Reviews

The Deaths of Tao by Wesley Chu

jaymeks's review against another edition

3.0

It was a good book, but it was depressingly more serious than the previous book. I still liked the action and humor, but it took me a bit longer to get through.

I cannot wait for the next book, but I'm still unsure about how this book has left me feeling. Very interesting.

EDIT: While I do love the combo of spinach and bacon ( =) ), I wasn't expecting that for a the second course. While I understand that there's this whole alien war thing going on, I just missed the lightheartedness of the previous. I guess that's what I get for marathoning these books (a credit to how much I actually liked them). It was more Temple of Doom, less Empire Strikes Back.

And it's not like I didn't like the book... I loved the prose, the dialogue, and primarily the characters - I just came off a Lives of Tao high (one of the better, most original novels in 2013). Oh, and I will still buy the subsequent novels.

feyn's review

adventurous sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

another_bookgirly's review against another edition

I was so bored everytime I picked this book up

soawesomeness's review

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No

4.0

lizbusby's review against another edition

4.0

The beginning was jolting. Not sure why the author decided to skip over their courtship and marriage. The ending is also jolting. What?! In between, it was just okay.

matosapa's review

3.0

I didn't like this one as well as the first one. Maybe I'm already bored of the premise and certain characters (and their attitudes towards the separation of the husband-wife team) are quite irritating. It looks like the next book wraps up this trilogy but I could be wrong. There doesn't seem to be a lot left to reveal.

lefonix's review against another edition

4.0

I didn't love it as much as the lives of tao due to having multiple points of view which diluted the suspense of the narrative, but still a fun read.

amanzel2's review

adventurous funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

heyt's review against another edition

3.0

First I will admit I had a great time reading this. There was plenty of action and clandestine one ups manship abounds. However, this felt really different from the first one and it didn't have quite the same magic. Part of that comes from the fact that there is a time jump of a few years from the ending of the last book and things have not fared well for the Prophus. I think the second thing that really changed the dynamic of the story was that there was a wider point of view and multiple characters were in the lead position. I get that in the middle things have to look their darkest so I am eager to see what happens next and if our heroes can pull out the win for good.

tkadlec's review against another edition

5.0

Fantastic sequel in what is shaping up to be a very, very fun series to read. It's definitely darker and grittier than its predecessor, but there's still plenty of the same sort of snarky commentary taking place between the main characters. Thoroughly enjoyed it and eagerly awaiting book three!