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Wool #2
Proper Gauge
A cleaning has been performed, and now the silo is without a sheriff. With only one good candidate available, Mayor Jahns and Deputy Mames set off for the Down Deep to recruit her in person. Along the way, they discover much about each other, troubling news about this candidate, and stumble upon fractured alliances that could spell the doom of a silo they've worked long years to protect.
106 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2011
About the author
Hugh Howey
126 books55.6k followersI'm the author of WOOL, a top 5 science fiction book on Amazon. I also wrote the Molly Fyde saga, a tale of a teenager from the 25th century who is repeatedly told that girls can't do certain things -- and then does them anyway.
A theme in my books is the celebration of overcoming odds and of not allowing the cruelty of the universe to change who you are in the process. Most of them are classified as science fiction, since they often take place in the future, but if you love great stories and memorable characters, you'll dig what you find here. I promise.
A theme in my books is the celebration of overcoming odds and of not allowing the cruelty of the universe to change who you are in the process. Most of them are classified as science fiction, since they often take place in the future, but if you love great stories and memorable characters, you'll dig what you find here. I promise.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 602 reviews
February 18, 2023
Me ha dejado con ganas de más, ahora que parece que las cosas se ponen interesantes.
Relato muy corto que apenas nos deja atisbar algunas de las secciones del inmenso silo, nada más y nada menos que 144 pisos bajo tierra!!! y la cantidad de gente que allí vive y como lo hace.
Valoración: 6/10
Sinopsis: La alcaldesa Jahns y el ayudante Marnes emprenden un viaje al fondo del silo para encontrar y convencer en persona a la candidata ideal para ocupar la vacante de sheriff.
Será un viaje de autoconocimiento, contratiempos y alianzas rotas que podrían suponer la ruina del silo.
Relato muy corto que apenas nos deja atisbar algunas de las secciones del inmenso silo, nada más y nada menos que 144 pisos bajo tierra!!! y la cantidad de gente que allí vive y como lo hace.
Valoración: 6/10
Sinopsis: La alcaldesa Jahns y el ayudante Marnes emprenden un viaje al fondo del silo para encontrar y convencer en persona a la candidata ideal para ocupar la vacante de sheriff.
Será un viaje de autoconocimiento, contratiempos y alianzas rotas que podrían suponer la ruina del silo.
March 17, 2012
WOOL 2 is a solid follow up to Wool. In this story, we get more intimate with the inner politics and economy of the silo, and those who play the game.
Following the events in Wool, the Mayor and her Deputy find themselves without a sheriff. Their chosen replacement resides in the Mechanics department, many floors below the Mayor's office (which is the closest to the surface). The Mayor and the Deputy decide to embark on a quasi journey deep down into the earth on foot to meet the replacement face to face. An unusual decision considering that the candidate is stationed like fifty floors down and the Mayor is an older lady. Along the journey, we see glimpses of silo society, as well as get introduced to some antagonistic parties in the silo.
What struck me first about this story was the subtle, lyrical writing. Here is the first sentence of the book:
This opening was so perfect in setting the mood and was so evocative of the Mayor's character. The author does a great job fleshing out this aging Mayor and her hopes for the future of the silo.
The second thing I liked is the world building. Don't be fooled by the happy colors on the cover: living underground must really, really suck. It's like living in a windowless room all your life...breathing stale air 24/7, being warmed by generators despite the seasons, and never ever seeing sunlight. He doesn't make a point about describing each generator or every inch of the metal and concrete interior, but somehow, in his own subtle way, the author conveys the palpable claustrophobia and grayness of the silo.
The only criticism I had was that at times, the narrative moved a little too slowly. This is understandable since the narrative is largely introspective, but some scenes, especially the emotional tension between the Mayor and Deputy hovered between nostalgic and over sentimental.
But other than that, READ THIS BOOK and SUPPORT THE AUTHOR. Seriously. This little gem deserves more recognition, and at a little over 100 pages, this is well worth your time.
4 solid stars, and highly recommended!
Following the events in Wool, the Mayor and her Deputy find themselves without a sheriff. Their chosen replacement resides in the Mechanics department, many floors below the Mayor's office (which is the closest to the surface). The Mayor and the Deputy decide to embark on a quasi journey deep down into the earth on foot to meet the replacement face to face. An unusual decision considering that the candidate is stationed like fifty floors down and the Mayor is an older lady. Along the journey, we see glimpses of silo society, as well as get introduced to some antagonistic parties in the silo.
What struck me first about this story was the subtle, lyrical writing. Here is the first sentence of the book:
Her knitting needles rested in a leather pouch in pairs, two matching sticks of wood, side by side like the delicate bones of a wrist wrapped in dried and ancient flesh.
This opening was so perfect in setting the mood and was so evocative of the Mayor's character. The author does a great job fleshing out this aging Mayor and her hopes for the future of the silo.
The second thing I liked is the world building. Don't be fooled by the happy colors on the cover: living underground must really, really suck. It's like living in a windowless room all your life...breathing stale air 24/7, being warmed by generators despite the seasons, and never ever seeing sunlight. He doesn't make a point about describing each generator or every inch of the metal and concrete interior, but somehow, in his own subtle way, the author conveys the palpable claustrophobia and grayness of the silo.
