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The Collapsing Empire
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
Our universe is ruled by physics and faster than light travel is not possible -- until the discovery of The Flow, an extra-dimensional field we can access at certain points in space-time that transport us to other worlds, around other stars. Humanity flows away from Earth, into space, and in time forgets our home world and creates a new empire, the Interdependency, whose ethos requires that no one human outpost can survive without the others. Its a hedge against interstellar war -- and a system of control for the rulers of the empire. The Flow is eternal -- but it is not static. Just as a river changes course, The Flow changes as well, cutting off worlds from the rest of humanity. When its discovered that The Flow is moving, possibly cutting off all human worlds from faster than light travel forever, three individuals -- a scientist, a starship captain and the Empress of the Interdependency -- are in a race against time to discover what, if anything, can be salvaged from an interstellar empire on the brink of collapse. John Scalzi is the most entertaining, accessible writer working in SF today. Joe Hill "If anyone stands at the core of the American science fiction tradition at the moment, it is Scalzi." The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction, Third Edition At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
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review
Robotswithpersonality
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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Pickpick

Oh baby, Scalzi's done it again! I ripped through this one. I am overjoyed it's the first in a series. Perhaps it's a strange thing to find irksome, but I keep encountering blurbs on Scalzi's books that almost damn with faint praise regarding his 'accessibility'. It's a rotten thing to suggest that because something is easy to read and widely appealing that it's somehow lesser, I don't want to imply that, but 1/?

Robotswithpersonality 2/? what gets me is that there doesn't seem to be an acknowledgement of how impressive it is to make such a smooth reading experience. Not that the reader isn't challenged by the ideas presented, that's what sci fi is for, not that there isn't dark or violent moments, because almost consistently yes, but, well, okay: 5mo
Robotswithpersonality 3/? this book has multiple story lines, multiple characters playing their part in a larger tapestry, several of which we get to know well, and most of which culminate in the final action. The ending isn't quite a cliffhanger because while you can see how much might happen you also witnessed a number of completed story arcs. 5mo
Robotswithpersonality 4/? It sounds like a simple thing, but the more I read in genres where world-building is also required, the more clear it becomes how difficult doing this while also giving good dialogue, and true humanity to the characters, actually is. 5mo
Robotswithpersonality 5/? Further appreciation and notes:
Thank goodness for Kiva and her foul mouth and amorality, she provides these darkly refreshing bursts of humourous irrevence when things are getting tense. On a similar note, I sincerely hope we see more of Vrenna in the next book.
Stellar character on work Ghreni because by the time the Interlude rolls around, every bit of it has me chortling in schadenfreude.
5mo
Robotswithpersonality 6/6 Bonus points for recognizing the 21st century way to write about fictional imperialism is to detail its downfall. 👏🏻
Always, always check your math, and get peer reviewed sources. 😉
5mo
8 likes1 stack add5 comments
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Robotswithpersonality
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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That's not an office, it's a museum! 🫣

Liatrek Loved this series ❤️ 6mo
7 likes1 stack add1 comment
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TheSpineView
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#Movie2BookRecs @Klou
Mpvie: Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets

Klou Perfect! And I love the cover 1y
41 likes2 comments
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Liatrek
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Pickpick

Oh man do I love John Scalzi with Wil Wheaton narrating❤️❤️ I loved every minute of this book! The characters, the banter, the science of the space travel and world building all ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is the fourth Scalzi book I‘ve read and he is now officially an auto buy author for me🙂

TracyReadsBooks We‘re also big fans of his books—my son in particular. He read the entire Old Man‘s War series while in middle school. He could not put it down and after we bought him all the paperbacks he bought himself eBooks so he could always have them with him. He was able to meet Scalzi a few years ago and got his tattered, much loved copy of the first book signed. 2y
Liatrek @TracyReadsBooks Awesome! I look forward to reading that series too🙂 2y
63 likes1 stack add2 comments
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parasolofdoom
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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Book ~ The Collapsing Empire
Author ~ Gail Carriger
Show ~ Community
Band ~ Cold War Kids
@CBee

