That’s what it looks like

I finished reading Zero Echo Shadow Prime by Peter Samet the other day. This is my review, which may be colored by the fact that I just read this article on pop culture critics. But maybe not, depending upon how resistant I am to suggestion.

What’s that you say? Have a donut? Don’t mind if I do!

Now that I have eaten a donut, completely absent any outside influence, I’d like to share my opinion of Zero Echo Shadow Prime (henceforth reduced to ZESP because I don’t like typing more than I need to). I’m not going to tell you what it’s about, since I assume you’ve read the description on Amazon. If you haven’t, go do that first so we’re all on the same page.

Sounds good, doesn’t it? It is.

ZESP has a lot going for it: It’s intelligent, fast-paced, and engaging. The characters are generally well-written and relatable, particularly the protagonist, Charlie. It reminds me in a way of one of my favorite books of all time, Robert Heinlein’s The Cat Who Walks Through Walls. As such, if you don’t care for TCWWTW, then ZESP may not be for you either. Due in part to the pace of the book, ZESP can leave you feeling a little uncertain. Not confused, but uncertain. If you can relax and enjoy the ride, you’ll be better off. If you need to know where the train is headed at all times, ZESP may not be for you.

ZESP also has a number of subplots, all of which may not get resolved to your satisfaction (another similarity to TCWWTW). These might get tied up by future books from Peter, but if you like your books self-contained, you might be disappointed.

If you like books that ask interesting questions with engaging action and a compelling vision of a possible future, you will enjoy ZESP. If you don’t, then I don’t know what to tell you. 

Rating on the Doh-Meh-Woohoo scale: Woohoo!