grid's review against another edition
5.0
Maybe not quite as beautiful and lyrical as Semiosis, this sequel is nonetheless a triumph. It’s just as filled with hardship, struggle and conflict, and just as packed with interesting alien ideas and details.
The ending did conclude, but there was plenty left for future sequels.
Mild spoilers follow —
The only thing that bugged me about this book was why steveland chose to hide himself from the earth humans. It felt like it caused more strife than anything, and led directly to one of the more dramatic events depicted. I also thought the humans were awfully xenophobic, some of them, for scientists sent to study an alien planet. The conclusion seemed to be that everyone on Pax thought they ran the place, with the possible exception of the pax humans. It was interesting to me that the idea that the rainbow bamboo came to pax with the glass makers was brought up, but never confirmed or denied.
The ending did conclude, but there was plenty left for future sequels.
Mild spoilers follow —
The only thing that bugged me about this book was why steveland chose to hide himself from the earth humans. It felt like it caused more strife than anything, and led directly to one of the more dramatic events depicted. I also thought the humans were awfully xenophobic, some of them, for scientists sent to study an alien planet. The conclusion seemed to be that everyone on Pax thought they ran the place, with the possible exception of the pax humans. It was interesting to me that the idea that the rainbow bamboo came to pax with the glass makers was brought up, but never confirmed or denied.
mdiffer's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
enbyglitch's review against another edition
5.0
A lovely sequel that manages to maintain the magic of Semiosis while also exploring new and fascinating aspects of the world.
This duology is simply fantastic, and I'd recommend it to anyone with the slightest interest in science fiction!
This duology is simply fantastic, and I'd recommend it to anyone with the slightest interest in science fiction!
giu28's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
docpacey's review against another edition
5.0
This sequel follows seamlessly from the first book, Semiosis, and loses none of its impact. Once again the story unfolds in a series of first-person narratives, this time laid out over a shorter period of time. I was thrown by how unlikable the earthling characters seem; so self-absorbed and petty, but this was by design and pretty effective in the end.
Burke's world-building continues to impress, and, honestly, I hope she revisits it again (and again).
Burke's world-building continues to impress, and, honestly, I hope she revisits it again (and again).
jazzypizzaz's review against another edition
4.0
An excellent continuation, with all the complexities between people and discoveries of new life like the first. I continue to love the way communication as a tool is prioritized and explored here -- its difficulties, its power. Pax, while utopic in many ways, is never idealized -- it feels real, with all the quarrels and challenges that any community will have (especially when dealing with outsiders!).
One nitpick: I loved how Semiosis traded off between POVs in chapters even jumping generations, and while there is some of this in this book, there's also a full 90ish continuous pages of a Stevland chapter that I felt like could have been broken up. (As much as I adore Stevland POV!)
Overall, an excellent sequel and I'm so happy to get to spend more time with this world. It's one of those stay up too late to finish, sorry that it has to end, kind of book series.
One nitpick: I loved how Semiosis traded off between POVs in chapters even jumping generations, and while there is some of this in this book, there's also a full 90ish continuous pages of a Stevland chapter that I felt like could have been broken up. (As much as I adore Stevland POV!)
Overall, an excellent sequel and I'm so happy to get to spend more time with this world. It's one of those stay up too late to finish, sorry that it has to end, kind of book series.
brapfel's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
lpcoolgirl's review against another edition
5.0
This was a great read and fantastic sequel, loved how it built upon the first, and it was such a great story!