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zaphod46's review against another edition
2.0
The conclusion to Bear [1987], but not as interesting morally/philosophically.
It is still a well-written, entertaining book, but some parts of it bothered
me, like the complete breakdown of social norms amongst a ship full of
teenagers. I just don’t think something like that would really happen,
since teenagers usually have lots of values in place.
Also, sailing off in to the sunset should be reserved for westerns.
It is still a well-written, entertaining book, but some parts of it bothered
me, like the complete breakdown of social norms amongst a ship full of
teenagers. I just don’t think something like that would really happen,
since teenagers usually have lots of values in place.
Also, sailing off in to the sunset should be reserved for westerns.
martin_books's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
shrikekali's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed this sequel to THE FORGE OF GOD. It was even better than the first one, which isn’t usually the case. Better character development this time around.
gullevek's review against another edition
4.0
Much better than the first part. And the best thing is, they are only loosely connected, so you can actually skip the first one and read this one instead.
While it starts of a bit weak and whiney it really gets good after about 1/4 of the book. I was utterly impressed because the first part read like a mediocre hollywood trash b-sci-fi-movie. I would recommend this one.
While it starts of a bit weak and whiney it really gets good after about 1/4 of the book. I was utterly impressed because the first part read like a mediocre hollywood trash b-sci-fi-movie. I would recommend this one.
faase's review against another edition
2.25
There are some great ideas and concepts in Anvil of Stars. I loved the alien races, especially the "brothers". Some of the described technologies are great too. But that's about it. The premise makes no sense, the motivation of the benefactors stays unclear, the character development, though existent, wasn’t really believable to me.
Anvil of Stars is far to long. The pacing is of by a mile, especially in the first 50-60% of the book. I only didn't DNF this, because I already had invested too much time in this book and its predecessor (Forge of God) and I was hoping for a satisfying conclusion. Admittedly, it's a good conclusion. Morally ambiguous in its message. Unfortunately it wasn't enough to outweigh all the negatives.
All in all, The Forge of God duology was a let down for me. While the first part at least had the popcorn movie "let's rip the world to pieces" ending going for it, the overly long second part leaves me unsatisfied. It's too little, too late and honestly, I didn't really care much about the characters anymore. That's kind of a death sentence for a book.
Anvil of Stars is far to long. The pacing is of by a mile, especially in the first 50-60% of the book. I only didn't DNF this, because I already had invested too much time in this book and its predecessor (Forge of God) and I was hoping for a satisfying conclusion. Admittedly, it's a good conclusion. Morally ambiguous in its message. Unfortunately it wasn't enough to outweigh all the negatives.
All in all, The Forge of God duology was a let down for me. While the first part at least had the popcorn movie "let's rip the world to pieces" ending going for it, the overly long second part leaves me unsatisfied. It's too little, too late and honestly, I didn't really care much about the characters anymore. That's kind of a death sentence for a book.
johnwillson's review against another edition
4.0
Great sci-fi. A simple mandate turns into a monumental moral dilemma. Actions are driven by personalities as much as reasoning. A great depiction of how personality conflicts and irrationality can derail a mission.
It's a little slow at times, and I grew tired of the politicking between characters. The science gets stretched thin by the end.
It's a little slow at times, and I grew tired of the politicking between characters. The science gets stretched thin by the end.
seereeves's review against another edition
1.0
I should have known this wasn't likely to be good, as the first one wasn't. However, this was a truly terrible book that I was unable to even finish.