metalandmets's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
bookishactor's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ANYONE is the second novel by Charles Soule, author of The Oracle year and many comics. A sci-fi dystopian thriller told through an alternating timeline structure exploring a world where anyone can be anyone. A technology known as the Flash has transformed the world, allowing people to leave their body and inhabit another. Having just read Soule’s The Oracle Year, one of the things that stood out to me was how this book, in some ways, seemed “leveled up” from his earlier novel. The prose, plot structure, and character development all seemed more sophisticated than his debut. If The Oracle Year reminded me a bit of Scott Meyer, this one reminded me of The Dispatcher by John Scalzi (one of his less humorous series), Richard K. Morgan’s Altered Carbon (The concept sounds somewhat similar, I’ve actually listened to it before but no longer remember the specifics), etc. It was serious and included scenes that ventured into horror territory when one considers the monstrosity on display. With that said, I did not find the ending totally satisfying. Anyone has tons of cool characters and ideas, and I loved trying to unravel where the book was going, but once all that was revealed I felt like it just kind of ended. The conclusion felt forced to me and lacking in authentic and necessary culmination of the plot. It seemed almost like a second attempt at fulfilling the mission of the climax borne from a border-line deus ex machina plot twist, not the natural consequence of the events of the novel offering resolution. I suppose not every story has to end up completely resolved, but the last couple chapters and epilogue…something in the dramaturgy just didn’t work for me. With that said, I still had a great time reading and listening to this book. The plot, prior to the conclusion, was interesting. The characters were compelling. The audiobook narration by Emily Woo Zeller was outstanding. Overall I give this book 4 stars, and am looking forward to The Endless Vessel.
mika2931's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.25
titusfortner's review against another edition
4.0
A well written and engaging story about the spread of an invention allowing people to move their consciousness into another person's body temporarily. The plot was not told linearly, but it was easy to keep the threads straight and all of them kept my attention. That said, the science was definitely hand wavey and the technology slightly adjusted itself as necessary to fit the needs of the plot.
ladyofbooks's review against another edition
2.0
DNF. Body swaps are interesting especially in science gone wrong but this is just not connecting with me. DNF at 25%. 2
wheelerdavid44's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely loved this book. I really liked The Oracle Year, but I thought this was even better. Interesting idea for the plot, good action and suspense, with some heart. Definitely makes you think about the technology in the book and how it could change the world. Highly recommend!
bewitched14's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5