I read this directly after Network Effect, and enjoyed it a lot. I always like reading about Murderbot's "relationships" with other non-humans.I read this directly after Network Effect, and enjoyed it a lot. I always like reading about Murderbot's "relationships" with other non-humans....more
A Closed and Common Orbit has two related third-person omniscient narratives, focusing on Sidra/Lovelace, an AI (in the pr**spoiler alert** 3.5 stars
A Closed and Common Orbit has two related third-person omniscient narratives, focusing on Sidra/Lovelace, an AI (in the present) and Pepper/Jane (in the past).
I really enjoyed Sidra's characterization. I thought that her innate programming manifesting as a sort of agoraphobia (for lack of a better word) and her desire for enclosing walls was intriguing and creative. The resolution of her storyline was very satisfying for me.
Reading Pepper's narrative was an uncomfortable and even harrowing experience, which was probably the author's intention. Although I'm almost annoyed with myself for reacting to the descriptions of (non graphic) animal killing, they did disturb me. I doubt this would be a problem for most readers, as these events can be justified within the context of the world-building.
I think this is a feel-good and inclusive book that is just deep enough to touch a chord, and superficial enough to prevent it from becoming seriously upsetting. I'd recommend it to anyone wanting a comforting soft sci-fi read.
P. S.- I may add more coherent thoughts later....more
Novellas can sometimes feel 'unfinished', but I thought that the plot, world-building and characterization were all very fleshed out.
This is an enjoyaNovellas can sometimes feel 'unfinished', but I thought that the plot, world-building and characterization were all very fleshed out.
This is an enjoyable sci-fi/mystery romp, with several humorous tidbits in between the action. The main character is an organic and machine hybrid (SecUnit, in the book's lingo, since these constructs act as security), who privately calls itself Murderbot. Murderbot's voice is sympathetically antisocial, frequently witty, and strangely relatable.
Seriously, I don't know why I didn't just say you're welcome and please get out of my cubicle so I can sit here and leak in peace.
"All right," she said, and looked at me for what objectively I knew was 2.4 seconds and subjectively about twenty excruciating minutes.
I felt like the ending was a little jarring, but overall, I can wholeheartedly recommend this novella. I will be reading the sequels....more
Loading...
