Rating: 
Summary: Interesting, but not one of Niven's best
Review: I've been a long time reader of Larry Niven and have loved much of What he's done (Footfall, Ringworld, Integral trees/Smoke Ring etc...) However this book left me unsatisfied in some vague manner. The story was hard to follow on occasion, and I had trouble really picturing any of the characters. The one major thing that hit me early on was how much Jemmy was like Louis Wu. Perhaps it was just that Wu is an exceptionally defined character and could be used as a template for others by Niven. However what struck me was how Jemmy would leap to conclusions based on what to me was very sparse evidence. Perhaps not being given all the rest of the information and background the characters had hampered this for me. But I still feel that their speech and thought patterns are too close for comfort. To me Jemmy seemed much older than his approximately 20 years. If you are into Niven then get this in paperback. If not start with another book before jumping in to this one.
Rating: 
Summary: Good concept, poor execution
Review: The story is potentially exciting, but it is let down by bad characterisation. I never felt empathy with the main character and none of the other characters is around sufficiently long to get much of a feel for what they are like. I wanted to finish the story just to see what would happen, but it was a struggle in places. The arena in which the story is played out is well thought through, and Niven gives tantalising glimpses of what happened in the original colonisation. The idea of technology in decay is well portrayed. There are unfortunately many plot holes, which detract from the story. Two examples are (1) the main ship revolting and taking the Earth-Destiny communications link with it is necessary to the plot, but it is hardly to be expected that the main ship would never get back in contact with the settlers. (2) The boat that Jemmy uses to get from the peninsula to the mainland is said to have been functional for the first 150 years of Spiral Town's existance: surely it must have sailed near the mainland at some time. However, I think that the 27 year hiatus is perfectly in keeping with Jemmy's character. He would have stopped much earlier, in Twerdahl Town, if he could have.
Rating: 
Summary: This is non-stop confusion, and a let-down in the end.
Review: Wow! This book has me still scratching my head trying to figure out what the author had in mind BEFORE he wrote it, much less after he wrote it. I like to be drawn into a story through either plot, character relations, or even the alien world. I found NONE of these in this book, as I never felt a connection to the characters, places or even alien life. Even scenic descriptions in the book left me wondering what Niven's latest world is all about. Because of these shortcomings, I could not wait to finish his book only in the hopes of moving on to another book. Destiny's Road is too confusing and leaves the reader feeling they wasted their time in reading it. Given the option I would have rated this book a zero instead of one star!
Rating: 
Summary: Niven's back on track.
Review: I've been a fan of Larry Niven for 25 years and have accumulated quite a collection. I was afraid he was dried up, having gone to the literary well too many times; happily this isn't so! He's back on track with Destiny's Road. I'd place it on par with Lucifer's Hammer (newer works) and The Mote In God's Eye (one of the oldy but goodies). It's the type of book that draws you in and is hard to put down when its time to. Of course, it can't be placed on the same pedistel as the Ringworld books, BUT WHAT BOOKS CAN? Larry - when is Hollywood going to turn one of your works into a blockbuster?
Rating:
Summary: Another strong Niven book
Review: Niven is one of my favorites, because he seldom disappoints. Very compelling protagonist, realistic, difficult choices, interesting and consistent world. Thought provoking.
Rating:
Summary: What Happened??
Review: Destiny's Road is certainly a page turner however once you reach the destination you go what? and start scratching your head. The premise is good with challenging ideas regarding life on an alien world however after stating that Jemmy's goal was to find the Cavorite and the end of the road why did he stop for 27 years - so close and yet apparently too far. I also found it disconcerting that Dr Nogales recognised Jemmy almost straight away yet no merchant had in 27 years of being served food at the Wave Rider. I felt the end of the book was rushed. Why was Barda discussed but not reintroduced as a character. It was almost as if Mr Niven could not make up his mind as to whether he was writing a stand alone book or the start of a series. The book reminded me of most movies - at the end you are pleased you saw it then you start thinking about the plot holes and it detracts from your enjoyment.
Rating:
Summary: Very Good, not typical Sci-Fi
Review: I have never read a Niven book before but understand why some people were suprised by the book. Technology is not emphasized as in many science fiction books, but instead, the issue of colonization and the human condition. I disagree with those who were bothered by the 27 year jump ahead in the book. It seemed a necessary component of the plot. The book was definitely different than what I expected but still enjoyable, and I would recommend it. The book also had a good ending, tying up almost all major loose ends and did not seem like a set up for a sequel. By the way, after reading the Kirkus review at the top of this page (and other Kirkus reviews), I plan to never read another Kirkus review of any book I want to read, they always give away the entire plot and spoil the book and the ending.
Rating:
Summary: Larry Niven might be growing up.
Review: That summary line looks a little harsh but I actually mean it as a complement. Larry Niven has been a long-time staple for the boys-with-toys set within SF. He's wonderful - in the sense that his stories have been full of wonder, amazing technological rabbits pulled from hats. He filled this genre niche at a time when the rest of the field was following Ellison and Bester and their stylistic brethren down the New Wave path wherein the writer's biggest challenge was to twist the reader's head around a few times rather than to make the story believable. In those days of character driven speculative fiction, Larry Niven wanted to write hard science fiction and his work of that period has always shown it. The Ringworld. The Known Space universe. His collaborations with Jerry Pournelle - Lucifer's Hammer and The Mote in God's Eye. I wouldn't dream of knocking any one piece in that body of work. But the body of work itself... That's another story. These stories, without exception, are action- and wonderous location-driven with only enough effort applied to characterization for plausibility. This combination of nuts and bolts sans the touchy-feelie was in the tradition of Heinlein and Asimov, true, but that is also the tradition of the pulp magazines in which depth was discouraged and flash was cash. Destiny's Road is likewise slanted toward the gee-whiz, but, to Niven's credit, it is obvious that he wanted more from this story. The tale follows the adventures of a Spiral Town man, Jemmy, as he follows the trail of the world-spanning road on the colony world of Destiny. Jemmy oscillates between being curiosity driven and simply trying to survive. In the end, a wonderfully underplayed sense of justice brings the hero through a satisfying conclusion. It is this character arc that is new to Niven. One of his heroes actually grows up as the novel progresses. This might be a sign that Larry Niven is coming into his maturity as a writer.
Rating:
Summary: Average Niven - meaning it's better than most
Review: It's good to see a new world by Niven, but this one seemed incomplete somehow. I had trouble with some of the plot ideas, especially the lack of adventurism of the citizens of Spiral Town, the descendants of interstellar explorers. The ending seemed to be set up for a sequel but it also seems too flat to be good. Perhaps a prequel is in order. Niven has done better, but he has done worse. Definately worth reading despite the flaws.
Rating: 
Summary: Entertaining and Thoughtful
Review: This is definately a different novel for Niven. It meanders along the highway that is "the Road" in a manner that, while not as exciting as Louis Wu in his escapades, is compelling. Jemmy never finds a Neutron star in place of a Stasis Box, but he does save the world in the end without blazing guns or miraculous diplomacy. I enjoyed the book and recommend it to anyone willing to Think Different.
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