The only criticism I had was that at times, the narrative moved a little too slowly. This is understandable since the narrative is largely introspective, but some scenes, especially the emotional tension between the Mayor and Deputy hovered between nostalgic and over sentimental.
But other than that, READ THIS BOOK and SUPPORT THE AUTHOR. Seriously. This little gem deserves more recognition, and at a little over 100 pages, this is well worth your time.
4 solid stars, and highly recommended!
March 3, 2012
Now we get a glimpse into the politics of the dreadful silo of Wool - usually a boring part of any series, but it was handled quite well in this one. And we get the clearer idea of the "bad guys" in the story. And we get the better idea of the scope of this world, the hugeness of the silo.
The writing remains good in this installment. I did miss the completeness and the haunted feeling of the first novella. However, this is inevitable since, unlike the first one, this one was not originally intended to be a standalone piece. Wool 2 is a different read since it sets the stage for the conflict of the expanded story, and this part has the tedious (but still very enjoyable in this case) task of setting up the larger picture and introducing the characters.
I think Wool could have easily remained a wonderful standalone novelette, but on the other hand I am grateful to be able to see more of this world, and will be immediately moving on to Wool 3. Good story with much potential. Can't wait to see where it goes.
The writing remains good in this installment. I did miss the completeness and the haunted feeling of the first novella. However, this is inevitable since, unlike the first one, this one was not originally intended to be a standalone piece. Wool 2 is a different read since it sets the stage for the conflict of the expanded story, and this part has the tedious (but still very enjoyable in this case) task of setting up the larger picture and introducing the characters.
I think Wool could have easily remained a wonderful standalone novelette, but on the other hand I am grateful to be able to see more of this world, and will be immediately moving on to Wool 3. Good story with much potential. Can't wait to see where it goes.
June 17, 2012
Something had happened. A great and powerful thing had fallen out of alignment. And it had nothing to do with her generator.
It won't spoil anything because I just posted the last two sentences of Wool 2 : Proper Gauge, but talk about another ending that knocked me on my ass...
3.5 stars. Let's rewind. For most of the time spent reading, I had my son's voice (from when he was little) in my head saying what he'd always say after he'd caught me and my husband kissing, "EWWWW...OLD PEOPLE LOVE..."
Wool 2 was about the possibility of second chances for two people (in their twilight years) who'd loved and lost. This new chapter itself wasn't as impressive as Wool 1 : Stacia was bug eyed over the ending (not the actual name), but I have the feeling that this was a bridge book used to showcase the inner workings of the silo. I also think that this story was used to reveal the political tensions which were simmering under the surface of this society. I'd consider Wool 2 to be mostly about world-building with an added dash of longing and a super pinch of "holy crap, now what?" thrown in for good measure. It was a slow starter, but the end delivered. When a book (chapter? section?) is under 100 pages, there's no real frustration over something being a slow starter. You don't have far to go before it picks up, after all.
The complexity of the silo was impressive. I have no idea how these people figured out their underground living quarters but this city had it all :
"Why don't we come down here more often?" she asked. Marnes grunted. "Because it's a hundred flights down?"
Even though this installment didn't have the same gut punch as the first it was still interesting. If the ending is any indication, the brown stuff is about to hit the fan in Wool 3.
May 10, 2012
Look I really like this series and will probably give the omnibus edition a 4 star rating. This however is sold as a single book and since I am so sick of books that are not books I am going to review this as if it were a stand alone book.
As an overview of an amazing city that exists inside a silo it is an excellent guide. The book doesn't have a plot and fails to explain one of the key elements of the previous book. If this book has its own ISBN then I should be able to pick it up and read it. The author should fill me in on a few things.. Such as what "cleaning" is and why they are celebrating it, and who is Holston and how did he die.. These are all prominent parts of the book that the author doesn't bother to explain.
The story goes like this. Since Holston is dead the Mayor needs to find a new Sheriff. She and the old deputy head down to the bottom level of the silo, level 144, to talk to a woman who they want to offer the job to. . It takes two days to walk down the stairs and four days to come back up. On the way back up the Mayor turns off power for four days so the generator can get repaired. The end.
No exciting twists, not really. The closest thing to suspense isn't even fully explained. I will have to read book three to figure that one out.
This should be part 2 of a book.. Not a book on its own. I am going to review the omnibus as a whole book and it will do much better because I am enjoying it. That is no excuse for publishing part of a book as if it were a book on its own.
ETA: Don't read this on its own. Just go buy the omnibus (which I understand is just being sold as a whole book without the word 'omnibus' in some countries). It is a really awesome book.
As an overview of an amazing city that exists inside a silo it is an excellent guide. The book doesn't have a plot and fails to explain one of the key elements of the previous book. If this book has its own ISBN then I should be able to pick it up and read it. The author should fill me in on a few things.. Such as what "cleaning" is and why they are celebrating it, and who is Holston and how did he die.. These are all prominent parts of the book that the author doesn't bother to explain.
The story goes like this. Since Holston is dead the Mayor needs to find a new Sheriff. She and the old deputy head down to the bottom level of the silo, level 144, to talk to a woman who they want to offer the job to. . It takes two days to walk down the stairs and four days to come back up. On the way back up the Mayor turns off power for four days so the generator can get repaired. The end.
No exciting twists, not really. The closest thing to suspense isn't even fully explained. I will have to read book three to figure that one out.
