Neal Stephenson writes the most coherent, satisfying endings in all of SF! Ha - Gotcha! Seveneves has been out for 7 years at this point and I've beenNeal Stephenson writes the most coherent, satisfying endings in all of SF! Ha - Gotcha! Seveneves has been out for 7 years at this point and I've been avoiding spoilers, so I'm sure there is some discussion and controversy here. Overall, I liked the book. I like Neal Stephenson and I knew what to expect with his work.
Now I will nitpick (But only because I nitpick the things I mostly like). My chief complaint is the third act after the massive time jump. My reading slowed considerably as questions kept popping up (Would this happen like this?). And this is not always a bad thing - 'Thought-provoking' is mostly a desirable trait. But, as I engaged my internal dialogue, I found my suspension of disbelief mildly, but constantly assaulted. My list of annoyances:
Each Eve as a race/personality/sub-species - Not quite buying it. 5000 years is a long time with all humans very mobile during most of this time.
Tech Level - Humanity develops the capability to build space megastructures but all other technology is very little changed. A little too much handwaving here (All the best chips go to the robots!).
The Ending - The 7 meet the other 2 with the assumption we all colonize the Earth together, but with some new Red v. Blue rivalry dynamics.
The Loose Ends - Never revealed - The Agent and the oddly referenced Purpose.
I read Neal Stephenson for the ride and the ride was enjoyable. I really enjoyed 1st and 2nd act and the space architecture throughout. I came away with some really fun, cool ideas, so, worth it.
Enter Bob (Ryan Reynolds, thick, black glasses, pocket protector, button-up, short-sleeve shirt). Bob trots across the late-afternoon beach, sits crisEnter Bob (Ryan Reynolds, thick, black glasses, pocket protector, button-up, short-sleeve shirt). Bob trots across the late-afternoon beach, sits crisply on a cushioned lounge chair. A well-appointed butler appears offering Bob a frosty glass of pale beer on a silver tray.
Bob lifts the brew and in one quick motion takes an appreciative sip. "Thanks, Jeeves."
Zoom out to external shot of the 8th generation Heaven ship pulling 12g's as it yaws and noses up quickly, ejecting 2 small autonomous probes to the side. The busters accelerate with enormous thrust towards an unknown ship with its own cloud of defensive probes.
I read this as a child and it was crack injected directly into by brain. This book provides the blueprint diagram for a phaser. 10 year-old me thoughtI read this as a child and it was crack injected directly into by brain. This book provides the blueprint diagram for a phaser. 10 year-old me thought I could build one if I could only get some parts - and then I could disintegrate some mo-fos! (or maybe, just stun them). The starfleet ship variation diagrams are burned forever into my synapses....more
Matt (Fully supports developing sentient AGI)
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