Amazing - and he's Canadian to boot! One of the very best SF novels to win a Hugo or Nebuila. The sequels stand up pretty well too.
I rated this novel Amazing - and he's Canadian to boot! One of the very best SF novels to win a Hugo or Nebuila. The sequels stand up pretty well too.
I rated this novel 4 1/2 stars because I gave it a "A" when I read it.
My rating system: Since Goodreads only allows 1 to 5 stars (no half-stars), you have no option but to be ruthless. I reserve one star for a book that is a BOMB - or poor (equivalent to a letter grade of F, E, or at most D). Progressing upwards, 2 stars is equivalent to C (C -, C or C+), 3 stars (equals B - or B), 4 stars (equals B+ or A -), and 5 stars (equals A or A+). As a result, I maximize my rating space for good books, and don't waste half or more of that rating space on books that are of marginal quality....more
I disagree with readers who have used the tag Dying Earth - that does NOT fit this novel or series. The series is about climate change, an actual procI disagree with readers who have used the tag Dying Earth - that does NOT fit this novel or series. The series is about climate change, an actual process that is being scientifically documented as we speak. Dying Earth novels (a la Jack Vance, etc.) are far future affairs where everything is running down and everything is hopeless and despair is everywhere.
Despair is never everywhere in a KSR novel.
A very good novel!
My rating system: Since Goodreads only allows 1 to 5 stars (no half-stars), you have no option but to be ruthless. I reserve one star for a book that is a BOMB - or poor (equivalent to a letter grade of F, E, or at most D). Progressing upwards, 2 stars is equivalent to C (C -, C or C+), 3 stars (equals to B - or B), 4 stars (equals B+ or A -), and 5 stars (equals A or A+). As a result, I maximize my rating space for good books, and don't waste half or more of that rating space on books that are of marginal quality....more
A very good novel - but not quite as outstanding as his previous two Hugo/Nebula winning novels (A Fire Upon the Deep & A Deepness in the Sky) - but tA very good novel - but not quite as outstanding as his previous two Hugo/Nebula winning novels (A Fire Upon the Deep & A Deepness in the Sky) - but then, almost nothing else is at that level!
See also the short story connected to the novel, "Fast times at Fairmont High", featuring some of the same memorable characters.
My rating system: Since Goodreads only allows 1 to 5 stars (no half-stars), you have no option but to be ruthless. I reserve one star for a book that is a BOMB - or poor (equivalent to a letter grade of F, E, or at most D). Progressing upwards, 2 stars is equivalent to C (C -, C or C+), 3 stars (equals to B - or B), 4 stars (equals B+ or A -), and 5 stars (equals A or A+). As a result, I maximize my rating space for good books, and don't waste half or more of that rating space on books that are of marginal quality....more
Hard to imagine these day - but this was a "race to the moon" novel in the old old days when the U.S. and U.S.S.R. were literally racing to be first tHard to imagine these day - but this was a "race to the moon" novel in the old old days when the U.S. and U.S.S.R. were literally racing to be first to land on our nearest neighbour.
The novel was very technically-focused, with a strong emphasis on the day to day routine of an astronaut who would be on this very first American spaceship to escape Earths' gravity. I recall that the astronaut didn't have time for casual reading, because he spent all of his time reading technical manuals. As though his very life depended on it.
I do suspect that some of my book ratings from way back then, in the days of my long-lost youth, were rather more generous than later in my SF reading career. As a result, I listed this novel as 4 stars for Goodreads (and even that may be higher than what I would rate it today).
My rating system: Since Goodreads only allows 1 to 5 stars (no half-stars), you have no option but to be ruthless. I reserve one star for a book that is a BOMB - or poor (equivalent to a letter grade of F, E, or at most D). Progressing upwards, 2 stars is equivalent to C (C -, C or C+), 3 stars (equals to B - or B), 4 stars (equals B+ or A -), and 5 stars (equals A or A+). As a result, I maximize my rating space for good books, and don't waste half or more of that rating space on books that are of marginal quality....more
A very strange story, very original but with some significant difficulties. I would say that parts of it would rate B+++, but that the incomprehensiblA very strange story, very original but with some significant difficulties. I would say that parts of it would rate B+++, but that the incomprehensible parts would have to drag the overall rating down to about B - - -. The main focus is romance / sex.
