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emmymbee's review against another edition
4.0
An interesting novella about one person's experiences at the end of a long term alien invasion.
The book had an interesting and different premise than most invasion books, and I really enjoyed reading it, and figuring out exactly what was going on and what the outcome might be. I do feel the ending was left a little unresolved, and but I can see how it fits with this kind of short story. Overall a very enjoyable read.
The book had an interesting and different premise than most invasion books, and I really enjoyed reading it, and figuring out exactly what was going on and what the outcome might be. I do feel the ending was left a little unresolved, and but I can see how it fits with this kind of short story. Overall a very enjoyable read.
athenidel's review against another edition
3.0
This novella really packed a punch and had me hooked until I'd finished it.
What really stands out in this book is how clever the narrative is. From one man and one room, we see the unfolding of an alien invasion that roughly followed that of our own history, but slanting it and changing it. We gain a history that is uncanny, all from a single point with a single perspective. From this, we don't need a long rambling science fiction novel. Instead we get a fresh novella that is simple yet complex.
The pinpoints in history allow us to see the development and understanding of the invasion and the 'conscripts' that take over humans' bodies. But at the same time, we're brought back to humanity on a knife's edge, about to fall and become no-more, from the man who could potentially be the last real human.
As any hasty exploration into a science-fiction world, I want more. I want to know more about the species. I want to know more about what happens afterwards. The ending is surprisingly blunt, and I'm left with a small sense of fulfillment. But the text works as a novella, and it really uses the shortness of the story to maximum effect. It packs a punch, and it does it quickly.
What really stands out in this book is how clever the narrative is. From one man and one room, we see the unfolding of an alien invasion that roughly followed that of our own history, but slanting it and changing it. We gain a history that is uncanny, all from a single point with a single perspective. From this, we don't need a long rambling science fiction novel. Instead we get a fresh novella that is simple yet complex.
The pinpoints in history allow us to see the development and understanding of the invasion and the 'conscripts' that take over humans' bodies. But at the same time, we're brought back to humanity on a knife's edge, about to fall and become no-more, from the man who could potentially be the last real human.
As any hasty exploration into a science-fiction world, I want more. I want to know more about the species. I want to know more about what happens afterwards. The ending is surprisingly blunt, and I'm left with a small sense of fulfillment. But the text works as a novella, and it really uses the shortness of the story to maximum effect. It packs a punch, and it does it quickly.
daynpitseleh's review against another edition
4.0
I received this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
3 1/2 stars - rounded up to 4
This novella really packs a punch - as aliens try to wipe out humanity and a scientist faces the world crumbling around him, he shuts himself in a room to escape an attack. The room contains an experiment he knows nothing about, and going through the experiment might be the only chance he has to survive.
The story is instantly compelling and smartly written. It has some smart ideas and emotional moments that you will be thinking about days after finishing the story. I could easily see this being made into a movie.
3 1/2 stars - rounded up to 4
This novella really packs a punch - as aliens try to wipe out humanity and a scientist faces the world crumbling around him, he shuts himself in a room to escape an attack. The room contains an experiment he knows nothing about, and going through the experiment might be the only chance he has to survive.
The story is instantly compelling and smartly written. It has some smart ideas and emotional moments that you will be thinking about days after finishing the story. I could easily see this being made into a movie.
fortifiedbybooks's review against another edition
4.0
The only negative I have about The Communication Room is that it's too short. I think it would be an even better story if it were closer to novel length rather than only a novella. Other than that, it's a terrific example of the Science Fiction genre and would fit perfectly into an anthology, perhaps between two much shorter pieces.
For anyone interested in trying out some Sci-Fi, this would be an excellent choice. It only takes an hour or so to read, so it's not a huge investment. Besides, I think this story just might get anyone new to Sci-Fi hooked and wanting more.
For anyone interested in trying out some Sci-Fi, this would be an excellent choice. It only takes an hour or so to read, so it's not a huge investment. Besides, I think this story just might get anyone new to Sci-Fi hooked and wanting more.
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