The Sword and Laser discussion

I’m about 70% of the way through the book and I just finished chapter 18. The way everything is coming together and taking shape is really incredible.

I agree with other comments that the first 20% or so is a bit of a slog. But oh goodness I think it’s worth it. I’m usually an epic fantasy reader so finding a similar pacing and style with various character POV in a sci-fi novel has been a lot of fun for me.

I really just want to put this out there to chat more about the positive aspects of the book and critique it with others who are enjoying it and stuck with it.

Agree. Maybe the problem is there's sort of a side plot towards the beginning where there's a murder mystery. Paula Myo gets to work on it, but I don't think it relates as strongly to one of the two alien plots. I think the book has a lot of shiny sf scenes throughout it that make it memorable. Maybe once we get into space it really starts to cook.

I just finished the book. It is enjoyable and well written. Looking forward to reading the conclusion. It reminds me somewhat of Hyperion and The Fall of Hyperion, although I enjoyed that story more. Pandora's Star is a much deeper, almost grindy look into a future human civilzation. Yet I'm most fascinated by Ozzie's thread. I'm pretty sure the second half will take the story places I am not even imagining.

I would say the first 50% was rather slow. I also read it in about 6 days and kinda burnt myself out. The rest of the book took three weeks. But once the exploration of the Dyson star begins the story picks up steadily to the end.

Now for a Tolkien break before I dive into Judas Unchained. I have the three Night's Dawn books (UK editions) glaring at me right now like a Mt Everest on the side of my Mt Tsukonudo. Ah, delicious trepidation.

I would reread Night's Dawn. It's not perfect, but has plenty of space stuff. 🧑‍🚀

It is a very long read but I'm currently 73% into Judas Unchained and Oh my goodness it's worth it.

As for Night's Dawn, I loved it - though be warned, in places it gets really dark. I read it years ago and there's a few scenes I still try very hard not to think about.

I’m really enjoying the title to your post. For some reason I read the “PS” as post scrip, like in a letter, instead of Pandora’s Star like the other posts each time I see it. Brings a smile each time I see it.

John (Nevets) wrote: "I’m really enjoying the title to your post. For some reason I read the “PS” as post scrip, like in a letter, instead of Pandora’s Star like the other posts each time I see it. Brings a smile each t..."

😁

John (Nevets) wrote: "I’m really enjoying the title to your post. For some reason I read the “PS” as post scrip, like in a letter, instead of Pandora’s Star like the other posts each time I see it. Brings a smile each t..."

Hahah, thanks! I like the idea that it's a post script :)

Tamahome wrote: "Agree. Maybe the problem is there's sort of a side plot towards the beginning where there's a murder mystery. Paula Myo gets to work on it, but I don't think it relates as strongly to one of the tw..."

I agree about the murder mystery possibly taking away from the beginning. I enjoyed that portion though - reminded me of a film noir and other parts of the book feel very film noir to me too but more in tone than content. But yes, once we get into space and start exploring the Dyson Pair it really gets going and the whole journey is worth the destination

I mostly enjoyed how it turned out. It was difficult journey for me though. It reminded me of big 19th century novels full of minor characters and meandering tangents. Unfortunately, those classic works are novels that I just can't get into. But I'm glad I tried this one. Fans of Iain M. Banks are told that they should try Alastair Reynolds and Peter F. Hamilton. I have to say, I rather prefer Reynolds, but I can see why folks make the comparison.

Ricardo wrote: "I mostly enjoyed how it turned out. It was difficult journey for me though. It reminded me of big 19th century novels full of minor characters and meandering tangents. Unfortunately, those classic ..."

It is amusing that Hamilton makes Banks seem concise.

I'm around page 580 and so far I really liked the (view spoiler)[High Angel concept, kind of blew my mind (hide spoiler)] and I wonder if it will have more importance moving forward.

I just finished Judas Unchained. In all the entirety is a good story, really one story, and I am not sure why it was split into two books. But that was done to each of the Night's Dawn books for the US market, so maybe that is why? I am behind on podcasts so might have missed the wrap up. I'm curious what others thought about the two books, and how many stuck with the... gah, roughly 2000 pages.

@keith... I don't think it's physically possible to publish a single volume 2000 page book.

Keith wrote: "I just finished Judas Unchained. In all the entirety is a good story, really one story, and I am not sure why it was split into two books. But that was done to each of the Night's Dawn books for th..."
I listened.. Lind space opera has been in my wheel house for nearly fifty years and I cut my early novel reading tweet on James Michener and Lord of the Rings. It would have been a lot better at at least 500 pages shorter.

I'm still pushing through it and it definitely could do with some editing. I'm not saying the sidebars are not interesting, but there could have been a whole book just for Paula without losing too much story, and I would liked to have read it. It's still a good book though and I am enjoying it, but I'm losing time to get to the next group read book and I started PS in January.

Just finished last night. Wrote my thoughts here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Below the review you can see my progress in the book from January 30, which shows how big the book really is.