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3.49 AVERAGE
3.49 AVERAGE
May/June 2021 DNF at 28%. This just isn’t for me right now. I thought it would be an exciting sci-fi story, but it’s more of a literary fiction piece set on Mars in the future. What I’ve read so far is interesting, but it hasn’t kept my attention and sat untouched for at least a week already. I might pick it up in the future, but I have too many books on my TBR to read right now that are more intriguing than this.
3.5 stars
This was the first time I have read anything translated from its original Chinese language in regards to Science Fiction. While extremely politically heavy it is still a reminder to a lof of the political issues facing us even as Mars society is heavily reflected in influenced by modern China.
This was the first time I have read anything translated from its original Chinese language in regards to Science Fiction. While extremely politically heavy it is still a reminder to a lof of the political issues facing us even as Mars society is heavily reflected in influenced by modern China.
Could not finish. Incredibly drab; I found nothing of interest in the characters.
hopeful
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
A gargantuan beast of beautiful prose, compelling characters, and an unexpected twist on the science fiction genre. Let's not beat around the fact that this book is 640 PAGES LONG, but when you're enjoying a futuristic deep dive into conflict between Earth and Mars, what did you expect?? I'm a huge sucker for intrinsic detailing, historic chronologies, and war that surpasses the boundaries of space. So long as it's written well and maintains my attention, I'll probably love it. I especially LOVED the dystopian leanings of Vagabonds in a sea of militaristic battles and philosophical questions. It makes the book rather difficult to read and a bit lengthy, but I like that, so....
I also loved how Earth and Mars were distinguished from the other. Not just in terms of how they each lived, but also in culture and cultivation of ideas. On Earth, everything seems to be about selling yourself or your thoughts versus on Mars, where it's more of a collective society. This really brought forth the capitalism versus socialism--something that will likely resonate with many readers. It kind of reminded me of The Expanse, minus the aliens. I really liked how neither society was painted as better than the other; they were just different and sometimes difference = war.
Luoyang is a truly compelling main character. After having lived on Earth for a time, she returns to Mars not quite sure of where exactly she belongs. Though there was lots of social science talk in this book, I absolutely adored how her character grew into her own and examined her experiences caught between these two conflicting worlds.
Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone looking to get the hell out of their comfort zone. It's a risky, beautiful, and thoughtful story, but it IS 600+ pages. It's not for the faint of heart.
I also loved how Earth and Mars were distinguished from the other. Not just in terms of how they each lived, but also in culture and cultivation of ideas. On Earth, everything seems to be about selling yourself or your thoughts versus on Mars, where it's more of a collective society. This really brought forth the capitalism versus socialism--something that will likely resonate with many readers. It kind of reminded me of The Expanse, minus the aliens. I really liked how neither society was painted as better than the other; they were just different and sometimes difference = war.
Luoyang is a truly compelling main character. After having lived on Earth for a time, she returns to Mars not quite sure of where exactly she belongs. Though there was lots of social science talk in this book, I absolutely adored how her character grew into her own and examined her experiences caught between these two conflicting worlds.
Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone looking to get the hell out of their comfort zone. It's a risky, beautiful, and thoughtful story, but it IS 600+ pages. It's not for the faint of heart.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Very philosophical, a study of pure capitalism and pure communism. For a Chinese immigrant, I can recognize a lot of themes and also limitations this book has, but it feels very subversive. Much better than some philosophy sci fi books
challenging
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:
No