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theyellowhobbit's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
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
4.25
I started reading this as an ebook and switched to the audiobook, which was really well done. I love Sunai so much!
I do think this book could have used a glossary. There was a cast of characters, but it would have been helpful to know the difference between archivists, relics, ENGINES, etc.
I do think this book could have used a glossary. There was a cast of characters, but it would have been helpful to know the difference between archivists, relics, ENGINES, etc.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Violence
Moderate: Cursing and Slavery
Minor: Death of parent
thepaperbackplanner's review against another edition
5.0
Thanks to NetGalley and Tor for early access to this incredible novel in exchange for an honest review!
What a freakin book! I almost don't even know where to start — the lush, lived-in settings from jungle to mountain to city? The perfect but terrible but loveable trashbag main character, Sunai? The deeply layered and human supporting cast? The god-king AIs that hold incredible influence over their kingdoms even after they've corrupted? Giant mechs with mysterious pilots? I could go on and on. This novel had everything I love about scifi, and while it was definitely a book that required my full attention, I enjoyed the deep dive into the world and plot. I would be remiss not to mention that this novel reminded me so much of a favorite podcast, Friends at the Table, and I can't wait for other fans to read this so we can chat! Overall, I would recommend this to lovers of mechs, AIs, unreliable narrators, and facing god to walk backward into hell.
What a freakin book! I almost don't even know where to start — the lush, lived-in settings from jungle to mountain to city? The perfect but terrible but loveable trashbag main character, Sunai? The deeply layered and human supporting cast? The god-king AIs that hold incredible influence over their kingdoms even after they've corrupted? Giant mechs with mysterious pilots? I could go on and on. This novel had everything I love about scifi, and while it was definitely a book that required my full attention, I enjoyed the deep dive into the world and plot. I would be remiss not to mention that this novel reminded me so much of a favorite podcast, Friends at the Table, and I can't wait for other fans to read this so we can chat! Overall, I would recommend this to lovers of mechs, AIs, unreliable narrators, and facing god to walk backward into hell.
joezzles's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
slow-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
3.5
whimsykat's review against another edition
Nothing wrong with it. Just not the right headspace for it at this time. Too many focus issues on my end.
libraryofdreaming's review against another edition
2.0
I FINISHED IT!!!!!
I think this was a really interesting concept but I found it sooo confusing. I could've handled a bewildering plot if I was really moved and compelled by the characters, but I felt like so much of the context and backstory was off page. I didn't feel much connection to the characters or their relationships.
I like the idea of this book and I would happily read essays about it, but I think it was a miss for me in practice.
I think this was a really interesting concept but I found it sooo confusing. I could've handled a bewildering plot if I was really moved and compelled by the characters, but I felt like so much of the context and backstory was off page. I didn't feel much connection to the characters or their relationships.
I like the idea of this book and I would happily read essays about it, but I think it was a miss for me in practice.
timinbc's review against another edition
1.0
That's a first: I decided during the prologue that I wasn't likely to finish this. I was maybe six pages into the main story when I decided it was not for me. I don't mind weird, but I prefer it as a spice, not the main ingredient.
I then looked at tge other reviews here, and I think I've made a good call. Your mileage may vary.
I then looked at tge other reviews here, and I think I've made a good call. Your mileage may vary.
indyrev's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-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
jessa_sage1996's review against another edition
- Started this book last year and put it down. Trying it again.
- This book starts off gripping. Unfortunately, so many technical things are introduced… this is honestly why I struggle with science fiction books.
- I feel like I'm missing vital information
DNF
bookfan1414's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
_ash_mac's review against another edition
Just not vibing with the book :/ thrown into the deep end a bit too much (usually I love that, but I think the world-building is a bit too complicated and we don’t get a lot of exposition in those critical first few chapters)
An incredible idea, but not for me :)
An incredible idea, but not for me :)