Company Town by Madeline Ashby | Book Review and Sci-fi Extremes.

TL;DR

A review of three sci-fi books, including Company Town, Ninefox Gambit, and A Long Journey to a Small Angry Planet, with insights on their plots, characters, and writing styles.

Transcript

So last week my wife and I were out for a weekend brunch, because who doesn't love weekend brunch, when our waitress came by and asked "...um are you David from the Poptimist?" At which point I threw on my sunglasses, pulled my hat down low, stormed out of that restaurant into a mob of paparazzi. It's getting to the point where you can't even eat a... Read More

Key Insights

• 🪛 The author of "Company Town," Madeline Ashby, combines interesting character traits, such as a half-Korean, all-newfie protagonist, and a plot-driven story that keeps readers hooked.
• 😆 "Ninefox Gambit" offers hard sci-fi readers a challenging yet rewarding experience, with complex concepts and themes explored throughout the book.
• 🪘 "A Long Journey to a Small Angry Planet" focuses more on emotional connections between characters, providing a heartwarming and character-driven story.
• ❤️‍🩹 The author's writing style in "Company Town" pushes readers to keep turning the pages, employing mini-climaxes and chapter endings that leave readers eager for more.
• 🪜 The fusion of unique character traits, such as in "Company Town" with Hwa's physical anomaly, adds depth and intrigue to the story.
• 👏 "Ninefox Gambit" is praised for its inclusion of diverse perspectives, with the author being a Korean-American, transgender, queer individual.
• 🪘 "A Long Journey to a Small Angry Planet" may appeal to those who enjoy exploring emotional journeys and interactions between characters over intricate plotlines.

Questions & Answers

Q: What sets "Company Town" apart from other sci-fi novels?

"Company Town" stands out with its unique protagonist, Hwa, who possesses no enhancements and has a distinct physical trait that confuses facial recognition software.

Q: Is "Ninefox Gambit" a challenging read?

Yes, "Ninefox Gambit" is considered hard sci-fi, and readers may find themselves grappling with complex concepts and themes throughout the book.

Q: How does "A Long Journey to a Small Angry Planet" differ from the other two books?

Unlike the previous two books, "A Long Journey to a Small Angry Planet" focuses more on the emotional journey of characters and their relationships, feeling a bit more like young adult fiction.

Q: Should I read "Company Town"?

Yes, "Company Town" is a compelling sci-fi novel with a straightforward plot and a balance of minor climaxes that keeps readers engaged.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• "Company Town" follows Hwa, a half-Korean, all-natural bodyguard, as she is hired to protect the son of a powerful business titan on an oil rig city. Murder and mystery ensue.

• "Ninefox Gambit" written by Yoon Ha Lee is a hard sci-fi book shortlisted for the Hugo and Nebula Awards. It explores complex themes and may challenge readers.

• "A Long Journey to a Small Angry Planet" by Becky Chambers focuses on the emotional journey of a multi-species space crew, delving into their interactions.