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sisimka's review against another edition
I might get back to it. Or I might slap forward to more current stuff.
rossborkett's review against another edition
4.0
This wasn’t quite what I had expected, I’d for some reason assumed a more run and gun book. But it’s deeper than that, and while some of it hasn’t stood the test of time, I really enjoyed the story
mythea's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Some of the best sci-fi out there. Space opera and mystery combined.
jmoses's review against another edition
4.0
This was good. The world is interesting, and full of history that we only get glimpses of. The characters feel pretty fleshed out, with only some flat spots. The tech is a little hand-wavy, as far as "realistic sci fi" goes, but nothing that screams "I'M A MAGIC PLOT DEVICE", which is nice. Very entertaining, but nothing ground breaking. I'll read more in the series easily.
jamsl94's review against another edition
2.0
This was a slog to read through. Even as someone who normally enjoys Hamiltons work
innocenthedgehog's review against another edition
2.0
This book should have been a four-star—the investigating, the setting (for the most part), the action scenes, everything I picked up the book for—but the constant sexism and right-wing politics make me want to shower in bleach for the next week. Also Greg going on a mental crusade against the antagonist for seducing a young girl, when the he does this in the literal first chapter with his psychic powers. He is also clearly sexually attracted to said Seventeen-Year-Old! girl throughout the book. He is in his late thirties. How did the author think this was in anyway a good idea?
And yet I will undoubtedly read more of PFH's books in the future. There are always a ton of good ideas I can borrow for my own sci-fi novels and do a better job with. Even if I hate myself for reading them afterwards.
And yet I will undoubtedly read more of PFH's books in the future. There are always a ton of good ideas I can borrow for my own sci-fi novels and do a better job with. Even if I hate myself for reading them afterwards.
rocketiza's review against another edition
3.0
There was some plots that I enjoyed, but he's kinda the word equivalent of a Rob Liefield drawing when it comes to women in this.
mcfade28's review against another edition
3.0
I dont really have anything new to say about Peter Hamilton's first novel. I agree with the consensus here. He had some good ideas and the concept behind this Mindstar regiment, and Greg and Gabriel's leftover powers were very intriguing indeed. The plot was pretty basic by the numbers espionage.
Like many others the female characters largely put me off. Greg seduces young women, and casts objectifying eyes over every single women he encounters. It isn't played as objectionable at all, I think we are meant to find Greg very much the relatable lead.
I prefer the Void trilogy but I'll likely finish off this series too.
Like many others the female characters largely put me off. Greg seduces young women, and casts objectifying eyes over every single women he encounters. It isn't played as objectionable at all, I think we are meant to find Greg very much the relatable lead.
I prefer the Void trilogy but I'll likely finish off this series too.
innocenthedgehog's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Adult/minor relationship, Sexual content, Violence, Gore, and Misogyny
Moderate: Rape and Police brutality
Minor: Sexual harassment
rdmathison's review against another edition
5.0
Mindstar Rising by Peter F. Hamilton is not what I was expecting. I'm not sure exactly what I was expecting, but what I got was a phenomenal cyberpunk technothriller. As a debut novel, Hamilton demonstrates an extraordinary talent, deftly crafting a narrative that is exhilarating and deeply engaging. This book is a non-stop thrill ride, immersing readers in a vividly realized world that is both familiar and fantastically futuristic.
Hamilton's worldbuilding is exceptional, creating a post-cataclysmic Britain that is rich in detail and complexity. The backdrop of environmental and political turmoil serves as quite fertile ground for exploring themes of corporate power, environmental responsibility, and the ethical implications of advanced technology.
The characters are equally well-developed, each with their own depth and complexities that drive the narrative forward. Our intrepid hero, Greg Mandel, is a former soldier equipped with a specialized gland that grants him psychic abilities at a considerable cost, and his journey, fraught with some sensational twists and turns, leads to an explosive climax that is immensely satisfying.
Other standout characters include Gabriel, a former colleague of Mandel's who has her own gland granting her completely different (and every bit as intriguing) abilities; Julia Evans, the young and ambitious heiress of her grandfather's tech empire; Eleanor, Mandel's love interest who takes some impressive initiative in the third act; and Royan, an incredibly gifted hacker with a heart of gold (who is rather hard to look at). Each character, through their unique perspectives and interactions, enriches the story, contributing to its dynamic and immersive nature.
Furthermore, Hamilton demonstrates a remarkable skill in pacing. The plot unfolds with a perfect balance between brisk, action-packed sequences and moments of intrigue that slowly unravel the complex web of the story. This equilibrium helps the story maintain steady engagement, ensuring that each page turned is both rewarding and filled with anticipation.
Mindstar Rising is a remarkable debut novel. It's a book that entertains and invites reflection on a possible future of technology, the environment, and society, offering readers a fresh and exciting perspective on cyberpunk and technothriller tropes. Peter F. Hamilton set a high bar for himself and the genre, and I look forward to completing the trilogy.
No messing.
Hamilton's worldbuilding is exceptional, creating a post-cataclysmic Britain that is rich in detail and complexity. The backdrop of environmental and political turmoil serves as quite fertile ground for exploring themes of corporate power, environmental responsibility, and the ethical implications of advanced technology.
The characters are equally well-developed, each with their own depth and complexities that drive the narrative forward. Our intrepid hero, Greg Mandel, is a former soldier equipped with a specialized gland that grants him psychic abilities at a considerable cost, and his journey, fraught with some sensational twists and turns, leads to an explosive climax that is immensely satisfying.
Other standout characters include Gabriel, a former colleague of Mandel's who has her own gland granting her completely different (and every bit as intriguing) abilities; Julia Evans, the young and ambitious heiress of her grandfather's tech empire; Eleanor, Mandel's love interest who takes some impressive initiative in the third act; and Royan, an incredibly gifted hacker with a heart of gold (who is rather hard to look at). Each character, through their unique perspectives and interactions, enriches the story, contributing to its dynamic and immersive nature.
Furthermore, Hamilton demonstrates a remarkable skill in pacing. The plot unfolds with a perfect balance between brisk, action-packed sequences and moments of intrigue that slowly unravel the complex web of the story. This equilibrium helps the story maintain steady engagement, ensuring that each page turned is both rewarding and filled with anticipation.
Mindstar Rising is a remarkable debut novel. It's a book that entertains and invites reflection on a possible future of technology, the environment, and society, offering readers a fresh and exciting perspective on cyberpunk and technothriller tropes. Peter F. Hamilton set a high bar for himself and the genre, and I look forward to completing the trilogy.
No messing.