Aleks

Did not enjoy the interplay of "plot" chapters and "reflection" chapters-- a real pace-killer. I'll never not enjoy a Wolfe book to some degree... but I don't see myself ever reading this again.

Really enjoyed this. Was worried I wouldn't, because of the slivers of 2016 meme humour-- but I am pleased to say they didn't bother me after a while. Muir is very talented and writes some great, sharp sentences, and this is a very well-deployed first book in a series, that still tells a complete story while leaving questions and plot threads echoing around in your head. Putting the sequel on hold now.

"There has been joy. There will be joy again." Did not click with me as much as "Stars My Destination" but I don't think I'll ever not enjoy being tossed around by Bester's manic yet purposeful prose-- it's like dancing with a real weirdo of a partner who you eventually realize is following steps!

I waited like 200 pages for them to hopefully go on the damn journey to the mysterious land and they didn't so I gave up. I will probably try again at some point.

I love how, both plot-wise and prose-wise, this is sedate on the surface but absolutely roiling with meaning and emotion underneath. Frickin electric.