn't put down around the 25% mark.
Started slow for me but started to feel like something I couldn't put down around the 25% mark.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Cursing, Murder, and Death of parent
Minor: Sexual content
olityr's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-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
3.0
Fast-passed fun book with fun characters and interesting sci-fi ideas.
Way, way too much casual swearing to recommend this to most people I know.
Way, way too much casual swearing to recommend this to most people I know.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
Minor: Sexual content
mpedone's review against another edition
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
An enjoyable, if breezy read. Characters are interesting, story is intriguing, though it is missin a little weight, especially given how big the central issue is. I actually think that was intentional, as it mirrors how many of the characters don't seem to grasp the gravity of what is happening. My biggest gripe is that it feels like a Part 1, not a standalone novel with an open ending. I think this is because the central conflict of the series is presented as the central conflict of the novel. So, while the actual central conflict of the novel is explored and resolved here, it feels secondary to the overall plot, instead of the other way around.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Sexual content
croceldon's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Cursing
iono's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Gun violence, Cursing, Murder, Grief, Sexual content, War, Death of parent, and Kidnapping
Minor: Torture, Blood, and Infidelity
apersonfromflorida's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Cursing
Moderate: Torture, Violence, and Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent and Suicide
athryn's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This was overall a pretty fun read, but I found myself putting it down quite a few times and not devouring it like I do with previous Scalzi books. I can't quite put my finger on what it is with this one that I didn't enjoy it as much as stuff like Old Man's War. I think that Scalzi's writing style, kinda like Andy Weir's, is a little grating on me now.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Terminal illness, Violence, Toxic friendship, Kidnapping, Murder, Sexual content, Confinement, Injury/Injury detail, Classism, Death, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Grief
aeremaee's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Torture
laurao's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Violence
livimack's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I have to agree with others that this book lacks finesse. It’s kinda trashy, its narrative structure is both unsubtle and all over the place, and I’ll probably be placing it in the category of books that I think of as my “easy to listen to, medium quality sci-fi binge” shelf.
However, I nonetheless wholeheartedly believe that The Collapsing Empire somehow manages to be one of the most masterful science fiction pieces that has been released in years. Specifically I’d argue that within this book, John Scalzi not only pushes the boundaries of both science fiction and modern literature, developing tropes and defying norms, but he does so in a way that is not only subtle and nuanced, but cohesive within the narrative that is being told.
Then, on top that, we also get to see some of the best flavours of Scalzi’s quirky humour embedded not only into the characters and dialogue, but right down into the core of the world-building.
It is insane that a book that seems so unexceptional, superficial and “churned out” on the surface of things, can be so fruitful in its depth, richness and colouring.
If you’re in the mood for this kind of book, you must read it. If not, perhaps save it for a time when you know you’ll be able to appreciate it properly.
However, I nonetheless wholeheartedly believe that The Collapsing Empire somehow manages to be one of the most masterful science fiction pieces that has been released in years. Specifically I’d argue that within this book, John Scalzi not only pushes the boundaries of both science fiction and modern literature, developing tropes and defying norms, but he does so in a way that is not only subtle and nuanced, but cohesive within the narrative that is being told.
Then, on top that, we also get to see some of the best flavours of Scalzi’s quirky humour embedded not only into the characters and dialogue, but right down into the core of the world-building.
It is insane that a book that seems so unexceptional, superficial and “churned out” on the surface of things, can be so fruitful in its depth, richness and colouring.
If you’re in the mood for this kind of book, you must read it. If not, perhaps save it for a time when you know you’ll be able to appreciate it properly.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent and Death