The Space Between Us author Doug Johnstone had been better known for his crime writing before he turned to science fiction
November saw the Tyneside Book Club sink into sci-fi and cephalopods in a close encounter with Scottish writer Doug Johnstone's The Space Between Us.
Members largely enjoyed what proved to be a page-turner with characters to care about - including the multi-tentacled alien that the human cast meet and bond with.
There was appreciation for the pace and tight writing that helped the novel skip along and maintain readers' interest. Even those who didn't often dabble in sci-fi felt there was enough to enjoy.
There was a sense that there wasn't anything particularly original about Johnston's premise, which had echoes of ET, Arrival and Close Encounters, but it was executed competently.
Most members though did have qualms about the depiction of the government agencies and authorities who seemed one-dimensionally villainous as well as strikingly incompetent and underpowered.
The domestic violence and coercive control which affected one character was thought to be mostly well-drawn but the seemingly supernatural ability of the abusive partner to appear out of nowhere stretched credibility and undermined its potential power.
There were a few predictable plotting elements, but members were intrigued by the alien consciousness of the creatures. Some though did find the regular trips into the alien mind a little confusing.
There was some discussion about the dubious science involved in the alien journey to earth, and some felt the plot got ever more fantastical and unconvincing as the novel reached its conclusion. It did though end in a generally entertaining and satisfying way.
Members did note the seeding of a potential sequel, but were divided on whether they would seek it out.
Members largely enjoyed what proved to be a page-turner with characters to care about - including the multi-tentacled alien that the human cast meet and bond with.
There was appreciation for the pace and tight writing that helped the novel skip along and maintain readers' interest. Even those who didn't often dabble in sci-fi felt there was enough to enjoy.
There was a sense that there wasn't anything particularly original about Johnston's premise, which had echoes of ET, Arrival and Close Encounters, but it was executed competently.
Most members though did have qualms about the depiction of the government agencies and authorities who seemed one-dimensionally villainous as well as strikingly incompetent and underpowered.
The domestic violence and coercive control which affected one character was thought to be mostly well-drawn but the seemingly supernatural ability of the abusive partner to appear out of nowhere stretched credibility and undermined its potential power.
There were a few predictable plotting elements, but members were intrigued by the alien consciousness of the creatures. Some though did find the regular trips into the alien mind a little confusing.
There was some discussion about the dubious science involved in the alien journey to earth, and some felt the plot got ever more fantastical and unconvincing as the novel reached its conclusion. It did though end in a generally entertaining and satisfying way.
Members did note the seeding of a potential sequel, but were divided on whether they would seek it out.
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