Helpful Score: 7
This book was stunning in its characterization an scope. A GREAT read for those who really like Hard SF.
Steven C. (SteveTheDM) -
Helpful Score: 6
A very solid science fiction novel, though it really felt like two novellas smashed together. This is the book that starts off McDevitt's "Academy" series, and establishes the idea of extraterrestrial archaeology (which tends to compete with the terraformers who want to change worlds wholesale). Or at any rate, that's the bulk of the first half of the book. The second half of the book is about the discovery of what come to be known as Omega Clouds, which seem to be the big bad guy for the remainder of the series.
The characters were well-rounded and satisfying to read about; the future science is kind of fun. There were some not-obvious leaps of reasoning in the second half of the book, though, which bugged me a bit, but that didn't detract too much from the storytelling.
4 of 5 stars.
The characters were well-rounded and satisfying to read about; the future science is kind of fun. There were some not-obvious leaps of reasoning in the second half of the book, though, which bugged me a bit, but that didn't detract too much from the storytelling.
4 of 5 stars.
Helpful Score: 3
Another good one by McDevitt.
Human call them the Monument Makers, An unknown race, they left stunning alien statues on distant plantes in the galazy. Each relic is different. Each inscription defies translation. Yet all are heartbreakingly beautiful.
Human call them the Monument Makers, An unknown race, they left stunning alien statues on distant plantes in the galazy. Each relic is different. Each inscription defies translation. Yet all are heartbreakingly beautiful.
Helpful Score: 3
A classic. Solid hard SF.
Helpful Score: 2
McDevitt will keep you turning the pages. Interesting story.
Helpful Score: 2
Fun read, well worth the time for any sci-fi fan.
Helpful Score: 2
Good book. Inventive. Not your typical fare. I like Jack McDevitt's insights into human character and how he makes an archaeologic mystery an adventure of discovery.
Helpful Score: 1
SF adventure - alien races, long-lost civilizations, and big dumb objects. Hutch is a likable character although we don't get to know her that well, but then characterization is not McDevitt's strong suit. In this book the star is archaeology on other planets, tracking down the clues that lead them to solving the mystery - only to find a bigger mystery at the end. The part where they were on Quraqua and the archaeologists wouldn't leave was excellent. And I liked the ratio of action in the book although it did seem like they were in one too many life-or-death situations. I can't help wondering how there could be SO MANY of the predators on that last world - what were they all eating when they couldn't get people? A nice start to a series but if you don't want to continue, you still have a nice self-contained adventure.
Great story that leaves you wanting to read the other books in this series.
One of the truly most enjoyable sci-fi books I've ever read. Not only is man out among the stars finding one other intelligent species, and evidence of several more, humans have a mystery to solve. Who was the species responsible for the monuments left in various locations throughout the spiral arm, including a statue located on one of Saturn's moons? The plot is intriguing, and the characters are interesting, believable, and likable.
I really enjoyed this book. The author has a great imagination of the future and how we might live.
Awesome book. Definitely made me a fan of Jack McDevitt's work. I'll be looking forward to reading more of his work.
The story was good Sci-Fi. Space travel, Alien civilizations, new planets and discoveries. All the good qualities to keep a reader interested.
Can't wait to read it again.
The story was good Sci-Fi. Space travel, Alien civilizations, new planets and discoveries. All the good qualities to keep a reader interested.
Can't wait to read it again.
