Rating: 
Summary: Impressive.
Review: After reading _Floating Worlds_ I was surprised that I'd never heard of it before. It is an intelligent and complex novel of the future which combines elements of technology, politics, and space to create a believable and compelling story.Paula Mendoza is a slightly-more-than-typical inhabitant of the anarchist planet Earth. She becomes even more distinctive when she becomes Earth's representative to the Styths and along the way bears a son to the Styth Prima. She becomes the pin that links the two cultures together as much as two such separate cultures can be linked. Holland's writing is vividly detailed, and the world that she creates for the future is so well imagined that it is disappointing when the book ends. I found the plotting slightly weaker, but any deficiencies are made up for by the strong characterizations and the realistic way that she sets up the variations on human stock represented by the Styth. Definitely worth reading.
Rating: 
Summary: Classic
Review: I first read this book fifteen years ago and was spellbound. I am an avid reader of all types of fiction with a leaning towards sf/fantasy and found this story to be a shining example of this genre. The characters come alive and you develop a compassion for the trials of Paula as she travels across the solar system to her new home. The descriptions of a future anarchy on earth and contact with seemingly superior races throughout the galaxy are unforgettable. A truly awesome story.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent book
Review: I first read this book more than 20 years ago. It goes beyond the sci-fi genre - it's a well thought-out and written book. Each character has so many subtle shadings to them that I find that over the years different aspects of their personalities appeal to me. I don't understand why this book isn't widely considered one of the best sci-fi books ever written. In the 80's after my first copy fell to pieces, this book was so hard to find in the US that I finally tracked it down after a great deal of effort to a UK bookstore. FINALLY it's available in the US again. I bought one from Amazon and may buy another just in case ...
Rating:
Summary: Excellent book
Review: I first read this book more than 20 years ago. It goes beyond the sci-fi genre - it's a well thought-out and written book. Each character has so many subtle shadings to them that I find that over the years different aspects of their personalities appeal to me. I don't understand why this book isn't widely considered one of the best sci-fi books ever written. In the 80's after my first copy fell to pieces, this book was so hard to find in the US that I finally tracked it down after a great deal of effort to a UK bookstore. FINALLY it's available in the US again. I bought one from Amazon and may buy another just in case ...
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Sci Fi by a masterful writer of historical fiction
Review: I read this book many years ago, it's time for a reread. I am not so much a fan of science fiction as I am a collector and reader of Cecelia Holland. Historical Fiction is what I expect from her and this book could be described as future historical fiction. The prose and the characters are wonderful. I have bought this book many many time to give to friends.
Rating:
Summary: Worth every minute
Review: I read this book many years ago, it's time for a reread. I am not so much a fan of science fiction as I am a collector and reader of Cecelia Holland. Historical Fiction is what I expect from her and this book could be described as future historical fiction. The prose and the characters are wonderful. I have bought this book many many time to give to friends.
Rating:
Summary: Great book, one of her best
Review: I read this book the first time more than 20 or so years ago. I still have the original paperback that has been taped and mended. It is one of those kind of books that can be read over and over and each time provokes the imagination. I would recommend this books to anyone who enjoys sci-fi.
Rating:
Summary: My ALL Time Favorite Book
Review: I read this book the first time more than 20 or so years ago. I still have the original paperback that has been taped and mended. It is one of those kind of books that can be read over and over and each time provokes the imagination. I would recommend this books to anyone who enjoys sci-fi.
Rating:
Summary: Floating worlds
Review: Just recently I decided to create my personal top twenty science fiction and fantasy list spanning over 25 years of reading the genres. Among the inevitable Lord of the Rings, Dune and The Book of the New Sun I had to add "Floating Worlds" to the list. Despite reading this little known novel over twenty years ago, the impact of its engaging plot and the richness in the characterization of the hardy heroine Paula left an indelible satisfying impression.
One shares a compelling journey with Paula as she survives intense political travails, passionate conflicts and numerous hardships in a vivdly-imagined far-flung future world.
I note many of the reviwers articulating their pleasure from this unsung masterpiece. I just wanted to add my voice to their acclaim.
Rating:
Summary: Meet THE black feminist of the new millenium!
Review: Ms. Holland has you on a rollercoaster ride with this incredible story played around strong female character Paula Mendoza. I've read this book several times and find something new each time I read it! In this strange world, mankind has traveled to Uranus and Saturn 4000 years in the future. These planets have changed man physically but Holland reminds you that mankind still harbors the same prejudices against those who are different. Struggles pursue as every planet for itself wants to come out on top (including Earth) and Paula, is in the middle of it all. Ms. Holland, please write us another one!
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