hilse's review against another edition
3.0
was an incredibly quick read, but I had a hard time accepting Haden's and its threeps. Yes, this is sci-fi, but if the future has the technology to put a person in a robot, why does so little else in the world seem different? This future features self-driven cars and (basically) widespread use of something akin to Google glasses, but everything else felt very contemporary. That doesn't deter from the story and its plot, but it bugged me. I dunno. I think I have unrealistically high hopes for the future technology than is realistic.
ablotial's review against another edition
3.0
From the first time I read the description of this book, I was fascinated and marked it as to-read (and a high priority to-read at that!). These kind of utopian/dystopian futures really appeal to me, for whatever reason. I read the world building short story, [b:Unlocked: An Oral History of Haden's Syndrome|21805681|Unlocked An Oral History of Haden's Syndrome|John Scalzi|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1397572655s/21805681.jpg|41068587], before this book came out and was super impressed, and it got me very excited to read this.
Well, I have to say I actually liked the short story more than the book, though the book was still very enjoyable. The short story focused more on the world building, the implications of the disease and the threeps, the moral and ethical issues surrounding this potential future. While it wasn't really much of a STORY (not so much a plot with a beginning, middle and end), it was really well written and engaging. Whereas this book was definitely more of a story, a sci-fi mystery/thriller of sorts. And it was enjoyable, set in this new world, but not enjoyable in the same way.
Somehow it seems like I'm reviewing the short here, instead of the book. But I guess, while the book was enjoyable, I don't think there is that much more to say about it.
Well, I have to say I actually liked the short story more than the book, though the book was still very enjoyable. The short story focused more on the world building, the implications of the disease and the threeps, the moral and ethical issues surrounding this potential future. While it wasn't really much of a STORY (not so much a plot with a beginning, middle and end), it was really well written and engaging. Whereas this book was definitely more of a story, a sci-fi mystery/thriller of sorts. And it was enjoyable, set in this new world, but not enjoyable in the same way.
Somehow it seems like I'm reviewing the short here, instead of the book. But I guess, while the book was enjoyable, I don't think there is that much more to say about it.
brassduke's review against another edition
4.0
Listened to as a podcast with Amber Benson narrating. A very clever story with a lot of really interesting world building ideas. Some of the conversations felt a little odd when read out in the audio book but it was a very minor issue in what is a thought provoking story.
rkdesko's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
raisa's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
tanyak0203's review against another edition
3.0
John Scalzi only seems to write one main character but I like that character a lot. This was a fun police procedural in a unique world. I sometimes couldn’t follow the details of the plot but it didn’t matter because it was fun just to hang out in this world with these Bahrain eyes. 3.5 stars.
raetracer's review against another edition
5.0
This was a really quality effort from Scalzi, in the classic sci fi tradition of exploring the consequences of a change in the world as well as telling a story in that world. What if 1% of the world's population found themselves "locked in" - awake and aware but unable to move or communicate - how would that change society? The main character got to be sarcastic and witty, which Scalzi does so well. I hope there will be more stories in this world!
glitterbomb47's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this one so much I already checked out the next in the series from the library.
nglofile's review against another edition
4.0
Smart, inventive, and entertaining. A fascinating premise of post-pandemic society, rights and accommodations for the differently-abled, identity and ability, and the intriguing choice of incorporating elements of the Navajo Nation. The world-building is deftly handled; it offers a grounded approach that feels relatable and contemporary. Characters verge on being stock, but Scalzi somehow imbues hints of complexity even as they serve primarily as vehicles for action and ideas. While not strictly a humorous book, the writing balances lightness and tension, underscoring commentary with occasional wink or wit.
kirsteny's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0