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sarahlreadseverything's review against another edition
4.0
Really these are interrelated short stories - the narrative tying them into a novel is loose at best. But that didn't make the overall read any less enjoyable, and I'm sorry I let this one languish on my kindle for so long.
cainacol12's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
Amazing
margardenlady's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A space traveler. A questionable mission to Mars. A potential mutiny in space. This book has all that and more. As we go along with IG Park in her investigation of some potential insubordination on a trip to Mars, we are faced with universal problems including human nature and greed. Nicely crafted.
smartflutist661's review
4.25
Effectively a scf-fi legal drama, which is not at all what I was expecting. But turned out to be a lot of fun, though the quality of the writing occasionally left a little to be desired, particularly around some strange character moments.
dawn_marie's review
1.0
The concept of this novel is one that I should have enjoyed; hard-science fiction mixed with a mystery surrounding a mutiny. Sadly, that was not the case with The Last Dance by Martin Shoemaker.
I cannot decide if it is the plot or the story structure that made this such an unsatisfying read. I do not mind that each chapter is a different point-of-view or that the timeline is not linear; I think, for me, what interrupted the reading flow is that Mr. Shoemaker’s writing style does not support this technique, as each character’s chapter was (1) told in first person narrative and (2) did not have distinct voice. In short, the inspector’s voice/chapter sounded exactly like the voice/chapter of the security officer, doctor, and others. Additionally, there are times when one character is retelling a story to a second character that a THIRD character told the second and then the story changes from first person to third person narrative – it overly complicated the story telling, making it extremely disjointed and fractured. The other issue I had with the story is that I had a hard time trying to “root” for or “care” about the fate of any of the characters making it extremely difficult to become invested the storyline.
I think the bones of a good story is here, it gets lost in the execution.
I cannot decide if it is the plot or the story structure that made this such an unsatisfying read. I do not mind that each chapter is a different point-of-view or that the timeline is not linear; I think, for me, what interrupted the reading flow is that Mr. Shoemaker’s writing style does not support this technique, as each character’s chapter was (1) told in first person narrative and (2) did not have distinct voice. In short, the inspector’s voice/chapter sounded exactly like the voice/chapter of the security officer, doctor, and others. Additionally, there are times when one character is retelling a story to a second character that a THIRD character told the second and then the story changes from first person to third person narrative – it overly complicated the story telling, making it extremely disjointed and fractured. The other issue I had with the story is that I had a hard time trying to “root” for or “care” about the fate of any of the characters making it extremely difficult to become invested the storyline.
I think the bones of a good story is here, it gets lost in the execution.
ellyrarg's review against another edition
3.0
It was a series of character essays all wound into one longer narrative. I think the first time I picked it up I put it down after the first chapter, but I’m glad I picked it up a second time. I mean, it was fine. It took an unlikable character and shone the torch in a way that made him understandable. It was an okay read.
zlovatt's review
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
radbear76's review
3.0
Basically a series of short stories focused around an asshole captain. The author uses stories from other characters perspectives to justify his behavior. It was an ok read but was a little long and tedious at times. And while billed as a mystery it was really just a narrative that unfolded in stages.
penwen97's review against another edition
2.0
DNF at 41%. There were parts I enjoyed but overall I was bored out of mind reading this book. I hate not finishing books but I finally realized I just didn't care what happened so why keep struggling through. Based on the ratings, most people really like this book but it just wasn't for me.
swajoed's review against another edition
4.0
Really liked the characters they were well-developed the story was interesting it was a little disjointed with flashbacks but it definitely kept me interested I am not 100% sure that I will read the next one in the series but I am certainly not a post to it hopefully the author can create such amazing characters with a plot that is a little easier to follow.