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teejayque's review
4.0
Actual rating is 4.5 stars.
The way this book was written scratched my brain in a really great way. We’re lead down a path without all the information needed to have the big picture view of what is happening. It’s revealed throughout the development of the story, and that’s something I enjoyed. Each piece building on the previous.
The only reason I’m not giving it 5 stars is because without a confirmed sequel the ending makes me have too many feelings.
The way this book was written scratched my brain in a really great way. We’re lead down a path without all the information needed to have the big picture view of what is happening. It’s revealed throughout the development of the story, and that’s something I enjoyed. Each piece building on the previous.
The only reason I’m not giving it 5 stars is because without a confirmed sequel the ending makes me have too many feelings.
nicholassoileau's review
5.0
Slow starter but well worth sticking out
The first third of the book had me wanting. I wasn’t interested, nothing was clicking, and I just couldn’t care about anyone. That quickly changed once I passed that point and Rubicon became a book I could not put down.
The first third of the book had me wanting. I wasn’t interested, nothing was clicking, and I just couldn’t care about anyone. That quickly changed once I passed that point and Rubicon became a book I could not put down.
rilester's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
kptank's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
rocabarraigh's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
quirkycatsfatstacks's review
4.0
Book Summary:
The face of war changes once resurrection becomes a possibility. Unfortunately, that means soldiers such as Sergeant Adrienne Valero can't earn their peace, no matter how desperately they may crave it.
Valero has been resurrected ninety-six times. But this time, something different is happening – somehow, her Virtual Intelligence aid is sentient. Will this give Valero the edge to finally win the war? Or at least put a stop to it?
My Review:
Another smash-hit science fiction from Tor Books! Rubicon is the space opera I've been looking for. It's beautiful, haunting, and full of action. More importantly, it has AI and strong characters, not to mention an overlying feeling of existential dread. It's the perfect mixture of elements, especially for a science fiction read.
I won't lie; Rubicon can weigh heavy on the heart. Though perhaps that was just the mood I've been in lately. Either way, Valero's struggle feels real, and it hits pretty hard at times. So consider yourself warned.
I'm giving Rubicon a four-star rating instead of a five because I feel like the ending was a bit of a letdown. I won't say more than that - because spoilers. But I do wish things had been handled slightly differently.
Regardless, Rubicon was a deep and fascinating read. It captured me from the first page and held my attention right through to the end. Worth the read.
Highlights:
Science Fiction
Space Opera
Military Science Fiction
Trigger Warnings:
Suicidal Ideation
Life/Death on Repeat
Thanks to Tor Books and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | The Book Review Crew | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy
The face of war changes once resurrection becomes a possibility. Unfortunately, that means soldiers such as Sergeant Adrienne Valero can't earn their peace, no matter how desperately they may crave it.
Valero has been resurrected ninety-six times. But this time, something different is happening – somehow, her Virtual Intelligence aid is sentient. Will this give Valero the edge to finally win the war? Or at least put a stop to it?
My Review:
Another smash-hit science fiction from Tor Books! Rubicon is the space opera I've been looking for. It's beautiful, haunting, and full of action. More importantly, it has AI and strong characters, not to mention an overlying feeling of existential dread. It's the perfect mixture of elements, especially for a science fiction read.
I won't lie; Rubicon can weigh heavy on the heart. Though perhaps that was just the mood I've been in lately. Either way, Valero's struggle feels real, and it hits pretty hard at times. So consider yourself warned.
I'm giving Rubicon a four-star rating instead of a five because I feel like the ending was a bit of a letdown. I won't say more than that - because spoilers. But I do wish things had been handled slightly differently.
Regardless, Rubicon was a deep and fascinating read. It captured me from the first page and held my attention right through to the end. Worth the read.
Highlights:
Science Fiction
Space Opera
Military Science Fiction
Trigger Warnings:
Suicidal Ideation
Life/Death on Repeat
Thanks to Tor Books and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | The Book Review Crew | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy
paulataua's review
4.0
Set during the war that humanity is steadily losing to the intelligent machines, Valero is brought back to life for the ninety sixth time to carry on the desperate fight. She is suddenly transferred to a special unit, given a more developed virtual intelligence aid, and a glimmer of hope surfaces. ‘Rubicon’ is page after page of total sci-fi action that is both well-constructed and well -written and it just keeps you turning pages. If there is a downside the philosophical aspect, while in evidence, is not really well developed and that weakens an otherwise interesting ending.
bookgrrl's review
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
spellboundbybooks's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is one of the most unique sci-fi books I have personally read. The author explores what it means to be human with such a fascinating concept. Adrienne, our main character has died and been brought back 96 times. She has endured serious trauma not just from the numerous violent deaths she has gone through, but the sheer amount of them.
Its left her understandably troubled. She's exhausted, she's horrified, and with each reset she has found herself losing more of her humanity and becoming more reckless. As this story progresses, we watch her claw back her humanity one step at a time, with help from her Rubicon.
I really enjoyed the bond that forms between them. They have great banter and they learn from one another. I've always enjoyed the concept of A.I in my sci-fi and I think this is one of my favourite depictions of this trope.
The military sci-fi aspect is exciting and well done as Adrienne and her team fight in a war against the Mechans. But really where this story shines for me is in the character study of Adrienne herself, and her journey back to humanity.
The reason this is not a five star read for me is the ending. As far as I know this is a standalone, and lets just say the ending makes it feel as if it is the first book in a series. I really hope the author returns to this world because this just wasn't a definitive enough ending for me personally, and frankly, it has left me feeling frustrated.
Its left her understandably troubled. She's exhausted, she's horrified, and with each reset she has found herself losing more of her humanity and becoming more reckless. As this story progresses, we watch her claw back her humanity one step at a time, with help from her Rubicon.
I really enjoyed the bond that forms between them. They have great banter and they learn from one another. I've always enjoyed the concept of A.I in my sci-fi and I think this is one of my favourite depictions of this trope.
The military sci-fi aspect is exciting and well done as Adrienne and her team fight in a war against the Mechans. But really where this story shines for me is in the character study of Adrienne herself, and her journey back to humanity.
The reason this is not a five star read for me is the ending. As far as I know this is a standalone, and lets just say the ending makes it feel as if it is the first book in a series. I really hope the author returns to this world because this just wasn't a definitive enough ending for me personally, and frankly, it has left me feeling frustrated.