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unchainedreader's review against another edition
4.0
The Other by Matthew Buscemi
Summary
This novel appears to take place in a civilization that is politically organized similar to our own. They are gearing up for a ground-breaking presidential election when a force from outside their comfort zone uses technology to turn a barrier wall into what appears to be a human.
Thoughts
Big picture: this book made my brain hurt in some of the best ways.
First of all, I didn’t know there was a map involved until I got to the end of the book! It’s not included in the ARC, but it is available on the author’s website. The geography conversations make a lot more sense when you take the map into consideration.
The characters in this novel were very intriguing to me because they were both complicated and flat at the same time. Flat isn’t a bad thing in this case. It makes every character the every man. I think it’s very important because this gives readers a chance to relate with every character in this book.
Politically speaking, this book is brazen and on point. This book takes place during political turmoil. Yes, there is some action, but mostly? Just conversation. It’s a book of people have intelligent conversations in order to solve problems. What a novel concept, America!
Target Audience
This book would definitely appeal to science fiction readers, but I encourage all who enjoy political commentary to take a gander at it as well.
Conclusion
The main reason I can’t give this book five stars is because I can’t recommend this book to everyone which in reality is their own fault and not the book’s.
Stars: 4
Summary
This novel appears to take place in a civilization that is politically organized similar to our own. They are gearing up for a ground-breaking presidential election when a force from outside their comfort zone uses technology to turn a barrier wall into what appears to be a human.
Thoughts
Big picture: this book made my brain hurt in some of the best ways.
First of all, I didn’t know there was a map involved until I got to the end of the book! It’s not included in the ARC, but it is available on the author’s website. The geography conversations make a lot more sense when you take the map into consideration.
The characters in this novel were very intriguing to me because they were both complicated and flat at the same time. Flat isn’t a bad thing in this case. It makes every character the every man. I think it’s very important because this gives readers a chance to relate with every character in this book.
Politically speaking, this book is brazen and on point. This book takes place during political turmoil. Yes, there is some action, but mostly? Just conversation. It’s a book of people have intelligent conversations in order to solve problems. What a novel concept, America!
Target Audience
This book would definitely appeal to science fiction readers, but I encourage all who enjoy political commentary to take a gander at it as well.
Conclusion
The main reason I can’t give this book five stars is because I can’t recommend this book to everyone which in reality is their own fault and not the book’s.
Stars: 4
roxanne's review
4.0
This book was much better than I expected! To qualify that statement, I had issues with the first 3rd of the book because the beginning felt like I was literally dumped into this world in the middle of the inciting incident but I wasn’t ready for it. It was disorienting and I was confused. BUT once I adjusted, I was delighted to discover an excellent sci-fi story. I loved the characters, the plot had lots of great action and suspense. And I was happy with the ending. It was REALLY good! But that first 3rd needs work on the world building. Ease the reader into the story by doing more development on the set-up instead of throwing us into the deep end hoping we can swim. A well written prologue could work wonders. Plus a little minor editing needs to be done to the main text.
Overall, a great read! And I hope there’s a sequel because I’d definitely pick it up. I look forward to more from this author.
I was given this ARC by Book Sirens in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, a great read! And I hope there’s a sequel because I’d definitely pick it up. I look forward to more from this author.
I was given this ARC by Book Sirens in exchange for an honest review.
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