I love it when a tie-in author understands the assignment. James Swallow always seems to and this book is no exception.
Want to hear my thoughts on this book? Listen to Literary Treks episode 386.
Pay no attention to the negative comments on Goodreads. I have to wonder if those reviewers read the same book I did (or read it at all).
Want to hear my thoughts on this book? Listen to Literary Treks episode 385.
The start of a big Star Trek crossover series of novels always has a big lift. In this case, the author has to take a concept created by two other people, create an original Star Trek story, end on a big cliffhanger, and set the stage for six additional original novels (plus a short story collection). This book does some of it well and other parts… just okay.
The second book by Michael Crichton, but twelfth overall when considering his publications under pseudonyms, didn’t exactly age well. Published in 1972, some of the things mentioned wouldn’t pass an editor’s review today. But does the actual story pass muster?
If you’re into mind-bendy sci-fi thrillers that are heavy on the science yet easy to read and understand, have a unique story idea, and a lot of heart to boot, I’ve got news for you – this book has it all!
If you’re familiar with Pandora’s Box, then you know this Greek myth is about Pandora, the first woman created by the gods, who was given a box by Zeus, with strict instructions never to open it. Apparently all religions see women as complete morons, so of course out of sheer curiosity, she opens it. Hey, you would have done the same! Anyway, she releases all the evils of the world (sickness, death, and suffering), but quickly closes the jar. However, what didn’t escape, what was left in the jar, was hope. I had hope this book would be good. When I opened it, it wasn’t evil that escaped; but what did escape was… a LOT!
Andy Weir definitely has a specific writing style and preferred method of telling a story. And that is a first-person narrative from the perspective of a human not on Earth, alone in some fashion, who is snarky/sarcastic, in a high tension situation with seemingly no way out, using copious amounts of humor to lighten the mood. And I’m here for it!
Imagine having an estranged uncle die and leave everything to you. Imagine that you learn that “everything” is his supervillain empire…