The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
sortabadass's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-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
5.0
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Pedophilia
asfaloth12's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
tense
4.0
Graphic: Animal death
Minor: Child abuse and Sexual assault
mr_sosotris's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Moderate: Addiction
Minor: Child abuse
kbkbkbkbkb's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
One of my favorite reads this year, Dreamsnake is both captivating and meaningful. This post-apocalyptic scifi novel is interesting in that the setting, while important to the story, is not a main focus. There is no explanation as to what happened to cause nuclear destruction or the discovery of alien life, rather, the McIntyre mentions they exist and let's the reader fill in the blanks in whichever way they desire. It's so refreshing to read post-apocalyptic literature that isn't entirely focused on the events leading up to the destruction or the violence that's everywhere as a result.
I also enjoyed the character-driven story line. Snake, right from the begining, is extremely likeable while still bring flawed. Her struggle with her identity as a healer is relatable to practically any reader. Her strong morals and persistence to accomplish her goals despite all the shortcomings she faces is admirable and instills in the reader a sense of hope and determination. Snake is, simply put, inspiring.
I would also like to add that another thing I enjoyed about Dreamsnake was the diversity of the characters. Sci-fi has been a male-dominated genre (both in terms of authorship and literary content) since it's founding. Its increddibly refreshing any time I pick up a good sci-fi novel with strong female characters.Â
I also enjoyed the character-driven story line. Snake, right from the begining, is extremely likeable while still bring flawed. Her struggle with her identity as a healer is relatable to practically any reader. Her strong morals and persistence to accomplish her goals despite all the shortcomings she faces is admirable and instills in the reader a sense of hope and determination. Snake is, simply put, inspiring.
I would also like to add that another thing I enjoyed about Dreamsnake was the diversity of the characters. Sci-fi has been a male-dominated genre (both in terms of authorship and literary content) since it's founding. Its increddibly refreshing any time I pick up a good sci-fi novel with strong female characters.Â
Minor: Child abuse
omnombailey's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
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? Yes
4.0
I first read this back in grade school and remembered enjoying it a great deal. I remembered so little about the actual narrative, though, and decided to revisit it. And wow, it was an absolute treat to reread this with older, yet fresh eyes.
The world is quite different from the usual post-apocalyptic sci-fi landscape in that people have managed to survive and thrive outside of whatever urban bubbles the upper crust has locked themselves into. There are subtle hints at what might have happened to cause an apocalypse, but even the main characters do not know for sure. And all of this is a delightful backdrop for the story of a woman who is A) not a young, delicate person, B) not some badass warrior, and C) absolutely capable in her own way and prized for her skills as a healer.
Snake was a gem to follow throughout the story. Her agency is clear and strong, from her knowledge in science to her sexuality to her latter role as a mother. It was amazing to read about someone who is older with some experience, too. And her story hooked me from beginning to end.
Some parts didn't work as well with me, mostly the whole plot point with Arevin. Then again, love at first sight in general just... goes over my head, so maybe it would make more sense to someone who gets that. It was the only part of the story that felt forced, which stood out a great deal against everything else that was rather fluid and organic. The prose aged well enough, but there are times when it's almost too simple and I wish the narrative didn't hold my hand to explain everyone's motives and concerns and reactions and so on.
This was a lovely treat. If I didn't have a mountain of books to dive into, I'd almost be tempted to read it again right now.Â
The world is quite different from the usual post-apocalyptic sci-fi landscape in that people have managed to survive and thrive outside of whatever urban bubbles the upper crust has locked themselves into. There are subtle hints at what might have happened to cause an apocalypse, but even the main characters do not know for sure. And all of this is a delightful backdrop for the story of a woman who is A) not a young, delicate person, B) not some badass warrior, and C) absolutely capable in her own way and prized for her skills as a healer.
Snake was a gem to follow throughout the story. Her agency is clear and strong, from her knowledge in science to her sexuality to her latter role as a mother. It was amazing to read about someone who is older with some experience, too. And her story hooked me from beginning to end.
Some parts didn't work as well with me, mostly the whole plot point with Arevin. Then again, love at first sight in general just... goes over my head, so maybe it would make more sense to someone who gets that. It was the only part of the story that felt forced, which stood out a great deal against everything else that was rather fluid and organic. The prose aged well enough, but there are times when it's almost too simple and I wish the narrative didn't hold my hand to explain everyone's motives and concerns and reactions and so on.
This was a lovely treat. If I didn't have a mountain of books to dive into, I'd almost be tempted to read it again right now.Â
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Stalking, Medical content, and Confinement
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Sexual assault, Rape, Violence, and Infertility
The graphic warning for sexual content is not linked to the moderate sexual assault; the graphic sexual content is very consensual and happens with one character while the mention of sexual assault/rape happens with a completely different character (and how the latter is handled is very cathartic, but it's still a thing that exists in the book).metafiktion's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
I can see why this book was lauded for its time (strong female protagonist + feminist elements in science fiction in the 70s) but it might struggle to find purchase with a more contemporary audience. Kinda reads like a filler in a longer series, despite being a standalone book. There's lots of (potentially) interesting stuff in it — alien snakes, different social orders, the divide between have vs have-nots vs off-worlders, novel attitudes around sex & procreation, substance abuse & cults — but most are only briefly visited or alluded to. It was interesting enough for me to keep following the plot, but I wasn't particularly invested in any one storyline or element.
I also found most of the characters fairly one-dimensional, with perhaps the odd exception of the Mountainside mayor, who shows some growth/complexity. Definitely did not care for the central romance.
I also found most of the characters fairly one-dimensional, with perhaps the odd exception of the Mountainside mayor, who shows some growth/complexity. Definitely did not care for the central romance.
Moderate: Child abuse
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