Reviews

Too Like the Lightning by Ada Palmer

kivt's review against another edition

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5.0

not really sure what i thought of that.

newcombe74's review against another edition

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Overly pretentious

leflambeur's review against another edition

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4.0

More a wrapper for a metaphysical and philosophical discussion than a true scifi book. Certainly no "hard" scifi in there for lovers of that genre. It reminded me of a China Mieville book more than anything else, using a future setting to play with big ideas.

The read is kind of slow, and dense, but stunning for its ideas and how they are presented. It has some good hooks that keep you going, but don't get at all resolved in this book.

Not for everyone, but definitely great writing and not to be missed.

ashablue's review against another edition

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4.0

Gender ambiguity. A new world order made not of nations but of "Hives" based one one's values and interests. A child god who makes real anything they touch. A person who thinks they are a god. A mass murderer with a heart of gold. Be prepared for epic political intrigue, philosophy and a lot of Latin in your sci-fi.

pipode1234's review

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challenging mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

johannaerikaly's review against another edition

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

4.5

ngroenke's review against another edition

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2.0

I liked the first half, or maybe even more, but I really hated the last 6 chapters of the book. I wish I hadn’t read the book at all. It made me feel disgusted and sad.

fitz123's review against another edition

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2.0

I liked the first half, or maybe even more, but I really hated the last 6 chapters of the book. I wish I hadn’t read the book at all. It made me feel disgusted and sad.

emmhardt's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

This book contains a vastyly rich world that doesn't hold your hand when it introduces itself. Everything is thrown at the reader, full throttle, with the expectation that you must start running with the plot the moment the front door is opened. Worth a second read to further understanding of the deep politics and multitude of characters.

dradininlove's review

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challenging dark mysterious slow-paced

5.0