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saazhar's review against another edition
4.0
I grew up in a city and in a time without bookstores. There were plenty of booksellers, though, selling the stuff people most wanted to read - the Stephen Kings, the Danielle Steele's. There were only a few who stocked less popular books, wrapped in clear plastic to ward off fingerprints and dust. When I had finally exhausted the local inventory, I went to these shops to discover new authors and new stories, and I had no way to judge the books other than by their covers, since the sellers would not remove the plastic unless you bought the books. And that is how I have discovered some of my favorites authors - for example The Sacred Art of Stealing took me down a very enjoyable Christopher Brookmyre rabbit hole, and I have happily read most of his stories. Sometimes, such a practice of judging a book by its cover has not failed me, but it isn't always foolproof as the adage says. But it is an unconscious practice honed by experience.
And with this book, it paid off. I had heard of the author in passing, particularly because of his sci fi awards, and so thought I would give this book a shot when I saw it on Netgalley, since it seemed like a standalone book and the cover seemed intriguing. Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me read this before publication.
I really really enjoyed this book - in fact, if I had to pick one word to describe the experience, I would say it was a very enjoyable read. This is despite the many contradictions that it left behind.
First of all, the main character Alex. I very much liked how relatable he was - the sense of constant befuddlement that he felt at his situation throughout the book was superbly written, but at the same time made me want to scream at him internally on various occasions - I haven't felt so much for a book character in a while.
Second, I loved that the author didn't try to spend a lot of time trying to explain everything - quite a few things were left unresolved, which is perfectly fine. I don't need a detailed explanation for all of the science behind the science fiction to enjoy the book. Plus I enjoyed how there was no super-scientist who figured it all out which would ruin the story. But some readers might be a bit turned off by how the author sometimes throws in a few scientific terms - gravitons, gravity shear - as possible explanations, only for none of the ideas to take root. Frankly, readers need to suspend their need for an explanation and let the story itself overtake you - which I find the book really does well.
Finally, I loved the ending. There is no resolution or pay-off at the very end, and I quite liked that. Readers who prefer everything wrapped up and tied with a bow - and I admit there is a part of me that wants similar endings - might be a bit disappointed, but I thought the story that it tries to tell rather deserves the ending, and that it is difficult to try and end it neatly. Unlike other similar books, I liked that it felt like the ending was planned all along - it didn't feel like the author had run out of ideas and was struggling to end the book. Plus I am excited by the potential for the story and the universe to continue in future books - I wouldn't mind returning to another journey into this world in the future.
The only thing that was a negative to me about the book - and it is a very minor point - was that it felt to me that the author has a tremendous sense of humor that he was intentionally trying to limit. There were significant moments of levity - but I couldn't help feel like the author had much more in store that was left out that would have been amazing to have. It is a bit hard to explain - I don't want a laugh-out-loud book because I am not sure how it would contrast with the rest of the story, but I couldn't help feel the author was holding back on the jokes.
I'm really happy I got the chance to read this book, and many thanks again to Netgalley and the publisher. Now, if you excuse me, I think I see a Dave Hutchinson-shaped rabbit hole of books that I need to go jump down.
And with this book, it paid off. I had heard of the author in passing, particularly because of his sci fi awards, and so thought I would give this book a shot when I saw it on Netgalley, since it seemed like a standalone book and the cover seemed intriguing. Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me read this before publication.
I really really enjoyed this book - in fact, if I had to pick one word to describe the experience, I would say it was a very enjoyable read. This is despite the many contradictions that it left behind.
First of all, the main character Alex. I very much liked how relatable he was - the sense of constant befuddlement that he felt at his situation throughout the book was superbly written, but at the same time made me want to scream at him internally on various occasions - I haven't felt so much for a book character in a while.
Second, I loved that the author didn't try to spend a lot of time trying to explain everything - quite a few things were left unresolved, which is perfectly fine. I don't need a detailed explanation for all of the science behind the science fiction to enjoy the book. Plus I enjoyed how there was no super-scientist who figured it all out which would ruin the story. But some readers might be a bit turned off by how the author sometimes throws in a few scientific terms - gravitons, gravity shear - as possible explanations, only for none of the ideas to take root. Frankly, readers need to suspend their need for an explanation and let the story itself overtake you - which I find the book really does well.
Finally, I loved the ending. There is no resolution or pay-off at the very end, and I quite liked that. Readers who prefer everything wrapped up and tied with a bow - and I admit there is a part of me that wants similar endings - might be a bit disappointed, but I thought the story that it tries to tell rather deserves the ending, and that it is difficult to try and end it neatly. Unlike other similar books, I liked that it felt like the ending was planned all along - it didn't feel like the author had run out of ideas and was struggling to end the book. Plus I am excited by the potential for the story and the universe to continue in future books - I wouldn't mind returning to another journey into this world in the future.
The only thing that was a negative to me about the book - and it is a very minor point - was that it felt to me that the author has a tremendous sense of humor that he was intentionally trying to limit. There were significant moments of levity - but I couldn't help feel like the author had much more in store that was left out that would have been amazing to have. It is a bit hard to explain - I don't want a laugh-out-loud book because I am not sure how it would contrast with the rest of the story, but I couldn't help feel the author was holding back on the jokes.
