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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
Big, ambitious, exploring a future without war or nations or organized religion. A world of citizenship by choice, a redefinition of family, and a muted (if not fully neutralized) idea of gender. Also, philosophy and conspiracy and great ideas and Sadists. The central plot is a little convoluted, as is the narrator’s imagined back-and-forths with his readers from an imagined still-future. The latter does allow for explicit discussions of the world and society that the author has created, which is ultimately the greatest draw.
(Not to say the characters and drama are lacking; they are fully realized as well.)
Of course, it ends on a cliffhanger. I need to get my hands on the sequel ASAP!
Don’t make the mistake I did of trying to pick this book up casually and put it away for a while. You will get lost. This is the opposite of a light read. But if you are into excellent science fiction and ready to dive fully into this book, you will find it has a lot to offer.
(Not to say the characters and drama are lacking; they are fully realized as well.)
Of course, it ends on a cliffhanger. I need to get my hands on the sequel ASAP!
Don’t make the mistake I did of trying to pick this book up casually and put it away for a while. You will get lost. This is the opposite of a light read. But if you are into excellent science fiction and ready to dive fully into this book, you will find it has a lot to offer.
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is imaginative and well written, it's just that I hated it, for two reasons: one of the most unlikeable narrators I have ever encountered, and an innovative form of gender essentialism which -- although it may not be endorsed by the author -- I found almost unbearable.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
tense
slow-paced
This book seems like an incredible read but it was to difficult for me to understand. I may try a re-read.
Checked out the sequel and couldn't start it. This is a commitment, IMO. Well written, intriguing, but a LOT.
At least, especially if you've been reading mostly free ebook downloads for a few months. So maybe that.
At some point I WILL read the sequel and then eventually reread this as well.
At least, especially if you've been reading mostly free ebook downloads for a few months. So maybe that.
At some point I WILL read the sequel and then eventually reread this as well.
challenging
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The most stunning science-fiction debut since The Quantum Thief. A hard read especially in the beginning but the rewards are phenomenal. Extremely innovative and fabulously frustrating, with mind-blowing social, economic and political ideas, dense world-building and a fascinating exploration of gender, this book wrestles with the readers's mind, it pushes them way out of the their comfort zone and it will leave them forever changed.
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
You can look at the plot summary if you want, but honestly just read it. What a cool blend of history and sci-fi speculation. Touches on real issues of today through fiction in a thoughtful way. Has a really interesting storyline. I will absolutely finish this series.
Ada Palmer’s Too Like the Lightning is a masterwork of sci-fi and philosophy. A gripping mystery set in a vividly built future, it reveals its secrets with perfect pacing. The intense dialogues crackle, and the richly drawn characters leap off the page, making this an unforgettable, thought-provoking read.
adventurous
mysterious
slow-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:
Yes