This should be part 2 of a book.. Not a book on its own. I am going to review the omnibus as a whole book and it will do much better because I am enjoying it. That is no excuse for publishing part of a book as if it were a book on its own.
ETA: Don't read this on its own. Just go buy the omnibus (which I understand is just being sold as a whole book without the word 'omnibus' in some countries). It is a really awesome book.
March 29, 2016
Wool 2 wasn't nearly as compelling or as interesting as Wool 1. My first issue stems from a lack of proper imagery. The two characters are walking downstairs for basically the entire novelization - I believe it is 144 floors or so that they walk down. And this takes them two days. Two days?! If I'm picturing this wrong I would love to know, but 144 flights of stairs simply do not take that long to walk down, even if you are past your prime like both of the main characters here are. The climb back up takes another three or four days. So that's a week to go up and down 144 flights...I was baffled and it colored my enjoyment of the whole story as it just doesn't make sense.
Besides that, the story is just pretty boring. It's more about going up and down stairs than it is about anything interesting. I am still intrigued as to where the omnibus is going to go and obviously you can't skip this story, but this was not a good addition, especially after how amazing Wool 1 was.
Addendum - April 16, 2012
I discovered that each floor is 33 feet high, after a correspondence with Mr. Howey and some mentions in a later book, First Shift - Legacy. I also discovered I was picturing it wrong, because I couldn't get the office building stairway out of my head. So when he mentioned a "landing" I was picturing it like this:
Pretty creepy actually
While it should have been more like this:
I just couldn't wrap my head around the stairs being a spiral, I really wanted them to be flights for some reason. Although I still think two days to go down is ridiculous.
Besides that, the story is just pretty boring. It's more about going up and down stairs than it is about anything interesting. I am still intrigued as to where the omnibus is going to go and obviously you can't skip this story, but this was not a good addition, especially after how amazing Wool 1 was.
Addendum - April 16, 2012
I discovered that each floor is 33 feet high, after a correspondence with Mr. Howey and some mentions in a later book, First Shift - Legacy. I also discovered I was picturing it wrong, because I couldn't get the office building stairway out of my head. So when he mentioned a "landing" I was picturing it like this:
Pretty creepy actually
While it should have been more like this:
I just couldn't wrap my head around the stairs being a spiral, I really wanted them to be flights for some reason. Although I still think two days to go down is ridiculous.
January 5, 2012
If I gave the first book 4 stars, I have to give this one a solid 4.5. Wool 2 does a great job of keeping up the momentum, interest, and mystery established in the first book while adding a layer of human interaction that forges a deeper connection with the reader. While most of the first book revolves around a single character and his internal struggle, in Wool 2 we get introduced to wide variety of people living in the silo. We even get to a watch a relationship form, with some tender moments. To balance that out, on the flip side we get introduced to "the bad guys"... as well as an initial look at the working class that helps fill the void in between. If you liked the first one, you'll probably like this equally much... if not more.
I bumped the star rating the other 1/2 a point up to a full 5 for two reasons:
1) I think a 5 star rating stands out stronger for people looking for a new series... and this is definitely worth recommending
2) I like what Hugh is doing with this series, taking a stab at an episodic format... where shorter/cheaper installments are released more frequently vs the traditional novels released yearly. It's fun and refreshing, and I wouldn't mind a few more series moving to that format. So, points to him for being on the bleeding edge.
Bottom line: I'm hooked and I can't wait to read the next few installments.
I bumped the star rating the other 1/2 a point up to a full 5 for two reasons:
1) I think a 5 star rating stands out stronger for people looking for a new series... and this is definitely worth recommending
2) I like what Hugh is doing with this series, taking a stab at an episodic format... where shorter/cheaper installments are released more frequently vs the traditional novels released yearly. It's fun and refreshing, and I wouldn't mind a few more series moving to that format. So, points to him for being on the bleeding edge.
Bottom line: I'm hooked and I can't wait to read the next few installments.
January 18, 2013
Proper Guage - I love how Howey uses knitting as an analogy for these instalments. In knitting, proper guage is about getting the stitch the right size so the end product is the right size. And our story continues with a glimpse at the sheer scale of the Silo as we descend floor by floor to the belly of the beast.
We also get a further glimpse of the politics of the Silo between the elected Mayor and IT.
Unlike the first book, this one ended pretty predictably. It's not standalone but it serves well as world building and amps up the sense of conspiracy - that something is not quite right with this little enclosed world.
Howey had me at Wool - and he still has my rapt attention so its got to be
5 stars.
We also get a further glimpse of the politics of the Silo between the elected Mayor and IT.
Unlike the first book, this one ended pretty predictably. It's not standalone but it serves well as world building and amps up the sense of conspiracy - that something is not quite right with this little enclosed world.
Howey had me at Wool - and he still has my rapt attention so its got to be
5 stars.
December 5, 2012
I really loved Wool #1 but this was basically "2 old people climb stairs for 100 pages."
August 13, 2016
-Revisión de temas conocidos pero con éxito, especialmente en lo formal.-
Género. Ciencia-Ficción.
Lo que nos cuenta. El Sheriff Holston, máximo responsable de la seguridad en el refugio subterráneo en el que viven un par de miles de personas que le respetan y le quieren, decide solicitar la salida al exterior, un acto que es a la vez delito, pena y ejecución, ya que está prohibido hacerlo y fuera del refugio no se puede vivir. Antes de su salida, vamos conociendo lo que pasó un tiempo antes con su esposa, que recorrió ese mismo camino previamente. Primer libro de la serie Espejismo, publicado en un principio por entregas a través de un conocido portal de libros electrónicos con un gran éxito para ser un trabajo autopublicado.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...
