Three Moments of an Explosion

by China Miéville
Three Moments of an Explosion cover
Good Books rating 3.67
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
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  • ID: 7733
  • Added: 2025-12-16
  • Updated: 2025-12-16
  • ISBN: 9780230770171
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2015-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

Three Moments of an Explosion is a captivating collection of 28 short stories that delve into an alternate world where nature has rendered the human race an endangered species. Each story offers a unique perspective on this dystopian reality, exploring themes of survival, adaptation, and the delicate balance between humans and the natural world. The author's vivid imagination and compelling narratives make this collection a must-read for fans of speculative fiction. /n/n The stories in this collection are not just about survival in a hostile environment; they also touch on the emotional and psychological aspects of living in a world where nature is the ultimate power. The author's ability to blend scientific concepts with human drama creates a rich and thought-provoking reading experience. This collection is a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to explore complex ideas in an engaging and accessible way.

Reviews
This Is Horror · 2015-11-16
revelation 4.00

This collection is a return to short-form fiction for Miéville and a revelation for those familiar mostly with his novels.

This Is Horror's review highlights that Three Moments of an Explosion is a return to short-form fiction for Miéville and a revelation for those who may be familiar mostly with his novels. The reviewer appreciates the variety and creativity in the stories, noting that the collection is both engaging and thought-provoking. They find that Miéville's ability to explore different genres and styles within the short story format is impressive and makes this collection a standout.

Quick quotes

    Three Moments Of An Explosion is a return to short-form fiction for Miéville, and a revelation for those who may be familiar mostly with his novels.

    The collection is both engaging and thought-provoking, showcasing Miéville's versatility and creativity.

    Miéville's ability to explore different genres and styles within the short story format is impressive.

Fiction Fan Blog · 2015-10-14
disappointing 2.50

The consensus among existing fans is that Miéville's novels are better, leaving the reviewer with no real desire to explore his short stories further.

The reviewer from Fiction Fan Blog notes that while the collection is interesting, it doesn't quite live up to the standards set by Miéville's novels. They mention that the consensus among existing fans is that his novels are better, and this leaves them with no real desire to explore his short stories further. The reviewer appreciates the effort but feels that the stories fall a bit flat compared to his longer works.

Quick quotes

    The consensus of existing fans' reviews seems to be that his novels are better.

    I'm left with no real desire to explore his short stories further.

    The collection is interesting, but it doesn't quite live up to the standards set by his novels.

The Guardian · 2015-07-29
excellent 4.50

The writing is excellent and varied, with some stories being more showy than others. Pastiche is used skillfully when present.

The Guardian's review highlights the excellent writing throughout the collection, noting that the 28 stories take on many tones. Some are more showy, while others are more subdued, but all are well-crafted. The use of pastiche is particularly noteworthy, as it is executed with great skill. The reviewer appreciates the variety and the high quality of the writing, making this a standout collection.

Quick quotes

    The writing, never less than excellent, takes many tones throughout the 28 stories, some showy, some not.

    Pastiche, when present, is so skilful that it enhances the stories rather than detracting from them.

    Miéville's mastery of language and genre is on full display in this collection.

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