Reviews and Comments

This is a relatively short book using two narrative threads focused on how interactions of humans with self-aware artificial intelligence systems could look like in a very distant future. While the first Wayfarer story introduced well the universe and alien species, this second book has a better pace and was more enjoyable overall. Still, it is probably better to read them in order.

If you read 'The Martian', this one follows the same chain of technical puzzles in a survival setting. But both the setting and the science are quite a lot more fictional. I still enjoyed it very much as it also has 'Enemy mine' vibes. Highly entertaining read, if you don't take the science too seriously.

The book is way too long for what it describes. A lot of unexpected physical violence in a technologically advanced society. I skipped many pages to the end. Could represent a somewhat entertaining light read for those who like, for example, Alistair Reynold's universe.

Hard sci-fi book - a very enjoyable read when I was younger. People colonize a comet and evolve with it. Depicts well the dangers of space, even if some of the characters escape unescapable situation. Made a lasting impression.

Some of the characters and situations were not entirely believable and their description could gain from being more subtle, but I enjoyed reading this book very much. For a first novel, it is impressive.

While the book started fine as an autobiography, I think it would have been better to continue in the same vein. Also tried reading the previous and famous "Gödel, Escher, Bach" book from the same author and did not find the value other people seem to find in it.

Similar in spirit with John Steinbeck's 'East of Eden' novel, at least this was the impression the book left on me. Graphic scenes of rape and violence, even if they are very important for the narrative and for the development of partially life-inspired characters. Denouncing racism, religious bigotism and sexism. Excellent book altogether.