jmy's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
felinity's review against another edition
4.0
In short, it's a mystery set in space. The last and best of humanity is on the Ark, along with the best of its history, and after over two centuries of travel is finally nearing its destination when Benson finds himself embroiled in something far worse than anything he's previously encountered, something inexplicable that has far-reaching consequences.
It's more space opera than science fiction: there's plenty of tech, from the ship's complex systems to the implants ("plant") each person has, and although I felt forcibly exposed to the tech rather than intuitively understanding it, I only floundered for a short while, so although the beginning feels more like Blade Runner it thankfully becomes more like Star Trek.
I just discovered there's a second book, that this is the first of a series. Do not read the summary or description of book 2 before reading this one! Here ends your spoiler warning.
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It's more space opera than science fiction: there's plenty of tech, from the ship's complex systems to the implants ("plant") each person has, and although I felt forcibly exposed to the tech rather than intuitively understanding it, I only floundered for a short while, so although the beginning feels more like Blade Runner it thankfully becomes more like Star Trek.
Spoiler
I never saw an explanation of what the Flip was, or why it was needed, so if I just missed that, someone else let me know! I have a theory, but it may well be wrong.I just discovered there's a second book, that this is the first of a series. Do not read the summary or description of book 2 before reading this one! Here ends your spoiler warning.
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
m_is_for_awesome's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this by the end a lot more than I thought I would after chapter one. Initially I found it a bit clunky - aging ex sport star turned police chief, having affair with subordinate, doesn’t like e-readers…lives on an arc in space at the end of a two hundred year mission to bring the last of humanity to a new home.
I quickly forgot my raised eyebrows a The story found its feet and found lots to enjoy as mysterious vanishing turns into murder and then a threat to all of what remains of humanity.
The world building is fun, the secondary characters enjoyable, and the main character grows a lot.
I quickly forgot my raised eyebrows a The story found its feet and found lots to enjoy as mysterious vanishing turns into murder and then a threat to all of what remains of humanity.
The world building is fun, the secondary characters enjoyable, and the main character grows a lot.
fbone's review against another edition
2.0
A murder mystery in a colony ship that's been flying for 200 years to mankind's new home. Sounded intense but it really was a bus load of silliness. The author has some skill in putting together sentences but the plot details were inane.
linnic_'s review against another edition
2.0
Sady, this book was very cliché.
I unfortunatley rolled my eyes many times throughout this book. The concept and plot were adequate, but the characters were incredibly fake. Just picture an old Tom Cruise film starring a “rough and tough” detective in space who is out to solve a murder mystery. He has the girls he wants but the closer he comes to answers, he finds he may be on the path to discovering a “bigger” secret. It’s been done too many times...
I unfortunatley rolled my eyes many times throughout this book. The concept and plot were adequate, but the characters were incredibly fake. Just picture an old Tom Cruise film starring a “rough and tough” detective in space who is out to solve a murder mystery. He has the girls he wants but the closer he comes to answers, he finds he may be on the path to discovering a “bigger” secret. It’s been done too many times...
zzzrevel's review against another edition
2.0
Firstly, I thought the cover was a turn-off.
I was glad though to at least start this book and I
ended up liking the story line from the beginning.
Unfortunately, I thought it derailed once the
'Unbound' came into play (trying not to spoil
the book for anyone). And I thought the ending
was a 'dud'.
Mildly recommended for initial plot(s) and a few
good characterizations.
I was glad though to at least start this book and I
ended up liking the story line from the beginning.
Unfortunately, I thought it derailed once the
'Unbound' came into play (trying not to spoil
the book for anyone). And I thought the ending
was a 'dud'.
Mildly recommended for initial plot(s) and a few
good characterizations.
tilmar's review against another edition
last humans leave dead earth on generation spaceship
ladydaffney's review against another edition
5.0
I hate writing book reviews...but I am writing this one in particular because it is a great book.
Starting off, I want to mention that I am more of a fantasy genre fan and only kind of like science fiction. I never wanted to put this book down, it is so great. I downloaded a sample of this book months ago and had been pretty much bouncing around till I could pick it up at Gen Con (I like buying straight from publishers/authors when I get a chance).
The plot is very well written and the descriptions are perfect, even the science is believable. I will mention that I never saw that ending coming until it happened and that is the type of books, tv shows, and movies I enjoy most.
Thank you for writing this amazing book, Patrick S. Tomlinson! I will be starting Trident's Forge next. :D
Starting off, I want to mention that I am more of a fantasy genre fan and only kind of like science fiction. I never wanted to put this book down, it is so great. I downloaded a sample of this book months ago and had been pretty much bouncing around till I could pick it up at Gen Con (I like buying straight from publishers/authors when I get a chance).
The plot is very well written and the descriptions are perfect, even the science is believable. I will mention that I never saw that ending coming until it happened and that is the type of books, tv shows, and movies I enjoy most.
Thank you for writing this amazing book, Patrick S. Tomlinson! I will be starting Trident's Forge next. :D
mcmanifold's review against another edition
3.0
Enjoyable, but a bit cliche, and had some pacing issues.