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A review by bearpolar
Too Like the Lightning by Ada Palmer
challenging
dark
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Fascinating worldbuilding, if Eurocentric. It appears as if 400 years in the future people from the Middle East, Australia and South America have largely been forgotten, and African traits remain only in the DNA. Alexandria may be the capital of one world organisation, led by a Greco-Roman-inspired emperor, and Chile another, but the de facto seat of power lies in western Europe.
This blindspot seems strange and perhaps not even noticeable among Palmer's deftly woven net of politics, something that may occur only upon reflection of the global arrangement.
I have to admit, though I love me some purple prose and some of Palmer's turns of phrases are exquisite, her frequent "fourth wall breaks" were grating and her meandering descriptions hard to follow in the audiobook. Still, the story itself was promising enough that I gritted my teeth, determined to follow to the end.
Very erudite and intellectual. I feel like I have a better understanding of philosophical trends than I did before.
This blindspot seems strange and perhaps not even noticeable among Palmer's deftly woven net of politics, something that may occur only upon reflection of the global arrangement.
I have to admit, though I love me some purple prose and some of Palmer's turns of phrases are exquisite, her frequent "fourth wall breaks" were grating and her meandering descriptions hard to follow in the audiobook. Still, the story itself was promising enough that I gritted my teeth, determined to follow to the end.
Very erudite and intellectual. I feel like I have a better understanding of philosophical trends than I did before.
Content Warnings
Minor: Cannibalism and Torture