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artk_bookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
5.0
rakesht's review against another edition
adventurous
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
3.75
skahn's review against another edition
3.0
Not much happens. There is no evolutionary leap in human consciousness, nor on Europa. It is too small of a journey compared with 2001 or 2010. Clarke still writes well, but almost nothing of consequence happens in the book. It's somewhat enjoyable, but it's not awe-inspiring.
lovmelovmycats's review against another edition
4.0
I love this series. This one wasn't as good as the first two, but it was still good. The Mt. Zeus plot line was silly.
dearmrsawyer's review against another edition
3.0
I think this one is a lower 3.5 rating, just because it took a while for me to feel like we got going with the story. I think that was probably because this book makes a bigger time jump from book 2, than book 2 did from book 1. Can't wait to jump 1000 years in book 4 LOL. I'm still really into the story and the mystery though! Very much hoping i get a satisfying resolution in this next final book.
scytale's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
michellegm15's review against another edition
4.0
The book is a bit of a tease! It varied from the first row in the series in that the pace was more steady throughout the book, whereas the first two came at a slow, slow pace before a super cosmic and mind blowing ending. This one had some great moments and some fantastic imaginings of other worlds that seem incredibly grounded and realistic. I did, however, have moments where I struggled to make it through Arthur C. Clarke's writing. But I always really have. But because the stories have had some mind blowing endings, I am willing to plod through the slow parts. In 2061, he just spreads out the fast paced scenes throughout the book rather than saving it all until the end.
The ending of this book felt like it was clearly setting up for book 4. I did not get the full answers to my questions (though there are strong hints near the end of the book) so don't expect the story to be wrapped up in a tiny cosmic bow at the end... I felt like now I just have more questions! Guess I'll have to read book 4 now...
The ending of this book felt like it was clearly setting up for book 4. I did not get the full answers to my questions (though there are strong hints near the end of the book) so don't expect the story to be wrapped up in a tiny cosmic bow at the end... I felt like now I just have more questions! Guess I'll have to read book 4 now...
hopeevey's review against another edition
4.0
I was hesitant about this novel when I started reading it. It begins with the slightly contrived circumstance allowing Dr. Heywood Floyd to still be an active participant at the age of 103. But that's a small pill to swallow to get to the rest of the book.
As in [book: 2010], there are no ordinary people, so the characters are all engaging, believable, and fascinating.
The over-arching plot is a bit contrived, which I can entirely forgive, especially since it's not very noticeable while read it. The storyline exists to tie together some great action, some outstanding character development, and some beautiful depictions of outer space, which is fine by me. I was entranced :)
I have two complaints: First, the story doesn't so much end, as fray away, with one thread that seems to scream "I'll grow up to be a sequel!" That's a let down after an otherwise engaging read. The second, and it seems to be a trend, is liberal self-plagarization. Yes, it was a lovely description in 2001, but you didn't have to lift it, whole-cloth, for this novel.
That being said, this novel is well worth reading. Partly to get more of his descriptions of space, and partly out of curiosity, I'll almost certainly read [book: 3001: The Final Odyssey] soon.
As in [book: 2010], there are no ordinary people, so the characters are all engaging, believable, and fascinating.
The over-arching plot is a bit contrived, which I can entirely forgive, especially since it's not very noticeable while read it. The storyline exists to tie together some great action, some outstanding character development, and some beautiful depictions of outer space, which is fine by me. I was entranced :)
I have two complaints: First, the story doesn't so much end, as fray away, with one thread that seems to scream "I'll grow up to be a sequel!" That's a let down after an otherwise engaging read. The second, and it seems to be a trend, is liberal self-plagarization. Yes, it was a lovely description in 2001, but you didn't have to lift it, whole-cloth, for this novel.
That being said, this novel is well worth reading. Partly to get more of his descriptions of space, and partly out of curiosity, I'll almost certainly read [book: 3001: The Final Odyssey] soon.
shakespeareandspice's review against another edition
3.0
After having a lot of fun with the first two books, this was kind of a let down. In a way, it takes a completely different turn and if you’re okay with that—good for you but I was still waiting for it to continue on with the last one and see what happens next with the main storyline. Many have said that the next book is even worst so I won’t be continuing on since the last book in this series is about an entirely new set of characters anyway. Goodbye, Space Odyssey, we had some fun times.
yana94's review against another edition
4.0
Maybe even 3,5.
I found it to be a bit of a step down from the first two books. It's good, but not as good.
I found it to be a bit of a step down from the first two books. It's good, but not as good.