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60degreesn's review against another edition
4.0
Fun adventure novel with interesting global plot but weird ethics.
uffdawn's review against another edition
3.0
The concept and story for this was really intriguing, but it feel short for me in execution. There were times where it felt like a bad, self-insert story. The characters felt a bit flat and the growth throughout the story didn't work for me. And while strong, the female characters felt like they existed solely to support the self-insert narrative.
I do think there is a place for this story, and I think it may resonate with folks. Especially cis-het men who are struggling to find their place in life. But it didn't do the same for me.
If you fit the above demographic, you'll probably enjoy the book.
I do think there is a place for this story, and I think it may resonate with folks. Especially cis-het men who are struggling to find their place in life. But it didn't do the same for me.
If you fit the above demographic, you'll probably enjoy the book.
stweinberg's review against another edition
4.0
In between 3 and 4 - a lot of great ideas that then got tied up a little on the quick side with too many convenient events to drive the plot points. I'll probably read the follow up book because I love the details, but this would not be a book that I would re read on its own.
thatscotguy's review against another edition
5.0
Such Fun, fast paced book! Can’t wait to read the next one.
megandbooksandcats's review against another edition
3.0
The concept and first 34 chapters are almost enough to warrant 4 stars. The hook was gripping, the story built well, and action was interesting.
While the last few chapters were the major source of star loss, it wasn't simply that the book went down hill. It was more that the resolution revealed issues in the framework.
***Spoilers start here.***
The moment Roen's love interest arrived at the end of ch.34 was the moment the spiral began. I'd given the benefit of the doubt regarding her initially. She was barely characterized, given excuses to be off page the majority of the time, and there was more telling interaction between Roen and her father than between Roen and HER. She was a blank slate. So when what was supposed to be the emotional climax depended on Roen's feelings for her, I...wanted to skim. It just wasn't there. Not even in a "she represents normalcy" kind of way, with a few characterizing moments to pin that on. I didn't buy his feelings, so I didn't buy any of the emotion surrounding his save-her-or-die-trying decisions.
Sonya was a lot better, characterwise. But the "love triangle" felt contrived, and didn't ring true. Even if it had, the least satisfying (and, it seems, most common) way to end a love triangle is to kill off one of the competitors. I dreaded this going there, and sure enough, Roen never had to make any sort of choice or decide anything. It neatly resolved itself--and, like with other similar triangles, he even gets to keep a bit of the unlucky gal to hold onto. Meh.
Aside from the lady troubles, the dialogue was clunky in places (though, not unreadable--just noticeable enough that I wouldn't call it a strength), and the same with prose. Specifically, the tendency to unnecessarily plot movement ("he walked over to her") and describe action with "began to" in front. These are the things writers tend to figure out over time, so here's hoping.
I still plan to read more in the series. W. Chu is pretty great, and the book had a lot of potential. Fingers crossed each book improves on the last.
While the last few chapters were the major source of star loss, it wasn't simply that the book went down hill. It was more that the resolution revealed issues in the framework.
***Spoilers start here.***
The moment Roen's love interest arrived at the end of ch.34 was the moment the spiral began. I'd given the benefit of the doubt regarding her initially. She was barely characterized, given excuses to be off page the majority of the time, and there was more telling interaction between Roen and her father than between Roen and HER. She was a blank slate. So when what was supposed to be the emotional climax depended on Roen's feelings for her, I...wanted to skim. It just wasn't there. Not even in a "she represents normalcy" kind of way, with a few characterizing moments to pin that on. I didn't buy his feelings, so I didn't buy any of the emotion surrounding his save-her-or-die-trying decisions.
Sonya was a lot better, characterwise. But the "love triangle" felt contrived, and didn't ring true. Even if it had, the least satisfying (and, it seems, most common) way to end a love triangle is to kill off one of the competitors. I dreaded this going there, and sure enough, Roen never had to make any sort of choice or decide anything. It neatly resolved itself--and, like with other similar triangles, he even gets to keep a bit of the unlucky gal to hold onto. Meh.
Aside from the lady troubles, the dialogue was clunky in places (though, not unreadable--just noticeable enough that I wouldn't call it a strength), and the same with prose. Specifically, the tendency to unnecessarily plot movement ("he walked over to her") and describe action with "began to" in front. These are the things writers tend to figure out over time, so here's hoping.
I still plan to read more in the series. W. Chu is pretty great, and the book had a lot of potential. Fingers crossed each book improves on the last.
glimnore's review against another edition
4.0
A fun read. Not perfect. But an interesting idea, executed with precise writing, humor, and an interesting introduction to the world of the quasings.
mengler87's review against another edition
4.0
an alien spy story, or spy alien story... either way .. thought it was great!
raven_morgan's review against another edition
Officially calling this a did not finish.
Not a bad book, just not for me.
Not a bad book, just not for me.
boredpanda's review against another edition
5.0
Science fictiion, action and humor. I thought this book was pretty awesome. Off to read the next one now!
jennamalena's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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
3.75