Género. Ciencia-Ficción.
Lo que nos cuenta. El Sheriff Holston, máximo responsable de la seguridad en el refugio subterráneo en el que viven un par de miles de personas que le respetan y le quieren, decide solicitar la salida al exterior, un acto que es a la vez delito, pena y ejecución, ya que está prohibido hacerlo y fuera del refugio no se puede vivir. Antes de su salida, vamos conociendo lo que pasó un tiempo antes con su esposa, que recorrió ese mismo camino previamente. Primer libro de la serie Espejismo, publicado en un principio por entregas a través de un conocido portal de libros electrónicos con un gran éxito para ser un trabajo autopublicado.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...
November 25, 2022
Outstanding follow up to the first story, Wool. I was transfixed with this short but powerful story. Great read.
January 30, 2012
This one was a bit slower than the first one and at first I was disappointed that the storyline was not so fast- paced and intriguing as the first. I felt this way throughout the book until I reached the 80% mark and then it all sort of came together and it made sense. The pace, the theme, the way the story evolved and then surprisingly the theme of the second story turned into a beautiful love story for me.
I am sure other people might read it completely different and have a completely different take on it but to me, it turned a beautiful love story. I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed the additional care the author put into every single sentence in this book, which I did not pick up in the first book (maybe because of the change in pace).
Looking forward to the next one....
I am sure other people might read it completely different and have a completely different take on it but to me, it turned a beautiful love story. I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed the additional care the author put into every single sentence in this book, which I did not pick up in the first book (maybe because of the change in pace).
Looking forward to the next one....
January 24, 2024
This installment just didn't do it. It's a mood piece and it seems to setup future conflicts and gives us a view of the structure of the silo. It would be fine as a sequence in a novel, but as a stand-alone piece it just doesn't do much. The plot barely advances and I am left wondering about the Mayor and deputy's choice. I won't spoil it it, but it's a little too random and feels like a set piece to justify their trip down the silo.
On to the next.
And I really hope to find out why "wool".
On to the next.
And I really hope to find out why "wool".
March 1, 2012
Ok.... I'm bowing down to you Mr. Howey. You just prevented me from doing a half hour of work that is past due because I couldn't stop reading this. Damn me for sneaking a peek at the beginning of the book and not being able to stop reading. Damn you for writing a creative, science fiction story that has me captivated.
I WILL not sneak a peek at part 3! NOPE, won't do it!!!
I WILL not sneak a peek at part 3! NOPE, won't do it!!!
October 30, 2020
Hugh succeeds in capturing the attention. Thats the job done just fine.
Overall, an average read though.
Overall, an average read though.
May 10, 2016
Not as good as the first one, but still interesting as an additional exposure of the Silo world and its politics. I'm expecting some more action in next installment. And some more secrets revealed.
August 12, 2019
I had to stop here.
After an unnamed apocalyptic event, the earth has been rendered uninhabitable, and people must live in an underground Silo, which extends many stories beneath the surface of the planet. Having enjoyed an array of post-apocalyptic and dystopian fiction this year, and with an upcoming apocalyptic fiction University module in September, I so wanted to love this. While I did like the concept of the novel, I found the book lost its initial impact after the first couple of chapters.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t connect with the characters. Although there aren’t too many of them, they were so bland I forgot who was who. Then, the biggest problem for me was the pacing. I’ve read that it eventually picks up the pace, but after nearly 200 pages, the story has done little to keep me hooked and I still have so many questions. Looking through the Goodreads reviews, I’m within the minority of people who disliked this book so it may still be worth trying. Nonetheless, I just couldn’t finish it.
After an unnamed apocalyptic event, the earth has been rendered uninhabitable, and people must live in an underground Silo, which extends many stories beneath the surface of the planet. Having enjoyed an array of post-apocalyptic and dystopian fiction this year, and with an upcoming apocalyptic fiction University module in September, I so wanted to love this. While I did like the concept of the novel, I found the book lost its initial impact after the first couple of chapters.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t connect with the characters. Although there aren’t too many of them, they were so bland I forgot who was who. Then, the biggest problem for me was the pacing. I’ve read that it eventually picks up the pace, but after nearly 200 pages, the story has done little to keep me hooked and I still have so many questions. Looking through the Goodreads reviews, I’m within the minority of people who disliked this book so it may still be worth trying. Nonetheless, I just couldn’t finish it.
November 27, 2022
Second book in the Silo series. After Holston went out cleaning, the silo is in need of a new sheriff and Mayor Jahns teams up with Deputy Marnes. They head to the down deep where the best candidate resides.
Favorite character: I liked Jules, Marnes and Jahns equally.
Least favorite character: Bernard all the way.
Favorite part: I enjoyed to get to know a little bit more about the silo’s life because the previous book left me wondering about this.
Least favorite part: the ending but now I can’t wait to read the next one…
Favorite character: I liked Jules, Marnes and Jahns equally.
Least favorite character: Bernard all the way.
Favorite part: I enjoyed to get to know a little bit more about the silo’s life because the previous book left me wondering about this.
