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286th out of 471 books
—
2,481 voters
The Prophecy Machine (Investments #1)
Hooters, Hatters, and menacing evil...
Even in a mystical world where centuries ago animals were magically changed into humans, the land of Makasar is considered strange. Its two major religions are Hatters and Hooters. During the day, Hatters, wearing hats of course, wander about jabbing pointy sticks into bystanders. The night is ruled by the Hooters, who hoot and set fir...more
Even in a mystical world where centuries ago animals were magically changed into humans, the land of Makasar is considered strange. Its two major religions are Hatters and Hooters. During the day, Hatters, wearing hats of course, wander about jabbing pointy sticks into bystanders. The night is ruled by the Hooters, who hoot and set fir...more
Paperback, 342 pages
Published
November 28th 2000
by Spectra
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It's been a while since I read this, but I don't think I'd read it again. I read it mainly because I recognized Daniel Merriam's art on the cover.
If I recall correctly, the culture of the place the main characters end up in made no logical sense, the characters themselves completely failed to do anything constructive to get out of their situation, and left just as confused as when they arrived; the last being more or less also how I felt about the book. I certainly don't think I figured out wha...more
If I recall correctly, the culture of the place the main characters end up in made no logical sense, the characters themselves completely failed to do anything constructive to get out of their situation, and left just as confused as when they arrived; the last being more or less also how I felt about the book. I certainly don't think I figured out wha...more
The novel The Prophecy Machine is written by Neal Barrett Jr. He typically writes science fiction but has also written westerns, mystery/suspense, historical novels and has had short stories in major magazines such as The Best From Fantasy & Science Fiction, Nebula Awards. He was named Author Emeritus by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America and was the toastmaster at the 55th World Science Fiction Convention. The Prophecy Machine was based on "The Lizard Shoppe," which appeared...more
Y'know what, I really enjoyed this at the beginning, and the book does weave a fine fantasy tale...
But the dialogue... the dialogue...
The politeness of the characters grated on every page, and - as I have been taught - dialogue should always be read aloud to make sure it works. And I sounded like a mencap when I tried it.
I'm not saying 'don't read this book', as I would never do that to a writer, and I think you should try it in case my ear for dialogue is way off.
If it was easy on my ear... eye...more
But the dialogue... the dialogue...
The politeness of the characters grated on every page, and - as I have been taught - dialogue should always be read aloud to make sure it works. And I sounded like a mencap when I tried it.
I'm not saying 'don't read this book', as I would never do that to a writer, and I think you should try it in case my ear for dialogue is way off.
If it was easy on my ear... eye...more
Mar 13, 2011
Amanda
marked it as so-bad-i-didn-t-finish
have had this book for a long time and just saw it listed on a classic steampunk list along with my fav's from Blaylock, Powers, etc. Never really knew this was steampunk but now i'm more excited to read it than ever. With its opposing religions of Hatters and Hooters and mechanized lizards as well as a mysterious machine how could it be bad?
Apparently it can not only be bad but horrible- I can't read anymore of this
Apparently it can not only be bad but horrible- I can't read anymore of this
view all 6 comments
It's been a while since I read this book, but the overall feeling still lingers, and let me tell you...it's a warm and fuzzy feeling. The language is fun, slightly weird (which, if you've read other reviews of mine, I clearly like) and even...original. Strong characters who develop as the story unfolds, but also a great story with lots of weird events happening.
Expect the unexpected.
Expect the unexpected.
Surprisingly good. A little silly, but it's sci-fi. I'll probably read it again.
If you like bizarre, but very intriguing books then you've got to read this.
May 16, 2013
CJ
marked it as to-read
May 11, 2013
Varlan Georgian
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Amadeus
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Matt
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Matt Kruse
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Taylor Maw
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Kim
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Michael Bilitewski
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Tiffany
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Teslafoible
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Stephani
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Danielle Freeman
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Jan 03, 2013
William
marked it as to-read
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