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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
This is an excellent book about a convoy of generational ships tasked with scientific investigation of a far away star. It is very much a book about the journey more so than the destination, and it focuses on the societal developments of the crew over their many years of travel.
I loved the way the chapters were divided into stories that moved smoothly from generation to generation, run through with the constant of the ships' AI, I.C.C. I wasn't completely surprised by some of the things that happened, but that didn't make it any less compelling to read. I would be very interested in reading whatever Lostetter writes next.
I loved the way the chapters were divided into stories that moved smoothly from generation to generation, run through with the constant of the ships' AI, I.C.C. I wasn't completely surprised by some of the things that happened, but that didn't make it any less compelling to read. I would be very interested in reading whatever Lostetter writes next.
adventurous
challenging
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Whatever I was expecting, this was not it. Multiple points of view, one an AI. (A real AI, not the crap being shoved at everyone, that is the opposite of helpful.) I would take C or ICC if I could get it. Also multiple points in time, as we follow a crew of clones over hundreds of years. So define "character development" in that scenario!
An example of a book with an excellent premise...that is just not that well written. To be sure, I read it all the way through and was as invested in the Convoy and the Mission as any of the members on board! But I could not get past the trite, flat characters, the nonsensical emotional responses, the passive relating of action, and the trope-y vibes. It was really all over the place - a pity, because the premise and the core of the story itself was such a great idea. I would still recommend this book, but with the caveat that the writing is not great.
Noumenon is the story of the inhabitants of a small group of generational ships that are traveling to explore another star system. It's a familiar idea in science fiction, but Marina Lostetter manages to bring something new to this story, making it an enjoyable read.
Fairly interesting world building. But this happened, and then this happened, and then this happened does not make for a compelling plot. Resetting all the characters each time hurt, but the avoidance of exploration of the big questions by the crew and author is exasperating. It's at BDO book that isn't interested in the central BDO.
Ignore the Goodreads description! As a huge fan of both AC Clarke and Neal Stephenson I can’t put this book anywhere near their level.
The “Sci-fi” here was rather incidental. It’s really a book about the psychology of groups and civilisations and could have been set anywhere and at any time.
Fairly meh, bit of a disappointment.
The “Sci-fi” here was rather incidental. It’s really a book about the psychology of groups and civilisations and could have been set anywhere and at any time.
Fairly meh, bit of a disappointment.
A highly enjoyable and original sci-fi novel. The science isn't too complicated and the characters and plotlines are all very interesting. Already ordered book two, so yes - I can definitely recommend this if you're into sci-fi!
challenging
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A dense story that jumps around in time, focused on a convoy that splits and converges in complex ways. Driven explorers abound, striving towards goals that must shift as issues arise. Sometimes confusing, but definitely intriguing.
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I enjoyed this. It was a challenging read in terms of the examination of how societies are constituted. The enormous timeframe and snapshots in visiting the generation ships made it hard to really relate to characters at times
Interesting idea to send clones out into space to explore an unusual star. And I liked each short story following a clone along another part of the journey. More to say later.