lsvicente537's review against another edition
3.0
A combination of 1984, I, Robot, and The Matrix. Wierd, but pretty good.
susbro's review against another edition
4.0
I'd actually rate this somewhere between 3 and 4 stars, but I rounded up since I liked it enough to think about reading the next book in the series. It's an entertaining scifi adventure story with a team of misfits battling to save the London Metrozone from destruction. It would make a fantastic movie.
erndixon's review against another edition
3.0
Reminds me of a Michael Bay movie in the form of a sci-fi novel. From a point in the middle the book becomes almost non-stop action. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it might have been a bit overdone. There are only so many heart attacks and body breaking stunts a guy can go through before he would be unable to function. Also, the main character, Petrovitch, is not necessarily the most likable person. Overall, however, it was an entertaining read and I might check out the follow-ups in the future. I did like the 6 1/2 foot tall nun who ran around wielding a semi-automatic.
misterfix's review against another edition
4.0
I was caught a bit off guard by how much I enjoyed this book perhaps because the last one or two sci-fi/dystopian thrillers were so disappointing. Mr Morden creates unique, quirky yet truly believable characters who speak and view their world using dialogue that rings true. Equations of Life reminded me what makes a great book - believable characters that you care about, invest in and impart with your own beliefs and emotions(duh).
The main character Samuil is an individual whom I initially disliked yet I was intrigued by his choices and behavior. It contains story elements that has elements and is tonally similar to some of my favorites books from the same genre (Hitchhiker's Guide, Ready Player One, Snowcrash, etc) but the story continually surprised me. I do not want to spoil this wonderful book by saying more except READ IT. I can't wait to start on book 2! Another bonus - all three books are done so no waiting for the sequel.
PS. I would have given this book 4 1/2 if possible. Why not 5? The zombies. Sure, I love them but this part of the story felt tacked on. Hopefully we either learn about the 'why zombies' at the least I hope the author doesn't suddenly introduce... vampires.
The main character Samuil is an individual whom I initially disliked yet I was intrigued by his choices and behavior. It contains story elements that has elements and is tonally similar to some of my favorites books from the same genre (Hitchhiker's Guide, Ready Player One, Snowcrash, etc) but the story continually surprised me. I do not want to spoil this wonderful book by saying more except READ IT. I can't wait to start on book 2! Another bonus - all three books are done so no waiting for the sequel.
PS. I would have given this book 4 1/2 if possible. Why not 5? The zombies. Sure, I love them but this part of the story felt tacked on. Hopefully we either learn about the 'why zombies' at the least I hope the author doesn't suddenly introduce... vampires.
sirlancelot2021's review against another edition
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sisteray's review against another edition
4.0
This is a classic hard boiled accidental hero story set in a futuristic city. For the majority of the book, the science fiction element is really only a back drop for a classic man on the run noir scenario. One of the things that Morden firmly believes in though is escalating action, and just when you think that he can't top himself he shifts the book firmly into his science fiction world. While the feel of the book is noir, Morden is clearly standing on the shoulders of William Gibson, and it isn't a bad thing. Yes, there is a strong cyberpunk quality to this, but it doesn't feel derivative. Samuil Petrovitch is his own character and it is fun to take the ride with him, and following the Morden parabola of escalating action Petrovitch takes a larger and heavier beating through every chapter of the book.
If I have any gripe with this book it is bizarre moments in the dialog when the characters loudly pronounce their history and motivation. So we get exposition through tourette-like blurts.
Still, this is an absorbing page turner. I can't wait to get into the next books.
If I have any gripe with this book it is bizarre moments in the dialog when the characters loudly pronounce their history and motivation. So we get exposition through tourette-like blurts.
Still, this is an absorbing page turner. I can't wait to get into the next books.
oneesk's review against another edition
4.0
Quick read. Really enjoyed it, can't wait to read the rest of the series.
gavreads's review against another edition
Morden dumps us in the middle of London Metrozone, a place where there is some sort of law and order but also gang warfare mainly between Russian and Japanese mobsters. It seems that there has been nuclear fallout in both their home countries leading them fighting for territory elsewhere.
As future SF goes Morden’s version is a little bleak but it is not only a backdrop it is also a character in the main adventure. And it is an adventure. From the moment that Petrovich acts the next three hundred plus pages keep you gripped firmly in his hand as Petrovitch runs around the city trying to stop himself getting killed whilst meeting lots of colourful characters along the way.
Equations of Life isn’t all that it seems. It really is a little sneaky. Yes, the main thrust is all about saving the girl but then Morden sticks in a computer programme that is trying to take over the Metrozone so not only does he have to save the girl but the city itself. Oh and he’s not completely telling the truth. And that adds another layer. A question of redemption and good deeds paying off bad ones and what people do to survive.
Don’t get me wrong this is a narrow focused, fun, tale of heroes and gangster villains with a huge SF heart. It’s not going to make you slow you down and think too much. But that’s not to say that there isn’t lots of thought in the background. There is. Lots has gone into making the world as it is and one of those events that is behind the challenges that Petrovich faces.
And that’s what makes it a fun read. It’s a pulp adventure that is only the start to something bigger (two more book in this trilogy and the first book in a new trilogy just released). You can see why The Samuil Petrovitch Trilogy won the Philip K. Dick Award in 2012.
As future SF goes Morden’s version is a little bleak but it is not only a backdrop it is also a character in the main adventure. And it is an adventure. From the moment that Petrovich acts the next three hundred plus pages keep you gripped firmly in his hand as Petrovitch runs around the city trying to stop himself getting killed whilst meeting lots of colourful characters along the way.
Equations of Life isn’t all that it seems. It really is a little sneaky. Yes, the main thrust is all about saving the girl but then Morden sticks in a computer programme that is trying to take over the Metrozone so not only does he have to save the girl but the city itself. Oh and he’s not completely telling the truth. And that adds another layer. A question of redemption and good deeds paying off bad ones and what people do to survive.
Don’t get me wrong this is a narrow focused, fun, tale of heroes and gangster villains with a huge SF heart. It’s not going to make you slow you down and think too much. But that’s not to say that there isn’t lots of thought in the background. There is. Lots has gone into making the world as it is and one of those events that is behind the challenges that Petrovich faces.
And that’s what makes it a fun read. It’s a pulp adventure that is only the start to something bigger (two more book in this trilogy and the first book in a new trilogy just released). You can see why The Samuil Petrovitch Trilogy won the Philip K. Dick Award in 2012.