Govind

This is a hard book for me to rate. The art, especially the colouring, was absolutely beautiful. I also liked how the author made subtle commentary on the social issues here. It could have been a more surface level name drop of those issues, but I am still glad they were included.

The story has good intrigue and builds up well, but the ending feels very anticlimactic. I expected more. The message itself is great, and there is a lot to unpack, but the overall reading experience couldn't compare to the great graphic novels I have read before. It feels like four great issues followed by a mediocre finale. It doesn't have the cohesion I would have liked.

I can't rate it any higher, but I would absolutely recommend giving this book a try. I am definitely going to read more works by everyone involved with this book.

This book has a good foundation/concept and it addresses a lot of issues, but the weak plot holds it back. The book feels like a mediocre soup with some amazing vegetables and meat in it. So when those are over and you have to drink the soup, the disappointment hits.

Before I get to the negative parts, I have to say I really liked how the book turns away from the stereotype of a smart character who brings their analytical nature to their love life too. The MC makes some dumb decisions in her love life. I initially didn't like that, but later on, I realised that it made the character feel a bit more real. The novel then does good commentary on the justice and social systems in America and how the system treats minorities. The commentary on police brutality was done really well too. While the villain and one conservative professor felt like exaggerated caricatures, the encounter with the police in one part felt very real. To be honest, they reacted less harshly than the real ones might have.

The writing quality is just alright. Nothing stands out. Overall, it's only an okay read. You don't feel like you got your time's worth, as there wasn't much in terms of an entertaining plot. It mostly felt like a character study and a good look at society. I wouldn't recommend you spend your time on this book. I do, however, see the potential from the author though. If she releases another novel, I will definitely try that out.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the advance review copy.

I have seen The Martian, but this is the first time I am trying a work by Weir. Given the high acclaim, I had high expectations, but it fell flat, and the writing quality leaves a lot to be desired. I was surprised at the amount of cringy, unfunny jokes and bad jokes based on stereotypes. It's 2021 and it's sad that we still doing the bit about foreigners working in sciences not speaking good English. They can figure out all this hard science, but apparently English Garmmar is insurmountable. I just can't with bad grammar to show accent.

I personally didn't enjoy the ending, as I felt it could have been fleshed out more. The last paragraph read just like the last scene from a screenplay. However, even with all its flaws, it's a quick enjoyable read and the plot is way too Intresting to make you stop reading. The middle part in space is really enjoyable.

I will definitely watch the movie (I am sure it will be fantastic) and try more works from the author. I just can't rate it higher though. The writing quality is just not there.