Reviews

Elder Race by Adrian Tchaikovsky

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larn's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

ghsr's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

emdirl's review against another edition

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dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

That was really good! I wanted to read something by Tchaikovsky for ages so I'm glad we chose this for our book club.
The mixing of fantasy and science fiction in this novella was really well done and it was my favourite thing about the book. I didn't expect the exploration of emotions and depression and it was also done great through the use of interesting technology.
The story itself was not unusual and mostly predictable but I don't feel that it was the main focus here. There was something missing in the second part and the end to make me fall in love with it but it was still great and I will definitely will read more books of the author.

bonhoefferfan's review against another edition

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5.0

It’s stupid how good Tchaikovsky is at this point. Just automatically buy and read anything he puts out.

jaminup's review against another edition

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4.0

Rounded down from 4.5 stars. I wish I hadn't put off reading this one for so long. I should know by now I'll enjoy basically anything Adrian Tchaikovsky writes.

What a great take on the old Clarke-ism, "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." The alternating perspectives really did well to highlight how much different backgrounds and cultural understandings can affect interpretations of events. The book length was also pretty perfect for this story, any longer and I think the message would have been too watered down or lost in the plot.