spacephilosopher's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
woolyllamareads's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
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? Yes
4.5
cynthiareads's review
I just didn’t care what happened. I think the lack of character development (for everyone but Tesla) made it hard to invest. Also did not enjoy all the focus on cocktails.
Pros - cute dog, disability and PTSD rep
Pros - cute dog, disability and PTSD rep
ahalpine's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
coffee_and_wool's review
adventurous
informative
mysterious
slow-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? It's complicated
3.5
jonknightknighthunterbooks's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I don't read a lot of mysteries - and despite the sci fi trappings this very much is one. Bar a few elements it could have been set on a contemporary cruise ship. That said, I suspect I am always going to be likely to read any particular story shape if you add SFF trappings!
The protagonist is struggling with what appears to be PTSD (including flashbacks) throughout; and severe pain and some mobility impairment - all mitigated to some extent by her service dog. All of these elements were really lovely to see in a protagonist; and contributed to making her extremely likable.
As others have noted, her being ultra-ultra wealthy undoes some of that work. She has a formidable lawyer on speed dial she uses as a battering ram, and is inclined to trample people - particularly if she is in pain or angry (both happen a lot).
That aside, I enjoyed the book. The romance between Tesla and her new husband is thoughtfully drawn - something of a signature of Kowal's; being romantic but fading to black before they get particularly physical.
The protagonist is struggling with what appears to be PTSD (including flashbacks) throughout; and severe pain and some mobility impairment - all mitigated to some extent by her service dog. All of these elements were really lovely to see in a protagonist; and contributed to making her extremely likable.
As others have noted, her being ultra-ultra wealthy undoes some of that work. She has a formidable lawyer on speed dial she uses as a battering ram, and is inclined to trample people - particularly if she is in pain or angry (both happen a lot).
That aside, I enjoyed the book. The romance between Tesla and her new husband is thoughtfully drawn - something of a signature of Kowal's; being romantic but fading to black before they get particularly physical.
gjharm's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
dodgersas's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
revafisheye's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Fast-paced and funny, a la screwball comedies of Hollywood's golden age, The Spare Man is a delightful space romp, though with a few flaws. The world building and character creation are stellar; the disability rep and treatment of PTSD are handled with care and realism. I thought it was an interesting choice to create a future with such enlightened gender consciousness while maintaining a very 20th-century class stratification. The pacing lags a bit in the middle, and a deus ex machina to tie up (most of?) the mystery is a little disappointing. But, all in all, it was a ripping good time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, and Alcohol
michi's review
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0