It was interesting enough that I kept reading but just didn't quite grab me. Perhaps it is not quite my genre; a little too much romance and family drama for my tastes. Plus. lots of interesting philosophical questions bouncing around but not a lot of answers and at the expense of the plot and character development.
Tag - Science fiction
I found it interesting but sort of meandering; a giant thought experiment with some intriguing characters and a good hook but that never quite gets beyond a desultory pace or energy. Despite the "bombshell" at the end, not sure I have the energy to tackle the second book.
I am somewhat torn as to my reaction. I really enjoyed it for about 75% but then it felt like it was dragging a bit. But no sooner had I begun to feel that, it cranked up the tension and I stayed up late to finish it. I guess I am more on the positive (some nearly gushing) reviews spectrum than I am on the negative. But, perhaps because I am not all that knowledgeable about science fiction or speculative fiction, I can't quite see the profound and literary masterpiece some have found.
A creative and thought provoking science fiction/fantasy novella with some well done characters. Have to wonder what it could have been at standard novel length though ...
Entertainingly exemplifying the maxim that "All diplomacy is a continuation of war by other means," The Human Division is the type of intelligently crafted and inventive military-political science fiction that reminds us that though we might be able to pinpoint a genre's takeoff point, nobody can predict how far it will fly.
One of the ways I attempt to prevent my book addiction from bankrupting me is by picking up books at library sales and clearance sections. You get the job of buying a book with a lot lower cost. One such pick-up was The Merchant and the Alchemist’s Gate by Ted Chiang. Seemed like a good fit for me: short novella set in exotic location with a philosophical/religious bent. Here is the blurb: In medieval Baghdad, a penniless man is brought before the most powerful man in the world, the...
One of the ways I attempt to prevent my book addiction from bankrupting me is by picking up books at library sales and clearance sections. You get the job of buying a book with a lot lower cost. One such pick-up was The Merchant and the Alchemist’s Gate by Ted Chiang. Seemed like a good fit for me: short novella set in exotic location with a philosophical/religious bent. Here is the blurb: In medieval Baghdad, a penniless man is brought before the most powerful man in the world, the...
I really enjoyed this quirky post-apocalyptic series. It is rather spare and lacks much action but the concept is intriguing enough and the author manages to carry a great deal of suspense and tension.
I really enjoyed this quirky post-apocalyptic series. It is rather spare and lacks much action but the concept is intriguing enough and the author manages to carry a great deal of suspense and tension.
