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ladyraven2012's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
kirstenmeek's review against another edition
2.0
Meh. I finished this book because I felt like I had to finish up the series.
My conclusion after reading this and several other of Card's recent books is that he is wonderful at inventing compelling worlds, but terrible at finishing stories. All of the series of his I've read (Alvin Maker, Ender's Game/shadow, pathfinder, gatekeeper) have started out really well, but at some point in each of these, I have found myself really disappointed. I think he maybe just needs to learn when to leave something alone.
This book started out pretty poorly, kind of tried to pick up here and there, but overall was a disappointment. He continued to do what he did in the previous book (ruins, I think?) where he got too excited about pontificating on the physics and theory of time travel. You can definitely tell that he lost his way writing this. I was not only unimpressed by the writing, the story also left me wanting. I have heard that he sort of got stuck with how to end this book, and it definitely shows.
I think I've finally learned my lesson and will give Mr. Card a break for a while. I guess I'll Always have Ender's Game.
My conclusion after reading this and several other of Card's recent books is that he is wonderful at inventing compelling worlds, but terrible at finishing stories. All of the series of his I've read (Alvin Maker, Ender's Game/shadow, pathfinder, gatekeeper) have started out really well, but at some point in each of these, I have found myself really disappointed. I think he maybe just needs to learn when to leave something alone.
This book started out pretty poorly, kind of tried to pick up here and there, but overall was a disappointment. He continued to do what he did in the previous book (ruins, I think?) where he got too excited about pontificating on the physics and theory of time travel. You can definitely tell that he lost his way writing this. I was not only unimpressed by the writing, the story also left me wanting. I have heard that he sort of got stuck with how to end this book, and it definitely shows.
I think I've finally learned my lesson and will give Mr. Card a break for a while. I guess I'll Always have Ender's Game.
crzyarrow's review against another edition
3.0
I’m glad I finally finished this, considering I started it 5 years ago... it was an interesting read. The flow of time and how the characters handle it and the moral dilemmas that come with it I found really cool. It’s definitely not something I would read more than once though. And I was expecting a more interesting end. There was a twist, but it felt a little abrupt how it was written. There are parts the feel skipped over because you’re just told they happen rather than it happening in front of you. But still good, can’t complain
bdsongbird8's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoy all OSC books, but the "romance" and baby making start to get a bit old after a while. As usual, the plot keeps you interested throughout, but there are a lot of confusing and inconsistent developments that make things magically work out in the end. I don't read real romance novels, but I think we can all be glad that OSC is not a romance novelist. His idea of developing a relationship between lovers is at least consistent. Consistently horrible that is.
lemeilleurs's review against another edition
2.0
I was really disappointed in this book. Granted, the first two in the trilogy weren't anything to jump hoops through, I did enjoy them and found the concept intriguing. With this final installment, it was painfully obvious how much Orson Scott Card likes to talk in circles and carry on pointless arguments Round and Round in the characters. The worst part, however, was the anti-climactic ending. The last two books are to figure out how to save the world and the answer is right in front of them, but it's actually not. The answer is something random that is pulled from no where. And I'm not talking about how in mystery novels the murderer isn't who you expect. At least in that situation there are clues throughout even if you don't see them. In Visitors (and the whole trilogy) the enemy is no more than a curveball thrown at you as the last pitch in the game!! I could continuously rant about this book and this trilogy. I had some high hopes after I liked the second book better than the first, but the third has me wishing I never even bothered if that is the ending we get.
damenleeturks's review against another edition
2.0
A rushed, very uneven finish to the series. This book felt like it was the catch-all for all potential plot tangents Card thought up in his brainstorming sessions.
I wouldn't be surprised to find out he had originally planned a much longer more epic series, but got bored with the premise and finished it all off at once.
I also got the impression that Card had Ender's xenocide at the back of his mind while writing and either was trying to play the apologist or atone for them.
I wouldn't be surprised to find out he had originally planned a much longer more epic series, but got bored with the premise and finished it all off at once.
I also got the impression that Card had Ender's xenocide at the back of his mind while writing and either was trying to play the apologist or atone for them.
klacebo's review against another edition
2.0
What started out promising, ended with a whimper. At many points I considered giving up, and kept at it, if nothing else as a background noise. Nothing grabbed my attention and the resolution came and went at the end without much notice by the author as well. I still maintain that there are some very interesting ideas at the beginning of the series, but unfortunately it felt rushed towards the end, and fizzled.
zachiiiofscotland's review against another edition
4.0
Great conclusion to the series! Didn’t think I’d miss it as much as I do, I really started liking the characters this book. Stuff gets pretty crazy here though