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A review by bartonstanley
Too Like the Lightning by Ada Palmer
3.0
I found the characters and plot thoroughly compelling, but I was disappointed to find out toward the end that I would have to read a second book to get a resolution. I was looking forward to being done moving on to something else. I now feel that to enjoy and truly understand the second book that I will need to re-read this one and takes notes so that I have a better grasp of what is going on. It is really not worth my time to plow through the second book without a better understanding the characters, their relationships, and their Hives.
At the same time I respect the breadth and depth of what the author is trying to achieve and I don't want to downplay that or discourage anyone from reading it. She has created a fictional world order that is more complex and cohesive than other attempts at such that I have read. Add to that a healthy dose of 18th century philosophy along with a chaser of social commentary and you have a richly-textured narrative at many levels.
Ultimately however, I feel that the author's ambition outstrips her capability to realize it at this stage in her development as a writer. This doesn't mean this novel is not worth reading, it just means you may find yourself mourning the an opportunity she missed more than once along your way.
At the same time I respect the breadth and depth of what the author is trying to achieve and I don't want to downplay that or discourage anyone from reading it. She has created a fictional world order that is more complex and cohesive than other attempts at such that I have read. Add to that a healthy dose of 18th century philosophy along with a chaser of social commentary and you have a richly-textured narrative at many levels.
Ultimately however, I feel that the author's ambition outstrips her capability to realize it at this stage in her development as a writer. This doesn't mean this novel is not worth reading, it just means you may find yourself mourning the an opportunity she missed more than once along your way.