Reviews and Comments

3.5 stars rounded up to 4. I liked the extra point of view characters, and especially enjoyed the fleshed out universe. But I felt like things were a little drawn out in the middle third of the book. Still a good read and I'm looking forward to book 3 when it's released.

An exciting book of show-don't-tell. Military states united under a common N-archy work separate but together to protect the status quo in the following: agreed upon mathematical systems which manifest themselves in physical space as regions that allow or disallow the use of exotic weapons and technologies. Heretics focused on getting a large enough society to use a different base number, calendar, time systems, or even holidays can disrupt the expected area to disable shields, drives, weapons and countless other technologies while enabling others.

People will say it's not sci-fi. It's as much sci-fi as many others accepted in the genre, but know it's not science but space and "math magic" that give it this place. If you like Hannu Rajaniemi's stories you'll probably be happy here as well.

People will also say this book must be read and not listened to. This was not the case for me. I read about 60% of the book and listened to the other 40% on Audible (interspersed, as driving and home time allowed). I had no trouble following and enjoying the book either way.

I went straight to the sequel after finishing.

The city is rich with detail and texture and the characters are distinctive and memorable. Not everything "meshed" and the focus wandered a bit at points, but the rich descriptions and clever contrivances kept the pace moving along.

A 3/5 stars anywhere else, but a 2/5 on Goodreads weird system. I was unable to find myself very interested in the characters, and whenever the plot started to engage me it switched gears. I love Greg Egan stories, but this one wasn't for me.

Neil Gaiman writes GOOD monsters. Oh, and good protagonists. And don't forget he writes amazing mysterious supporting characters. Were I qualified, I'd say this is an excellent example of Gaiman at his usual finest. Simple on the surface, but subtly deep so that you'll be thinking about it for months after. Not quite enough to excite me to 5-stars, but I highly recommend it. A timeless book destined to become a classic.

I'm a fan of the Expanse series. The books typically have a sweeping, high-stakes story arc with memorable characters and epic, movie-ready scenes. The realistic details of space travel (inertia, false gravity, etc.) alone give this series a special place on my shelf. And I have to admit, the fantastic TV adaptation now in its second season on SyFy causes me to view past reading experiences of the series with rose colored glasses (they couldn't have cast the show better).

But now for a break from our regularly scheduled programming. The crew of the Rocinante enter our story for very contrived reasons and are essentially the only good thing about the book. While Captain Holden and co have some great moments amidst the drudgery of the main plot line, it doesn't entirely make up for the uninteresting new POV characters, mundane little bites of crisis and boring obstacle, and generally forgettable events. I wonder if the authors regret doing huge, intense story lines before that have apparently become tough acts to follow. I'm personally glad this book came after more solid entries in the series, as it makes it easier to forgive and move on to (or wait for) the next.

In addition to our main characters from the previous books being wonderful as always, large swaths of redemption flow from the interludes and afterword. They remind the reader there's more to the Expanse universe than this strange bad luck, low stakes side tour.

3.5 stars under a normal rating system (it was a fine book with some high points here and there) but 2.5 under Goodreads' inflated system. Rounding that 2.5 to a 3 because of an old character who got to make some big appearances.

It's hard to throw a stone at the reviews of Song of Susannah and not hit one that complains about King inserting himself as a small but important character in this book (I added the spoiler tag just in case somebody isn't aware it happens and wants to be surprised like I was). But while it first caused me to roll my eyes and cringe a bit, I have to admit it worked really well for me. Even the coda. And while I was not looking forward to heading back to New York (some of my least favorite parts of books 2 and 3) everything again worked well for me here.

I didn't stick with my English degree, and my literary tastes trend almost exclusively into the "sci-fi and occasionally fantasy" area. But all that said, I really liked Song of Susannah and am going to jump right into The Dark Tower now.

A great new chapter in the Dark Tower progression marred by ties to pop-culture. Remember the Wizard of Oz references in Wizard and Glass? I didn't care for that. Well, re're just getting warmed up. Maybe King will tie such references into a satisfying plot point that explains them in a clever and rewarding way. But I have a suspicion it won't be worth it to me. So in the meantime I try not to let such references annoy me and enjoy the otherwise great stories.

I really liked this book! I don't understand the reviews saying Mo is unlikable or unrelatable. I felt the plot stayed interesting and built up nicely and had a GREAT Lovecraftian final act. I'd gladly read more books from Mo's perspective.

I have conflicting feelings about WIZARD AND GLASS. On the one hand, my favorite parts of The Dark Tower series so far have been those most "fantasy western". The Gunslinger (book one) I preferred to the following two for that very reason (though Lud had its moments). And WIZARD AND GLASS here was 95% "fantasy western".

On the other hand, I don't see how this side-step into Roland's past does much to further our journey to the Dark Tower. It's like George R.R. Martin's taking pages to describe Westeros delicacies or the rows of banners and pennants we'll never see again, except here King as written an entire book of such supplementary material. It's like feasting on after-dinner mints when we're hungry for steak.

That said, I enjoyed the book. I'd gladly read more about young Roland or thriving Gilead or the Blue Coffin Hunters after Roland, Jake, Eddie and Susana finish their story.