reading notes

by Greg Bear

ISBN: 0765301075

What would happen if society had an inkling–or proof–that the world was going to end, soon?

That is the premise explored in this novel. Written as more of a page-turning thriller than philosophical treatise it still examines some Big Questions, albeit with a broad brush.

While I did find the friendship between Arthur and Harry, and Arthur’s relationship with his son compelling, in general I thought that the characters lacked depth. This may be because there were so many of them to focus on in this sprawling novel.

I eagerly turned pages until the end (and the End) though. Unfortunately, the very end of the book just exists to set up the sequel. Bear would have been better off ending the novel six pages sooner, without the final chapter. Arthur’s son asking “where are we going now?” would be enough hook to get me to read Anvil of Stars.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 4th, 2002 at 9:33 pm and is filed under science fiction.