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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
Okay. Listen. Did I truly know what was going on in this book at any given point in time? Barely. Questionable, honestly. What begins as intimidatingly cerebral, with an Earth without war and religion and gender and national borders, morphs into a something altogether violent and slutty in its latter half, with the world’s most powerful leaders gathering to cosplay the 18th century and have lots and lots of orgies, and there may be two god-like figures in play? And a hell of a lot murders?? This book is a prime example of why I’m not a DNFer, because it was pissing me the hell off for nearly half of the book and then it blooms into this messy, ecstatic, erotic, blood-spattered rumination on philosophy and God and politics, and there is some cannibalism in there, too….? I need to know what happens next and I know this story will make me EARN it.
Pretentious and tedious, this book tries to be everything and doesn't do anything well. Primarily a novel about politics and religion that drifts into a sophomoric fascination with 200 year old philosophy, with the set dressing of science fiction. It seems more concerned with being deep and sophisticated than with good story telling or character development.
The one thing it isn't is a complete story. In over 400 pages it fails to complete a single story line. Not surprising when it takes multiple paragraphs to describe a character entering a room (every. single time.), delights in frequently breaking the fourth wall in an oh-so-precious way , and introduces new characters and plot twists in the last 50 pages of the book. There is a second volume planned that may bring resolution but I won't be wasting the time to read it.
The one thing it isn't is a complete story. In over 400 pages it fails to complete a single story line. Not surprising when it takes multiple paragraphs to describe a character entering a room (every. single time.), delights in frequently breaking the fourth wall in an oh-so-precious way , and introduces new characters and plot twists in the last 50 pages of the book. There is a second volume planned that may bring resolution but I won't be wasting the time to read it.
Interesting premise, even interesting world building and SciFi elements - told in the most boring way possible. I really wish this focused on the story and not just philosophizing. Such great potential. So bored.
I tried so hard. Required too much of me as a reader at this point in my life, without anything sticky enough like a beloved character to help pull me through the complicated writing. I really wanted to like it.
Writing style was difficult to follow and seemed to be the main focus assupposed to the actual plot.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Super interesting far future world - politics, philosophy, technology, a magical child, a strange and unreliable yet highly charismatic narrator, interesting characters, even more interesting ideas about society, family, gender, good and evil, and more. Can't wait to read the next book!
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
informative
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes