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starlitpage's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Overall meandering and of little point. If you want to read about con men swept along into successful schemes, it offers that, but little else.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Alcohol, and War
Minor: Vomit and Murder
rlwaite's review against another edition
1.0
Couldn't get into it, and couldn't finish the book. Characters are made of cardboard and are largely uninteresting.
branch_c's review against another edition
4.0
I have to admit that I enjoy each book of Swanwick's that I read slightly better than the last - though this is only my third so far. The writing is absolutely polished, making it a pleasure to read; the confident tone and sharp turns of phrase remind me a bit of Iain M. Banks. The characters are cleverly eccentric, and their cartoonish arrogance somehow makes them more likeable rather than less. The humor is kept at a steady, understated level that brings more of a smile than a laugh in most cases.
There are echoes here of a fantasy favorite of mine, Bridge of Birds, both for the Asian setting, and for the parallels between the protagonists - their deceptive but ultimately well-intentioned antics strike a similar chord. But this book lacks some of the charm of the Hughart classic, and the science fictional framing doesn't work as well for me.
The plot also doesn't quite rise to the level of quality of the other aspects of the book - the goal of conquering China is fairly straightforward, and it doesn't really deviate from that goal in interesting ways. The menacing AI presence, for example, shows promise in introducing an intriguing factor, but unfortunately that never really materializes. The romantic shenanigans come across like something out of a Shakespeare comedy - which is not necessarily a bad thing; there's certainly some sly cleverness there, but again, it doesn't exactly hold my interest the way Swanwick apparently intends.
The characters are probably the best part - some may say they're too one dimensional, and missing the transformational journey that protagonists are supposed to take, but for me they serve the purpose of the story perfectly - I should mention that I have not read any of the other Darger and Surplus stories, so will likely follow up with those when I have a chance. The final twist is nicely done - it's one of those cases where something was certainly expected, but I was effectively surprised by what it turned out to be.
In the end, I'm torn between 3 and 4 stars; it's really a strong 3.5 for me, so I'll round up in recognition of the solid effort and enjoyable reading experience.
There are echoes here of a fantasy favorite of mine, Bridge of Birds, both for the Asian setting, and for the parallels between the protagonists - their deceptive but ultimately well-intentioned antics strike a similar chord. But this book lacks some of the charm of the Hughart classic, and the science fictional framing doesn't work as well for me.
The plot also doesn't quite rise to the level of quality of the other aspects of the book - the goal of conquering China is fairly straightforward, and it doesn't really deviate from that goal in interesting ways. The menacing AI presence, for example, shows promise in introducing an intriguing factor, but unfortunately that never really materializes. The romantic shenanigans come across like something out of a Shakespeare comedy - which is not necessarily a bad thing; there's certainly some sly cleverness there, but again, it doesn't exactly hold my interest the way Swanwick apparently intends.
The characters are probably the best part - some may say they're too one dimensional, and missing the transformational journey that protagonists are supposed to take, but for me they serve the purpose of the story perfectly - I should mention that I have not read any of the other Darger and Surplus stories, so will likely follow up with those when I have a chance. The final twist is nicely done - it's one of those cases where something was certainly expected, but I was effectively surprised by what it turned out to be.
In the end, I'm torn between 3 and 4 stars; it's really a strong 3.5 for me, so I'll round up in recognition of the solid effort and enjoyable reading experience.
wybohoukes's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
davidscrimshaw's review against another edition
5.0
I love Darger and Surplus.
If you like a weird post-post-apocalyptic future like out Gene Wolfe's [b:The Shadow of the Torturer|60211|The Shadow of the Torturer (The Book of the New Sun, #1)|Gene Wolfe|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1329650008l/60211._SX50_.jpg|762497], and you like lovable rogue conmen, you have to read Swanwick's Darger and Surplus stories.
If you like a weird post-post-apocalyptic future like out Gene Wolfe's [b:The Shadow of the Torturer|60211|The Shadow of the Torturer (The Book of the New Sun, #1)|Gene Wolfe|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1329650008l/60211._SX50_.jpg|762497], and you like lovable rogue conmen, you have to read Swanwick's Darger and Surplus stories.
gerhard's review
5.0
Reading this sedate, leisurely and very conversational book reminded me how far Hollywood’s short attention span, combined with its gee-whizz mentality, has infiltrated the SF genre.
It takes a thoroughly writerly book such as this to remind one of the unique pleasure that can be derived from consummate writing: writing that pays as much attention to character as it does to pace and setting.
Clearly Swanwick is equally enamoured with both Aubrey Darger (baseline human) and Sir Blackthorpe Ravenscairn de Plus Precieux, or just plain Surplus (a genetically engineered ‘smart’ dog).
Who can blame him, though, as they are such thoroughly entertaining characters. The reader quickly follows suit as well, falling equally and as madly in love with their exploits.
Yes, the plot is rather reminiscent of Dancing with Bears, with Russia replaced by China. The world-building is still as quixotic and untempered by reality as before. But, oh boy, the writing! Swanwick is a veritable wordsmith of wonder, and this is sheer delight from beginning to end.
Just as Shakespeare’s comedies are often frowned upon for being inferior (probably because many are so bawdy), so might some readers regard Chasing the Phoenix as Swanwick ‘lite’, and not in the same league as ‘serious’ SF novels like Stations of the Tide.
Humbug, I say. Swanwick is on top form here. His untrammelled belief in his world and his characters makes for a truly memorable reading experience.
It takes a thoroughly writerly book such as this to remind one of the unique pleasure that can be derived from consummate writing: writing that pays as much attention to character as it does to pace and setting.
Clearly Swanwick is equally enamoured with both Aubrey Darger (baseline human) and Sir Blackthorpe Ravenscairn de Plus Precieux, or just plain Surplus (a genetically engineered ‘smart’ dog).
Who can blame him, though, as they are such thoroughly entertaining characters. The reader quickly follows suit as well, falling equally and as madly in love with their exploits.
Yes, the plot is rather reminiscent of Dancing with Bears, with Russia replaced by China. The world-building is still as quixotic and untempered by reality as before. But, oh boy, the writing! Swanwick is a veritable wordsmith of wonder, and this is sheer delight from beginning to end.
Just as Shakespeare’s comedies are often frowned upon for being inferior (probably because many are so bawdy), so might some readers regard Chasing the Phoenix as Swanwick ‘lite’, and not in the same league as ‘serious’ SF novels like Stations of the Tide.
Humbug, I say. Swanwick is on top form here. His untrammelled belief in his world and his characters makes for a truly memorable reading experience.
spygrl1's review
4.0
I think I prefer Darger & Surplus at short-story length, but any of their adventures will always be diverting.
davidscrimshaw's review
5.0
I love Darger and Surplus.
If you like a weird post-post-apocalyptic future like out Gene Wolfe's [b:The Shadow of the Torturer|60211|The Shadow of the Torturer (The Book of the New Sun, #1)|Gene Wolfe|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1329650008l/60211._SX50_.jpg|762497], and you like lovable rogue conmen, you have to read Swanwick's Darger and Surplus stories.
If you like a weird post-post-apocalyptic future like out Gene Wolfe's [b:The Shadow of the Torturer|60211|The Shadow of the Torturer (The Book of the New Sun, #1)|Gene Wolfe|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1329650008l/60211._SX50_.jpg|762497], and you like lovable rogue conmen, you have to read Swanwick's Darger and Surplus stories.