If you could live forever, what would you live for? I thought this story was an interesting take on immortality in that it was portrayed more negatively than what I've encountered before in works of fantasy, where it always seems to be what people are seeking. Perhaps that's a difference between the genres, or it may just be this story. I suppose there's the whole idea of the human race uploading consciousness to the internet (was this Doctorow's other book?) and (spoilers for Doctor Who) Rassilon's scheme for the time lords to transcend to beings of consciousness and become gods, in a sense. How important reputation becomes in a society such as this on the Great Ship greatly diminishes the appeal of immortality, not that I find it particularly appealing to begin with.
I loved the interweaving of Katabasis's past with the main story line and the growing friendship between Varid and Katabasis as they learned about each other's past. They make an interesting pair, both not quite human.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story, particularly the imagery and depiction of this rugged, harsh, but beautiful planet-sized spaceship.
What did you guys think of it?
No comments:
Post a Comment