Man, I had such a hard time with Hail Mary. I tried twice to get through the first two chapters, giving up each time out of frustration. When, under sustained pressure from a friend, I forced myself past that block, I mostly enjoyed the story, but got frustrated again near the end.

I think Weir just isn't an author for me.

Sorry; I was triggered by the graphic. It's not only not a "must read," but also one I wouldn't recommend. Although, I admit I'm in a minority, and most of my friends liked it. I absolutely loathed ASoFaI as a poorly disguised, worse knock-off of Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn, and it was hugely popular.

[–] kat_angstrom@lemmy.world 4 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Oh man, Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn is SO good. Been decades since I read those, I wonder how well they've held up

[–] sxan@midwest.social 2 points 2 weeks ago

Quite well, if I'm any measure. I discovered them late(r) in life; I don't read much fantasy since my teenage years. I think I was in my 40's when I read them, and I loved them.

[–] frigidaphelion@lemmy.world 2 points 1 week ago

I've read project hail mary and totally get what you mean, though I did still enjoy it. I think it's decent soft sci-fi for people who don't typically dabble in the genre, but I had to go read an alastair reynolds book right after to cleanse my pallet.

[–] Zirconium@lemmy.world 2 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

Thoughts on children of Time? I first heart of project hail Mary after I finished children of time

[–] 2deck@lemmy.world 2 points 2 weeks ago

Children of Time was fun. Interesting writing techniques, some rich perspectives of various levels of consciousness. As a recovering arachnaphobe I heartily recommend it haha

[–] sxan@midwest.social 2 points 2 weeks ago

Children of Time is by a different author, though - Adrian Tchaikovsky. I generally like all of Tchaikovski's work, and he's noticeably maturing as a writer, and getting better, with each novel. Time had some (IMHO) weaknesses that are missing from later novels in the series, but it's still a very good book.

But, again, not the same author.

[–] dresden@discuss.online 2 points 1 week ago

Nothing wrong with that, everyone have their own tastes.

I find it pretty annoying when you don't like something but people would insist that it's your fault, and you should read/watch/listen it again. Personally, I won't consider Weir as one of my favourite author, but he is definitely in the the list of writers whose book I'll always read.

[–] systemglitch@lemmy.world 1 points 2 weeks ago

I read it. I enjoyed it. I can't remember a single thing about the book without a an obvious reminder