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4.28 AVERAGE
4.28 AVERAGE
All of the stories in this anthology were engaging and thought-provoking just as the best speculative fiction should be.
some really good stories, obviously very interested in determinism. the digient story felt bloated and less interesting to me, but I loved the alchemist, divine creation, and language shaping thought stories
challenging
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Fun and always thought provoking, some of the stories felt a little clinical - the humanity of the characters underdeveloped to give space to the puzzle or thought experiment of the plot.
Stunning, stunning collection of stories that are self contained yet expansive in scope and arranged in thematic coherence like a concept album. This is my new standard for speculative fiction stories. I was reminded quite a bit of Black Mirror while reading several of these but without the inevitable dread of oh let's see how humanity is going to lose itself this time. The stories were approached like a softer intellectual and philosophical thought experiment. I have many many favourites amongst these stories. The only ones I didn't really vibe with all the way were "The Great Silence" and the one with the prisms but I appreciated the exploration in them nonetheless.
Cannot recommend this collection enough.
Cannot recommend this collection enough.
adventurous
mysterious
fast-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
This collection of short stories is one of the very best books I’ve ever read. I recommend it so strongly that I’d like you to stop what you’re doing and start reading this book right now. Then we can talk about it together. Each short story has some sci-fi premise (parallel worlds, AI, augmented memory), but the stories focus on people rather than tech, what makes us human, and finding the good in the people we love. It’s uplifting and weird and lovely. The first and last stories are especially good, though each one resonates in its own delightful way.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes