3 ms·

I read that after reading Gladstone's scifi book[1]. I liked the poetic and emotional nature of it, but I thought it tried too hard to be both that and a scienc

I read that after reading Gladstone's scifi book[1]. I liked the poetic and emotional nature of it, but I thought it tried too hard to be both that and a science fiction story. When I tried to grasp at the scifi aspect, it felt like I was grasping at air. [1] _Empress of Forever_, while not poetic, I thought had interesting ideas that were more fleshed out. A lack of focus kept it out of top-tier scifi like Simmons' Hyperion for me, but it's worth a read if you like high-concept scifi like that.

loxias 3y ago
Oh, that's interesting!! I completely "agree" with your perception of the "air", though!! I think we differ in that, to me, I immediately and completely interpreted that as intentional. Not attempting for something and failing, but a faint, and a clever one at that. A "trick". We were "tricked". :) I distinctly remember I wasn't even half through, and I broke out laughing, raising a fist in mock-anger. And to me, that's part of the awesomeness. (For instance, I also enjoy magic shows, and standup, surprise parties, and love a trick or witticism. So of course I would process "you tricked me, authors!!" with a smile.) yay brains/diversity of perception/etc :)