Least favorite part: the ending but now I can’t wait to read the next one…
December 13, 2011
Wool 2 - Proper Gauge was fantastic! It started right where the first left off. A cleaning has been performed, and now the silo is without a sheriff. With only one good candidate available, Mayor Jahns and Deputy Marnes set off for the Down Deep to recruit her in person. Along the way, they discover much about each other, troubling news about this candidate, and stumble upon fractured alliances that could spell the doom of a silo they've worked long years to protect.
I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. When I heard there was another I bought it immediately. I found that it lived up to what I expected from the author. I enjoyed getting to know the Mayor more and learning more about her past along with the Deputy. I also had been curious with how the Silo had been set up and how exactly it worked. It was refreshing though depressing all the same. I will admit too that I couldn't help but curse at the end. It left so much open and though I am happy with how it ended somewhat, I couldn't believe it ended the way it did. I cannot wait till the next of this set. I really need to know what happens!
Cross posted to Amazon and my blog. http://madnessbreedsinspiration.blogs...
I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. When I heard there was another I bought it immediately. I found that it lived up to what I expected from the author. I enjoyed getting to know the Mayor more and learning more about her past along with the Deputy. I also had been curious with how the Silo had been set up and how exactly it worked. It was refreshing though depressing all the same. I will admit too that I couldn't help but curse at the end. It left so much open and though I am happy with how it ended somewhat, I couldn't believe it ended the way it did. I cannot wait till the next of this set. I really need to know what happens!
Cross posted to Amazon and my blog. http://madnessbreedsinspiration.blogs...
January 13, 2012
The first book gave us a glimpse of the silo environment but focused primarily on the main character, his torment and his final act of love and hope.
This second installment provides much more detail about the silo and it's people. We are also exposed to more characters in this story along with a journey, human intrigue, unrequited love and some of the same "what does it all mean?" types of questions we all ask ourselves. Mr. Howey definitely knows how to maintain the focus though and leads us deftly to a bittersweet end. But many mysteries still remain.
The fabric is definitely unfurling and I've already downloaded the next two books.
This second installment provides much more detail about the silo and it's people. We are also exposed to more characters in this story along with a journey, human intrigue, unrequited love and some of the same "what does it all mean?" types of questions we all ask ourselves. Mr. Howey definitely knows how to maintain the focus though and leads us deftly to a bittersweet end. But many mysteries still remain.
The fabric is definitely unfurling and I've already downloaded the next two books.
March 4, 2013
I read this book immediately after finishing Wool 1. I must say I found it ALOT slower and found myself not reaching for my book quite as often as with the first.
Things started to get interesting about 93% into it.
One of my most favorite things of Wool is that the characters are more mature. So no teeny, angsty love stories.
After the sheriff was sent to cleaning his position has to be filled. The Mayor and Deputy Sheriff set off to the deep depths of the silo to interview their favorite candidate. On their journey a story of love lost, and hopefully regained, unfurls.
I've already started reading Wool 3 and must say I'm enjoying it as much as Wool 1.
Things started to get interesting about 93% into it.
One of my most favorite things of Wool is that the characters are more mature. So no teeny, angsty love stories.
After the sheriff was sent to cleaning his position has to be filled. The Mayor and Deputy Sheriff set off to the deep depths of the silo to interview their favorite candidate. On their journey a story of love lost, and hopefully regained, unfurls.
I've already started reading Wool 3 and must say I'm enjoying it as much as Wool 1.
October 28, 2013
The second book in the Wool series basically just sets up the rest of the series (in my opinion). It's slow and took me forever to read. The economics and politics of the silo is very interesting and I enjoy the world he's created, but nothing really happens and for a 'short story' that is essential.
December 22, 2022
The second Wool story is also introductory; the old Mayor and the old Deputy descend all the way down the silo (and subsequently climb up again) and we get to know the vastness, complexity, and politics of this closed world. The ending is a good cliffhanger.
January 17, 2013
This wasn't really sufficient as a stand alone book. I'm sure when I finish the series this will have a place, but on its own...meh. Prepare yourself for stairs and little else.
April 14, 2013
Never before were Goodreads ratings guidelines so spot on: Two stars means "it was okay."
And that's all this was: okay.
PROPER GAUGE starts with Mayor Jahns casting on because, duh, how else do writers denote women of a certain age.
As an actual knitter, albeit younger than the stereotype perpetrated by Howey, his knitting description is laughably wrong:
Yeah, but no. Proper gauge is critical, but it's not just the needles that determine it, it's the yarn. Thin yarn usually requires smaller diameter needles. Thick yarn, larger diameter needles. Too small a needle and the knitting wouldn't necessarily be difficult; it would merely result in a tight, thick fabric (if the yarn is thicker than called for.) Nor do needles determine sweater size; the knitter controls that by how many stitches and rows he/she knits. And large needles don't create garments full of large holes, as if a moth accompanies the needles and randomly eats through the fabric. No, larger needles (when used with thin yarn) create airier, drapier fabric. And sometimes that's a design choice.
So right off the bat Mayor Jahns is unconvincing as a character.
(Editing to add: I just learned that his mother and sister used to own a yarn shop, and Howey has apparently tried to knit on occasion. The mind boggles at just how wrong he got it.)
