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tayandloudmaxpd's review
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I wish I could give this more stars. Man, I really really enjoyed the first book in this series, but I LOVED this book. Everything I loved about the first book is dialed up to 11 here. Amazing characters, amazing world building, amazing action sequences, amazing pace and tone. Ewan feels like such a dynamic character, maturing and growing even more than he did in book one. He's just so relatable too, or atleast the person that I strive to be. There were multiple points in this book where I thought I knew where the plot was going, and it did a 180 on me. One of my favorite aspects of the first book was how the thoughts and perspectives of people from different worlds and how they view the old and new world around them (especially all the views and opinions on death). And that aspect is expanded on greatly in this sequel. Also, without spoiling anything, I went through a similar life experience as Ewan goes through in the plot, as I was reading this, which made me relate and respect everything Ewan does even more. If I had to critique this book at all, it would be that it needed more Tree. But that is such a minor complaint in the grand scheme of things because the new characters added to this book are just as good as the ones we know and love (or hate a little bit) from the first. If you even slightly enjoyed the first book, this is a must must must read.
jferrell526's review
5.0
They thought they had solid backup but did they really? In Sandstorm, you will be amazed at all you find out. The Centrals are not what anyone thought! New assistance comes from outside the planet. And everyone is scared because of the food shortage and the continued fighting. You should always expect the unexpected!!
krobnovelist's review
adventurous
dark
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
4.75
After reading the first book in this series, "Emissary," I didn't think things could get more complicated or intense. Boy, was I (thankfully) wrong! "Sandstorm" takes everything that was great about its predecessor, from intriguing characters to gut-wrenching emotional scenes and big-time plot twists, and ratchets it all up to 11. And that's not to mention the introduction of not one, but TWO new fantastic fantasy worlds to explore, in such vivid detail that they almost jump right off the page and make you question your own reality. "Sandstorm" is not a light read. There are real consequences for everyone involved as friends become enemies, and some enemies even become friends as all the characters you got to know from the first book get deeper and more complex and some new ones are introduced who are sure to be future stars. The series continues to explore the political, social, and psychological complexities of fantasy vs. reality in the best traditions of fiction like "Total Recall" and "The Matrix" in a gritty, intense NA format filled with relatable characters who will really make you feel all the twists and turns, break your heart, and then put it back together. A pitch-perfect follow-up to the original, and I can't wait to see what comes next!
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