I'm finding this character driven sci-fi book a difficult one to review as it is not often I've encountered a book that was as much of a mixed bag as this one. But, I'd like to laud K.K. Edin a bit for writing an epic, large-scale science fiction/philosophy novel. A lofty ambition, and one that should be taken more seriously.

A good read!

I'm not usually a reader of Sci-fi but I''m trying to broaden my genre choices. While this was incredibly off the wall, entirely as it was supposed to be, I couldn't help thinking that if you were a regular sci-fi reader you'd love it. It was well written, and very easy to follow. I became fully invested in each of the three characters and was very eager to learn how each of their stories would pan out. I loved the references to the various locations. It really drew me in. I would definitely recommend this book and I'm going to read more of this genre from now on.

Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for this early copy,

I struggled to get into this novel. However, it was well-written with an interesting plot.

So, it's been a while since I've read a softer sci-fi and the premise of THE MEASUREMENTS OF DECAY appealed to me for a number of reasons: the cover was gorgeously mysterious, an alternating POV, science fiction elements, philosophical themes, and the writing style was flowery, but beautiful.

I don't think the blurb of this book does it any justice. In fact, it actually tickles your fancy just enough to glance at those first few pages before you're pulled into a sci-fix epic that begs the question, "Where has this author been hiding all this time?!".

Edin has displayed an excellent skill not only in general world-building, but created a dynamic cast of characters that bled life into the story as much as the plot and technology within.

Kickass? Badass? Epic?

Tick. Tick. Tick,

Even if I liked the subject and some of the ideas, the language was too flowery and complicated, and it often felt overwritten, with loooong philosophical lectures in every chapter. I was not prepared to work that hard for a non-fiction, sci-fi book, so I will postpone it for a [hopefully, maybe] later reading.

So, I started to read this book and honestly, found it a little difficult to keep the storylines straight.

It is well written as individual chapters but I didn't get into the flow of it as a book. I think it's partly because I didn't really find a character I liked or hated enough to keep reading (annoying certainly but not hate), only the fact that I knew I had to write a review kept me going.

It is written in a similar to GOT, which I love, but to me, the narrative didn't feel overly related through the chapters. For me, it is important to feel a connection with a character or a world and I didn't really feel either.

I tried reading this book a few times, but just couldn't get into it. The writing was good, the style was just not something I could get into. I have tried to bludgeon my way through it to see if it picked up, but just wasn't my cup of tea. That happens. Luckily, not everyone is the same and not everyone's tastes are the same, so.......

Genre-bending book that provoked thought while telling a solid sci-fi story. See full review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2364644235

This book is definitely one of the harder to read sci-fi novels. You need to be fully aware without any interruptions or you find yourself repeating chapters. This books plot is something you don’t read about often. If you’re into these kinds of sci-fi books I definitely recommend this book. If you’re just jumping into sci-fi definitely not. It’s like diving into fantasy and reading Brandon Sanderson. Definitely do that later when you have read others. I received this for review from NetGalley.

I really enjoyed this book. It is written unlike some of the science fiction that is out now days, but don't let that stop you. Once you start reading this book, by the second chapter you will be drawn in wandering where it's going to lead you and how it's going to end. This book is very well thought out and written. I can't wait to read more of this authors work.

I had a look on K. K. Edin’s Goodreads page the other day; one of his answers to a popular question basically summed up my reading experience of The Measurements of Decay. I’m paraphrasing here, but he said that although some of the prose was written with more philosophical and stylistic writing, it wasn’t necessarily impenetrable. I fully agree with that here – I had one issue with the novel which has ultimately led me to giving this a 3 star rating, and I can honestly say that it had nothing to do with any kind of conception which states that Edin is a terrible writer. In fact, I loved his writing. It was a little excessive in some parts, but that’s likely because he is a philosopher, and is prone to using such language in his writing.

The 3 star rating is simply because my intellect doesn’t reach so far, and it was hard for me to grasp some of the things he was trying to portray without having to read and reread passages. I’m not usually a girl who reads philosophical novels such as TMOD, but all things considered, I did (for the most part) enjoy reading it. I was going to give it a 2, maybe a 2.5, but upon reflection, I realised it wasn’t so bad that it deserved such a low rating.

The science fiction element of the novel – as in, Tikan and Sielle’s storylines – was probably my favourite part. I’m a sucker for a good, action-packed science fiction plot, and this was pretty much it. I have to say it wasn’t as fast-paced as I had hoped (then again, it was almost 600 pages), but the sci-fi action was still enough to give me chills in various parts. I was definitely more invested in this storyline than in the philosopher’s storyline (as you’ve probably already guessed), just because it was so much easier for me to understand, and because it felt like there was more happening, like there was more of a point to their storyline. Towards the end, the philosopher’s plot does tie in with Tikan/Sielle’s storyline, but I think I will always favour sci-fi over philosophy, regardless of what I read. I was genuinely just a bit baffled by the chaos of the ending…

I’m sure this is the perfect book for anyone who enjoys both philosophy and science-fiction, but I definitely found that I had a preference. I did enjoy reading this, and I’m hoping that my giving it 3 stars doesn’t suggest otherwise. Though it took me a while to get through it, do bear in mind that I was trying to study for exams at the same time, and celebrate six birthdays within two weeks!

Thank you so much to Netgalley, to Cameron Publicity & Marketing, and to K. K. Edin, for providing me with both an e-copy and a paperback copy of The Measurements of Decay!

This is a long hard read and I am not entirely sure I understood all of it. It is highly imaginative and I didn’t see what was coming at any point.

A fantastic blend of sci fi and philosophy. Solid story which had me hooked from the outset and well penned to boot. Original and of the highest calibre. I expect to see this on multiple award lists next year.

The Measurements of Decay by K.K. Edin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sometimes you will read a book that stuns you into such a deep silence that the backlash envelops you and kicks you out of space and time.

This is one of those books.

I'm still reeling. It's not every day that an author goes out of their way write a complex philosophical dissertation in the style of David Mitchell but goes on to make it hardcore SF with mind-blowingly cool science tropes, transhumanism, and a man-made god in the service of the serious philosophical treatise. Indeed, the multiple PoVs are deadly serious about driving home their ideas and their idealism and I was treated to one of the coolest villains I've ever read in the form of the primary narrator.

This is empathy, understanding, and wisdom taken to its full completion, yo.

Just what would happen if idealists and focused heavy philosophical thinkers gained the physical and temporal power to overcome all obstacles and fulfill their ambitions? Or how about just one. A serious one. One who believes that empathy and understanding is the ultimate goal.

I'm of the mind that the Borg collective fits that bill. If you're part of it, there's perfect empathy and understanding. :) Run with that.

I give this book top marks for being fearlessly dense and super intelligent and creative as a mother****er. I was somewhat worried about the somewhat less clear language used, but the sheer scope and beauty of the imagery and the speed at which so many wonderful scenes happen make up for just about anything.

This is NOT your average adventure hard-SF novel, nor is it a lofty philosophical discussion with a few SF trappings. This is a true shotgun wedding of the best of both worlds.

I'm flabbergasted. This is the kind of SF novel that comes along only a handful of times in a generation and it is NOT something to undertake if you want a light and thoughtless read. I'm putting this novel in the category of *OMG YOU MUST READ THIS*.

This is serious literature. This is thought-provoking and deserves a devoted cult following and if not recognition now, then at least serious recognition in 5 or 10 years. It may take that long for enough serious fans to get their hands on this or work their way through it, but I'll tell you now: it's worth it.

How's that for a squee? I want discussions on this book, people! PHD's welcome. :)