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A review by sambora
The Redemption of Time by Baoshu
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Liu Cixin's The Remembrance of Earth's Past Trilogy made me reconsider the standard by which I judge science fiction, and they had a profound impact on me on a personal level, which very few books ever do.
Thus this semi-canon, loose continuation, written as fanfiction by someone else was always going to struggle in comparison.
And it really does.
I won't go into detail or spoil anything, but I think that despite adding lots of details, filling gaps and extending the story, I unfortunately feel that The Redemption of Time actually detracts from the story of the original trilogy. Don't get me wrong, it does some interesting things, there were some cool ideas and it is definitely well written/translated, but it lacks the nuanced concepts and themes that made Cixin's books so special. The sophistication behind this book's explanations of complex scientific ideas is nowhere near the level of the books that precede and inspire it.
Doors that were specifically left open by Death's End, this book firmly closes and does it it a way that isn't entirely satisfying, at least in my opinion.
I wish I could give this a higher rating. I can feel Baoshu's passion come through in the writing, but it just didn't quite hit the mark for me.
2.5 stars
Thank you for reading my review!
If you happen to be reading this and you haven't yet read the trilogy, I would wholeheartedly recommend correcting that as soon as possible. It's a series that already I wish I could forget just so I can experience it again for the first time.
Thus this semi-canon, loose continuation, written as fanfiction by someone else was always going to struggle in comparison.
And it really does.
I won't go into detail or spoil anything, but I think that despite adding lots of details, filling gaps and extending the story, I unfortunately feel that The Redemption of Time actually detracts from the story of the original trilogy. Don't get me wrong, it does some interesting things, there were some cool ideas and it is definitely well written/translated, but it lacks the nuanced concepts and themes that made Cixin's books so special. The sophistication behind this book's explanations of complex scientific ideas is nowhere near the level of the books that precede and inspire it.
Doors that were specifically left open by Death's End, this book firmly closes and does it it a way that isn't entirely satisfying, at least in my opinion.
I wish I could give this a higher rating. I can feel Baoshu's passion come through in the writing, but it just didn't quite hit the mark for me.
2.5 stars
Thank you for reading my review!
If you happen to be reading this and you haven't yet read the trilogy, I would wholeheartedly recommend correcting that as soon as possible. It's a series that already I wish I could forget just so I can experience it again for the first time.