Hook, Line, but No Sinker
Every year, I try to be a team player when I join a readathon by choosing books that push me way beyond my comfort zone. This time, I have to say: I wish I had just closed the book after chapter one.
It looked so enticing on my shelf, and when I finally had it in my hands, I was brimming with excitement. I’d read the first few pages a while back and knew it was the kind of story that grabs you from the get-go.
Unfortunately, that was the only time it truly had me. It grabbed me at the start and let me go about 75 pages in. The whole premise of “conceptual” sharks and predators was just… weird. Once I realized the entire book revolved around this world of “un-space”—where conceptual fish recognize your personality and erase your memories—I felt cheated. Apparently, these sharks even hold grudges, “nibbling” at you until there’s nothing left if they catch a hint of your essence floating around.
The point is, I just didn’t dig it. I know many people love this story, but it wasn’t a matter of not understanding the plot—I simply didn’t like where the plot was going. I prefer living in the real world or a fully realized fantasy world, rather than a purely conceptual one.
I did enjoy the character of Clio (or Scout). Assuming she’s named after the Muse of History, it’s a very neat tie-in to the themes of memory. She’s a fantastic role model, but I would have much preferred to see her story play out in a different setting.
Try it out and see for yourself—I truly believe every book means something different to every reader!
