The Sword and Laser discussion

Hi, I just finished Rule 34 and am beginning to read Empire State, I like the idea of an alternate history/universe set in prohibition era New York. We shall see how this debut novel holds up.

I started reading it and bailed when it got to the superheroes. I thought this was going to be a noir/alternate universe story but I just don't dig the superheroes thing.

Going into the book without reading much on what the story is about. I knew it involved superheroes and alternative time line. Keeping my mind open on how this book will go. Two chapters in.

Tina wrote: "I started reading it and bailed when it got to the superheroes. I thought this was going to be a noir/alternate universe story but I just don't dig the superheroes thing."

Possible minor spoiler alert...

Keep reading. The superheroes are a very minor part of the story. It really is a noir alternate universe story.

I'm about 60 percent through the book, and I really like it. I'm not a fan of the noir genre normally, but it's pretty interesting. I would almost suggest it for as a gateway drug for SF.

I hope the story picks up. So far there is a ton of action but I've yet to see a reason to care and I'm kind of lost as to what the heck is going on. I'm only around 10% in. I know nothing about this book going into it.

So far the atmosphere reminds me of Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, Rocketeer, and maybe Flash Gordon.

Personally, I'm liking the story well enough but I'm really surprised about how mediocre the writing itself is. It feels like it was written by an English undergrad and wasn't edited well.
It's a first novel, so maybe I'm being harsh, but I just expected better quality writing.
But again, interesting story (half way through so far).

Liam wrote: "Personally, I'm liking the story well enough but I'm really surprised about how mediocre the writing itself is. It feels like it was written by an English undergrad and wasn't edited well.
It's a ..."

I'm about 50% in. I agree. I'm not impressed so far. The story feels like a rehash of a lot of other things. Rehashes aren't bad as long as they are entertaining. So far its feeling like bit of a chore. I have half a book to be won over. Here's hoping that I am.

I'm lagging behind and just hit the halfway mark. The plot appeals to just about everything I like in life, though I agree the writing is...not amateurish, but something just a step above that. So far, plenty acceptable for me, though to the editor who let "passed" instead of "past" through -- FOR SHAME!