This was a bewildering, entertaining, and inventive sequel to the wonderfully enjoyable Gideon the Ninth. I can’t say that I’m able to parse fully allThis was a bewildering, entertaining, and inventive sequel to the wonderfully enjoyable Gideon the Ninth. I can’t say that I’m able to parse fully all of the implications of the various revelations and plot twists that Muir flings at her readers in this installment, but that doesn’t overly trouble me. As with the first novel, I have the feeling that Muir is wanting some of her thornier emotional beats to land with a little more impact, and for me, they fall short of that. But I remain thoroughly impressed by how confidently and wittily and boldly she crafts her work, and I definitely will continue on with The Locked Tomb. ...more
This is an intriguing, emotionally chilly exploration of the theory of the multiverse, and of how class differences are also in some ways manifestatioThis is an intriguing, emotionally chilly exploration of the theory of the multiverse, and of how class differences are also in some ways manifestations of parallel universes.
I was always kept at an arm’s length from being emotionally engaged as much as I think Johnson was hoping her readers would be, which is what ticked down the rating a notch.
But she’s an assured, inventive writer with a lot on her mind, and I’ll definitely follow her career with interest. ...more
I really enjoyed this a lot. Its subtle, lyrical, allegorical prose; its hopefulness; it’s humor; and its inventiveness were all extremely welcome. I I really enjoyed this a lot. Its subtle, lyrical, allegorical prose; its hopefulness; it’s humor; and its inventiveness were all extremely welcome. I look forward to seeking out more of Tidhar’s work. ...more
I really wanted to like this book more than I did. I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to read a book centered around indigenous characters, and II really wanted to like this book more than I did. I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to read a book centered around indigenous characters, and I’m glad that this novel has been met with popularity and acclaim. I hope that its success helps more such stories to be published.
I just found the plotting to be a bit stilted and predictable, especially the obligatory teen romance subplot. And when a book is written in first person, I want the voice of the narrator to feel alive and distinctive, but this voice felt both overly literary and sort of bland to me.
I find its premise to be an intriguing one, and I applaud the author’s ability to be unflinching in her portrayal of the degradation and commodification of indigenous peoples at the hands of colonizers. It’s gratifying that the characters here are wonderfully empowered and connected to their culture and people in very meaningful ways.
I just wanted to be swept away by all of it, and I wasn’t, but I did find it to be an interesting read in many ways.
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