3.5
The Knife and the Serpent
ByPublisher Description
From Hugo Award winning author Tim Pratt comes a new, high-concept space opera, exploring technology, family and the price we pay to follow our destiny, perfect for fans of Peter F. Hamilton and Adrian Tchaikovsky.
Tamsin and Glenn, ordinary as anyone in the Bay Area. Tamsin is shocked when her grandmother is murdered.
But the surprises keep coming when she finds out that grandma was an oligarch in exile from an adjacent universe in the Nigh-Space continuum. Tamsin finds herself heir to vast wealth and a terrifying future, but the dimension-crossing killers out to exterminate her family are after her. Unless she gets them first… first…
Now Glenn has learned that his girlfriend Vivy is a secret agent for an interdimensional organisation devoted to protecting the inhabitants of Nigh-Space from fascists, tyrants, and hostile aliens. And she’s in trouble. Glenn never imagined he’d end up in another universe on a sarcastic spaceship trying to save his girlfriend, but there he is…
Tamsin and Glenn, ordinary as anyone in the Bay Area. Tamsin is shocked when her grandmother is murdered.
But the surprises keep coming when she finds out that grandma was an oligarch in exile from an adjacent universe in the Nigh-Space continuum. Tamsin finds herself heir to vast wealth and a terrifying future, but the dimension-crossing killers out to exterminate her family are after her. Unless she gets them first… first…
Now Glenn has learned that his girlfriend Vivy is a secret agent for an interdimensional organisation devoted to protecting the inhabitants of Nigh-Space from fascists, tyrants, and hostile aliens. And she’s in trouble. Glenn never imagined he’d end up in another universe on a sarcastic spaceship trying to save his girlfriend, but there he is…
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Meet readers like you in the Fable For You feed, designed to build bookish communities6 Reviews
3.5
theDiaryofaReader
Created 11 months agoShare
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“3.5 stars
The Knife and The Serpent marks my inaugural dive into space opera, and from the outset, it envelops you like a gravitational pull, whisking you into orbit around a universe of words. It's akin to that exhilarating feeling of a maiden voyage into space, marveling at the vastness that surrounds you.
The narrative is intensely character-focused, especially through Glenn's perspective, as if he's recounting his adventures directly to you. Whether he's in trouble or navigating catastrophically complicated situations, his viewpoint keeps you on your toes and often chuckling along.
Detailed and vividly descriptive, the story unfolds like a cinematic experience in your mind, with subtle foreshadowing that tantalizes without giving too much away. It's a tale where mischief and mystery dance hand-in-hand, occasionally veering into what feels like rom-com territory. The witty banter, humorous moments, and budding romance against a backdrop of space and aliens create an unexpectedly charming atmosphere—yes, dare I say, even cute.
"That's because of fuckery..."
However, my enthusiasm waned a bit past the midpoint. The story dips into a lull, particularly through Tamsin's arc, which I found less engaging due to her unlikable nature. While Glenn's chapters shine with energy and intrigue, Tamsin's desire to portray a badass falls flat, akin to a novice cosplayer donning a villain's guise that doesn't quite fit.
As the plot threads converge midway, revealing secret connections among the characters, the narrative's pace slows, dragging down the storyline's momentum. Tamsin's lack of convincing character development further detracts from the overall experience, contrasting sharply with Glenn's growth and adaptability as he uncovers truths that challenge him.
Ultimately, The Knife and The Serpent left me wanting more. The promising buildup in the first half doesn't quite deliver on its potential epicness, culminating in an ending that feels rushed and hastily wrapped up. With its brevity, a few extra pages could have rounded out the storyline more satisfactorily, leaving a more lasting impression.
"Listen to me this world isn't the only world."
Despite its shortcomings, The Knife and The Serpent remains a noteworthy addition to the space opera genre, offering glimpses of brilliance and a narrative style that engages and entertains, albeit with room for improvement.”
Amber
Created 12 months agoShare
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Majka
Created 12 months agoShare
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Cam(eron)
Created about 1 year agoShare
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Julia Doran
Created about 1 year agoShare
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“Oh my days! What a roller coaster!
I loved this book from the first page. It gripped me, made me laugh and interested me every step of the way through!
I really loved how real and open the book was about sexuality without being spicy. I get bored very quickly of spice in books where it's been added for no reason and gives nothing to the story. This book focuses more on the gender and sexuality side rather than the act of sex itself. I loved that Glenn figured himself out and with Vivy could be who he truly was and be proud of it.
I liked seeing the contrast between them two and Tamsin and Trevor in their relationships, between the healthy and unhealthy traits. I thought I liked Tamsin at first but my opinion swiftly changed once she became too power hungry and greedy.
My favorite character by FAR was Eddie. Not only was he an actual ship but he is fully sentient and has a dry sense of humour.
Overall I adored the book, I think the ending ended too fast for me but I liked it non the less.
What an incredible Sci Fi adventure!”
About Tim Pratt
TIM PRATT is a Hugo Award-winning SF and fantasy author, who has also been a finalist for World Fantasy, Sturgeon, Stoker, Mythopoeic, and Nebula Awards, among others. Since 2001 he has worked for Locus, the magazine of the science fiction and fantasy field, where he currently serves as senior editor. He lives in Berkeley, California, with his wife and son.
Other books by Tim Pratt
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