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joshhall13's review against another edition
4.0
Very fun, quick read.
I loved the exploration of a Ganymede-like world and it's potential inhabitants. So, this was pure imagination candy for me.
I loved the exploration of a Ganymede-like world and it's potential inhabitants. So, this was pure imagination candy for me.
trid_for_kicks's review against another edition
4.0
While the plot wasn't SUPER engaging, I liked the main characters, and LOVED the world-building. The author created two different alien species, with cultures, backgrounds, and language/communication styles, and had them (and the humans, too) clash and complement each other in satisfying ways. It came to the point where I wasn't particularly invested in what was happening or how the book would end: I just wanted to know more about the Ilmatarans and the Sholen, and to see more interactions between them and the human race.
So, I may be a nerd, but I had fun, anyway.
So, I may be a nerd, but I had fun, anyway.
brian9teen's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
4.0
eklipse219's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
radbear76's review against another edition
3.0
Pretty good story with some uniqueness to the alien species. The novel is complete but leaves open the possibility of a sequel.
branch_c's review against another edition
3.0
This is the kind of book that would have been a favorite of mine many years ago when I first started reading speculative fiction - it’s hard SF with solid science, carefully considered details, and realistic treatments of issues that humans would likely face when attempting to reason with aliens who are thoroughly foreign in terms of biology, communication, and culture. There are throwaway lines demonstrating that Cambias has the knowledge and/or has done the research to write about this type of thing effectively.
On the other hand, the writing style comes across as a bit flat, something that probably wouldn’t have bothered me in those early days. And yes, I see that the dialog is intentionally stilted to portray the differences among the various characters, both human and alien, and the real difficulties in communication that these differences imply. But the narrative is somewhat matter-of-fact, and the relationships come across as a bit artificial, making the overall reading experience less interesting than it should have been.
The stiffness in tone is less noticeable toward the end, when the story becomes fast-moving enough to be more engaging.
On the other hand, the writing style comes across as a bit flat, something that probably wouldn’t have bothered me in those early days. And yes, I see that the dialog is intentionally stilted to portray the differences among the various characters, both human and alien, and the real difficulties in communication that these differences imply. But the narrative is somewhat matter-of-fact, and the relationships come across as a bit artificial, making the overall reading experience less interesting than it should have been.
The stiffness in tone is less noticeable toward the end, when the story becomes fast-moving enough to be more engaging.
fantastiskfiktion's review against another edition
3.0
https://fantastiskfiktion.wordpress.com/2017/01/08/a-darkling-sea/
chicagobob's review against another edition
4.0
Nice aliens book with the interesting issue of two different species and the politics, well worth reading, not brilliant.
dabrit's review against another edition
3.0
Started well and ended well but got a bit bored in the middle. The world imagined was very good,with great aliens and good interaction between them and the humans but the writing felt a bit forced at times. Enjoyed it though and would read another by the same author.