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Jul 24, 2008 Scurra rated information technology it was amazing

This is a hoot. Not only is information technology a splendid book in its own right, just the fun of trying to encounter how the incidents from The Hobbit are going to exist recreated in this lunatic universe is almost unmatched (I think only Jasper Fforde'due south The Eyre Thing has a similar symbiotic human relationship with it'due south source, and that is far more tangential. Although on reflection, Bridget Jones' Diary probably qualifies too.)

edit: just finished a reread (in the light of Mr Jackson's work) and I'm putting it up a star beca

This is a hoot. Non only is it a first-class volume in its own right, but the fun of trying to see how the incidents from The Hobbit are going to exist recreated in this lunatic universe is well-nigh unmatched (I think simply Jasper Fforde'south The Eyre Affair has a similar symbiotic relationship with it's source, and that is far more than tangential. Although on reflection, Bridget Jones' Diary probably qualifies besides.)

edit: merely finished a reread (in the light of Mr Jackson's work) and I'thou putting it up a star considering it'southward but wonderful in so many ways.

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November 09, 2014 Emily rated it really liked it

In a tale heavily influenced by Tolkien'southward The Hobbit, Spud tells of a norbit, who has a comfortable dwelling in the Asteroid Chugalug, but is drawn into an run a risk to the eye of the milky way with a group of clones called the Farr sibs, and Gitana, an apparently well-known charlatan.
Like Bilbo Baggins, Bailey is hesitant to exit his peaceful existence, but is likewise fatigued past the spirit of adventure. He comes to learn about the mysteries of the universe and finds himself more useful on this journeying In a tale heavily influenced by Tolkien's The Hobbit, Murphy tells of a norbit, who has a comfortable home in the Asteroid Belt, but is fatigued into an hazard to the center of the milky way with a group of clones called the Farr sibs, and Gitana, an apparently well-known adventurer.
Like Bilbo Baggins, Bailey is hesitant to exit his peaceful existence, merely is also drawn by the spirit of adventure. He comes to learn about the mysteries of the universe and finds himself more than useful on this journeying than anyone (except Gitana) believed he would be. Run-ins with space pirates, ancient alien artifacts, and spaceship-eating spiders are all par for the course.
Also comparable to the Hitchhiker'due south Guide to the Galaxy, this space opera is derisive, exhilarating, suspenseful, and moving all at the same time. Pat White potato (and her pseudonyms) may just be my new favorite author.
(I ordered and read this book in order to become some perspective and dorsum story on Adventures in Fourth dimension and Infinite with Max Merriwell which I received from NetGalley in Bad Grrlz' Guide to Reality) ...more

Apr 02, 2008 Claire rated it it was amazing

Probably in the reverse mode from almost of Pat Spud's fans, I picked this up in a pinch at the library considering I really enjoyed The Wild Girls, her new novel for younger readers. It turned out to be a lovely conclusion: There And Back Again is a perfectly charming romp through space, post-obit neatly and creatively in the path carved past Tolkien's Bilbo Baggins. Information technology had some gravity only not besides much, humor, geeky allusions, a fun storyline, and a happy ending. Probably in the reverse way from most of Pat Murphy's fans, I picked this upward in a compression at the library because I actually enjoyed The Wild Girls, her new novel for younger readers. Information technology turned out to be a lovely decision: There And Back Again is a perfectly charming romp through space, following neatly and creatively in the path carved by Tolkien's Bilbo Baggins. It had some gravity but not as well much, humor, geeky allusions, a fun storyline, and a happy ending. ...more

Bailey Beldon is living a simple life. He is a norbit living in the solar arrangement's asteroid chugalug, where he mines the area. Like most nobrits, Bailey is more than than happy to avoid risk. Unfortunately, things are about to modify when a group of clones all sharing the familial name Farr along with the mysterious Gitano in the hopes of getting him to bring together them on an run a risk for the ultimate prize.

Well, if all of this sounds familier, information technology should! This is really a reimaging of The Hobbit by J.R.R.

