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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
Fun and diverting
When I originally checked the reviews for this novel, everyone was saying it was brainless and juvenille. I partially disagree. The book is light, and the foreshadowing is heavy, but the writing is good and plotline has no gaping holes. Not all books about rocket science have to read like a book on rocket science (and yes, they do a little rocket science in there -...
Published on 22 Feb 1999
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Different
How many authors would be nervy enough to use the names of former porn starlets as ship names? Annette Haven, Ginger Lynn, Hyapatia Lee. Too cute for me. The rest of the story ine went well, but I was left asking "is that all?"
Published on 23 May 1999
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
Fun and diverting, 22 Feb 1999
By A Customer
When I originally checked the reviews for this novel, everyone was saying it was brainless and juvenille. I partially disagree. The book is light, and the foreshadowing is heavy, but the writing is good and plotline has no gaping holes. Not all books about rocket science have to read like a book on rocket science (and yes, they do a little rocket science in there - kinda). It's as thought provoking as the reader desires - deep or shallow. I suggest those who don't like the book to wait til their mood shifts, and read it again.
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1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
Mr. Cook's best yet., 15 Feb 1999
By A Customer
May Paul Cook revel in his well-received (and deservedly so) return to the sci-fi stratum that is social commentary. Good, believable prose and generally well developed characters. And those lacklustre descriptors reflect, in my opinion, the few weaknesses of this book. Strengths? Mr. Cook's knowledge base and imagination are such that are not simply "lifted" from Sci-fi predecessors. There are seemingly necessary themes that need be incorporated in this work (as in all media) for the palatability of the general public, yet Cook deals with this with authority and finesse, and without appearing high-handed in his commentary. Reminiscent of Miller's controversial A Canticle for Liebowitz, without such caustic, hyperbolized satire on organized religion. Engines of Dawn is much easier to digest, and does not allow the reader to forget the finer human elements. One should read this book if s/he is unwavering in his/her [organized] religious convictions. Then, s/he should READ IT AGAIN. All others: enjoy the ride.
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Different, 23 May 1999
By A Customer
How many authors would be nervy enough to use the names of former porn starlets as ship names? Annette Haven, Ginger Lynn, Hyapatia Lee. Too cute for me. The rest of the story ine went well, but I was left asking "is that all?"
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Another great sci-fi marvel from Paul Cook, 4 Feb 1999
By A Customer
Paul Cook's latest novel, Engines of Dawn, is another intriguing success. His science fiction carries over into social commentary that addresses universities, bureaucracies, religions, and human nature. The plot is one unexpected turn after another that leads the reader down alleys and avenues that dazzle and question the reader's perceptions of the world through science and fiction. It reminded me of Larry Niven's The Mote in God's Eye with its mysteries and motivations behind the aliens. The ending was another pleasant surprise. A definite must read. And check out his previous book, Fortress on the Sun, if you haven't already done so.
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Another good book by Paul Cook, 2 Feb 1999
By A Customer
I thoroughly enjoyed Engines of Dawn. It has a good plot and a revolutionary spirit that keeps the story moving at a good pace. Once everything started coming together the story really grabbed my interest and didn't let go til the end. And the end is phenomenal. I really liked the ending and I really liked the characters. I work in a technical field and these charcters are true-to-life to me. Parts of the story are funny because the characters do seem so real. I have my favorite characters like Holcombe, Rausch and Vees but all the characters are good. His other book Fortress on the Sun is also good. It has a more complicated plot and a 'can-do' spirt that really ignites the story and keeps its burning til the end. Enjoy.
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Very good book--well plotted, well-written., 31 Jan 1999
By A Customer
A captivating read filled with believable characters and fascinating scenarios successfully woven into a great adventure story. The characters are far from one-dimensional and their reactions and attitudes engage the reader in a very thought-provoking manner that continues even after the story ends. And the ending is well worth the read. This is a journey thru space and spirit. Highly recommended. A+++
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Highly Recommended, Entertaining Read., 29 Jan 1999
By A Customer
Paul Cooks's novels are always entertaining, with Engines of Dawn easily his best. It most resembles his earlier novel, Halo, for its adventure and its inspired moments of humor. Highly recommended.
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Brilliant space adventure with a great plot twist, 26 Jan 1999
By A Customer
Paul Cook's Engines of Dawn, like his earlier book Fortress on the Sun, is full of plot twists and all kinds of interpersonal intrigue. What I liked most was the fluidity of the writing and his rather unusual take on alien religion. And the ending completely blew me away. I didn't see it coming. Highly recommended.
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don't suspend disbelief, suspend brain activity, 7 Jan 1999
By A Customer
The story is set on a spaceship that functions as a traveling university. (gee, let's count how many times has this idea been used? at least a dozen) Humanity is stagnant as a result of alien influence. They let us use their stardrives but not to understand or handle them. (see for example Jack Vance - The five gold bands; 1980) No advances in science and the population is declining. Yet on this university/spaceship there are three (yes 3) different types of human FTL drive prototypes.Then the alien drive breaks down. It will take two weeks for a replacement to arrive. What does the ship's captain (responsible for thousands of students and staff) do? Yes, he decides to try out one of these prototypes. (absolutely no reason, the ship is in no immediate danger) The editorial staff of the student newspaper are called "comrades" (well, I've always suspected). The robots are called "deadmen" (this is supposed to be creative?) Do yourself a favor. Avoid this book.
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author needs to grow up, 6 Jan 1999
By A Customer
Readers younger then 15 will enjoy this book a lot. More mature readers are better off spending their time and money on something else.
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