Reviews

Das Syndrom by John Scalzi

ghostlyweeds's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I can be honest and admit there was a bunch in this book that I may never understand and I am okay with that. But my dude just wrote a new favorite character of mine and didn’t even know it because I am in love with Vann. Shane is great too! I love their partnership and their conversations, their back and forth while they’re talking to the suspects… it was all just A+ writing. But Vann, especially after learning her story, felt so real and human to me in a way that Shane didn’t.

I may very well run right out my front door and to the nearest bookstore to get the next book because I absolutely need more of this world that Scalzi has created.

jennrocca's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I liked it the first time around but I think I liked it more the second time around. Maybe the pandemic perspective? Maybe the non-binary perspective.

gspear's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny mysterious 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? No

4.5

gabbyduncan's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

maggiebook's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Probably one of the best Sci-Fi books I have read in awhile. The story takes place after a flu pandemic
that has left some people paralyzed (locked in). Devices are placed in the heads of locked in people which allow them to control and experience life through a robot. Their bodies stay in a sling but their minds can move around within the robot. The whole concept is very well thought out and explained to the reader early in the book.
We follow a locked in man in his mid twenties who starts to work at the FBI. His second day on the job, he and his partner are assigned to a murder. The book follows that story line.
As I said, I really liked this book.
The characters in this book have a backstory which is provided to the reader within the story rather than a narrative that introduces each character.
The author doesn't withhold information. The background of where the world is now is explained to the reader up front. You come into the story with full information.
The plot is more than a murder mystery. There are political, social and economic sub-plots which made the story more believable for me.
The setting is in the US as you would imagine it in the future with some scientific changes and the dealings with a pandemic aftermath which again made it very possible.
Highly recommend this book if you like a good, well thought out Sci-Fi novel.

kalkn's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Second book I've read by Scalzi, and I have to say I'll keep reading them. Book was a good book to read in an afternoon, sitting by the window and watching the snow. After reading it, made me appreciate being able to rock my own chair, interact with the kids, enjoy my soda, all without a threep. Definitely enjoyed the book and would suggest it to anyone that loves a good mystery, action or thriller.

llamalluv's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

This was a little bit difficult to follow for the first chapter or two. I read the prequel novella and that cleared up a lot of confusion about the plague and the aftermath.

eskupslp's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

noirverse's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

Rating this 2.5, rounded down. The worldbuilding was good, but I didn't really get into the mystery.

reforming_dragon's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

4.5