Izaak
In general, this is a fun space opera, full of political intrigue, taking place in an interesting setting full of interesting possibilities. This novel encompasses multiple PoVs, though I don't think the author has fully capitalized on how alien the varying groups would be in their reference to one another (however, I also think that wasn't the goal at hand).
In general, this is a fun space opera, full of political intrigue, taking place in an interesting setting full of interesting possibilities. This novel encompasses multiple PoVs, though I don't think the author has fully capitalized on how alien the varying groups would be in their reference to one another (however, I also think that wasn't the goal at hand).
This is difficult to rate. A deeply frustrating and confusing read (via narrative necessity), but one that is well-executed on a story level. There is a pay-off. I imagine that this book is very good as a re-read.
I found myself decently visually challenged regarding characters in this novel; so many of them are described in mountainous quantities of superlative adjectives that a reader comes away with only a blinding aura of an idea of what they actually look like. Except G-Man, he's "normal," apparently. Locales and scenes are described in similar fashion, much akin to the "show but don't actually show just kinda describe the outline of it all"-not-tell worldbuilding that Muir has done well to corner.
This is difficult to rate. A deeply frustrating and confusing read (via narrative necessity), but one that is well-executed on a story level. There is a pay-off. I imagine that this book is very good as a re-read.
I found myself decently visually challenged regarding characters in this novel; so many of them are described in mountainous quantities of superlative adjectives that a reader comes away with only a blinding aura of an idea of what they actually look like. Except G-Man, he's "normal," apparently. Locales and scenes are described in similar fashion, much akin to the "show but don't actually show just kinda describe the outline of it all"-not-tell worldbuilding that Muir has done well to corner.
The philosophies of the different branches of humanity and the polises was really interesting to read through and think about!
But damn, what a sad ending.
The philosophies of the different branches of humanity and the polises was really interesting to read through and think about!
But damn, what a sad ending.
In general, this is a fun space opera, full of political intrigue, taking place in an interesting setting full of interesting possibilities. This novel encompasses multiple PoVs, though I don't think the author has fully capitalized on how alien the varying groups would be in their reference to one another (however, I also think that wasn't the goal at hand).
In general, this is a fun space opera, full of political intrigue, taking place in an interesting setting full of interesting possibilities. This novel encompasses multiple PoVs, though I don't think the author has fully capitalized on how alien the varying groups would be in their reference to one another (however, I also think that wasn't the goal at hand).
A fascinating blend of weird-fiction and sci-fi. It feels unbound to pacing in the same way as many of the sci-fi novels of yore (1970's--> ), which is not a bad thing!
A fascinating blend of weird-fiction and sci-fi. It feels unbound to pacing in the same way as many of the sci-fi novels of yore (1970's--> ), which is not a bad thing!
Wraps up the core story really nicely, and has solid lead female characters for '90s sci-fi (with only one weird 70-year age-gap that's totally acceptable 😉)
ETA: There's far less breasting boobily than was commonplace at the time, and I applaud the novel for having female characters with agency as much as it does, but be aware that this is definitely character-driven sci-fi from the '80s/'90s and is best viewed through the lens of its time.
Wraps up the core story really nicely, and has solid lead female characters for '90s sci-fi (with only one weird 70-year age-gap that's totally acceptable 😉)
ETA: There's far less breasting boobily than was commonplace at the time, and I applaud the novel for having female characters with agency as much as it does, but be aware that this is definitely character-driven sci-fi from the '80s/'90s and is best viewed through the lens of its time.
Fantastically weird and tightly-written; just a really fun read.
Fantastically weird and tightly-written; just a really fun read.
Márquez is, without a doubt, one of the better writers to have graced the English language. His descriptions are as vivid as paintings, and his character development is nothing short of fantastic.
Where he really, truly excels is poetry within his prose. Márquez manages to say so incredibly much within so little space. His development and encapsulation of side-characters, of places, and of events is as much artwork as it is poetry.
However, his development of protagonist characters is languid and, at times, over-wrought. It's really difficult to believe that anyone could be so absolutely full-of-themselves as the several main figures of this story are. However, this novel is as much a depiction of the lives of nobles as it is a decrying of how the lower classes lived, so it's likely very much intended. Regardless of intended effect, it still makes the novel drag on more than it would otherwise.
Márquez is, without a doubt, one of the better writers to have graced the English language. His descriptions are as vivid as paintings, and his character development is nothing short of fantastic.
Where he really, truly excels is poetry within his prose. Márquez manages to say so incredibly much within so little space. His development and encapsulation of side-characters, of places, and of events is as much artwork as it is poetry.
However, his development of protagonist characters is languid and, at times, over-wrought. It's really difficult to believe that anyone could be so absolutely full-of-themselves as the several main figures of this story are. However, this novel is as much a depiction of the lives of nobles as it is a decrying of how the lower classes lived, so it's likely very much intended. Regardless of intended effect, it still makes the novel drag on more than it would otherwise.
The Red
This is, in and of itself, not bad sci-fi, but I'm hesitant to call it "hard" sci-fi. It's even well-written and explored an interesting, rising aspect of modern society.
If you're a fan of Dan Brown or Clive Cussler, you'll enjoy this book. It has that exact tone and pacing. I, however, deeply do not enjoy that style of book.
This is, in and of itself, not bad sci-fi, but I'm hesitant to call it "hard" sci-fi. It's even well-written and explored an interesting, rising aspect of modern society.
If you're a fan of Dan Brown or Clive Cussler, you'll enjoy this book. It has that exact tone and pacing. I, however, deeply do not enjoy that style of book.
This exists as one of those seminal works of fiction which I don't think you can give a rating to -- the concept and how it's explored (1st person diary entries) puts it in the same weird category as something like 12 Monkeys. Maybe it's a fantastic film, but we simply accept it at face value for the storytelling it provides.
This exists as one of those seminal works of fiction which I don't think you can give a rating to -- the concept and how it's explored (1st person diary entries) puts it in the same weird category as something like 12 Monkeys. Maybe it's a fantastic film, but we simply accept it at face value for the storytelling it provides.
