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3.53 AVERAGE
3.53 AVERAGE
This is book is really all over the place.
The concept is really interesting, and i love the interface between ecology, technology, and political commentary, but i feel that it is not synthesized very well -- especially in the later 2 sections of the book.
If the first section had been expanded into the entire story, i would like this book a lot more. the characters in the later half just seem very flat & one dimensional.
the expansive world building also gets in the way of the story very often, especially with all the attention paid to minutiae.
overall enjoyable & compelling at the beginning, fell flat through the middle, and picked up a little at the end when things were coming together, but just fell very short of my expectations. so probably closer to a 2.25/2.5 for unrealized potential.
The concept is really interesting, and i love the interface between ecology, technology, and political commentary, but i feel that it is not synthesized very well -- especially in the later 2 sections of the book.
If the first section had been expanded into the entire story, i would like this book a lot more. the characters in the later half just seem very flat & one dimensional.
the expansive world building also gets in the way of the story very often, especially with all the attention paid to minutiae.
overall enjoyable & compelling at the beginning, fell flat through the middle, and picked up a little at the end when things were coming together, but just fell very short of my expectations. so probably closer to a 2.25/2.5 for unrealized potential.
Some interesting ideas, but a really messy wavering plot.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-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
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Blarg, I wanted to rate it lower but then I read some reviews (especially by BJ on May 27, 2023) that helped me better articulate why I thought/ felt that way AND wasn’t alone in doing so. Primarily my issues are inconsistent tone and putting ideas over characters. I genuinely thought in the first third of the novel that the story was unique. Then I felt like it was suddenly fanfic of Transformers Beast Wars with 21st century genderqueering and attempting to be a cozy-sci-fi ala Becky Chambers while also trying to parody/process social upheaval from the COVID era? In the end it just didn’t land for me.
I want very into the concept but the futuristic writing didn’t hit for me. I have a hard time with fantasy
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
medium-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
medium-paced
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No