Bailey Beldon is living a simple life. He is a norbit living in the solar system'south asteroid belt, where he mines the area. Similar most nobrits, Bailey is more happy to avoid chance. Unfortunately, things are about to change when a group of clones all sharing the familial name Farr along with the mysterious Gitano in the hopes of getting him to join them on an adventure for the ultimate prize.

Well, if all of this sounds familier, it should! This is really a reimaging of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien wit a science fiction setting. Tater actually did a groovy job with doing just this. Not only has she really taken the major moments and characters (the characters really share initiials with their Tolkienian selves) of the original work and adapted them fir the new setting, but she did so in an interesting way. It was easy to want to continue turning the pages.

There are a few times when the plot gets booged downward by little essays exploring infinite science. In a way, information technology reminded me a bit of Moby Dick, which has capacity alternate betwixt the actual plot and information relating to whaling. I actually found myself wanting to skim through these sections, particularly since they dealth with topics (like wormholes) with which I was already familiar.

This is actually worth giving a endeavour!

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Apr 24, 2020 Tony Calder rated it it was amazing

This is a lovingly retold version of Tolkien's The Hobbit, altered to exist a space opera. It is full of joy and whimsy and was a complete delight to read. If y'all've never read The Hobbit, you lot should however enjoy this as a mannerly story - if you are a fan of Tolkien's classic children's tale, you will accept the added enjoyment of seeing how Murphy translates each of the elements of the original into her SF story without making information technology seem forced at any phase.
This is a lovingly retold version of Tolkien's The Hobbit, altered to exist a space opera. Information technology is full of joy and whimsy and was a consummate delight to read. If you've never read The Hobbit, yous should nonetheless relish this as a charming story - if you lot are a fan of Tolkien'due south classic children's tale, you will have the added enjoyment of seeing how Potato translates each of the elements of the original into her SF story without making it seem forced at any stage.
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Aug 09, 2008 Charlie rated it it was astonishing

This is a great re-working of the story of The Hobbit as a space opera. When I'd read the offset affiliate or two I wondered if I should have re-read The Hobbit before starting, only as information technology turned out I remembered enough to enjoy many of the story's natural language in cheek similarities. I'm not sure how much I missed, but it really does not matter.

It is a fun story in its own right with much of the tempo and tone of the original. It involves a small homely person and a set of clones going of on an adventure

This is a slap-up re-working of the story of The Hobbit equally a infinite opera. When I'd read the first chapter or ii I wondered if I should have re-read The Hobbit earlier starting, but as information technology turned out I remembered plenty to relish many of the story's natural language in cheek similarities. I'm not sure how much I missed, but it actually does not matter.

Information technology is a fun story in its ain right with much of the tempo and tone of the original. It involves a small homely person and a ready of clones going of on an chance to hunt for a Snark at the middle of the Galaxy. Each affiliate starts with an excerpt from the poem The Hunting Of the Snark by CS Lewis. Now I have to get and go a copy of that poem and read information technology all every bit, oddly, it is not i I know!

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Feb xiii, 2012 Dexter rated information technology it was astonishing

Recommended to Dexter by: Hannah

Such a absurd chance. The Hobbit in infinite. I mean, how much more do you really ned to hear in order to option this book upwardly?

It's done so well. Not only every bit a retelling, simply also simply as a scifi adventure. It'south just awesome.

I'd completely forgotten about the Snark stuff, so that was a pleasant surprise when I started rereading information technology. The Hobbit AND Lewis Carroll. Beautiful.

I highly recommend this book to fans of Tolkien, science fiction, and adventures in general.

Such a cool take chances. The Hobbit in infinite. I mean, how much more than exercise y'all really ned to hear in gild to option this volume up?

It's done then well. Not merely equally a retelling, only also just as a scifi adventure. It'southward just awesome.

I'd completely forgotten well-nigh the Snark stuff, so that was a pleasant surprise when I started rereading information technology. The Hobbit AND Lewis Carroll. Beautiful.

I highly recommend this book to fans of Tolkien, scientific discipline fiction, and adventures in general.

