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Calypso
Rochelle wakes from cryostasis to take up her role on the colony ark, Calypso . But she wakes to find the ship deserted, and the interior taken over by a forest. As she explores and finds the last remaining members of the crew, she discovers a legacy of war conducted whilst she slept.
The engineers and the botanists have different visions for how to build the world. The engineers would build a new utopia of technology; the botanists would have the planet bloom, untouched by mankind. Both will destroy the other to ensure their vision of paradise prevails.
And Rochelle, the last to wake on the Calypso , holds the balance of power in her hands.
A high-stakes SF adventure of shattering moons, a colonial ark turned into Eden, post-human evolutions, delivered in a uniquely compelling form.
The engineers and the botanists have different visions for how to build the world. The engineers would build a new utopia of technology; the botanists would have the planet bloom, untouched by mankind. Both will destroy the other to ensure their vision of paradise prevails.
And Rochelle, the last to wake on the Calypso , holds the balance of power in her hands.
A high-stakes SF adventure of shattering moons, a colonial ark turned into Eden, post-human evolutions, delivered in a uniquely compelling form.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published April 2, 2024
158 people are currently reading
2764 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
February 29, 2024
A dazzling feat of form and function.
The care in the structuring is evident.
The story itself is compelling and well told.
I loved this � don’t let the verse form scare you away, as it doesn’t take long to adjust to, and it adds to the atmosphere and tone of this mythic tale. Some may bemoan style over substance here, but I found the underlying story to be fascinating in its own right, and I was very invested in the outcome.
There is one particularly breathless and evocative where a character remakes a planet in divine fashion. The lines of verse oscillate in length for pages and pages. It’s a wondrous and arresting example of what you’re in for if you decide to step aboard Calypso.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
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The care in the structuring is evident.
The story itself is compelling and well told.
I loved this � don’t let the verse form scare you away, as it doesn’t take long to adjust to, and it adds to the atmosphere and tone of this mythic tale. Some may bemoan style over substance here, but I found the underlying story to be fascinating in its own right, and I was very invested in the outcome.
There is one particularly breathless and evocative where a character remakes a planet in divine fashion. The lines of verse oscillate in length for pages and pages. It’s a wondrous and arresting example of what you’re in for if you decide to step aboard Calypso.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Blog:
Twitter:
Instagram:
February 24, 2024
Calypso is a piece of experimentally penned sci-fi that I somewhat struggled with, despite the fact that I appreciated many of the ideas behind it.
The story
Our story opens with Rochelle, a passenger on the colonyship Calypso traveling towards an exomoon coined Terra Nova, waking from cryo-sleep. Rather than the promised new world waiting for them to settle it, Rochelle finds the ship in turmoil. The majority of her fellow-passengers have perished, and the remaining few are scattered throughout the ship that has become overgrown by the tendrils of a complex, sentient forest-ecosystem. As Rochelle pieces together the events that took place during her statis, she uncovers a legacy of war and conflicting ideals and philosophies that brought the ship to its current state. As she grieves both the losses of her past and her imagined future, Rochelle must come to terms with her stance and beliefs on the matter�
What I loved:
When I say experimental sci-fi, I’m mostly referring to the very unique format, which reads more like an extended verse than a traditional novel. Throughout the story, we follow 4 distinct POV’s: our protagonists Rochelle, botanist/biologists Catherine, engineer Arthur and a man solely known as The Herald. Each of their POV’s is told in distinctly different formatting, playing with rhyme, meter and positioning of words on the page. All that is enhanced by beautiful illustrations at every POV-switch, which I enjoyed in the ARC-format, but I’m sure will be even more beautiful in the finished (printed) copy.
Part puzzle, part poem, part philosophical musing, the joy of Calypso is in the journey, so I won’t spell out the themes and discussions it engages with in too much detail here. In broad terms, think a lot of the classics of space-faring-sci-fi: nature-vs-technology, religion and ethics, the meaning of “being human�, and the contemplation of time and distance through memory. That last part provided some of my favourite moments in Calypso as Rochelle thinks back on her past on Earth and the family she left behind, who she knew would be dead for decades before she would even wake from cryosleep.
What I didn’t love:
Two points of critique stand out to me after finishing Calypso. First and foremost was how much I struggled with the non-traditional format. This isn’t an easy book to read, and it’s intentionally so. It’s very much on the literary- and experimental side of sci-fi and it requires you to indulge it a lot when it comes to just exploring ideas. In other words: this will alienate a lot of readers that would prefer a simpler and more straightforward narrative.
Which brings me to my second point. Although I’m personally okay with putting in the effort with a more experimental style, there does need to be an exceptional pay-off at the end. I was a bit let down on that end. In taking on all the Great Themes of Space-scifi, I felt like I didn’t gain any new ideas from this book itself. The discussions on hand all felt like I’ve read them before, and the format didn’t click with me personally in a way that added to that experience.
Your mileage may vary with this one. If you’re in the market for an ambitious, experimental novel with a focus on ideas rather than plot, this might be the perfect fit for you. Looking for a more traditional space-romp: look elsewhere.
Many thanks to Titan Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The story
Our story opens with Rochelle, a passenger on the colonyship Calypso traveling towards an exomoon coined Terra Nova, waking from cryo-sleep. Rather than the promised new world waiting for them to settle it, Rochelle finds the ship in turmoil. The majority of her fellow-passengers have perished, and the remaining few are scattered throughout the ship that has become overgrown by the tendrils of a complex, sentient forest-ecosystem. As Rochelle pieces together the events that took place during her statis, she uncovers a legacy of war and conflicting ideals and philosophies that brought the ship to its current state. As she grieves both the losses of her past and her imagined future, Rochelle must come to terms with her stance and beliefs on the matter�
What I loved:
When I say experimental sci-fi, I’m mostly referring to the very unique format, which reads more like an extended verse than a traditional novel. Throughout the story, we follow 4 distinct POV’s: our protagonists Rochelle, botanist/biologists Catherine, engineer Arthur and a man solely known as The Herald. Each of their POV’s is told in distinctly different formatting, playing with rhyme, meter and positioning of words on the page. All that is enhanced by beautiful illustrations at every POV-switch, which I enjoyed in the ARC-format, but I’m sure will be even more beautiful in the finished (printed) copy.
Part puzzle, part poem, part philosophical musing, the joy of Calypso is in the journey, so I won’t spell out the themes and discussions it engages with in too much detail here. In broad terms, think a lot of the classics of space-faring-sci-fi: nature-vs-technology, religion and ethics, the meaning of “being human�, and the contemplation of time and distance through memory. That last part provided some of my favourite moments in Calypso as Rochelle thinks back on her past on Earth and the family she left behind, who she knew would be dead for decades before she would even wake from cryosleep.
What I didn’t love:
Two points of critique stand out to me after finishing Calypso. First and foremost was how much I struggled with the non-traditional format. This isn’t an easy book to read, and it’s intentionally so. It’s very much on the literary- and experimental side of sci-fi and it requires you to indulge it a lot when it comes to just exploring ideas. In other words: this will alienate a lot of readers that would prefer a simpler and more straightforward narrative.
Which brings me to my second point. Although I’m personally okay with putting in the effort with a more experimental style, there does need to be an exceptional pay-off at the end. I was a bit let down on that end. In taking on all the Great Themes of Space-scifi, I felt like I didn’t gain any new ideas from this book itself. The discussions on hand all felt like I’ve read them before, and the format didn’t click with me personally in a way that added to that experience.
Your mileage may vary with this one. If you’re in the market for an ambitious, experimental novel with a focus on ideas rather than plot, this might be the perfect fit for you. Looking for a more traditional space-romp: look elsewhere.
Many thanks to Titan Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
April 22, 2024
3.5
“Our world is a star-ship between the stars; Our world is its corridors and alcoves;
Our world is pipes and bulkheads and windows;
Our world is our memories and beliefs;
Our world is our tradition and patience;
Our world is diligence and oversight;
Our world is this crew, each other, always�.
