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lucky859's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-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
3.75
sparklingreader's review against another edition
3.0
Coming into a series near the end is never a good thing, but it does give one a unique perspective. When I first starting reading this book, I was completely confused. Even the author’s “The Story So Far” prologue did not help.
But my initial confusion soon gave way to enlightenment. Anderson’s character development and world creation are so good that you lose yourself in the story without really knowing – or even really caring – what has happened so far.
With each chapter devoted to a different set of characters – and there are a lot of them – you would think you’d forget what was going on by the time you cycle back around, but within a sentence or two, you know exactly where you are and what is going on.
If I were to map out the plot and subplots with colored pens, there would be a myriad of colors all intertwining. To give specific character information in this review would be too involved for this short space. Essentially, the story is about many worlds and as many sentient beings uniting to fight a common enemy – the hydrogues. But within the alliances lie deceit and betrayal as different factions attempt to further their own interests. Case in point, you have the Ildirans, led by Jora’h, supposedly aligning with the hydrogues. Jora’h must agree to help destroy humans or risk being destroyed. He has nothing against humans, but the ultimatum has been issued. But then there are the Theroc’s with their world trees, the water entity wentals, the Roamers, and several other factions who are aligning against the hydrogues. They don’t necessarily like the humans, but we’re better than the hydrogues. Oh, and don’t forget the rampaging compies – computerized robot armies in revolt. There is a lot going on in this book.
If you enjoy lengthy space sagas, this would be a good book to pick up, but I strongly urge you to read the previous four first. It’s not absolutely necessary, but would probably be helpful.
But my initial confusion soon gave way to enlightenment. Anderson’s character development and world creation are so good that you lose yourself in the story without really knowing – or even really caring – what has happened so far.
With each chapter devoted to a different set of characters – and there are a lot of them – you would think you’d forget what was going on by the time you cycle back around, but within a sentence or two, you know exactly where you are and what is going on.
If I were to map out the plot and subplots with colored pens, there would be a myriad of colors all intertwining. To give specific character information in this review would be too involved for this short space. Essentially, the story is about many worlds and as many sentient beings uniting to fight a common enemy – the hydrogues. But within the alliances lie deceit and betrayal as different factions attempt to further their own interests. Case in point, you have the Ildirans, led by Jora’h, supposedly aligning with the hydrogues. Jora’h must agree to help destroy humans or risk being destroyed. He has nothing against humans, but the ultimatum has been issued. But then there are the Theroc’s with their world trees, the water entity wentals, the Roamers, and several other factions who are aligning against the hydrogues. They don’t necessarily like the humans, but we’re better than the hydrogues. Oh, and don’t forget the rampaging compies – computerized robot armies in revolt. There is a lot going on in this book.
If you enjoy lengthy space sagas, this would be a good book to pick up, but I strongly urge you to read the previous four first. It’s not absolutely necessary, but would probably be helpful.
tylerruddhall's review against another edition
2.0
Man these books are turning into a struggle. They jump around so much and there are no main characters. Half of every chapter is a recap of the last time we were with that character (which is necessary because there are so many characters). The one good thing I can say is that I am genuinely interested in how this all ends. It's just that I don't have the time to dedicate to reading this story. Luckily, it's possible to pick up any book in this series and start reading because everything is recapped each chapter. Someday I will finish but it is not this day.
chappellmw90's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
elliotsinnhuber's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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? It's complicated
3.5
eskupslp's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
winterscomin's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
majkia's review against another edition
4.0
Great series. Lots of unexpected twists and turns, massive battles with aliens, and lots of great characters doing the best they can.
galax003's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
waden34's review against another edition
4.0
Pretty good story. I thought though that if this book was slightly longer (it was actually shorter than the last 2) it could have easily ended the series. As it stands, the new "revelations" at the end just line up 2 more books for no reason. They better be worth it...