Jahns has been Mayor of the silo for an untold numerous amount of years. Marnes has been Deputy (apparently there is one Sheriff and one Deputy, but unspecified numbers of sub-deputies. Yeah, that doesn't make sense to me, either) for an untold numerous amount of years. Both characters are described as "old," "past their youthful prime." But oh! the vague romantic yearning between the two of them! Because it apparently took the death of the Sheriff in the previous short story to awaken the geriatric Romeo and Juliet (not to be confused with the soon to be introduced Juliette, who CAN be confused with Juliette from LOST, ie the beautiful, competent female who is the only character capable of talking straight in the confusing, confused fantasy world.)
The plot of the story is fairly straightforward. Jahns and Marnes (how cute, their names kinda rhyme) need a new Sheriff. They decide to check out a promising candidate who works as a mechanical in the "down deep" and so must traverse 140 floors via stairs. These flights of stairs are apparently longer than normal flights, because it takes, like, two days. Meanwhile, it is possible to climb the 110 floors of the Willis Tower in Chicago in 14 minutes (winner of last year's Skyrise Chicago - the stragglers still managed to make it in under 5 hours.)
They climb down, making a few pitstops along the way. Jahns, for all that she has basically been the ruler of the known world for quite some time, looks longingly at Marnes and yearns to be held in his big, stwong arms. And since this is the world's longest (or slowest paced, can't make up my mind) climb down stairs, Jahns has lots of time to reflect. And reflect. And reflect.
They met Juliette, the aforementioned only smart person in a world full of dumb (I'd include Marnes in this, and nearly everyone else), willfully blind (Jahns) and sinister (IT. Oh, and IT is mostly made up of men. Of course.)
They climb up the stairs. Jahns reflects. And reflects. And reflects. And squeezes Marnes's hand. And cries. And cries. Because powerful women: they all just want to be wuvved. As Juliette's father said about Juliette, but it could easily be applied to Jahns, "You know girls that age."
And then the obligatory twist that was telegraphed, signaled in semaphore, and pretty much engraved in mile long letters on the Moon, occurs.
The End.
Along the way, Howey indulges in his love of tortured and overworked metaphors, sprinkled liberally with adjectives:
And later:
And forgetting the description of dust as an "organized frenzy" (say wha...?) - how did we get from low and ominous clouds to wan rays of a clear sunrise in less than three swipes of the Kindle?
Thankfully, even with the above examples, the word vomit is a bit less voluminous than in the previous book.
There are several proofreading errors for those who hate such things (raises hand.)
And that's all this was: okay.
PROPER GAUGE starts with Mayor Jahns casting on because, duh, how else do writers denote women of a certain age.
As an actual knitter, albeit younger than the stereotype perpetrated by Howey, his knitting description is laughably wrong:
She always chose carefully, for proper gauge was critical. Too small a needle, and the knitting would prove difficult, the resulting sweater too tight and constricting. Too large a needle, on the other hand, and it would create a garment full of large holes. The knitting would remain loose. One would be able to see right through it.
Yeah, but no. Proper gauge is critical, but it's not just the needles that determine it, it's the yarn. Thin yarn usually requires smaller diameter needles. Thick yarn, larger diameter needles. Too small a needle and the knitting wouldn't necessarily be difficult; it would merely result in a tight, thick fabric (if the yarn is thicker than called for.) Nor do needles determine sweater size; the knitter controls that by how many stitches and rows he/she knits. And large needles don't create garments full of large holes, as if a moth accompanies the needles and randomly eats through the fabric. No, larger needles (when used with thin yarn) create airier, drapier fabric. And sometimes that's a design choice.
So right off the bat Mayor Jahns is unconvincing as a character.
(Editing to add: I just learned that his mother and sister used to own a yarn shop, and Howey has apparently tried to knit on occasion. The mind boggles at just how wrong he got it.)
Jahns has been Mayor of the silo for an untold numerous amount of years. Marnes has been Deputy (apparently there is one Sheriff and one Deputy, but unspecified numbers of sub-deputies. Yeah, that doesn't make sense to me, either) for an untold numerous amount of years. Both characters are described as "old," "past their youthful prime." But oh! the vague romantic yearning between the two of them! Because it apparently took the death of the Sheriff in the previous short story to awaken the geriatric Romeo and Juliet (not to be confused with the soon to be introduced Juliette, who CAN be confused with Juliette from LOST, ie the beautiful, competent female who is the only character capable of talking straight in the confusing, confused fantasy world.)
The plot of the story is fairly straightforward. Jahns and Marnes (how cute, their names kinda rhyme) need a new Sheriff. They decide to check out a promising candidate who works as a mechanical in the "down deep" and so must traverse 140 floors via stairs. These flights of stairs are apparently longer than normal flights, because it takes, like, two days. Meanwhile, it is possible to climb the 110 floors of the Willis Tower in Chicago in 14 minutes (winner of last year's Skyrise Chicago - the stragglers still managed to make it in under 5 hours.)
They climb down, making a few pitstops along the way. Jahns, for all that she has basically been the ruler of the known world for quite some time, looks longingly at Marnes and yearns to be held in his big, stwong arms. And since this is the world's longest (or slowest paced, can't make up my mind) climb down stairs, Jahns has lots of time to reflect. And reflect. And reflect.
They met Juliette, the aforementioned only smart person in a world full of dumb (I'd include Marnes in this, and nearly everyone else), willfully blind (Jahns) and sinister (IT. Oh, and IT is mostly made up of men. Of course.)