The new world will be a new paradise,
But I tell you now, my beloved crew,
That we have already made paradise,
Here, on the Calypso, with each other.�
Calypso is probably one of the most unique books I’ve ever read, an ambitious and creatively executed sci-fi novel-in-verse. There are several distinct writing styles, with each of the four characters having a different style and format. Even the way the words are set on each page changes based on the PoV, and I found it fascinating to read a story where the format and meter and even word positioning are so precise.
I would almost count the unique formatting as both a positive and a negative. While it made for a completely singular reading experience, it also made the book a bit difficult to get through. There isn’t a straightforward narrative, and the poetic nature of the book leads to it relying heavily on the reader’s imagination and reflection. There are many ideas that are explored and described in such a way that there are pages and pages on end of sensory input with no plot development. While I was okay with this, I have a feeling many readers might find themselves skimming to get to the next place where characters are doing something rather than just thinking about something.
The actual premise was fascinating, though I will say it wasn’t until around halfway through the book that I was truly invested in where it was going and what would happen. The world building and background happen very gradually, so the beginning of the book had me questioning what was actually happening and why. I absolutely loved the middle sections, though I’m still undecided if I enjoyed how the book ended.
There were several interesting themes and topics brought up for consideration, including what it means to be human, whether knowing history can prevent us from repeating it, and who gets to decide what a “new world� should look and feel like. Some of these were examined in great depth, but there were others that remained only surface level. I wish we’d gone more into some of the character motives for important plot points.
In short, this is a very experimental and ambitious piece of literature. It was beautiful and lush at every turn, and if you love poetry this may be an excellent read for you! If you’re looking for a quirky or fun space opera though, you’d be better off looking elsewhere.
“Our world is a star-ship between the stars; Our world is its corridors and alcoves;
Our world is pipes and bulkheads and windows;
Our world is our memories and beliefs;
Our world is our tradition and patience;
Our world is diligence and oversight;
Our world is this crew, each other, always�.
The new world will be a new paradise,
But I tell you now, my beloved crew,
That we have already made paradise,
Here, on the Calypso, with each other.�
Calypso is probably one of the most unique books I’ve ever read, an ambitious and creatively executed sci-fi novel-in-verse. There are several distinct writing styles, with each of the four characters having a different style and format. Even the way the words are set on each page changes based on the PoV, and I found it fascinating to read a story where the format and meter and even word positioning are so precise.
I would almost count the unique formatting as both a positive and a negative. While it made for a completely singular reading experience, it also made the book a bit difficult to get through. There isn’t a straightforward narrative, and the poetic nature of the book leads to it relying heavily on the reader’s imagination and reflection. There are many ideas that are explored and described in such a way that there are pages and pages on end of sensory input with no plot development. While I was okay with this, I have a feeling many readers might find themselves skimming to get to the next place where characters are doing something rather than just thinking about something.
The actual premise was fascinating, though I will say it wasn’t until around halfway through the book that I was truly invested in where it was going and what would happen. The world building and background happen very gradually, so the beginning of the book had me questioning what was actually happening and why. I absolutely loved the middle sections, though I’m still undecided if I enjoyed how the book ended.
There were several interesting themes and topics brought up for consideration, including what it means to be human, whether knowing history can prevent us from repeating it, and who gets to decide what a “new world� should look and feel like. Some of these were examined in great depth, but there were others that remained only surface level. I wish we’d gone more into some of the character motives for important plot points.
In short, this is a very experimental and ambitious piece of literature. It was beautiful and lush at every turn, and if you love poetry this may be an excellent read for you! If you’re looking for a quirky or fun space opera though, you’d be better off looking elsewhere.
December 13, 2023
OMG. I mean this in the best possible way: What did I just read?
I received a digital ARC of this from Titan Books and was completely blown away by the creativity. Talk about blurring lines and exploding barriers between a novel, an epic poem, and space opera. I read this weeks ago and I am STILL thinking about it. Here's the blurb I provided to Titan.
Lush and lyrical, CALYPSO is nothing short of a marvel that toys with form and expectations, calling to mind both ancient epics and thrilling dreams of the future. It’s a staggering odyssey that smashes the scifi genre as it spirals out, from moments of stillness on Earth to riots of explosive creation on a distant new paradise. I was consistently amazed by Longmead’s prose that blooms off the page, and his gift for capturing whole histories and characters with just a few thorn-sharp lines. As a writer, I’m floored by his ambition. As a reader, I can’t wait to dive into his world again.
I received a digital ARC of this from Titan Books and was completely blown away by the creativity. Talk about blurring lines and exploding barriers between a novel, an epic poem, and space opera. I read this weeks ago and I am STILL thinking about it. Here's the blurb I provided to Titan.
Lush and lyrical, CALYPSO is nothing short of a marvel that toys with form and expectations, calling to mind both ancient epics and thrilling dreams of the future. It’s a staggering odyssey that smashes the scifi genre as it spirals out, from moments of stillness on Earth to riots of explosive creation on a distant new paradise. I was consistently amazed by Longmead’s prose that blooms off the page, and his gift for capturing whole histories and characters with just a few thorn-sharp lines. As a writer, I’m floored by his ambition. As a reader, I can’t wait to dive into his world again.
August 1, 2024
An extraordinary and epic poem telling the story of generations set hundreds, no thousand of years in the future. The Iliad and the Odyssey of sci-fi.
I don't know how to describe Calypso other than saying I'm pretty sure it was written exactly with my taste of book and theme ib mind. This book had the hallmark ergodic literature style of House of Leaves, but set in an eerie speculative sci-fi world in which plants, flowers and botany played a central role.
At times the winding, meandering poetry was hard to follow as it jumped between key characters and Greek chorus. Other times the physicality of the words on the page captured the scene beautifully. Sentences shifting from grounded to floating as the characters themselves were pulled to and fro by the narrative.
The narrative followed a generation spaceship set out to find and terraform a new world. As the engineers of the crew slumber in stasis, thousands of years pass. Kings rise and schisms shake humanity. Parts of the ship are quarantined for centuries and great murals line the metal corridors.
In short, this book was beautiful. To read and ti look at. I didn't even mind the religious allegory in the slightest.
I don't know how to describe Calypso other than saying I'm pretty sure it was written exactly with my taste of book and theme ib mind. This book had the hallmark ergodic literature style of House of Leaves, but set in an eerie speculative sci-fi world in which plants, flowers and botany played a central role.
At times the winding, meandering poetry was hard to follow as it jumped between key characters and Greek chorus. Other times the physicality of the words on the page captured the scene beautifully. Sentences shifting from grounded to floating as the characters themselves were pulled to and fro by the narrative.
The narrative followed a generation spaceship set out to find and terraform a new world. As the engineers of the crew slumber in stasis, thousands of years pass. Kings rise and schisms shake humanity. Parts of the ship are quarantined for centuries and great murals line the metal corridors.
In short, this book was beautiful. To read and ti look at. I didn't even mind the religious allegory in the slightest.
April 12, 2024
4.5 stars
The nitty-gritty: Unusual formatting, a captivating story and distinct character voices make Calypso a unique treat for sci-fi fans who are looking for something different.
Novels in verse require an extra level of attention from the reader, but they can be so rewarding if the author knows what they are doing. Case in point, Oliver K. Langmead has the skills to pull it off (and he’s done it in the past with Dark Star), and so I wasn’t surprised that Calypso turned out to be a unique and memorable reading experience. Much like reading Shakespeare, it takes a little effort to pull the story out of the verse format, but once the plot of Calypso emerged, I was completely sucked in. I will mention, though, that it’s better to pick up a copy of the finished hardcover, since I started reading a digital version and struggled a little until I switched over. Bonus, the hardcover is simply gorgeous (with full color end papers) and worth every penny.
The story follows Rochelle, an engineer who has been chosen as part of the crew of the Calypso, a generation ship headed to a distant planet. The mastermind behind the Calypso is Arthur Sigmund, who has traveled all over the galaxy and has seen first hand that no matter how many times we try to start over—colonizing Mars or the Moon or Venus—humanity's problems inevitably follow us wherever we go. Calypso’s goal is to start fresh: seed a new planet from scratch and populate it with humans grown in vats, cryo-frozen on the ship for centuries until the planet is ready for them to emerge. The engineers and other crew members will facilitate this ambitious plan, each with their own important job to do.
