A very interesting premise and reliably good writing. However, even though I generally like Koontz, this book was not a favorite.

This is a true science fiction classic. Incredibly imaginative and original for being written over a hundred years ago. In fact, this was one of the first books to feature an alien invasion plot.

Great premise. This book had an engaging start, an exciting twist, and a compelling conclusion. I was able to feel the confusion and the frantic chaos of the situation as it was translated through the writing.

A powerful and thought-provoking short story that challenges readers to consider the consequences of their actions. Lush and vivid details really bring this book to life.

Wow. This book was intense. Deep and thought provoking. Diverse and introspective characters. Beautiful, vivid writing that presents readers with a unique juxtaposition of science and poetry.

Exciting, tense, and mysterious. This book held me spellbound. A great blending of science and fantasy. I was thoroughly invested in the mysterious force that had left people dead and missing—my mind in constant wonder, “Is the cause scientific or fantastical?”

Another well-written book by Scalzi. This one presents readers with a futuristic space empire rife with intrigue and political scheming. Well-developed and diverse characters. Lots of action and tension. Once this book gets going, it's fully engaging.

Exciting and enthralling. And dinosaurs! The kid in me still thinks dinosaurs are fascinating. And the adult in me loves how this book incorporates different aspects of technology and science, giving this novel a powerful feeling of realness. Kinda makes you wonder how much longer until this fiction becomes a reality.

Like most short story collections, this one has some great stories, and some that are entirely unmemorable. Scalzi's story was my favorite, with the telltale lightness and humor that I love from him.

Great premise, but this book just didn't deliver for me. I wasn't a fan of the writing style, which felt unpolished. And then there was too much plot without enough character development. The lack of character development meant that I couldn't bring myself to care about the main character. As a result, all of the the high-stakes action scenes felt bland and unimpactful.

This book was an interesting mishmash of the past and present, filled with history, political machinations, and a critical eye to the dangers of technology. Diverse characters and an compelling premise. Many of the historical characters referenced within the pages were based on actual people from American history, which gave this book a bit of an educational allure.

A great science fiction story, told from the point of view of a very insightful spaceship. Lots of good commentary on the human condition. For such a short story, this one is actually quite profound.