I can’t tell you the last time I read a book that was just out. Scalzi deserves it. Helps my husband bought it for our family library AND made sure I had time to read it on my birthday. It isn’t a long book.
Scalzi had talked/written about writing “popcorn fiction.” Stuff that’s fun for the sake of fun which he doesn’t expect to last forever. It’s fun writing and fun reading. He’s quite good at it. Several of his other one-shot books are similarly enjoyable.
If I have a criticism it’s that the main character felt…. a bit flat. His actions more on a railroad and an observer rather than a protagonist. It isn’t painful to read, but the end comes out with a tinge less satisfaction than if I felt he was a more engaged protagonist. I’m just saying, less than 24 hours after finishing the book, I can’t tell you the character’s name.
I can tell you Mathilda’s name, Tobbias the Stabber, Hera and Persephone, and Antov Douvrey (I might have misspelled the last one). These are more memorable characters. The dolphins are honestly more memorable.
I don’t think I can critique the plot without giving away too many things which a reader will (and should) enjoy for themselves. I will just say that the plot is a fun romp, and it’s fun to gallop along with it through the novel. I did finish the book wishing for more, wishing to dig into some of the details.
If you haven’t read Scalzi, I might not recommend this as a starter. There are too many nerdy references, and the style is very Scalzi. This was written for Scalzi fans. Kaiju Preservation, Agent to the Stars, and Old Man’s War are all superior introductions to this author’s actual talent. That isn’t to say you can’t start here, just be warned that you are not seeing the author at his finest.
Dream by Day 