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An asteroid miner, Bailey, ends upwards (with mixed feelings) joining an chance to the galactic eye with a group of women "clones" (with some variations added for individuality.) Merely en route to the women's infinite habitat, going to see a museum curator to get info, going through one region of space to get from one wormhole to another, etc., they run into Trancers (who mesmerize people,) Resurrectionists (who take people to harvest their organs,) giant space spiders, pirates... So, well into An asteroid miner, Bailey, ends up (with mixed feelings) joining an adventure to the galactic center with a group of women "clones" (with some variations added for individuality.) Merely en route to the women's space habitat, going to encounter a museum curator to go info, going through ane region of infinite to become from one wormhole to another, etc., they encounter Trancers (who mesmerize people,) Resurrectionists (who accept people to harvest their organs,) giant infinite spiders, pirates... So, well into the book, the plot is the hurdles to become almost to their original destination.

The destination turns out to be an alien facility inside a moon. At least what is said in the book, the facility is a vast collection / library of how-do-you-do-tech maps of wormhole travel. There do not seem to be whatever flesh and blood aliens there.

There are many "exploring alien artifact" SF books. Generally, in such books when there are no living aliens, the humans feel gratuitous to wait effectually, maybe endeavour things out and perhaps take items abroad with them. I think information technology's worth noting: When the explorers reach their destination, they learn that when the previous human trek tried to go into the alien facility and eventually used explosives, an alien spaceship emerged and attacked the human camp. When Bailey finds a fashion into the facility, he senses two presences, ane of which is wary of Bailey being in the facility. When Bailey finds alien wormhole "maps," he takes i and starts to head toward the go out. He senses that the presence doesn't want him to exercise that, simply he continues. When the humans realize the alien spaceship which responded to the first expedition's explosives is coming out equally a outcome of the conflicting map being taken, the humans don't even consider, "Maybe we should return this alien map which doesn't really vest to u.s.a.."

It's something for scientists and writers to think about: When can yous break into a building / construction and freely examine the identify and accept things that interest yous? Think almost life on Earth in 2021. You move to a new town. There's a house with architecture that fascinates you. Your neighbors tell you they've never seen anyone living there. It seems to have been unoccupied for decades. Do you only detect a style to enter the building, look effectually and pocket anything you want? Doing so might be safer than breaking into an alien artifact... OK, and then if at that place really nobody dwelling house at an alien antiquity, it might be argued that the potential scientific benefits outweigh the reasons to stay out. Merely what if a security machinery has responded to humans entering in the by, and the security mechanism begins to answer to the second human burglary... And then, in that location are the risks of violence and likewise the question of breaking into a identify that clearly is not entirely abased.

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October xx, 2018 Peter Goodman rated it really liked information technology

"There and Back Again, by Pat Murphy (Tor, 1999). A fun infinite opera, and openly acknowledged tribute to Tolkein. There's the title, for example, which was what Bilbo wanted to call his memoirs.At that place is Bailey the norbit (they live in orbit in the asteroid chugalug) in his asteroid cavern, prissy and round, and the but identify he really wants to exist. But he finds himself on an hazard, led by the extraordinary adventurer Gitana (gender-switched Gandalf without the magi). He finds a strange bracelet, thursday "At that place and Dorsum Again, by Pat Murphy (Tor, 1999). A fun space opera, and openly acknowledged tribute to Tolkein. There's the title, for example, which was what Bilbo wanted to call his memoirs.In that location is Bailey the norbit (they live in orbit in the asteroid belt) in his asteroid cavern, nice and round, and the only place he really wants to be. But he finds himself on an gamble, led past the boggling adventurer Gitana (gender-switched Gandalf without the magi). He finds a strange bracelet, that lets him slow, stop or speed up fourth dimension so that he is essentially invisible. At that place is even a version of Gollum, a robotic animal so tortured by his evil captors that he hates everything and merely wants his bracelet. Anyway, in that location are battles and adventures, and trips to the black hole at the middle of the galaxy, etc. 1 non-Tolkeinism: The epigraphs before each chapter are verses from Lewis Carroll's "The Hunting of the Snark." Quick, well-written, clever. Oh, and Pat Irish potato besides writes as Max Merriwell. I am certain they have their reasons.

http://world wide web.brazenhussies.cyberspace/murphy/

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Aug xxx, 2020 Kaine rated information technology really liked information technology

Pretty delightful. Information technology's been some 20 years since I read the Hobbit, and then information technology's hard to say how shut this matched up, but it felt like a very original homage with a handful of scenes that were recognizable in a mythic way—following an archetype set by the Hobbit but completely recontextualized. I really enjoyed the difficult sci-fi, graphic symbol work, world-building and narrative vocalization.

