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timinbc's review
3.0
I was never big on bio-SF, and on top of that I have just learned that this is #2 in a series.
Still, I'm left with the feeling that there are too many ideas here for novella length, but not enough that we can get a grip on to provide a solid base for novel length. In a novella you can answer "how does?" with "it just does, enjoy the story."
So I'll allow all the bio stuff on that basis. I recognize the core idea that the other creatures' needs and priorities etc. are beyond our understanding. I recognize the sort of planet I first met in Harry Harrison's wonderful Deathworld series.
I recognize the inevitable picking-them-off-one-at-a-time-we-have-to-have-a-showdown-against-all-odds. The only thing an author can do then is redefine what it means to win/lose, and AT has done that here.
The novella also allows for sketches of the original tech that feel as if they were painted in the dark with a single-hair brush. I actually liked that, because it suggests how the current colonists might have seen it.
So, well executed but not to my taste. I probably won't go back to read #1.
Still, I'm left with the feeling that there are too many ideas here for novella length, but not enough that we can get a grip on to provide a solid base for novel length. In a novella you can answer "how does?" with "it just does, enjoy the story."
So I'll allow all the bio stuff on that basis. I recognize the core idea that the other creatures' needs and priorities etc. are beyond our understanding. I recognize the sort of planet I first met in Harry Harrison's wonderful Deathworld series.
I recognize the inevitable picking-them-off-one-at-a-time-we-have-to-have-a-showdown-against-all-odds. The only thing an author can do then is redefine what it means to win/lose, and AT has done that here.
The novella also allows for sketches of the original tech that feel as if they were painted in the dark with a single-hair brush. I actually liked that, because it suggests how the current colonists might have seen it.
So, well executed but not to my taste. I probably won't go back to read #1.
100yrs's review
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
paper_mache's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
justgj's review
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
davidtan's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
andreashibly's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
3.0
nostoat's review against another edition
5.0
Wouldn't it be fucked up if....YES ADRIEN YES IT WOULD BE MY GOD
cloudsinthecupboard's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
makiba's review
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death and Body horror
Moderate: Classism