Scan barcode
nonetheless_she_read's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
lkthomas07's review
5.0
Just when I don't think I can love Firefly any more... Now nothing crazy happened (well, nothing out of the ordinary for this crew), but it just felt like a cozy return to my people. I enjoyed being with Inara a bit more than usual, as well as Simon. Some nice POV changes that helped me get into their heads and personalities a bit more, which is always welcome.
I listened to this, as usual, and shoutout to James Anderson Foster as the narrator yet again. He's perfect.
I listened to this, as usual, and shoutout to James Anderson Foster as the narrator yet again. He's perfect.
perilous1's review
3.0
2.5 Stars
As episodic books go, this was pretty standard and formulaic. Nothing much was added to the canon as far as worldbuilding or character backgrounds are concerned. There's a light touching on Zoe's PTSD from the Battle of Serenity, and a scene expanding on Inara's tea ceremony. Otherwise, there are just reinforcing callbacks to episodes that would have come earlier in the series. (i.e. referencing Jane's betrayal of the Tams, and Shepherd Book's willingness to shoot kneecaps--the latter of which was perhaps overdone a bit in the name of fan service.)
There are three major female side characters introduced. They're all presented as tough and competent leaders in their own right, on the side of righteousness against an inexplicably misogynistic rich guy and his pampered followers. (Handmaid's Tale in Space, anyone?) Though unfortunately, not enough time is spent on any of these women for one to grow particularly attached--and/or concerned for their survival.
This leads me to my primary criticism:
There simply wasn't much tension for a higher-action emphasis plotline. Obviously, there's already a bit of a challenge present--given fans know the ultimate fate of everyone on the crew (ala the movie Serenity), so there's no reason to worry for any of them on this job. There's a passing sense of injustice regarding the treatment of unknown civilians in the midst of a blossoming civil war, and some shock value added in terms of war crimes.
But to risk sounding as callous as Jayne here... the plight of the newly introduced characters never felt personal. (Indeed, Jayne's qualms over whether or not to kill his new drinking buddies when they turn up on the wrong side of things seemed more compelling than the overall plight of the common folk or their heroine leaders.)
Don't get me wrong; this was a more enjoyable ride than Lovegrove's Ghost Machine, and the characterization of Serenity's crew held up far more true than Lovegrove's Life Signs. (Here's hoping Tim Lebbon returns for another crack at this series.) I actually rounded up my rating because this installment portrayed Zoe and Wash's relationship with such respectful accuracy, I had to sit up and gratefully take notice. M. K. England is a competent writer--and I suspect from said writing, a fan of the show. This plot, and its execution, just came off more generic than I would have preferred.
As episodic books go, this was pretty standard and formulaic. Nothing much was added to the canon as far as worldbuilding or character backgrounds are concerned. There's a light touching on Zoe's PTSD from the Battle of Serenity, and a scene expanding on Inara's tea ceremony. Otherwise, there are just reinforcing callbacks to episodes that would have come earlier in the series. (i.e. referencing Jane's betrayal of the Tams, and Shepherd Book's willingness to shoot kneecaps--the latter of which was perhaps overdone a bit in the name of fan service.)
There are three major female side characters introduced. They're all presented as tough and competent leaders in their own right, on the side of righteousness against an inexplicably misogynistic rich guy and his pampered followers. (Handmaid's Tale in Space, anyone?) Though unfortunately, not enough time is spent on any of these women for one to grow particularly attached--and/or concerned for their survival.
This leads me to my primary criticism:
There simply wasn't much tension for a higher-action emphasis plotline. Obviously, there's already a bit of a challenge present--given fans know the ultimate fate of everyone on the crew (ala the movie Serenity), so there's no reason to worry for any of them on this job. There's a passing sense of injustice regarding the treatment of unknown civilians in the midst of a blossoming civil war, and some shock value added in terms of war crimes.
But to risk sounding as callous as Jayne here... the plight of the newly introduced characters never felt personal. (Indeed, Jayne's qualms over whether or not to kill his new drinking buddies when they turn up on the wrong side of things seemed more compelling than the overall plight of the common folk or their heroine leaders.)
