Scan barcode
angus_mckeogh's review against another edition
4.0
The second novel by McAuley I’ve read, and they’ve both exceeded my expectations. A science fiction setting with multiple worlds, space travel, and a cast of aliens. Mixed within was a noir like mystery, again, grounded in a science fiction narrative. Thus far from this author, two very good reads.
tomstbr's review against another edition
2.0
DNF. Really can't recommend this. I mean, it's not bad per se just really boring. Twin narratives that I can see intertwining at some point, but it doesn't do the alternative world trope in an interesting way. Plus I really can't be bothered with SF/crime crossovers. I just don't care. Probably doesn't help that I watched Mad Max: Fury Road recently and the comparison makes this supremely dull.
Counting as finished because goddamnit I'm not wasting time.
Counting as finished because goddamnit I'm not wasting time.
kyledhebert's review against another edition
2.0
The premise of this book is interesting; unfortunately the story here does nothing with that premise. The police story at the heart of the book collides with the sci-fi elements in an odd way, and the last third of the book devolves into straight to video action movie plotting.
pmerrison's review against another edition
4.0
A slow start, but ends up being a fantastic book come the end. Pay attention to to the dates at the start of each chapter ;)
lazyowl's review against another edition
1.0
This is a scifi with a PI feel to it. I just wasn't feeling it. The characters didn't draw me in. It felt like a very lacklustre telling of events, lots of he said and then she said. The premise was interesting, but it completely lacked in the delivery. Chapters were often short, which didn't help a story that already lacked some action & momentum.
The only reason I read the whole book, is because it's for bookclub, otherwise I would have bailed.
The only reason I read the whole book, is because it's for bookclub, otherwise I would have bailed.
leviel's review against another edition
3.0
It seems okay so far, not particularly inspired but maybe book two will kick things into high gear. Feels kind of like an introduction to space operas.
johnday's review against another edition
5.0
This excellent novel has most of my favorite things: mysterious alien objects, Elder Cultures, and even a ray gun. How could you not like an intelligent look at how benevolent aliens effect civilization? Read this now and hope for many sequels.
riverwise's review
2.0
Bit disappointing this one. At heart it's a pretty average gangland crime novel, with a few pieces of science fictional window dressing. The ending does open things up enormously for further novels - should there be any, I'll dip in but I won't be queuing on publication day.
norma_cenva's review
4.0
Actual Rating 4,5 Stars
It was great to read a book that is set in a place that I know well. The references and humor were great. The world-building was enjoyable and the story suspenseful. I already have book 2 lined up, so lets see what the rest of the tale will bring!
It was great to read a book that is set in a place that I know well. The references and humor were great. The world-building was enjoyable and the story suspenseful. I already have book 2 lined up, so lets see what the rest of the tale will bring!
courtsd's review
3.0
I don't mind alternating viewpoints in a book but here each chapter felt a bit short. I'd just started getting into one story and it flipped to the other. And I found Chloe's story much more compelling than Vic's which felt like a dull detective book. I'd also have liked a bit more about the other worlds the Jackeroo had given them. I felt a bit frustrated by this book on the whole... there's was a better story submerged in the whole gangster plot.