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maxmaxmaxo's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
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
5.0
caitlins_bookshelf's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.5
shirecrow's review
4.0
Hel's Eight is the next book following Ten Low an ex military doctor that is suffering from her past choices.
This book is just as good as the first one. While Ten Low introduces you to the whole world of Factus and the Ifs, this one dives much deeper into the characters and really pulls the world and it's uniqueness together.
A brilliant sequel that doesn't only show you the future but also the past.
Ten is suffering from the blood she has on her hands. While in the previous book, you felt like she made some mental progress, this one seems like she took three steps back. She isolates herself but in that isolation she truly grows stronger. It was heartwarming AND heartbreaking to see what she would do if her friends asked her of it.
All of the side characters have their own problems, feelings and flaws. They all have traits that make them recognisable as soon as you read a single line by them. I really can't help but love every single character of hers no matter how bratty.
Stark has a brilliant writing style. It's rather simple (accessible to everyone) but jokes, knick-knacks and character quirks are so well portrayed that this book really feels like a written Mad Max.
Another thing I really want to mention is the Ifs. In this book we dwell a lot deeper into what they are and how they (somewhat) work. I thought the way their appearances are described is insanely interesting and well done. The mental toll it takes on a person that call them to.
If you want grit, violence and the glimpse of human hearts, (and lots of sand,) then this is the book for you.
All in all, I loved this book and we're not surprised I do. I will cheer Stark on till the end of times probably. I can't wait for the next book in this series!
This book is just as good as the first one. While Ten Low introduces you to the whole world of Factus and the Ifs, this one dives much deeper into the characters and really pulls the world and it's uniqueness together.
A brilliant sequel that doesn't only show you the future but also the past.
Ten is suffering from the blood she has on her hands. While in the previous book, you felt like she made some mental progress, this one seems like she took three steps back. She isolates herself but in that isolation she truly grows stronger. It was heartwarming AND heartbreaking to see what she would do if her friends asked her of it.
All of the side characters have their own problems, feelings and flaws. They all have traits that make them recognisable as soon as you read a single line by them. I really can't help but love every single character of hers no matter how bratty.
Stark has a brilliant writing style. It's rather simple (accessible to everyone) but jokes, knick-knacks and character quirks are so well portrayed that this book really feels like a written Mad Max.
Another thing I really want to mention is the Ifs. In this book we dwell a lot deeper into what they are and how they (somewhat) work. I thought the way their appearances are described is insanely interesting and well done. The mental toll it takes on a person that call them to.
If you want grit, violence and the glimpse of human hearts, (and lots of sand,) then this is the book for you.
All in all, I loved this book and we're not surprised I do. I will cheer Stark on till the end of times probably. I can't wait for the next book in this series!
frithnanth's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
arhgee's review
5.0
Hel’s Eight is an enjoyable read and a worthy sequel to Ten Low.
It’s a story that can be described as a dystopian space western taking place in a science fiction distant future. In this installment of the story our protagonist, Ten Low, finally gains answers to the true nature of the ‘ifs’ and what exactly are the seekers. The plot is solid, the characters are flushed out fully, and the story is brought to a satisfying conclusion.
Like the first novel, I found it to be a page turner that I was able to finish in a single sitting. If you enjoy “space westerns” then Hel’s Eight is exactly what you are looking for.
It’s a story that can be described as a dystopian space western taking place in a science fiction distant future. In this installment of the story our protagonist, Ten Low, finally gains answers to the true nature of the ‘ifs’ and what exactly are the seekers. The plot is solid, the characters are flushed out fully, and the story is brought to a satisfying conclusion.
Like the first novel, I found it to be a page turner that I was able to finish in a single sitting. If you enjoy “space westerns” then Hel’s Eight is exactly what you are looking for.
thestainlesssteelrat's review
5.0
This is another brilliantly sparse book by Stark Holborn. One of those stories that allows the reader's imagination to fill in the sketch with their own interpretative colours.
A fitting end to a duology or an equally compelling starting point for future and further exploration of this universe.
Read Ten Low and Hel's Eight then toss your coin of choice to find out.
A fitting end to a duology or an equally compelling starting point for future and further exploration of this universe.
Read Ten Low and Hel's Eight then toss your coin of choice to find out.
booksforscee's review
4.0
I am loving this uptake is main characters who are interesting realistic ages.
Through the swirls of dust and time, this book carries mystery and suspense. This space western drama is told through the POVs of people living on the planet Factus. A desolate place filled with desperados and the desperate, and something else that lurk beyond and through the sand.
Don't run away
This book is such a mind twister, almost more magical realism than scifi and it's a very human driven story.
Though it's all very much a sci-fi story - with space travel and high tech. But it also constrasts with the low technology of a pioneer culture.
Though it has a slow, kinda confusing start, it then takes off like hell on wheels. I love the older female main protagonists point of view. Characters with rich pasts and history instead of starry eyed protagonists fresh from childhood.
Through the swirls of dust and time, this book carries mystery and suspense. This space western drama is told through the POVs of people living on the planet Factus. A desolate place filled with desperados and the desperate, and something else that lurk beyond and through the sand.
Don't run away
This book is such a mind twister, almost more magical realism than scifi and it's a very human driven story.
Though it's all very much a sci-fi story - with space travel and high tech. But it also constrasts with the low technology of a pioneer culture.
Though it has a slow, kinda confusing start, it then takes off like hell on wheels. I love the older female main protagonists point of view. Characters with rich pasts and history instead of starry eyed protagonists fresh from childhood.
olegx's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
catbooking's review
4.0
The first one was better, the mystery surrounding the Ifs adding another layer to the world. This one was still good, the world intricate and interesting, but not as captivating. Still a worthwhile read.