Reviews

First contact, Keeton.

What is consciousness? Can you imagine a space-faring superintelligence with no awareness or conception of its own beingness? Will you be frightened or fascinated? Both? There is no congratulations here. Your effort, expended concentration and focus will be rewarded with challenges of growing complexity. This might seem futile at first but Blindsight is a very exciting book if you're okay with feeling a little bit stupid a lot of the time.

caseyrt's review against another edition

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challenging dark reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

theheartbrekker1's review against another edition

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medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

tedpikul's review against another edition

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challenging dark mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

if i had known it would be so similar to event horizon i wouldn't have read it

grahamclements's review against another edition

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5.0

Blindsight is a novel about a crew of scientists commanded by a vampire on a ship run by an artificial intelligence, who are investigating an alien signal eminating from a comet in deep space. For the most part it is hard science fiction, except perhaps the vampire. It is a difficult read due to the plethora of science - some real, some imagined - that occurs in the story. Unless you are a physics professor or spend hours researching the many science concepts mentioned, you are unlikely to know what is real, possible, or just total speculation. It reminded me of reading books written by Greg Egan. It's also difficult to know what is going on because the main POV character often doesn't know either, as he is not up to speed with the science and he is also kept out of the loop. Having said that, there is a wonderful plot about first contact with very different aliens. These are no greys. They appear to be totally uninterested in humans. But are they? The plot keeps you reading while wondering what the hell is going on. Some of your questions are eventually answered, some answers you will have to fill in for yourself, and other questions will just bewilder you. A great read for those who like a challenge.

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