I’m with you, also went with the audio book. I repeatedly thought about giving up on this, but I kept going because there’d be glimmers of intriguing background (example: the wooden clockwork creatures) but overall I couldn’t pull together enough sense of things by the end - I came away with a negative opinion of the story
Such a great words to describe this "book". Chaotic, story lacks the story. I just finished the book and found that through all 337 pages I was trying to be grappled by a plot-hook or something, but again it is a words for words. Nothing for nothing. The concentrated idea of the whole story is actually well fit in a short poem. And that's it. Such a disappointment. Such a strong feeling of truly wasted time. Some other reviewers were telling that it is like a puzzle. That in the end all pieces will come together. Even though you may agree on some summing up at the last two chapters, but still it is sooooooo weeeeeaaakkkk. I am sorry for my wasted time. Keanu and China, please, next time don't try at all. I am sure that they are aware that their names may work for some audience like a bait and it actually worked that way. I'm out. And one thing besides other things in this book I almost hated was this repetitive words for nothing. It's like the writers were extremely limited with their vocabulary. It was awful.
I actually had to force myself not to start it yet. I reread book 1-4 for a full review which will be out next weekend. And then in 2 weeks I'll do the review on book 4. Cant wait to read it
I have to disagree with your assessment. I was unfamiliar with Mieville's work and while his prose can be dense, and shifts in tone and points of view coupled with standard military tropes, I found for myself it was relatively a brisk read. For myself it's absurdist science fiction with a hint of Existentialism thrown in for good measure. If you have read the comic /graphic novels you might understand what their intent was to understand a basic question of human existence Why am I here and where am I going? Would I want to live forever? You maintain its incoherent, perhaps you were expecting a straightforward tale without any underlying consideration for B's motivation for the why of his existence. This is not for everyone and you can count yourself among those who found this novel overwhelming/boring and general lack of understanding
Thank you for sharing your perspective! I appreciate that the book resonated with you on a deeper level, but personally, it just didn’t connect with me. But I guess that is the wonderful thing about books...there is something for everyone.
Well it seems to me Keanu really likes to keep busy always has one or more projects happening but isn't an obsessed perfectionist I don't think they were trying to win any literary awards he just likes graphic novels and wanted to expand the character to a novel, like the Matrix or John Wick movies some fans may not like them all equally. It's not even his first publishing effort he and Alexandra published some of his poetry and her photography in a collaborative effort a decade ago too. He plays in a band but I don't think they are after a Grammy either it's just a fun side project he designs and rides motorcycles too he's been in about eighty films I guess he didn't have time in his schedule to read the whole book aloud there is a video online of him reading Noa Noa though if you enjoy his speaking voice so much and want to hear more classic literature.
Thank you! I appreciate your thoughts! I could have forgiven the lack of narration by Keanu. My main problem here is that it's just very poor storytelling. It's all over the place. Also seeing that he did quite a lot of marketing efforts personally for the book, I somehow don't feel like his heart or time were not in it...it's just a bad book.
I purchased the audio-version and couldn’t listen more than approximate 15 minutes. As much as I admire Mr Reeves, I must say that he definitely is not doing that well. No expression, he is mumbling and the monotony is boring and ridiculous. . and pathetic. Just my personal Impression. It’s the brand „Keanu Reeves“, the „baba yaga“, good god. A character, that has no possibility to die and therefore kills other humans, what incoherent nonsense is that ?👎
What are your thoughts on Keanu Reeves first "novel"? Am I too harsh? 🤔
Harsh?you are literally walking on eggshells….😂
Well I did call the story incoherent haha
I agree with every word from your video. It's complete nonsense and abstract emptiness. Horrible and painful experience.
