Reddit discussion

So, my main gripe with this book was the character development. Obviously the book is based on the main character, but whenever the plot moved to the other members, or specifically when Chip was introduced to the 'sick' members, there wasn't quite enough development for me to care when they were dissolved from the plot. I grew quite excited when these characters were introduced, but the book started to fall flat when I realized it was going to drop them off in the next chapter.. this all happened again when he left the island, but I suppose the book was trying to purposefully maintain it's posture that each member was isolated within the family, due to their treatments and routines..

Yeah, once they got to the island I largely lost interest, although it picked back up for me in the last dozen pages or so. I definitely enjoyed it, but I have no arguments with you about the character development. That being said, I'm not certain that was what the author was aiming for, so in a way I don't mind it. I agree with your earlier post that this is, in a number of ways, very much like 1984, but not as good. I did enjoy it much more than Brave New World.

Denae wrote: "Yeah, once they got to the island I largely lost interest, although it picked back up for me in the last dozen pages or so. I definitely enjoyed it, but I have no arguments with you about the chara..."

I disliked Brave New World, to my great disappointment.

Yeah...I found it overrated. I didn't expect that at all in that case.

Steve wrote: "Obviously the book is based on the main character, but whenever the plot moved to the other members, or specifically when Chip was introduced to the 'sick' members, there wasn't quite enough development for me to care when they were dissolved from the plot."

I agree that the characters were underdeveloped, but since most faded away so quickly I think it was warranted. I was able to tell which characters would make a reappearance (Karl & Lilac) while I was reading because I actually remembered who they were. So, I agree that it was kind of predictable because of that. I wish some characters were a little more fleshed out, however. Even the family at the beginning was hardly developed. Later, I realized I didn't even know in what kind of house they lived to compare with the island living situation.

I think the fact that most of the other characters were so forgettable was intentional. This is a society where "members" are interchangeable and easily replaceable. The fact that there are only four names shows this. The characters aren't memorable because they are not important as individuals. They're just "members" of the family that he interacts with, and how Chip talks and behaves is much more important than who it is with.

@Denae
I did enjoy it much more than Brave New World
Sacreliege! Can we please have 1600s back? Burn, witch, burn!

So, I've let this book stew in the back of my mind for a few days now. And, there are things that bother me.

First off, the ending. Protagonist wins against incredible odds and saves the world, woo hoo! What is this, high fantasy? It should have ended with rats eating Chip's face. Ain't buying it.

Secondly, characters. Just too convenient. They show up when needed, do what's needed, and disappear. King - with a name like that how can he not be the most colorful character, right? - is there when needed then removes himself. Lilac is a perfect bait: virgin, whore, mother, and in the end a complete non-entity compared to the main character. Can I please have people like that in my life? Actually, cancel that, I'd get bored out of my mind,

Finally, storyline. Sort of mentioned it before: should have ended with rats. How many "deus ex machina" can you pull before the story falls apart? Genetics - check, environment - check, deep voodoo for the final awakening - check, even deeper voodoo driving him to destroy Uni - check. I mean, paint me cynical, but if there's anyone on this board over 30 who can relate to giving up eternal life under circumstances described in the book - please speak up. I guess I'm talking about main character -who *is* the storyline, really. And remembering myself at 17 I can relate to a degree. But not to the whole book. To me, things don't add up, the story feels railroaded.

I'll stop ranting. I actually enjoyed reading the book - it's well written. But once you stop and think about the story - ugh..

I agree, Vlad. I also still hold to my prior comparison with Brave New World. xD