Abstract Reader reviewed Rainbows End by Vernor Vinge
Interesting ideas, if a bit aged
4 stars
As any work in short-term futurism, this book was probably much more fascinating closer to its publication date. It does hold up quite well, though.
Reviews and Comments
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Abstract Reader reviewed Gente Normal / Normal People by Sally Rooney
At school Connell and Marianne pretend not to know each other. He’s popular and well-adjusted, …
Interesting read
5 stars
This is very much out of the range of books I usually read, but I really enjoyed it. I might not be the best judge of the book's qualitative standing in its genre, though.
Abstract Reader reviewed The Book of Elsewhere by China Miéville
The legendary Keanu Reeves and inimitable writer China Miéville team up on this genre-bending epic …
Some interesting ideas in there
3 stars
Abstract Reader reviewed Dawn (Xenogenesis, #1) by Octavia E. Butler
Lilith Iyapo has just lost her husband and son when atomic fire consumes Earth—the last …
Refreshing
5 stars
It might be because I hadn't read anything like it before, but this book was full of fresh ideas and constantly kept me guessing.
Abstract Reader reviewed The MANIAC by Benjamín Labatut
A prodigy whose gifts terrified the people around him, John von Neumann transformed every field …
Ruined by technical inaccuracies
2 stars
The book generally is a fun fictionalization of von Neuman's life and work. However, many small inaccuracies in the explanations of the various technical topics central to the plot ruined the experience for me.
Abstract Reader reviewed Seven Surrenders by Ada Palmer (Terra Ignota -- book II)
"It is a world in which near-instantaneous travel from continent to continent is free to …
Excellent
5 stars
A worthy, impressive continuation of the previous book.
Abstract Reader reviewed Too Like the Lightning by Ada Palmer (Terra Ignota -- Book 1)
"The world into which Mycroft and Carlyle have been born is as strange to our …
Stunning
5 stars
I don't want to spoil anything but please read this book. Combines science fiction, political intrigue and philosophy.
Abstract Reader reviewed Brainwyrms by Alison Rumfitt
Interesting but strange
3 stars
Abstract Reader reviewed Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie (Imperial Radch, #1)
On a remote, icy planet, the soldier known as Breq is drawing closer to completing …
Excellent!
5 stars
Content warning extremely mild spoilers
Another exploration of imperialism from the inside. What sets it apart is the fascinating perspective of a fragment of a hivemind.
Abstract Reader reviewed Accelerando by Charles Stross
The Singularity. It is the era of the posthuman. Artificial intelligences have surpassed the limits …
Excellent post-singularity SciFi
5 stars
Fascinating work of speculative SciFi. Also a lot of fun because it fundamentally embodies many of the outmoded ideas/ideologies of early-2000s open source enthusiasts. Absolutely worth reading.
Abstract Reader reviewed Shadow & Claw by Gene Wolfe (The Book of the New Sun)
Shadow and Claw is an omnibus of the first two books of Gene Wolfe's Book …
Fascinating worldbuilding
4 stars
This book features a somewhat mysterious story in an intriguing combination of fantasy and post-singularity science fiction. Many concepts are only ever half explained, adding to the intrigue. The prose is quite beautiful, too!
Abstract Reader reviewed Hyperion (Hyperion, #1) by Dan Simmons
Incredible
5 stars
Essentially a collection of slightly interconnected short stories in a rich setting. No story overstays its welcome and every story is in a completely different genre, making for a fun reading experience. This is a classic and absolutely holds up.
Abstract Reader reviewed God's War by Kameron Hurley
Very cool world building, somewhat weird story
4 stars
Abstract Reader reviewed Sundiver by David Brin
Excellent!
4 stars
I usually don't like whodunnits but this one is full of twists and turns. All of the reveals are further worldbuilding, rather than just some character motivations. Strongly recommended!
Abstract Reader reviewed The Atrocity Archives by Charles Stross
Bob Howard is a computer-hacker desk jockey, who has more than enough trouble keeping up …
Meh
2 stars
Maybe it's just a product of its time, but all the witticisms and 'nerd humor' in this are extremely grating. I much prefer Charles Stross' actual SciFi works.