They climb up the stairs. Jahns reflects. And reflects. And reflects. And squeezes Marnes's hand. And cries. And cries. Because powerful women: they all just want to be wuvved. As Juliette's father said about Juliette, but it could easily be applied to Jahns, "You know girls that age."
And then the obligatory twist that was telegraphed, signaled in semaphore, and pretty much engraved in mile long letters on the Moon, occurs.
The End.
Along the way, Howey indulges in his love of tortured and overworked metaphors, sprinkled liberally with adjectives:
The clouds were low and ominous today. They loomed like worried parents over these smaller darting clouds of windswept soil, which tumbled like laughing children, twirling and spilling, following the dips and valleys as they flowed toward a great crease where two hills collided to become one. Here, Jahns watched as the puffs of dust splashed against a pair of dead bodies, the frolicking twins evaporating into ghosts, solid playful children returning once more to dreams and scattered mist.
And later:
A small tornado had formed at the base of the hill, the gathering dust whipped into an organized frenzy. It built some steam, this small wisp, as it swelled into a larger cone, spinning and spinning on a wavering tip like a child's top as it raced toward sensors that fairly sparkled in the wan rays of a clear sunrise.
And forgetting the description of dust as an "organized frenzy" (say wha...?) - how did we get from low and ominous clouds to wan rays of a clear sunrise in less than three swipes of the Kindle?
Thankfully, even with the above examples, the word vomit is a bit less voluminous than in the previous book.
There are several proofreading errors for those who hate such things (raises hand.)
September 2, 2023
Since I'm reading the Omnibus it's hard to say when one book starts and the other one ends.
All in all, this second part is pretty good. Deeper dive into the consequences of what happened in the first one, but still exploring new ideas.
I'm a bit further already, didnt realise I finished this second part until I was through a bulk of the third one.
All in all, this second part is pretty good. Deeper dive into the consequences of what happened in the first one, but still exploring new ideas.
I'm a bit further already, didnt realise I finished this second part until I was through a bulk of the third one.
March 8, 2012
Another wonderful story in the Wool universe, albeit one fairly different from the first.
Wool 2 focuses on Mayor Jahns, the weary longtime leader of the silo, and Marnes, longtime sheriff's deputy. The story follows the two on a long quest that takes them to the "deep down" of the silo (essentially the bottom section of levels that the Mayor, and many others who live near the surface, rarely comes in contact with).
I won't say what the quest is since it'd be somewhat of a spoiler for the first story, but it's a fairly brilliant piece of plotting. Having Jahns and Marnes take such a trip allows Howey to naturally flesh out the various sections of the silo as the two descend deeper and deeper underground.
We get a vivid picture of life in the silo that goes a long way in bringing to life Wool's setting. The seemingly unending steps, the thrumming of generators, the lights substituting for sunlight to help grow crops. It's all familiar as various facets of regular human society, but it all has that sci-fi/post-apocalyptic twist that keeps things interesting. And we get to know the general population better, learning of their various professions, how they eat, how they sleep, how they pass the time, etc.
The atmosphere is also superb. Howey does a fantastic job of communicating what it's like to only know of life underground. And of course, the terrifying reality of the scorched Earth above and the mystery of what might lie beyond the silo lingers over everyone and everything.
On top of all that, you get plenty of fascinating insight into Marnes and Jahns as people and as leaders. With both of them getting up in years, they've seen and done a lot in the silo and being able to uncover some of that is a treat. I really, really liked Jahns in particular. Certain things from her past (again, no spoilers!) and her relationship with Marnes makes for a very compelling character.
So, yet another masterful piece of storytelling from Mr. Howey. I'm already dying to delve further into Wool with the third story and can only be thankful that he's apparently hard at work on even more material set in this universe.
Wool 2 focuses on Mayor Jahns, the weary longtime leader of the silo, and Marnes, longtime sheriff's deputy. The story follows the two on a long quest that takes them to the "deep down" of the silo (essentially the bottom section of levels that the Mayor, and many others who live near the surface, rarely comes in contact with).
I won't say what the quest is since it'd be somewhat of a spoiler for the first story, but it's a fairly brilliant piece of plotting. Having Jahns and Marnes take such a trip allows Howey to naturally flesh out the various sections of the silo as the two descend deeper and deeper underground.
We get a vivid picture of life in the silo that goes a long way in bringing to life Wool's setting. The seemingly unending steps, the thrumming of generators, the lights substituting for sunlight to help grow crops. It's all familiar as various facets of regular human society, but it all has that sci-fi/post-apocalyptic twist that keeps things interesting. And we get to know the general population better, learning of their various professions, how they eat, how they sleep, how they pass the time, etc.
The atmosphere is also superb. Howey does a fantastic job of communicating what it's like to only know of life underground. And of course, the terrifying reality of the scorched Earth above and the mystery of what might lie beyond the silo lingers over everyone and everything.
On top of all that, you get plenty of fascinating insight into Marnes and Jahns as people and as leaders. With both of them getting up in years, they've seen and done a lot in the silo and being able to uncover some of that is a treat. I really, really liked Jahns in particular. Certain things from her past (again, no spoilers!) and her relationship with Marnes makes for a very compelling character.