But when Rochelle finally awakens from her own cryo-sleep, centuries after leaving Earth, the ship is in shambles. Most of the engineers have disappeared except for a few: a bioengineer named Catherine and Sigmund. Sigmund tells Rochelle that a "schism" has occurred while they were sleeping, and a rebel group has split off from the crew. Despite this, those left still have an important job to do, as they have come so far and sacrificed so much.
The plot is fairly straightforward, but what really gives the story depth are the flashbacks, where we learn more about the characters and why they decided to leave their lives behind. Rochelle’s story is particularly emotional, because she left her two young children, Benson and Ciara, in order to take the job of a lifetime. Now, I don’t get it either. I’m a mother and I would never in a million years leave my children to go on a one way trip to another planet. But if Rochelle hadn’t left, the story wouldn’t have the same emotional impact. In the first chapter, we see her say goodbye for the last time, and folks, I was in tears. Later after she wakes up, she muses on what her children’s lives might have been like. Because yes, centuries have passed and they—and their children and grandchildren—are dead. Eventually Sigmund gives Rochelle a precious gift relating to her children, and I cried all over again.
In addition to Rochelle’s chapters, we get narratives from Catherine, Sigmund and a man called the herald. Catherine is a fascinating character. She’s not quite human (and you’ll understand when you read about her adventure), and her purpose is to seed the new planet and create a flourishing world full of trees, flowers, rivers and animals. Her chapters are quite different, not only in tone (more fantasy than science fiction), but in the way the pages are formatted. Her story is a strange one for sure, but also very beautiful.
Then we have the herald, who was caught up in the revolt on board the Calypso and has an epic story to tell. Later, he tells that story to Rochelle, who is still very much in the dark at this point, having slept though all the excitement. The herald’s chapter/tale reads like epic fantasy, full of bloody battles and dramatic action, and I’ll admit I found it thrilling. We learn what happened to the rebels, and I loved the idea that so much went on while the engineers slept.
Sigmund makes a shocking decision at the end of the story, although it was his plan all along. I found the last chapter to be surprising and emotional and perhaps a bit over the top, but who cares, it worked for me. The last few pages were pure magic, as Rochelle finally seems to have come to terms with her past decisions. Thoughtful, poignant and stirring, Calypso is a book you need to experience.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.
The nitty-gritty: Unusual formatting, a captivating story and distinct character voices make Calypso a unique treat for sci-fi fans who are looking for something different.
Novels in verse require an extra level of attention from the reader, but they can be so rewarding if the author knows what they are doing. Case in point, Oliver K. Langmead has the skills to pull it off (and he’s done it in the past with Dark Star), and so I wasn’t surprised that Calypso turned out to be a unique and memorable reading experience. Much like reading Shakespeare, it takes a little effort to pull the story out of the verse format, but once the plot of Calypso emerged, I was completely sucked in. I will mention, though, that it’s better to pick up a copy of the finished hardcover, since I started reading a digital version and struggled a little until I switched over. Bonus, the hardcover is simply gorgeous (with full color end papers) and worth every penny.
The story follows Rochelle, an engineer who has been chosen as part of the crew of the Calypso, a generation ship headed to a distant planet. The mastermind behind the Calypso is Arthur Sigmund, who has traveled all over the galaxy and has seen first hand that no matter how many times we try to start over—colonizing Mars or the Moon or Venus—humanity's problems inevitably follow us wherever we go. Calypso’s goal is to start fresh: seed a new planet from scratch and populate it with humans grown in vats, cryo-frozen on the ship for centuries until the planet is ready for them to emerge. The engineers and other crew members will facilitate this ambitious plan, each with their own important job to do.
But when Rochelle finally awakens from her own cryo-sleep, centuries after leaving Earth, the ship is in shambles. Most of the engineers have disappeared except for a few: a bioengineer named Catherine and Sigmund. Sigmund tells Rochelle that a "schism" has occurred while they were sleeping, and a rebel group has split off from the crew. Despite this, those left still have an important job to do, as they have come so far and sacrificed so much.
The plot is fairly straightforward, but what really gives the story depth are the flashbacks, where we learn more about the characters and why they decided to leave their lives behind. Rochelle’s story is particularly emotional, because she left her two young children, Benson and Ciara, in order to take the job of a lifetime. Now, I don’t get it either. I’m a mother and I would never in a million years leave my children to go on a one way trip to another planet. But if Rochelle hadn’t left, the story wouldn’t have the same emotional impact. In the first chapter, we see her say goodbye for the last time, and folks, I was in tears. Later after she wakes up, she muses on what her children’s lives might have been like. Because yes, centuries have passed and they—and their children and grandchildren—are dead. Eventually Sigmund gives Rochelle a precious gift relating to her children, and I cried all over again.
In addition to Rochelle’s chapters, we get narratives from Catherine, Sigmund and a man called the herald. Catherine is a fascinating character. She’s not quite human (and you’ll understand when you read about her adventure), and her purpose is to seed the new planet and create a flourishing world full of trees, flowers, rivers and animals. Her chapters are quite different, not only in tone (more fantasy than science fiction), but in the way the pages are formatted. Her story is a strange one for sure, but also very beautiful.
Then we have the herald, who was caught up in the revolt on board the Calypso and has an epic story to tell. Later, he tells that story to Rochelle, who is still very much in the dark at this point, having slept though all the excitement. The herald’s chapter/tale reads like epic fantasy, full of bloody battles and dramatic action, and I’ll admit I found it thrilling. We learn what happened to the rebels, and I loved the idea that so much went on while the engineers slept.
Sigmund makes a shocking decision at the end of the story, although it was his plan all along. I found the last chapter to be surprising and emotional and perhaps a bit over the top, but who cares, it worked for me. The last few pages were pure magic, as Rochelle finally seems to have come to terms with her past decisions. Thoughtful, poignant and stirring, Calypso is a book you need to experience.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.
September 4, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
🍄� WHAT A BOOK!! I haven't been so excited to read something in AGES, as soon as it arrived I knew it was my next to read. and the Broken Binding special edition of it is absolutely amazing.
Calypso was a perfect blend of sci-fi and poetry. It kind of reminds me of the 2018 film "Annihilation" in terms of aesthetic, which is such a choice comparison to make for visuals alone, but I loved that movie and loved this book, and in some weird roundabout way, they're sort of similar! I didn't know what to expect going in, and coming out of it, I still don't fully know what I was given, but I do know that I loved it.
Holy mother of formatting. The main appeal of Calypso is the different perspectives and the way they each speak/type. It's impossible to fully explain how each perspective speaks, but they're all so unique and stand apart from each other in a way that gives them so much character. Langmead plays around with voice, style, punctuation, capitalization, margins, spacing, and even alignment, all to create four really distinct voices that each contribute to the story in their own way: Rochelle, Catherine, Arthur, and The Herald. I had a BLAST getting to learn the characters, and it's no small feat for an author to be able to write such gorgeous characters with all different styles.
Rochelle was the main character, so we saw a lot more of her. She had so much importance in terms of learning about who she was, who she is, and her whole story was so touching and beautiful.
Followed closely by Catherine, who was EASILY my favourite character both for style of writing and personality 🌸 because who doesn't love a bioengineered plant woman who'll sacrifice herself for a better world? Catherine's chapters were STUNNING, especially as we neared the latter half of the book, and her perspectives made me cry at least twice.
Arthur was the third most prevalent, but he really existed to give some exposition and to set the scene a little more, to give depth to the decisions being made. I would have liked to see more from him, but he wasn't as immediately important as Rochelle and Catherine were.
The Herald had one "chapter"; his perspective felt a little unnecessary but I did really enjoy it regardless, and it gave a pretty good chunk of the story all within his section.
Dotted throughout with captivating illustrations, I was just so sucked into the world.
Despite the fact that the book was definitely more of a vibes read, and that the characters carried the story, it did still have a concrete plot & a really touching arc. It was short, so it didn't explore a lot of the intricacies I usually look for in sci-fi, and it didn't add anything to the genre. This wasn't a plot that we've never seen before, or an inventive take on the genre.
