Robert L. Forward (1932–2002)

As my expectations going into this book were badly disappointed, it was only at a certain realization that I was able to enjoy it sufficiently to finish it and give it 3 stars. The forced writing, two-dimensional characterizations, awkward infodumps of elemental physics and organic chemistry, churlishly convenient aliens, and one-note story prevent this from being anything like an adult hard-SF novel; taken as a "gee-whiz, what-if" SF story for bright 12-year-olds, however, I could stand it as a kid's book.

That biological life could exist on a Kuiper Belt object in such a way as Forward proposes is the great leap of faith here. OK, taken. I'm willing to accept that. But for this life form to conveniently exhibit a recognizable civilization similar in operation to King Arthur's Camelot, and that this species could easily communicate with humans and establish clear understandings is too much. And don't even get me started on the evolutionary aspect of things; Forward should have stuck to his forte and not peddled the _Big Surprise at the End_ as sound evolutionary theory.

This is a neat read to get a kid to read more SF and maybe do science homework with a sense of fun. But this is not in a league with Lem, Reynolds, or even Clarke's "Meeting With Medusa" for aliens or non-terrestrial selection.… (meer)

Wow, this book surprised me and I am glad I stuck with it. Let me explain. When I started reading/listening to this book I will be honest and say that much of it was going over my head. The scientific descriptions of the sun and the dragon eggs star were something I was not understanding, and I tended to skim or daydream at first. Then the whole descriptions of the cheela's evolution and growth as a society was to me a yawner. But I stuck with it, mainly because this is a short book compared to some I read.
Sticking with it paid off for me. I cannot say much more I think but once communication between the cheela and the humans is attempted it started getting much more interesting. By the end of it I had that "sense of wonda" that I really enjoy.
So, give it try and stick with it.… (meer)