colossal's review
3.0
An engrossing setup and fascinating mystery start this humans living in an alien universe story, but sadly it doesn't quite follow through on its brilliant beginning.
Humans have met the aliens, first the Gliese, and later the Eridani and Cancri. All of them are alien, so completely alien that meaningful communication seems impossible, let alone figuring out their desires or motivations. Despite that a very simple trade has developed with human artifacts, and humans themselves, being traded for important and incomprehensible technology.
Long after humans have come to completely depend on trade with the aliens as the whole base of their economy, a team is put together to investigate the disappearance of a small group of religious fanatics that one of the alien species appears to be holding as some form of hostage. But how will the team do anything when they can't communicate at even a basic level with the kidnappers?
The premise of this is great. Truly alien aliens. Cleverly explained alien technology and a fascinating and well thought-out Earth with humans playing the part of the dumb cousins and what that does to people. Unfortunately once the action moves off-Earth and we get to Netherspace and travel within it the whole plot derails into a dull (and mostly pointless) journey to where the religious group is being kept. Yes, there are some answers to the setup questions in the book. No, they're not very satisfying, with a lot more questions opened up.
Humans have met the aliens, first the Gliese, and later the Eridani and Cancri. All of them are alien, so completely alien that meaningful communication seems impossible, let alone figuring out their desires or motivations. Despite that a very simple trade has developed with human artifacts, and humans themselves, being traded for important and incomprehensible technology.
Long after humans have come to completely depend on trade with the aliens as the whole base of their economy, a team is put together to investigate the disappearance of a small group of religious fanatics that one of the alien species appears to be holding as some form of hostage. But how will the team do anything when they can't communicate at even a basic level with the kidnappers?
The premise of this is great. Truly alien aliens. Cleverly explained alien technology and a fascinating and well thought-out Earth with humans playing the part of the dumb cousins and what that does to people. Unfortunately once the action moves off-Earth and we get to Netherspace and travel within it the whole plot derails into a dull (and mostly pointless) journey to where the religious group is being kept. Yes, there are some answers to the setup questions in the book. No, they're not very satisfying, with a lot more questions opened up.
navik's review
5.0
A fast paced plot memorable characters and truly "alien" aliens make this one of the best Sci-Fi novels I have read in a long time. The book is also not afraid to tackle weighty subjects while leaving room for our own interpretations of events.
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