If you're wanting a more concrete, realistic, or "proper" sci-fi book, this isn't it. While it was still amazing, it was meant to explore topics like humanity, history, learning from our mistakes, giving to the future, and self sacrifice, using a sci-fi setting as a tool to do that, rather than focusing on being a sci-fi piece. Maybe that makes 0 sense but I'm sure the people who need to hear it will understand it.
I do still think that fans of sci-fi, poetry, and people who want to be immersed in vivid, tangible imagery will love this book. But just be aware going into it: it's weird! And you have to sort of embrace that, because for how great it is, it's also just so out there and wild, and I really did love every second of it. 💫 I feel like I could honestly just go on and on about this book, but you need to read it for yourself to fully understand
🍄� WHAT A BOOK!! I haven't been so excited to read something in AGES, as soon as it arrived I knew it was my next to read. and the Broken Binding special edition of it is absolutely amazing.
Calypso was a perfect blend of sci-fi and poetry. It kind of reminds me of the 2018 film "Annihilation" in terms of aesthetic, which is such a choice comparison to make for visuals alone, but I loved that movie and loved this book, and in some weird roundabout way, they're sort of similar! I didn't know what to expect going in, and coming out of it, I still don't fully know what I was given, but I do know that I loved it.
Holy mother of formatting. The main appeal of Calypso is the different perspectives and the way they each speak/type. It's impossible to fully explain how each perspective speaks, but they're all so unique and stand apart from each other in a way that gives them so much character. Langmead plays around with voice, style, punctuation, capitalization, margins, spacing, and even alignment, all to create four really distinct voices that each contribute to the story in their own way: Rochelle, Catherine, Arthur, and The Herald. I had a BLAST getting to learn the characters, and it's no small feat for an author to be able to write such gorgeous characters with all different styles.
Rochelle was the main character, so we saw a lot more of her. She had so much importance in terms of learning about who she was, who she is, and her whole story was so touching and beautiful.
Followed closely by Catherine, who was EASILY my favourite character both for style of writing and personality 🌸 because who doesn't love a bioengineered plant woman who'll sacrifice herself for a better world? Catherine's chapters were STUNNING, especially as we neared the latter half of the book, and her perspectives made me cry at least twice.
Arthur was the third most prevalent, but he really existed to give some exposition and to set the scene a little more, to give depth to the decisions being made. I would have liked to see more from him, but he wasn't as immediately important as Rochelle and Catherine were.
The Herald had one "chapter"; his perspective felt a little unnecessary but I did really enjoy it regardless, and it gave a pretty good chunk of the story all within his section.
Dotted throughout with captivating illustrations, I was just so sucked into the world.
Despite the fact that the book was definitely more of a vibes read, and that the characters carried the story, it did still have a concrete plot & a really touching arc. It was short, so it didn't explore a lot of the intricacies I usually look for in sci-fi, and it didn't add anything to the genre. This wasn't a plot that we've never seen before, or an inventive take on the genre.
If you're wanting a more concrete, realistic, or "proper" sci-fi book, this isn't it. While it was still amazing, it was meant to explore topics like humanity, history, learning from our mistakes, giving to the future, and self sacrifice, using a sci-fi setting as a tool to do that, rather than focusing on being a sci-fi piece. Maybe that makes 0 sense but I'm sure the people who need to hear it will understand it.
I do still think that fans of sci-fi, poetry, and people who want to be immersed in vivid, tangible imagery will love this book. But just be aware going into it: it's weird! And you have to sort of embrace that, because for how great it is, it's also just so out there and wild, and I really did love every second of it. 💫 I feel like I could honestly just go on and on about this book, but you need to read it for yourself to fully understand
April 5, 2024
Calypso was a bit of a mixed bag for me. Some things worked, some things didn't, but I still feel like overall I am glad I read it, so we have to consider that more good than not, right?
What Worked For Me:
Can you even imagine leaving everyone and everything you have ever known, tossing yourself in cryo, and hopefully waking up in a new world, centuries away? I mean that alone is compelling! When we meet Rochelle, she's just woken from cryo, realizing that things on the ship are not as she'd expected. So that's intense. She also realizes that everyone she's ever known and loved is long since dead, which... oof. That has to be rough, even if you knew it was coming. Also, the writing style is definitely cool, even when I struggled at times to "get it", I was still able to appreciate that it was doing something different and unique, which I am always here for.
What I Struggled With:
There is this subplot of the story which I simply did not understand. It takes kind of a.. strange turn, and I honestly did not know whether it was actually happening, whether it was supposed to be metaphorical, or whether it was some batshit cryo-induced dream. That could be on me, I don't always do so well with more abstract themes. But I also felt like whatever the case, Rochelle felt quite disconnected from it all, or at least, devoid of emotions. Look, ma'am left herchildren behind to jump on this lifeboat, and she's just... Idk, kind of emotionally robotic about it all.
Bottom Line: I think people who are better with deciphering themes and such may appreciate this a bit more than I did, though I did enjoy the concept and the uniqueness!
What Worked For Me:
Can you even imagine leaving everyone and everything you have ever known, tossing yourself in cryo, and hopefully waking up in a new world, centuries away? I mean that alone is compelling! When we meet Rochelle, she's just woken from cryo, realizing that things on the ship are not as she'd expected. So that's intense. She also realizes that everyone she's ever known and loved is long since dead, which... oof. That has to be rough, even if you knew it was coming. Also, the writing style is definitely cool, even when I struggled at times to "get it", I was still able to appreciate that it was doing something different and unique, which I am always here for.
What I Struggled With:
There is this subplot of the story which I simply did not understand. It takes kind of a.. strange turn, and I honestly did not know whether it was actually happening, whether it was supposed to be metaphorical, or whether it was some batshit cryo-induced dream. That could be on me, I don't always do so well with more abstract themes. But I also felt like whatever the case, Rochelle felt quite disconnected from it all, or at least, devoid of emotions. Look, ma'am left herchildren behind to jump on this lifeboat, and she's just... Idk, kind of emotionally robotic about it all.
Bottom Line: I think people who are better with deciphering themes and such may appreciate this a bit more than I did, though I did enjoy the concept and the uniqueness!
March 26, 2024
This wasn't quite for me. I was excited to get into a SciFi prose novel, but it was really tough to read some sections due to the formatting clashing with my dyslexia. The cadence was off and the meter non-existent, it read like a novel with excessive sentence breaks.
The story itself felt cold and the characters never really grabbed me. The main character was hard to relate to for me, and the big religious shift in the middle was off-putting and, I don't know... contrived? It felt weird to have the MC be a body purist, but then be fine and dandy with hundreds of years of cryo-sleep?
I did like the bit from Catherine's perspective; it drug on for a bit too long, but the wrap up at the end of the chapter was really beautiful. The artwork within is lichen or mold focused and fit the mood wonderfully. There were some big David Lynch vibes during the more horror oriented parts, and I just wanted the whole thing to hold that energy.
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy nature writing and poetry, that can also dig a little weirdness and horror, who don't shy away from big Christian questions and themes.
Thank you NetGalley for approving me for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story itself felt cold and the characters never really grabbed me. The main character was hard to relate to for me, and the big religious shift in the middle was off-putting and, I don't know... contrived? It felt weird to have the MC be a body purist, but then be fine and dandy with hundreds of years of cryo-sleep?
I did like the bit from Catherine's perspective; it drug on for a bit too long, but the wrap up at the end of the chapter was really beautiful. The artwork within is lichen or mold focused and fit the mood wonderfully. There were some big David Lynch vibes during the more horror oriented parts, and I just wanted the whole thing to hold that energy.
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy nature writing and poetry, that can also dig a little weirdness and horror, who don't shy away from big Christian questions and themes.
Thank you NetGalley for approving me for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 18, 2024
A sci-fi creation myth
written in verse like
some epic Greek poetry shit.
Luckily my kid knows about mythology and
could explain to me who Calypso is.
Many reviewers found this hard to read.
Must have been Baby's First Experimental Novel
because it flowed quite well for me.
written in verse like
some epic Greek poetry shit.
