Reviews

Antimatter Blues by Edward Ashton

thekingofburbank's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark funny lighthearted tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Completely abandons the double trouble gimmick of Mickey-7 in favor of a much more engaging adventure story. Far more happens, and all of the underdeveloped characters from the previous book get more time to shine. Was especially pleased by how much more Nasha had to do this time around. As with the previous book, the final stretch is a little rushed, but ultimately comes to a far more satisfying conclusion that very well could be the end of the story. 

Honestly, I’m a little sad that this came out before Bong could integrate some of the lore additions into his adaptation. 

uppermost's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

smjohns91's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous hopeful

2.75

youwin's review against another edition

Go to review page

fast-paced

3.25

zemthings's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

As with many things this year, I did not read the first book in the series...but as with so many other books, I did not feel at all lost or confused. 'Antimatter Blues' is a fun sci-fi adventure sequel to Mickey7 and, despite being out of order, I will be picking up the first novel based on how much I enjoyed this one!

Light, funny, and well-written, 'Antimatter Blues' perfectly blends humor and science fiction, a genre that is notorious (in my opinion) for tech-heavy exposition and high stakes- sure the stakes are high in Ashton's novel, how could they not be?, but the writing remains human and easy to digest throughout. At no point did I feel overwhelmed, or lost, or frustrated with tech jargon. The characters are likeable, the dialogue feels real, and I had a fantastic time.

I highly recommend 'Antimatter Blues', and have no doubts that Ashton's first novel is worth a read as well.

And as always, huge thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of 'Antimatter Blues'!

karireads's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

sheldon1979's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous hopeful reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Its two years after the events of Mickey7 and this time Mickey7 is needed to retrieve the bomb he hid from the creepers in the last book and after he goes to retreive it he discovers its missing and he goes into the creeper lair near the dome and it turns out they discovered the poorly hidden bomb and they gave it away.

And now Mickey7 needs to head south to try and retrieve the bomb from a new whole set of creepers but danger is always lerking anywhere they go.

tandemjon's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.5

An excellent finish to the series, good twists, and Mickey is a wonderful character to fall into being the reluctant leader.

timinbc's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Good followup to #1.

I was unsure about Mickey never being entirely right about anything but always moving forward. Then I realized that I never had any problem with Pratchett's Moist von Lipwig doing exactly that. I'm just gonna say that Mickey has more luck than most people (now that he's not expendable, at least). And he's always *trying* to do the right thing.

The we-need-that-bomb was kinda flimsy, but necessary.
I never really sorted out the two sides of the Creeper war, but the way it turned out explained it and I'm OK.

Did Ashton properly set up what that certain person did at the end? Yeah, but only just.

It sure felt as if Ashton was telling us that Mickey's story is over. I suppose it could continue withut him, but Niflheim never really got enough worldbuilding to support that.

It was a good idea, and for me two books are sufficient. I enjoyed them.

justintyler's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75