I’m with you, also went with the audio book. I repeatedly thought about giving up on this, but I kept going because there’d be glimmers of intriguing background (example: the wooden clockwork creatures) but overall I couldn’t pull together enough sense of things by the end - I came away with a negative opinion of the story
Such a great words to describe this "book". Chaotic, story lacks the story. I just finished the book and found that through all 337 pages I was trying to be grappled by a plot-hook or something, but again it is a words for words. Nothing for nothing. The concentrated idea of the whole story is actually well fit in a short poem. And that's it. Such a disappointment. Such a strong feeling of truly wasted time. Some other reviewers were telling that it is like a puzzle. That in the end all pieces will come together. Even though you may agree on some summing up at the last two chapters, but still it is sooooooo weeeeeaaakkkk. I am sorry for my wasted time. Keanu and China, please, next time don't try at all. I am sure that they are aware that their names may work for some audience like a bait and it actually worked that way. I'm out. And one thing besides other things in this book I almost hated was this repetitive words for nothing. It's like the writers were extremely limited with their vocabulary. It was awful.
Can't wait to hear what you think about the new Bob book
I actually had to force myself not to start it yet. I reread book 1-4 for a full review which will be out next weekend. And then in 2 weeks I'll do the review on book 4. Cant wait to read it
The novel sounds the same as the comics. With black ops operations and flash backs.
I can see how that could work well for a comic. Unfortunately for the novel it was just too confusing.
Thank you for your honest opinion
I was really looking forward to this one. Unfortunately it was not what I hoped for.
He greatest of all time ❤
Uff, das tönt ja zemli übel 🥴. Han eigentli vor gha das Buech au zläse. Lisisch du The Mercy of Gods vo James S.A.Corey und machsch en review devo?
Adding it to my TBR, hope I get to it sometime soon. Sounds like a fresh take where humanity for once does not rule.
Loved the book
Did you read or listen to the audiobook? I'm starting to believe that reading this one would have been the smarter choice for me.
Welcome to China Mieville novels.
You should really read his stuff, it's great.
Not sure if I will find the motivation after this one. Which Mieville would you suggest that is a little more accesible?
I have to disagree with your assessment. I was unfamiliar with Mieville's work and while his prose can be dense, and shifts in tone and points of view coupled with standard military tropes, I found for myself it was relatively a brisk read. For myself it's absurdist science fiction with a hint of Existentialism thrown in for good measure. If you have read the comic /graphic novels you might understand what their intent was to understand a basic question of human existence Why am I here and where am I going? Would I want to live forever? You maintain its incoherent, perhaps you were expecting a straightforward tale without any underlying consideration for B's motivation for the why of his existence. This is not for
everyone and you can count yourself among those who found this novel overwhelming/boring and general lack of understanding
Thank you for sharing your perspective! I appreciate that the book resonated with you on a deeper level, but personally, it just didn’t connect with me. But I guess that is the wonderful thing about books...there is something for everyone.
Well it seems to me Keanu really likes to keep busy always has one or more projects happening but isn't an obsessed perfectionist I don't think they were trying to win any literary awards he just likes graphic novels and wanted to expand the character to a novel, like the Matrix or John Wick movies some fans may not like them all equally. It's not even his first publishing effort he and Alexandra published some of his poetry and her photography in a collaborative effort a decade ago too. He plays in a band but I don't think they are after a Grammy either it's just a fun side project he designs and rides motorcycles too he's been in about eighty films I guess he didn't have time in his schedule to read the whole book aloud there is a video online of him reading Noa Noa though if you enjoy his speaking voice so much and want to hear more classic literature.
Thank you! I appreciate your thoughts! I could have forgiven the lack of narration by Keanu. My main problem here is that it's just very poor storytelling. It's all over the place. Also seeing that he did quite a lot of marketing efforts personally for the book, I somehow don't feel like his heart or time were not in it...it's just a bad book.
I purchased the audio-version and couldn’t listen more than approximate 15 minutes. As much as I admire Mr Reeves, I must say that he definitely is not doing that well. No expression, he is mumbling and the monotony is boring and ridiculous. . and pathetic. Just my personal Impression. It’s the brand „Keanu Reeves“, the „baba yaga“, good god. A character, that has no possibility to die and therefore kills other humans, what incoherent nonsense is that ?👎
Sounds like you had a very similar experience to me. It's a real pitty. I had to start so many times to understand what was going on...it was a pain.