Reviews

I recently finished this sci-fi novel that left me with mixed feelings. The plot was pretty much what you’d expect from the genre, filled with futuristic elements and imaginative world-building. However, there was something unique about this story: the depth of emotions that the author managed to weave into even the minor characters. This added a surprising layer of richness and complexity to the narrative, which I think can be attributed to the author’s distinctive writing style.

That being said, the book was definitely a slow burn. It took me a few days of taking breaks, coming back to the story, and pushing myself to keep reading before things really started to pick up. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re looking for a fast-paced read.

For fans of true sci-fi like Star Trek, Star Wars, or Dune (minus the heavy romance elements), I’d still recommend this book. The emotional depth gives it a fresh twist, making it a worthwhile read despite the slow start. If you have the patience to stick with it, you’ll find it a rewarding experience.

I would like to express my deep gratitude to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Del Rey and NetGalley for their generosity in allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

mmwi's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

wiccad's review against another edition

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1.0

Review of The Book of Elsewhere by Keanu Reeves and China Miéville

As someone who typically doesn’t venture into this genre, I was intrigued by the unique pairing of Keanu Reeves and China Miéville. As a huge fan of Keanu's acting career, i wanted to love this book. Unfortunately, it fell far short of expectations. The narrative felt disjointed, with abrupt shifts in tone and plot that made it difficult to follow or connect with the story.

The writing itself was surprisingly poor for China Miéville's caliber, lacking the polish or depth one might expect. The characters felt underdeveloped, and the world-building—a strength often associated with Miéville—came across as fragmented and incomplete.

Finishing the book was a struggle, and I found myself counting down the pages. When it was over, I felt more relief than satisfaction. Unfortunately, this was not a rewarding reading experience, and I wouldn’t recommend it.

porterb's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

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