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janareviewsfromthestacks's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
3.5
I knew from the beginning that this would be a difficult review to write. The Nothing Within constantly defied my expectations while I read it, shifting the story from one understanding to another, only to destroy that understanding a few chapters later - it's almost like the story itself is a chimera. But is it one that destroys, or heals?
This is a wonderfully crafted book. Some of the central characters are called Weavers, and like a weaver the author brings together vastly different accounts of the world. Somehow, these accounts successfully merge to become something incredible which held my attention. It is difficult for me to really like many of the characters, as they all show flaws as well as beauty, but they are thoroughly created and work together well.
I was hooked from the very beginning. I loved the process of puzzling out what has happened, who became whom, and what the foreshadowing meant. The vulgarity of the language is a big turn off, almost to the point of abandoning the story altogether, but I had to find out what happened in the end (and, consequently, what had happened before). There are a lot of interesting philosophical concepts sprinkled throughout, if you know what to look for, but they are not so obvious or dry that they take away from the simple enjoyment of reading a novel. I probably will not reread The Nothing Within, but I am glad to have read it once. I've pretty well settled on giving it 3.5 stars on Goodreads, although I would not be surprised if that changes as I continue to think on it. There are certainly people who I would recommend this book to, and others who I would not. I recommend 15 and up due to the combination of vulgarity and deeper philosophical content. Fans of post-apocalyptic science fiction/speculative fiction with a philosophical bent will most likely enjoy The Nothing Within.
This is a wonderfully crafted book. Some of the central characters are called Weavers, and like a weaver the author brings together vastly different accounts of the world. Somehow, these accounts successfully merge to become something incredible which held my attention. It is difficult for me to really like many of the characters, as they all show flaws as well as beauty, but they are thoroughly created and work together well.
I was hooked from the very beginning. I loved the process of puzzling out what has happened, who became whom, and what the foreshadowing meant. The vulgarity of the language is a big turn off, almost to the point of abandoning the story altogether, but I had to find out what happened in the end (and, consequently, what had happened before). There are a lot of interesting philosophical concepts sprinkled throughout, if you know what to look for, but they are not so obvious or dry that they take away from the simple enjoyment of reading a novel. I probably will not reread The Nothing Within, but I am glad to have read it once. I've pretty well settled on giving it 3.5 stars on Goodreads, although I would not be surprised if that changes as I continue to think on it. There are certainly people who I would recommend this book to, and others who I would not. I recommend 15 and up due to the combination of vulgarity and deeper philosophical content. Fans of post-apocalyptic science fiction/speculative fiction with a philosophical bent will most likely enjoy The Nothing Within.
eschroed89's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
stellajo's review against another edition
5.0
A dramatic 'solution' to a biotech disaster leaves a portion of Ohio, including Amish settlements, isolated from the rest of the planet. I especially enjoyed the folksy voice of the main character, Root, who many generations into the post-apocalyptic scenario copes with the hidden truths and misunderstandings perverting her society.
The characters inhabit a unique well crafted, beautifully rendered world, the plot is intriguing, and the story touches on important themes. The novel's interesting structure includes diary entries written by an Amish woman navigating the immediate fallout from the disaster, touching on moral decisions necessitated by extreme events.
The characters inhabit a unique well crafted, beautifully rendered world, the plot is intriguing, and the story touches on important themes. The novel's interesting structure includes diary entries written by an Amish woman navigating the immediate fallout from the disaster, touching on moral decisions necessitated by extreme events.
rivaina's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Ableism and Rape
_viscosity_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
barb4ry1's review
4.0
I’m not partial to post-apocalyptic stories but Giesler’s fresh and unusual take on the subject won me over. The Nothing Within is the first rural dystopia I’ve ever read.
An apocalyptic event known as The Reckoning has wiped out civilization in North America leaving only few rural communities cut off from the outside world. Their inhabitants live simple lives filled with menial tasks and rarely travel outside their villages. It’s too dangerous as chimeras, violent hybrid creatures, roam the wilds. The reasons for travel include buying food and breeding - interbreeding in a small village would lead to troubles and disabled children.
Root is a blind young woman who struggles to fit in, but she’s too curious and too straightforward for her own good. When she hears a voice in her head, the Nothing within her stirs and gives her serious enhancements (increased speed and strength, and more, but I won’t spoil it to you). The Nothing within is… well, I can’t tell you what it is as the author reveals it near the end of the book.
The Nothing Within blends fantasy with science-fiction. The story develops in two timelines - present and past one. The main arc focuses on Root trying to survive and understand what’s happening to her and who she really is. The other one presents events that lead to the Reckoning. Clues and important data are scattered throughout both narratives. While I appreciate it intellectually I also admit that the past storyline lacked a strong lead with a distinct voice Root has.
Root is an excellent, if unreliable, storyteller. She often admits that her memory isn’t what it used to be, and it plays tricks on her. We’ll never know if and to what extent the time has warped her recollection of the events. She narrates the story of her life to a gathering of listeners.
Giesler has created fascinating rustic, spartan, and ordered world shaped by Amish principles, something I rarely see in fiction. I liked the character development as well. Both Root and Ruth Troyer start as weak and naïve, but develop inner strength and become the leaders of their communities. As cliche as it may sound, the skillful use of POV makes it a pleasure to read. The uniqueness of the setting coupled with strong characterization make The Nothing Within intriguing and satisfying.
Giesler takes time to develop the world and characters, though, so the pacing in the first half-of the book feels off. Things get together well, but you’ll need patience to get through parts of the text.
While I enjoyed the blend of fantasy, sci-fi, horror, and mystery I also think that sometimes Giesler tried too hard to include a social commentary about dangers of bioengineering and science. I like simplicity but I also choose to believe science can do more good than bad in the longer run. Everything depends on who and how uses it and unfortunately those who have access to powerful tools aren’t always the people for the task.
