I read a lot, of both science fiction and non-fiction (history, science, economics, theology, etc.). Of the 300-400 books I start each year, I finish all but a handful. This book was in that sub-elite company. It fails as science fiction, fails as religous commentary, and fails as character fiction.
The science fictional aspects of it remind one of a sad retread 1980's cypberpunk novel - the private investigator, the mysteriously competent friends, the decaying urban setting...but with none of the freshness that this trope used to display.The theological commentary was a sledgehammer being used to operate on china - yes, yes, extreme right wing patriarchal preachers are bad. Right, got it. Now, please stop ranting; it's page 14 and I'm already sick to death of it.
The characters are poorly drawn, and the dialogue is a bit embarassing to read.
I could not force myself to get beyong 150 pages, even though I tried several times. A friend bought the book at the same time that I did, because we'd both read the same good review (Locus?), and he couldn't even make it as far as I did.
In conclusion, I'm mystified at the good press this freshman attempt is getting Heck, I'm mystified that it wasn't left in the slush pile.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
One Star Challenge: Archangel Protocol
Joining in the "one star review" challenge, here's the worst thing anyone had to say about Archangel Protocol. (I quote it here, in full) Interestingly, I had not read this until now:
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3 comments:
Heck, I'm mystified that they took that many words to say they didn't like it.
Oooouuuuch. That sucks.
Wow. Every aspect of the book this guy thinks was done horribly was something I thought was done marvelously. Something to be said for audience, maybe?
I love the phrase "mysteriously competent friends," though.
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