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elleunchained's review against another edition
3.0
I really didn't like the first or last stories but the ones in the middle were great. If you try to tea it and don't like the first one, skip to the next one.
youpie's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
stolencapybara's review against another edition
4.0
The best things about Metatropolis, specifically in the audiobook version, are the range of styles, the mix of dystopian and utopian elements and the music. I usually despise music in audiobooks, but in this case it does much to intesify the atmosphere, especially after the first novella. Metatropolis as a place works especially well because it is a disunified place represented by very different voices, each exploring a different place, even if sometimes the geography overlaps.
ginnikin's review
Lake: Too much POV of disdain for the greenies.
Buckell: Idiot protag, when hawt chick lands on your couch, maybe don't go to your sekkrit hiding place the very first night.
Bear: I made it through this one. Didn't find it brill, though.
Scalzi: Ugh. Not one sympathetic character. No thanks.
Buckell: Idiot protag, when hawt chick lands on your couch, maybe don't go to your sekkrit hiding place the very first night.
Bear: I made it through this one. Didn't find it brill, though.
Scalzi: Ugh. Not one sympathetic character. No thanks.
librovert's review against another edition
3.0
I picked up Metatropolis as a freebie from Audible. Who can say no to free? The collection contains 5 short stories all based in a shared universe that was a collaboration of the authors.
The world itself was interesting. The world takes on a city-state like appearance and is a bit more low-tech in the sense that the technology and power that exists isn't as readily available as it is today. There are also some environmentalist undertones with vertical farming taking a front row spot in the worlds agriculture.
The first story is "In the Forests of the Night" by Jay Lake and I have to admit I was a little lost. In a general overview the story is about a man coming into Cascadiopolis (a shared metropolis based in the Cascaida bioregion of Washington, Oregon and British Columbia). It didn't seem to really have a story and was probably my least favorite of the bunch.
"Stochasti-City" by Tobias Buckell and "The Red in the Sky is Our Blood" by Elizabeth Bear are a pair of stories both taking place in Detroit and take place within different organizations that are on the fringe of society in Detroit. "Stocasta City" focuses on a rebel group trying to have cars banned in favor of the more environmental friendly bicycle and "The Red in the Sky..." focuses on a quasi-utopian society that quietly exists within the confines of Detroit. "The Red in the Sky" was one of my favorites.
"Utere Nihil Non Extra Quiritationem Suis" by John Scalzi was next. The story was typical Scalzi in humor and tone and though I have a love/hate relationship with most of his works, I really enjoyed this one.
"To Hie from Far Cilenia" by Karl Schroeder closed out the collection. The story is about a virtual reality within a virtual reality that overlays the real world. It was wayyy out there and a little much to wrap your head around, IMO.
There is a second collection with six stories focusing on the Cascadia area and I'm slightly interested in it, but in no huge rush.
The world itself was interesting. The world takes on a city-state like appearance and is a bit more low-tech in the sense that the technology and power that exists isn't as readily available as it is today. There are also some environmentalist undertones with vertical farming taking a front row spot in the worlds agriculture.
The first story is "In the Forests of the Night" by Jay Lake and I have to admit I was a little lost. In a general overview the story is about a man coming into Cascadiopolis (a shared metropolis based in the Cascaida bioregion of Washington, Oregon and British Columbia). It didn't seem to really have a story and was probably my least favorite of the bunch.
"Stochasti-City" by Tobias Buckell and "The Red in the Sky is Our Blood" by Elizabeth Bear are a pair of stories both taking place in Detroit and take place within different organizations that are on the fringe of society in Detroit. "Stocasta City" focuses on a rebel group trying to have cars banned in favor of the more environmental friendly bicycle and "The Red in the Sky..." focuses on a quasi-utopian society that quietly exists within the confines of Detroit. "The Red in the Sky" was one of my favorites.
"Utere Nihil Non Extra Quiritationem Suis" by John Scalzi was next. The story was typical Scalzi in humor and tone and though I have a love/hate relationship with most of his works, I really enjoyed this one.
"To Hie from Far Cilenia" by Karl Schroeder closed out the collection. The story is about a virtual reality within a virtual reality that overlays the real world. It was wayyy out there and a little much to wrap your head around, IMO.
There is a second collection with six stories focusing on the Cascadia area and I'm slightly interested in it, but in no huge rush.
countessjess's review against another edition
3.0
I thought the concept of this was really cool: a collection of short stories written by different authors but all set in the same world. Naturally, some stories appeal more than others, but overall it was pretty good, especially considering it was a free gift (thanks Audible!) I was especially thrilled when I got to the one narrated by Alessandro Juliani because I've enjoyed listening to him in the past.
Some interesting concepts are explored here and although it all takes place in the same world, a broad view of that world is given, which is nice.
Some interesting concepts are explored here and although it all takes place in the same world, a broad view of that world is given, which is nice.
rora114's review
5.0
Amazing. I love the world that was created, and the fact that three of the stories were narrated by Battlestar Galactica actors made it even better.
annemtipton's review
4.0
Interesting look at what the future might look like. This is a collection of short stories and some are better than others. I don't usually like audiobooks as much but this one had some really talented readers.
sandeestarlite's review
4.0
A good set of related stories about a society disjointed, where your geography are isn't as important as those you share values with. Much of the world is run by large corporations without as much reference to government. 4.5 stars as the first story was a little dense and vague. But you'll want to read it as it's referred to in the other stories.