Rating: 
Summary: Excellent example of what science fiction can be
Review: Probably one of the best books read in the past 5 years. It is pure "hard" sci-fi in the sense that it is primarily an exploration of a series of complex ideas, taken to extremes. The same set of ideas, about the nature of communication and limits on the speed of thought, is explored on multiple levels, in a highly ordered and consistent manner. Note: while it's a good story, this, like most hard sci-fi, can't really be read the same way as most other literature.
Rating: 
Summary: If this is considered "hard" SF, it's a sad day for SF
Review: This is bad science fantasy. I almost stopped reading after the hilariously bad introductory section (I had fun reading it aloud to my boyfriend for comic effect), but bravely plowed onward into the trite and poorly written remainder of the novel. The communal "pack" mind concept betrays the author's utter ignorance of how real animal pack structures work. This book is going to the used bookstore ASAP and I'm going to find some _real_ hard SF to read.
Rating: 
Summary: Great book, worth the Hugo
Review: I reading this book a second time (after a few years) and loving it. Its definitely worth the Hugo. I specially loved the theme about the net extrapolate to the galaxy. Hey Vernor, this is an interesting universe, got any new books planned for it?
Rating:
Summary: Great Treat (but I am still trying to figure the title out)
Review: I was up until 1:00 in the morning finishing this book. So many fascinating concepts, so little room here to discuss them. I am still captivated by Vinge's "pack mind" concept-- not to mention some of his other concepts regarding other forms of sentience. And that he could make captivating characters out of his unusual sentients was a wonderful trick.This was the first book of Vinge's that I'd read, and if (as another reviewer noted) it is not the best introduction to his work, I am really excited about getting my hands on his other stuff.
Rating:
Summary: The end was worth it
Review: There were a lot of fantastic ideas in here, but for some reason I can't put my finger on, the first 2/3 of the book went by rather slowly. It's not that nothing interesting happened. It's not that it was bad. And it wasn't enough for me to stop reading altogether. But for some reason I just couldn't get excited about it. However, the last 1/3 of the book flew by, and left me with an overall great opinion of the book. A bunch of unique concepts and generally good storytelling, make me give this 4 stars.
Rating:
Summary: Definitely Worthy of a Hugo
Review: I loved this book! I couldn't put it down. Like one of the reviewers said, there aren't enough books that make you wish there was more to come once you finish. This book was filled with interesting ideas, and it was an easy, quick read. The plot moved and didn't drag; the beginning starts out with a bang, and keeps enough of the facts hidden until later to keep the reader interested. I especially like the regions of the galaxy idea. I'm disappointed that so many of Vernor Vinge's earlier books are out of print!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent! Very sharp. Not for lite thinkers!
Review: The entirety of the book is on a grand scale. It keeps you interested by showing entirely new concepts, making solid use of them, and ensuring to the reader that each is just as plausible, if not more so, than existing theory. The story is very well written, and maintains a steady flow of action throughout the book. Solid Sci-fi reading!
Rating:
Summary: Great creativity, character dev. and a 90s sci fi view
Review: Vinge mixes an entire basket of terrific ideas to 'A Fire Upon the Deep.' The book also does not suffer as many sci. fi. novels do in dry character development. The characters (and creatures) are beautifully developed and original.
Rating:
Summary: BORING!
Review: I purchased this book based on the large number of 4 and 5 star ratings, thinking I would be in for a intellectually challenging, well thought out, interesting book. After struggling through the first BORING 100 pages I skimmed the rest of the book and put it in my "donate to the library booksale" pile so some unsuspecting soul can purchase it for 50 cents. There was nothing new and original in this book and the writng was mediocre. Back to well crafted story telling....now where did I put my copy of the Lord of the Rings.
Rating:
Summary: A book "deeper" than you might think
Review: Vinge once again shows he is ahead of his time with this book. Besides a plot and space "soap opera" which will keep you interested, I found a deeper meaning in this particular book. Without giving to much away, one of the small sub plots of this book will provoke thoughts relating to how life on Earth could have been initiated by a biological program with its own virus which took thousands of years to surface. More significant sub plots relate to the different physical properties and time properties which various areas of the universe have and relates to battles on other planets which related to how evolutionary paths of the universe intersect. Those writing negative reviews for this book just did not get it.
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