Jan Kjellin reviewed The dark design by Philip José Farmer (Riverworld saga -- vol.3.)
Review of 'The dark design' on 'Goodreads'
2 stars
This marks the third installment of four by [a:Philip José Farmer|10089|Philip José Farmer|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1234714074p2/10089.jpg] that takes place in the Riverworld. I liked the first book, [b:To Your Scattered Bodies Go|16541|To Your Scattered Bodies Go (Riverworld 1)|Philip José Farmer|http://www.goodreads.com/images/nocover-60x80.jpg|3171254], which I found to be a philosophical and interesting read. The second one, [b:The Fabulous Riverboat|229406|The Fabulous Riverboat|Philip José Farmer|http://www.goodreads.com/images/nocover-60x80.jpg|18220], was not to my liking (though I cannot recall exactly why at this particular moment).
Unfortunately, this book didn't quite cut it either. There are too many storylines intertwining back and forth. Too many jumps in time. Too many characters to juggle. Too little exploring the fantastic backdrop provided by the Riverworld and the unique conditions the riverdwellers live (and die) under. And too little revealing of the big mystery.
Overall, I had problems keeping up with who where on what airship and/or boat as well as which ones were suspected agents of …
This marks the third installment of four by [a:Philip José Farmer|10089|Philip José Farmer|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1234714074p2/10089.jpg] that takes place in the Riverworld. I liked the first book, [b:To Your Scattered Bodies Go|16541|To Your Scattered Bodies Go (Riverworld 1)|Philip José Farmer|http://www.goodreads.com/images/nocover-60x80.jpg|3171254], which I found to be a philosophical and interesting read. The second one, [b:The Fabulous Riverboat|229406|The Fabulous Riverboat|Philip José Farmer|http://www.goodreads.com/images/nocover-60x80.jpg|18220], was not to my liking (though I cannot recall exactly why at this particular moment).
Unfortunately, this book didn't quite cut it either. There are too many storylines intertwining back and forth. Too many jumps in time. Too many characters to juggle. Too little exploring the fantastic backdrop provided by the Riverworld and the unique conditions the riverdwellers live (and die) under. And too little revealing of the big mystery.
Overall, I had problems keeping up with who where on what airship and/or boat as well as which ones were suspected agents of which ethical. And that makes for a frustrating read.
It's a shame, because I still regard Farmer as an intelligent and unique author and one that stands out in the genre.
Perhaps my overall feelings on the Riverworld series will change, once I've finished 'The Magic Labyrinth'. I do hope so, because such a genious creation deserves better than I feel that these past two books have performed.
