Scan barcode
alsira98's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
4.0
Graphic: Gore and Murder
Moderate: Racial slurs
mar's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
oh samuel delany we're really in it now...
Moderate: Death, Racial slurs, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Body horror, Incest, and Racism
incest implied only. some outdated language - particularly the frequent use of the g slur for the main Romani character, as well as a couple outdated descriptors for Black and Asian characters (nonetheless, the book is still remarkable for its racially diverse cast written by a Black man in the 60s, and imo absolutely worth a read)laurareads87's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
First published in 1968, Nova is a classic space opera in many respects -- multiple planet setting, cyborg and other advanced technology, interstellar political dynamics -- but it is also a whole lot more. It is a grail quest of sorts (and very explicitly draws on this influence) and contains many a subtle reference to other influences as well (several of which I've no doubt I missed). There are discussions of how history is written, how technology impacts the experience of work, and more.
As a tarot reader I appreciate the attention to detail in the representation of the cards in this story. At one point, a character performs an entire Celtic Cross reading. In a few scenes, characters play tarocchi. In a wonderful section of dialogue, a character chooses a major arcana card as a significator only to be told he's not allowed to choose that one to represent himself (those familiar with tarot will, I think, get a few good laughs in this book). On several occasions characters discuss their belief (or not) in tarot and what it can do in interesting ways.
In terms of representation, for a SFF book written in 1968 there is a lot of racial & cultural diversity amongst the crew. I will note that the repeated use of the g-slur to refer to a Romani character -- an interesting, complex, multi-faceted character whom I appreciate overall -- did bother me (the term Romani being only used I believe once, in reference to a language he speaks); this is unfortunate as the book does actually discuss anti-Roma racism & some of the character's experiences with it. Several female characters contribute meaningfully to the plot, and there is some suggestion of sexual diversity here as well. I enjoyed several of the different relationships developed over the course of the novel, though I would describe this book as definitely more plot- than character-driven overall.
<i>Content warnings:</i> racial slurs, violence, fire injury, injury, death, incest (alluded to only)
As a tarot reader I appreciate the attention to detail in the representation of the cards in this story. At one point, a character performs an entire Celtic Cross reading. In a few scenes, characters play tarocchi. In a wonderful section of dialogue, a character chooses a major arcana card as a significator only to be told he's not allowed to choose that one to represent himself (those familiar with tarot will, I think, get a few good laughs in this book). On several occasions characters discuss their belief (or not) in tarot and what it can do in interesting ways.
In terms of representation, for a SFF book written in 1968 there is a lot of racial & cultural diversity amongst the crew. I will note that the repeated use of the g-slur to refer to a Romani character -- an interesting, complex, multi-faceted character whom I appreciate overall -- did bother me (the term Romani being only used I believe once, in reference to a language he speaks); this is unfortunate as the book does actually discuss anti-Roma racism & some of the character's experiences with it. Several female characters contribute meaningfully to the plot, and there is some suggestion of sexual diversity here as well. I enjoyed several of the different relationships developed over the course of the novel, though I would describe this book as definitely more plot- than character-driven overall.
<i>Content warnings:</i> racial slurs, violence, fire injury, injury, death, incest (alluded to only)
Graphic: Death, Racial slurs, Racism, Xenophobia, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Incest
reedthereader's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Nova was my first sci fi novel, and its amazing. A space opera, about a family feud between the Von Rays and the Reds: two elites fighting over natural resources. Despite being written in the 50s, the book has aged very well, with a diverse cast of characters and the explorations of creating art, and the tensions between classes. I love the writing style of Nova, a chapter can end and another chapter immediately picks up from when it ended. There is a long flashback in chapter 3, the book ends with an unfinished sentence. Nova is experimental and while there are parts of it, that can be difficult to understand, it worth trying to understand it. Nova is an amazing novel and I'm looking foreword to read more of Delany's work.
Minor: Incest and Racial slurs
achillea'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
[spins around own axis and emits incoherent noises]
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Death
Minor: Racial slurs
More...