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larsdradrach's review against another edition
4.0
Hamilton second instalment in the Mindstar series is far more polished and balanced than the first (or I’m simply more in the mood for action sci-fi).
More or less directly following the first novel with the now securely established characters, Greg is involved in the solving of a Murdercase, but as expected the solution is not a simple one.
We also see a development in Greg’s family life and gains more insight into the post climacolapse and post communist UK.
Seeing the direct continuation from novel 1 I’m starting directly on the last novel, while I have this fresh in memory.
More or less directly following the first novel with the now securely established characters, Greg is involved in the solving of a Murdercase, but as expected the solution is not a simple one.
We also see a development in Greg’s family life and gains more insight into the post climacolapse and post communist UK.
Seeing the direct continuation from novel 1 I’m starting directly on the last novel, while I have this fresh in memory.
twincam59's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Good storyline; plot was not predictable.
molu5m4ximu5's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
innocenthedgehog's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
mcfade28's review
3.0
A murder mystery set in a futuristic version of the UK. Slightly better than the last entry in the series- the murder itself was pretty good, with an interesting conclusion, and this novel felt quite a lot less sexist than the last (although there were still elements I disliked)
I much prefer the author's later work- The Void trilogy, but I will finish up this series.
I much prefer the author's later work- The Void trilogy, but I will finish up this series.
fellrnr's review against another edition
5.0
Reading this again after a few decades, I realise what a remarkable result it is to produce a good detective novel with not only science-fiction, but also a psychic. This was perfect escapism for a transatlantic flight.
peter_xxx's review against another edition
4.0
The second book in the Greg Mandel series. Greg is drawn back into detective work by a request due to a request by his good friend Julia Evans. And it is an almost impossible murder to solve.
As usual from [a:Peter F Hamilton|14341667|Peter F Hamilton|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] this is a very good book filled with very nice sf tech, a society in an economical and technological upswing and very cool, very capable characters.
I liked this second book even better then the first greg mandel book. So get this if any of this sounds like your cup of tea.
As usual from [a:Peter F Hamilton|14341667|Peter F Hamilton|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] this is a very good book filled with very nice sf tech, a society in an economical and technological upswing and very cool, very capable characters.
I liked this second book even better then the first greg mandel book. So get this if any of this sounds like your cup of tea.
aronr's review against another edition
3.0
I am realizing that alot of Hamilton's work involves highly trained military professionals who are *good dependable men*, women who CRAVE sex, and benevolent billionaires that are actually the solution to earth's many woes.
I am admittedly not a fan of mystery novels, and the sci-fi is not good enough in this series to overcome my dislike of the mystery genre.
The story was fine, but the gimmick behind why the main character can do what he can do still seems too magic-y to me. I'm mostly just going to finish the series because Hamilton wrote some of my absolute favorite sci-fi books and I want to read through his other works.
If I had a dime for every time the main character says "no messing" I'd be rich.
I am admittedly not a fan of mystery novels, and the sci-fi is not good enough in this series to overcome my dislike of the mystery genre.
The story was fine, but the gimmick behind why the main character can do what he can do still seems too magic-y to me. I'm mostly just going to finish the series because Hamilton wrote some of my absolute favorite sci-fi books and I want to read through his other works.
If I had a dime for every time the main character says "no messing" I'd be rich.
chrisgordon65's review against another edition
3.0
This is a strong sequel to Hamilton's first Greg Mandel novel Mindstar Rising.
Stylistically it's a seamless continuation from the first entry. And again, the mystery/detective elements are well laid out and fair for the would-be sleuth readers to try and piece together.
There were less divergent sub plots and less world-building than it's predecessor but it was enjoyable to pick back up with his cast of characters and travel along for their next adventure.
One slight misgiving I had is that in each novel the turning point related to a super-science McGuffin... and so I'm wondering what other sci-fi trope he'll unveil in the third and final book in the season.
But again, a good story... probably worth 7/10.
Stylistically it's a seamless continuation from the first entry. And again, the mystery/detective elements are well laid out and fair for the would-be sleuth readers to try and piece together.
There were less divergent sub plots and less world-building than it's predecessor but it was enjoyable to pick back up with his cast of characters and travel along for their next adventure.
One slight misgiving I had is that in each novel the turning point related to a super-science McGuffin... and so I'm wondering what other sci-fi trope he'll unveil in the third and final book in the season.
But again, a good story... probably worth 7/10.