I enjoyed Alastair Reynolds's Revelation Space series very much. This wasn't quite the same, which is fine, but it feels thinner. There is a lot of pulpy goodness in there with lots of neat ideas, but little originality in the rest of its structure.

It's a delicate balance, writing science fiction. The line between hard, grounded explanations of phenomena and outright fantasy can be hard to define and establish while balancing the reader's disbelief. This book does a wonderful job of it, while providing thought provoking ethical questions and engaging characters. The "sideways" exploration of reality, rather than in the usual three (or four, however you like to define those) dimensions feels very fresh!

I've referred to Becky Chambers's writing before as deeply empathetic, but she truly does do an incredible job at portraying complex issues and the difficult feelings that arise from them in a way that is both accessible and nuanced. That with an ability to build tension in a situation where you know someone gets out of it okay makes this book absolutely shine.

A wonderfully empathetic book about the various perspectives of people from outside a culture looking in, inside looking out, and both outside and inside examining themselves.

Are you a fan of space? Are you a fan of any of the hard science bits of sci-fi? Do you have a fascination with complex systems of many sorts? Read this book, just don't hope for a definitive answer. It's complicated, but very cool.

An exhilarating read! The characters are compelling, and the plot always has you wondering where you're off to next. Tyun's clever lies, Nicephorus's forthright kindness and honesty are delightful driving forces, and everything becomes ridiculous in very fun ways.

Oh boy does not a single person in this book make even one good decision, good grief. I know that's part of storytelling, but like... even one good decision. The prose is wonderful, and it does captures a wonderful atmosphere, though.

This was an enjoyable read, though it takes a bit of work to get comfortable with it. Just go in ready to accept things - it'll all come together after some time. Part of the enjoyment of this book is almost like sitting on the edge of a pre-established friend group and just listening to them interact. All in all, a hopeful message at the end, which is badly needed today.

It makes an interesting audiobook read! There are some... odd spots where you're listening to (relatively) short snippets of binary code, but there are some excellent (and heartwrenching) vocal performances that were very appropriately stressful. There are very few characters, but that just gives them each time to be examined and shine for themselves.

Also, what literally astronomically bad luck Demeter has, good grief.