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4.16 AVERAGE
4.16 AVERAGE
There are moments that are stunningly beautiful, genuine, contemplative, or raw. Masterpieces of character design and language. But there are moments that feel cliche, like the author is working from stereotype instead of creating unique characters. And given how character-focused the book is, this was immersion breaking at worst. The ending is gut-punching and was almost too much for me - I had to take breaks and I'm not sure I would recommend that experience to a friend. All that being said, it handled the question of faith unflinchingly and its masterful moments redeem the awkward ones.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
amazing science fiction about the intersection of science and faith. fascinating, disturbing and heartbreaking all at once!
definitely due for a reread!
definitely due for a reread!
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-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:
Yes
My love for sci-fi led me to this book, but it took me to places far, far darker than just a mysterious alien planet. Extremely brutal read. My stomach was in knots in the final quarter of the book, and it’s tough to go over all of it without spoiling too much. Easier to say it’s worth the read (at your own discretion).
Well-written, great characterization, highly original story. Certainly not a book I’d hope to revisit again for reasons that I’m sure plenty of others have found in the relentlessly disturbing elements within it.
Well-written, great characterization, highly original story. Certainly not a book I’d hope to revisit again for reasons that I’m sure plenty of others have found in the relentlessly disturbing elements within it.
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
This is a really interesting take on sci-fi. The Jesuits form a mission to make first contact with aliens, and it doesn't go too well. The religious lens is particularly fascinating in this scenario.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
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:
Yes
dark
emotional
mysterious
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:
Yes
This is an amazing book. It is gripping and definitely has very difficult and unsettling images, but it is a beautiful and amazing exploration of faith and science and what would happen if we encountered an alien species. Just a really powerful, really well written book.