Probably Not the Best Introduction to Tchaikovsky

There are some interesting premises and decent writing here, but the narrative arc is rather anemic and spending the bulk of the book with the sci-fi sigma incel community (regardless of them being the 'baddies') was just unpleasant, as is the fridge-tastic trope of the threat of abuse being aimed at a femme the protagonist has an emotional connection with being the catalyst for change.

I think this is ultimately a case of not the best book and not necessarily being my cup of tea, despite being so on paper, so your mileage may vary. There are definitely seeds of something intriguing here in the relationship and understanding of technology and software that reminds me a little of Horizon Zero Dawn. As an opener to a series though, this hasn't been enough for me to continue. I am still interested in checking out more of Tchaikovsky's work.

The curse of checking out respected authors through the Audible Included library strikes again!

Narration is decent.

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1 person found this helpful

Good story, painfully stilted narration

The story itself is interesting and has once again Adrian’s trademark insect themes and big questions about what humanity’s future in space could look like and how unintended consequences can shape an entire world. So that’s that bit. The NARRATION, it’s so stilted and torturous to listen to that his style of reading could be used as a form of torture. Yet, bafflingly, the dialogue was ok! All in all, I couldn’t wait to finish this and wish I’d got it as an ebook instead.

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3 people found this helpful

interesting story and idea

The story was original and had very reasonable pace. Events and conversations were all necessary for the story and kept me engaged.
I'm afraid I didn't like the narration.

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1 person found this helpful

A great story

Not too long and doesn't outstay it's welcome. It is a tale which has a lot in common with other stories by the author. Incorporating many base ideas for some of AT's longer novels and series. well worth a look.

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1 person found this helpful

5 minutes in and struggling with poor narration.

I love Adrian's books but the intonation of the reader's voice is really grating on me so far. trying to persist and hoping I get used to it.

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1 person found this helpful

Simply incredible. Tchaikovsky is almost unmatched in world building.

Adore the rich yet ambiguous world building. Just like Cage of Souls, he has eluded to a much bigger universe behind the scenes but creates a gorgeous rich story inside the ambiguity. His character building is amazing. I think I will go through every single one of his books because…. WOW!

Recommended thoroughly if you love uncovering mysteries, sci-fi and unusual dystopian worlds.

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Great Tchaikovsky

If you enjoyed Children of Time or Cage of Souls , then you'll enjoy this! Only one negative really- it was so short!

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1 person found this helpful

Unlistenable

I love Adrian Tchaikovsky’s books, and most of them have been brilliantly served by their narrators. This one is a rare exception. I can’t rate the story as I found the narration so distracting I had to give up. Disappointing.

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Spoiled By Terrible Narration

I’ve never heard anybody read quite like this. Every sentence the same. The same intonation. The same tone. The same tune. It’s very annoying and does detract from the story itself.

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1 sentence at a time

Shame it was read in this weird 1 sentence at a time style, no flow to the narration

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