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beeeeg's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Really like the world and the characters, for some reason the story didn't quite grab me. Will definitely finish the series though.
fofana98's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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
5.0
rosieclaverton's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent sequel, which I enjoyed as much as if not more than the first. The narration on the audiobook really brings the cast of characters to life. I also love the relationships so very much.
One very small nitpick - while the author does interesting things with non-binary characters, pronouns, and genderless constructs, the descriptive language can be very binary. I was thrown with every "men and women" line precisely because the rest was really inclusive.
One very small nitpick - while the author does interesting things with non-binary characters, pronouns, and genderless constructs, the descriptive language can be very binary. I was thrown with every "men and women" line precisely because the rest was really inclusive.
rbixby's review against another edition
4.0
Enjoyable read. Got a little bogged down just before the big finish. Looking forward to the next book.
jnelson's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
fast-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? No
4.25
albertdebacker's review
adventurous
funny
sad
tense
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? No
4.0
sydneyfwhite's review against another edition
5.0
**4.5**
In book 2 of The Salvagers series, the crew must go on even more dangerous missions in order to save the galaxy once again. In particular, Nilah must go undercover to infiltrate a cult worshipping tyrannical godlike beings who are set on destroying the galaxy in order to create their own magical utopia. Boots must undergo horrific trials to determine the whereabouts of her former partner in treasure-hunting, who now holds the key to stopping the previously mentioned cult from succeeding in their plot.
I found that this book was better than the first. Everything I was hoping to learn more about or have more of, I was given here. The author, Alex White, did an awesome job of filling in some gaps that book 1 left. The pace of this book was fast and exciting and so many awesome things happened, I don’t even know where to begin!
I have to say, I loved every second of the crew being on the Masquerade. Those magical masks??? SO COOL. I even think the neuro-spikes/mind control devices are such a neat evil sci-fi creation. So neat. So evil. Speaking of evil, Vraba was an awesome antagonist. I love the whole shadow/god thing, and I thought it was truly scary and had me wondering how in the hell the crew was going to overcome the hurdle.
I also appreciate the extra emphasis on Nilah and Orna's relationship, as that was something I felt was missing in book 1. I can't believe they jumped to engagement in this book....definitely wasn't expecting that! But, good for them! I'm hoping we get a wedding in book 3!
Boots also became more of a fave character for me. She is so gritty, and likeable despite being fairly grumpy and hard on herself. I am intrigued to see how the relationship forms between her and Cordell. I'm not sure if I want them to get together, or if I want them to stay friends...Undecided on that at the moment but I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book.
I was definitely sad about Armin's death. I wish we had had a bit more of Armin before he died, I just felt that of all the awesome characters, he was the one we had the least amount of time getting to know so the death just felt a bit meh. Though I did shed a few tears at the reactions of other members of the crew, or when Armin left little messages for everyone.
Lastly, I must give a super awesome nod to the author again for the use of they/them and zie/zir pronouns in an incredibly seamless and normal way. It's been a while since I've read a story with nonbinary characters where the emphasis was not at all on their pronouns. It was lovely to read!
All in all, I was super happy with this book and I'm eager to read the next one!
In book 2 of The Salvagers series, the crew must go on even more dangerous missions in order to save the galaxy once again. In particular, Nilah must go undercover to infiltrate a cult worshipping tyrannical godlike beings who are set on destroying the galaxy in order to create their own magical utopia. Boots must undergo horrific trials to determine the whereabouts of her former partner in treasure-hunting, who now holds the key to stopping the previously mentioned cult from succeeding in their plot.
I found that this book was better than the first. Everything I was hoping to learn more about or have more of, I was given here. The author, Alex White, did an awesome job of filling in some gaps that book 1 left. The pace of this book was fast and exciting and so many awesome things happened, I don’t even know where to begin!
I have to say, I loved every second of the crew being on the Masquerade. Those magical masks??? SO COOL. I even think the neuro-spikes/mind control devices are such a neat evil sci-fi creation. So neat. So evil. Speaking of evil, Vraba was an awesome antagonist. I love the whole shadow/god thing, and I thought it was truly scary and had me wondering how in the hell the crew was going to overcome the hurdle.
