So I just got around to reading this little gem... I know, I know, where have I been for the past decade, how can I call myself a spec fic fan, yadda yadda. I didn't start reading fantasy/sci-fi till I was in college circa 2000, so I'm not quite as experienced as all you hardcore lifers out there.
That being said, my spoileriffic review (and a few questions) follow:
First, let me say that it was so refreshing to see an author creative enough to make aliens that are actually alien. Reading about the Tines was so confusing at first, I kept thinking that I had somehow skipped some explanation of their point of view or not read a necessary prequel before I figured it out. The whole introduction to the Tines was interesting in that it truly felt alien to read about these creatures, and figuring out their characteristics from an outsiders' perspective was a bit of a trick. And sentient trees as a trader race... lovely.
Second, I love space opera. I love day dreaming about the distant future. The world/galaxy that Vinge sets up is complex and rich and deadly and beautiful all at once. The notion of "Thought Zones" seemed a bit ridiculous at first, but once you just dive in and suspend disbelief, it works as a landscape for the galaxy.
My only gripe with this book has to do with narrative style. Vinge was big on building up to a specific moment and then letting it happen off-screen. That works as a narrative device once in a while, but use it too much and the user feels cheated. I wanted to see the first encounter between Pham and Johanna, I wanted to know exactly what the Olnsdots were thinking as they escaped from High Lab, and I sure as hell wanted to get a play by play of the final fight between Steel and Felnser.
I was also a bit annoyed by the lack of explanation at the end about the Blight. WTF was it? who made it? For that matter, who made Countermeasure? Speculation about "powers beyond the powers" wasn't all that satisfying, but maybe Vinge was saving some revelations for later books.
Otherwise, it was a good story backed by an incredible universe of characters, dangers, gods, and monsters. I would gladly read a sequel (which I hear is coming soon) but think I'll pass on the prequel. I didn't like Pham Nuwen enough to read a whole book on him, unless I hear some glowing reviews.
Has this book been discussed to death around here? If not, what were your thoughts/likes/criticisms?
That being said, my spoileriffic review (and a few questions) follow:
First, let me say that it was so refreshing to see an author creative enough to make aliens that are actually alien. Reading about the Tines was so confusing at first, I kept thinking that I had somehow skipped some explanation of their point of view or not read a necessary prequel before I figured it out. The whole introduction to the Tines was interesting in that it truly felt alien to read about these creatures, and figuring out their characteristics from an outsiders' perspective was a bit of a trick. And sentient trees as a trader race... lovely.
Second, I love space opera. I love day dreaming about the distant future. The world/galaxy that Vinge sets up is complex and rich and deadly and beautiful all at once. The notion of "Thought Zones" seemed a bit ridiculous at first, but once you just dive in and suspend disbelief, it works as a landscape for the galaxy.
My only gripe with this book has to do with narrative style. Vinge was big on building up to a specific moment and then letting it happen off-screen. That works as a narrative device once in a while, but use it too much and the user feels cheated. I wanted to see the first encounter between Pham and Johanna, I wanted to know exactly what the Olnsdots were thinking as they escaped from High Lab, and I sure as hell wanted to get a play by play of the final fight between Steel and Felnser.
I was also a bit annoyed by the lack of explanation at the end about the Blight. WTF was it? who made it? For that matter, who made Countermeasure? Speculation about "powers beyond the powers" wasn't all that satisfying, but maybe Vinge was saving some revelations for later books.
Otherwise, it was a good story backed by an incredible universe of characters, dangers, gods, and monsters. I would gladly read a sequel (which I hear is coming soon) but think I'll pass on the prequel. I didn't like Pham Nuwen enough to read a whole book on him, unless I hear some glowing reviews.
Has this book been discussed to death around here? If not, what were your thoughts/likes/criticisms?
A Fire Upon the Deep by Verner Vinge
- 25/07/2011 09:46:22 PM
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