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testaroscia's review against another edition
3.0
I have a feeling I am going to regret the 3 stars, a bit like I regret them for my first Joe Abercrombie but the feelings are the same: excellent writing, an obvious set up for ongoing trilogy, introduction of plenty of characters, but a lack of a narrative arc in book one lets it down. Suggested to me from a fellow Neal Stephenson the difference, I think lies in that m Stephenson is a writer that likes to learn a lot about his subject, whereas Palmer is very learned about her subject that likes to write. Palmer's choice of a single person POV does not help in the flow as the number of characters, with interchangeable names, never get defined beyond what Mycroft describes them as. You will also need a wiki fan page to sort out not just the characters but the various groups described. Having said that, i am pretty optimistic that things will gel in book two. As someone that went to kindergarten with a Doria Pamphilj, I will be back for a second helping.
iain_dwyer's review against another edition
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I found the pace slow. I got most of the way to the end but didn't end up finishing the story. There are some interesting ideas here about alternate ways to organize society, but the characters felt flat and under developed.
leflambeur's review against another edition
4.0
More a wrapper for a metaphysical and philosophical discussion than a true scifi book. Certainly no "hard" scifi in there for lovers of that genre. It reminded me of a China Mieville book more than anything else, using a future setting to play with big ideas.
The read is kind of slow, and dense, but stunning for its ideas and how they are presented. It has some good hooks that keep you going, but don't get at all resolved in this book.
Not for everyone, but definitely great writing and not to be missed.
The read is kind of slow, and dense, but stunning for its ideas and how they are presented. It has some good hooks that keep you going, but don't get at all resolved in this book.
Not for everyone, but definitely great writing and not to be missed.
ashablue's review against another edition
4.0
Gender ambiguity. A new world order made not of nations but of "Hives" based one one's values and interests. A child god who makes real anything they touch. A person who thinks they are a god. A mass murderer with a heart of gold. Be prepared for epic political intrigue, philosophy and a lot of Latin in your sci-fi.
pipode1234's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
johannaerikaly's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
ngroenke's review against another edition
2.0
I liked the first half, or maybe even more, but I really hated the last 6 chapters of the book. I wish I hadn’t read the book at all. It made me feel disgusted and sad.
fitz123's review against another edition
2.0
I liked the first half, or maybe even more, but I really hated the last 6 chapters of the book. I wish I hadn’t read the book at all. It made me feel disgusted and sad.