Scan barcode
A review by tits_mcgee
The Gap Into Conflict: The Real Story by Stephen R. Donaldson
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
An intense character focussed romp with a refreshing structure and perspectives not usually seen in the sci-fi genre, A Gap into Conflict follows an anxiety riddled rapist as he exploits a female police officer using brain-controlling technology. Yeah . . . it’s as messed up as you’re thinking.
Man, this book gets dark fast and holds that tone with a tight grip through the whole story. For the most part, this book feels like the antithesis of the normal sci-fi tropes. There is no “hero”, no glory and no epic plot, instead we get a short but focussed study of psychotic and erratic behaviour and some grimly delicious world building that leaves you in the dark about the broader picture.
Certainly not a book for everyone, but if you like fucked up characters and unique reading experiences then I definitely recommend this. I think my rating of it is going to be a strong 8/10, but it’s a difficult one to score, it feels a bit like watching dark-web nonce porn and saying “yeah that’s good shit.”
So . . . 8/10, I think.
Man, this book gets dark fast and holds that tone with a tight grip through the whole story. For the most part, this book feels like the antithesis of the normal sci-fi tropes. There is no “hero”, no glory and no epic plot, instead we get a short but focussed study of psychotic and erratic behaviour and some grimly delicious world building that leaves you in the dark about the broader picture.
Certainly not a book for everyone, but if you like fucked up characters and unique reading experiences then I definitely recommend this. I think my rating of it is going to be a strong 8/10, but it’s a difficult one to score, it feels a bit like watching dark-web nonce porn and saying “yeah that’s good shit.”
So . . . 8/10, I think.