I can’t….I just can’t.
This book has only the most superficial connection to either of the previous books and it might not even be in the same genre anymore. I got maybe a third of the way in and I’m bored out of my mind. No clue where this could go and I just don’t care anymore.
Robert
I really enjoyed the first book. It was the right mix of absurd, hilarious and sci-fi tropes. Sadly, what was once charming and unique has taken too far. Something closer to slapstick. The main character also seemed to be less of a character and more a handy device in which to hang all the insanity.
It’s also entirely possibly I just wasn’t in the right frame of mind. I can accept that. Whatever the reason, I’m done.
Robert
I loved Planetfall and it had been a while since I’d read it and I saw this on the shelf and I figured I’d complete the story. Oh how naive I was.
The MC was instantly grating, and the plot (or the part I read) had nothing to do with the first book. I didn’t like the world building and in general I didn’t feel it worth my time, even to read on a few more pages and see if things turned around.
I think this was mostly just a convergence of irritants than anything wrong with the book exactly. Either way, I’m moving on.
Robert
I stopped after 3 chapters (75 pages). The MC/POV character, Ingray, was far too YA for me and the two other characters completely lacked a personality. The premise couldn’t hold my attention and the world-building had interesting elements but it lacked cohesiveness. We’re treated to at least 4 info-dumps in those first 3 chapters but not one to tell us how and why a new set of pronouns are to be used. Ms. Leckie once again springs abnormal pronoun usage on the reader but fails to explain or integrate it so the learning curve is near vertical.
Basically there isn’t any reason to keep reading but it’s often burdensome to do so. There isn’t anything I want to know more about, including what happens to the characters. So I’m cutting loose quick and moving on.
Robert
Ok, there’s nothing wrong with the book, it’s just not what I was expecting……at all.
The first book was pretty good with a sword and sorcery feel. This book was more like 3 detective stories, probably connected, that could not hold my attention. On top of that after getting 14 chapters in I’ve given up hope on any of the main characters from the first book making a real appearance. It’s basically a standalone novel. I say that because we don’t get a true continuation of characters or major plot arcs. It’s a sequel in the sense that it chronologically set after the first, but that’s it.
Lastly, the book has some strong “modern opinions” that just felt artificial and out of place given the setting and history of the world. These weren’t the main reason but they certainly did nothing to help.
In summary, the book was not as promised and while there aren’t any glaring issues it’s not what I want or like, especially right now. If anyone has read the whole trilogy and can tell me if things change, please let me know.
Robert
I’ve tried to start reading this twice but I could not manage to get very far. The premise is painfully hard to get past. Because of some plague spread by all animals (suspect on its own) they literally built a wall cross the northern part of the planet to hide behind…..across continents, mountain ranges and two oceans……Ya, that’s more than unlikely it’s impossible, let alone doing it while under siege from plague ridden animals and the civil unrest that would cause.
Next is the characters. We get an OP girl with superpowers and a pet monkey who escapes a space station and blindly tries to run home. Her brother who can feel what she feels. And the Bad Guy who is instantly shallow.
There’s nothing to keep me going in this book. So why fight it?
Robert
So I was giving this series another chance. I had hoped that the momentum of the first would have corrected most of the issues I had with it…..but it didn’t. All too soon it became apparent that we were picking up right where it was left and I just can’t be bothered to deal with it.
Really I just am not ready for this book. For one thing it’s massive. The style is very different from what I’m used to and I was finding it really difficult to get into. Given that it was originally written in Chinese it isn’t surprising.
Sadly I’ve run out of renewals so it’s time to move on. I know it’s pretty cliche but, “It’s not you, it’s me.” This is definitely a book I intend to attempt again.
Robert
This is a DNF (Did Not Finish) from a couple of months ago. I didn’t post about it sooner because if I had more I would just post them all at the same time. Anyway, it’s past time. There is really one big enormous reason I could not finish this book.
I have no desire to see into the vapid mind of a high school girl…..ever. With disturbing realism and accuracy, the author captured everything I detest from high school, teenagers, teenage girls, and Teen/YA literature. I would need substantial monetary compensation to endure that book.
Let me be clear. It did not feel poorly written……little though I actually read. But it is contrary to my personal reading preferences so DNF.
Robert
I’ve been chipping away at this book for 3 weeks. I’ll admit being on the road for a week didn’t help one bit. We’re now in Spokane, WA and should be for another couple of weeks before we’re on the road again.
There isn’t anything glaringly wrong with this book. Just reading the first few paragraphs and I could tell it’s head and shoulders above either of the eBooks I’ve attempted recently. I’m considering this a FAIL (failure to complete) because I’m only half way and it’s really not catching my interest, but there isn’t any specific reason or problem. It’s just not doing it for me right now.
My impressions are that the author isn’t very experienced, but everyone has to start out somewhere. This inexperience creates a few rough spots but nothing glaring or inexcusable. The characters are well thought out and have real personalities and stories but I think they haven’t been allowed to come through enough. The plot line, as of half way, was a little meandering and certain parts were a little weak but both could be addressed in the latter half of the book.
I seriously might attempt this book again. For now, however, I’m setting it aside.
Robert
Reading Over The Shoulder 