CBee Thanks for playing 😊😊 2y
9 likes1 comment
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RamsFan1963
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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📚 The Collapsing Empire by John Scalzi
✒ C.J. Cherryh
📽 Chicago
🎙 Elvis Costello
🎶 Cool For Cats - Squeeze

#manicmonday #LetterC @CBee

AmyG Ha, now I will have Cool for Cats stuck in my head all day. 🤣 2y
CBee Thanks for playing! 😀 2y
CarolynM Cool music choices👏😃 2y
33 likes3 comments
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encinarus
Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
Pickpick

This book highlights the reasons I like Scalzi. Great banter, quick pace, nice world building. There are definite parallels to current society, reading this series amid the supply chain woes of the pandemic knowing it was written in 2015/2016 makes it clear how predictable our current problems were back then. Alas. Anyway, great fun, would recommend.

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myellenbee
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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Pickpick

Thousands of years in the future humanity has expanded to many planets. All planets are connected by The Flow for travel. The flow to earth long ago closed. Now the flow may be changing again. The empire includes all the inhabated planets which are dependent on one another. With a brand new Emperox and planets possibly losing connections, politics and intrigue ensue. Great characters and intriguing plot, on to book 2, The Consuming Fire!

SRWCF I love the cover! 3y
18 likes1 comment
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Mogoeg
Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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Pickpick

Scalzi is consistently a fun writer, & this series is his best yet, imo (so far - only read the 1st!). Space opera writ large - a reluctant emperox, dueling noble houses, space mutinies, &, naturally, political intrigue up the wazoo! Scalzi (always hilarious) keeps the parts moving & the zingers coming, which makes the meta-commentary here (which is very pointed) go down more smoothly even as the parallels to a certain other 'empire' pile up.

AutumnRLS I've only read through Zoe's Tale. I need to go back and read the rest in this universe. 3y
Traci1 I've only read the first one too but really enjoyed it. I'm thinking about getting the second one audible and letting Wil Wheaton read to me. 😁 3y
78 likes2 comments
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Traci1
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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Pickpick

⭐⭐⭐⭐
Really good start to a series. Scalzi has a talent for fun sci-fi, and this is definitely that.

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Pedrocamacho
Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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Pickpick

This book was a lot of fun. The Kiva character is a blast. I‘ll read the next one 😊

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seibelsays
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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Pickpick

Loved it. But I love everything Scalzi writes, so that wasn't a surprise. My cat is less enthusiastic, but that's not a surprise either.

#24hourreadathon

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seibelsays
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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Really nice people don't usually accrue power.

#24hourreadathon

3 likes1 stack add
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seibelsays
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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The Collapsing Empire kicks off with a bang.

#24hourreadathon

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cdreincarnate
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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Pickpick

If you‘ve read anything by Scalzi, you know what to expect from this book. It‘s a fun, light, fast-paced read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I especially appreciated how female-centric this book is. All the ladies are pretty badass in their own ways and most of the prominent characters are women. No one feels like a stereotype and that‘s frustratingly hard to come by when it comes to books written by dudes.

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cdreincarnate
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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I‘m not sure if I‘m more surprised to read such an accurate description of my pain at a time when I happen to be going through it, or the fact that a man so accurately described it. He must have had help from his wife and/or daughter.

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Lucy_Anywhere
Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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John Scalzi is one of my fave sci-fi authors! His books are fast paced, full of wry humour, and very very human. @wanderinglynn has already nominated his Old Man‘s War series so I‘m picking The Interdependency series which starts with this book.
#20series20days @Andrew65

Andrew65 Look good. 4y
wanderinglynn Love Scalzi! ❤️ 4y
MsMelissa Glad to see this. I have several Scalzi books on my shelves, but have yet to read any of them. 4y
16 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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deirdrebeecher
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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Pickpick

This is a weird read in April 2020. On the one hand it is effortless to read, which I am grateful for. But it also falls a bit flat. A handful of characters have the knowledge of a coming disaster. Yet none of the characters are suffering from the overwhelming stress that we all now understand is part seeing looming disaster. It's still a pick and I've bought the second book but defo not one where the characters become real ppl to me.

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BoldCityBooks
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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Pickpick

Everything about this is so yes! Tightly wound Sci fi political thriller with twists and turns. So good!

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majkia
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi

Absolutely terrific space opera.

