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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
On its surface this book is a thoughtful examination of possible social and political implications of human genetic manipulation. But I was surprised when the book also addressed deeper questions about family, ambition, romance, and inequality with depth and subtlety. All that while examining the lives and choices of some very compelling and complex characters.
There's a feeling of realism in this book that is rare in Sci-Fi, even near-future stuff. The characters' way of matter-of-factly presenting dramatically amazing technological developments made them seem very attainable, and the way that there was pushback and downsides to every development struck me as more realistic than the typical Sci-Fi attitude of simple acceptance and integration of change.
I kept expecting the story of this book to begin building towards a conclusion and instead new characters and plot lines would rise to prominence as the old ones were resolved. I wasn't ever on the edge of my seat, since the book is focused more on characters than a fast-paced plot, but I was nonetheless continually surprised by the events of the story. The evenness of rising and falling action did make any sections drag if they were focused on characters I disliked, but overall I enjoyed the pace.
I'd recommend this book to anybody interested in a solid non-apocalyptic near-future story.
There's a feeling of realism in this book that is rare in Sci-Fi, even near-future stuff. The characters' way of matter-of-factly presenting dramatically amazing technological developments made them seem very attainable, and the way that there was pushback and downsides to every development struck me as more realistic than the typical Sci-Fi attitude of simple acceptance and integration of change.
I kept expecting the story of this book to begin building towards a conclusion and instead new characters and plot lines would rise to prominence as the old ones were resolved. I wasn't ever on the edge of my seat, since the book is focused more on characters than a fast-paced plot, but I was nonetheless continually surprised by the events of the story. The evenness of rising and falling action did make any sections drag if they were focused on characters I disliked, but overall I enjoyed the pace.
I'd recommend this book to anybody interested in a solid non-apocalyptic near-future story.
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
My main complaint is how short this is... I can't mark it down however as that comes with the territory of novella's. It's also easily fixed; I have bought the full novel which also comes with sequels. Happiness indeed.
Either way, really interesting premise, well written with engaging characters. The length means it isn't as well explored as it could perhaps be and the characters could be more developed, however in light of the constraints of the form, this is a mighty fine read!
Either way, really interesting premise, well written with engaging characters. The length means it isn't as well explored as it could perhaps be and the characters could be more developed, however in light of the constraints of the form, this is a mighty fine read!
challenging
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
For such a short book beggars in Spain reads like it's 800 pages long. It is an amazing and thought-provoking book that asks us to answer some very difficult questions
One of my favorite books of all time. I read it for the first time in 6th grade and have read it countless times since. I got my friend hooked on the series as well.
It's a book of societal beliefs and bigotry in a science fiction
background. Not my cup of tea.
background. Not my cup of tea.
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Interesting premise - what if we don't need sleep?