joshgauthier's review against another edition
5.0
*This is a dual review of the novella "Snapshot" and Sanderson's short story "Dreamer" which is also included in the hard copy that I purchased.*
To begin with, "Snapshot" is an exciting release from Sanderson as he tells a noir-styled crime thriller. Though still distinctly a Sanderson story, "Snapshot" is a little darker and heavier that much of his other work.
As is characteristic of Sanderson's writing, the characters in "Shapshot" are intricately created and distinctly flawed humans. The plot is surprising and fast-paced. The multiple layers of reality create a dynamic world in which the story plays out, directly influence the plot, and maintain a level of suspense that keeps the reader wanting to know more.
--------------------
"Dreamer" is an even darker turn for Sanderson than "Snapshot." As the postscript indicates, "Dreamer" was originally written for a horror anthology. The result has the distinctly fast-paced and accessible feel that Sanderson's work involves. It also does not present itself as a horror story in the way that stories with that classification often do.
What "Dreamer" does instead is take the concept of technologically-driven violence as entertainment and transplant it into a fantasy setting with real-world implications. The end result is a deeply uncomfortable and expertly crafted episode.
I would hesitate to classify "Dreamer" as a short story because there is not much of a character arc. The core arc of the story is the concept being explored and the reader's understanding of what is taking place. The plot, though exciting and interesting, is mainly the vehicle through which the concept is presented. But as an exploration of a concept, "Dreamer" functions with focus and resonance.
In total, both "Snapshot" and "Dreamer" involve Sanderson taking his writing in unexpected directions. This may unsettle readers who are expecting tones and characters characteristic of his other work. However, it may also make these stories a good entry point to Sanderson's work, especially for those who do not tend to read fantasy. And for those who are Sanderson fans, these two stories deliver many of the elements that have made Sanderson such a popular author.
Both display expert world-building, dynamic characters, and powerful themes. "Snapshot" and "Dreamer" are further proof of Sanderson's skill and wide-ranging abilities as a writer.
To begin with, "Snapshot" is an exciting release from Sanderson as he tells a noir-styled crime thriller. Though still distinctly a Sanderson story, "Snapshot" is a little darker and heavier that much of his other work.
As is characteristic of Sanderson's writing, the characters in "Shapshot" are intricately created and distinctly flawed humans. The plot is surprising and fast-paced. The multiple layers of reality create a dynamic world in which the story plays out, directly influence the plot, and maintain a level of suspense that keeps the reader wanting to know more.
--------------------
"Dreamer" is an even darker turn for Sanderson than "Snapshot." As the postscript indicates, "Dreamer" was originally written for a horror anthology. The result has the distinctly fast-paced and accessible feel that Sanderson's work involves. It also does not present itself as a horror story in the way that stories with that classification often do.
What "Dreamer" does instead is take the concept of technologically-driven violence as entertainment and transplant it into a fantasy setting with real-world implications. The end result is a deeply uncomfortable and expertly crafted episode.
I would hesitate to classify "Dreamer" as a short story because there is not much of a character arc. The core arc of the story is the concept being explored and the reader's understanding of what is taking place. The plot, though exciting and interesting, is mainly the vehicle through which the concept is presented. But as an exploration of a concept, "Dreamer" functions with focus and resonance.
In total, both "Snapshot" and "Dreamer" involve Sanderson taking his writing in unexpected directions. This may unsettle readers who are expecting tones and characters characteristic of his other work. However, it may also make these stories a good entry point to Sanderson's work, especially for those who do not tend to read fantasy. And for those who are Sanderson fans, these two stories deliver many of the elements that have made Sanderson such a popular author.
Both display expert world-building, dynamic characters, and powerful themes. "Snapshot" and "Dreamer" are further proof of Sanderson's skill and wide-ranging abilities as a writer.
jeffnm's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
frogbone's review against another edition
dark
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? Yes
3.5
bionicturtle64's review
4.0
This was really fun! Great concept book, I think the length was perfect. Great writing from Sanderson as always
leiacf's review against another edition
5.0
That was great! Probably the best Sanderson I've ever read.
nikabceh's review
4.0
Kept me engaged the whole time. Had zero thought behind the plot twist so it ended great imo. Ofcourse, always wish it was longer to exploit the story more.
hadawada's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
djhobby's review against another edition
4.0
What a great story! 9 out of 10 stars. Would have given it 10 if it was longer.
rodica_b's review against another edition
4.0
I have accumulated way too many books in my Audible library and I need to actually listen to some of them and clear my conscience before purchasing new ones. This was one of them and it fit the bill perfectly - short, very engaging dystopian story, about 2 detectives operating in this system that perfectly recreates one day from the life of their city.
The idea raises tons of interesting moral and privacy questions. Basically, the Butterfly effect illustrated. Sanderson is a master, though, because he hints and gives you pieces and slices of the background, morsels of information about this universe he’s creating, without info-dumping, without overwhelming or losing you in unnecessary details. He’s roasting everything to keep the tension and the interest going. Because, however advanced the technology, humans are still their old self. I will not reveal more than that, it’s absolutely worth a listen/read and shouldn’t be spoiled. Very tight told story, very well thought out characters. Loved it.
The idea raises tons of interesting moral and privacy questions. Basically, the Butterfly effect illustrated. Sanderson is a master, though, because he hints and gives you pieces and slices of the background, morsels of information about this universe he’s creating, without info-dumping, without overwhelming or losing you in unnecessary details. He’s roasting everything to keep the tension and the interest going. Because, however advanced the technology, humans are still their old self. I will not reveal more than that, it’s absolutely worth a listen/read and shouldn’t be spoiled. Very tight told story, very well thought out characters. Loved it.
silkcaramel's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0