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BookmarkTavern
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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Today only, April 1st, download a mobi or ePub copy of this book from Tor.com‘s eBook of the month Club!

Available only in the US and Canada.

https://ebookclub.tor.com #torbookclub

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LauraJ
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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HeyT
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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Pickpick

This was a light and fun sci fi read that I really enjoyed. Some of the characters were so over the top it was hard not to laugh at their ridiculousness. Looking forward to the next one.
#BuriedAliveChallenge

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HeyT
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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Enjoying The Collapsing Empire so far but I could do without the attempt to eat the book. #CatsOfLitsy

Alora So cute! 5y
16 likes1 comment
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tessavi
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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Pickpick

Jumped straight into book two!

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MidnightBookGirl
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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Doing a quick reread before #bookstore #bookclub tomorrow night and wearing some Halloween #lularoe. #TeamSlaughter #scarathalon @Clwojick

Readem I thought you were cutting the book 5y
MidnightBookGirl @Readem Never! Well, unless it's an arc and I'm doing bookish artwork. ;)
5y
36 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Dogearedcopy
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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Pickpick

🎧 Space Opera with all the fun, fast paced adventures and plenty of snark, tension and satisfying comeuppances! The audiobook narrator, Wil Wheaton seems to be enjoying himself too 🙂

This first-in-series does end with a cliffhanger and, I‘m kind of surprised I haven‘t downloaded the next title yet!

28 likes1 stack add
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sidherinn
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
rretzler It‘s a good one! 5y
2 likes1 comment
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Lucy_Anywhere
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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Pickpick

This space opera was so much fun to read, and exactly what I needed during a hectic week at work. Fun, fast, and foul-mouthed - it was a blast!

#scifi #spaceopera

1 like1 stack add
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litenthusiast
Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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It is a beautiful night to sit outside and read. Although I don't read a lot of scifi I am really enjoying this book.

Geeklet I really enjoyed that book. It‘s an easy read. Scalzi always writes the same type of characters but that‘s okay, I like his characters. I need to read the sequel. 5y
litenthusiast @geeklet Thanks, I'm glad to hear it is a quick read. I have friends who really like his books, so I decided to try this one. I'm enjoying it so far. 5y
28 likes2 comments
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alvingregorio
Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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“...you don‘t listen to the story. You listen to the pattern.” Words to live by!!!

rretzler I really enjoyed this book! 6y
alvingregorio @rretzler I am having a blast with this one. Highly recommended. 6y
rretzler The next one is good too! 6y
17 likes1 stack add3 comments
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alvingregorio
Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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2:30pm. Still in my PJs. Avoiding the pollen.

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alvingregorio
Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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Loooong day at work. Collapsing with "Collapsing."

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Decalino
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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Pickpick

This was a fast, fun and f-bomb filled tale of political intrigue in a sprawling empire run by powerful Guild families, the Church of Interdependency, and an ailing Emperor. I loved the characters and can't wait to start the sequel, The Consuming Fire. Good stuff.

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BookmarkTavern
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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Tor.com eBook Club's March book is up until 11:59 PM, tomorrow night. You can download both a .mobi and an .epub! #torbookclub

https://ebookclub.tor.com

14 likes1 stack add
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LauraJ
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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I just finished reading Old Man‘s War last night. I loved it! Then, lo and behold, this popped up this morning. Download here: https://ebookclub.tor.com/indexfb.aspx?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=orgpost&utm...

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BooksAtNight
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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If you‘re a fan of John Scalzi, or if you want to try science fiction that is full of snarky characters and interesting ideas, try this book! Tor is giving away free ebook copies as part of their monthly book club. You just have to sign up (or already be signed up). As someone who hates spam mail, I can attest that they don‘t go overboard with sending you unwanted email. https://ebookclub.tor.com

wanderinglynn Thanks for sharing! I just signed up—I love Scalzi! 6y
13 likes1 comment
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LibrarianRyan
Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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rretzler This was a very good book and great intro to the series. I‘m a big Scalzi fan (edited) 6y
64 likes3 stack adds1 comment
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Saknicole
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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New bed for a few months while I'm house sitting means I had to migrate short list of #TBR same stack new location 📚📚📚

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suzisteffen
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
Pickpick

A re-read for my #sciencefiction book group. It was better the second time around because I‘d read the second book in the trilogy (series?) & understood some of what was coming. As someone in my book group pointed out, it‘s weird to have the whole empire/monarchy thing, and the Flow is kind of hand-wavy math, but it‘s interesting anyway ... here at the End of everything (HINT HINT CLIMATE CHANGE). Four ⭐️. Or rather 🚀🚀🚀🚀.

