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chemistry_goodness's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
5.0
amygraceanderson's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
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
If, in the early noughties, you were OBSESSED with a TV show called Firefly then this book is definitely for you. It’s a brilliant mix of characters and at the centre heists and nefarious and roguish activities.
The crew go up against intergalactic space gods who are hell bent on the total annihilation of all life to fuel their power. There are double agents, governmental leaks, a shockingly sarcastic AI and a fabulous mix of characters who you can’t help but fall in love with.
Book 1 introduces the world well, the characters are fully developed and the sheer expanse of the plot is built.
Alex White accomplished something truly amazing in this world and presents you with all the found family fuzzies you could ever hope for.
Book 2 picks up following the events of book 1. Some of the characters have parted ways but captain Lamarr is determined to get the gang back together and finish what they have started.
As well as being hunted by gods, there are members of government, cultists and shadow organisations determined to stop the crew in their mission. The second instalment has just as much working for it as the first, and continues the story brilliantly.
The crew go up against intergalactic space gods who are hell bent on the total annihilation of all life to fuel their power. There are double agents, governmental leaks, a shockingly sarcastic AI and a fabulous mix of characters who you can’t help but fall in love with.
Book 1 introduces the world well, the characters are fully developed and the sheer expanse of the plot is built.
Alex White accomplished something truly amazing in this world and presents you with all the found family fuzzies you could ever hope for.
Book 2 picks up following the events of book 1. Some of the characters have parted ways but captain Lamarr is determined to get the gang back together and finish what they have started.
As well as being hunted by gods, there are members of government, cultists and shadow organisations determined to stop the crew in their mission. The second instalment has just as much working for it as the first, and continues the story brilliantly.
banjax451's review
2.0
Sometimes...you want to like a book so much because it checks all of the boxes you love...and you try and try and try...but it doesn't work.
I almost never write reviews - so it says something that I chose to write this one. This isn't a bad book. In some ways, 2 stars seems unfair. Like I said, it checks so many boxes. Space opera. Heist shenanigans. Diverse cast. Cleverly designed universe. Nevermind that the action sequences are written extremely well - indeed, the action sequences are probably the only reason I kept up and finished it. And when the book is moving along and doing action - it is very readable.
The problem is the non-action parts of the book. The central relationship is not well written - and I wanted it to be because I'm all in favor of depicting relationships like that. But the dialogue between them is clunky and they never come across as a believable couple. Honestly, most of the non-action dialogue (and some of the action dialogue) isn't great. It is clunky, forced "babes" and goes for the kind of thing that might work in a movie, but doesn't work on paper. I still don't really understand the magic system, to which...fine...but there is no real attempt to explain it (two books in now). There are too many deus ex moments where it seems like White wrote into a corner, then had to figure out a way through...leading to a chapter or two that doesn't really belong to the rest of the book. Maybe it is simply a "not for me" book. I don't know. I just see all the glowing reviews and wonder...are you giving it 5 stars because you want to like it, or because you really think it is that good. I want to like it - but the reality is...it isn't that good. To each their own, I guess.
I almost never write reviews - so it says something that I chose to write this one. This isn't a bad book. In some ways, 2 stars seems unfair. Like I said, it checks so many boxes. Space opera. Heist shenanigans. Diverse cast. Cleverly designed universe. Nevermind that the action sequences are written extremely well - indeed, the action sequences are probably the only reason I kept up and finished it. And when the book is moving along and doing action - it is very readable.
The problem is the non-action parts of the book. The central relationship is not well written - and I wanted it to be because I'm all in favor of depicting relationships like that. But the dialogue between them is clunky and they never come across as a believable couple. Honestly, most of the non-action dialogue (and some of the action dialogue) isn't great. It is clunky, forced "babes" and goes for the kind of thing that might work in a movie, but doesn't work on paper. I still don't really understand the magic system, to which...fine...but there is no real attempt to explain it (two books in now). There are too many deus ex moments where it seems like White wrote into a corner, then had to figure out a way through...leading to a chapter or two that doesn't really belong to the rest of the book. Maybe it is simply a "not for me" book. I don't know. I just see all the glowing reviews and wonder...are you giving it 5 stars because you want to like it, or because you really think it is that good. I want to like it - but the reality is...it isn't that good. To each their own, I guess.
namulith's review
4.0
More fun. We meet the crew again, plus two new additions. Things happen fast, we learn more and if you enjoyed the first one, you should absolutely read this one as well.
mechanize's review
4.0
Loved the sequel to a big ship at the end of the universe. Felt familiar but also introduced enough new life to keep it fresh.
sepptb'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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
riley_rose's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
malexshmalex's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
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? Yes
4.75
ju_shi's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-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
4.0