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mrj888's review
5.0
This review is for the three book series prophecies. So many times during this story, I found myself predicting the next bit and completely unimpressed by the magnificent plot armor. There were definitely good parts of the story, primarily in the characters but even some of those were shallow. Overall, the story has promise, just not great execution.
pjonsson's review against another edition
2.0
This book is another one that I picked in my latest drive to find something new to read and, unfortunately, it is another not entirely satisfying choice.
The story itself is not really anything new but done right it is a type of story that I would generally enjoy. However, to me, it was both a bit of a mess and going down the wrong path.
First of the world building, the science and the characters are … disappointing. There is absolutely no explanations for the science, something that I would expect from the first book in a series, and most of the technology is really handwavium. Materials with more or less magic properties, bullets changing path 180 degrees in mid air, wormholes reprogrammed to obliterate organic matter and so on. The same goes for the politics, various races etc. It is if the author just started writing and threw in whatever “cool” stuff that came to mind at each turn of a page.
Second, the book centers way too much on political schemes, betrayal and despicable behavior in general for my taste. Not even the, supposedly, good guys are very likable. There was actually no character in the book that I felt like I cared very much about. In addition the schemes and plots are really so outlandish and psychopatic that took me quite some effort to finish the book.
I’m afraid this is another one where I will not continue to read the series. I was almost tempted to give it a single star review but I do reserve that for books that are truly revolting so two stars it is.
The story itself is not really anything new but done right it is a type of story that I would generally enjoy. However, to me, it was both a bit of a mess and going down the wrong path.
First of the world building, the science and the characters are … disappointing. There is absolutely no explanations for the science, something that I would expect from the first book in a series, and most of the technology is really handwavium. Materials with more or less magic properties, bullets changing path 180 degrees in mid air, wormholes reprogrammed to obliterate organic matter and so on. The same goes for the politics, various races etc. It is if the author just started writing and threw in whatever “cool” stuff that came to mind at each turn of a page.
Second, the book centers way too much on political schemes, betrayal and despicable behavior in general for my taste. Not even the, supposedly, good guys are very likable. There was actually no character in the book that I felt like I cared very much about. In addition the schemes and plots are really so outlandish and psychopatic that took me quite some effort to finish the book.
I’m afraid this is another one where I will not continue to read the series. I was almost tempted to give it a single star review but I do reserve that for books that are truly revolting so two stars it is.
thinde's review against another edition
3.0
This was a mixed bag for me. Some of the elements were exceptional; distinctive aliens and interesting technologies. Others were overly simplistic or unbelievable.
The core premise of aliens gifting technology that turns out to be leveraged against the recipient is as old as the Trojan horse. Also, using the trope of extending conflict by having one party refuse to communicate with another, drives me mad.
In short, it's the lazy over-use of tropes that dropped this book from four or even five stars down to three. If you've never read a space opera before then this story may seem fresh, otherwise, caution is advised.
The core premise of aliens gifting technology that turns out to be leveraged against the recipient is as old as the Trojan horse. Also, using the trope of extending conflict by having one party refuse to communicate with another, drives me mad.
In short, it's the lazy over-use of tropes that dropped this book from four or even five stars down to three. If you've never read a space opera before then this story may seem fresh, otherwise, caution is advised.
thesmudge's review against another edition
2.0
So I finished this one rather quickly, I was sort of in a hurry to finish it so I could read something else. It was not a bad book but it just did not captivate me like I had hoped. At this point I do not plan on reading the sequels.
beardedbooknut's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
darkredwing's review against another edition
3.0
Supercarrier was a fun read and I really did enjoy the book. I also enjoyed that humanity wasn't some sort of benevolent force that saved the rest of the galaxy, especially when there were other races that have been galactic powers for longer. However, humanity was still ridiculously powerful.
My two biggest grips though are 1) why would most of Captain Keyes crew continue to follow him when most aren't even able to hold a friendly conversation with any of the Aliens? 2) I'm also pretty confused on the idea that forcing battle and threatening to Nuke the Winger's home world would force them to talk with the humans and negotiate.
All in all though it was a fun read, and worth picking up imo.
My two biggest grips though are 1) why would most of Captain Keyes crew continue to follow him when most aren't even able to hold a friendly conversation with any of the Aliens? 2) I'm also pretty confused on the idea that forcing battle and threatening to Nuke the Winger's home world would force them to talk with the humans and negotiate.
All in all though it was a fun read, and worth picking up imo.
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