Robopocalypse

Anyone reading Robopocalypse?

I'm about 1/2 way through—it's fading a bit, I'm afraid. But I'm a total sucker for end-of-the-world stories, especially ones that take a broad view of the situation (eg., World War Z).

What do you think?

Just what I needed, another addition to the TBR pile!

I feel a strange disturbance in the force. Tim's reading science fiction? And officially as well.

Ha. Removed the official logo.

I read science fiction! I'm just very picky. But I'm a total sucker for this stuff. I'm not sure how to describe it, but books that look at something from a "broad" angle rub my history- and newspaper-loving soul the right way. I mean, what's the best chapter in LOTR? Surely The Council of Elrond.

I admit I'm a sucker for a good piece of exposition writing. That's partly why I love the Golden Age 'hard' science fiction which is often attacked for not being character based.

I agree with The Council of Elrond in LOTR as well, but that's not science fiction so let us not get too carried away about that here.

I notice you also have Stranger in a Strange Land in Currently reading, do you feel the same way about that one?

I've not read Robopoclypse, but I'll keep my eye out for a copy.

I have this on my list to get next April when the paperback is released. *sigh* Not prepared to pay the extra dollars (for me) for the hard cover
Also not happy to hear that ½ way through it is fading... :(
Most of the reviews I've read are positive for the whole book.

>6 Lman: I'm not prepared to pay for the hard cover (or even the trade paperback) either. Which is why just this morning I put a request in at my local library. No joke, I genuinely did request this book this morning before this topic ever existed. :)

Two things sold me on it. One, the Big Idea column over at Scalzi's blog. Two, the cover design, which put me right in mind of the Bjork video that Chris Cunningham directed.

I just picked it up today, but it's going to be a little while til I get to it. I'm trying to read all the Hugo award nominees before the end of July. I usually don't put too much stock in quotes from other authors on the back cover, but this one had quotes from 4 authors that I really enjoy; Clive Cussler, Lincoln Child, Robert Crais and Jack DuBrul. Although to be fair, Clive Cussler might just be animatronic at this stage.

"Clive Cussler might just be animatronic at this stage." Well he writes about them.

and Tom Bombadil is the best part of LOTR

After a strong start, Robopocalypse is definitely sinking. But your mileage may vary. I am often disappointed by the second half of science fiction books, as the author struggles to either crank up new ideas or keep the ship afloat on narrative and character alone. Wilson is doing both badly, I think.

Tim, as a total sucker for end-of-the-world stories, especially ones that take a broad view of the situation, have you read The Devil's Day?

Just finished reading it in two sittings. It's a fast and easy read, but frankly it's not very good. You would think that standing on the shoulder of other authors who have extensively covered the robot/world domination/conflict the author would have put more effort on his approach to robots, but it definitely not the case. The image that comes to mind is a cheesy Hollywood picture with no depth.

Think Stephanie Meyer of robotics (without the virginal sex). I know that sounds cruel, but it's actually a pretty good description.

These comments are helpful, as I was thinking of reading this book and now will avoid it.

I have to review it for Interzone.