Reviews

Ringworld by Larry Niven

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.

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.

seldonsplan's review

3.0

Great, thought-provoking concepts. Silly story.

karina5162's review

informative slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

1.0

This put me in a 3 month reading slump so I cannot give it any higher. It also doesn't help that the author hates women and there was Way more eugenics than I would have wanted (0). There were really interesting world building elements, but the plot itself felt like it went basically nowhere, and the main character is maybe the worst book MC I've ever had to read about. Mother of all self-inserts, at the expense of any actual interesting developments for Teela and Speaker.

katermannx's review against another edition

5.0

"Ringworld" by Larry Niven offers an incredibly immersive reading experience.

The detailed portrayal of technological and geographical aspects of the Ringworld creates a vivid and captivating setting. Initially, the characters may come across as arrogant and one-dimensional, yet they gradually evolve, gaining depth throughout the story. This character development adds a compelling layer to the narrative, resulting in a truly memorable reading experience that lingers in one's memory.

Overall, "Ringworld" delivers a beautifully crafted journey that remains unforgettable.

tonyleachsf's review against another edition

3.0

Entertaining and interesting, for the most part.

12-year-old me would have been far more into it. Now I read the women-as-sex-things with disappointment and sadness.