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megadeathvsbooks's review
3.0
For about 3/4 of it, I enjoyed the concept, but then the ending nearly ruined it all. It turned into an awfully heavy allegory that could have used more finesse (or been avoided all together). A lot of potential but not the right execution.
asdvj's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
hectaizani's review against another edition
4.0
Darker and less comedic than most of Scalzi's oeuvre.
scholiast's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
wynwicket's review
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
Very Dark, strange, violent and compelling Sci fi novella about faith. Very, very different from the John Scalzi work I've read (and loved).
kitsuneheart's review
4.0
Gods are always jealous. Always dangerous. And always powerful. Even when enslaved.
Captain Ean Tephe faces resistance from the god chained down in the engine of his ship. He has all the weapons necessary to get the god to obey--never-forged metal, to kill a god, and the gods true name--but the rebellion of the ship's slave continues. Perhaps only the power of the true God could compel the wretched Defiled god, but the motivations of that creature are far more sinister than the base motives of Tephe's servant.
Quite an interesting setting. Science fiction blended with religious fantasy. There is a perfect feeling of horror and violence through the entire story. There is also quite a well-developed society, including (very amusingly) church-sanctioned sex workers.
And, in spite of the interesting setting and characters, I didn't end the story wanting more. It ended just as it needed to end.
Short, but well-contained. Highly recommended.
Captain Ean Tephe faces resistance from the god chained down in the engine of his ship. He has all the weapons necessary to get the god to obey--never-forged metal, to kill a god, and the gods true name--but the rebellion of the ship's slave continues. Perhaps only the power of the true God could compel the wretched Defiled god, but the motivations of that creature are far more sinister than the base motives of Tephe's servant.
Quite an interesting setting. Science fiction blended with religious fantasy. There is a perfect feeling of horror and violence through the entire story. There is also quite a well-developed society, including (very amusingly) church-sanctioned sex workers.
And, in spite of the interesting setting and characters, I didn't end the story wanting more. It ended just as it needed to end.
Short, but well-contained. Highly recommended.
stevereads61's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
nyarasha's review
4.0
Unique world building and good characterization, sci fi and religious overtones blended into one. There were several twists and turns which kept me reading quickly.
aspinei's review
4.0
Great, original idea - a bit rushed though and ending a bit disappointingly. Overall however I would strongly recommend this book.