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landolphia's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
loont's review against another edition
3.0
Alternates between ridiculously over the top adventuring, weirdly fascinating explanations of economics and politics in the late 17th century, and the most boring drivel imaginable.
This is a book that will skip around between adventures in pirating and hilarious intonations on sultans; and then spend page after page on the entire family history of no character in particular with no importance to the plot whatsoever. It can be filled with wonderfully weird anecdotes of history, the kind of thing historical fiction fans might strive for. And then the next page do to a letter describing how a main character spent 3 months wandering around a garden with her child and explaining that the palace of Versaille is big.
I strove onward through some of the driest, most boring drivel I've ever read to go to the often exciting or interesting or both portions of the novel. But strove is the right word, because for the love of all no one cares about ten damnable generations of who married who.
This is a book that will skip around between adventures in pirating and hilarious intonations on sultans; and then spend page after page on the entire family history of no character in particular with no importance to the plot whatsoever. It can be filled with wonderfully weird anecdotes of history, the kind of thing historical fiction fans might strive for. And then the next page do to a letter describing how a main character spent 3 months wandering around a garden with her child and explaining that the palace of Versaille is big.
I strove onward through some of the driest, most boring drivel I've ever read to go to the often exciting or interesting or both portions of the novel. But strove is the right word, because for the love of all no one cares about ten damnable generations of who married who.
imoskowitz's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
luckypluto's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
informative
reflective
slow-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
4.0
Wow—such an amazing story that I’m not sure I can do it justice in a review. I mean, the novel does unfold ponderously—it took me nearly six months to read it, although it feels like I just started. In typical Stephenson fashion, the novel hooks you quickly, languishes for a while, and then lets loose for the last hundred pages or so. It is an amazing story, combining both pirates, political intrigue, and a sea voyage that spans nearly the entire globe. It was worth the six months I spent on it and I look forward to the final volume in the series, although I’m not sure I’ll ever have the time to reread this epic tale, much as it may deserve another look.
greaydean's review against another edition
3.0
Read in audio form.
The stories are long winded, complicated and full of historical references.
Admittedly, it is fun to discover them. It delights my mind. There are times though, it feels that Neal rambles on for 20 pages just to give a turn to a clever historical witticism. While I am glad to have completed reading this and will finish the series, I wouldn't tell anyone to race out and read it this minute. It is enjoyable, but long winded.
The stories are long winded, complicated and full of historical references.
Admittedly, it is fun to discover them. It delights my mind. There are times though, it feels that Neal rambles on for 20 pages just to give a turn to a clever historical witticism. While I am glad to have completed reading this and will finish the series, I wouldn't tell anyone to race out and read it this minute. It is enjoyable, but long winded.
breakthesystem's review against another edition
4.0
Long winded, brainfucky, sexy. A perfect stephenson.
mnapoleon's review against another edition
3.0
I can't remember if I liked or disliked it. I'm pretty sure I was just indifferent but felt like I had to finish it.
jason_ell's review against another edition
3.0
Stephenson at his sloggiest. This trilogy is full of interesting ideas and storytelling but it's also just so full of diversions and long-winded chapters of so little.
ericrazz's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
informative
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0