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A review by tyrshand
Before Mars by Emma Newman
3.0
Well, I guess since I read this before Ariadne, I guess I'll have to write an actual review this time! So, once again, this series follows a completely different set of characters (though there are mentions of familiar ones) and takes a different kind of story and a different example of mental trauma in a protagonist. (well, actually, several examples in this one!)
Newman does an excellent job with characterization and with exploring the mental states of her protagonists, as well as the causes and possible paths to healing. The story itself, however, didn't work for me very well. Now, while thrillers are typically hard sells for me, the bigger issue is that I understood almost every secret before it was revealed. It's partly because the clues seemed rather obvious, but also because events of the prior book also provide plenty additional clues. (I wonder if this would be more satisfying for me if it were read as book two? But then aspects of book two would be spoiled by this one...) I believe it would have been a more satisfying read for me if the curtains were pulled earlier and the ramifications explored at more length.
That said, the book certainly sets up yet another intriguing plot thread that should connect to the climax of the series... It makes me wonder how many novels are planned for the series and how things will work out once each thread meets. Will it become a tangle or a tapestry? And which would be more satisfying?
Newman does an excellent job with characterization and with exploring the mental states of her protagonists, as well as the causes and possible paths to healing. The story itself, however, didn't work for me very well. Now, while thrillers are typically hard sells for me, the bigger issue is that I understood almost every secret before it was revealed. It's partly because the clues seemed rather obvious, but also because events of the prior book also provide plenty additional clues. (I wonder if this would be more satisfying for me if it were read as book two? But then aspects of book two would be spoiled by this one...) I believe it would have been a more satisfying read for me if the curtains were pulled earlier and the ramifications explored at more length.
That said, the book certainly sets up yet another intriguing plot thread that should connect to the climax of the series... It makes me wonder how many novels are planned for the series and how things will work out once each thread meets. Will it become a tangle or a tapestry? And which would be more satisfying?