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grayjay's review
3.0
This goofy sci-fi comedy was a refreshing read. Coming from Cuban writer Yoss, it is a fresh take on some classic sci-fi tropes, including a Spanglish Earth hegemony interacting with other intelligent species in the galaxy. The hero, a giant human exo-veteranarian who specializes in giant animals, must rescue his ex-assistants from capture by a lake-sized amoeba.
Although there are similarities, I think it would be too easy to compare Yoss' writing with Douglas Adams'. While it is definitely comical and zany, the tone is his own, and also it is much smuttier.
The lingua franca of the galaxy seems to be Spanglish in this universe, and although the narrative voice was translated into English, all of the dialogue was left in Spanglish, which made for an interesting read. It wasn't a problem, I was able to understand most of it.
Although there are similarities, I think it would be too easy to compare Yoss' writing with Douglas Adams'. While it is definitely comical and zany, the tone is his own, and also it is much smuttier.
The lingua franca of the galaxy seems to be Spanglish in this universe, and although the narrative voice was translated into English, all of the dialogue was left in Spanglish, which made for an interesting read. It wasn't a problem, I was able to understand most of it.
jjwf's review against another edition
adventurous
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
Great for what it was, just got a little frustrating with the dialogue being spanglish... I get what they were going for in the translation but it did take away from the overall enjoyment when all conversations were too difficult to follow.
Loved the world building though, very vibrant.
Loved the world building though, very vibrant.
reddevilrodge's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this book. It was fun and light-hearted yet present was a deep universe ripe for more stories. I would’ve happily awarded five stars had I not finished wanting more. This book could have easily been twice the length and I’d argue it should have been. Alas, I look forward to the day when I’m again reading a book by Yoss.
lysimache's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
mcribsy13's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
spinstah's review against another edition
2.0
I wanted to like this - absurdist sci-fi by a Cuban author, what’s not to like?!
The protagonist. Vulgar, crude, self-important. No other perspectives to offset his worldview, no other characters are developed enough to dilute it. I only finished it because it’s short, more like a novella.
The protagonist. Vulgar, crude, self-important. No other perspectives to offset his worldview, no other characters are developed enough to dilute it. I only finished it because it’s short, more like a novella.
plusrich's review against another edition
1.0
There were some mildly amusing situations and projections here but not enough to counter balance the crappy attitude towards females of any species. Don't waste even the small amount of time it takes to read this.
audc's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
It’s the way men write women in fiction for me.
I thought this book was achieving amazing concept of gender neutral, gender-fluid space or a hypothetical people.
The end just made it seem like a big defense for the authors’ opinions and paint the character out to be cool.
But the ending…geez …GEEZ
Originally the world and language used is rich once you get into all the names.
I almost recommended this because of the fun concept of a world where the precedent language was Spanglish. I cannot tell whether to natives it is well carried out but it is by far the best example I’ve read.
Fair warning (didn’t bother me)
no chapters.
Long irrelevant prattle (clearly a narcissistic character)
More Complains
The plot is everywhere and sometimes there
I do not understand why two highly skilled sentient “females” would want to be anywhere near this human
They were literally diplomats leading peace talks for their entire people.
The conclusion of which makes no sense
The extensive accounts of being inside digestive tracks…maybe a fascination of the author.
I thought this book was achieving amazing concept of gender neutral, gender-fluid space or a hypothetical people.
The end just made it seem like a big defense for the authors’ opinions and paint the character out to be cool.
But the ending…geez …GEEZ
Originally the world and language used is rich once you get into all the names.
I almost recommended this because of the fun concept of a world where the precedent language was Spanglish. I cannot tell whether to natives it is well carried out but it is by far the best example I’ve read.
Fair warning (didn’t bother me)
no chapters.
Long irrelevant prattle (clearly a narcissistic character)
More Complains
The plot is everywhere and sometimes there
I do not understand why two highly skilled sentient “females” would want to be anywhere near this human
Content Warnings
Graphic: Excrement
Moderate: Alcoholism, Sexual content, and Alcohol
Minor: Islamophobia, Misogyny, Pregnancy, Cursing, Homophobia, and Sexism
suspendedinair's review
2.0
loved the spanglish in this and found it fun to think of that as the future lingua-franca, but the story was hard for me to follow. so many creatures and planets and events lost me with the lack of structure and change in narration. at some point it was a play. at another it was in third person. at another it was a soliloquy. and there were no chapters. sometimes a lot of time was dedicated to explaining something, only for it to be irrelevant to the rest of the story.
it was confusing.
also, the author plays harmonica in a metal band; once you read this that will make a lot of sense to you.
it was confusing.
also, the author plays harmonica in a metal band; once you read this that will make a lot of sense to you.