Don't get me wrong; this was a more enjoyable ride than Lovegrove's Ghost Machine, and the characterization of Serenity's crew held up far more true than Lovegrove's Life Signs. (Here's hoping Tim Lebbon returns for another crack at this series.) I actually rounded up my rating because this installment portrayed Zoe and Wash's relationship with such respectful accuracy, I had to sit up and gratefully take notice. M. K. England is a competent writer--and I suspect from said writing, a fan of the show. This plot, and its execution, just came off more generic than I would have preferred.
joshmorrey's review
3.0
This wasn't my favorite of the Firefly novels. The characters were spot on, and the plot was ok. I think there was just something about the storytelling that really came across as meh to me.
thebowandthebook's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Fun book, off of fun tv show
serena2286's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
iam_griff's review against another edition
5.0
Browncoats forever! This was by far the best book in the series so far, which is saying a lot as I really did enjoy the Magnificent Nine. The crew of Serenity get what they think is an easy job delivering cargo to a planet called Kerry. The Noble is a genial man & invites the crew to stay for a few days & promises more jobs at the same rate of pay. Zoe is the only one that thinks something is off as the crew settles in for free food & liquor. This novel truly felt like watching an episode of the old tv series.
graff_fuller's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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
4.5
Out of the seven novels in this series that I've read, this was my favourite. It truly felt like I was watching an episode of Firefly...which would be AMAZING.
Every character was their counterpart in the TV series. The writtien voices were spot on.
The story was ALSO a typical (amazing) tale of how the crew of the Serenity was going to deal with being duped into bringing the counterband weaponry to the planet, it being used and many dying...then fixing the problem. Oh, so satisfying.
I could go down the line...for each character had their part to play in this story, which I greatly appreciated.
I'm a HUGE fan of the reluctant hero type, and Malcolm Reynolds is just the best.
Inara was her Companion self...being aloof, but still being at the center of the fix. Loved it.
River was as unique as she always is, but she too was instramental in putting things right.
Her brother Simon, though at times (most of the times) feels like an outsider, but in this adventure...he was very much needed by the crew and the people of the planet.
Zoë was, as always, amazing as a soldier, second in command, and as a wife to Walsh. I love their dynamic. Speaking of Walsh...he soars (pun intended) in this episode. Love all his interactions.
I'm not a big fan of Jayne. He serves a purpose...and he's very good at being disgusting and awful, but also an amazing shot and deep down...there is SOME good, buried oh so deep...that even he doesn't know it (most of the time).
Book again is part of the story, but by a back alley. He's really not supposed to know as much as he does...and having so many talents (that are buried...until they're needed).
and last, but NOT least:
Kaylee seems to be the most naive person (about relationships), but when it comes down to working on the ship...she's the expert in all things.
I truly love these characters...and am looking forward to the next book. Thank you.
Every character was their counterpart in the TV series. The writtien voices were spot on.
The story was ALSO a typical (amazing) tale of how the crew of the Serenity was going to deal with being duped into bringing the counterband weaponry to the planet, it being used and many dying...then fixing the problem. Oh, so satisfying.
I could go down the line...for each character had their part to play in this story, which I greatly appreciated.
I'm a HUGE fan of the reluctant hero type, and Malcolm Reynolds is just the best.
Inara was her Companion self...being aloof, but still being at the center of the fix. Loved it.
River was as unique as she always is, but she too was instramental in putting things right.
Her brother Simon, though at times (most of the times) feels like an outsider, but in this adventure...he was very much needed by the crew and the people of the planet.
Zoë was, as always, amazing as a soldier, second in command, and as a wife to Walsh. I love their dynamic. Speaking of Walsh...he soars (pun intended) in this episode. Love all his interactions.
I'm not a big fan of Jayne. He serves a purpose...and he's very good at being disgusting and awful, but also an amazing shot and deep down...there is SOME good, buried oh so deep...that even he doesn't know it (most of the time).
Book again is part of the story, but by a back alley. He's really not supposed to know as much as he does...and having so many talents (that are buried...until they're needed).
and last, but NOT least:
Kaylee seems to be the most naive person (about relationships), but when it comes down to working on the ship...she's the expert in all things.
I truly love these characters...and am looking forward to the next book. Thank you.
johnkinnison's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0