Reviews with content warning for War - Binti

Reviews tagging 'War'

thecatconstellation's review

adventurous emotional hopeful 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? No

4.5

A quick sci-fi read with some fantasy notes. I really enjoyed this and am excited to read the others in the series. Interesting characters and plot. Mix of quick plot progression and introspection about identity and home.

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btwnprintedpgs's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

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jessthanthree's review against another edition

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adventurous dark hopeful inspiring 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? No

3.5

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rebeccajost's review

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dark reflective 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? No

4.0

A good introduction to sci-fi, but I do feel that the book’s brevity is hindering the story somewhat as the scenes missing would’ve been fun to read and would’ve helped me get invested in the characters. This is likely a conscious choice to not distract from the message of the book, but I do wish there was more of the story in this book.

4 stars despite this because I did thoroughly enjoy the story, yet wish there was more of it.

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keegan_leech's review

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adventurous dark hopeful reflective 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? It's complicated

5.0

Binti is really dang good. Especially because the book flies by so quickly (I listened to an audiobook version but I get the feeling the physical novella would also be a quick read) I'd recommend it to anyone with even a passing interest.

It's an excellent showcase of what makes Okorafor's writing unique and encompasses far more than its length would suggest. Despite all that, it's a very quiet, straightforward book and not as complex as a novel like Who Fears Death (perhaps my favourite of Okorafor's work). This is a strength—there's absolutely no fluff or filler—but if you're looking for a novel to luxuriate in and take your time with, just be warned that this isn't it. It's a very efficient sort of storytelling.

Thematically, I found it wonderful to see science-fiction about migration, culture shock, colonialism, and conflict that treats all of these themes with appropriate seriousness without being pessimistic or miserable. Like the best sci-fi, Binti presents a situation which reflects real-world conflicts and histories with complexity and depth. Democratic solutions don't come off as naïve everyone-sang-kumbaya moments, but as difficult and important moments which require empathy and critical thought. Similarly, none of the conflicts in the story are between a species of "evil" aliens and plucky human enemies, or some variation on the theme.

Binti isn't unique in any individual aspects, but something about it feels fresh, exciting, and different. I hope to read many more books which have that same feeling to them, and once again I'd recommend it to everyone who gets the chance to try it.

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yogomagpie's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Less than 100 pages but it drew me in so deeply. I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did. Bravo.

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cybercommie's review against another edition

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adventurous fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

I liked it. The style is very short story-like, but I still enjoyed it. It was not as strong as her short story work, IMHO, but the plot flowed nicely. The ending where

Binti dies and is brought back in a short period of time

seemed abrupt, but on reflection I liked the way it developed the world/themes/story.
I found the

sudden war bit

to be quite odd. I felt it was dropped abruptly with little explanation. But overall I liked the book and I really enjoyed the worldbuilding, finding myself slipping into it easily, as well as the characters.
I bought this book before I read it (or even knew what it was about) and I’m glad to own a copy.

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nytephoenyx's review

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dark mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I enjoyed Binti so much that I quickly forgot it was only a novella and was surprised when it came to an end after only two and a half hours of listening time.

Binti is solid sci-fi. Nnedi Okorafor proves yet again that the white male gatekeeping of the genre has only hurt its development. In 96 pages, Okorafor introduces the reader to multiple civilizations, multiple planets, varying cultures, varying species, and advanced technology. She does all this with an expert hand, and need I say again, in less than one hundred pages. Epic fantasy writers could stand to learn something from her.

I think my least favorite thing about Binti was that it ended. Particularly that it ended in the middle of a mildly anticipated moment. Like all good novellas, Binti was far too short for my happiness – thank goodness there are two more books to continue the story! I thought the characters were extremely well-developed and I was incredibly impressed with the wold building. Okorafor chooses each of her words carefully to evoke the greatest meaning, and it shows in how vivid the story is.

Not only would I wholeheartedly recommend Binti to anyone interested in science fiction, Black authors and protagonists, and fans of novellas, but I am sold on her as a writer. She’s a champion of diversity, skilled at her craft, and a passionate person driving good in the world – I am a fan.

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