Mitch
A one scene short story
Meh... An interesting scene that if condensed could be an interesting side story in an actual novel... Characters are completely unbelievable and inconsistent in action. The “twist” is telegraphed far far before the protagonist is aware and this is a bit of a let down.
Not for the faint of heart or easily offended
This book was written to be offensive and uses some terms which we find unacceptable even for humors sake. It was a different time, that doesn't make it right, but it doesn't mean an adult can't look past it.
In keeping with the previous books
An enjoyable read. There is another book, but most of the main plot lines get wrapped up (apparently?) in this book...
Meh...
This is just the same story told again with minor tweaks in plot and names of characters. Plodding. Constantly thought of stopping or “Lemming” the book.
Unbeatable forces pounding on each other with no hope of an effect... then bang, one dies with no real buildup or legitimate explanation of how they were overcome. Just this time the claws pierced skin. Think poorly done superhero's with no real moral compass.
Half the book is the final battle. But it's a series of sequential one on one fights with everyone else looking on. Then the thing they have been saying is impossible the whole time? Completely doable with relatively zero cost. Then, we win!
Lame. Very very lame. Almost went two stars (disliked) but left it at three (it was OK) because some of the characters have more than a single dimension and/or are funny.
Interesting if you want goth space mages
It has lots of interesting characters. Spaceships, computers, and Magic... but swords are the predominant weapon...?!?
There seem to be some large logical issues that are required to drive the plot... but if your suspension of disbelief muscle is ready, there is a decent story here.
A series of detailed descriptions
If you love the style of describing every sight, sound, thought, or smell that each character experiences in detail, this is the book for you.
The story is very simple with a reasonable surprise at the end. The book is more experiential rather than plot driven.
An interesting story that left me curious as to what would happen next... despite near constant disappointment with poor military tactics and culture. Editing and continuity issues abound. Societal memory doesn't change as fast as the author seems to think it does.
The book is basically Enders Game with mecha
1 Star - Hated It
2 stars - didn't like it
3 stars - it was ok
4 stars - liked it
5 stars - Loved it
Ugh... such ponderous dialogue
Save yourself a lot of time and skip this book. There is no logic to the plot for the characters action
Well written, but no point to it but mildly diverting entertainment with little to learn or take away. Wasn't able to finish it.
False advertising
If you, like me, were taken in by the alleged claim that lovers of Robert Jordan will enjoy this book... run. It lacks the complexity and logical background... the understandable reasoning for actions taken by individuals or groups. Avoid it.
Simple but enjoyable
Great little story. Short and very direct with characters who, at best, could be called one dimensional, but despite that it was engaging and satisfying. I'll pick up book two.
more of the same... and I love it!
Seriously, this series is getting to be an all time favorite! Why did they forget about the carrion beetles? Eh, tanks!!!
I'd like to say right off the bat that the book is very well written, the characters develop quite nicely, and I'm sure many people will enjoy the story... My problem is with the storyline itself, it just doesn't feel like a post-apocalyptic story... it spends half the time in the time prior to the apocalypse and spent very little time developing the transitional period which I believe is the most interesting part of post apocalyptic stories. And the actual post apocalyptic portion is very simple, more of a expanded short story then the novel.
It is neither dark not particularly glittery, but rather a fairly simple story set between the collapse of all civilization and 20 years later.
The killer flu is unbelievable... A simple two day enforced quarantine would have soled the problem without a collapse of civilization and could have been implemented at any point.
the number of misused military buzz words was unforgivable in the first chapter alone
Could even finish the first chapter. Would make a decent anime, but not even a mediocre sci-fi novel. Will not be reading more.
I've you've watched the show this is close to a must read. Stream of consciousness-ish writting... and the footnotes? The footnotes MAKE this book (and how many books can say THAT?).
Light read in the manor of Pratchett. Old children should enjoy it.
I found the book just engaging enough to finish. It's a straight forward book which requires a heavy amount of suspension of disbelief. I believe that young readers will enjoy it and it might speak to them in a more meaningful way than to a young adult or more mature reader.