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anna_hepworth's review against another edition
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I was prompted to read this after reading Engdahl's collected essays, which include multiple references to this book, what Engdahl was aiming for, and what the general public response was. I have intended to read it for years -- according to the note in the front I acquired my copy in 1994--but there are always more books than there is time to read them.
Would I have liked it without having the context? I'm not sure. If I'd read it 30 years ago, yes, I think I would have, because I read a lot of similar works and enjoyed them. It gets quite didactic at times, particularly towards the end as our main character, Noren, learns more about their world (science, history, politics) through discussions with the Scholar, Stefred.
Would I have liked it without having the context? I'm not sure. If I'd read it 30 years ago, yes, I think I would have, because I read a lot of similar works and enjoyed them. It gets quite didactic at times, particularly towards the end as our main character, Noren, learns more about their world (science, history, politics) through discussions with the Scholar, Stefred.
marissalobot's review against another edition
3.0
Brief overview of the plot: Noren lives in a world where technology, Machines, and knowledge are limited to the Technicians and Scholars who live in the City. He has just finished school and is betrothed but has to go on the run when his family realise he is a heretic: he does not believe in the Prophecy that knowledge will be spread to the villagers once the Mother Star appears in the sky. He is eventually captured, interrogated, and put on trial to repent in front of many - however, before the latter happens, he finds out a lot more about the world...
As for the characters, Noren is the definition of chaotic good and I love him for that. The only other main character really is Stefred, who was the cause of a lot of semantic-related, waffley conversations with Noren. Those I enjoyed less.
The book really made me think about humans' relationship with the Earth, how we evolved on this planet and therefore basic human obstacles did not need to be addressed. It was interesting to imagine a primitive society on a new planet, who did not have the scientific knowledge to advance technologically, let alone sustain themselves in terms of food, water, oxygen.
I did enjoy the direction of the plot, I was pleasantly surprised at the unexpected reveal of how the world had come to be. It was a conflicting outcome; where those who question the with-holding of knowledge from the masses are rewarded with the knowledge. However, overall, the toss-up between different evils was an interesting theme.
As for the characters, Noren is the definition of chaotic good and I love him for that. The only other main character really is Stefred, who was the cause of a lot of semantic-related, waffley conversations with Noren. Those I enjoyed less.
The book really made me think about humans' relationship with the Earth, how we evolved on this planet and therefore basic human obstacles did not need to be addressed. It was interesting to imagine a primitive society on a new planet, who did not have the scientific knowledge to advance technologically, let alone sustain themselves in terms of food, water, oxygen.
I did enjoy the direction of the plot, I was pleasantly surprised at the unexpected reveal of how the world had come to be. It was a conflicting outcome; where those who question the with-holding of knowledge from the masses are rewarded with the knowledge. However, overall, the toss-up between different evils was an interesting theme.
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