DBS: Sad to say, but I'm giving up on Downbelow

[Robert of Dale]

I was hopeful that this novel would grab me after Book 1, but I'm struggling to get through Book two. As it's a library book, and there are so many books I'm really looking forward to reading, I think I'm going to have to give it back. I've read another CJ Cherryh novel/trilogy: The Faded Sun (was borrowed from a friend). It was good, but again, it didn't grab me like other books have, so I guess it's more to do with her writing style than the story itself.

I think part of the problem for me is that an ensemble cast and sprawling plots & settings are harder for me to keep up with. I like it in a TV miniseries or ongoing show, mostly because more information can be conveyed in a significant glance or an exterior establishing shot over just a few seconds. In a book, the setting or the complex interactions among several POV characters asks much more of my poor brain.

[Andrew]

I pushed through and it picked up about half to 2/3s of the way though, but then fell flat again. I am just not compelled by anything going on or by any character.

[Kristina]

I finished, but it was a near thing. I think if it was due back, I would have just sent it also. Now that its over I am glad I finished (though I'm not going to run out and pick up the next book either).