I'm really happy I got the chance to read this book, and many thanks again to Netgalley and the publisher. Now, if you excuse me, I think I see a Dave Hutchinson-shaped rabbit hole of books that I need to go jump down.
seang81's review against another edition
4.0
Brilliant - really enjoyed this novel, found it more exciting than initially thought. Looking forward to what Dave Hutchinson writes next and will recommend to friends!
cgilles's review
3.0
What seemed to be a superhero story from the synopsis was 85% setting up the main character and the last 15% if even that much, being an overpowered superhero with most of the details glossed over and the “heroics” rushed to a very unsatisfactory ending. Feels like an unedited draft, great ideas/elements but not finished.
rocketiza's review against another edition
3.0
Took too long to get there and the payoff didn't make it worth it.
sarahrosebooks's review against another edition
2.0
I didn't hate this book at all. There were quite a few good points about it, actually.
The writing wasn't bad. I really got a feeling for the characters and the various places described. I appreciated the slowness of the first half of the book in some ways, as you really get to know Alex and the people of the town in America where he ends up living.
But on the other hand, the slowness went nowhere. Some authors use a slow set up to build up to something later in the book. But in this, though it does build up to something, it all seems oddly disjointed and not at all connected to the earlier parts where so much detail is spent describing things.
I don't know. The ending was very abrupt and didn't seem to resolve anything. Apart from one conversation, we never really get any closer to understanding the villain or their motives for doing what they did. And there's no closure at the end for the main character either. It just kind of ends. It's a bit disappointing.
Overall, I ended up going with two stars. Points for the character and the writing as far as atmosphere and description goes, but points lost for plot, intrigue and enjoyment because I didn't really enjoy this as much as I hoped due to the lack of a clear plot and the disappointing ending.
The writing wasn't bad. I really got a feeling for the characters and the various places described. I appreciated the slowness of the first half of the book in some ways, as you really get to know Alex and the people of the town in America where he ends up living.
But on the other hand, the slowness went nowhere. Some authors use a slow set up to build up to something later in the book. But in this, though it does build up to something, it all seems oddly disjointed and not at all connected to the earlier parts where so much detail is spent describing things.
I don't know. The ending was very abrupt and didn't seem to resolve anything. Apart from one conversation, we never really get any closer to understanding the villain or their motives for doing what they did. And there's no closure at the end for the main character either. It just kind of ends. It's a bit disappointing.
Overall, I ended up going with two stars. Points for the character and the writing as far as atmosphere and description goes, but points lost for plot, intrigue and enjoyment because I didn't really enjoy this as much as I hoped due to the lack of a clear plot and the disappointing ending.
brompton_sawdon's review against another edition
4.0
he Return of the Incredible Exploding Man. I thought was a sequel but it appears to be the first one, although the author has a short story about the Incredible Exploding Man. I only mention this as it may be off putting to a reader. I was excited to read this book however, it’s blurb and cover being very appealing.
The story starts with a failing scientific journalist being poached by a multi-billionaire to write a book about a supercollider he is funding. It’s a slow burner of a book that suited me. I enjoyed reading of the struggles he goes through deciding whether to take the assignment and his gradual integration into the local area. It allowed you to see what sort of character Alex really was. The residents of Sioux Crossing are a weird bunch of individuals. From the editor of the local paper to the police chief, there is a feeling of mystique around the place. Strange events add to the feeling that all is not what it seems.
This is the first book by Dave Hutchinson I’ve read and I was impressed by his writing style. His use of vocabulary keeps you reading and he lays traps in the plot that you want to solve. About two thirds of the way through the plot takes off with a bang, literally. Then you’re plunged into a must faster pace, explosive even.
The end niggles me slightly that it appears to be over so soon. I guess it allows a sequel, but in a way it leaves you cheated. In spite of these flaws I really enjoyed the book. The story is interesting, even in the getting to know you stage.
All in all, I can recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good classic science fiction read. Very suitable as well to anyone over the age of eleven, indeed the cover is very Young Adult in style.
The story starts with a failing scientific journalist being poached by a multi-billionaire to write a book about a supercollider he is funding. It’s a slow burner of a book that suited me. I enjoyed reading of the struggles he goes through deciding whether to take the assignment and his gradual integration into the local area. It allowed you to see what sort of character Alex really was. The residents of Sioux Crossing are a weird bunch of individuals. From the editor of the local paper to the police chief, there is a feeling of mystique around the place. Strange events add to the feeling that all is not what it seems.
This is the first book by Dave Hutchinson I’ve read and I was impressed by his writing style. His use of vocabulary keeps you reading and he lays traps in the plot that you want to solve. About two thirds of the way through the plot takes off with a bang, literally. Then you’re plunged into a must faster pace, explosive even.
The end niggles me slightly that it appears to be over so soon. I guess it allows a sequel, but in a way it leaves you cheated. In spite of these flaws I really enjoyed the book. The story is interesting, even in the getting to know you stage.
All in all, I can recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good classic science fiction read. Very suitable as well to anyone over the age of eleven, indeed the cover is very Young Adult in style.
grape_son's review against another edition
3.0
While the prose of this novel were interesting, the plot left me extremely unsatisfied. The first ¼ of the book was longer than necessary, the middle 2/4 were the most interesting part, but then the last ¼ made the rest of the plot moot.
occlude's review
4.0
Two halves
Very much a book of two very different parts. The final third is decidedly disjointed and very different tonally to the first two thirds. An interesting read nonetheless.
Very much a book of two very different parts. The final third is decidedly disjointed and very different tonally to the first two thirds. An interesting read nonetheless.