yargus

Note: I listened to this book on audible. I believe Luke Daniels is a superb narrator, but I am well aware that, have I read the book, my thoughts might be different.

That said...

I really struggled to get into this book. For me, the book was like a philosophical work where the author uses a possible (note that in an infinite universe anything is possible) world to highlight several factors of the human condition.
- Religion
- Oppression
- War/Violence
- Destruction of nature
- Scientific discovery (Astronomical, Nano, Quantum mechanics)
- Technology
- Crime solving
- Specific/General Relativity
- the Chinese Revolution
- and Game development!

Throughout the book I couldn't get myself to care about any of the characters. They had histories and motives, and some of the dynamics between the characters were quite interesting, but I all seemed flat to me. I thought that the author wanted you to know that everybody has a view and that all views (even the alien's) are correct and incorrect at the same time.

What I was impressed with was Liu's imagination, and combining his creation with current science and scientific theory. His out of the box creation of a new civilisation is, though interesting, not the best I have seen.

As an educational book, it contains great imagery to explain complex issues (read.. Multidimensional dynamics!) and ideas (the very basics of the electronic computer).

And at the end... be careful what you wish for... take care of the environment and count yourself lucky, because everything could have been far worse.

Note: I listened to this book, I did not read it. This might have an effect on my view of the book.This is the first book that I went through twice in quick succession (with a quick stopover at [b:The Three-Body Problem 1773333 The Three Body Problem Catherine Shaw https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1335359426s/1773333.jpg 3117259])The first time, I had to stop partway through because I totally lost track of what was happening. After checking out the wiki, I was back on track (somewhat), but I already missed some key details which made the rest of the book seem a bit random. This meant that my first rating of this book was only 3 stars, but after my second pass I am putting this up to 4 (would have put 4 1/2).Steven Erikson is not only a master wordsmith, but a supreme story teller! Giving hints and nudges right from the start of the book that makes you go “Ah-ha!” later on. This makes it an extremely difficult book to listen to if, like me, you drive, wash dishes, play with the dogs, etc. while listening.The dialog in this book is intelligent and natural. It has a multitude of deep and unique characters, 10+ of these each with their own plot line (hard to keep track of if you don't pay attention).The deep plot and brilliant writing makes this an ultimate book for rereading.

I read it, I enjoyed it, and it's quite alright.
It is just a not slow and passive for my taste.
I read the book all the way to the end because I had this sense that... well... it wouldn't be climactic.
I do so see how people would love this style if writing. Very tranquil.
I won't be continuing the series however.

Didn't finish this one I'm afraid.

Got about 3/4 the way through, when I had to face the fact that I just didn't like the arc (sorry) that the story was taking.

I enjoy the planning for the disaster part, but not so much the rebuilding part.

Not a win for my I'm afraid.

Got 25% through before I stopped.

I think my main issue is that I love good, clever, funny interaction between characters. Unfortunately the MC is by himself 99% of the time.

There are so many books that I just don't want to put down... this wasn't one of them.

Epic, dark and abstract.

The author writes like he is painting a fractal masterpiece of a thousand shades of shadow.

No feel good times here. Just hard choices, difficult decisions and a sense of shared anguish with the characters, that grows and grows.

Unfortunately a bit of a miss for me. After the 1st book I was looking forward to this one... but it didn't quite get there.
There is very little in the book that makes me think, “Wow, how did the author come up with this idea/plot line/ character/ solution?”

I'm going to give the next book a try though...

Well thought out and in depth. But all in all not a great performance by L J Gancer (audible).
Won't read/listen to it again

Good read. Has some depth and interesting enough characters. Good world, with a lot of space for development.
Happy to continue with the series.