Scan barcode
the_scribbling_man's review
3.0
Well, this was just bizarre. Starting off as an intriguing, surreal 2001-esque science fiction novel this soon turns into some kind of psychedelic space opera, written in such a way that most of the time it's rather hard to keep track of what exactly is going on.
The story follows a "Rider" named Adamson, one of many of the "Race" sent out into the universe with probes in the search of other life. "Riders" are essentially immortal as their probes serve to rebuild them each and every time they die, hence the title "Another End". Adamson has been on this journey a long time and after millions of years traversing the universe, has sunk into a state of depression and continually seeks to kill himself whenever he learns the truth of just how long he's been on his mundane trek. Each time his probe restores him and clouds his memory in order to prolong the seemingly fruitless journey, until one day they both finally come across another life form. A sort of mist-like all-loving telepathic consciousness that manifests itself according to the viewers own emotional perceptions. Conveniently but unexpectedly, the "Race" initiate a "RE-CALL" requiring all Riders to abandon the mission and return home. But home is not as they remember it...
The first half of the book is very strong, rich in ideas and description. I would say it goes a bit downhill from the introduction of the character "Thead", and becomes increasingly mad from thereon out. It's quite interesting when the characters reach Planet 1 (home) however and an interesting twist is revealed which rather rekindled my attention.
Despite the book's utter insanity I rather loved the ending. Throughout the book I could see myself giving this anything within the regions of 2 and 4 stars, but I've settled quite happily on a 3.
It's a mad ride but I would say it's worth reading for the ideas and what I would say is a rather satisfying and amusing ending.
The story follows a "Rider" named Adamson, one of many of the "Race" sent out into the universe with probes in the search of other life. "Riders" are essentially immortal as their probes serve to rebuild them each and every time they die, hence the title "Another End". Adamson has been on this journey a long time and after millions of years traversing the universe, has sunk into a state of depression and continually seeks to kill himself whenever he learns the truth of just how long he's been on his mundane trek. Each time his probe restores him and clouds his memory in order to prolong the seemingly fruitless journey, until one day they both finally come across another life form. A sort of mist-like all-loving telepathic consciousness that manifests itself according to the viewers own emotional perceptions. Conveniently but unexpectedly, the "Race" initiate a "RE-CALL" requiring all Riders to abandon the mission and return home. But home is not as they remember it...
The first half of the book is very strong, rich in ideas and description. I would say it goes a bit downhill from the introduction of the character "Thead", and becomes increasingly mad from thereon out. It's quite interesting when the characters reach Planet 1 (home) however and an interesting twist is revealed which rather rekindled my attention.
Despite the book's utter insanity I rather loved the ending. Throughout the book I could see myself giving this anything within the regions of 2 and 4 stars, but I've settled quite happily on a 3.
It's a mad ride but I would say it's worth reading for the ideas and what I would say is a rather satisfying and amusing ending.
More...