The book is a different category of sci-fi from its first in this series. Here the authors are interested in the characters and their schemes, the pressure from the press, religion, military etc..

in a sense thjs is less original narrative, but in many others a new kind of sci-fi takes hold that is well suited for filming.

We are left at the end with many questions left unanswered, but also some amazing insights. The long beginning which is all background for the characters could be condensed but is useful reference for the politics of what emerges later.

I enjoy seeing how two authors collaborate on a novel like this, and it is fresh to actually be able to recognise their voices so clearly. ( )

The great mysterious of RAMA only expand in this second installment keeping you on the edge of your seat. ( )

The afterword makes it clear that, although Rendezvous with Rama ends with the most sequel baiting phrase imaginable, it was never intended to be a series. Clarke also makes it clear that he's working with a co-author here (who will go on to complete this series later). Perhaps because of this then, the usual pitfall of a Clarke novel in the lack of characters and characters with depth is here replaced by lots of character drama. Unfortunately it's to the detriment of the book, which despite having an extra 120 pages on the predecessor, feels like it's spinning its wheels through most of the book. Still, there are still some great moments of awe and exploration echoing the original. ( )

Ugghhh, this was a hard slog to finish. I will admit I am still wondering, "Who/what are the Ramans?" so this book has not *completely* lost me... but that is some incredibly faint praise. ( )

Very different from the the first book in the series, especially the first part of the book which if you are able to push through the character build up part you will be rewarded with a great story of the crews experiences on RAMA II.