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nedens's review against another edition
challenging
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I really wanted to love this book. The humor is in the vein of Douglas Adams and it is clear the author has attempted to write a book much like Adams work The Hitchikers Guide To The Galaxy. However I found the writing far too flowery (even when compared to Adams). It was actually quite difficult to keep the species, planets, ships, culture, of everything straight. The idea is an amazing one, and funny. Throughout is the idea that who people are can be found in a sum of their experiences, and that even when we present a certain way how we can feel inside is much more vulnerable and different. But the story is really wrapped up in the last 30 pages and in my opinion ends quite abruptly. I wanted to attach to the characters more but found the alternating chapters of space life back story and current actions removed me from caring to much about the characters. I was worried that all of the alien history would be pointless but did find it encouraging that it came together right at the end. Finally I want to note for other readers that this book is heavy in the lgbtqia+ content. This goes for both the creatures from other planets as well as the humans in the story. It is not the main point of the story, but is present pretty heavily throughout. The creativity of species and planets and life evolving on those planets is really top notch. Just wasn't something I would read again and not up to the quality of Adams which it clearly is derivative of.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Incest
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