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esztereszterdora's review against another edition
5.0
It is a common critique for KSR that his books lack or have minimal plot or events, which is obejctively looking - a fair one. Despite the looong books, the main events are very easy to count.
Although I am a lover of action-packed and event-filled stories, I find myself enjoying his books. The more I read, the more I like them. So how come? It is easy: I am a science-nerd and if you are looking for more science than fiction, KSR is your man.
Myself wouldn't call KSR a fiction writer: he gathers some speculations and theories (and newly discovered topics), predicts the possible outcome, adds some charactes and and some plot. voilá! Here's the way to discuss some serious topics and sell them to more people. (It is a genius way to share futurology with non-academic and nerd audiences, but also earns the aformentioned criticism.)
About Red Moon
characters: restless, strong-willed and dedicated woman who tries to change (something) in the world and gets in the way of some, accompanied with a quiet, clever man who just want to have some goddamn peace - like in every KSR books (not complaining my fav pairing); this time the woman is pregnant (and the ending delivers a detailed and borderline-horrific birth scene) and the guy is most probably has Asperger's (it is not explicitly stated, but the sings are obvious. we get some flashes of problems of people in Asperger's and I was delighted of this non-pervasive representation) - but my absolute fav was Ta Su and his poetry :)
story: not too complicated and some parts got reaaaaally slow (the constant hiding and escaping), especially in the middle but the political shenanigans kept me curious. I do think KSR is improving in narrative
best parts: DESCRIPTIONS OF THE MOON!!! God, I felt like I was actually there. It was a haunting, empty but beautiful feeling. I got in the mood of moon-tourism to experience it IRL.
Also, I really liked Ta Su's philosophical thought's and the descrition of his loss when his mother died.
Although I am a lover of action-packed and event-filled stories, I find myself enjoying his books. The more I read, the more I like them. So how come? It is easy: I am a science-nerd and if you are looking for more science than fiction, KSR is your man.
Myself wouldn't call KSR a fiction writer: he gathers some speculations and theories (and newly discovered topics), predicts the possible outcome, adds some charactes and and some plot. voilá! Here's the way to discuss some serious topics and sell them to more people. (It is a genius way to share futurology with non-academic and nerd audiences, but also earns the aformentioned criticism.)
About Red Moon
characters: restless, strong-willed and dedicated woman who tries to change (something) in the world and gets in the way of some, accompanied with a quiet, clever man who just want to have some goddamn peace - like in every KSR books (not complaining my fav pairing); this time the woman is pregnant (and the ending delivers a detailed and borderline-horrific birth scene) and the guy is most probably has Asperger's (it is not explicitly stated, but the sings are obvious. we get some flashes of problems of people in Asperger's and I was delighted of this non-pervasive representation) - but my absolute fav was Ta Su and his poetry :)
story: not too complicated and some parts got reaaaaally slow (the constant hiding and escaping), especially in the middle but the political shenanigans kept me curious. I do think KSR is improving in narrative
best parts: DESCRIPTIONS OF THE MOON!!! God, I felt like I was actually there. It was a haunting, empty but beautiful feeling. I got in the mood of moon-tourism to experience it IRL.
Also, I really liked Ta Su's philosophical thought's and the descrition of his loss when his mother died.
gtbenathan's review against another edition
3.0
Exceptionally mediocre while very very smart. It was typical Robinson in many ways, but really disappointing in others.
onthesamepage's review against another edition
Nothing is really grabbing my attention. It's a murder mystery but I'm not interested in finding out who's behind it, and I don't care about any of the characters I've been introduced to within the first 22%. Other than the murder happening on the moon, a lot of it seems to take place on Earth, and has more to do with politics than scifi. I think I'm realizing that I only enjoy political intrigue in fantasy worlds, and not so much when I have to read about the same old conflicts between China and the US, just 30 years in the future.
luisterpaul's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
gracedl's review against another edition
3.0
The concept was fascinating, but the way that it was framed within the more focused plot felt like it was trying to do too much and too little at the same time. Overall pretty enjoyable though.
sgewirtz's review against another edition
5.0
This book left me stunned, it's a great look at where we might be going from here from a geopolitical and global economic policy perspective and tells that story with compelling characters and story, a great read.
42icelollies's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
justlcruz's review against another edition
5.0
A slow start but a wild finish. Robinson builds a futuristic world that is not to far from our current situation and easy to explore. Can't wait for his next adventure.
lumpy2761's review against another edition
3.0
Quite enjoyed this book although just as it seemed to be coming to an exciting conclusion it just ended. Perhaps there is a sequel but otherwise it was a bit unsatisfactory for me.
wealhtheow's review against another edition
Maybe I'll come back to this book later. I found it so slow-paced and over-explanatory that I didn't want to force myself to keep reading.