So, yet another masterful piece of storytelling from Mr. Howey. I'm already dying to delve further into Wool with the third story and can only be thankful that he's apparently hard at work on even more material set in this universe.
March 23, 2013
4 Stars
Proper Gauge (Wool #2), is an enjoyable sequel to the fantastic short book one. In this book the story of the Silo continues, this time centering on Mayor Jahns. She is an intelligent, fierce, and brave older woman that is respected by most. Her relationship with Deputy Marnes is the center piece of this novel. The long trek up and down the Silo with him add some backstory, politics, and even some romance to the series.
Howey captures the reader with descriptive prose, and a tight story line.
"...Several porters crowded up the stairs with heavy loads, trying their best to satisfy demand, and Jahns recognized an awful truth about yesterday’s cleaning: The barbaric practice brought more than psychological relief, more than just a clear view of the outside—it also buttressed the silo’s economy. There was suddenly an excuse to travel. An excuse to trade. And as gossip flowed, and family and old friends met again for the first time in months or perhaps years, there was a vitality injected into the entire silo. It was like an old body stretching and loosening its joints, blood flowing to the extremities. A decrepit thing was becoming alive again."
This book hooked me in the world of the Silo, and also as a fan of Hugh Howey.
Proper Gauge (Wool #2), is an enjoyable sequel to the fantastic short book one. In this book the story of the Silo continues, this time centering on Mayor Jahns. She is an intelligent, fierce, and brave older woman that is respected by most. Her relationship with Deputy Marnes is the center piece of this novel. The long trek up and down the Silo with him add some backstory, politics, and even some romance to the series.
Howey captures the reader with descriptive prose, and a tight story line.
"...Several porters crowded up the stairs with heavy loads, trying their best to satisfy demand, and Jahns recognized an awful truth about yesterday’s cleaning: The barbaric practice brought more than psychological relief, more than just a clear view of the outside—it also buttressed the silo’s economy. There was suddenly an excuse to travel. An excuse to trade. And as gossip flowed, and family and old friends met again for the first time in months or perhaps years, there was a vitality injected into the entire silo. It was like an old body stretching and loosening its joints, blood flowing to the extremities. A decrepit thing was becoming alive again."
This book hooked me in the world of the Silo, and also as a fan of Hugh Howey.
November 22, 2012
Each book in this series seems to get longer and longer. That may not be the case, but 2 is definitely longer than 1, and 5 was definitely the longest (by 3 and 4, though, I was turning through at such a clip that I had no idea of time).
2 was what it needed to be. Exactly what it needed to be. But only, again, after the fact.
Hugh Howey has a really good sense of composition. There isn't a lot of reliance on common tropes to give that sense of familiarity to the telling of the tale, but it's a very human tale and is definitely familiar.
This book continues the post-apocalysm of the first, and took the surprise at the end and ran with it. There is a revealing of the world through a journey, a building of relationships, a sense of scale established. It delivers a sense of a larger story building. And when just when I thought order was starting to be established, suddenly I saw something very sinister being led up to, and I had to just read through as it unveiled itself page by page, powerless to stop it. Another great ending.
2 was what it needed to be. Exactly what it needed to be. But only, again, after the fact.
Hugh Howey has a really good sense of composition. There isn't a lot of reliance on common tropes to give that sense of familiarity to the telling of the tale, but it's a very human tale and is definitely familiar.
This book continues the post-apocalysm of the first, and took the surprise at the end and ran with it. There is a revealing of the world through a journey, a building of relationships, a sense of scale established. It delivers a sense of a larger story building. And when just when I thought order was starting to be established, suddenly I saw something very sinister being led up to, and I had to just read through as it unveiled itself page by page, powerless to stop it. Another great ending.
January 30, 2014
...mint egy különálló történet a Megfelelő méret bizony csalódás volt az első rész után.
Finoman szólva se borzongtam az izgalmaktól, annyi bizonyos. Azt nem hallgatom azért el, hogy az utolsó fejezet viszont durva volt és váratlan, nagyon tetszett. Azonnal nyúltam a harmadik rész, a Kivetve után.
Ha viszont annak tekintjük a Megfelelő méretet, ami valójában, nevesül egy könyv középső egy-ötöd részének, akkor máris nincs akkora baj. A beszélgetések során egy csomó dolgot megtudhattunk a siló társadalmi berendezkedéséről, az emberek eloszlásáról, a munkamegosztásról, egyszóval a mindennapi életükről. Ezen tudás nélkül a következő részekben történő események – esetleg – érthetetlenek lennének majd.
Bővebben a blogon:
http://profunduslibrum.blogspot.hu/20...
Finoman szólva se borzongtam az izgalmaktól, annyi bizonyos. Azt nem hallgatom azért el, hogy az utolsó fejezet viszont durva volt és váratlan, nagyon tetszett. Azonnal nyúltam a harmadik rész, a Kivetve után.
Ha viszont annak tekintjük a Megfelelő méretet, ami valójában, nevesül egy könyv középső egy-ötöd részének, akkor máris nincs akkora baj. A beszélgetések során egy csomó dolgot megtudhattunk a siló társadalmi berendezkedéséről, az emberek eloszlásáról, a munkamegosztásról, egyszóval a mindennapi életükről. Ezen tudás nélkül a következő részekben történő események – esetleg – érthetetlenek lennének majd.
Bővebben a blogon:
http://profunduslibrum.blogspot.hu/20...
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