Scan barcode
bory's review
4.0
A good, if somewhat flawed, finale to the original Cassandra Kresnov trilogy.
Overall, I liked this book. The action remains engaging and well-written, with enough technological overlay for the science fiction nature of the story. The world is interesting, if somewhat narrowly focused. The characters, for the most part, are likable and relatable. Rhian and Vanessa are my favorites, I'd say, with Cassandra not far behind.
Now, Ari continues to be a low point for me, and I'm greatly frustrated that my suspicious that he was being set up a romantic interest for Cassandra turned out to be true. Those two have all the chemistry between them of inner gasses, and only served the author's incessant need to repeatedly and forcefully remind the reader how heterosexual Cassandra is.
The plot is fine. I like the central conflict, but wished more time was spent on the space station, dealing with the conflict and tension between the Third and Fifth Fleets. Maybe even some time on Earth?
The ending, like with the previous book, felt very abrupt. Yes, we got a resolution to most of the plot lines, but what about the Federation center of governance relocating to Callay? Or Vanessa's feelings for Cassandra? Or what the hell happened to the Third Fleet and Captain Reichardt? Did they just go? A lot of loose treads left dangling, is what I'm saying.
Yes, I know there are more books in the series. But this was, when it was written, intended to be the final book in a trilogy. It is, also, my jumping off point, at least for now.
Overall, I liked this book. The action remains engaging and well-written, with enough technological overlay for the science fiction nature of the story. The world is interesting, if somewhat narrowly focused. The characters, for the most part, are likable and relatable. Rhian and Vanessa are my favorites, I'd say, with Cassandra not far behind.
Now, Ari continues to be a low point for me, and I'm greatly frustrated that my suspicious that he was being set up a romantic interest for Cassandra turned out to be true. Those two have all the chemistry between them of inner gasses, and only served the author's incessant need to repeatedly and forcefully remind the reader how heterosexual Cassandra is.
The plot is fine. I like the central conflict, but wished more time was spent on the space station, dealing with the conflict and tension between the Third and Fifth Fleets. Maybe even some time on Earth?
The ending, like with the previous book, felt very abrupt. Yes, we got a resolution to most of the plot lines, but what about the Federation center of governance relocating to Callay? Or Vanessa's feelings for Cassandra? Or what the hell happened to the Third Fleet and Captain Reichardt? Did they just go? A lot of loose treads left dangling, is what I'm saying.
Yes, I know there are more books in the series. But this was, when it was written, intended to be the final book in a trilogy. It is, also, my jumping off point, at least for now.
heyt's review
3.0
I am still enjoying my time in this world immensely. There's nothing shocking or groundbreaking with this series but it's a good quick read that I enjoyed. This installment takes place two years after the event in the previous one with new job roles and a slightly different political landscape has evolved. I feel like Cassandra has continued to grow as a person as she adjusts to a more civilianish lifestyle. Cassandra still is learning how to deal with straight society and the relationships she has with her building cadre of allies. I definitely will continue on in the series.
lushr's review
3.0
Some seriously lazy writing and the second half of the ebook riddled with typographical errors seriously impinged on my enjoyment of this book. I pretty much skip all descriptive stuff now, the last chapter is a perfect example, Sandy is asked a question, and two pages later she answers.
But if you skip straight to about page 115 you'll get dumped right in the action, which is incredible. It's just that the fleshed out characters have become soapy, and the other characters remain caricatures which I don't even think the author likes (the love interest Ari for example).
After a few days I found though that I missed not being able to return to Cassandra Kressnovs world, and I missed the action, the smart lines, the city of Tangshan and the sci fi. I understand that the next three books in the series are written almost ten years later, so it's unlikely that the weaknesses shown in this book will reappear in the next. At least I hope.
But if you skip straight to about page 115 you'll get dumped right in the action, which is incredible. It's just that the fleshed out characters have become soapy, and the other characters remain caricatures which I don't even think the author likes (the love interest Ari for example).
After a few days I found though that I missed not being able to return to Cassandra Kressnovs world, and I missed the action, the smart lines, the city of Tangshan and the sci fi. I understand that the next three books in the series are written almost ten years later, so it's unlikely that the weaknesses shown in this book will reappear in the next. At least I hope.
thaxllssillyia's review
5.0
Excellent conclusion to a great trilogy. Cassandra Kresnov remains a great character and this final installment suffers from far less pacing problems than the first book. Joel Shepherd has grown as much as a writer as his main character has as a person over the course of this series.
More...