Luckily my kid knows about mythology and
could explain to me who Calypso is.
Many reviewers found this hard to read.
Must have been Baby's First Experimental Novel
because it flowed quite well for me.
April 2, 2024
This works amazingly well as science fiction in poetry form - full of moments of awe and intimacy as we explore the character’s lives. Strongly recommended
Full review -
Full review -
May 11, 2025
2025 Hugo Award finalist - Best Poem
This is an interesting experiment in poetry for the one-time experimental Hugo category of Best Poem (if successful, likely to become permanent). A book-length poem about a generational starship off to terraform and colonize an alien world is not something that I expected to like, but after rereading the first few pages I found the rhythm and really had no trouble understanding and enjoying it, for the most part. The poetic style changes at a few points, most notably between the primary action and the flashbacks. There are two or three avant-garde sections that I mostly skipped over (for no small reason that the font size on my e-reader made them difficult to read) and didn't feel like I missed anything important. I'm not sure why Langmead wrote this as a poem, but it does tend to condense the action, letting the reader fill in some details and perhaps get a more emotional reaction. A similar prose story would likely be two or three times as long as this book. The story itself is not terribly original, but told this way brings out more of an emotional response, I think. One of the reasons I try to read as many of the Hugo finalists as possible is to discover new writers and new ideas. This book certainly meets that goal. I'm not likely to start reading poetry on a regular basis, but I'm glad I got a chance to discover this book which deserves its place on the Hugo Award ballot.
This is an interesting experiment in poetry for the one-time experimental Hugo category of Best Poem (if successful, likely to become permanent). A book-length poem about a generational starship off to terraform and colonize an alien world is not something that I expected to like, but after rereading the first few pages I found the rhythm and really had no trouble understanding and enjoying it, for the most part. The poetic style changes at a few points, most notably between the primary action and the flashbacks. There are two or three avant-garde sections that I mostly skipped over (for no small reason that the font size on my e-reader made them difficult to read) and didn't feel like I missed anything important. I'm not sure why Langmead wrote this as a poem, but it does tend to condense the action, letting the reader fill in some details and perhaps get a more emotional reaction. A similar prose story would likely be two or three times as long as this book. The story itself is not terribly original, but told this way brings out more of an emotional response, I think. One of the reasons I try to read as many of the Hugo finalists as possible is to discover new writers and new ideas. This book certainly meets that goal. I'm not likely to start reading poetry on a regular basis, but I'm glad I got a chance to discover this book which deserves its place on the Hugo Award ballot.
April 3, 2025
This book is so beautiful it has a heartbeat. The verse and style are so unique, I was both enthralled and impressed from the beginning.
The major fault for me to withhold a star is the way the protagonist just floated along the story like a leaf on the wind, having what felt like minimal influence on the plot, when she was set up to be the most important character. She was brought on this journey to question the leader, yet she barely questioned him or anyone else at all. She just went along with him and the other characters as a witness more than anything else.
P.S the blurb is inaccurate and misleading
The major fault for me to withhold a star is the way the protagonist just floated along the story like a leaf on the wind, having what felt like minimal influence on the plot, when she was set up to be the most important character. She was brought on this journey to question the leader, yet she barely questioned him or anyone else at all. She just went along with him and the other characters as a witness more than anything else.
P.S the blurb is inaccurate and misleading
June 16, 2024
is a hard scifi novel told entirely in verse - probably the first such I've read, although was also poetic. The novel opens inside the titular colony ship, when Rochelle the engineer is woken from cryostasis to find things are not as she expected. The novel has four narrators, who are distinguished by differing rhythms, layouts, and design of their respective chapters. I found this combination of writing and design elements delightfully distinctive. Sigmund the ship's captain tells his story in epic Homeric terms. Catherine the botanist is a posthuman hybrid who narrates in strange patterns and endless sentences. The Herald lives in thin air and has to pant for breath, thus there is a tab between every word he says. Rochelle is the most straightforward of the narrators, while also the most compelling. Her relatively familiar experience of the world offers the reader a way into the mysteries of this future:
That quote touches on the main theme running through the book: debate about what the Calypso's colonists should do with the new planet they've arrived at. How can they avoid repeating humanity's previous mistakes? The four narrators each have a different answer. Admittedly, I anticipated that the stylistic experimentation in would overshadow the plot, but was pleased to find this not the case. In fact, the different narrators allow it to proceed swiftly while incorporating many interesting worldbuilding details. I found the whole reading experience engaging and fun. Unlike most poetry I didn't feel compelled to read aloud, yet still really enjoyed specific rhythms of each narrator. This is a playful and original way to tell a scifi story that grapples with big questions of humanity's future.
I began to research Mars and its flaws,
Addicted to reading bleak articles
Detailing humanity's failures
Repeating themselves on another world.
The worst article was about seagulls.
It took decades to design them for Mars,
Adapting them for weaker gravity
And a marginally colder climate.
The gulls thrived, but not due to their design.
They thrived because they themselves adapted,
Leaving coastal towns for inland landfills
And there pecking at humanity's filth.
The pictures haunted me for weeks after,
Landfills filling ancient Martial craters,
Speckled with tiny dark winged silhouettes;
The birds' corruption preceding their birth.
That quote touches on the main theme running through the book: debate about what the Calypso's colonists should do with the new planet they've arrived at. How can they avoid repeating humanity's previous mistakes? The four narrators each have a different answer. Admittedly, I anticipated that the stylistic experimentation in would overshadow the plot, but was pleased to find this not the case. In fact, the different narrators allow it to proceed swiftly while incorporating many interesting worldbuilding details. I found the whole reading experience engaging and fun. Unlike most poetry I didn't feel compelled to read aloud, yet still really enjoyed specific rhythms of each narrator. This is a playful and original way to tell a scifi story that grapples with big questions of humanity's future.
September 23, 2024
A multi-generational spaceship saga written in verse, as an epic rather than a novel. There are hints of modern character development and motivation, and a plot, but the language and form are the real innovations. The poetry is often beautiful and the book is utterly original; I've never read anything like it.
The central question of the book, from my reading, is whether or not humanity can be redeemed; if it is within our nature and capability to be better than our history has shown us to be.
The central question of the book, from my reading, is whether or not humanity can be redeemed; if it is within our nature and capability to be better than our history has shown us to be.
April 9, 2025
What an experience this was.
Written entirely in verse, it defies conventional storytelling, immersing the reader in a world where language is as much a part of the journey as the story itself. The way the words move across the page, the rhythmic, almost hypnotic prose .. it’s utterly mesmerizing.
The story follows Rochelle, an engineer who wakes from cryostasis aboard the colony ship Calypso, expecting to take her place in a carefully planned future. Instead, she finds the ship transformed—a once-sterile vessel now overrun by a sentient forest, its corridors tangled with monstrous vines. The remnants of humanity aboard Calypso are divided: some believe in technology, control, and order, while others embrace nature, allowing it to flourish unchecked. As Rochelle navigates this fractured world, she must uncover the truth of what happened while she slept and where she fits within it.
What makes this book so captivating isn’t just the story but the way it’s told. The structure is as much a part of the experience as the words themselves. Different perspectives take on different poetic forms, visually shaping the narrative in a way that adds depth and emotion beyond what traditional prose could achieve. At times, words overlap and fragment, forcing the reader to slow down, to absorb the weight of what’s being said .. or left unsaid. It’s an incredibly unique and immersive approach that makes the book feel alive.
That said, it won’t be for everyone. The poetic format takes some getting used to, and if you’re looking for a fast-paced sci-fi read, this isn’t it. But if you’re willing to embrace its unconventional style, Calypso is an unforgettable, thought-provoking read.
3.5
Written entirely in verse, it defies conventional storytelling, immersing the reader in a world where language is as much a part of the journey as the story itself. The way the words move across the page, the rhythmic, almost hypnotic prose .. it’s utterly mesmerizing.