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suzisteffen
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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Whoops! Read it when it came out and now re-reading, or perhaps skimming, for my #ScienceFiction #bookgroup tonight. Have read the second one, looking forward to tonight‘s discussion. 🚀📚

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rretzler
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
Pickpick

Loved! Purchased the sequel immediately upon finishing. Scalzi‘s writing and Wil Wheaton‘s narration are perfect together. #2019

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PickwickPlockPlock
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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Mehso-so

Part of my latest library haul: In the far future, there's an empire of distant planets, only reachable by long space journeys. Then something happens... The story is told by several pov characters. I would have preferred more science and less politics. It wasn't my first Scalzi and probably not the last, but I don't think that I will continue this series.
For the #SFFTBRChallenge prompt Set in the future.
@DuckOfDoom

RamsFan1963 If you read the Old Man's War series, you noticed it moved from straight space opera action to a more politically oriented story as it progressed. I don't mind a little politics. I enjoyed this, but I haven't gotten around to the sequel yet. 6y
PickwickPlockPlock @RamsFan1963 I read the Old Man's War series. It's been some time, I don't remember much details, but I think I enjoyed the first book the most. Maybe you hit on the reason why 🤔 6y
RamsFan1963 @PickwickPlockPlock Yes it's more fun to read about the building of a Federation or Empire, than it is to read about the administration and bureaucracy of it. 6y
48 likes3 comments
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Saknicole
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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I saved this exciting package from @hermyknee for a post Christmas surprise! In addition to the book, Liz sent delicious smelling coffee, a book mark, sweet coffee cup, and literary pillow case! Thank you!! #bookmail #postchristmaschristmas

hermyknee Oh I‘m so glad you like everything! That coffee was a special edition, so you can‘t get it anymore! It‘s my favorite, so I hope you like it too! 6y
13 likes1 comment
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Eos462
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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Mehso-so

Okay, I definitely didnt hate it. Its a good space opera. The characters were all mostly dicks, which I enjoy, but he failed at making me root for them in some way. It just wasnt the most engaging political intuige story ever, but shit is starting to go down at the end of the book, so maybe it will get better in the 2nd. Definitly will pick up book two at somepoint, I might try to wait for an audible sale.
#scifi #listentoallthebooks #audible

imyril Pretty much my feelings to a tee! Not sure how it got a Hugo nomination. It‘s okay fun but... not all that? 6y
Eos462 @imyril while I enjoy Scalzi, I'm not sure I could get through his books if I was physically reading them. I never feel like - 'Holy shit, I need to know more! Please tell me more about XYZ' Kinda like I would put the book down and forget to read it again. 6y
imyril I was pretty hooked on Locked In, but I could‘ve walked away from Collapsing Empire for sure 6y
20 likes3 comments
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That-Bookish-Hiker
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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@hermyknee is doing a awesome giveaway. Go to her page and this post to enter. 😁😁😁

hermyknee Thanks for sharing! 6y
27 likes1 comment
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Mitch
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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Pickpick

The idea that life as we know it is reaching its expiration date, yet we refuse to believe the science and take action before its to late...is a sobering premise for this book. I really enjoyed the story themes and the ideas, but to love it - I need to get more familiar with Scalzi clipped & comic narration. There were some fab characters, but the book read more like a film script than a novel and for me that left it a little bare.

tessavi This is on my TBR pile! 6y
78 likes1 comment
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Eos462
The Collapsing Empire | John Scalzi
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#RRSciFiMonth - Day 1 Scifi TBR (Im playing catch up)
#scifi #TBR #novemberreads #firefly

imyril Hooray welcome to the SciFiMonth party! 6y
Eos462 @imyril Thank you! 6y
Lel2403 Love the Firefly bookmark 📖 6y
15 likes1 stack add3 comments