Sep 10, 2018 Jenise rated it actually liked it

Skilful solid scifi. My favorite volume to read when i want something light and the proficient guys always win.

Mar 06, 2013 Harris rated it liked information technology

Later on I watched the latest Peter Jackson Tolkien adaptation a few weeks ago, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey which left me scratching my head as to how they will milk two more movies out of The Hobbit, I decided to option upward this space opera homage of my favorite of the stories of Middle Earth. I have to admit, I have non read many science fiction novels in the by, only I felt Murphy's melding of the gamble With the Asteroid Belt taking the identify of the Shire and a syndicate of clones taking After I watched the latest Peter Jackson Tolkien accommodation a few weeks ago, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journeying which left me scratching my head every bit to how they volition milk 2 more movies out of The Hobbit, I decided to pick up this space opera homage of my favorite of the stories of Center Globe. I have to admit, I take not read many science fiction novels in the past, but I felt Murphy'southward melding of the risk With the Asteroid Belt taking the place of the Shire and a syndicate of clones taking the place of the dwarves, the story follows the innovative "Norbit" Bailey as he accompanies them on their journeying to uncover a new wormhole which could let easier, faster transportation across the galaxy.

Later all, due to the laws of relativity, space travel remains rather difficult with years or centuries passing on one's home planet (or asteroid) while just weeks pass for the calorie-free speed traveling infinite explorer. An innovative, fifty-fifty progressive retelling, Bailey is surrounded by stiff characters of a multifariousness of genders every bit the various memorable scenes of the Hobbit are cleverly recreated with many fun tweaks and interesting interpretations. However, every bit close every bit the story hews to its inspiration there are relatively few truthful surprises and little tension is maintained for the requisite happy ending. In whatever case, "There and Back Again" is a fun space romp that offers some refreshing interpretations of Tolkien.

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October 06, 2019 Scriptrix rated it really liked it

This has been on my TBR list for SO LONG and at present I've finally read it. And information technology was so great! :D Even though it was a retelling, the worldbuilding was done really well and the characters had quirks and personalities unique to the setting. I loved that a large majority of the bandage in this volume was female, especially given the depressing lack of women in "The Hobbit" (made obvious by the fact that they had to really invent a female grapheme in the most contempo movies). I also liked Rattler and the This has been on my TBR list for SO LONG and now I've finally read it. And it was so great! :D Even though it was a retelling, the worldbuilding was done really well and the characters had quirks and personalities unique to the setting. I loved that a large majority of the cast in this book was female, especially given the depressing lack of women in "The Hobbit" (fabricated obvious by the fact that they had to actually invent a female graphic symbol in the near recent movies). I also liked Rattler and the invention of the Moebius ring. An entertaining and fun sci-fi spin on a classic, and worth a read!

(also, when I was reading it in public, and then many people went, "What's that book?" and got really excited when I told them it was "The Hobbit" in space.)

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May 09, 2009 James rated it liked it

This book very carefully reproduces the whole of The Hobbit, except transposed to space opera. Which is kind of a fascinating exercise to sentry unfold, but not in a manner which makes it a very good volume. Mostly you lot spend the whole book thinking things like "OK, how'due south she going to piece of work the barrels in .. oh, there they are!" instead of reading the book. This book very carefully reproduces the whole of The Hobbit, except transposed to space opera. Which is kind of a fascinating exercise to spotter unfold, but not in a mode which makes information technology a very practiced book. More often than not you lot spend the whole book thinking things like "OK, how's she going to piece of work the barrels in .. oh, there they are!" instead of reading the volume. ...more

Apr 06, 2012 Jordan rated it liked it

The Hobbit! In Space! Woooo!

