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trapdorr's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
So creative. I loved the thorough integration of real Astro science and science fiction. It was incredibly well done and very endearing. I appreciated the dual storyline and felt it was played out well so it wasn’t redundant or detracting from the other parts. The end was a touch corny tho.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Suicide, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Drug use, Cannibalism, Alcohol, Colonisation, and War
sophiesometimesreads's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I really enjoyed this one! As a science nerd, all the science talk in this really scratched an itch for me. However, even if you don't have a lot of science knowledge, I think this is really accessible sci-fi as the theory behind things are explained well, but you'll need an initial interest in science for it to work for you.
The only thing I wanted was an extra chapter at the end that explainedhow Earth went whilst Grace was out in space, and more explanation around how they fixed the problem rather than a bit of a hand-wavey "oh hey I guess they figured it out and there must be some people left if it was all okay in the end!". There was a lot of focus initially on predicting how Earth would fare as the sun dimmed but we never got closure on that.
In saying this, I really enjoyed the rest of it. Rocky was hilarious and wonderful, and even Grace was mostly endearing to me towards the end.
I listened to the audiobook which I think may have meant the humour and tone of the book translated better than if it was written, and it even had some sound effects! I would definitely recommend the audiobook if you're into those.
The only thing I wanted was an extra chapter at the end that explained
In saying this, I really enjoyed the rest of it. Rocky was hilarious and wonderful, and even Grace was mostly endearing to me towards the end.
I listened to the audiobook which I think may have meant the humour and tone of the book translated better than if it was written, and it even had some sound effects! I would definitely recommend the audiobook if you're into those.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement and Medical content
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide
Minor: Drug use, Cannibalism, and Alcohol
rosesofthespring's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
I really appreciate how this book managed to explore complex scientific concepts without making me feel stupid. I admit I don't know much about space or interstellar travel, but I feel like I've learned a little now. In my opinion, the writing manages to keep from being either too crunchy or too dumbed down. Not an easy line to walk.
I didn't realize this was the same guy who wrote The Martian. If you liked that, you'll almost certainly be on board for this one.
Minus a half-star purely because I was disappointed by the ending. I'm sure many (if not most) would disagree with me there.
I didn't realize this was the same guy who wrote The Martian. If you liked that, you'll almost certainly be on board for this one.
Minus a half-star purely because I was disappointed by the ending. I'm sure many (if not most) would disagree with me there.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Alcohol and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Addiction, Cancer, Child death, Drug use, Gun violence, Sexual content, Excrement, and Murder
ahoyitsjoy's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was a very silly book. It requires you to really suspend your disbelief, but if you can, it's a decently fun ride. The vibes remind me of like... a blockbuster action movie. Like Independence Day? It's not as ridiculous as that movie, but it's kind of got a similar vibe, especially when it comes to the characters... The people in this book just do not act realistically, and that stands out quite a bit compared to how detailed descriptions of science stuff is. I'm not that knowledgeable about physics and biology so maybe those parts are also unbelievable if that's your field. All of the people feel like stereotypes with a bit of fleshing out.
But again, if you treat it like a popcorn flick, it's pretty entertaining. This will probably be one of those few cases where the upcoming movie will be better than the book, if they don't completely screw it up.
This would have been a 2 star book if not for Rocky, who was impossibly endearing.
But again, if you treat it like a popcorn flick, it's pretty entertaining. This will probably be one of those few cases where the upcoming movie will be better than the book, if they don't completely screw it up.
This would have been a 2 star book if not for Rocky, who was impossibly endearing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Vomit
Moderate: Confinement, Death, and Medical content
Minor: Drug use, Sexism, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcohol
witcheep's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
The plot captivated me with the incredibly high stakes and unexpected partnership in solving the main mystery/problem. My only regret is that I didn't read this book sooner!
The book delivers a very intelligent and resilient main character Ryland Grace, who finds himself on a suicide mission to save the Earth and the humankind. He must solve a huge scientific problem caused by an alien microscopic life force that threathens to power off the Sun. He is sent to another solar system to research how to make this alien species harmless.
There he comes across an alien on a similar solo mission – and they team up to solve this huge problem both of their solar systems share. I enjoyed the way they find ways to communicate and to co-operate, becoming fast friends. This dynamic is among the greatest aspects of this book!
A word of caution, though: at times (or if I'm being honest, often) the highly scientific details made me feel dumb or lazy, like I was trying to keep up with a lecture without doing my homework beforehand. That didn't diminish my enjoyment of the plot, however, since I don't need to be an expert to appreciate the attention to detail in which the main characters' love for scientific thinking is expressed. I can see how that could make the reading experience tedious, though. I think listening to the audiobook might have made the experience better for me, otherwise I might have struggled to get through these parts or chide myself for just skimming them.
A word of caution, though: at times (or if I'm being honest, often) the highly scientific details made me feel dumb or lazy, like I was trying to keep up with a lecture without doing my homework beforehand. That didn't diminish my enjoyment of the plot, however, since I don't need to be an expert to appreciate the attention to detail in which the main characters' love for scientific thinking is expressed. I can see how that could make the reading experience tedious, though. I think listening to the audiobook might have made the experience better for me, otherwise I might have struggled to get through these parts or chide myself for just skimming them.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Vomit, Medical content, Dementia, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Drug use and Suicide
Minor: Sexual content, Cannibalism, Alcohol, and War
rochelleisreading's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement
Moderate: Death and Suicide
Minor: Drug use, Sexual content, Cannibalism, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
msapocalypse's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
Can someone PLEASE get Andy Weir a competent editor?
The fact that this has a higher audience rating than so many masterpieces of the genre is a travesty. Am I in a simulation that's showing me its cracks?
The fact that this has a higher audience rating than so many masterpieces of the genre is a travesty. Am I in a simulation that's showing me its cracks?
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Drug use, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Vomit, Murder, Abandonment, and Alcohol
madimads's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Medical content and Pandemic/Epidemic
Minor: Alcohol
mrsori's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
An invigorating, amusing, hopeful read for anyone who likes to read about others doing science as an adventure. I’ve really loved it.
The focus is not on the character-building, but they are decently written, and some minor twists really added to the experience. I think the book lost a bit of its momentum towards the end, but the actual ending is quite enjoyable.
The translation is superb!
The focus is not on the character-building, but they are decently written, and some minor twists really added to the experience. I think the book lost a bit of its momentum towards the end, but the actual ending is quite enjoyable.
The translation is superb!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement and Vomit
Minor: Cancer, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, and Alcohol
sxndaze's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
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
4.0
a page turner for sure! has a lot of the elements from the martian that kept me interested and the premise is intriguing. ryland can be a bit annoying as a narrator at times, but the fast pace nature of this thinking helps move you along.
rocky is lovely and the ending is a bit of a weird delight.
rocky is lovely and the ending is a bit of a weird delight.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Medical content, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide
Minor: Drug use, Cannibalism, and Alcohol