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luetya's review against another edition
5.0
4.5
It was a bit of a slow start and took a minute to get into, but once it got going I loved it.
It was a bit of a slow start and took a minute to get into, but once it got going I loved it.
how_logan_yougo's review against another edition
3.0
Didn't mean to read two octopus books back to back, but here we are.
I'm feeling very mixed about this book. The plot felt clunky with an underwhelming finale for the long and disjointed journey it took to get there. At the same time, Nayler possesses a remarkable ability to write about deep concepts like consciousness, AI, and language in a profound and digestible way.
Overall, I think this book is high (and I mean HIGH) concept, medium execution. If you're interested in octopi, emerging consciousness, near-future AI, semi (fully??) conscious AI, and evolution, I would absolutely recommend this book. If you're looking for a tightly woven plot, maybe not.
PS - my FAVORITE parts of this book were the intros to chapters, especially the excerpts from Dr. Ha Nguyen's book, I want to read it!!!
I'm feeling very mixed about this book. The plot felt clunky with an underwhelming finale for the long and disjointed journey it took to get there. At the same time, Nayler possesses a remarkable ability to write about deep concepts like consciousness, AI, and language in a profound and digestible way.
Overall, I think this book is high (and I mean HIGH) concept, medium execution. If you're interested in octopi, emerging consciousness, near-future AI, semi (fully??) conscious AI, and evolution, I would absolutely recommend this book. If you're looking for a tightly woven plot, maybe not.
PS - my FAVORITE parts of this book were the intros to chapters, especially the excerpts from Dr. Ha Nguyen's book, I want to read it!!!
timbitsreads's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
michyg's review against another edition
3.0
so it was good but more philosophical than i thought it was going to be
heidihazelton's review against another edition
5.0
Very cool contemplations on consciousness and what is is to be both self-aware and connected. A different kinda pace for a novel but really enjoyed it!
cottonmanifesto's review against another edition
5.0
Reading this on the heels of remarkably bright creatures was kind of a mindf*ck. Lots of neat ideas.
l0re_14's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 ⭐️
This seemed like a really cool book from reading the back but I just wasn’t that into it. I really appreciate that writing and the work that was put into it. I was very confused about Eiko and Son’s stories until the end, same with Rustem. But like I said overall it was decent just not my favorite.
This seemed like a really cool book from reading the back but I just wasn’t that into it. I really appreciate that writing and the work that was put into it. I was very confused about Eiko and Son’s stories until the end, same with Rustem. But like I said overall it was decent just not my favorite.
cb1984's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A bit of a weird book. It never really went anywhere that I expected it to go, and ended up being primarily about language and how physical forms drive that, and about what constituents sentience and being a species. Just not at all expected.
The downside was that the plot and characters then felt secondary to the themes. There was plot, but it never felt like I was supposed to be that invested in it, and there were only a couple of characters who I felt at all invested in.
I'm glad I read it, but it was nothing special.
The downside was that the plot and characters then felt secondary to the themes. There was plot, but it never felt like I was supposed to be that invested in it, and there were only a couple of characters who I felt at all invested in.
I'm glad I read it, but it was nothing special.
wole_talabi's review against another edition
5.0
One of the best science fiction novels I've read in a while. The kind of book I wish I wrote. The kind of book you can tell has gestated in the mind for a long time. Full of great ideas and explorations of the self and consciousness. Rendered in lovely prose. Tense for the entire length of it. Populated by characters that are fully realized (humans and non-humans).
5/5 highly recommended.
5/5 highly recommended.