Helpful Score: 2
Dark, dark book. Though this is a novella really, not a complete novel. And very *very* unlike Scalzi's other work.
"The God Engines" is a fantasy story about gods enslaving other gods and the mortals they derive their power from. And the gods? They're nasty creatures.
The story is well-written, and quickly paced. Characterizations (usually Scalzi's strong point) are shallow however, and the dialog is not as "smart" as usual. That's a consequence of the novella format more than anything else, I think, though the switch from sci-fi to fantasy might have something to do with it as well. In addition, the universe is definitely not-Earth, so it's a bit hard for the reader to identify with any one in the story.
Apparently, lots of other people think the novella is wonderful: it's been nominated for a 2010 Hugo and a 2009 Nebula.
For me: solid, but cold. 4 of 5 stars.
"The God Engines" is a fantasy story about gods enslaving other gods and the mortals they derive their power from. And the gods? They're nasty creatures.
The story is well-written, and quickly paced. Characterizations (usually Scalzi's strong point) are shallow however, and the dialog is not as "smart" as usual. That's a consequence of the novella format more than anything else, I think, though the switch from sci-fi to fantasy might have something to do with it as well. In addition, the universe is definitely not-Earth, so it's a bit hard for the reader to identify with any one in the story.
Apparently, lots of other people think the novella is wonderful: it's been nominated for a 2010 Hugo and a 2009 Nebula.
For me: solid, but cold. 4 of 5 stars.
Helpful Score: 1
I'm not sure that this is truly in the fantasy genre at all. Speculative fiction about theocracies in the future seem more relevant with our current crop of jihadists and fundamentalists.
The story is tightly wound and cutting. Scalzi does not follow anyone mold here and he is willing, as ever, to take risks.
There is a lingering aftertaste, an itch to discuss this book that is quite strong and an inducement to share it with friends to get their take.
The word of the story prompts a good question..."To whom?"
The story is tightly wound and cutting. Scalzi does not follow anyone mold here and he is willing, as ever, to take risks.
There is a lingering aftertaste, an itch to discuss this book that is quite strong and an inducement to share it with friends to get their take.
The word of the story prompts a good question..."To whom?"
