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carjohnsxn's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
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
4.0
eponineeurydice's review
4.0
"Don't think about being anyone other than who you are. Because our ability to control our human consciousness? That's the most human thing in this world."
Woo! That was a wild ride! I will first give props to the author for coming up with such a truly original and fascinating concept, because I've truly never read a story quite like this one. That, unfortunately, did make for a bit of a bizarre story at times! But I'm here for the weirdness and the unexpected twists, because I truly didn't know what would come next and I never got too comfortable because of all the fun turns and unexpected things that the characters would do! Speaking of which... yeah. I'm not too attached to any of these characters. Nami? Very erratic and a bit of a passive protagonist. But I don't dislike her by any means! She's someone who really wants to do good, but at times I just found her a bit... infuriating? The other side characters felt a little one-dimensional as well, but I'd absolutely love to learn more of them in the next book! It really was just such a crazy journey and I was here for it! It was pretty engaging and I was just waiting to discover something else about this world. The writing was gorgeous and there were some great quotes in here as well! I really enjoy this author's writing; it's always very engaging, yet reflective. All in all, I quite enjoyed this! It would've been a little better if I could've just loved the characters more. Maybe it was a me thing! Either way, I had a great time! The questions about what makes someone human, the morals behind killing AI, and the torn feeling that Nami was always going through was actually really interesting, I loved digging into those moral questions. If you're someone who likes sci-fi, especially more classic tropes, and a compelling narrative that makes you think, this is the book for you!
"But what if instead of thinking about the greater good, everyone thought about the individuals? The stranger they might be able to help. The life they might be able to change."
Woo! That was a wild ride! I will first give props to the author for coming up with such a truly original and fascinating concept, because I've truly never read a story quite like this one. That, unfortunately, did make for a bit of a bizarre story at times! But I'm here for the weirdness and the unexpected twists, because I truly didn't know what would come next and I never got too comfortable because of all the fun turns and unexpected things that the characters would do! Speaking of which... yeah. I'm not too attached to any of these characters. Nami? Very erratic and a bit of a passive protagonist. But I don't dislike her by any means! She's someone who really wants to do good, but at times I just found her a bit... infuriating? The other side characters felt a little one-dimensional as well, but I'd absolutely love to learn more of them in the next book! It really was just such a crazy journey and I was here for it! It was pretty engaging and I was just waiting to discover something else about this world. The writing was gorgeous and there were some great quotes in here as well! I really enjoy this author's writing; it's always very engaging, yet reflective. All in all, I quite enjoyed this! It would've been a little better if I could've just loved the characters more. Maybe it was a me thing! Either way, I had a great time! The questions about what makes someone human, the morals behind killing AI, and the torn feeling that Nami was always going through was actually really interesting, I loved digging into those moral questions. If you're someone who likes sci-fi, especially more classic tropes, and a compelling narrative that makes you think, this is the book for you!
"But what if instead of thinking about the greater good, everyone thought about the individuals? The stranger they might be able to help. The life they might be able to change."
miadesjardins's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
fast-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? N/A
4.75
timinbc's review
2.0
I should have stopped halfway, when my suspension of disbelief failed.
First off, SFF demands more worldbuilding than we have here. Is this a holodeck or something?
How would veils work? If the Queen doesn't operate it all, who/what does? How does the system capture the essences of dead people, when my virtual assistant can't even open most of my apps?
The book raises some interesting philosophical points, but unfortunately it raises them over and over again, in repetitive inner and sometimes outer dialogs.
The plot details. Four princes, one cruel, one nice, etc.; palaces, balls, champagne, servants? Sigh. Page six of the catalog. At least no one had gray eyes.
Nami's a whiner, but dogged. Acceptable for the probable intended audience. She does OK with learning skills that don't come easily. Just like real life.
Gil hates her. She hates him. You know they'll be getting it on around page 300.
The trick ending. JFC on a tricycle. It's like "Titanic" ending with a long shot through the periscope of a prototype U-boat, with a cackling captain sound effect. For me, it blew holes in the whole already-flimsy plot. And why did the rulers need to do it at all?
Final concern: Why does the whole shebang need to exist at all? What decisive moment created it, and by what means? (Example: You see, Jim, when Yellowstone blew, the energy was so much that it briefly Changed The Rules of Time and Space.)
First off, SFF demands more worldbuilding than we have here. Is this a holodeck or something?
How would veils work? If the Queen doesn't operate it all, who/what does? How does the system capture the essences of dead people, when my virtual assistant can't even open most of my apps?
The book raises some interesting philosophical points, but unfortunately it raises them over and over again, in repetitive inner and sometimes outer dialogs.
The plot details. Four princes, one cruel, one nice, etc.; palaces, balls, champagne, servants? Sigh. Page six of the catalog. At least no one had gray eyes.
Nami's a whiner, but dogged. Acceptable for the probable intended audience. She does OK with learning skills that don't come easily. Just like real life.
Gil hates her. She hates him. You know they'll be getting it on around page 300.
The trick ending. JFC on a tricycle. It's like "Titanic" ending with a long shot through the periscope of a prototype U-boat, with a cackling captain sound effect. For me, it blew holes in the whole already-flimsy plot. And why did the rulers need to do it at all?
Final concern: Why does the whole shebang need to exist at all? What decisive moment created it, and by what means? (Example: You see, Jim, when Yellowstone blew, the energy was so much that it briefly Changed The Rules of Time and Space.)
courtofyoung's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-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
3.0
I found the book to be a bit repetitive, circling around the same themes and posing the same questions. But it was overall enjoyable and a quick read.
psistillreadyou's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Child death
Moderate: Gun violence and Torture
cobaltbookshelf's review
3.0
This book has cool concept and good world building. Romance was ok and it has slow middle but overall entertaining read.
kishma_'s review
4.0
Uhm, I loved this?? I was expecting some twist at the end but not the one we got and I really enjoyed that. I will definitely be picking up book 2.
kassidyreads's review
adventurous
challenging
tense
slow-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? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Violence
Minor: Gun violence, Cancer, and Torture