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A review by jpinney2
Across the Sea of Suns by Gregory Benford
3.0
Benford’s writing style can be difficult to read at times, and I found myself simply skimming over the dense layered blocks of “ship speak.” The “character development” seems to be wholly irrelevant to the story and honestly, every character kind of sucks - I don’t think a single one of them is likable. The time spent waxing on the workings of three way relationships - pointless, droll, added in to create some “drama” in an already compelling story - was a failed attempt to add depth to the characters.
Nevertheless, the story is incredibly intriguing, the science is kick ass and Benford has an incredibly compelling take on what other forms of life could be out there. A prime example of sturgeons law, where 90% of it is crap, but it was still worth the read for the remaining 10%, if you are able to wade through the faux complex posturing on the nature of Nigel’s relationships.
Nevertheless, the story is incredibly intriguing, the science is kick ass and Benford has an incredibly compelling take on what other forms of life could be out there. A prime example of sturgeons law, where 90% of it is crap, but it was still worth the read for the remaining 10%, if you are able to wade through the faux complex posturing on the nature of Nigel’s relationships.