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d3reo's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
informative
reflective
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
I imagine that the parts focusing on the universe's physics will be tough to readers that don't have at least an undergrad background. It's a pity tho, the plot and characters are adorable, and to someone who studied physics those parts too are interesting.
yevolem's review
4.0
This second book was like the first, only more so. I didn't think it was possible this one could be even more about scientific theories and experiments, primarily physics and physiology, but it was. Even though this took place almost exclusively within a generation ship, it may as well have been a university. The book covers most aspects of the scientific process, including begging for grants. There were competing theories that ended up as they started, or they merged, or an outsider developed them in a radically different way, or it was a blind alley. Sometimes the greatest advances in knowledge came from mistakes, accidents, and what initially seemed to be failure. Those weren't the only setbacks though, as political and sociocultural forces also stymied research goals. Violence was even a possibility for those who feel that science has gone too far. The book opened with a horrific act due to famine and general scarcity. Considering what a closed system it was, sacrifices had to be continually made to survive, which also impeded scientific progress.
More details were revealed about the species the characters were and how their society came to be. I'm somewhat confident that they were vaguely human but with many functional differences due to how physics function in their universe and how that affected evolution of all organic life. I had thought that they used duodecimal system because it's said to be a better system, but no, it's revealed that they had six fingers on each hand. They experiment on voles, but move on to arborines which were said to be closer to them. The visual image that came to mind for arborines were the bullymongs from the videogame, Borderlands 2. I think abrborines were roughly some sort of primate. Their technology was so uneven because electronics weren't possible in this universe due to how their physics affected electrostatic force.
Female self-determination was even more important for the narrative this time. Its societal repercussions were as intense as they were expected. This was mostly near the end of the book, the last 13% or so, which had more focus on the physiological experiments that were easier for me to follow. This part was enjoyable and emotionally moving enough that I decided to round this up to 4 stars. Before that point I surely would've rounded it down to 3 stars. I'm conflicted about the ending and I thought it was well done. The conclusion stated that if the reader accepts the premise, then to remain consistent the reader must also accept this. It was a situation that the character involved was dismayed and reluctant about. Maybe Planck's Principle would alleviate these ethical quandaries, which states: "A new scientific truth does not triumph by convincing its opponents and making them see the light, but rather because its opponents eventually die and a new generation grows up that is familiar with it."
Rating: 3.5/5
More details were revealed about the species the characters were and how their society came to be. I'm somewhat confident that they were vaguely human but with many functional differences due to how physics function in their universe and how that affected evolution of all organic life. I had thought that they used duodecimal system because it's said to be a better system, but no, it's revealed that they had six fingers on each hand. They experiment on voles, but move on to arborines which were said to be closer to them. The visual image that came to mind for arborines were the bullymongs from the videogame, Borderlands 2. I think abrborines were roughly some sort of primate. Their technology was so uneven because electronics weren't possible in this universe due to how their physics affected electrostatic force.
Female self-determination was even more important for the narrative this time. Its societal repercussions were as intense as they were expected. This was mostly near the end of the book, the last 13% or so, which had more focus on the physiological experiments that were easier for me to follow. This part was enjoyable and emotionally moving enough that I decided to round this up to 4 stars. Before that point I surely would've rounded it down to 3 stars. I'm conflicted about the ending and I thought it was well done. The conclusion stated that if the reader accepts the premise, then to remain consistent the reader must also accept this. It was a situation that the character involved was dismayed and reluctant about. Maybe Planck's Principle would alleviate these ethical quandaries, which states: "A new scientific truth does not triumph by convincing its opponents and making them see the light, but rather because its opponents eventually die and a new generation grows up that is familiar with it."
Rating: 3.5/5
maravillas's review against another edition
1.0
The derivation of the alternate physics is definitely an intended feature of this book, but if that's not your thing, this will be a slog. It was bearable in The Clockwork Rocket, but this time around it became too much for me.
skylar2's review against another edition
2.0
I gave up part way through. I don't do that often. Unlike Clockwork Rocket, there are no strong characters, there is no social commentary, there is no tension. Basically there is no plot. Greg Egan keeps up the firehose of technobabble every chapter, every chapter ends with a deus ex machina, and really puts Star Trek on a run for its money.
I give this book two stars for having a good premise, but terrible execution.
I give this book two stars for having a good premise, but terrible execution.
teddymasters0's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
owenbiesel's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
shayneh's review against another edition
4.0
Quite fun. This is a follow-on to Egan's earlier book, and it is still fascinating. Physics? Check. Social commentary? Check. For the nerd in your life.
kejadlen's review against another edition
3.0
Pretty much the same as the last book - a fascinating universe, but I skimmed a lot of the science-y bits. I assume the physics is solid, although I'm curious whether the biology is reasonable or not.
amc09us's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting aliens with weird biology. The fake physics lost me.
ingalovinde's review against another edition
5.0
Must read for everyone related to academia or remotely interested in sci-fi.
Contrary to other reviews, school-level understanding of physics, math and evolution should be enough for you to enjoy it.
Contrary to other reviews, school-level understanding of physics, math and evolution should be enough for you to enjoy it.
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