Helpful Score: 2
The story had me going until the very end which was a bit weak. The story was about 2 creatures which have wandered the Earth for generations without any knowledge of each other. They share a residual memory of a mysterious sunken relic and an affinity for deep water. An interesting story.
Helpful Score: 2
In the near future, a mysterious alien artifact (reminiscent of that in "2001") is discovered on the ocean floor. Hoping for material gain, a secret team is assembled to 'salvage' it and investigate it. But the egg-shaped item is impervious to all attempts to mess with it.
Meanwhile, two alien beings are on Earth - and have been for untold time, changing their shape, way of being - and largely unaware of who and what they are. What is their connection to the artifact? And why are drawn to each other in what seems must be a confrontation that will wipe one or the other out?
A very 'mainstream thriller' feel to this novel; it's enjoyable but not extremely memorable. Haldeman's good, but this isn't one of his standout books.
Meanwhile, two alien beings are on Earth - and have been for untold time, changing their shape, way of being - and largely unaware of who and what they are. What is their connection to the artifact? And why are drawn to each other in what seems must be a confrontation that will wipe one or the other out?
A very 'mainstream thriller' feel to this novel; it's enjoyable but not extremely memorable. Haldeman's good, but this isn't one of his standout books.
2006 Nebula Award Winner for best novel. I thought that there were better nominees, but this is still a a great read nevertheless.
A good concept book. The characters and story could have been more developed.
Pretty good up until the end where it felt a bit rushed.
I can't say I didn't enjoy some of this book. I can say, knowing what I do now, that I wouldn't read it again and wouldn't recommend it. Although I haven't read any of Haldeman's other works, based on this novel, I'm a little shocked to learn that he teaches writing at the university level.
In the beginning, the narrative alternates between unnecessarily technical chapters and the more interesting adventures of the changeling and, occasionally, the chameleon. Later there are inconsistencies in tone and a few short sections where the author lapses into explanation. The dialogue is uninspired, and at least part of the ending is predictable.
Basically, it's the stuff of your average Hollywood movie.
In the beginning, the narrative alternates between unnecessarily technical chapters and the more interesting adventures of the changeling and, occasionally, the chameleon. Later there are inconsistencies in tone and a few short sections where the author lapses into explanation. The dialogue is uninspired, and at least part of the ending is predictable.
Basically, it's the stuff of your average Hollywood movie.
Great until the end when the resolution feels rushed.
