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tobinlopes's review
3.0
I hesitated on this one. I read Freefall first as it was the highest rated of the Android novels. I had a problem though - I love the universe. I play all three games and love the richness of the theme and crossover characters. So, eventually, I picked this up.
While it wasn't high literature and plot-driven with some pretty thin characters the lead, Drake, was compelling. I like police procedurals, I love them. A lot. So Drake, as a cop, investigating various cases in a universe I already liked had an easy time getting me to like him. He's also a bit of a smart ass, although doesn't realize it due to his programming - which makes it even funnier.
This was one of three and so has an larger story which is good enough to keep reading. Although my favorite parts were when he took on the smaller cases.
Recommended for sci-fi and Android Universe fans.
I gave it 7.5/10 on my personal scale.
-tpl
While it wasn't high literature and plot-driven with some pretty thin characters the lead, Drake, was compelling. I like police procedurals, I love them. A lot. So Drake, as a cop, investigating various cases in a universe I already liked had an easy time getting me to like him. He's also a bit of a smart ass, although doesn't realize it due to his programming - which makes it even funnier.
This was one of three and so has an larger story which is good enough to keep reading. Although my favorite parts were when he took on the smaller cases.
Recommended for sci-fi and Android Universe fans.
I gave it 7.5/10 on my personal scale.
-tpl
efride's review
4.0
In my opinion, the best of this novel is its first person narration. I loved the characterisation of Drake and Shelly above all, and the fact that there are a number of women holding power in this book.
The setting is also interesting - even though I can't picture the vehicles (hoppers) not being somewhat ridiculous...
However, the plot is a bit weak. I think there are too many secondary characters and the relationships between them are revealed in a quite rushed way in the last pages of the book. I felt that in the end all these complicated conspiracies mattered little to me, compared to Drake's character evolution.
The setting is also interesting - even though I can't picture the vehicles (hoppers) not being somewhat ridiculous...
However, the plot is a bit weak. I think there are too many secondary characters and the relationships between them are revealed in a quite rushed way in the last pages of the book. I felt that in the end all these complicated conspiracies mattered little to me, compared to Drake's character evolution.
coljac's review
4.0
This is the second novel I read set in the Android universe. The first was a disappointment, even for 'branded' fiction, so I was skeptical going into this one. Golem, though, definitely stood on its own as a solid SF mystery.
What made this such a good read was Odom's mastery of the internal logic of a robot protagonist. Drake is a great detective and an interesting character despite being free from human emotion. To enable character development when the main character has no emotions is a tough task, but Odom really pulled it off. Drake can't like or love anybody, but can he get attached just from familiarity? Is that so different to liking someone emotionally? Interesting stuff to consider.
As the mystery deepens the hijinks get more and more manic and action-packed, to the point where I thought the finale (for the novel - not the story) was a slight disappointment in being overblown. Overall, though, the action was written brilliantly. Scenes of cops-chasing-robbers were genuinely exciting. Odom has a knack for writing good action.
I'll move on to the second book without delay.
What made this such a good read was Odom's mastery of the internal logic of a robot protagonist. Drake is a great detective and an interesting character despite being free from human emotion. To enable character development when the main character has no emotions is a tough task, but Odom really pulled it off. Drake can't like or love anybody, but can he get attached just from familiarity? Is that so different to liking someone emotionally? Interesting stuff to consider.
As the mystery deepens the hijinks get more and more manic and action-packed, to the point where I thought the finale (for the novel - not the story) was a slight disappointment in being overblown. Overall, though, the action was written brilliantly. Scenes of cops-chasing-robbers were genuinely exciting. Odom has a knack for writing good action.
I'll move on to the second book without delay.
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