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sklewi's review against another edition
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
On one hand I really enjoyed reading this novel, the writing style and reflection on modern life worked for me. On the other hand, the ending makes me question how much of the more out-there aspects of the premise (a wormhole at the bottom of the ocean?) were reality. I was willing to go along without much in the way of explanation for almost the entire book, but now find it difficult not to question Iris's perspective and the entire premise.
status_woe's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-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? No
3.75
In the early chapters I found the writing pedestrian, but it quickly picked up and the critique of corporate city life was spot on. I identified with Iris, as I'm sure many professional women in their 20s and 30s will, in feeling trapped in a life that feels pointless, going to work and pretending to care, but ultimately feeling like it is all a performance. The writing in these parts of the book, is excellent.
Although about life on another planet, this book is more driven by the protagonist's inner world than it is her life in space or the logistics of it. For readers looking for pure science fiction, this probably isn't the book for you. There is no neat ending and it's open to interpretation, although overall I felt like the "grass isn't always greener" cautionary tale I expected. The lack of a tidy ending was made up for, for me, by the often really beautiful writing. The author also captures depression and the feeling of not having a true sense of place with your family superbly.
Although about life on another planet, this book is more driven by the protagonist's inner world than it is her life in space or the logistics of it. For readers looking for pure science fiction, this probably isn't the book for you. There is no neat ending and it's open to interpretation, although overall I felt like the "grass isn't always greener" cautionary tale I expected. The lack of a tidy ending was made up for, for me, by the often really beautiful writing. The author also captures depression and the feeling of not having a true sense of place with your family superbly.
samuslovski's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
shereadsalot's review against another edition
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
k8we's review
dark
sad
fast-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
2.75
kelwir's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
francestea's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The premise of this book sounded great but I was left wanting so much more from the plot. What we get is the interior monologue of our main character on her quest for human connection... on another planet. Based on the blurb there just wasn't enough of the science fiction elements I was expecting. I wanted more info on Nyx and how it worked! That said, I really enjoyed the writing and loved the narration. Unlike a lot of reviewers it seems, I really relished ending of this book, it felt like what I was waiting for all along.
alicepeacockk's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75