Reviews

Mortal Engines by Stanisław Lem

smkingsland's review against another edition

dark funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

patrycjozaa's review against another edition

3.0

3.5

talina's review

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No

3.0

Stories are all pretty good but I had a bit of a problem with the way the collection was structured. It was a bit jarring to go from 100 pages of sci fi fairytales to standard sci fi short stories. 

dignitash's review against another edition

adventurous medium-paced

3.5

zoediangelo's review against another edition

challenging dark slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

Meh, Solaris było lepsze. Dużo powtarzalności wydarzeń

nicetsukki's review

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

1.0

tashenone's review against another edition

5.0

Once Upon a Time … in Robot Land

A whimsical yet dark collection of Sci-Fi stories told in a fairytale format. A unique idea that worked better than it had any right to even though one had to trudge through a hearty helping of gobbledygook along the way (Lem did not skimp on the made up words). This collection forced one to contemplate the legacy of mankind when humanity’s inevitable departure from this mortal coil finally comes to fruition. Mortal Engines poses an impactful twofold question; Will our metal creations be all we leave behind? And, if so, will they inherit the singular trait that truly makes us human which of course is storytelling? Lem’s philosophical and layered approach to his writing is on full display here and is an excellent showcase of his creative genius.

ztaylor4's review against another edition

3.0

Despite some fun stories, this collection suffered from problems that felt inherent to the experimental format of the robotic fable. Even when a story is successful as an example of what a robotic creation myth might sound like, that story isn't necessarily a compelling read. While appreciating the stories, I sometimes felt like I had read too many alternatives fables without the takeaways of traditional fables.

The last two stories are almost novellas and a break from the fable format. While I liked reading them,

Spoiler

their endings both felt anti-climactic

.

I'd give this book a 3.5 if I could, and some stories rose to the level of 4's, but none felt like must-reads. The translation felt very natural, and I'd give it a 5, although I haven't read other editions.

lassair's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious reflective medium-paced

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

3.0

balfa76's review against another edition

Very hard and boring