Reviews

The premise is there but it was just too slow for me. I figured out the ending about a 1/3 into it so I was just waiting for action which was really only the last chapter. I did really enjoy the snippets of life in the Vert, the world building was good, I just didn’t connect with any of the characters.

mjk20a's review against another edition

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medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

nmullaly's review against another edition

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1.0

I picked this book out for a book club, but didn't end up enjoying it. The metaphors were thinly veiled, yet overall unclear. I was never really invested in the story, because of the impersonal approach to the main character. In particular, I felt cheated by the lack of character arc with Lydia, and disappointed w/ Orville's minimal growth. It didn't feel cohesive. It also felt that we learned more about Doctor and Boss than we did the main protagonists, though they were never given names, which I'm sure was part of the metaphor, but which never really made itself clear. I was more invested in the Displaced Traveler's writings. There were a few brief endearing moments, but I didn't feel rewarded for reading and didn't feel that the ending was necessarily earned. Overall, meh.

beth_diiorio's review against another edition

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4.0

This is an engaging and unique story...definitely recommend!

cassie7e's review

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dark mysterious sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? No

3.5

This book is like if an adult version of A Series of Unfortunate Events took place in the communal skyscraper setting of New York 2140. A scrappy group of underdogs scrambling to outwit an absent rich landlord and theatrically mysterious villains.

I personally didn't get much metaphorical meaning out of it and it was rather slow in the first half. Decent enough for a cooped up winter read/listen.

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