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Book Reviews of The God Engines

The God Engines
The God Engines
Author: John Scalzi
ISBN-13: 9781596062993
ISBN-10: 1596062991
Publication Date: 12/31/2009
Pages: 136
Edition: Trade Hardcover
Rating:
  • Currently 3.7/5 Stars.
 18

3.7 stars, based on 18 ratings
Publisher: Subterranean
Book Type: Hardcover
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

2 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

SteveTheDM avatar reviewed The God Engines on + 204 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Dark, dark book. Though this is a novella really, not a complete novel. And very *very* unlike Scalzi's other work.

"The God Engines" is a fantasy story about gods enslaving other gods and the mortals they derive their power from. And the gods? They're nasty creatures.

The story is well-written, and quickly paced. Characterizations (usually Scalzi's strong point) are shallow however, and the dialog is not as "smart" as usual. That's a consequence of the novella format more than anything else, I think, though the switch from sci-fi to fantasy might have something to do with it as well. In addition, the universe is definitely not-Earth, so it's a bit hard for the reader to identify with any one in the story.

Apparently, lots of other people think the novella is wonderful: it's been nominated for a 2010 Hugo and a 2009 Nebula.

For me: solid, but cold. 4 of 5 stars.
fastreader avatar reviewed The God Engines on + 23 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I'm not sure that this is truly in the fantasy genre at all. Speculative fiction about theocracies in the future seem more relevant with our current crop of jihadists and fundamentalists.
The story is tightly wound and cutting. Scalzi does not follow anyone mold here and he is willing, as ever, to take risks.
There is a lingering aftertaste, an itch to discuss this book that is quite strong and an inducement to share it with friends to get their take.
The word of the story prompts a good question..."To whom?"