Reviews

Rubicon by J.S. Dewes

kroj213's review

adventurous dark 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

4.0

I really enjoy it…until the end and the last chapter. I understand what the author did with the ending, but I don’t like it. 

katieperk's review against another edition

dark emotional

• 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

3.5

arhgee's review

4.0

I enjoyed Rubicon even though I did find the last quarter of the story a little frustrating. It’s a story that at its core is centered around topics of existential dread, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Rubicon falls somewhere into the genres of Science Fiction, Space Opera, and Military.

The plot follows the journey of an undying soldier who wants to die permanently rather than working out their own psychological trauma and interpersonal relationship problems. It’s a classic trope some may recognize from Science Fiction classics like Armour by John Steakley. It makes for a solid and emotional story when paired with the science fiction genre.

If you have read other books by J.S. Dewes and enjoyed them, then you will undoubtedly enjoy Rubicon. Rubicon is a book I can recommend to anyone who enjoys the space marine science fiction genre.

astoryfan's review against another edition

3.75

If goodreads gave partial star ratings, I would give this a 3.75. Most of it was 4 star but the ending was just a giant letdown. I haven't read a sci-fi in a quick minute and this one really got me thinking as AI is blowing up everywhere. There was a lot of action and even some character growth, although I don't think one novel was enough to make the growth truly believable. Overall, I liked it... but I also had some issues with it. 

nelsfilipe's review

3.0

Went from a solid 5 to a 3 (lucky it wasn't even lower) because why would you do that on the last chapter? It's literally the worst way of ending this I could think of. 

I am massively disappointed. 

thatoneguyjm's review

adventurous emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

malreynolds111's review

4.0

Valero is transferred to the 505 and is equipped with a Rubicon which is like a sentient computer in her brain. The book is about how she comes to terms with that and how it changes her life.

The ENDING... OMG it just about killed me.

ARC FROM NETGALLEY.

limeadeskates's review

adventurous emotional funny hopeful sad tense fast-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

4.5

The boo started slow and dense, but the I was hooked. Love the characters and storyline.

hank's review

5.0

Third 5 star of the year. I think I am getting soft. Sort of Altered Carbon without the animal brutality, although plenty of violence. Some Star Trek Borg vibes, some Terminator vibes and finally some Kameron Hurley Light Brigade.

AI, robots, consciousness transfer, nuanced characters, a mad scientist and of course for me, space ships.

Loved it.

book_before_you_sleep's review

adventurous challenging dark emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25