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cloud_reads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Torture, Death, Murder, Kidnapping, and Physical abuse
Minor: Suicide, War, and Violence
katrinarose's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
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
4.5
The most unique sci fi book (or really book of any genre) that I’ve ever read. My only two complaints were the tendency of the author to info dump and a lack of in depth character development. However, I think the plot and ideas do make up for it, just be warned if you need really good character development to enjoy a story. I really enjoyed the background of the story being set in China, parts of it during the Cultural Revolution. The footnotes were a big help to understand more context, and I found it very interesting. I loved the complexity of how the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence impacted the minds and opinions of humans. Would recommend if you are interested in very science-y science fiction, the idea of alien life, thinking about humanity, and a sprinkling of historical fiction.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia, Death of parent, Death, Murder, and Torture
Moderate: Pregnancy, Gaslighting, and Kidnapping
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