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beastreader's review against another edition
4.0
I was intrigued by this book when I read the premise not knowing that it was book two in a series. This type of book really could be one that almost would/could not be read as a stand alone novel but I had no issues jumping right into this book. In fact, I read it in one sitting. The best part about this book is the world setting. Again having not read this first book in this series, I was surprised that the world felt like a mixture of steampunk with dystopia. Fantastic.
If there ever was an bad guy, Malik is that person. I just kept hoping something bad would happen to him through out the story. There was great animosity between him and Ben and Miranda. Then there are the Ferals. I would never want to get up close and personal with one. I am looking forward to the third book with the way this book ended. Also, I do plan to go back and check out book one.
If there ever was an bad guy, Malik is that person. I just kept hoping something bad would happen to him through out the story. There was great animosity between him and Ben and Miranda. Then there are the Ferals. I would never want to get up close and personal with one. I am looking forward to the third book with the way this book ended. Also, I do plan to go back and check out book one.
colossal's review against another edition
4.0
A strong action-packed second entry to this post-apocalyptic virus zombie series.
The book picks up directly where the first book leaves off with Ben Gold and Miranda Mehra floating in the sea in the wreckage of the attack Ben foiled by sacrificing his precious airship. They're soon rescued, but by a former acquaintance of Ben's, now a bitter enemy. There's flashbacks to how the forager life worked and more insight to the various interesting settlement types that this world has produced. There's warships, insane military commanders, more exposure to the secretive scientific bad guys from the first book and lots of action.
This book ditches exactly the stuff that I didn't feel worked well in the first book: the traditional zombie horror. Instead it focuses heavily on the stuff that did work really well which was the excellent and diverse world-building. There's still minor nit-picks to be had; I still don't know where they're getting fuel (particularly for a Navy warship!!) and while they often comment on how rare and valuable ammunition is, they certainly go through lots of it. It's also satisfying to see Ben's self-awareness catch up to all the growth he's been doing. When he's pleading with Malik that he's changed, it's interesting because he actually has.
Very much looking forward to the next in the series and I'm glad I stuck with it.
The book picks up directly where the first book leaves off with Ben Gold and Miranda Mehra floating in the sea in the wreckage of the attack Ben foiled by sacrificing his precious airship. They're soon rescued, but by a former acquaintance of Ben's, now a bitter enemy. There's flashbacks to how the forager life worked and more insight to the various interesting settlement types that this world has produced. There's warships, insane military commanders, more exposure to the secretive scientific bad guys from the first book and lots of action.
This book ditches exactly the stuff that I didn't feel worked well in the first book: the traditional zombie horror. Instead it focuses heavily on the stuff that did work really well which was the excellent and diverse world-building. There's still minor nit-picks to be had; I still don't know where they're getting fuel (particularly for a Navy warship!!) and while they often comment on how rare and valuable ammunition is, they certainly go through lots of it. It's also satisfying to see Ben's self-awareness catch up to all the growth he's been doing. When he's pleading with Malik that he's changed, it's interesting because he actually has.
Very much looking forward to the next in the series and I'm glad I stuck with it.
carol26388's review
2.0
There's something about this series that just doesn't click with me.
To start, it picks up a few hours after the cliffanger ending of the last book.
Cliffhangers irritate me. I feel they usually fall into the realm of cheap marketing; if you've written an interesting series, your audience will return. Mainly, however, I object because it deprives the audience--and let's not mince words here, by 'audience,' I mean 'me'-- of emotional resolution. I'm big on resolution.
Where was I?
Oh, right: so Ben and Miranda have been rescued from the ocean and are on a large ship. Trouble is, they've been rescued by Mal (obvious, much?) who hates Ben, and is only keeping him alive because he wants Miranda's medical skills. I can sympathize with Mal, actually--Ben is pretty much a selfish ass, and everyone, even Ben, knows he can't be trusted. Ben wheels and deals his way into freedom, which leads to more adventure, and accompanying costs.
She thinks I broke the rules by shooting that soldier. I would feel guilty except I know that it was either him or one of us. Besides, he might have lived. If he got attention in time.
The truth is, I don't care either way.
Truth is, he does care, but only a little, mostly because Miranda cares. Miranda is a scientist passionate about finding a cure, but she's also come to appreciate Ben's devotion to her, even if he doesn't believe in her cause.The one area this book shines is capturing the emotional tone of their connection.
Narrative is from Ben's point of view. Remember when I said he was an ass? Yeah, that. He has little to no curiosity about those around him, so it doesn't really aid in world or character-building. There are a few chapters from Miranda's point of view, but they are journal entry style, complete with a sloppy font,and were hard for me to read.
Plotting felt weak. Device upon device solving Ben's problems as they appeared. No wonder the dude never makes a plan--the author will provide some solution for him.
World-building has interesting bones, but leaves me feeling like it is tremendously incomplete. I believe we're a generation or two beyond a viral outbreak that has turned exposed people into bloodthirsty 'ferals.' So there's still a serious looting-based society, with some return to self-sufficiency. Although some people have created a floating city, so take that for what you will. In this story, research data saved on a 'stick' proves vital, not to mention the electron microscope and the generators. That these devices work--but ships don't--is dismissed with a hand-wavy "leave it to the boffins to figure out how something like that could work." At the same time, water comes from a well and guests need to sleep in blankets by a fire. I suppose since it is reality-based, I'm looking for my world to hang together. But, they have created a hipster brew pub with both light and dark ale, so kudos!
I do like is the idea that there are many little pockets of civilization which have unique identities. I think that would be a logical evolution of people trying to survive. There a sciencey-twist to the story which is kind of enjoyable, except that it's been fairly well telegraphed to that point. Oh, and it makes real science look easy. In fact, it's the movie-version of science. Cue the montage! Here comes a cure!
And oh yes, I was reminded again of something I don't like--cliffhanger endings.
Two and a half salvaged stars, rounding down because--
yeah, that.
jameseckman's review
2.0
Read the first one, otherwise this one won't make sense. Don't care much for the super-evil bad guys with the cliffhanger ending.
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