Jared Kuhn

Slow Paced but Excellent Story Telling

Revisado: 07-21-22

I really enjoyed just hearing characters develop and grow through this book. I actually kind of like that the summary can be succintly written, but the journey of it is fascinating to watch unfold. True character driven sci-fi is a rare treat these days where a lot of books focus on the action at the expense of character development. It’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but I personally deeply enjoy the exploration of characters in these situations. As I’ve matured I’ve realized that the characters are what make the story great. Without that, it would ring hollow.

The arcs here are wonderful to watch unfold. Johnny growing up, the Trouble Dog working to atone for past mistakes, and even Ona Sudak learning the weong lessons from her earlier screw up. Really, intensely, interesting.

Just downloaded the last book in the trilogy and looking forward to the conclusion.

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Well Thought Out and Engaging

Revisado: 08-13-21

It was a little off-putting to see the 17-year old protagonist hooking up with a 23-year old man. I was able to shake that off though with the author’s forshadowing about people in her culture being considered adults by 16 years old. I would approve in our culture, but part of the point I took from the book is to gain an understanding and appreciation for other cultures which dovetails in nicely overall.

I really dug the story and the thoughtfulness about the difficulty of first contact. I hope the other books in the series are just as good!

And I must say the narrator had the *perfect* voice for this book. It really helped me get immersed in the story by thinking of her voice as sounding just like Mahree, the protagonist.

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Not as Strong as the Original, but Still Terrific

Revisado: 01-12-21

First off, Wil Wheaton as the reader did a top notch, outstanding job in his performance. If there was a way to give a secret sixth or higher star, I would give that. It's THAT good.

Story-wise, the book has the same excellent and engaging prose as the original, which is quite gripping, but the story falters on a few continuity mis-steps and the plot as a whole lacks the gripping intensity of the underdog story from the first book. The urgency given feels believable, but not as uniquely interesting.

The pop culture references however, are perfectly spot on. The journeys through Shermer, Illinois and Prince's Afterworld were mesmerizing. I only wish they had more time to breathe.

Overall it is a solid read/listen. The ending feels very much earned and coherent, and I quite enjoyed the entire novel. I personally feel that it lacks that little something extra that made Ready Player One jump to one of my favorite novels of all time, but it is still so well done that I look forward to any and all future works from Ernest Cline.

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Golden Age Sci-Fi at Its Best

Revisado: 10-25-20

This book and Triplanetary are to the Lensman Series what the Hobbit is to The Lord of the Rings. They are prequels with compelling stories and interesting characters, but you are doing yourself a disservice if you read these after the main series (in my opinion).

Definitely though, Galactic Patrol and onwards are non-stop action fests, whereas Triplanetary and First Lensman are a little more thoughtful and slower. So if these don't grab you, don't miss out on the rest of the series because of it.

Also a warning to modern audiences: some things are going to be *jarringly* out of sync with what we perceive in sci-fi today. You have to understand it as coming from the 30's and 40's, otherwise you're going to be between bothered and outright offended at the way some characters (such as the women especially, but also any minorities that happen to come up) are portrayed. Don't let that distract your from the story. As Disney likes to say, it was wrong then, and it is wrong now.

But the story itself is still something to spark the imagination, and this is the space opera that started them all. There is still much of value to learn about the influence this series had on much of sci-fi to come for the following century.

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Important Perspective

Revisado: 10-10-20

Tim presents a compelling argument for what has become a pervasive misunderstanding of the nature of violence in our culture. We are faced with it so infrequently that when it does rear its ugly head we are woefully unprepared mentally to deal with it.

That’s why everyone who considers themselves a decent and rational person needs to listen to or read this book. The principles are crucial to a proper understanding of the tool of violence and how it can be used and misused, as with any tool.

Again, come at this with an open mind, and be ready to see things more clearly afterwards. May you never need it, but may you and your loved ones be prepared just in case.

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