Embassytown

by China Miéville
Embassytown cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
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  • ID: 1334
  • Added: 2025-10-04
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9780230750760
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2011-01-01
  • Formats: 17
  • Reviews: 4

Embassytown is a city of contradictions, perched on the outskirts of the universe. Avice, an immerser, has spent her life traveling the immer, a mysterious sea of space and time, and has now returned to her birth planet. Her unique experiences and perspective make her an intriguing figure in this complex and enigmatic world. /n/n As Avice navigates the intricacies of Embassytown, she encounters a society that defies conventional understanding. The city's inhabitants and their interactions with the immer create a tapestry of mysteries and revelations that challenge Avice's perceptions and force her to confront the true nature of her own existence.

Reviews
At Boundary's Edge · 2025-08-22
bold 4.25

This experimental work is a meditation on the nature of language that few other authors would attempt. It is seen as a bold and ambitious exploration of complex themes.

The reviewer describes 'Embassytown' as an experimental work that delves deep into the nature of language, a theme that few authors would dare to tackle. They praise the novel's ambition and its exploration of complex ideas, noting that it is a challenging but rewarding read. The reviewer also highlights the novel's unique setting and its ability to create a sense of wonder and curiosity in the reader.

Quick quotes

    Embassytown is an experimental work and a meditation on the nature of language that few other authors would even attempt.

    It is a bold and ambitious exploration of complex themes.

    The novel's unique setting and its ability to create a sense of wonder and curiosity are particularly noteworthy.

Fantasy Hive · TO Munro · 2023-04-04
excellent 4.75

Mieville's writing style is immersive and his ability to create a unique and compelling world is praised. The novel is seen as a standout work in his bibliography.

TO Munro highlights Mieville's wonderfully immersive writing style, which draws readers into the unique world of Embassytown. They appreciate the novel's exploration of language and its impact on society, noting that it is one of Mieville's best works. The reviewer is particularly impressed by the author's ability to create a compelling and thought-provoking narrative that lingers with the reader long after the final page.

Quick quotes

    Mieville has a wonderfully immersive writing style.

    Embassytown is easily one of his best work.

    The thing about Miéville's writing in general is that it is often scabrous, but in this case, it is also deeply thoughtful and engaging.

Zachary Houle - Medium · Zachary Houle · 2020-01-01
average 2.50

The reviewer finds the novel merely average, appreciating its originality but feeling that much of it is overly academic. They feel it lacks the depth and engagement of Mieville's other works.

Zachary Houle finds Embassytown to be merely average, appreciating its originality but feeling that much of the book is overly academic. They feel it lacks the depth and engagement of Mieville's other works. The reviewer acknowledges the novel's unique exploration of language but finds it to be more of a chore than a joy to read. They suggest that Mieville's other works are more compelling.

Quick quotes

    In the end, I found Embassytown to be merely average.

    While I did appreciate its originality, I found that a lot of the book was simply homework.

    I suggest that Mieville's other works are more compelling.

The Guardian · 2011-05-07
intriguing 4.50

The story quickly gains momentum and pacing, though it starts off a bit challenging to follow. This novel exemplifies Miéville's ability to create immersive and complex worlds.

The reviewer notes that 'Embassytown' starts off a bit hard to follow, but quickly picks up pace and becomes a thrilling read. They praise Miéville's ability to create a richly detailed and immersive world, highlighting his skill in blending complex ideas with engaging storytelling. The novel is seen as a testament to Miéville's unique vision and his ability to push the boundaries of speculative fiction.

Quick quotes

    The story, at first a bit hard to follow, very soon attains faultless impetus and pacing.

    If Miéville has been known to set up a novel on a grand scale, he has rarely done so with such assurance.

    Embassytown is a novel that will reward the patient reader with a rich and immersive experience.

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