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saraubs's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 Stars
This was fascinating, even if it did run a bit too long for the story it intended to tell. Characterization was somewhat weak, but the ideas were mind-boggling! I particularly liked the structure and the "interludes" that split the narrative. Adrian Tchaikovsky is such an imaginative writer and I'm looking forward to exploring more of his work.
This was fascinating, even if it did run a bit too long for the story it intended to tell. Characterization was somewhat weak, but the ideas were mind-boggling! I particularly liked the structure and the "interludes" that split the narrative. Adrian Tchaikovsky is such an imaginative writer and I'm looking forward to exploring more of his work.
gaulien's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
quercus707's review against another edition
3.0
4 stars for the super cool evolutionary speculation, 3 stars for the plot + characters. The evolutionary interludes were awesome. The story and characters were fine, but got tedious, particularly at the end with the repeated multiverse looping. Neat idea, but kind of tedious to read.
trumpeta19's review against another edition
4.0
The book took a bit to find a coherent plot but once things started sorting themselves out, it’s a really good book. It’s a very unique book and really makes you think.
athryn's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This was a lot of fun! I wanted to get a stand alone book from Tchaikovsky before I dove into a series, and this was a great place to start. I really enjoyed the whole tone of the book, and the science and ideas being explored in it. I thought that the ending was a little bit anticlimactic, but overall I really enjoyed this!
aristhought's review against another edition
4.0
I am constantly amazed by Adrian Tchaikovsky’s ability to spin whole fantastical worlds from the roots of real life biology/ecology/palaeontology, and craft whole epics in those worlds at an astonishing rate. The Doors of Eden is one of those epics in worldbuilding that, along with being a gripping story about empathy, communication, and diversity, taught me new things about biology and evolution.
As a queer/trans person I also appreciated how he handled one of the main characters who is a trans woman. Admittedly it wasn’t perfect, but I was pleasantly surprised and touched how he wrote her with great empathy and respect. 2 of the main characters are also lesbians, and it was wonderful to read. These characters are just as human and real as any of the others. Queer representation - especially done well - is still rare in science fiction, and it is greatly meaningful how his stories feature representation in realistic ways without resorting to tokenism or harmful tropes.
As a queer/trans person I also appreciated how he handled one of the main characters who is a trans woman. Admittedly it wasn’t perfect, but I was pleasantly surprised and touched how he wrote her with great empathy and respect. 2 of the main characters are also lesbians, and it was wonderful to read. These characters are just as human and real as any of the others. Queer representation - especially done well - is still rare in science fiction, and it is greatly meaningful how his stories feature representation in realistic ways without resorting to tokenism or harmful tropes.
ophel_arka's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
jameshaus's review against another edition
5.0
Really, really enjoyed this one. Tchaikovsky fast becoming on of my favorite writers. Really devoted to the idea of cooperation and mutualism and I am delighted to have someone champion it so fearlessly with style and imagination.
interrowhimper's review against another edition
4.0
Brimming with weird biology and interesting ideas. Names, characters, and plot lines felt slippery at times, and I had trouble following some stuff. Villains are very timely and modern in their particular villainy. Ended in a satisfying way.