I also appreciate the extra emphasis on Nilah and Orna's relationship, as that was something I felt was missing in book 1. I can't believe they jumped to engagement in this book....definitely wasn't expecting that! But, good for them! I'm hoping we get a wedding in book 3!
Boots also became more of a fave character for me. She is so gritty, and likeable despite being fairly grumpy and hard on herself. I am intrigued to see how the relationship forms between her and Cordell. I'm not sure if I want them to get together, or if I want them to stay friends...Undecided on that at the moment but I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book.
I was definitely sad about Armin's death. I wish we had had a bit more of Armin before he died, I just felt that of all the awesome characters, he was the one we had the least amount of time getting to know so the death just felt a bit meh. Though I did shed a few tears at the reactions of other members of the crew, or when Armin left little messages for everyone.
Lastly, I must give a super awesome nod to the author again for the use of they/them and zie/zir pronouns in an incredibly seamless and normal way. It's been a while since I've read a story with nonbinary characters where the emphasis was not at all on their pronouns. It was lovely to read!
All in all, I was super happy with this book and I'm eager to read the next one!
pilebythebed's review against another edition
4.0
Alex White opens the second volume of his Salvagers trilogy, A Bad Deal for the Whole Galaxy with an action scene. The crew of the Capricious, not content with their galaxy saving adventures in A Big Ship at the Edge of the Universe, are tracking down the people behind that plot. But it is a tangled plot that runs deep into the galaxy’s elite and they need to do it one bad guy at a time. When the book opens they are following the money, trying to apprehend a man who might be able to start leading them to the ultimate mastermind. That opening scene is a statement of intent: well constructed action, peppered with a bit of banter and a battle involving different magical powers. And it works.
There is very little table setting or revisiting the past in this book. White assumes that readers are across the basics, including the fact that most characters have some magical ability. Once again, the focus is on two point of view characters – former grand prix racer and mechanic Nilah and former salvager and crewmember of the Capricious Boots Elsworth. But every member of the crew gets an opportunity to shine as they deal with high level betrayal, a hostile media and a crazy cult while trying to stay on mission.
White has delivered a rollercoaster narrative full of action, cliffhangers, impossible challenges and close scrapes. From the violent initiation rites of the Children of the Singularity, to a bank heist, to a hostage rescue. And yet, there is still plenty of time for character moments either during the action or on either side. Creating a heady mix which is part Firefly, part Mission:Impossible, part Star Wars and part Harry Potter. Mashed together it creates page-turning fun, and plenty still on the line for the crew in a finale ominously titled The Worst of All Possible Worlds.
There is very little table setting or revisiting the past in this book. White assumes that readers are across the basics, including the fact that most characters have some magical ability. Once again, the focus is on two point of view characters – former grand prix racer and mechanic Nilah and former salvager and crewmember of the Capricious Boots Elsworth. But every member of the crew gets an opportunity to shine as they deal with high level betrayal, a hostile media and a crazy cult while trying to stay on mission.
White has delivered a rollercoaster narrative full of action, cliffhangers, impossible challenges and close scrapes. From the violent initiation rites of the Children of the Singularity, to a bank heist, to a hostage rescue. And yet, there is still plenty of time for character moments either during the action or on either side. Creating a heady mix which is part Firefly, part Mission:Impossible, part Star Wars and part Harry Potter. Mashed together it creates page-turning fun, and plenty still on the line for the crew in a finale ominously titled The Worst of All Possible Worlds.
thatscotguy's review against another edition
5.0
I love these characters!
I am so sad I finished this book. I really love these characters. Each one of them is so unique. While not always likable, they are real and when combined with the intriguing story, provide for a wonderful book. I can’t believe I have to wait until next year before the third book comes out. I can’t wait!
I am so sad I finished this book. I really love these characters. Each one of them is so unique. While not always likable, they are real and when combined with the intriguing story, provide for a wonderful book. I can’t believe I have to wait until next year before the third book comes out. I can’t wait!