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valdr 's review for:
To Sleep in a Sea of Stars
by Christopher Paolini
Eragon was my First Big Fantasy book as a kid, and it was really the beginning of my love for the genre. That being said, I recognise the writing for what it is, fairly amateurish and derivative from a young author. I still love the Inheritance Cycle, but I'd like to think I came into TSIASOS with high hopes but not high expectations.
TSIASOS disappointed on nearly every count. I echo many other readers in saying that the book does far too little with far too many words. Halfway into the book I realised I didn't give a damn about any of the characters, wasn't at all interested in where the plot was going, and simply did not want to read this book anymore. I finished only out of a guilty sense of obligation from losing his autograph after a book signing 10 years ago.
Light spoilers.
I've seen a number of recommendations or reviews of this as a good sci-fi book for newcomers to the genre. This only holds true because newcomers might not recognise the poor execution of tired tropes. There are better and shorter books out there for first time sci-fi readers. That said, the physical book is gorgeous. It looks good on a shelf. Leave it there.
1.5/5.0 stars
TSIASOS disappointed on nearly every count. I echo many other readers in saying that the book does far too little with far too many words. Halfway into the book I realised I didn't give a damn about any of the characters, wasn't at all interested in where the plot was going, and simply did not want to read this book anymore. I finished only out of a guilty sense of obligation from losing his autograph after a book signing 10 years ago.
Light spoilers.
Spoiler
In rapid fire: The characters are bland. The pace is inconsistent and discouraging. Some of the aliens are intriguing and truly alien in appearance. Scent-based communication is an exciting idea and a chance to make the Jellyfish feel as alien as the look, but Kira's ability to communicate with them perfectly and their thin veneer of other-worldliness results in alien villains that are barely less human than the main characters. Paolini's portrayal of a woman and a romantic relationship are... lacking. Gregorovich is a refreshing delight, but not given enough to make me actually want to keep reading. The Angela cameo is painful and I'm usually a fan of kitschy cameos.I've seen a number of recommendations or reviews of this as a good sci-fi book for newcomers to the genre. This only holds true because newcomers might not recognise the poor execution of tired tropes. There are better and shorter books out there for first time sci-fi readers. That said, the physical book is gorgeous. It looks good on a shelf. Leave it there.
1.5/5.0 stars