Scan barcode
jenny_hedberg's review
2.0
The author's depiction of female characters is horrible and was a huge source of frustration for me when I read this. The protagonist is a womanising lone wolf who can do nothing wrong and Niven's women need to be saved. They are one-dimensional and have no real purpose in the story. It reminds me a bit of movies where a guy or a girl is introduced just to be a love interest. Honestly, it makes me mad that female characters are reduced to being all about their relationships to guys.
Also, I'm sorry if you wanted some kind of review about the rest of the novel. Not happening.
Also, I'm sorry if you wanted some kind of review about the rest of the novel. Not happening.
rhoadesd20's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-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
3.5
ketutar's review
3.0
Hmm... I find it somewhat misogynist and I find the MC rather irritating in his garystueness. Sure, that all the females would fall in love with him was part of the story, but it's still unnecessary and stupid.
I like aliens. I can see Khajeet being modeled on Kzits. I like the grasseater aliens. Reminds me of the Kelpiens in Star Trek
I like aliens. I can see Khajeet being modeled on Kzits. I like the grasseater aliens. Reminds me of the Kelpiens in Star Trek
dromwald's review
2.0
This was a re-read for me as I originally read this more than 30 years ago and that will probably be reflected in this review. When I first read this I might well have given the book an extra star but 30 years is a long time it seems – at least in terms of Sci Fi and social attitudes. In terms of Niven’s attitude to women one might actually have expected this to have been written in 1950 rather than 1970 because his female characters are single dimensional at best. In fact his drawing of female characters could be described as laughable if they weren't so insulting; his female characters have insignificant roles to play in the story and seem to be good for one thing only.
As for the story, well, this too was disappointing. The concept seemed so amazingly promising and I really wanted to enjoy it (first time around and now) but frankly the whole thing was just tiresome.
As for the story, well, this too was disappointing. The concept seemed so amazingly promising and I really wanted to enjoy it (first time around and now) but frankly the whole thing was just tiresome.
cshawver's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-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
2.5
A deeply interesting premise handicapped by a completely uninteresting plot, unlikeable characters, and old school sexism
heidi_mcj's review
3.0
This is a very well written book that is a supurb example of world building. The descriptions of the Ringworld are amazing. Unfortunately I thought the story that went with it a bit lacking. It did finally move along at the end but most of the time it was a bit dull.
derek13's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
3.0
mikeledford's review against another edition
3.0
Solid world-building and adventure for its time, with only a hint of misogyny and 1970's creepiness.
lyssapearl's review against another edition
4.0
Normally I have no problem imagining the settings for futuristic novels, but the sheer enormity of the Ringworld, and the general weirdness of the Puppeteer made it difficult.