Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.51 AVERAGE
3.51 AVERAGE
I didn't like this at all for the opening bits. Beukes near future science fiction tale was trying way, way to hard to be edgy and hip. I found it infuriating. I kept going though and I glad I did because the last half of the book is really good. The story picks up steam, I was less annoyed by the characters (although the alternating chapters by a few different people worked better for some characters more than others) and was really into it by the end.
I haven't read a book that is kind of "cyberpunk" in the sci-fi genre in a while--sort of a tired concept which is a surprise considering the over abundance of technology in our lives. You'd think those ideas would be even more omnipresent in 2009 but there just doesn't seem to be much good connected to that style of story telling. This is a new release that is worthy of being added to that style of books and something worth checking out if you like tech based science fiction.
I haven't read a book that is kind of "cyberpunk" in the sci-fi genre in a while--sort of a tired concept which is a surprise considering the over abundance of technology in our lives. You'd think those ideas would be even more omnipresent in 2009 but there just doesn't seem to be much good connected to that style of story telling. This is a new release that is worthy of being added to that style of books and something worth checking out if you like tech based science fiction.
there was just too much unknown tech that they didn't explain. How am i supposed to know what that baby-whatever is? i guess i'm just used to sci-fi and fantasy books giving at least a clue if not an outright explanation of what those new things are. Also the writing was really off, but that might just be the translation
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
this would be such an amazing book. if it was a little less confusing and had a little more distinct character voices, it would be up there with my fave dystopian stories for sure
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Police brutality, Gaslighting
Moderate: Drug abuse, Violence, Alcohol
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Quite a book to finish during lockdown. The story takes place in the aftermath of an unspecified pandemic and it features enough could-be's to really make you think - genetic modification as art, cellphones as identity and weaponised viruses.
It's also amazing to read genre fiction that is set in a location so close to home.
Unfortunately I really regret listening to the audiobook. Why on earth would they get a New Zealander to read a South African book? He gets all of the accents wrong and butchers the local slang and names so badly that I was completely taken out of the story on more than one occasion.
It's also amazing to read genre fiction that is set in a location so close to home.
Unfortunately I really regret listening to the audiobook. Why on earth would they get a New Zealander to read a South African book? He gets all of the accents wrong and butchers the local slang and names so badly that I was completely taken out of the story on more than one occasion.
A slightly plodding story only gets in the way of Impeccable vibes. It's all Sony, baby!
This book was really confusing. There was so many different things going on at the same time and so many different topics, like genetic manipulation, surveillance or even surrogate motherhood. Another thing adding to my confusion was that I didn't see there was a glossary at first, so I didn't understand all the words.
But for some reason this wild mix worked. I kept thinking about the book during the day and I couldn't stop reading when I picked it up. I just think the ending was a bit disappointing, maybe I just wasn't shocked enough by the plot twist.
But for some reason this wild mix worked. I kept thinking about the book during the day and I couldn't stop reading when I picked it up. I just think the ending was a bit disappointing, maybe I just wasn't shocked enough by the plot twist.