Blindsight

This is a deep science fiction thriller

As the twenty-first century nears its ending, Fireflies light up the sky. Scientists realize this strange phenomenon is sending signals back to something just outside the edge of our solar system. To learn more and to make first contact, the earth sends the spaceship Theseus captained by an AI, but the leader of the quest is genetically engineered vampire Jukka Sarasti. The chosen motley crew consists of biologist Isaac Szpindel, who has more machine parts than human parts and acts accordingly more machine than human, the Gang of Four,, a multiple personality disorder linguist disorder Major Amanda Bates, a soldier who hates war and Siri Keeton, whose half of a brain enables him to predict one hundred per cent accurately almost instantly what others will do in different situations though he has no idea why people do what they do.-------------- The team makes it to the rim of the solar system where they are met by an English speaking species on board some sort of odd vessel dubbed Rorschach. They cannot determine whether the newcomers are hostile so team leader Sarasti arranges to abduct two of them to study them close-up, but neither has a brain yet are capable of processing information leading to the earth crew to debate whether these are living intelligence as they fail to even recognize the basic I think therefore I am.------------- This is a deep science fiction thriller that uses first contact to turn Descartes statement upside down into a question of what is intelligent life. The cast is solid especially the two abducted aliens Stretch and Clench, who will lead readers to ponder existence just like the earth characters do. The story line contains much more complexities than described above so the audience who prefer ET to go home may want to pass on BLINDSIGHT however those fans who prefer deep thought provoking philosophical entreaties will want to read Peter Watts strong tale.------- Harriet Klausner

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Deserved a Hugo

The science in Peter Watts' science fiction is really good. You actually find yourself learning stuff while he alternately entertains and horrifies you. "Blindsight" explores the premise that self-awareness is not just unnecessary for intelligence; it actively gets in the way of rapid problem solving. As original a story as you will find anywhere, and brilliantly written. I can't recommend it enough.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

amazingly awesome book

Read it twice, the first time you won't pick up everything.

Edgy science fiction

How far will the author guide you down the rabbit hole? I will never tell.

I found this story to be refreshing and a break from standard science fiction. The scene that the author paints when the characters awaken from space travel by itself is worth the read alone. This is not a fluff work and will keep your mind on the edge of a razor. Is it science fiction, thriller, horror, tragedy, or fantasy? It has all the elements.

I recomend this for higher thinker readers that can appreciate and enjoy going beyond the surface of Flatland.

Like a scientifically sound Philip K. Dick-ian meditation on consciousness

One of the best hard SF books of the last decade and most original first-contact stories you're likely to encounter. You've never met aliens like these before. It many ways, it's a mediation on consciousness and different ways of perceiving reality, using a post-human crew on a first-contact mission as a way of delving into these issues. It can be a bit of a hard read, but it's more than worth it. And it's got one of the most original, biologically sound (scientifically) vampires you'll ever meet in fiction. I've read it twice now and it was even better the second time.

A Mess

Incomprehensible perfectly describes this book. Is it Science Fiction or is it fantasy. It does justice to neither. The characters are not fleshed out enough to care about them in any meaningful way. The plot is confusing at best. Don't waste your time or money.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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