Mixed Feelings

In a lot of ways, this is a very good book. It's got really exciting, interesting concepts, and I loved the protagonists.

In other ways, not so much. By not explaining any of the rules of calendars, or how technology works, it feels both like: a) Lee is deliberately keeping information back for no reason other than to be obscure, and b) as if Lee is doing it so he doesn't have to live by any rules, and can make up whatever he likes. I like rules in my universes, even just a few, to give the world limits.

I really liked the narration, though, and may still listen to the second book. But not as essential a novel as the awards might make it out to be.

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interesting but hard to follow

The constructs of this world were not clear enough to build it in your mind, perhaps too niche for me.
Enjoyed the characters but too much description of death and gore, which lost its effect and didn't seem necessary. Was a good start to a story that peaked strong interest, but often hard to follow, maybe easier in text reading than audible.

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Brilliant, complex, advanced level scifi

A wonderfully imagined world, interesting characters with fascinating discussion on ethics, strategy, society. The two main protagonists are both rich, three dimensional characters struggling realistically with the paths that they have chosen in a setting that they don't agree with, and several 'vignettes' provide great incite into the story with just the taste of other characters.

For someone used to reading Scifi, a delight, but I can imagine that, for one unused to holding so much unknown terminology at bay, this may be a difficult read. Terms are often delivered without immediate explanation, if ever explanation arrives, and so the reader is often left to feel how the world is rather than being provided a blueprint.

If youre happy to dive into a different world though, well recommended.

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good

its slow and has hard to follow conepts but was a good story and tried alot of new things

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Beautiful

If this book doesn't win a Hugo I'll be very disappointed, don't read any reviews just buy it and listen.

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Fresh and original sci-fi

This is such an original concept that was refreshingly different. It tells the story of the Hexarchy and a rogue general. The narrative is really well paced and compelling with well drawn characters and I thoyght that the narrator did a really good job of bringing it to life.

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hard to hear narration and confusing book

narration was fairly painful. often too quiet to hear and would get loud again. voices weren't great either.

struggled to understand what was going on in the story although some intriguing moments

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Hard to get into but worth it

Yoon Ha Lee has written an engrossing story which on the surface is quite simple. Sci-fi wise anyway. No spoiler in saying that the concousness of a brilliant general is uploaded to a living soldier. There are conflicts both external and internal.

The difference here is that the interstellar empire relies on exotic technology based on a common and enforced calendar. The author drops us right in with no explanation. WTF! So some effort is required.

The narration is excellent and made this magi tech world easier to follow. The characteristics of each party are clear even when genders are deliberately confused. A boon to the listener.

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A difficult novel

This came highly recommended. It 's focus on one key battle, and the people and influences creating around this scenario. It is quite original in its intense focus on this.

I enjoyed how well women were represented - I was shocked at myself when I realised how many times I assumed a character was male until he stated their gender was female. Also characters are graced with a sensual, sexual fluidity which is seldom seen in scifi.

It is also a bit grim with an extraordinary amount of graphic violence and gore as it is centred on the military and war.

However too many things just left unexplained and hanging which was very annoying in the beginning. It seems this is the writer's style not to divulge too much and just hope that you catch on. It is a fine line between not wanting to spoon feed the reader and giving practical information that highlights the significance of an event or action. I often just wanted more explanation so I could understand the point being made.

I suspect that it might have been easier to follow if it was a book not an audio recording. I tend to listen when driving so I don't get the opportunity to stop and refer back. I am sure I only understood half of what was going on. My comprehension picked up towards the end so maybe better on second listening?

Overall, I have mixed feelings. So many things to admire but I was often found gasping with annoyance (asking myself, "what does that mean?") as well. Recommended if you feel like a challenging listen.

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3 people found this helpful

Go with the flow

The novel was initially hard going but once I wrapped my mind around the concept that maths and beliefs can distort reality, really started to get into the story.

Narration was good but had to drop it down to X1.5 playback speed to understand the narrator.

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