Reviews

The Sleepless by Victor Manibo

emmzxiee_07's review

4.0

Finally, finish this book as one of my entries for TBTM's OPM Song Book Prompt. Featuring Filipino song artists and authors.

As for the book, there is a mystery that is going on throughout the entire novel. As the main character experience sleeplessness, he became an unreliable narrator which made me so suspicious about the event that happen in this book.

I am also happy with how the author represents a Filipino Bisexual main character. On the other hand, there were parts that I lose my attention due to an extensive grasp of the incident in the story.

There is a lush of topics that have been tackled in this novel. From corruption, politics, and even abuse of power.

Overall, it is quite an experience. It makes me value sleep and its benefit to our body and how sleeplessness affects the way we think and we process our decision and thoughts.

Rating it as 4 star read.

ellis459's review

5.0

Poignant and set in the not so distant future. The technology advance seems not off base for what it could be in 20 years. As does the look at society and humanity - must "progress" always be unfettered? Highly enjoyable and highly recommend!

nicksenior's review

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

bookchik15's review against another edition

dark informative mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

I've been listening to this book for so long that I was happy to have it finally be done. 

erinlcrane's review

4.0

Solid SF thriller read. The tone of the writing was perfect for me. The dialogue generally felt realistic, and the protagonist did not have a snarky jokey narration. It hit the right serious mood for me. That’s difficult for me to find, so the book gets a lot of points just for that.

I also enjoyed the plot overall. There was one major thing I saw coming and another thing I wish had been different, but I was mostly satisfied with the intrigue and the mystery. If anything I wish the idea of Sleeplessness and capitalism were explored even more.

The ending was like “oof” but definitely in the right way, a believable way.

I’ll definitely try more from this author when he comes out with more!

carturo222's review

3.0

I reviewed this novel for the Hugo-winning blog Nerds of a Feather:

http://www.nerds-feather.com/2022/08/review-sleepless-by-victor-manibo.html

rbz39's review

Wasn’t feeling this one, beginning reminded me too much of Ready Player One

apollinares's review against another edition

dark mysterious reflective tense fast-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? No

3.0

While the premise was interesting, the substance of the book didn't hook me. Mostly, I found it boring.

flindberg's review

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

This was such an interesting concept. I loved it. It was interesting that Jamie is bisexual and talks about coming out but instead it’s about the fast that he is sleepless. This book has so many twists and turns I would definitely read it again.

aidenm's review

emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• 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