The story follows Rochelle, an engineer who wakes from cryostasis aboard the colony ship Calypso, expecting to take her place in a carefully planned future. Instead, she finds the ship transformed—a once-sterile vessel now overrun by a sentient forest, its corridors tangled with monstrous vines. The remnants of humanity aboard Calypso are divided: some believe in technology, control, and order, while others embrace nature, allowing it to flourish unchecked. As Rochelle navigates this fractured world, she must uncover the truth of what happened while she slept and where she fits within it.
What makes this book so captivating isn’t just the story but the way it’s told. The structure is as much a part of the experience as the words themselves. Different perspectives take on different poetic forms, visually shaping the narrative in a way that adds depth and emotion beyond what traditional prose could achieve. At times, words overlap and fragment, forcing the reader to slow down, to absorb the weight of what’s being said .. or left unsaid. It’s an incredibly unique and immersive approach that makes the book feel alive.
That said, it won’t be for everyone. The poetic format takes some getting used to, and if you’re looking for a fast-paced sci-fi read, this isn’t it. But if you’re willing to embrace its unconventional style, Calypso is an unforgettable, thought-provoking read.
3.5
April 6, 2024
“I have often thought you can tell a lot,
About a person by their living space,
As if it is a kind of second skin
Scarred and tattooed by the life lived in it.�
Oliver K. Langmead’s story begins with Rochelle, she wakes from cryostasis to take up her role on the colony ark, Calypso . Upon doing so she finds the ship deserted, and the interior taken over by a forest. As she explores and finds the last remaining members of the crew, she discovers a legacy of war conducted whilst she slept. The engineers and botanists have different ideas on building this world. Where one want to create a utopia of technology, the other would rather have it bloom untouched by mankind. Who will have it their way and to what lengths will they go?
This book was quite the reading experience. It is written in a unique way using long lyrical verses. The main influences throughout each have their perspectives shared and amongst the pages are little illustrations which add to the different stages of this story.
I have seen this described as an experimental sci-fi novel and that is exactly how it reads. It definitely felt like a speculative fiction book that questions the nature of human connection and the bigger picture.
A truly unique novel.
Many thanks to @titanbooks for a copy of this book.
About a person by their living space,
As if it is a kind of second skin
Scarred and tattooed by the life lived in it.�
Oliver K. Langmead’s story begins with Rochelle, she wakes from cryostasis to take up her role on the colony ark, Calypso . Upon doing so she finds the ship deserted, and the interior taken over by a forest. As she explores and finds the last remaining members of the crew, she discovers a legacy of war conducted whilst she slept. The engineers and botanists have different ideas on building this world. Where one want to create a utopia of technology, the other would rather have it bloom untouched by mankind. Who will have it their way and to what lengths will they go?
This book was quite the reading experience. It is written in a unique way using long lyrical verses. The main influences throughout each have their perspectives shared and amongst the pages are little illustrations which add to the different stages of this story.
I have seen this described as an experimental sci-fi novel and that is exactly how it reads. It definitely felt like a speculative fiction book that questions the nature of human connection and the bigger picture.
A truly unique novel.
Many thanks to @titanbooks for a copy of this book.
April 21, 2024
If you think about it, verse is the most ancient way to tell and hear fantastical stories of other worlds, so there's something old and knowing about this book. It's much more readable than you might think with classic SF ideas made new. I really loved this.
Want to read
April 4, 2024I know this has nothing to do with the Rick Riordan series but wouldn't it be really funny if Leo Valdez just popped up in this 🤪
April 23, 2024
Imagine waking on board a space ship, centuries after entering cryostasis, on the bring of creating a new world. Your role has changed, become mythical, and in your absence, a war has shaken the ship. Meet the Calypso, orbiting a new world about to become home to a new colony. Langmead's novel-in-prose is stunningly innovative, although elements at the end betray its edge. Thanks to Titan Books and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have not read many novels-in-verse, but the ones I have read I often found very touching. It is always a bit of a struggle, to calm the prose-focused, information-driven mind to actually take in the melody of verse, its ebbing and flowing. (Look at me waxing lyrical myself!) However, for a novel like Calypso, which very much wants to have a debate about nature and humanity, this format works incredibly well. I was also impressed by the choice to have the verse change format on the page. Each narrator's verse looks different, flows differently, in the layout, which, along with different rhyme schemes, makes each voice incredibly distinct. I'm always here for novels which do something new and interesting, not for the sake of being edgy, but because it serves the story best. And that is true for Calypso. While the verse and layout may prove a hurdle to reading at the beginning, do not let it discourage you. It is the best way for this story to be told, if you open up to it.
Rochelle awakes aboard the Calypso, alone. Stumbling through the enormous ship, she finds Catherine, a bio-engineered, enhanced human who will bring nature to the new planet. Also on the ship is Sigmund, the one who planned all this and who set their course for this new planet. Aboard the ship are also countless other people, who have watched over them, kept the ship in shape, and dreamed of their arrival. But these others will not be the colonists, they will never step foot onto this new Earth. Instead, in bio-wombs, the colonists await their awakening. Each of our three main characters has a task. Sigmund, the creator, Catherine, the natural catalyst, and Rochelle, she who will question Sigmund's master plan. Calypso is told through each of their perspectives, including that of a fourth, the The Herald, a position inherited across centuries by the people aboard the Calypso, who recounts tales and history. Each of their POVs has a different verse format, as explained above. Because of being told in verse, you don't necessarily get the same insight into the characters' interior thoughts as one is used to from prose. Rochelle, of whom we see most, reminisces a lot, and through her memories of Earth, we must puzzle together her thoughts now. Admittedly it was Catherine who I found most interesting, human and yet not, life bringer and sacrifice. Sigmund remains distant, slightly unknowable, throughout.
As I mentioned above, I was highly impressed with how innovative the form of this novel was, and also of the choices Langmead makes, which separate Calypso from other Sci-Fi I've read lately. The concept of the novel, of a colony ship, the making of a new planet, the conflicts spanning centuries, it was all stunning to me. Once I got used to the format of the verse, I also enjoyed it very much and let myself really sink into it emotionally. Rather than looking for explanations and info, I looked for meaning in the verse, its sounds, and that gave me a very touching experience. One thing I had mild issues with, or perhaps I should say one thing that surprised me, was the rather strong religious tone that came through at the end. Rochelle, as the guiding thread of the novel, is Christian and her faith in an un-altered body is combined with a faith in a benevolent, guiding God. As she finds herself witnessing the birth of a new planet and a new peoples, some metaphors become overtly Christian. Despite being Christian myself, it struck an odd note for me and it might for other readers as well. The struggle becomes one between technology and faith, seemingly, and I didn't know how far I agreed with this opposition. However, I'm still giving this novel four starts for its ingenuity and form, even if its (seeming?) message was not one I fully agreed with.
Calypso is a stunning novel-in-verse, an exciting Sci-Fi story that encourages conversations about humanity, nature, and our impact on our surroundings. While I didn't necessarily enjoy the direction it took toward the end, I found it a rewarding read.
URL:
I have not read many novels-in-verse, but the ones I have read I often found very touching. It is always a bit of a struggle, to calm the prose-focused, information-driven mind to actually take in the melody of verse, its ebbing and flowing. (Look at me waxing lyrical myself!) However, for a novel like Calypso, which very much wants to have a debate about nature and humanity, this format works incredibly well. I was also impressed by the choice to have the verse change format on the page. Each narrator's verse looks different, flows differently, in the layout, which, along with different rhyme schemes, makes each voice incredibly distinct. I'm always here for novels which do something new and interesting, not for the sake of being edgy, but because it serves the story best. And that is true for Calypso. While the verse and layout may prove a hurdle to reading at the beginning, do not let it discourage you. It is the best way for this story to be told, if you open up to it.
