SevenevesAuthor: Neal Stephenson
Published by: William Morrow
Publication Date: May 19, 2015
Format: eARC
Pages: 880
Source: Publisher
What would happen if the world were ending?
A catastrophic event renders the earth a ticking time bomb. In a feverish race against the inevitable, nations around the globe band together to devise an ambitious plan to ensure the survival of humanity far beyond our atmosphere, in outer space.
But the complexities and unpredictability of human nature coupled with unforeseen challenges and dangers threaten the intrepid pioneers, until only a handful of survivors remain . . .
Five thousand years later, their progeny—seven distinct races now three billion strong—embark on yet another audacious journey into the unknown . . . to an alien world utterly transformed by cataclysm and time: Earth.
A writer of dazzling genius and imaginative vision, Neal Stephenson combines science, philosophy, technology, psychology, and literature in a magnificent work of speculative fiction that offers a portrait of a future that is both extraordinary and eerily recognizable.
Dork alert: My initial draw to Seveneves was because of the title. I have a weird attraction to palindromes, so I immediately zeroed in on it. Go ahead and roll your eyes. Then I knew for sure this book was for me after reading the description. It was slow going at points, but I ultimately loved it and found myself totally engrossed with the story.
A catastrophic event occurs that means the demise of human existence, but a small population escapes and returns 5000 years later. I’ve actually thought about things like this. What if something like this were to happen and all of our history was lost. The people thousands or even millions of years from now never really knowing about us. Or … what if something similar has already happened and we’re just unaware. It’s kind of creepy to think about, but I enjoy playing the ‘what if’ game with it. So I was eager to see what Neal Stephenson constructed from the idea.
Seveneves is a long book, but it certainly does take us on one amazing ride. I was surprised at how much of the book was devoted to the before, during the end of the world and the fight to save the human race. It does get very technical and dry at times, to where it felt as if I were reading an academic paper. However, I found it completely fascinating. I think it gave it a realistic feel, as if everything that we read is a possibility that could be put in motion right now. There were also plenty of heart-pounding moments that had me on the edge of my seat.
Obviously everyone we meet in the beginning eventually dies, and then we wind up thousands of years in the future. It was really sad and humbling at times, especially when it came to certain characters and their sacrifices. I absolutely love the mix of these strong, intelligent characters and grew very attached to them.
The last part of the book is what I was most excited for – to see what became of Earth and humanity. I found it to be really interesting and creative, but there’s still that realistic feel to it. As if that could be a possible future. And I have to say that discovering the meaning behind the title gave me a huge smile. Very clever, Mr. Stephenson.
Overall, Seveneves is quite an epic journey. ← That statement is actually kind of funny if you’ve read the book. At least a lame attempt at being funny. Anyway, it’s true. The author did a fantastic job and I look forward to reading more of his work.
I love this idea somehow! It reminds of this manga short story called HOTEL (you should read it, it’s so heart-breaking and fascinating at the same time. I actually don’t mind if it’s long as long as it sets the setting right. There are times a slow-paced book just works, you know what I mean? Adding this right now to my TBR. Just realized I have to wait till the 19th for it and I’m kind of agonized to know because I WAS SO READY TO READ IT AT THIS INSTANT 🙁
I hope you read it! It felt so good to read this after struggling through all the YA books I’ve been dealing with. My brain thanked me too. lol. I’ll have to look up Hotel.
I find reads like these incredibly intimidating for some reason, but glad to know you enjoyed it. 😀
Dorkiness accepted! I’m a nerd too but this types of genius escapes me. I struggle with sci-fi, I’m a visual person when it comes to books like this. I prefer it onscreen than on paper. I can tell you had a blast though
It is definitely creepy to think about that something like this could have already happened and we are those that don’t know! Gah! Keep me up at night thinking about it. I bet you I think about this all day today now, way to go. 😛
This sounds really good. Not something I would normally pick up but something I’m super curious about now.
This sounds like a creepy but oddly fascinating book. I hadn’t seen this one before today, but I’m curious. I’ll have to add this to my tbr. I’m glad that despite the book being slow at times, you wound up loving it.
Wonderful review, Christy!
Well now I really want to know the meaning behind the title Christy! And I love playing what if games with dystopian or post-apocalyptic stories, they always get me thinking and questioning. And I didn’t even realize the title was a palindrome until you pointed it out. Observant, party of one 😉
pre blog I would have been all over this book. The longer the book the better, plus the subject matters sounds fascinating. These days, I do want to read it, but I would have to set aside a week to read it. Sigh…..
You’re not the only one to wonder these types of things Christy. I always find myself thinking about different ‘what if’ scenarios. I feel like there are so many things could have happened or could potentially happen and I find it fascinating to think up morbid situations like the one this book deals with. Lovely review!
LOL I love when you dork-out. I don’t know if I could do this one with everyone dying! Eeps. Sounds crazy interesting though. Glad you had a good time with it.
I wonder what the title means, I have no idea. I agree about the what if game, I do it all the time which just leads me to overthink.
Na-uh. I think it’s cool. I like the title of this book, I don’t blame you for being attracted to it. Sic-fi is an unchartered territory for me, though. 880 pages?! Go, you!
I love how you picked this up cos you are a dork!! Lol
Even though it is a long read, it sounds like quite the journey! Fab review!
Totally skimmed cause I am about 250 pages in and have my geek on!
I am so glad you liked this! I have been wanting to read more science fiction post-apocalypse titles and I’ve had my eye on this one awhile. I’m gonna have to pick it up one of these days 😀
This story sounds fascinating despite the slow pacing. I often play the what if game, and love reading stories like this. How sad that all of the characters end up dying in the story 🙁 I love a book that can be both creative and realistic at the same time. Wonderful Review Christy 🙂
I hate feeling like I am reading a research paper but I love this concept. The what ifs creep me out.
I’m totally salivating over this book ! And I don’t care if you’re a dork ; after all, we already know you’re creepy and adorable 😉
Oh you have me so curious about this book and I love the cryptic-ness (it’s a word! LOL) of your review. Why is epic funny? Hm… Oh and I love that you noticed the palindrome. Love that.
The premise reminds me a little of what The 100 book series should have been. I love the mixture of science fiction and apocalyptic. That’s an insanely long book, so not surprised that there’s a few lulled moments in terms of action. But my hubby would absolutely LOVE this, without a doubt. Doing to grab him a copy ans then steal it once he’s finished. Wonderful review, simply loved it! <3
I am such a sucker for “end of the world” books. This sounds fantastic. I am adding to my goodreads wishlist:)
This sounds like such a clever, scientific approach to a book, I love the sound of it! And I have to admit, I’ve never heard of a palindrome hehe. Thanks for the rec, Christy!
This is all I needed! I was on the fence about this one (it came out yesterday on audio) but I ultimately decided to go with Uprooted and of course Eighth Grave (which I already finished…Love her books!)
Now I’m going back for this one, 31 hours long!…eeek!
Thank you Christy!