Reviews

Dreaming Metal by Melissa Scott

outcolder's review

5.0

While reading this, I had this feeling of gratitude, like, Scott really gets it. The book came out in the 90s and it's about a band and a stage magician and how domestic, nationalist terrorism is messing with them and making every artistic decision a political one. It seems like it is even more right on right now then it was back then. I also appreciate it that although almost all of the main characters are either female or gay, the book itself isn't about that. It's the future, and nobody really cares about your gender or who you fall in love with... unless you are crossing ethnic-boundaries which map largely on to class divisions. I mean, can you be more right up that alley than that? So cool to have an SF novel with political intrigue but all the main characters are performers, not spies or whatever. Compare this kind of thing with [a:Ken MacLeod|108281|Ken MacLeod|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1283522468p2/108281.jpg] where everyone is not only a political player but also a man... I mean, I love MacLeod's stuff, I'm just saying... anywayz... as every day there seems to be some terrorist thing in the newsfeeds, if not on my continent than not that far away... a book about ordinary people who just wish it would all stop is refreshing.

offbalance80's review against another edition

4.0

Few cyberpunk authors ever captured the potential for machines (AI or otherwise) to create things that are beautiful as well as Scott did in this book. One of her best, without question.

isirla's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

I really enjoyed this story!! I preferred the pacing in this book more than the previous book but the first book is needed to really appreciate its sequel!!

jonmhansen's review against another edition

4.0

I rather enjoyed this. I don't know if it's because it's a sequel or if the first one was like this, but there was a lot going on in the world that was never directly explained, only inferred. It was like she dumped you in the deep end of the pool expecting you to swim or drown, and I rather liked it. YMMV.

errantdreams's review against another edition

5.0

I absolutely love this novel. The characters are highly original and interesting, from the three main point-of-view characters to the members of Fanning’s band, the workers at Fortune’s theater, and the members of Jian’s piloting team. There are low-key same-sex relationships, nicely presented as completely normal, which I love. The various caste and political troubles can of course be used to reflect on some of the issues of today–and in the case of AI rights, a topic which we’re presumably going to have to address eventually!

The worldbuilding is vivid and fascinating. I love the atmosphere of the Empire, the theater-like place where Fortune and Fanning both perform. I also enjoyed the descriptions of Fanning’s music–the emotions of it were conveyed so well that it didn’t matter that I have no knowledge of music. I could still get the point. I found the details of Fortune’s illusions to be fascinating as well. Scott clearly has real talent for description. By the time the plot really picks up I felt comfortable in the environment of the world, which can sometimes be a little dicey when you get tossed head-first into the worldbuilding.

This is a powerful and beautiful story, with delightful characters, exploring a fascinating subject. I look forward to reading more by Melissa Scott.


Original review posted on my blog: http://www.errantdreams.com/2019/04/review-dreaming-metal-melissa-scott/