Raft

Rating:
Summary: Unique, but somewhat flawed...
Review: This has been my first experience with Stephen Baxter's works, and although I do intend to continue reading his works, I found Raft to be lacking in some key areas. A wonderful and quite unique exploration of another galaxy and human adaptation, Raft excells in the science part of its genre and lacks in the fiction part. A perfect example of this lies in Baxter's primary character. One moment Baxter convinces you to see him as a genius and a leader, but the next moment he's a weakling. In addition, some of the flow of the novel seems questionable--like how in heaven's name did he know to get inside the whale and why does the whale suddenly spring back to life? Such questions are left unanwswered drasticly weakening the incredible universe of Baxter's creation. I would have suggested covering less time within the novel or perhaps breaking the story up into more in depth books. Nevetheless, Baxter's Raft deserves examination.

Rating:
Summary: Unique, but somewhat flawed...
Review: This has been my first experience with Stephen Baxter's works, and although I do intend to continue reading his works, I found Raft to be lacking in some key areas. A wonderful and quite unique exploration of another galaxy and human adaptation, Raft excells in the science part of its genre and lacks in the fiction part. A perfect example of this lies in Baxter's primary character. One moment Baxter convinces you to see him as a genius and a leader, but the next moment he's a weakling. In addition, some of the flow of the novel seems questionable--like how in heaven's name did he know to get inside the whale and why does the whale suddenly spring back to life? Such questions are left unanwswered drasticly weakening the incredible universe of Baxter's creation. I would have suggested covering less time within the novel or perhaps breaking the story up into more in depth books. Nevetheless, Baxter's Raft deserves examination.