bishop's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
karireads's review
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
allboutdembooks's review
4.0
I really liked the aliens and how they defied attempts to anthropomorphize them. The AI was essentially a black box. The characters were interesting and the action was fun. Solid action adventure sci-fi that didn't require too much thinking.
pandaorb's review against another edition
3.0
I'm not typically into sci-fi, but thanks to Mass Effect, Doctor Who, and Stargate I've started to edge my way into the genre.
Wow. Just wow.
After the incredible 2nd person intro, my token phrase "slow space movie" kept coming to mind. The story is confined to the tight quarters of an artificially intelligent Providence ship and unfolds through the introspections of a sparse crew. From these private thoughts, Barry conveys all sorts of information about the war, the mission, the ship, and the motivations of each of the four crew members.
And then in the space of 20 seconds, everything changes. The second part of the story was action packed, full of tension, and charged with emotion. My heart was with Gilly, Beanfield, Anders, and Jackson as the book came to a close.
This was extremely well done and was easily a 5-star ending. I rated lower only because I'm personally not that big into "slow space movies" and that was a bulk of the narrative.
Good grief! I'm still savoring that conclusion. Thanks for putting this out there, Barry!
Wow. Just wow.
After the incredible 2nd person intro, my token phrase "slow space movie" kept coming to mind. The story is confined to the tight quarters of an artificially intelligent Providence ship and unfolds through the introspections of a sparse crew. From these private thoughts, Barry conveys all sorts of information about the war, the mission, the ship, and the motivations of each of the four crew members.
And then in the space of 20 seconds, everything changes. The second part of the story was action packed, full of tension, and charged with emotion. My heart was with Gilly, Beanfield, Anders, and Jackson as the book came to a close.
This was extremely well done
Spoiler
- especially the absolutely stunning chapter where Gilly begins to communicate with 'Martin'-Good grief! I'm still savoring that conclusion. Thanks for putting this out there, Barry!
aravenscroft's review
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
kf21's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
emilyscopeland's review
5.0
I read project hail Mary last year and this book was the answer to all my problems w that book: less boring science stuff, no saccharine loving aliens, female characters, and flawed main characters.
this book brought up some really interesting ideas about AI and its implications. the aliens were so cool to imagine and the tension between characters felt real and the stakes felt meaningful.
this book brought up some really interesting ideas about AI and its implications. the aliens were so cool to imagine and the tension between characters felt real and the stakes felt meaningful.
the_bookspace's review against another edition
3.0
This follows some very traditional tropes for a novel set in space...
It's told from the points of view of different crew members aboard the Providence while they're on a mission to kill aliens (called Huks). Original isn't it?
It's told from the points of view of different crew members aboard the Providence while they're on a mission to kill aliens (called Huks). Original isn't it?
cooloolat's review against another edition
4.0
With thanks to Max Barry, Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for the ARC of Providence.
This is a highly entertaining read as our protagonists travel across the universe is pursuit of enemy aliens. There’s good comment throughout the book describing the incongruousness of military funding and artificial intelligence. The character development is excellent, the story told through the eyes of each of the crew. Each character is unique and relatable. It’s a difficult book to put down. Definitely recommend.
This is a highly entertaining read as our protagonists travel across the universe is pursuit of enemy aliens. There’s good comment throughout the book describing the incongruousness of military funding and artificial intelligence. The character development is excellent, the story told through the eyes of each of the crew. Each character is unique and relatable. It’s a difficult book to put down. Definitely recommend.