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Originally Posted by isarl
Enjoying Starding Rising even more than Sundiver. Still quite a ways left to go, but so far I'm enjoying more of the great worldbuilding Brin did in Sundiver; the development of the intercivilizational dynamics of the Galactic community and the (totally seamless, plot-driven) incorporation of ecological considerations. The story ties in with the larger setting really well in a way that I find both engaging to read, but also interesting in its broader implications. It's what I enjoyed about the first book and it's even better in the second.
Also revisiting the “Audio Renaissance” edition of Dune, narrated by Simon Vance (and a cast of others). I listened to this same recording many years ago but thought it was time for a revisit as a possible entry into the later books in the series, which I haven't yet read.
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Startide Rising was great, really enjoyed it right through the end. The Trinary language the dolphins use, and some of the Trinary poems in particular, were a small but noteworthy highlight among the many elements that made this great. Compared to Sundiver, the action and pacing are both better, as is the slightly greater depth in which the setting can be explored, as it deserves. Onward to The Uplift War, and time to start watching for a sale on the subsequent Uplift Storm trilogy.
I am spending more time on this listening of Dune, too, and appreciating it more as a result. Something about the way Herbert balances worldbuilding with action and immediate (or not so immediate) danger to the protagonists is just enthralling.