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barning's review against another edition
4.0
I am torn. On one hand, the story is exciting to read and entertaining. On the other hand, the author only scratches the surface of the themes presented in this book and does not discuss them conclusively. Which is a pity, because it would have been nice to read a fresh interpretation.
If you want more sci-fi in the sea, I recommend "The Swarm." For androids and discussions about humanity and androids, you can turn to Asimov or Blade Runner. If you're just looking for an interesting book, this one is a good choice.
If you want more sci-fi in the sea, I recommend "The Swarm." For androids and discussions about humanity and androids, you can turn to Asimov or Blade Runner. If you're just looking for an interesting book, this one is a good choice.
benbert's review
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
woodcastle's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
kazio1993's review
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
ginkgo's review
The worst sin I'm meeting over and over in books published in a few recent years - there's no passion in the story. This writer, he could write nonfictional-poetical Cyclonopedia-like odes to the ocean and connections and conscience and the depth of sense.
Instead some blueprints were used to mould together some semblance of a story - and to add as many ideas as possible to represent who the author is and what his intellectual roots are.
The idea is fascinating, yes; at the beginning it was partly beautiful, but mostly boring, and then it became almost unbearable.The scene with Edvin at the beach? Come on What could be, decayed and haven't left a viable offspring, like those cuttlefish. Afterwards it feels like stolen goods - sadly, SUCH A PITY, because I really love the idea and think that the author is talented.
Better be going and rewatching clipped version of "My Octopus Teacher" where it's only marine life and beauty and instrumental music.
Instead some blueprints were used to mould together some semblance of a story - and to add as many ideas as possible to represent who the author is and what his intellectual roots are.
The idea is fascinating, yes; at the beginning it was partly beautiful, but mostly boring, and then it became almost unbearable.
Better be going and rewatching clipped version of "My Octopus Teacher" where it's only marine life and beauty and instrumental music.
jen_the_jet's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
sierrabowers's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
I only read this book the entire way through because it was assigned for my book club. I would have DNF’d about 30 pages in if I could have. I think this book did have some good qualities, such as the observations made about humans and our relationship to living creatures on Earth other than ourselves. I also think it asked interesting questions about consciousness, and whether or not in the future, we should consider androids as conscious. But overall, this book was way over my head and I understood almost none of it. The ending was hopeful but it didn’t give me any satisfaction. I would not recommend unless you love science and can understand VERY complex plots.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Forced institutionalization, Genocide, Gore, Grief, Gun violence, Sexual content, Slavery, Deportation, Violence, Vomit, Stalking, Classism, Confinement, Physical abuse, Self harm, Trafficking, Abandonment, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, Cursing, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, and Murder
youngthespian42's review
3.0
The premise of this book was so good. Animal consciousness is a topic that has fascinated me and Nayler seems to have a successful hard sci fi approach to the topic but he got a little lost in the research. The multiple POVs of this book felt more like distractions than additive.
Nayler tried to pack too many different topics into not a massive books the last quarter of this book is when the story finally feels like it gets going and then the book abruptly ends.
The 3 stars shows how well written this book is despite my gripes. I will give another of his a shot, but if I’m not hooked I could see myself DNFing.
Nayler tried to pack too many different topics into not a massive books the last quarter of this book is when the story finally feels like it gets going and then the book abruptly ends.
The 3 stars shows how well written this book is despite my gripes. I will give another of his a shot, but if I’m not hooked I could see myself DNFing.
wildwhelan's review against another edition
I would like to finish this one day! I started it while on a beach vacation and it just was not the vibe. Seems like a cool book and premise though to