Scan barcode
druv's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. Brainwashing and such has a very high squick factor for me, and when the book was going heavily in that direction* I had to push through it a bit, but I think it paid off a 100%.
The book had incredibly enjoyable characters, asked interesting questions about issues of society, self, and self-determination. It also presented a vast space opera galaxy reminiscent of the best parts of the Mass Effect universe.
*some people might think that the entire book is heavily about that, but let's just say I agree with the main character about the consensual nature of rightminding
The book had incredibly enjoyable characters, asked interesting questions about issues of society, self, and self-determination. It also presented a vast space opera galaxy reminiscent of the best parts of the Mass Effect universe.
*some people might think that the entire book is heavily about that, but let's just say I agree with the main character about the consensual nature of rightminding
samwreads's review against another edition
3.0
Weird book! But in a good way.
I love the story and imaginative world building. It's big and ambitious and the author actually does a pretty good job of creating a relevant and interesting backstory and tying it in with the current crisis-du-future-jour. I especially love the ethical questions posed (and contested) regarding mood/mind regulation. I know (or it certainly seems) that science fiction as a genre has long been a haven for libertarian fantasies, and to some degree one could argue that the ability to self-regulate one's own cognition and emotions in real-time is a form of individualist empowerment. But it's pitted against the also individualist and more romantic separatist pirate factions who eschew "right-minding" and instead advocate for the primacy and immediacy of emotional engagement. It's a fun thought experiment.
As for my issues with the book: first off, there are a few pacing issues with the plot. Not going to get into spoilers but there's a large section where two characters are trapped together that dragged a lot for me, and interrupted the larger "space opera" chase and mystery. Also the climax and denouement were only marginally satisfying for me. I feel like there was space for a lot more. Lastly, I'll admit that I struggled a fair amount with the degree to which Bear (the author) seemingly goes out of her way to incorporate technical jargon and information into the narrative. I get that this is an immersion thing and supposedly some people like it, but it is just not for me.
Recommended for people who are fans of "technical jargon-y" science fiction and great big space mysteries.
I love the story and imaginative world building. It's big and ambitious and the author actually does a pretty good job of creating a relevant and interesting backstory and tying it in with the current crisis-du-future-jour. I especially love the ethical questions posed (and contested) regarding mood/mind regulation. I know (or it certainly seems) that science fiction as a genre has long been a haven for libertarian fantasies, and to some degree one could argue that the ability to self-regulate one's own cognition and emotions in real-time is a form of individualist empowerment. But it's pitted against the also individualist and more romantic separatist pirate factions who eschew "right-minding" and instead advocate for the primacy and immediacy of emotional engagement. It's a fun thought experiment.
As for my issues with the book: first off, there are a few pacing issues with the plot. Not going to get into spoilers but there's a large section where two characters are trapped together that dragged a lot for me, and interrupted the larger "space opera" chase and mystery. Also the climax and denouement were only marginally satisfying for me. I feel like there was space for a lot more. Lastly, I'll admit that I struggled a fair amount with the degree to which Bear (the author) seemingly goes out of her way to incorporate technical jargon and information into the narrative. I get that this is an immersion thing and supposedly some people like it, but it is just not for me.
Recommended for people who are fans of "technical jargon-y" science fiction and great big space mysteries.
bigdarklove's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
barkerjm's review against another edition
4.0
Good, but not great intro to a new science fiction universe with galaxy spanning civilizations and ancient aliens. Galactic Civilization revealed as a small salvage crew of two plus ship AI (and cats) find themselves entangled in serious affairs of galactic import.
seriuzbiznus's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-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? It's complicated
3.0
book_dreamblog's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-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
2.75
tensy's review against another edition
3.0
A small crew consisting of an engineer, pilot and sentient AI working on a salvage mission to retrieve a stranded spaceship, discover ancient artifacts that lead them on an interesting chase through space where they have to battle pirates and other aliens out for revenge. Bear creates endearing characters, but this could easily have been 100 pages shorter. She spends way too much ink describing political theories and internal dialogues that often make the plot come to a dead stop.
weltenkreuzer's review against another edition
5.0
Die Handlung geht am Anfang extrem langsam voran. Dadurch kann der Roman aber seine Figuren aufbauen, die dann im letzten Drittel in die Vollen gehen.