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melbellevie's review against another edition
1.0
This is solidly a four-star story, at least in concept. Social implications of genetically altered humanity, the scientific "evolution" of the species for extra-planetary colonization, even this notion of "de-virilification" an what it would mean for humanity had so much potential. But it falls on its face with the (at best) tropeish and (at worst) outright misogynistic treatment of women in this book.
The first time I read about the future of women's bras I gave it no more attention than I did to the fact that we've done away with buttons and zippers. The fourth time I read about them, I started designing a drinking game around the authors fixation, and by the 500th page when I knew in great detail how women of the future would be applying and removing their undergarments and still had no clarity as to whether men of the future would be wearing them at all, I had written this book off as some run of the mill wish-fulfillment alpha-male fantasy masquerading behind an interesting concept.
The book does not pass the Bechdel test, which, given its length, is pure laziness. No woman makes an appearance in the novel without at least a cursory description of her breasts. The most interesting female character's major motivations are so cliched I found my eyes glazing over and yet the book does not even do her the service of resolving them-- as a character she serves only as a means to motivate Our Hero to ever-increasing feats of violence and inner-monologue. Oh-- and to passive-aggressively chastise him for his prowess with other women, because women are so crazy, amiright?
I'd say give this one a hard pass.
The first time I read about the future of women's bras I gave it no more attention than I did to the fact that we've done away with buttons and zippers. The fourth time I read about them, I started designing a drinking game around the authors fixation, and by the 500th page when I knew in great detail how women of the future would be applying and removing their undergarments and still had no clarity as to whether men of the future would be wearing them at all, I had written this book off as some run of the mill wish-fulfillment alpha-male fantasy masquerading behind an interesting concept.
The book does not pass the Bechdel test, which, given its length, is pure laziness. No woman makes an appearance in the novel without at least a cursory description of her breasts. The most interesting female character's major motivations are so cliched I found my eyes glazing over and yet the book does not even do her the service of resolving them-- as a character she serves only as a means to motivate Our Hero to ever-increasing feats of violence and inner-monologue. Oh-- and to passive-aggressively chastise him for his prowess with other women, because women are so crazy, amiright?
I'd say give this one a hard pass.
scifipraxis's review against another edition
4.0
Richard Morgan back on form after a poor showing with Market Forces. Possibly a bit overly long, but exceptionally well written and plotted. Highly recommended.
mnmackles's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent, dark mystery/science fiction novel. Morgan is able to write a good solid mystery set in a science fiction universe. The science is believable and the story will blow you away.
ellestad's review against another edition
3.0
More police procedural thriller than SciFi, this was probably my least favorite of Morgan's books. Enjoyable enough to finish, as I enjoy his writing. Still wouldn't probably recommend it to anyone.
readr_joe's review against another edition
5.0
I enjoyed this book so much, I can't even. Richard K Morgan has improved out of sight since his early efforts with the Altered Carbon trilogy. This one is solid concept, effortless execution, and understated religious contextualising. My only criticism would be, the same concern the publishers had in changing the title from Black man to Thirteen, the implicit association of skin colour with inherent violence. And he's quite often quite juvenile, especially in the first half, which in a superficial reading can be very offputting. But, I would contend, his strengths more than make up for his weaknesses.freshbatteries's review against another edition
4.0
Compelling book...don't read it if you're uncomfortable with challenges to your view of politics, religion, genetic ethics, etc. I enjoyed it, but I enjoy most of Richard K. Morgan's books.
leventmolla's review against another edition
4.0
Black Man is another interesting book from Richard Morgan. Although different from his Takesci Kovacs books, it portrays a future world that is as depressing and grim.
It is a world where the U.S. has been split into several independent states (The Pacific Rim, Southern United States aka Jesusland and others), the U.N. is a major military power, Mars has been colonized and the space travel authority (COLIN) has a major military power rivalling that of the U.N. power.
Genetic manipulation has resulted in several anomalies, including "thirteens", namely genetically modified males used for aggressive military actions.
Certainly an interesting book, highly recommended. (The book has been published as The Black Man or Thirteen in two separate editions)
It is a world where the U.S. has been split into several independent states (The Pacific Rim, Southern United States aka Jesusland and others), the U.N. is a major military power, Mars has been colonized and the space travel authority (COLIN) has a major military power rivalling that of the U.N. power.
Genetic manipulation has resulted in several anomalies, including "thirteens", namely genetically modified males used for aggressive military actions.
Certainly an interesting book, highly recommended. (The book has been published as The Black Man or Thirteen in two separate editions)
callarman's review against another edition
5.0
This book was amazing. Arguably better than Altered Carbon. Richard Morgan has a talent for enthralling mystery novels.
mic_vic's review against another edition
5.0
I won't bore you with what the book's about - that's the point of reading it, isn't it?
What I will tell you is that Morgan can write, and this is a super read. A little slow in the late mid-section - it's a little long, TBH - but well worth your time.
What I will tell you is that Morgan can write, and this is a super read. A little slow in the late mid-section - it's a little long, TBH - but well worth your time.
gordonwaddell's review against another edition
4.0
Good near-future alternative Morgan.
I ebooked this one (not hardback).
I ebooked this one (not hardback).