My rating system: Since Goodreads only allows 1 to 5 stars (no half-stars), you have no option but to be ruthless. I reserve one star for a book that is a BOMB - or poor (equivalent to a letter grade of F, E, or at most D). Progressing upwards, 2 stars is equivalent to C (C -, C or C+), 3 stars (equals to B - or B), 4 stars (equals B+ or A -), and 5 stars (equals A or A+). As a result, I maximize my rating space for good books, and don't waste half or more of that rating space on books that are of marginal quality.
As I said above, I would rate this story B - - - overall, which translates to a Goodreads score of 3 stars. If we had half stars, then 2 1/2 stars would be much more accurate, but Goodreads said half stars gives them the heebie-jeebies....more
If someone were a self-avowed NON Heinlein fan, as Cory Doctorow is, why on earth would he choose to appropriate his title??? No - I don't know the anIf someone were a self-avowed NON Heinlein fan, as Cory Doctorow is, why on earth would he choose to appropriate his title??? No - I don't know the answer, I'm just one of those SF fans Who Seek to Know. As Randy Bachman has said "you can't copyright a title".
In any case, this is an excellent story, and bears no resemblance to the original story of that title.
I rated the novella "A" which translates to a Goodreads score of 5 stars.
My rating system: Since Goodreads only allows 1 to 5 stars (no half-stars), you have no option but to be ruthless. I reserve one star for a book that is a BOMB - or poor (equivalent to a letter grade of F, E, or at most D). Progressing upwards, 2 stars is equivalent to C (C -, C or C+), 3 stars (equals to B - or B), 4 stars (equals B+ or A -), and 5 stars (equals A or A+). As a result, I maximize my rating space for good books, and don't waste half or more of that rating space on books that are of marginal quality....more
***NOTE*** - this review refers to the SHORT STORY *** NOT the collection. This is a chronic problem on Goodreads - distinguishing a short story from ***NOTE*** - this review refers to the SHORT STORY *** NOT the collection. This is a chronic problem on Goodreads - distinguishing a short story from a collection, where they both have the same title. We need a solution!
Review of short story "Inconstant Moon" . . .
A top favourite! This great story comes back to me every time I am gazing at a full moon. Does it seem a little brighter than usual??
If you have a romantic bone in your body, you owe it to yourself to give this one a read.
My rating system: Since Goodreads only allows 1 to 5 stars (no half-stars), you have no option but to be ruthless. I reserve one star for a book that is a BOMB - or poor (equivalent to a letter grade of F, E, or at most D). Progressing upwards, 2 stars is equivalent to C (C -, C or C+), 3 stars (equals to B - or B), 4 stars (equals B+ or A -), and 5 stars (equals A or A+). As a result, I maximize my rating space for good books, and don't waste half or more of that rating space on books that are of marginal quality....more
Sorry to disagree with other commentators, but this novel / series is NOT apocalyptic. It deals with climate change - a real issue facing us in our tiSorry to disagree with other commentators, but this novel / series is NOT apocalyptic. It deals with climate change - a real issue facing us in our time.
Note the link with the earrlier novel Antarctica, which also features the senator with the outlandish notion that he can serve from other parts of the planet besides Washington D.C.
Once again - we urgently need to consider how best to deal with fiction (and non-fiction) about environmental SF, and political SF. How could anyone who has read Kim Stanley Robinson, Ursula K. Le Guin or some of the works from Eastern Europe not consider political SF, when we have infinite hair-splitting re fantasy topics (precisely how many faeries/angels/demons can dance on the head of a pin???)
My rating system: Since Goodreads only allows 1 to 5 stars (no half-stars), you have no option but to be ruthless. I reserve one star for a book that is a BOMB - or poor (equivalent to a letter grade of F, E, or at most D). Progressing upwards, 2 stars is equivalent to C (C -, C or C+), 3 stars (equals to B - or B), 4 stars (equals B+ or A -), and 5 stars (equals A or A+). As a result, I maximize my rating space for good books, and don't waste half or more of that rating space on books that are of marginal quality....more
My rating system: Since Goodreads only allows 1 to 5 stars (no half-stars), you have no option but to be ruthless. I reserve one star for a book that iMy rating system: Since Goodreads only allows 1 to 5 stars (no half-stars), you have no option but to be ruthless. I reserve one star for a book that is a BOMB - or poor (equivalent to a letter grade of F, E, or at most D). Progressing upwards, 2 stars is equivalent to C (C -, C or C+), 3 stars (equals to B - or B), 4 stars (equals B+ or A -), and 5 stars (equals A or A+). As a result, I maximize my rating space for good books, and don't waste half or more of that rating space on books that are of marginal quality.
