Rating: 
Summary: Interesting,enjoyable, and intrigue for seasoning...
Review: As this was the first Brin novel I had read, I wasn't sure what to expect. But I was truly (and happily) surprised to see that I had found an excellent author. As a suggestion to others who are thinking of starting with "Brightness Reef," I would recommend reading the other Uplift novels first. David Brin has written novels that are better, but none that could be called mediocre
Rating: 
Summary: A good read, but hold off until the trilogy is complete.
Review: This book is the first third of a grand story, and it shows.
The first half of Brightness Reef is a highly descriptive introduction to a large cast of characters and the unique society they have established. Unfortunately, it is not terribly engaging, and would have benefitted from some abbreviation.
In stark contrast, the second half of the book was hard to put down. Brin really shows off what he can do, and by the end I was ready to pick up the second installment. I would recommend this book if you're in for the long haul, but you might want to wait for the second and third parts to become available - you'll be dying for more at the end of Brightness Reef!
Rating:
Summary: An excellent beginning!
Review:
To readers unfamiliar with the Brin's uplift universe, this book is perhaps better left till the previous trilogy (or at least, "StarTide Rising") is read. There are some plot elements that could be a little confusing without knowledge of the plot introduced in that book.
Previous fans of Brin's work, however, can look forward to a characteristic Brin work that manages to examine in greater detail a previously rarely discussed side of Galactic civilization: the galactic penchant for environmental conscious behaviour. Indeed, the entire story is narrated by members of various races illegally present on a supposedly fallow world - as ordained by galactic rules.
Although Brin continues his trend of emphasizing the "special" nature of humanity, the story proves quite interesting, including plots that involve the various races on the fallow planet Jijo, as well as extraplanetary visitors.
In a marked change from his early volumes, this book, as Brin notes in the introduction, cannot stand on it's own. Be warned in advance, therefore, if you are the sort that can't stand to wait for the next installment. :)
Rating:
Summary: Delicious new Installment!
Review: Brightness Reef is a wonderful new installment to Brin's Uplift universe. Brin's usual standards are apparent, and once you get into the story, it pops right along, drawing you into thrilling constant speculation. The new aliens with their 'humicking' ways are a treat to behold. And the unexpected arrival of the Streaker (see Startide Rising) to Jijo's oceans caps off a fullfilling start to the new trilogy. If you have never read Brin before, I'd advise reading his earlier Uplift books before this tome, if only to get yourself into the feel of galactic society.
I can hardley wait to get my eyes on the next installment!
Rating:
Summary: Thick description fiction that works
Review: Brin writes of cultures that might be real. In this novel about a planet unconnected with the rest of galactic civilization, he describes a functioning, fascinating civilization in great detail. Thick description. Lots of fun
Rating:
Summary: Not the best in the series but a fine book never-the-less.
Review: Brightness Reef returns us, at long last, to Brin's "Uplift" universe. While the past three books, "Sundiver", "Startide Rising", and "The Uplift War", are told from a predominantly
Human perspective Brightness Reef is a little more complex
and harder to get into at first. How the characters and story relate to the Uplift universe is uncovered only slowly and
the ending of the book leaves us high up in the air waiting
for the next installment. For me it wasn't as intense and
enjoyable as "Startide Rising" but still a satisfying read.
Rating:
Summary: A grand regathering of the "Uplift" strands
Review: Brin brings his more recent topics of interest (environmental
awareness, interracial cooperation) into the Galactic setting,
creating a rich new culture in the process. He introduces
several new races first-hand and explores the
interaction and ingenuity possible in the unique blending of six races. He does not shirk his responsibility
to teach his readers, so "Brightness Reef" is not crowd-pleasing
science fiction entertainment; indeed, this book is more complex
than his other novels of Uplift. Brin spends this first
volume weaving a new part of his tapestry, pulling
in elements from previous Uplift novels. I was disappointed by the abrubt "To Be Continued" ending,
but there must be weight limitations on books or else
everyone's carpal tunnel will be inflammed. Anxiously
awaiting Volume 2 in December!
Rating:
Summary: David Brin's Latest: Wonderfully imaginative!
Review: Having read David Brin's previous Uplift Trilogy such a
long time ago I was surprised to find his latest book,
'Brightness Reef', in the book store; I hadn't heard that he
was working on a new trilogy. So, it was with much anticipation that I plunked down my twenty dollars and headed
home for a nice weekend of reading. True to my expectations, Brightness Reef didn't dissapoint.
While it was at first (like many great sci-fi novels) a little hard to 'get into' the story, I soon found myself immersed in a truly creative and fascinating world, stocked with people and events that drew me in even deeper. Although the
book started off a little slow, by the time I got to the end
I couldn't wait for more.
'Brightness Reef' is a challenging and intellectual work along the lines of
'Speaker for the Dead' (by Orson Scott Card), but it does have
pleanty of good ol' science fiction action. I liked this
book because of its blending of imagination (especially the
fascinating alien species, who take on much more depth than
in the original trilogy) and well-thought story line. By the
time I was done with the book I not only felt I had visited Jijo but that I knew its inhabitants well and cared what happened to them. To conclude, I would recommend this book to anyone who likes
a great read with a little bit of challenge behind it.
Rating:
Summary: Brin Unplugged -- Mandatory reading for all "Uplift" fans.
Review: This is evidently David Brin unabridged and is thus a must read for any "Uplift" fan. "Brightness Reef" is at once creative, touching, inspiring, and funny -- something quite rare in a science-fiction work.
While the book lives up to Brin's usual high standards in terms of creativity; it gets off to a very slow start and is quite frankly just too darned long. The patient reader, however, is rewarded for his virtue and is left thirsty for more upon reaching the novel's last word. My main hope now is that Brin keeps his promise of quickly bringing forth the other two installments of the trilogy.
Rating:
Summary: The world of Uplift has returned in Brin's latest work
Review: I would have to say, this book was not what I expected. As he says in the authors notes, Brin began writing a single
book which evolved into a trilogy. I must admit, this book starts a bit slower than his others, but
towards the end, it begins to pick up speed and everything begins
to come together. Unfortunately, just when things start to get interesting, the book ends. Now I have to wait until December for the next one. For those who like Brin's work, I would recommend it. For those who have not read his work, I suggest reading one of the other Uplift
novels to get a feel for it. If you enjoy that, try "Brightness Reef", although I would wait for the other two books to be published
first.
| 
