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mylhibug's review
adventurous
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
4.25
redstickredsox's review
4.0
A good read, but not as engaging as it's precursor. Ends with some deus ex machina and odd character backsliding, but neither of which was foreshadowed.
arian_dragonelf's review
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
beardedbooknut's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
ivanyv's review against another edition
3.0
I'd give it 4 stars if it weren't for the finale. Fast paced action and interesting developments all around, so it's a shame it had to end that way.
I did not expect, not once, that I was in for a "deus-ex machina" ending. I can't even find the proper words to express my frustration. A far superior race that needs humanity because they are too pacifist to fight for themselves? An astronaut from the 21st century? An "American"?... god I want to throw up.
I'm no writer but I'd rather the author explored the "Phage test" thing more and used that to save humanity in the end somehow (without ripping off Ender's Game of course).
I'm interested in learning more about the Phage in the third book, but now I couldn't care less about "us".
Spoiler
I did not expect, not once, that I was in for a "deus-ex machina" ending. I can't even find the proper words to express my frustration. A far superior race that needs humanity because they are too pacifist to fight for themselves? An astronaut from the 21st century? An "American"?... god I want to throw up.
I'm no writer but I'd rather the author explored the "Phage test" thing more and used that to save humanity in the end somehow (without ripping off Ender's Game of course).
I'm interested in learning more about the Phage in the third book, but now I couldn't care less about "us".
moore151's review
4.0
I really enjoyed the second entry in the Black Fleet Trilogy. The action scenes go at a faster pace then the first book, keeping the book fun and exciting. At the same time, answers are finally given to questions left over from the first book.
The major issue I had with this book that kept me from giving it five stars is that it felt too predictable and linear.
There are some spelling and grammatical errors in the book that can be annoying, but I did not let that detract from the rating of the book overall, it is just something to be aware of.
I did debate between three and four stars, solely due to the ending in the book. I agree with other reviewers that it felt almost like a cope out. However, I am leaving this at 4 stars until I finish the trilogy to see how this plays out.
Keep in mind this is hard military science fiction and as such, the book does provide heavy detail in both science and military maneuvers.
The major issue I had with this book that kept me from giving it five stars is that it felt too predictable and linear.
There are some spelling and grammatical errors in the book that can be annoying, but I did not let that detract from the rating of the book overall, it is just something to be aware of.
I did debate between three and four stars, solely due to the ending in the book. I agree with other reviewers that it felt almost like a cope out. However, I am leaving this at 4 stars until I finish the trilogy to see how this plays out.
Keep in mind this is hard military science fiction and as such, the book does provide heavy detail in both science and military maneuvers.