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gabrielrobartes's review against another edition
3.0
An SF novel of considerable craft but somehow not *necessary* in the way that it's predecessor, Spin, is.
jgaton's review against another edition
3.0
I don't not like this book, but it's no Spin.
I agree with the other reviewers about this book: it's really less sci-fi and more about a spiritual journey; it hangs out in the realm of vague, even mystical speculation; it's a bridge between [b:Spin|910863|Spin|Robert Charles Wilson|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1312033151s/910863.jpg|47562] and [b:Vortex|627976|Vortex|Larry Bond|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1176476340s/627976.jpg|614319] and reads like it.
The last item - about the book being a bridge - may be its most redeeming assessment. The book has a very transitional feel. The plot involves constant motion/travel almost exclusively in one dedicated direction (east to west), which starts and the Arch crossing from Earth to Equatoria and ends at another Arch crossing from Equatoria to ... where? We're not told. Probably wherever (WHENever) Vortex happens. This book is a quick jog through a post-Spin reality.
It's not as innovative or engrossing as Spin, but it's still a fun read. It does have a few of what I believe is one of this author's biggest flaws - I've come to call them "Sad Trombone Moments." These are where the dialogue or action is so awkward that it just begs for a sad-trombone sound effect. In Spin, it was whenever Dr. Tyler Dupree, MD, was written as too dense to follow the science of the Spin membrane. In Axis, there were a few of these moments (mostly involving the supposed aged wisdom of the Fourths), but none so overwhelming as this:
"A billion years of evolution. It that was true, Turk thought, then these things, as a species, were older than the human race itself."
Can I get a herp-derp? Granted, this character is uneducated and decidedly not the sciencey type, but... really? Even coming from a character who is way out of his depth, this is a clunker of a line. Sad trombone.
Overall Axis was an enjoyable read, worth it even if it is only a whirlwind tour of Equatoria on our way to Vortex.
I agree with the other reviewers about this book: it's really less sci-fi and more about a spiritual journey; it hangs out in the realm of vague, even mystical speculation; it's a bridge between [b:Spin|910863|Spin|Robert Charles Wilson|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1312033151s/910863.jpg|47562] and [b:Vortex|627976|Vortex|Larry Bond|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1176476340s/627976.jpg|614319] and reads like it.
The last item - about the book being a bridge - may be its most redeeming assessment. The book has a very transitional feel. The plot involves constant motion/travel almost exclusively in one dedicated direction (east to west), which starts and the Arch crossing from Earth to Equatoria and ends at another Arch crossing from Equatoria to ... where? We're not told. Probably wherever (WHENever) Vortex happens. This book is a quick jog through a post-Spin reality.
It's not as innovative or engrossing as Spin, but it's still a fun read. It does have a few of what I believe is one of this author's biggest flaws - I've come to call them "Sad Trombone Moments." These are where the dialogue or action is so awkward that it just begs for a sad-trombone sound effect. In Spin, it was whenever Dr. Tyler Dupree, MD, was written as too dense to follow the science of the Spin membrane. In Axis, there were a few of these moments (mostly involving the supposed aged wisdom of the Fourths), but none so overwhelming as this:
"A billion years of evolution. It that was true, Turk thought, then these things, as a species, were older than the human race itself."
Can I get a herp-derp? Granted, this character is uneducated and decidedly not the sciencey type, but... really? Even coming from a character who is way out of his depth, this is a clunker of a line. Sad trombone.
Overall Axis was an enjoyable read, worth it even if it is only a whirlwind tour of Equatoria on our way to Vortex.
rickwren's review against another edition
3.0
I don't have a lot to say about this sequel to Spin. It was okay, but not great - not nearly as good as the first book in the trilogy.
I found my attention wandering and I was looking to the end more than enjoying the story.
I found my attention wandering and I was looking to the end more than enjoying the story.
hardboiledbug's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
frozenoj's review against another edition
4.0
At first I was worried we wouldn't find out what happened to the characters from the first book after they went through the arch, so I'm glad I was wrong! I absolutely loved the first book, but didn't love this one quite as much. It's not like there is anything wrong with it, Spin is just a tough act to follow. I already have the third book and can't wait to see what happens next. Would definitely recommend this series to anyone who enjoys sci-fi.
duvallmel's review against another edition
3.0
Perhaps I shouldn't start in the middle of a series...
emilyb_chicago's review against another edition
3.0
I was disappointed in this book. The first in the series was big and inventive and part of what made it great was the mystery behind the story. Axis tried to hard to answer all our questions. I didn't really ever connect with the characters or the story (which means to me that I could put it down for a week or two and not be pulled back). While it was an interesting book, it just wasn't great.
I'd say pass on this one unless you loved Spin (the first in this series).
I'd say pass on this one unless you loved Spin (the first in this series).
silfron's review against another edition
reflective
medium-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? No
3.5
timbo001's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- 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
4.0