Reviews

The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O. by Nicole Galland, Neal Stephenson

grayjay's review against another edition

4.0

This was a fun and slightly over-the-top blend of science fiction and fantasy. In a world where magic has already died out, a government organisation uses obscure physics to create a small chamber in which a witch could still use magic. Time travel ensues. The adventure is kind of zany and the characters are lively.

socialamoebaemily's review

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious medium-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? It's complicated

4.5

I throughly enjoyed this novel! It was all around fun, interesting, thought provoking and had that undefinable quality that keeps you up way too late because you completely lost track of time. Overall I think almost anyone would like this book as it has a bit of everything and is very well written. Highly recommended for all!!

deepakpanic's review against another edition

1.0

There is too much unnecessary details towards the middle of the book which dampens the pace. The narration format in form of memo or official records seems interesting in the beginning but then you get an over doze which is borderline infuriating.

eandrews80's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

I loved the first and last third of this book. I got a little impatient in the middle, but all the new characters and drawn-out historical adventures pay off in some truly amazing scenes near the end. I really enjoyed the epistolary format; while Melisande narrates the bulk of the book via her missives from 1851 London, you also get all kinds of other documents in the mix -- journal entries, letters, lots of office memos and correspondence, and a truly delightful epic poem, the subject matter of which I won't spoil.  This is a wonderful blend of comedy, adventure, and intrigue, and I'm really glad I took the time to read it. 

mgary_57's review against another edition

lighthearted

4.0

nancy33's review against another edition

3.0

Sigh, I almost really liked it. If this book was edited by about 1/3 of the rambling content, then it would have been a truly good book.

holly_keimig's review against another edition

5.0

This book was so amazing. I don't know where to start. The premise is that magic has disappeared from the world and a top secret organization wants to bring it back for their own shady purposes. It is a story about time travel, the ethics of time travel, work relationships, insane bureaucracy, magic, physics, history, witches, and so much more. The story is told from several viewpoints and also includes internal memos, journal entries, and other reports. The format is not distracting, however, and it really adds to the core story. You are always trying to piece together what happened based on the information you are given. The story kept me guessing until the very end. I laughed out loud more times than I can count. The social commentary was subtle, but sharp, and the writing was so well done. I have not lost myself so thoroughly in a book world for a very long time. I know it sounds strange and it is a bit daunting at over 750 pages but it is worth every minute of your time. I am definitely planning on checking out other Stephenson books now. I highly recommend for fans of fantasy, science fiction, history, and anyone who has worked for the government in any capacity.

greaydean's review against another edition

4.0

I was entertained. Good pacing. Good complex plot.

inkfire's review against another edition

2.0

This was a fun story, but I cannot recommend it. The whole book is very heavy to swearing and sex, which I do not appreciate.

emeraldletter's review against another edition

3.0

Pretty good. It started out really strong, but I was a bit disappointed by the ending.
Walmart Vikings though, WALMART Vikings!!!!
That chapter pretty much made my day.
It was a stand-alone, but the ending really didn't make it seem like that.