Blindsight

Blindsight by Peter Watts is a hard science fiction novel that delves into the complexities of first contact with an unknown alien intelligence. The story begins two months after a mysterious event that left the world in silence, with a faint signal detected from the edge of the solar system. A team of uniquely augmented humans, including a linguist with multiple personalities, a biologist interfaced with machinery, a pacifist warrior, a resurrected hominid predator, and a synthesist with half his mind gone, is sent to intercept the signal. The team must navigate the unknown and potentially hostile alien intelligence, raising questions about the nature of consciousness and communication. Watts's novel is notable for its exploration of advanced scientific concepts and the ethical dilemmas of first contact. The characters are not just tools for the plot but are deeply explored, each with their own unique perspectives and challenges. The narrative is intense and thought-provoking, pushing the boundaries of what it means to be human and the limits of our understanding of the universe.

Reviews

Grimdark Magazine · 2021-09-05

terrifying 4.50

The book presents a mystery that escalates into something more terrifying, making it a rewarding read. The conclusion is particularly impactful, leaving a lasting impression.

Grimdark Magazine highlights how Blindsight masterfully builds tension by solving one mystery only to present an even more terrifying one. This cyclical structure keeps readers engaged and makes the conclusion particularly satisfying. The review emphasizes the book's ability to deliver a chilling and thought-provoking experience, making it a standout in the genre. They appreciate the way the story unfolds, with each revelation adding layers of complexity and dread.

Quick quotes

Blindsight has a very rewarding loop of presenting a mystery, then solving that mystery with an even more terrifying one.

By the conclusion, the reader is left with a sense of awe and terror that is hard to shake.

The book's narrative structure is one of its greatest strengths, constantly subverting expectations and keeping the reader on edge.

Jeroen's Thoughts · Jeroen · 2018-06-20

bleak 4.00

The book is dense, mind-boggling, and horrifyingly bleak, but it rewards rereading. Its cutting-edge science and intelligent writing make it a standout.

Jeroen describes Blindsight as a dense and mind-boggling read that is both horrifyingly bleak and intellectually stimulating. They praise the book's cutting-edge science and sharp writing, noting that it is the kind of book that pays off with rereading. The review highlights the book's ability to challenge the reader's perceptions and leave a lasting impact. They appreciate the depth and complexity of the story, making it a memorable and thought-provoking experience.

Quick quotes

Dense, mind-boggling, cutting-edge, horrifyingly bleak, sharp and intelligent.

And it is the kind of book where rereading pays off, because you will find new layers and nuances each time.

The book's bleakness is not just for shock value; it serves a deeper purpose in exploring the themes of consciousness and existence.

Kara Reviews · Kara Babcock · 2014-08-20

mixed 2.00

The book is ambitious and clever but can be boring and unpalatable. Its big picture is impressive, but the execution falls short.

Kara Babcock finds Blindsight to be an ambitious and clever book with a big picture that is impressive. However, they also note that it can be boring and unpalatable at times. The review highlights the book's strengths in its ambitious scope and clever ideas, but also points out its weaknesses in execution. They appreciate the book's attempt to tackle complex themes, but feel that it sometimes loses its way in the process. Overall, they find it to be a mixed bag that leaves them with mixed feelings.

Quick quotes

The big picture, when it comes to this book at least, is that it is incredibly ambitious, quite clever, but also somewhat boring and unpalatable.

It's a book that tries to do too much and sometimes loses its way in the process.

The execution falls short of the ambitious vision, making it a somewhat frustrating read.

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