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jennybeastie's review against another edition
3.0
Great Martian adventure -- I don't buy that that protagonist is 16 -- didn't feel that way, ever, but the story's good and the world is interesting. Hooray!
sunbear98's review against another edition
3.0
This was certainly action packed, but I missed character development. I think I would offer this book to some of my male students that are looking for non-stop action.
libscote's review against another edition
3.0
Have you been waiting for a new book that adheres more closely to standard science fiction? Perhaps you should give this one a try. At least, that was my thinking when I started reading it.
Life on Mars is hard for Durango. He ekes out a living as best he can, even though he is dalit. He has a mysterious past and a mysterious mission.
I do have a few complaints about the book. I thought the beginning was well done but it tapered off toward the end. There were a couple of things that just randomly seemed to happen (if I explain further it would be a spoiler) and I just was not impressed with it. Lastly, if you have seen Firefly, the random Chinese swearing and a few other aspects will be off-putting.
Overall, I liked the book. The beginning was very good and I had a hard-time putting it down. The ending, however, left a lot to be desired, and I think it was attempting to set up for a sequel. I would read the sequel if there was one, to see if some of the issues I had with this book were cleaned up.
Life on Mars is hard for Durango. He ekes out a living as best he can, even though he is dalit. He has a mysterious past and a mysterious mission.
I do have a few complaints about the book. I thought the beginning was well done but it tapered off toward the end. There were a couple of things that just randomly seemed to happen (if I explain further it would be a spoiler) and I just was not impressed with it. Lastly, if you have seen Firefly, the random Chinese swearing and a few other aspects will be off-putting.
Overall, I liked the book. The beginning was very good and I had a hard-time putting it down. The ending, however, left a lot to be desired, and I think it was attempting to set up for a sequel. I would read the sequel if there was one, to see if some of the issues I had with this book were cleaned up.
chwaters's review against another edition
4.0
Slick, action-packed and funny! This sci-fi adventure's got it all. Durango is a free-lance Regulator trying to eke out a living on Mars. Accompanying him are a cast of entertaining folks: his right-hand woman, Vienne, a pair of goofy dudes who are lucky to have survived as long as they have and his AI-pal-in-his-head, Mimi (who was incidentally his previous CO before she was killed in the line of duty). When a group of miners attempts to hire them for their services, Durango's sense of pride forces them to head to a distant outpost on Mars where a whole host of nasty surprises await them. Like cannibalistic genetic mutants (i.e. the Draeu). And those creepy Chingo things. Not to mention human beings who seem to have difficulty acting as such.
This was a super-fun read and a great change of pace from all the other stuff that's been hitting the shelves lately. This book kind of read a bit like "Firefly" meets "Samurai 7". And that's a very good thing indeed.
This was a super-fun read and a great change of pace from all the other stuff that's been hitting the shelves lately. This book kind of read a bit like "Firefly" meets "Samurai 7". And that's a very good thing indeed.
ekrammarkee's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. The characters were dimensional and had personalities. My favorite is Durango, closely followed by Vienne and Fuse. This is one novel that is a standalone, but definitely leaves room for more. I really hope there are sequels!
hermanabeckman's review against another edition
3.0
The story line I really enjoyed though there was quite a bit of language and a little hard to follow with slang from mars.
aprice91's review against another edition
5.0
A fast (but well) paced, inventive read with an amazing ending. A perfect introduction to a series.
alexisneuville23's review against another edition
2.0
Review: http://theyabooknook.blogspot.com/2011/06/black-hole-sun-by-david-macinnis-gill.html
mumblebee's review against another edition
3.0
I liked the story a lot, but the writing left a lot to be desired. I'll give the second book a try, in hopes that the author improved his writing.
pegahe's review against another edition
4.0
Black Hole Sun was one of the most action packed books I've ever read. There was always an enemy that needed to be fought and the battles were long and hard won (or lost). I literally feel like I was dropped into the action and the moment I started to catch my breath, there would be an even bigger problem or task.
The best thing about Black Hole Sun is the world. Everyone lives on Mars after Earth got hit with a plague. Mars is a dump but the government promises a better future. There are many civil problems and wars that Mars has already faced. That makes the planet more real to me. The entire world is huge, well thought out and I feel like I've barely discovered it so I can't wait to read the sequel to learn more.
The characters are a bit gritty but lovable. Vienne the badass chick who's loyal to Durango, our damaged but standing strong witty leader, etc. I found myself caring for each and everyone of them. Durango especially has a special place in my heart.
The problem I had with this book is that I didn't find enough explanation. I didn't feel like I knew the characters well. There were things I didn't understand about the story because they weren't explained. I'm not saying I want to know everything, I just wish there was more of a balance between the hard action scenes and thoughts on the day. I feel like the book blew by.
Ultimately, Black Hole Sun is an addicting, fun read which will give as much adrenaline-filled action as a roller coaster. It was witty and I laughed out loud at some parts. It's perfect for people who love action movies with a bit of Sci-Fi. It's also narrated by a boy which is always fun. 4 stars,
****
The best thing about Black Hole Sun is the world. Everyone lives on Mars after Earth got hit with a plague. Mars is a dump but the government promises a better future. There are many civil problems and wars that Mars has already faced. That makes the planet more real to me. The entire world is huge, well thought out and I feel like I've barely discovered it so I can't wait to read the sequel to learn more.
The characters are a bit gritty but lovable. Vienne the badass chick who's loyal to Durango, our damaged but standing strong witty leader, etc. I found myself caring for each and everyone of them. Durango especially has a special place in my heart.
The problem I had with this book is that I didn't find enough explanation. I didn't feel like I knew the characters well. There were things I didn't understand about the story because they weren't explained. I'm not saying I want to know everything, I just wish there was more of a balance between the hard action scenes and thoughts on the day. I feel like the book blew by.
Ultimately, Black Hole Sun is an addicting, fun read which will give as much adrenaline-filled action as a roller coaster. It was witty and I laughed out loud at some parts. It's perfect for people who love action movies with a bit of Sci-Fi. It's also narrated by a boy which is always fun. 4 stars,
****