Reviews

Jumpnauts by Hao Jingfang

ryanlaflamme's review

challenging reflective slow-paced

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

1.5

ericathj's review

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

3.75 stars. Solid and entertaining read, especially enjoyed the ending. I loved the integration of science with Chinese myth and history. And thought Ken Liu did an excellent translation, particularly with the fact that he left some words like long and qi lin in the pinyin, which helped maintain the authenticity and artistic choices of the original. 

grace_reads_sometimes's review

adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

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

4.0

I really enjoyed this book and getting a sci-fi story from a Chinese perspective. The writing was easy to follow and funny (thanks in part to the excellent translation). I love the concept of ancient aliens so this really scratched an itch for me.

cbee's review

adventurous funny reflective medium-paced

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

2.5

bebidocrimes's review against another edition

I was ready to meet this book where it's at with regards to the Ancient Aliens theory, but frequently a scene would delve into dialogue heavy philosophy debates that I was not interested in. I almost read on to meet the aliens, but I didn't love the characters enough for the stakes to matter to me.

acharpentier's review

slow-paced

2.0

clearly's review against another edition

adventurous funny mysterious 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

4.0

klibri's review against another edition

• Loveable characters? No

2.25

He repeatedly disrespects boundaries—but she's intrigued. He also happens to be an astronomer-hacker who is tall, handsome, wealthy, and an expert martial artist. The first 60% doesn't stretch beyond that level of groundwork. Once they meet extraterrestrials, the interactions still ring petulant. Also I thought Ken Liu was a better translator. Was he in a rush?

gretcheng's review

adventurous challenging reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Enjoyed the character dynamics and found family aspects, but the heavy handed philosophy and physics in the latter half of the book dragged down the story and plot for me. I appreciated the notes from the translator! 

emilyrandolph_epstein's review

The way Jiang Liu treats his mom is a real turn-off at first, but I was willing to push through, but then he starts relentlessly flirting with a woman he's meeting to discuss certain astronomical findings, treating her like a romantic object rather than a colleague. I was astonished that a woman wrote such casual misogyny.