A review by manuphoto
Startide Rising by David Brin

adventurous emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book has been on my TBR for the longest time. Because of conflicting reviews and other things, I put off reading it for almost two years. I finally took the time to read it and I’m glad I did!

It has a slow start, even a bit confusing at times in the first few chapters. Then, it picks up steam gradually until eventually becoming a page turner about halfway in. It’s sort of a slow burner but with an excellent payoff.

I haven’t read that many books with the concept of uplifting and this on certainly has a unique take on it. At first I was a bit incredulous (dolphins in space, really?) but after a little while, I could suspend disbelief and actually enjoy the story and Brin’s great prose. 

It’s a bit of the anti-Heinlein book. Heinlein grabs you with a tremendous start and a great concept, then he gets philosophical for 300 pages. Brin doesn’t do that in this book, he actually throws you into his world and you gradually settle in, getting to know all the players and becoming more and more involved in the story. 

You “experience” the different philosophies rather than having them explained to you, which I prefer. That approach combined with Brin’s prose and great cast of characters make this book a winner for me! I thoroughly enjoyed it and wholeheartedly recommend it!

I’m looking forward to reading The Uplift War soon.