This was actually a reread for me, but the last time i read this was roughly 30 years ago, when I was a teenager. I hadn't remembered much of the story, and I'm sure I got more out of it this time. I will probably follow this up soon with a few more books in the series, something I didn't do the first time I read this.
This is a science fiction book. But I wouldn't call it a science fiction story. By that I mean that after the first chapter the rest of the story takes place on just one planet, with tech not much different then ours. Yes this is an alien world, with aliens, but it is much more of a court/ political drama then it is anything else. To be honest it feels more like a lot of fantasy that includes this sort of drama in it. And for what it is, it is very good. But I wouldn't go in looking for galaxy spanning space opera, it is a much smaller story then that. With the exception of the beginning, it stays with just one POV character, this works, but also aids in the story feeling smaller.
I always find it interesting when you see themes in books written decades ago, that feel that they could be making social commentary today. And this one has a few. I know it is nothing new, but that in and of it self, can be eye opening. Thinking of the fact that we as a society have been dealing with some of the same issues for decades, and in some cases centuries, is both enlightening, and discouraging at the same time.
In the past I haven't done many reviews, but I've decided to do a few more recently to memorialize the passing of Jenny Colvin (Reading Envy). A very active reader and reviewer, and someone who I will miss doing more of these.
I'm not sure this is exactly where I expected the story to continue. Don't get me wrong, I liked it, the story was good, and unlike some of the early novellas in this series, it is fairly episodic. I won't quite say self contained, since it is really helpful to have some background first, but the actual plot is mostly self contained. It also showed some character development for our lead. And shows it both developing new skills, and refining how it works in this environment.
I will keep reading this series as long is it is being made. But there is not much more to say, Martha Wells just continues to make this great comfort food.
I'm not typically a big review writer, but I was inspired to create this one in memory of an avid reader and reviewer Jenny Colvin.
I recently finished listening to the audio book of this. I enjoyed it. I really like the universe, and the world building that went into the story. The characters are enjoyable, but maybe not as deep as other works, but that works in this story as well. The story can be a bit obvious at times, but is still fun and entertaining. The end may be a bit weaker than the journey there, but it still resolved everything. Maybe tied it up a bit too neatly, but hey it's a story not life. I will very much keep an eye on this author, and probably read more in this universe, it is just too much fun not too.
I'm trying to review more books, and post them on here this year. This was influanced by the recent loss of a very active reader and reviewer Jenny “Reading Envy” Colvin.
I really enjoyed this book. But I also could see why it is not for everyone. The POV character is not the most likable person, although I've known a few like him. The character development is minimal at best. And even the plot isn't as satisfying as it could have been. But I still liked it. It is a fantasy book with out any real supernatural elements, it's almost more like an alternative history story. It reminds me of a grown up version of one of my favorite books growing up [b:Castle 847012 Castle David Macaulay https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348985672l/847012.SX50.jpg 1499337] by [a:David Macaulay 18539 David Macaulay https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1222103566p2/18539.jpg]. In that it is more just about the goings on of this walled city. Even if is seen through the eyes of a gruff, engineer who knows hoe to get things done, even if it is not the most honest way. Now I'm an engineer by trade, and so the minutiae of how they accomplished things was interesting to me, but I could see how it would not be everyone's thing, so take that for what it is worth.I don't do many reviews, but I've decided to do a few more recently to memorialize the passing of Jenny Colvin (Reading Envy). A very active reader and reviewer.
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