Instruct: Classify Amazon reviews into positive or negative sentiment
Query: Falls short of its promise

While I did eventually read the entire book, it took me a long while to get to the end. The story itself was a good premise, but I found that the writing was rather dull and uninspiring. The story of mankind's first encounter with extra-terrestrials should be an exciting and gripping story. Unfortunately... this book falls short of that. `Rendezvous With Rama' does start with some promise, but it ends with a barely audible whimper. I wish there was something positive I could say about this book, but to be honest, I cannot think of any positive points. Many people seem to like Arthur C. Clarke's writing, but based on this book, I doubt if I will pick up another one of his books.