Rochelle awakes aboard the Calypso, alone. Stumbling through the enormous ship, she finds Catherine, a bio-engineered, enhanced human who will bring nature to the new planet. Also on the ship is Sigmund, the one who planned all this and who set their course for this new planet. Aboard the ship are also countless other people, who have watched over them, kept the ship in shape, and dreamed of their arrival. But these others will not be the colonists, they will never step foot onto this new Earth. Instead, in bio-wombs, the colonists await their awakening. Each of our three main characters has a task. Sigmund, the creator, Catherine, the natural catalyst, and Rochelle, she who will question Sigmund's master plan. Calypso is told through each of their perspectives, including that of a fourth, the The Herald, a position inherited across centuries by the people aboard the Calypso, who recounts tales and history. Each of their POVs has a different verse format, as explained above. Because of being told in verse, you don't necessarily get the same insight into the characters' interior thoughts as one is used to from prose. Rochelle, of whom we see most, reminisces a lot, and through her memories of Earth, we must puzzle together her thoughts now. Admittedly it was Catherine who I found most interesting, human and yet not, life bringer and sacrifice. Sigmund remains distant, slightly unknowable, throughout.
As I mentioned above, I was highly impressed with how innovative the form of this novel was, and also of the choices Langmead makes, which separate Calypso from other Sci-Fi I've read lately. The concept of the novel, of a colony ship, the making of a new planet, the conflicts spanning centuries, it was all stunning to me. Once I got used to the format of the verse, I also enjoyed it very much and let myself really sink into it emotionally. Rather than looking for explanations and info, I looked for meaning in the verse, its sounds, and that gave me a very touching experience. One thing I had mild issues with, or perhaps I should say one thing that surprised me, was the rather strong religious tone that came through at the end. Rochelle, as the guiding thread of the novel, is Christian and her faith in an un-altered body is combined with a faith in a benevolent, guiding God. As she finds herself witnessing the birth of a new planet and a new peoples, some metaphors become overtly Christian. Despite being Christian myself, it struck an odd note for me and it might for other readers as well. The struggle becomes one between technology and faith, seemingly, and I didn't know how far I agreed with this opposition. However, I'm still giving this novel four starts for its ingenuity and form, even if its (seeming?) message was not one I fully agreed with.
Calypso is a stunning novel-in-verse, an exciting Sci-Fi story that encourages conversations about humanity, nature, and our impact on our surroundings. While I didn't necessarily enjoy the direction it took toward the end, I found it a rewarding read.
URL:
February 25, 2024
2.5, rounded up
REVIEW OF ARC
I’m certain that this will be someone’s favorite book, but I just did not vibe with it.
This is a wonderful concept, but I’m afraid the execution wasn’t exactly spot-on. Many of the themes are very surface level without any deeper exploration, and there are a lot of plot threads and elements that don’t make sense or are dropped without explanation. Why did the custodians feel such a need to rebel? What was the reasoning behind Sigmund crashing the Calypso into New Terra and killing the crew with the engineers? Furthermore, while I love Rochelle’s introspection and Arthur’s narrative, I wish we got to know Catherine a bit more (not just because she’s my favorite character and we have the same name lol) and cut out the Herald’s part. To me, it doesn’t make sense why he’s listed as a main character when he only has one section, and it’s only for plot/exposition purposes.
To expand on the differing perspectives, I do like the different ways that Rochelle’s, Sigmund’s, and Catherine’s stories are told, with Rochelle’s in first person, Sigmund’s in third person, and Catherine’s in third person omniscient. The formatting of their chapters� verses also reflects who they are as characters perfectly.
Some good things I will say about Calypso: the prose is gorgeous. Langmead creates these lush descriptions that are such a treat to the imagination, and I think he could do really well in ecofiction. The way he writes is perfect for the genre, and he has an incredible talent for creating a tangible universe. In addition, I adore the blending of the classic epic with science fiction. Langmead brings this ancient style of writing and structuring into a new age, and I’ve never seen an author do this before. However, he also tends to overwrite, and I did find myself skimming at times.
I really wish I liked this book more--this is totally up my alley, but the technical elements just did not deliver for me. Like I said, Langmead definitely has a future in ecofiction, but this could have used more work. He’s got the talent, and I wish him nothing but the best.
ALSO: I think this is just a printing mistake, but in my physical copy of the ARC, Catherine’s and the Herald’s banners are switched, and I was reading Catherine’s part as the Herald’s for a while.
REVIEW OF ARC
I’m certain that this will be someone’s favorite book, but I just did not vibe with it.
This is a wonderful concept, but I’m afraid the execution wasn’t exactly spot-on. Many of the themes are very surface level without any deeper exploration, and there are a lot of plot threads and elements that don’t make sense or are dropped without explanation. Why did the custodians feel such a need to rebel? What was the reasoning behind Sigmund crashing the Calypso into New Terra and killing the crew with the engineers? Furthermore, while I love Rochelle’s introspection and Arthur’s narrative, I wish we got to know Catherine a bit more (not just because she’s my favorite character and we have the same name lol) and cut out the Herald’s part. To me, it doesn’t make sense why he’s listed as a main character when he only has one section, and it’s only for plot/exposition purposes.
To expand on the differing perspectives, I do like the different ways that Rochelle’s, Sigmund’s, and Catherine’s stories are told, with Rochelle’s in first person, Sigmund’s in third person, and Catherine’s in third person omniscient. The formatting of their chapters� verses also reflects who they are as characters perfectly.
Some good things I will say about Calypso: the prose is gorgeous. Langmead creates these lush descriptions that are such a treat to the imagination, and I think he could do really well in ecofiction. The way he writes is perfect for the genre, and he has an incredible talent for creating a tangible universe. In addition, I adore the blending of the classic epic with science fiction. Langmead brings this ancient style of writing and structuring into a new age, and I’ve never seen an author do this before. However, he also tends to overwrite, and I did find myself skimming at times.
I really wish I liked this book more--this is totally up my alley, but the technical elements just did not deliver for me. Like I said, Langmead definitely has a future in ecofiction, but this could have used more work. He’s got the talent, and I wish him nothing but the best.
ALSO: I think this is just a printing mistake, but in my physical copy of the ARC, Catherine’s and the Herald’s banners are switched, and I was reading Catherine’s part as the Herald’s for a while.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2024
This is a science fiction told in verse. We essentially follow three main characters. There are; Rochelle, Catherine, and Sigmund. They are living on a generation ship that has traveled to a barren planet with the intent of humanity starting over. Rochelle is said to be Sigmund’s balance. Someone who could oppose him if he threatened to harm the mission. Catherine is an enhanced human, The blurb mentions that there has been a war and several people are gone. However, that doesn’t seem to have a huge impact on the story.
Unfortunately, there wasn’t much of a plot and the characters fell flat for me. We literally only had those three humans and the crew acted together as a chorus, not distinct people in their own right. I also felt the format felt clunky and was difficult to read at times.
A possible saving grace is that the writing could be really beautiful.
“When he dreams he dreams of reaching up to the sky and plucking stars as if they are pieces of fruit. In those dreams he cups the stars between his worn hands and watches the light leaking between his fingers.�
There were some interesting themes as well. Sigmund thinks back to the first time he visits Mars.
“The marginalized living in shelters. I suppose I thought that Mars was perfect: a Distant, flawless, fresh utopia, As if Mars was Heaven and Earth was Hell. My friend’s stories were a revelation. There were homeless people living on Mars; Some mentally unwell, others addicts, Displaced by an indifferent culture Capable but unwilling to help them; As if autonomy is a virtue; As if a man should help himself alone: As if a woman is only worthy of her health if she earned it by herself.�
This passage really spoke to me. How peoples� indifference to others� plights can do so much harm. This helped a great deal in understanding Sigmund’s motivations. He is the character that is the most fleshed out.
However, the ending felt bonkers. The pace ramped up out of nowhere and while I can’t go into details without spoiling it, I felt the very last part didn’t seem plausible at all. Writing in verse cost the author a chance to show more character growth. This feels more style over substance. If you like surreal, stream-of-consciousness, and/or experimental sci-fi, you might love this. I know this book will be 5 stars for some but it wasn’t for me.
I am grateful to have received an ARC (advanced reader copy) from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review and the book will be published on April 2, 2024.
Unfortunately, there wasn’t much of a plot and the characters fell flat for me. We literally only had those three humans and the crew acted together as a chorus, not distinct people in their own right. I also felt the format felt clunky and was difficult to read at times.
A possible saving grace is that the writing could be really beautiful.
“When he dreams he dreams of reaching up to the sky and plucking stars as if they are pieces of fruit. In those dreams he cups the stars between his worn hands and watches the light leaking between his fingers.�
There were some interesting themes as well. Sigmund thinks back to the first time he visits Mars.