So this book is pretty much The Hobbit turned into a space opera. And information technology actually works quite well. You can conspicuously see which events from The Hobbit friction match their counterparts hither, but at the same time information technology manages to not feel too forced. Putting aside the re-telling aspect, it's a pretty entertaining reading on information technology'southward own.

The Hobbit! In Space! Woooo!

So this book is pretty much The Hobbit turned into a infinite opera. And it really works quite well. Yous can clearly see which events from The Hobbit match their counterparts here, but at the same fourth dimension it manages to non feel too forced. Putting bated the re-telling aspect, it'southward a pretty entertaining reading on it's ain.

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Tolkien's "The Hobbit" re-envisioned as a scientific discipline fiction story. Believe it or not, it works, and makes for a marvelous gamble that will have yous cheering the characters on simply like in the original.

Sep 24, 2008 MJ rated it liked it

Rather annoying parallel to the Hobbit past Tolkein, just far into the hereafter when Bailey the asteroid miner is duped by "magician" Gitana into going on an adventure with a grouping of clones. I similar Murphy's storytelling ability though, and will look for other titles. Rather annoying parallel to the Hobbit by Tolkein, only far into the hereafter when Bailey the asteroid miner is duped by "wizard" Gitana into going on an adventure with a grouping of clones. I like Murphy'due south storytelling power though, and will look for other titles. ...more

Dec 26, 2010 Mace rated it liked it

It was only okay. Parts of information technology felt like writing exercises that got put into a book. Other parts were very captivating. I'm going to read more by this author, only so far Adventures in Time and Space with Max Merriwell has captured me the well-nigh. Information technology was but okay. Parts of it felt like writing exercises that got put into a book. Other parts were very captivating. I'k going to read more by this writer, only so far Adventures in Fourth dimension and Infinite with Max Merriwell has captured me the about. ...more than

Jul 05, 2011 Cathy rated it liked it

Entertaining space opera based on "The Hobbit," which will be nearly enjoyable for those who are fans of both trashy Science Fiction and the Tolkien book. This was the 2nd read for me, since I call up it fondly from about five years agone. A squeamish depression-key summer book. Entertaining space opera based on "The Hobbit," which will be most enjoyable for those who are fans of both trashy Scientific discipline Fiction and the Tolkien book. This was the 2d read for me, since I remember it fondly from about five years ago. A nice low-key summer book. ...more

Aug 23, 2012 B. Pope rated it really liked it

Do you like The Hobbit? Do y'all like Science Fiction? If you answered aye to both questions, read this book. It was a whole lot of fun and dissimilar enough from Tolkien that it wasn't a complete retelling of the original. Exercise you like The Hobbit? Do yous like Science Fiction? If you lot answered yes to both questions, read this book. It was a whole lot of fun and different enough from Tolkien that it wasn't a complete retelling of the original. ...more

January 08, 2008 Alex rated it it was ok

a remake of 'the hobbit' kind of a wierd read if you've already read the hobbit, but it's set in outer space if that makes a deviation a remake of 'the hobbit' kind of a wierd read if you've already read the hobbit, only it'southward ready in outer space if that makes a difference ...more

Aug 05, 2008 Erick rated it it was amazing

An amazingly clever and fun retelling of The Hobbit, in a science fiction setting.

January 23, 2013 Frank rated it really liked it

Modeled later The Hobbit and set in space. Very enjoyable if you compare the two tales.

one of the oddest books I've read in a while. i should have expected this from the title: its pretty much a homage to "the hobbit" ane of the oddest books I've read in a while. i should have expected this from the championship: its pretty much a homage to "the hobbit" ...more

Pure Pat White potato fun. You'd have to exist mad to combine The Hobbit, The Hunting of the Snark, and The Hero's Journeying. Or maybe simply genius... Pure Pat Murphy fun. Yous'd have to exist mad to combine The Hobbit, The Hunting of the Snark, and The Hero's Journey. Or maybe just genius... ...more

Feb 06, 2014 Philip rated it liked it

A fun book, retelling "The Hobbit" equally space opera with Gandalf played by a alpine, blond woman with ane centre. A good read. A fun book, retelling "The Hobbit" as infinite opera with Gandalf played past a tall, blond woman with one heart. A skillful read. ...more

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