Golden Anvil

Ringworld by Larry Niven

This is not actually the first time I've read this book. I think I first read it back in high school. Larry Niven is a very prolific author who has been writing since 1964. Ringworld was first published in 1970, and actually stands up quite well to the test of time.

The story is about a small team of people who go to explore a ringworld, and constructed artifact which completely encircles a star. But, that's only the general backdrop of the story. It's really more about species manipulation, advanced races, secrets, clever thinking, and wild-crazy-good luck. The book is very easy reading, and simple to get into. The plot is pretty straight forward, but not necessarily predictable.

I was actually surprised to see a decent amount of sex in the book, since I hadn't recalled that at all. But, unlike the last book, there is really no descriptive scenes at all. It's definitely not a significant focus of the book.

Part of the reason I enjoyed reading this book was the nostalgia of re-reading it. I think my sci-fi sophistication has advanced some ways since I last read it. That's not to say that the book is targeted towards youth or something, just that someone more used to reading lots of sci-fi who were to read it for the first time would probably not get as much enjoyment out of it. For someone who hasn't read much modern sci-fi, I'd probably rate it a 4 / 5. But, for myself and others who are heavy sci-fi readers, it's enjoyable, but not spectacular.

3.5 / 5