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richardrbecker's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I picked up Cauldron (The Academy #6) as my first foray into the work of Jack McDevitt. I somewhat enjoyed what I read, even if the story feels uneven over three district parts — the intriguing pursuit of technological advancement and society's pushback on whether it's needed; the lull, which reads a bit like our protagonists' experience during transdimensional faster-than-light speed (a.k.a. boredom); and then some quick and somewhat quirky Star Trek episodes.
As one might imagine, these early Star Trek-like explorations (with a ship nowhere near as elaborate as any Enterprise) involve the crew (the reader, too) spending a few months suffering from cabin fever before making a few stops on their way to the center of the solar system. When the small crew does stop, they sometimes meet technologically advanced alien races that are very humanoid, including one race that is nearly identical to humans (except they are bugs living in the American suburbs, complete with slapstick television shows). The meetings don't amount to much.
Overall, the book is largely plot-driven. And while McDevitt does a decent job with character interactions, they tend to lack any real depth. The end result is something akin to cheap and accessible SciFi channel movies. You get some SciFi, but it never really sticks. And while that might be fine for a lazy Saturday afternoon, deep down, you also know that there is probably something better to watch somewhere or maybe anywhere. You'd even change the channel if not for the fact that craving the genre is what made you tune in the first place. But, you stick with it for some reason, never truly satisfied or disappointed.
And therein is how I felt after reading Cauldron: not really disappointed, not really satisfied. I was just strangely cured of craving SciFi but longing for something with more depth, like a peeled potato.
As one might imagine, these early Star Trek-like explorations (with a ship nowhere near as elaborate as any Enterprise) involve the crew (the reader, too) spending a few months suffering from cabin fever before making a few stops on their way to the center of the solar system. When the small crew does stop, they sometimes meet technologically advanced alien races that are very humanoid, including one race that is nearly identical to humans (except they are bugs living in the American suburbs, complete with slapstick television shows). The meetings don't amount to much.
Overall, the book is largely plot-driven. And while McDevitt does a decent job with character interactions, they tend to lack any real depth. The end result is something akin to cheap and accessible SciFi channel movies. You get some SciFi, but it never really sticks. And while that might be fine for a lazy Saturday afternoon, deep down, you also know that there is probably something better to watch somewhere or maybe anywhere. You'd even change the channel if not for the fact that craving the genre is what made you tune in the first place. But, you stick with it for some reason, never truly satisfied or disappointed.
And therein is how I felt after reading Cauldron: not really disappointed, not really satisfied. I was just strangely cured of craving SciFi but longing for something with more depth, like a peeled potato.
spacespy44's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
If you like this book, try his other series (Alex Benedict series), which is similar but better.
majkia's review against another edition
5.0
I love this series. It is hopeful, and exciting and the characters are great.
deadscreen's review against another edition
4.0
There was definitely some absurdity to the ending, though I think the author was going more for eldritch horror. Interesting journey but I'm not sure how I feel about it overall. Still, 4 stars.
mjfmjfmjf's review against another edition
4.0
And that's a wrap. Not sure prequels count. Actually for the first two-thirds of the book I was completely hooked. And surprised. All the machinations and Earth really worked. And were pretty interesting and well done. Matt as space pilot turned real estate agent. John the bright young physicist finishing the work of his mentor. And then they end up back in space and that was also good. But they stayed too long - you'd think the author would stop playing that card. And the actual end of their voyage was an especial letdown. But still a good end of the series. And would probably work on it's own.
atarbett's review against another edition
3.0
For a book called Cauldron, it takes it sweet time Cauldron-ing. The first half is all politics and fundraising and the 3rd quarter is the road trip to end all road trips. It’s really the last quarter that’s all about the Cauldron. The epic road trip and the cauldron are interesting enough to warrant 3 stars.
majkia's review against another edition
5.0
I love this series. It is hopeful, and exciting and the characters are great.
jrug's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 stars
Same old from McDevitt, but with the added problem that we know how the first half ends based on the premise and jacket copy, and the second half is too episodic to benefit from McDevitt's usual deft pacing.
Same old from McDevitt, but with the added problem that we know how the first half ends based on the premise and jacket copy, and the second half is too episodic to benefit from McDevitt's usual deft pacing.
sdramsey's review against another edition
3.0
I am generally a big McDevitt fan, but I found this title to be a bit slower than most of his other books. Still enjoyable, but not at the top of my list of favorites.
tony_t's review against another edition
4.0
One of my favorite SciFi authors. Believable characters, interesting plots, plausible science and great voice. What's not to like?