Review: Depressing, but well-written hard scifi
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 03 22, 2012
I'll admit that most of my problems with the book are related to my personal preference.  It is a very well-written, thought-out, and developed book, and I'm sure a select audience will enjoy what it contains, it just wasn't for me.  I  thought the world building was great, and the cast of characters diverse.  There were space battles, innovative technology, and even a dash of romance.Now, I enjoy having things explained to me, especially when it contributes to the mental image I can bring forth when looking at a fictional universe. However, in this book entire chapters were devoted to the descriptions of the technology and the related physics involved, as well as the extensive workings of the political sphere and social changes as described by the passive voice. This took me out of the story, made it a struggle not to skip ahead,  and screwed with the pacing of the book.  It also sacrificed character and plot development which could have helped the flow, and (IMO) more action which would have made it a more fast-paced, enjoyable read.I also disliked the protagonist and found him an annoying perspective to follow.  He, and various minor characters, were not simply naive, but held a sense of idealistic pacifism about them that made me shake my head and think, 'surely you can't be this stupid'...  He was also whiny, sheltered, easily distracted, and incredibly trusting; leading to him refusing to believe anything was wrong until everything had gone to hell.Finally, the book was just plain depressing to read.  The same political, religious, and social problems we have today are prevalent some fifty odd years in the future. The essence of humanity, our ability to rise up and conquer anyone and anything that threatens our existence and freedom (something most military scifi novels embrace) simply wasn't there.  Humanity almost self-destructs, they're treated with suspicion, experiences defeats and failure at the hands of others, is at multiple times at the complete mercy of others... This coupled with a disappointing and lackluster ending really made me wish I hadn't pushed through the difficulties to finish the book.