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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
became a little too heavy-handed thematically near the end for my liking, but a nice intriguing read nonetheless. i enjoyed myself 🐙
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
What an incredibly beautiful, moving, inspirational story. It’s bleak yet full of hope. I loved every sentence from start to end.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Beautifully combined my loves for octopuses and scientifically accurate sci-fi. Similar to [b:Venomous Lumpsucker|59593576|Venomous Lumpsucker|Ned Beauman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1642782158l/59593576._SY75_.jpg|93854136], this book takes place in a not-so distant future where human-caused environmental destruction has damaged the planet. It focuses on the ocean, where overfishing has removed most marine life from the sea, and AI-driven illegal fishing boats crewed by enslaved fisherman work to catch and sell anything that's left. The world has been dramatically shaped by AI, and one of the characters is the first conscious AI, invented to emulate personhood.
The book rotates between three perspectives. The first is Ha, a biologist who was brought to the marine reserve of Con Dao by the AI-creating corporation DIANIMA to study a population of octopuses who may have developed language and culture. The second perspective is Eiko, a man trafficked into slavery aboard a fishing boat. The third perspective is Rustem, an AI hacker-for-hire. The book explores the nature of consciousness and humanity - what does it mean to be human? What does it mean to be conscious? It also explores the consequences of corporate greed and environmental destruction and the ethics of scientific research.
Overall, I enjoyed this immensely. It was extremely well-researched and realistic, and I thought the characters were really well-developed and interesting. As someone who spent most of this year caring for a giant Pacific octopus, I was impressed at the extremely accurate characterization of octopus behavior. I thought Eiko's narrative was heartbreaking but extremely compelling.
There were some parts that I didn't like as much - I thought Rustem's narrative was a little dull until I also didn't really care about Ha's backstory and it seemed a little out of place in the book. Finally, there were sections of dialog, especially towards the end between Evrim and Ha, that seemed too stilted to be believable as conversation, and more just the author making a point about the nature of humanity.
Overall, however, this was excellent, and I highly recommend it for any fans of climate fiction.
The book rotates between three perspectives. The first is Ha, a biologist who was brought to the marine reserve of Con Dao by the AI-creating corporation DIANIMA to study a population of octopuses who may have developed language and culture. The second perspective is Eiko, a man trafficked into slavery aboard a fishing boat. The third perspective is Rustem, an AI hacker-for-hire. The book explores the nature of consciousness and humanity - what does it mean to be human? What does it mean to be conscious? It also explores the consequences of corporate greed and environmental destruction and the ethics of scientific research.
Overall, I enjoyed this immensely. It was extremely well-researched and realistic, and I thought the characters were really well-developed and interesting. As someone who spent most of this year caring for a giant Pacific octopus, I was impressed at the extremely accurate characterization of octopus behavior. I thought Eiko's narrative was heartbreaking but extremely compelling.
Spoiler
His escape from the Sea Wolf and being welcomed onto Con Dao by an automonk was really beautiful.There were some parts that I didn't like as much - I thought Rustem's narrative was a little dull until
Spoiler
his meeting with the man that told him about the dog island.Spoiler
with the boy she was in love withOverall, however, this was excellent, and I highly recommend it for any fans of climate fiction.
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Some truly incredible themes and concepts, here, and Ray Nayler isn't afraid to delve deep. The actual story was a tad confusing and ended on a note that I felt was incomplete, but I think the actual story is just the vessel through which Nayler tries to spark deep discussions with and among his readers. Certainly thought-provoking.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
fast-paced