Reviews

Broken Stars: Contemporary Chinese Science Fiction in Translation by Various

jesshaleth's review against another edition

challenging reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Short story collections are always hit and miss, but some of these hits are home runs. Some are probably more enjoyable with more understanding of the culture and history being referred to. I really enjoyed Liu Cixin's story, so if like me you've been too scared to read The Three Body Problem, this was very reassuring that it might not be that intimidating after all and maybe I can get over myself.

kell_xavi's review against another edition

I was greatly disappointed with this collection, and I believe it's simply a dislike of Ken Liu's perspective on science fiction and representations of China. 

pluto_kat's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

rain_97's review against another edition

fast-paced

I liked the short stories : “Goodnight Melancholy”, “Reflection” , and “The Brain Box”. 

grainneog44's review against another edition

funny informative mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

vasco's review

challenging dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

2.75

clairewilsonleeds's review against another edition

5.0

A couple of duds in the middle, but this was a great read.

nkz21752's review against another edition

adventurous dark reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

3.25

dsollick's review against another edition

3.0

This one is hard to rate as a collection of short stories. There are a few 5⭐ stories and a few 2⭐s with most in the middle. There were a handful I skipped partway through.

Translation is great, and I'd give Ken's other short story collection another shot, but I'm definitely warier. I wish I could give 3.5.

catcouch's review against another edition

adventurous challenging funny hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.5