An apocalyptic event known as The Reckoning has wiped out civilization in North America leaving only few rural communities cut off from the outside world. Their inhabitants live simple lives filled with menial tasks and rarely travel outside their villages. It’s too dangerous as chimeras, violent hybrid creatures, roam the wilds. The reasons for travel include buying food and breeding - interbreeding in a small village would lead to troubles and disabled children.
Root is a blind young woman who struggles to fit in, but she’s too curious and too straightforward for her own good. When she hears a voice in her head, the Nothing within her stirs and gives her serious enhancements (increased speed and strength, and more, but I won’t spoil it to you). The Nothing within is… well, I can’t tell you what it is as the author reveals it near the end of the book.
The Nothing Within blends fantasy with science-fiction. The story develops in two timelines - present and past one. The main arc focuses on Root trying to survive and understand what’s happening to her and who she really is. The other one presents events that lead to the Reckoning. Clues and important data are scattered throughout both narratives. While I appreciate it intellectually I also admit that the past storyline lacked a strong lead with a distinct voice Root has.
Root is an excellent, if unreliable, storyteller. She often admits that her memory isn’t what it used to be, and it plays tricks on her. We’ll never know if and to what extent the time has warped her recollection of the events. She narrates the story of her life to a gathering of listeners.
Giesler has created fascinating rustic, spartan, and ordered world shaped by Amish principles, something I rarely see in fiction. I liked the character development as well. Both Root and Ruth Troyer start as weak and naïve, but develop inner strength and become the leaders of their communities. As cliche as it may sound, the skillful use of POV makes it a pleasure to read. The uniqueness of the setting coupled with strong characterization make The Nothing Within intriguing and satisfying.
Giesler takes time to develop the world and characters, though, so the pacing in the first half-of the book feels off. Things get together well, but you’ll need patience to get through parts of the text.
While I enjoyed the blend of fantasy, sci-fi, horror, and mystery I also think that sometimes Giesler tried too hard to include a social commentary about dangers of bioengineering and science. I like simplicity but I also choose to believe science can do more good than bad in the longer run. Everything depends on who and how uses it and unfortunately those who have access to powerful tools aren’t always the people for the task.
writingcaia's review against another edition
3.0
It was a curious and original take on the dystopian genre. The rural and Amish background in the aftermath of technology going awry (big surprise there) and ... can’t say more not to spoil it.
The writing wasn’t every appealing and I struggled with it but I was very curious to know how the story would play out so I persevered.
I wasn’t dazzled but it was a nice surprise and if you’re into that genre you should give it a go.
I’d say 3.5 ⭐️ leaning a bit towards 3.
The writing wasn’t every appealing and I struggled with it but I was very curious to know how the story would play out so I persevered.
I wasn’t dazzled but it was a nice surprise and if you’re into that genre you should give it a go.
I’d say 3.5 ⭐️ leaning a bit towards 3.
jedore's review against another edition
2.0
Second Goodreads Giveaway book in a row...second time I'm throwing in the towel.
With this one, it might be mostly my fault.
Fantasy and sci fi are definitely not my genres. As I build a well-rounded library for my future book retreat, I'm trying to buy and read outside of my box. In fairness to both myself and authors, I may have to rethink the reading part.
This is one of the most well written of the giveaways I've received—sentences flow, punctuation is on point, it's not over or underwritten, and I had no problem bonding with the main character.
However, I could not follow it for the life of me! I felt like I was reading the second book in a sequel without having read the first. Maybe this is my problem...or maybe it's the author's. I'm truly not sure.
Had I not read the Goodreads description, I wouldn't have had a clue about the event that was central to the story, known as "the Reckoning"—a "genetic engineering disaster that nearly extinguished the human race" and resulted in chimeras, mutated humans that were a blend of numerous different animals.
Just when I'd think I was figuring it out and connecting to the story, it would switch perspectives. About 20% in, my frustration at being put in a position of figuring it out (not so easy on a Kindle) outweighed my curiosity about the outcome.
I repeat...this could just be me. If you're a fantasy reader, this guy seems like a very worthy new author and is definitely worth a try!
With this one, it might be mostly my fault.
Fantasy and sci fi are definitely not my genres. As I build a well-rounded library for my future book retreat, I'm trying to buy and read outside of my box. In fairness to both myself and authors, I may have to rethink the reading part.
This is one of the most well written of the giveaways I've received—sentences flow, punctuation is on point, it's not over or underwritten, and I had no problem bonding with the main character.
However, I could not follow it for the life of me! I felt like I was reading the second book in a sequel without having read the first. Maybe this is my problem...or maybe it's the author's. I'm truly not sure.
Had I not read the Goodreads description, I wouldn't have had a clue about the event that was central to the story, known as "the Reckoning"—a "genetic engineering disaster that nearly extinguished the human race" and resulted in chimeras, mutated humans that were a blend of numerous different animals.
Just when I'd think I was figuring it out and connecting to the story, it would switch perspectives. About 20% in, my frustration at being put in a position of figuring it out (not so easy on a Kindle) outweighed my curiosity about the outcome.
I repeat...this could just be me. If you're a fantasy reader, this guy seems like a very worthy new author and is definitely worth a try!
gracefeld's review against another edition
4.0
Review to come - First thoughts: Loved the way it wrapped up and the whole mystery came together. Very skillfully woven and given to the reader bit by bit. Still amazed by the amount of writing brilliance it had to have to answer every question I had, but not in an obvious way. But the language tripped me up until I had read for awhile, and I wish it hadn't have been so distracting at times.