I rated this novel B when I read it, which translates to a Goodreads score of 3 stars....more
My second novel by this author. I have also read 1 collection of short stories. Strong environmental message! Perhaps a B+ BUT problems re last third,My second novel by this author. I have also read 1 collection of short stories. Strong environmental message! Perhaps a B+ BUT problems re last third, so rating is B. My wife liked it much better than I did. ...more
This novel is an expanded version of the novella "Diving Light". The novella is absolutely stunning - very very highly recommended.
The novel is good, This novel is an expanded version of the novella "Diving Light". The novella is absolutely stunning - very very highly recommended.
The novel is good, but, unfortunately, it isn't as successful as the novella.
If you enjoy reading Ted Kosmatka, I strongly urge you to track down his outstanding short story "N-word". After my wife read it, she was delighted and immediately showed it to me. Wow - wow -wow. His short fiction, from short stories to novellas, is extremely strong. "The Prophet of Flores", "In-fall", and "Blood Dauber" are all exceptionally good.
His other novels are "Prophet of Bones" and "The Games". He continues to write short fiction, but there haven't been any additional novels since 2015....more
MUCH environmental and socialist (anti-capitalist) content (Hurray!). His 18th novel - I have read all of them.
Is it a spoiler to say that we discoveMUCH environmental and socialist (anti-capitalist) content (Hurray!). His 18th novel - I have read all of them.
Is it a spoiler to say that we discover that unrestrained voracious capitalism and the relentless squandering of natural resources is bad for the planet and every single one of its species - including humans?
Vivid characters and an interesting plot BUT, sad to say, many parts drag.
I must confess that my four star rating likely reflects the fact I am a huge gigantic fan of Kim Stanley Robinson. If you enjoy his novels, be sure to check out his short stories. You may also wish to find "The High Sierra: A Love Story". You don't even have to be a geologist to enjoy it. Or an environmentalist. Or rational - but it probably helps....more
Teen novel - my 2nd novel by this author. Very good overall BUT . . .
SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT The text below includes spoilers.
. . . BTeen novel - my 2nd novel by this author. Very good overall BUT . . .
SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT The text below includes spoilers.
. . . BUT - our hero loses his marbles at the end (~last 20 pp.) He kisses Masha passionately ( he NEVER liked her at all, OR found her in the least attractive). He also asks Ange about marriage, even though he has no interest in getting married whatsoever. So he essentially breaks up with her for no reason . . . at all! This series of events all follows a wacky conversation between the protagonist and Jolu. Note that this whole asinine sequence is very reminiscent of other novels where the author has decided to rush through to the end of the plot, damn the torpedoes - full speed ahead. Also damn the existing storyline, and the established characters (quite strongly established characters, after 2 whole novels).
With further reflection, I might have increased the rating to B+, but I left it at B. A qualified recommendation.
My first novel by author - but see also excellent story "A Death on Mars". Canadian - lives in Toronto. Rating possibly up to C, BUT many problems. FiMy first novel by author - but see also excellent story "A Death on Mars". Canadian - lives in Toronto. Rating possibly up to C, BUT many problems. First part good, up to ~1/3 or 1/2 of the way through the novel - but then serious problems started to appear.
SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT Note that here are spoilers in the text below.
"Deus ex machina" ending where 3 main protagonists are all miraculously saved (1 or 2 having died) and rejuvenated is NOT good (although we did see soem of that in "Revelation Space" - Alastair Reynolds, I just let it slide then). Apparently, she has written other stories in same universe.
Note - her short story "A Death on Mars" (exact title? in Gardner Dozois Year's Best SF, I think ~about vol. 35?) was exceptional.
My rating system: Since Goodreads only allows 1 to 5 stars (no half-stars), you have no option but to be ruthless. I reserve one star for a book that is a BOMB - or poor (equivalent to a letter grade of F, E, or at most D). Progressing upwards, 2 stars is equivalent to C (C -, C or C+), 3 stars (equals to B - or B), 4 stars (equals B+ or A -), and 5 stars (equals A or A+). As a result, I maximize my rating space for good books, and don't waste half or more of that rating space on books that are of marginal quality.
Since my rating for this novel was C -, a Goodreads rating of one 2 stars is marginally generous....more
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