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tilduke's reviews
161 reviews
Shroud by Adrian Tchaikovsky
4.5
Thankyou to Netgalley and PanMacmillan/Tor for this ARC.
## Ratings
Cover: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Initial Draw: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pacing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Finish Line Feeling: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
## Review
Tchaikovsky is undoubtedly one of the premier authors when it comes to writing from the perspective of different species/cultures. The world he developed in Shroud was just as strong as Children of Time, with similar plot beats and pacing but a completely new species and new hostile environment to live through and contemplate. The way Tchaikovsky writes from the perspective of non-human characters makes you realise how anthropomorphized most sci-fi species are and is a breath of fresh air when it comes to thinking about what could be out there.
I was on the edge of my seat the entire time - not because I didn't expect the ending; but, because the pacing was completely on point, always tempting you to know what happens next at every page and every chapter.
I don't really want to go into finer plot points any more because you should definitely just experience it for yourself. Overall if you enjoyed Children of Time or Tchaikovsky's other works relating to alternate species then you will love this one. I can't wait for the sequels to explore this world and species more.
## Ratings
Cover: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Initial Draw: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pacing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Finish Line Feeling: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
## Review
Tchaikovsky is undoubtedly one of the premier authors when it comes to writing from the perspective of different species/cultures. The world he developed in Shroud was just as strong as Children of Time, with similar plot beats and pacing but a completely new species and new hostile environment to live through and contemplate. The way Tchaikovsky writes from the perspective of non-human characters makes you realise how anthropomorphized most sci-fi species are and is a breath of fresh air when it comes to thinking about what could be out there.
I was on the edge of my seat the entire time - not because I didn't expect the ending; but, because the pacing was completely on point, always tempting you to know what happens next at every page and every chapter.
I don't really want to go into finer plot points any more because you should definitely just experience it for yourself. Overall if you enjoyed Children of Time or Tchaikovsky's other works relating to alternate species then you will love this one. I can't wait for the sequels to explore this world and species more.
Picks and Shovels by Cory Doctorow
4.0
This book was very well written and engaging while drawing from plenty of grounded historical context.
As a compsci nerd myself I really enjoyed this prequel book about computers and culture from the 80s. A time when knowing anything about computers was a super power and nobody knew just how much they would change the world. Hench managed to weave this pivotal historical moment in with a gripping plot of good intentions and bad decisions.