Reviews

The Extractionist by Kimberly Unger

ergative's review

2.25

 Goodness, what a slog. I see from the author's website that she is a 'futurist' and 'game designer', and it definitely feels like she was more interested in the mechanics of cybernetic computer brain chips in her invented world than in plot. Actually, the plot was fine. The world-building was pretty well developed. I was just so bored the whole way through.

jugglingpup's review

3.0

To see a full review check it out here.

Vibrant world, intense technology. This would have made an amazing video game.

cdeane61's review

5.0

Wow, just wow.

Best cyberpunk I've read in awhile, and snagged me from the get-go unlike others that have taken a while to get immersed in.

Ms. Unger obviously knows her material, and is able to present in such a way as to make it make sense to the likes of me.

Would love this to become a series, with McKay at the center. What a world she inhabits.

Highly recommended.

jasonpatrickg's review

adventurous dark medium-paced

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

4.0

A fabulous mixing of sci-fi and cyberpunk tropes! An endearing, self-aware heroine takes on a struggle for survival that has multiple fronts,

but the true enemy is not who it seems.

sungod's review

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

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

3.75

frithnanth's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

The book is well written, but there's something in the plot that keeps bothering me.
The main character has been pushed into corners by the client, made to go for the only possible dramatic choice, then blamed for the their actions.
The character feels responsible for everything that happens as if they're responsible, accepts the blame, never tries to explain what's happening to the client, never tries to tell them it's their responsibility.
I find all that distracting and challenging the suspension of disbelief.

doverstav's review

3.0

I liked the protagonist and the body augmentations. I think I would have liked some more worldbuilding, but I will admit I was probably hoping for someting more dystopian, so that might be an error on my part. The parts in the swim felt a bit too longwinded at times, but were mostly good, if a bit abstract. The general plot was competent enough and kept me mostly interested throughout.

siggismara's review

adventurous lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Definitely fast paced and entertaining but also a bit more than just a summer fling. After reading both of her current books I’m putting Unger on my list of authors to watch. Definitely looking forward to what comes next. 

sizrobe's review

4.0

This felt like a classic cyberpunk tale, only updated for a more modern understanding of computers, networking, and body augmentation. I particularly enjoyed the metaphorical version of cyberspace, the Swim, with all the bots and users creating eddies of digital current.

I did have some problems, though. I lost track of the story here and there, and found my attention wandering at times. Still, I liked it well enough to give it a 4/5.

dakvid's review

adventurous tense fast-paced

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

4.0