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jgelmini's review against another edition
4.0
Really interesting concept, although it took about 70 pages before I got into it. The plot was good but the characters were really flat. There were also a few plot devices that felt like the author came up with a really "neat" idea and then backtracked how to force the story to go that direction. I think I'll read the sequels because I do want to see what happens with this world.
minnettie's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
cfjwebs's review against another edition
challenging
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? Yes
4.25
amjammi's review against another edition
4.0
Whoa. What was that?
I don't read much science fiction so at times this felt overly technical and unnecessarily detailed. Also, several characters seem to exist purely as vessels to convey necessary plot points. Reading as an American, even with what appears to be a very good translation, I feel slightly off-balance by the Chinese worldview. Characters act and feel in unexpected ways. But I feel strangely compelled to keep reading... book 2 goes on the library request list.
I don't read much science fiction so at times this felt overly technical and unnecessarily detailed. Also, several characters seem to exist purely as vessels to convey necessary plot points. Reading as an American, even with what appears to be a very good translation, I feel slightly off-balance by the Chinese worldview. Characters act and feel in unexpected ways. But I feel strangely compelled to keep reading... book 2 goes on the library request list.
odetomaxine's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
cjamargo's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
at times I was overwhelmed with the physics of the book (which admittedly was confined to several sections) but the core premise and the manner in which the themes are explored in such a considered, human way was so impressive, excited to read more
cloudnineteen's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Okay this was such an interesting book. I’m watching the TV show simultaneously which isn’t something I would often do, but it was interesting to see the adaptation (obviously with one of the main differences being that the majority of the show took place in the UK with more British characters while the book is completely based in China). It was just so nerdy and I absolutely loved all of the physics stuff that they explored and were able to go reasonably in-depth into. I think one thing the adaptation did that I liked is that they added some more depth and emotion to the characters, while the book seemed to be more plot based but I suppose that’s just a stylistic choice. But I will be reading the sequels which I usually don’t do unless a book is really interesting so that is a high degree of compliment.
helenaliu's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
kaja9213's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0