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sumedhaj's review against another edition
Halfway through, still unclear on how the basic premise works, most characters are actively annoying, and plot is... not very interesting so far.
magisterzot's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
julia_w's review against another edition
4.0
Pretty good, better than I thought it would be. The plot was fine, but I was mostly in it for the interesting description of the lines and how they worked/related to people. I could've done with less self doubt from Ean, or at least developing some confidence slowly over the book. There was a glimmer of confidence at the end, but way past the point when it was obvious he was a better linesman than the others (not a worse one), he was still thinking that people would just as soon kill him. It got pretty ridiculous.
The whole time, I just couldn't stop thinking that it could make a great movie with a neat soundtrack, but honestly, the soundtrack would probably be the best part, as I'm not too sure the plot would translate well.
The whole time, I just couldn't stop thinking that it could make a great movie with a neat soundtrack, but honestly, the soundtrack would probably be the best part, as I'm not too sure the plot would translate well.
idealpigment92's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
wealhtheow's review against another edition
2.0
Ean Lambert clawed his way from the slums to become a level 10 linesman. Although he makes huge amounts of money for his contract-holder by fixing the lines that enable travel between stars, he isn't respected like other linesmen. He was trained late in life, and has never shaken his tendency to sing while fixing lines. His bad reputation turns out to have a good side: it leaves him free to discover and learn to control the first alien ship humanity has ever encountered. But meanwhile, betrayals and disagreements between worlds have led to civil wars, and Ean becomes desired by each side.
I liked the concept of the lines, and how captains and crews of spaceships become part of what keeps the lines happy and healthy. But the plot itself was too tangled and ever changing for my taste, especially since I was never given much reason to favor any particular side or character. I didn't care if the Alliance lost worlds, or a particular syndicate took control of the Gate Trade Union, and so the majority of the book was pretty boring, even the blaster battles. Ean has the premise of a likable character, but spends so much time confused or apathetic that I stopped caring about him as well. I don't intend to read the rest of this series.
I liked the concept of the lines, and how captains and crews of spaceships become part of what keeps the lines happy and healthy. But the plot itself was too tangled and ever changing for my taste, especially since I was never given much reason to favor any particular side or character. I didn't care if the Alliance lost worlds, or a particular syndicate took control of the Gate Trade Union, and so the majority of the book was pretty boring, even the blaster battles. Ean has the premise of a likable character, but spends so much time confused or apathetic that I stopped caring about him as well. I don't intend to read the rest of this series.
jshaden's review against another edition
4.0
Disclaimer - I won an Advanced Reader Copy of this book through a publisher giveaway.
An excellent first in series which I would give 4.5 stars if I could, the author successfully builds universe with a spacefareing humanity using a poorly understood alien technology. By not explaining everything from the get go, I was drawn in hoping to understand more about what was going on as the main character, Ean, learns more. Even better from my perspective, while there are clearly more tales to tell in this universe, this first novel tells a complete story with resolution unlike many first novels in planned series recently. While the pacing was occasionally disorienting, it worked since it was a reflection of Ean's mental state at those points. I look forward to reading more books in the series.
An excellent first in series which I would give 4.5 stars if I could, the author successfully builds universe with a spacefareing humanity using a poorly understood alien technology. By not explaining everything from the get go, I was drawn in hoping to understand more about what was going on as the main character, Ean, learns more. Even better from my perspective, while there are clearly more tales to tell in this universe, this first novel tells a complete story with resolution unlike many first novels in planned series recently. While the pacing was occasionally disorienting, it worked since it was a reflection of Ean's mental state at those points. I look forward to reading more books in the series.
suzjustsuz's review against another edition
4.0
4+ stars
Excellent space opera. I can't wait to jump into the next one.
Excellent space opera. I can't wait to jump into the next one.
heyheyrenay's review against another edition
2.0
As per usual when I read bad books, I want to encourage all my friends to read this particular hot mess and then come talk about it with me.
Plus, read this as an ARC. I sure hope an copy editor is going back through this? Because whoever edited it the first time (if at all?) needs to start bringing their A game to the table, rather than their soggy, mediocre Q game. How embarrassing.
Plus, read this as an ARC. I sure hope an copy editor is going back through this? Because whoever edited it the first time (if at all?) needs to start bringing their A game to the table, rather than their soggy, mediocre Q game. How embarrassing.
bartfennema's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Such loveable characters! I love the kindness that permeates through the pages. In that sense, very relaxing and comforting. I keep returning to this series.