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shjorth's review against another edition
3.0
A very strange world… lots of unanswered questions (in my opinion - even though we did get a bunch of answers at the very end). Lots of creative world building, but I feel the plot was a bit lacking.
joshsharp's review against another edition
4.0
I found this a really well paced, enjoyable read. It kept my attention and I finished it pretty quickly. The author has a vivid imagination and the book is inventive. Borne is a well-realised character whom I enjoyed getting to know and spending time with. The world-building is pretty good too. The book reads as pulpy sci-fi and would probably make for a good movie adaptation as well, as its focus is on action.
My main qualm is that the ending introduced some new ideas in attempting to wrap things up, but didn't really explain them, and completely forgot about or glossed over previous sub-plots and setups from earlier in the book. It was a mostly satisfying conclusion, but the more I thought about it, the more annoyed I was about how incomplete it was. Not quite enough to deduct a star, though.
My main qualm is that the ending introduced some new ideas in attempting to wrap things up, but didn't really explain them, and completely forgot about or glossed over previous sub-plots and setups from earlier in the book. It was a mostly satisfying conclusion, but the more I thought about it, the more annoyed I was about how incomplete it was. Not quite enough to deduct a star, though.
wadeiswade's review against another edition
4.0
I probably didn’t do this book any favours by taking the better part of a year reading it but it was still very enjoyable. The Southern Reach trilogy would sometimes border on incomprehensibility and this never gets that abstract. I like how he writes characters. Never telling us if they’re good or bad just letting them unfold and reveal. This is never plotty just people trying to survive in the world they are left with.
curtain33's review against another edition
3.0
Jeff VanderMeer seems to have an abundance of imagination and an ability to look at concepts from unconventional angles. To his credit Borne lives up to those characteristics. I found this book interesting and even unique. In theory I should have loved it, but wound up feeling as if the various parts didn't totally work. Still, even if this wasn't a home run (imo) it was a valiant effort and will look forward to future stories from Mr. VanderMeer.
theladysiona's review against another edition
4.0
So, this book was very interesting and influential for me, but I can see where it wouldn't be for some people.
If I'm being 100% honest, the only reason I liked this book was because of the actual character Borne. The plot wasn't terrible, but I wasn't interested in it. I was only interested in reading about Borne and seeing his dialogue and how he reacted to various stimuli. I could read a story with Borne just narrarating everything. Or a faux-interview with Borne. I also wish the theme of Borne's humanity had been the sole focus of the book, rather than just humanity in general.
To be honest, I am exactly like Rachel: completely and utterly obsessed with Borne.
If I were being far, this should get a 2.5-3 star rating, but I just loved reading about Borne too much to give it less than four. He was just too adorable/fascinating to get anything less.
If I'm being 100% honest, the only reason I liked this book was because of the actual character Borne. The plot wasn't terrible, but I wasn't interested in it. I was only interested in reading about Borne and seeing his dialogue and how he reacted to various stimuli. I could read a story with Borne just narrarating everything. Or a faux-interview with Borne. I also wish the theme of Borne's humanity had been the sole focus of the book, rather than just humanity in general.
To be honest, I am exactly like Rachel: completely and utterly obsessed with Borne.
If I were being far, this should get a 2.5-3 star rating, but I just loved reading about Borne too much to give it less than four. He was just too adorable/fascinating to get anything less.
woodrich's review against another edition
4.0
I was loving this book until the end! Is it bad to complain that a conclusion is too resolved?
njyx's review against another edition
5.0
It has a unique setting and an interesting premise with great characters. Hard to describe without giving things away but I like the progression of the characters through understanding in a harsh reality. One that also doesn't always feel as bad as it seems.
roysbookmark's review against another edition
5.0
I always felt small in that place, amongst the cathedrals of that age.
When I reflect on this novel, I reach a simple description: pleasantly bizarre. Borne is unlike anything I've ever read before. VanderMeer does an impeccable job of the classic "show, don't tell". There were several points throughout reading this where I had to double back and reread a sentence or a paragraph to truly understand what was going on. At first glance that may seem like I'm speaking negatively of the text, but I promise you that I reread out of pure curiosity and pleasure.
We were always finding each other and losing each other and finding each other again, and that was just the way of us.
While the prose found in Borne may not be overtly flowery or poetic, I can assure you that you will find beauty within it. There were many quotes I took away and highlighted throughout the novel – a testament to VanderMeer's powerful writing. As for the story itself, I cannot even begin to explain it without spoiling all the fun. I promise you that it's worth the read and will leave you wanting more of this beautiful world crafted before you.
He kept gaining parts of the world, while I kept losing them.
I was recommended this book by a friend and I can confidently tell you that I am so glad that I gave it a chance. Borne was my first time reading VanderMeer's work – now I know it will not be the last.
Spoiler
I wanted to be worthy of it, the way Wick shone so bright, for me.
caryryan78's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This book has a dark and intriguing plot that steadily grows more mysterious and dangerous. To me it all kind of fell apart the last 50 pages or so. Ending seemed rushed and forced, and didn’t fit with the mood of the rest of the book.