This book is amazingly reminiscient of other stories which is as the author admits to in the preface. In particular, Angels and Demons is very similar. But this book leaves too many questions about why the technology used didn't include certain obvious capabilities that would completely change the story. For science-based science fiction, it required much suspension of disbelief. I recommend a little expert-review of the material before publishing next time. read Angels and Demons for a better representation of this class of story.

I appreciated the detail and logic used in the creation of his parallel universe. The other two books in the trilogy are in my cart!

The writing style reminds me of Edgar Rice Burroughs.
The story is a fantastic journey into a Socialistic Utopian Paradise by U.S. hating Canadian Liberal Educators.
This is a must read trilogy to understand the dementia of the left.

I found the book fast paced, well narrated and well edited. Some complain of the politics and religion but this is literature. Since we can't discuss these things at "polite gatherings" literature is appropriate except for those who wish pure escapism (While concise, entertaining and compelling certainly this is not a 'light' read).

It won the Hugo award (Science Fiction Writer's "Oscar" as most likely know), and only rarely are such prizes awarded to art without any merit.

Much fuss is made by some about the graphic sexual assault which is brief but absolutely key to distinguishing two cultures and a woman's feelings about a more sensitive being.

My only critique, is I found the verisimilitude lacking in the other culture regarding their belief system. I would think any being that could contemplate its death might have different views. A line or two more explaining their reasons would have helped. That is my only critique.

Finally, remember this is fiction. If one finds FICTION so offensive why bother reading? I can understand political or religious NON-fiction being offensive but isn't the joy of fiction that it's just "make believe?"

The price is right considering its length.

I have to admit that I've read a lot of "beach books" with simplistic characters and wooden dialog, but this one is special: it adds ham-fisted politically correct subthemes. Not worth listening to.