“The marginalized living in shelters. I suppose I thought that Mars was perfect: a Distant, flawless, fresh utopia, As if Mars was Heaven and Earth was Hell. My friend’s stories were a revelation. There were homeless people living on Mars; Some mentally unwell, others addicts, Displaced by an indifferent culture Capable but unwilling to help them; As if autonomy is a virtue; As if a man should help himself alone: As if a woman is only worthy of her health if she earned it by herself.�
This passage really spoke to me. How peoples� indifference to others� plights can do so much harm. This helped a great deal in understanding Sigmund’s motivations. He is the character that is the most fleshed out.
However, the ending felt bonkers. The pace ramped up out of nowhere and while I can’t go into details without spoiling it, I felt the very last part didn’t seem plausible at all. Writing in verse cost the author a chance to show more character growth. This feels more style over substance. If you like surreal, stream-of-consciousness, and/or experimental sci-fi, you might love this. I know this book will be 5 stars for some but it wasn’t for me.
I am grateful to have received an ARC (advanced reader copy) from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review and the book will be published on April 2, 2024.
January 31, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up.
The current blurb/marketing copy on this doesn't really fit the book; I don't know if it's from an earlier version combined with some publishing liberties but it's a shame, because this book is great. It's unusual in several ways not least because of how it's written. I'm not a fan of novels in verse, and I did struggle with this at times, but there's a couple of instances towards the middle/last third of the book that really sold me on it as a narrative style; the verse is used for a reason, and it really does add to the way the story is told. It also is good verse, not terribly poetic - in fact, for a good chunk of the book I wished I could replace all the line breaks with spaces as it felt like lyrical prose made annoyingly hard to read - but still with a beautiful grasp of language and shifts in not only the structure and layout but tone, syntax, words, mood for each character.
The study itself is pretty simple but beautifully done. At its heart it's about the creation and colonisation of a new uninhabited world, which is a not unpopular SF theme and a lot of the threads pulled at here are not necessarily original, but they are treated brilliantly. I'm a sucker for cryostasis and the way it featured in Calypso was fantastic, especially the main character's emotional journey as regards her family and life both past and present.
The ecofiction side of this was great. Several parts of the books made me desperate to get a bee hotel and never kill another fly or beetle and that's the highest praise I can give. It is stunningly, immediately affecting, and all the ways nature and ecology and life and biodiversity and bioengineering and the individual and the swarm are discussed in this book... It's astonishing. Beautifully written, unusually structured in a way that resonates, using some hefty imaginative SF to cut straight to the emotions, and while obviously there's some big "issues" this book never proselytises. It's not just the eco aspects, either; this book could form the basis of a month's long discussion group but never feels like it's trying too hard to be provocative or preachy, nor does it feel that points are raised unanswered. In fact, I really enjoyed the ending and think it's poignant and open but satisfying, which is a hard balance to strike in any book but especially given how this one unfolds was very impressive.
The current blurb/marketing copy on this doesn't really fit the book; I don't know if it's from an earlier version combined with some publishing liberties but it's a shame, because this book is great. It's unusual in several ways not least because of how it's written. I'm not a fan of novels in verse, and I did struggle with this at times, but there's a couple of instances towards the middle/last third of the book that really sold me on it as a narrative style; the verse is used for a reason, and it really does add to the way the story is told. It also is good verse, not terribly poetic - in fact, for a good chunk of the book I wished I could replace all the line breaks with spaces as it felt like lyrical prose made annoyingly hard to read - but still with a beautiful grasp of language and shifts in not only the structure and layout but tone, syntax, words, mood for each character.
The study itself is pretty simple but beautifully done. At its heart it's about the creation and colonisation of a new uninhabited world, which is a not unpopular SF theme and a lot of the threads pulled at here are not necessarily original, but they are treated brilliantly. I'm a sucker for cryostasis and the way it featured in Calypso was fantastic, especially the main character's emotional journey as regards her family and life both past and present.
The ecofiction side of this was great. Several parts of the books made me desperate to get a bee hotel and never kill another fly or beetle and that's the highest praise I can give. It is stunningly, immediately affecting, and all the ways nature and ecology and life and biodiversity and bioengineering and the individual and the swarm are discussed in this book... It's astonishing. Beautifully written, unusually structured in a way that resonates, using some hefty imaginative SF to cut straight to the emotions, and while obviously there's some big "issues" this book never proselytises. It's not just the eco aspects, either; this book could form the basis of a month's long discussion group but never feels like it's trying too hard to be provocative or preachy, nor does it feel that points are raised unanswered. In fact, I really enjoyed the ending and think it's poignant and open but satisfying, which is a hard balance to strike in any book but especially given how this one unfolds was very impressive.
April 2, 2024
Letting my inner nerd out I adored when we had to study the epic poems and tales during my uni days. I loved the Narrative poems of the likes of Marlowe, Shakespeare, and Tennyson but sadly these are seemingly not produced as much today and different not in other genres I like such a horror, sci-fi, and fantasy. Enter Langmead. In Calypso they capture the old style of lyrical prose and epic poetry to weave together a tale of deep space. But it’s so much more than that. We have comments and meditations on religion and science, death and life and of course humanity.
While I do believe the stories could be told in prose or novel format I think it would loose so much of the character Langmead as created. It’s a powerful tale, told with passion and in such a way you are bound to remember it long after finishing.
While I do believe the stories could be told in prose or novel format I think it would loose so much of the character Langmead as created. It’s a powerful tale, told with passion and in such a way you are bound to remember it long after finishing.
April 13, 2025
This looks pretty, but that’s the best thing about it.
The future setting doesn’t really work. This is supposed to be set in a world used to space travel and colonisation, but they don’t know how to store possessions while travelling and still print things onto some sort of paper.
The characters don’t really work either, I don’t think any mother without a real driving reason to be there, would leave her young children knowing she wouldn’t return. We’re not really given any chance to get to know the characters and their motivations.
The plot seems all over the place as well, there is a story in there but it feels completely disjointed. The random visit to the moon section just felt shoved in without reason.
I admire the author for trying something different, but this didn’t really come together.
The future setting doesn’t really work. This is supposed to be set in a world used to space travel and colonisation, but they don’t know how to store possessions while travelling and still print things onto some sort of paper.
The characters don’t really work either, I don’t think any mother without a real driving reason to be there, would leave her young children knowing she wouldn’t return. We’re not really given any chance to get to know the characters and their motivations.
The plot seems all over the place as well, there is a story in there but it feels completely disjointed. The random visit to the moon section just felt shoved in without reason.
I admire the author for trying something different, but this didn’t really come together.
January 6, 2025
3.5 stars -- Calypso is a unique experience that's hard to rate. It's captivatingly poetic, using the layout of the text itself to reinforce the story and different POVs. The concept is interesting and I felt invested to see what happened, but at the same time I never felt like I was IN the story.
A great book to experience if you enjoy unique literary experiences, but don't go into it expecting a normal story.
A great book to experience if you enjoy unique literary experiences, but don't go into it expecting a normal story.
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July 13, 2024DNF at 37%
I was struggling too much with the narrative. I am not sure the ideas were very well executed, especially written in verse. I don't think it was necessary. I also didn't like any of the main characters. The concept and premise were really interesting, and I wanted to enjoy it, but the execution just wasn't for me..
I was struggling too much with the narrative. I am not sure the ideas were very well executed, especially written in verse. I don't think it was necessary. I also didn't like any of the main characters. The concept and premise were really interesting, and I wanted to enjoy it, but the execution just wasn't for me..
January 18, 2025
beautifully written
Beautifully written, kept my attention till the very end! Sci-Fi without the filler and lore needed. Highly recommend to those who want a quick read to a new world!!!
Beautifully written, kept my attention till the very end! Sci-Fi without the filler and lore needed. Highly recommend to those who want a quick read to a new world!!!
May 27, 2025
There were some very interesting questions posed, but there was not enough space in the story to examine them as deeply as I feel they should have been. The writing was stylish, but I prefer a solid plot over style.
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