pentenemy's review against another edition
3.0
Really good from nothing sci-fi story with a tad too much pop culture references that are already starting to be eroded by time.
rasmussss's review against another edition
4.0
Such a fun and inventive book! Once again reminding me of The Martian, but in a grander scope and with way more fun possibilities for some intense, speculative sci-fi. I can imagine it having the possibility of being as inventive and out there as Three Body Problem.
It’s accessible science-fiction of the highest order, having a goofy, nerdy protagonist that anyone (right?) can relate to, speaking in mostly normal, human language. The only thing I can really point a finger at is that he is maybe a bit too smart, but that is also what makes the rest of the book possible, so I can let it to an extent, but if it turns out that he just can’t fail, it takes away any and all tension.
I am excited to read the rest of the series.
It’s accessible science-fiction of the highest order, having a goofy, nerdy protagonist that anyone (right?) can relate to, speaking in mostly normal, human language. The only thing I can really point a finger at is that he is maybe a bit too smart, but that is also what makes the rest of the book possible, so I can let it to an extent, but if it turns out that he just can’t fail, it takes away any and all tension.
I am excited to read the rest of the series.
bibliomaniac33's review against another edition
2.0
I started this book with so much hope- the premise was so interesting, but it simply fell flat for me. I really don't get all of the high ratings, but I guess everyone's bar is different. I agree with the reviewer who stated that the Audible version truly helps this story out- the narrator is awesome. If you are going to read this, I highly suggest sticking to the audio version. The narrator's talent helps to conceal some of the stylistic flaws.
Unfortunately, I read most of this in print and the writing style drove me crazy. Subject-verb, subject-verb, over and over and over again. There was so little variation; perhaps that is why the reading on Audible helps so much. The writing was simply a bit too colloquial for me as a reader. There was no style or flow in which I could find a rhythm. Coupling that with uninspiring dialogue and lack of character development, it simply caused the whole book to fall flat. Because I wasn't invested in the characters, I spent more time focusing on the repetitive sentence structures, keeping me from enjoying the story at all. It became farcical at that point with the whole Religious Government of Doom and I simply found myself wishing I was reading something else while trying to slog through this story.
It's not the worst thing I've ever read, so I'm giving it two stars, but it's a long way from something else in this genre, like The Martian, which I would consider a five star book.
Unfortunately, I read most of this in print and the writing style drove me crazy. Subject-verb, subject-verb, over and over and over again. There was so little variation; perhaps that is why the reading on Audible helps so much. The writing was simply a bit too colloquial for me as a reader. There was no style or flow in which I could find a rhythm. Coupling that with uninspiring dialogue and lack of character development, it simply caused the whole book to fall flat. Because I wasn't invested in the characters, I spent more time focusing on the repetitive sentence structures, keeping me from enjoying the story at all. It became farcical at that point with the whole Religious Government of Doom and I simply found myself wishing I was reading something else while trying to slog through this story.
It's not the worst thing I've ever read, so I'm giving it two stars, but it's a long way from something else in this genre, like The Martian, which I would consider a five star book.
forsidious's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Much more serious than I was expecting. Keeping track of all the Bob's is difficult since they're literally all over the place, but they manage to make them pretty distinct considering. Delta Eridian was definitely the most interesting plotline for me, but none were boring.
C - 8, A - 9, W - 9, P - 8, I - 8, L - 8, E -8
C - 8, A - 9, W - 9, P - 8, I - 8, L - 8, E -8
honestjon311's review against another edition
4.0
I definitely really enjoyed this novel. The plot wasn't supremely deep, but it blended interesting science-fiction concepts and comedy better than I've seen in the past, and with neither facet of the novel overshadowing the other. It was also a major added bonus that the audiobook is fantastic, done by a great voice actor. It's not emotionally deep, but if you're in the mood for a fun but smart read, I'd highly suggest it.
dustyafox's review against another edition
5.0
As a fan of Star Trek, I found this to be an enthralling read. Great concept and interesting character development. Highly recommend if you like science fiction. Some of the references can get a little cringe-inducing, but that somehow makes the overall narrative more enduring.
haven602's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
sammod's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
klord3's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25