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satedbuffalo's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
elusivity's review against another edition
4.0
Takes some close reading to understand. The author writes in jump-cut style, and not chronologically. So far, however, it's been an interesting and worthwhile ride through the streets of El Iskandryia, with true love and cybernetic enhancements alongside Arabic traditional culture.
However, the common theme in this series seems to be -- everyone is abused during childhood, physically or mentally, by circumstances or parents, regardless of whether they came from rich or poor levels of society. The continuation of the Ottoman Empire apparently ensures that no one could grow up with a happy and stable home life. Statistically speaking, this cannot possibly be true. But it's a minor quibble...
However, the common theme in this series seems to be -- everyone is abused during childhood, physically or mentally, by circumstances or parents, regardless of whether they came from rich or poor levels of society. The continuation of the Ottoman Empire apparently ensures that no one could grow up with a happy and stable home life. Statistically speaking, this cannot possibly be true. But it's a minor quibble...
zmb's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this more than the first one. It deals with some fairly heavy issues, and ties them all together nicely.
xdroot's review against another edition
4.0
this sequel was even more brutal and engrossing than the first. alexandria comes alive with intrigue, murder, political standoff and a dysfunctional romance.
elusivity's review
4.0
Takes some close reading to understand. The author writes in jump-cut style, and not chronologically. So far, however, it's been an interesting and worthwhile ride through the streets of El Iskandryia, with true love and cybernetic enhancements alongside Arabic traditional culture.
However, the common theme in this series seems to be -- everyone is abused during childhood, physically or mentally, by circumstances or parents, regardless of whether they came from rich or poor levels of society. The continuation of the Ottoman Empire apparently ensures that no one could grow up with a happy and stable home life. Statistically speaking, this cannot possibly be true. But it's a minor quibble...
However, the common theme in this series seems to be -- everyone is abused during childhood, physically or mentally, by circumstances or parents, regardless of whether they came from rich or poor levels of society. The continuation of the Ottoman Empire apparently ensures that no one could grow up with a happy and stable home life. Statistically speaking, this cannot possibly be true. But it's a minor quibble...
joannawnyc's review
3.0
Great premise--noir cyberpunk alt history!
Not so great execution. It just goes ... nowhere. Though Raf and his motley crew are quite charming in the end.
All style and no substance, alas. Though it gets props for the believable Muslim details.
Not so great execution. It just goes ... nowhere. Though Raf and his motley crew are quite charming in the end.
All style and no substance, alas. Though it gets props for the believable Muslim details.
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