Scan barcode
klambson's review against another edition
4.0
These books are impressive in the imagination that goes into the pseudo-science of Earth's near-future (Hogan goes so far as to grapple with the elusive unifying theory physicists have been searching for), but they are certainly a little bit of a slog due to the heavy focus on scientific learning and discovery and the utter lack of conflict. An interesting read, but definitely not for everyone.
pjonsson's review against another edition
3.0
This book continues where Inherit the Stars left off. However, this time the subject of the research turns up alive and, reasonably, well. Rather remarkable timing for them to return after 25 million years just when the humans starts to investigate their whereabouts but let’s not get picky now. It is Science Fiction after all. The book is still a lot about research and finding out what actually happened 25 million years ago as well as the more recent events 50 000 years ago.
Given that the Ganymedes have returned in person the story is intermixed with a first contact situation and all that comes with it. Sometimes I would say this part, especially the way in which the humans great the aliens and (very) quickly starts to communicate, really chat away actually, is a bit simple and naively written. It’s still a good book but I think the first one had an edge over this one, as is the case many times with the first book in a new story arc and a new fresh plot.
The author had an interesting way of tying together the destinies and evolutions of the two races and their worlds although, again, it became rather obvious where everything was going before it was actually revealed in the book.
What I am wondering now is where the other books in the series are going to venture since the mystery which started in Inherit the Stars is now pretty much solved so a new principal story arc has to be invented.
I’m making a pause with this series now just to get a refreshing “change of scenery”. I have ventured into fantasy land by starting to read John Ringo’s Queen of Wands. I’m quite sure I will come back and finish this book series fairly soon though.
Given that the Ganymedes have returned in person the story is intermixed with a first contact situation and all that comes with it. Sometimes I would say this part, especially the way in which the humans great the aliens and (very) quickly starts to communicate, really chat away actually, is a bit simple and naively written. It’s still a good book but I think the first one had an edge over this one, as is the case many times with the first book in a new story arc and a new fresh plot.
The author had an interesting way of tying together the destinies and evolutions of the two races and their worlds although, again, it became rather obvious where everything was going before it was actually revealed in the book.
What I am wondering now is where the other books in the series are going to venture since the mystery which started in Inherit the Stars is now pretty much solved so a new principal story arc has to be invented.
I’m making a pause with this series now just to get a refreshing “change of scenery”. I have ventured into fantasy land by starting to read John Ringo’s Queen of Wands. I’m quite sure I will come back and finish this book series fairly soon though.
danielmbensen's review against another edition
3.0
...in which aliens get to the bottom of why humans are so weird.
Hogan seems to be the source all of the vague "I read once about..." speculative evolution ideas I've heard. This one is about toxic animals...but no spoilers. Ahem!
I still think it's a pretty silly idea, but Hogan works hard to make it plausible. There isn't much of what you could call a plot, and while I liked the story of solving a scientific puzzle I think Inherit the Stars was better.
Hogan seems to be the source all of the vague "I read once about..." speculative evolution ideas I've heard. This one is about toxic animals...but no spoilers. Ahem!
I still think it's a pretty silly idea, but Hogan works hard to make it plausible. There isn't much of what you could call a plot, and while I liked the story of solving a scientific puzzle I think Inherit the Stars was better.
kidcolorado's review against another edition
4.0
Honestly, there really isn't much of a plot, but it's a fun exploration of science and philosophy. Good old fashioned science fiction.
wholcomb's review against another edition
4.0
One quote about Hogan says, "Hogan brings science back into science fiction." That is very true in this book. His coverage of genetic engineering, evolution, time/space dilation, anti-gravity, and other concepts is impressive. It does slow the book down but I don't think it takes away from the book. The story is very entertaining and compelling, but mostly the story gives hope there is a chance for humanity to grow past some of its current hurdles. Looking forward to the next book.
tuftymctavish's review
3.0
Everything's good, nothing bad goes wrong, it's all amazingly positive. But I still love the concept.
sophiaforever's review against another edition
5.0
So much of sci-fi is pessimistic in nature. Taking the ills of society and extrapolating them to the extreme. Hogan's "Giant's Series" is so good because he show's humanity for the good they can do. The scientific progress they can make and how welcoming they can be. Get this book.
andyg's review against another edition
3.0
I really wish this book had more of the suspenseful scientific method back-and-forth of the first novel in this series. The author's political and teleological views come out much more strongly in this one, almost to the point of being a little preachy (and i even agree with the guy). That said, I'm sure I'll be reading more of his work.
tklos45's review against another edition
3.0
The climax to the second Giants novel, similarly focused on rapid scientific discoveries as in Inherit the Stars, is admittedly impressive and awesome. However, it takes an exceeding amount of unorganized rising action to get there. Clearly set up as a cliffhanger prequel to the third book in the series, it still leaves some of the original Inherit the Stars prologue unsolved and doesn't even fully answer the question of "What happened to the Ganymeans?" However, the writing is compelling and the climax, as mentioned, exciting. Worth a read if you enjoyed Inherit the Stars.
More...