 The novel received a mixed reception from critics . Some reviewers were impressed by the novel 's scope and grandiosity , while others felt that the characters were underdeveloped and the story was difficult to follow . New Scientist described the first half of the book as " a gripping , original tale " , but complained that in the second half Bear over @-@ complicates the story with " too many ideas , images , mythologies and distractions " . City at the End of Time was nominated for the Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Novel and the John W. Campbell Memorial Award in 2009 . 
