8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Somewhat disappointing, but overall a fairly good book;, December 11, 2005
This review is from: The Rosetta Codex (Paperback)
Richard Paul Russo first wowed me with Ship of Fools, which wowed me with both strong characters, a willingness to examine religion and the idea of god in a dark and hostile universe, and an excellent plot that remained strong throughout the entire book. After I read Ship of Fools, I picked up the Carlucci novels, which, while not as good as Ship of Fools, I found excellent as well. I had high hopes for his latest, but unfortunately they weren't all fulfilled.
Russo pens an intriguing tale, but whereas his tendency to leave his worlds fairly flat and sketchy worked excellently in Ship of Fools, where it helped to add to the sense of mystery and abandonment in the work, here it leaves the world feeling undernourished and two-dimensional. Russo inserts intriguing ideas here and there in the novel, but he never fleshes them out. In particular the technology of the world of the Rosetta Codex is left very vague. This is a very tight book, less than 400 pages long, but this is also one book that would have benefited from a longer length.
Likewise the characters fell flat for me. The hero, Cale, is frustratingly non-sympathetic for much of the book. The supporting cast seems to be completely defined by broad and simple character traits: Sidonie is scarred from her ordeals across the Divide, but still loyal; Cicero is old and obsessed with the study of the Jaaprana; Blackburn is an antagonist who nonetheless has a soft spot in his heart (or seems to) for Cale; the Sarakheen are Evil.
My biggest problem was that the plot seemed to run at the same speed and intensity the entire book; there was no real rising action, no climax, and no resolution. The book, in my opinion, starts on one note and really ends on the same note.
Despite my nitpicking, I enjoyed the book. It was far from his best work, but still an enjoyable read.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Russo's Codex, April 4, 2006
This review is from: The Rosetta Codex (Paperback)
Personally, I loved the first half of this book. The concepts, characters, world-building, and ideas were a treat to read. I loved Conrad's World.
But, unfortunately, the latter half of the book fell apart. It got too big for it's britches, so-to-speak. Should have stayed in the divided planet of Conrad's World. I liked the landscape and dangerous exiles there. They made the adventure of this book shine.
I would have easily given this book a full 5 stars if Richard paul Russo would've made this go in a different direction. Just became too far out...literally.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Another excellent SF novel from Richard Paul Russo, December 22, 2005
This review is from: The Rosetta Codex (Paperback)
The Rosetta Codex is another excellent SF novel fron Richard Paul Russo. I was lucky enough to hear the author read from this new novel last week, and I was immediately interested in the story. As it turns out, I read the Rosetta Codex from cover to cover in one long sitting. He builds a very believable universe which in many ways reminds me of my favorite space opera and 'world builder' science fiction novels from the old school of SF writers. I enjoyed the lead characters and I think the author could easily write another novel set in this universe given the interesting ideas unleashed in this one.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
