Ship of Fools

by Richard Paul Russo
Ship of Fools cover
Good Books rating 3.17
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
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  • ID: 9747
  • Added: 2026-01-02
  • Updated: 2026-01-02
  • ISBN: 9780739416907
  • Published: 2001-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

For centuries, the starship Argonos has been a home to generations of humans who have no memory of their past or their destination. The ship wanders the galaxy in search of other life forms, its inhabitants living in a state of perpetual uncertainty. /n/n Now, an unidentified transmission beckons them toward a nearby planet, sparking hope and curiosity among the crew. As they approach the planet, they must confront the mysteries of their own history and the possibilities that lie ahead.

Reviews
Howl Society · 2021-05-27
mediocre 2.50

The book has good pacing and an intriguing world, but it falls short of being a wholehearted recommendation. It's a decent read but not outstanding.

This reviewer found that Ship of Fools is a decent read with good pacing and an intriguing world. They don't regret reading it, but they couldn't in good faith recommend it wholeheartedly. The story has its moments, and the world-building is interesting, but it lacks the depth and originality to make it a standout. They appreciate the effort and creativity that went into the book but feel that it falls short of being a truly memorable or impactful read. It's a book that is enjoyable in the moment but doesn't leave a lasting impression.

Quick quotes

    This book is just alright. I don't regret reading it, but I couldn't in good faith recommend it wholeheartedly.

    Good pacing and intriguing world, but it falls short of being a wholehearted recommendation.

    It's a decent read but not outstanding.

Weird Life Reviews · 2021-03-10
thought-provoking 4.00

The novel delves into profound themes beneath its thriller surface, blending science fiction with unscientific concerns. It offers a unique perspective on human nature and the unknown.

This reviewer found that beneath the thrilling surface of Ship of Fools, there are significant themes that the author is exploring. It's a science-fiction novel that questions the nature of humanity and the mysteries of the universe. They appreciate the depth of thought and the way the story challenges conventional scientific thinking. The narrative is engaging and thought-provoking, making it a standout in the genre. The blend of horror and space opera elements adds to its eerie and intense atmosphere, creating a memorable reading experience.

Quick quotes

    Beneath its thriller surface, however, Ship of Fools has huge concerns on its mind.

    This is a science-fiction novel about that most unscientific of things: the human heart.

    The horrors here are much more psychological and existential than physical.

Reddit - r/Fantasy · 2019-01-01
mixed 3.00

The book is engaging and quick-paced, making it a compelling read. However, some aspects of the plot and character development could have been stronger.

This reader finished the book in less than a day, highlighting its engaging and quick-paced nature. They found the story incredibly compelling, which is a testament to the author's ability to keep readers hooked. However, they also noted that some aspects of the plot and character development could have been stronger. The prose is polished, and the world-building is intriguing, but the overall experience left them feeling somewhat disappointed. They appreciate the effort and creativity that went into the book but wish it had delved deeper into certain areas to make it a more satisfying read.

Quick quotes

    The book is incredibly quick moving, I finished it in less than a day (the quarantine certainly helped with that), and it was incredibly engaging.

    Russo's prose is excellent - he is quite a polished writer.

    There were quite a few aspects of the plot and character development that could have been stronger.

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