Easy-to-read, somewhere between fantasy and SF; somewhere between space opera and world design. It’s sort of a juvenile—its heroine is a juvenile anywEasy-to-read, somewhere between fantasy and SF; somewhere between space opera and world design. It’s sort of a juvenile—its heroine is a juvenile anyway and the language is simple, outside the fantasy’s floral imagery.
The story is fine. I fault the character development a bit, and the world building to some extent, because it’s a bit like a mirror image of Dune (I am not saying it apes Dune at all). In truth, I never particularly cared for the lead character, a diminutive young teenager. Like Dune, there is a underlying religion afoot here, and it also has a tie to energy, but a bit strained. I did like the twins (pilot and engineer), but apart from their roles in their jobs, they faded away. The other characters were interchangeable.
I wanted to like this more. I didn’t look at other reviews here before writing this—I never do—so perhaps I’m swimming against the current. If not, I need more recommendations! ...more
This is book three in the series—the fourth to be published in late 2024. Like the second book, but unlike the first in the first, this has the arc ofThis is book three in the series—the fourth to be published in late 2024. Like the second book, but unlike the first in the first, this has the arc of a story. It also has actual sex (with the most idiotic character) and broad hints of a romance to come. Still, it’s nowhere near as funny as Book one....more
This is book two in the series—the fourth to be published in late 2024. Unlike the first in the first book, this has the arc of a story, and a some niThis is book two in the series—the fourth to be published in late 2024. Unlike the first in the first book, this has the arc of a story, and a some nibble of romance. But it’s nowhere near as funny as Book one....more
This feels like an Iowa Writer’s Conference book: every chapter is funny. But the whole is less than the sum of its parts. There’s no arc of story herThis feels like an Iowa Writer’s Conference book: every chapter is funny. But the whole is less than the sum of its parts. There’s no arc of story here; just events that are settled in the next chapter. Oh sure, there is a denouement, and an afterword (the latter is where a few “Arnold-esque” phrases get dropped). But, its less a book and more a comedy show. ...more
People love this medieval-Tolkenesque fantasy. I’ll never understand people.
First, writers flipping between character perspectives should have the senPeople love this medieval-Tolkenesque fantasy. I’ll never understand people.
First, writers flipping between character perspectives should have the sense to give each persona a name beginning with a different letter, an especially important point for e-readers. Second, one discourages, rather than promotes, book sales by stopping (after ~ 500 pages) with everything unresolved. But see book two—no. Third, and I’ve never said this in a review before, but the book would have been better had old-fashioned romance subbed in for endless fog, magic, and swordplay. ...more
With a John Scalzi novel, prepare to laugh. Many of his works have deeper meanings—indeed, I unfairly criticized “Red Shirts” on first read. I’m not sWith a John Scalzi novel, prepare to laugh. Many of his works have deeper meanings—indeed, I unfairly criticized “Red Shirts” on first read. I’m not sure this one has any meaning. But so what?
The book reads as if someone challenged Scalzi to write about Phillip Dick’s “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” in a way that would not, in any respect, resemble “Blade Runner,” the movie made from that work. It passes that test. It’s also reasonably internally consistent. And completely absurd.
Scalzi has made a career out of making fun of aliens. This book is no exception. In any script, they’d write some additional action scenes in (there only are two). But sufficient unto the day: Good writing and laughs are all that’s necessary. ....more
John Scalzi always has been a funny writer. But he lets it rip here, in a riotous smash up of urban-fantasy and James Bond. Anything I say would reveaJohn Scalzi always has been a funny writer. But he lets it rip here, in a riotous smash up of urban-fantasy and James Bond. Anything I say would reveal too much, because this at base is a mystery. But it’s been years since I’ve chuckled so much.
It’s also been years since I started reading at 3pm and didn’t put the book down until I finished at 8pm....more
Terrible. In the same world as the prior “Four Quarters,” but with a different set of protagonists and problems.
Huff can write, but there were zero liTerrible. In the same world as the prior “Four Quarters,” but with a different set of protagonists and problems.
Huff can write, but there were zero likable characters. And—for the most part—they made no decisions I would have made. I may be a minority, but when both are true, I find it impossible to like a book....more
Nooilforpacifists
>
Books:
fantasy
(70)
Loading...
