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A review by universalhat
Breakers by Edward W. Robertson
2.0
Wanted to love this book, since it's a prequel to the Rebel Stars series which, while not perfect, was pretty good.
Unfortunately, the characters (well, at least one of them) prevented that. Walt can't decide if he's a tragic manbaby unable to fend for himself because of society collapsing around him, or Rambo, combat-trained from birth to be the greatest warrior. Maybe occasional snippets of his internal monologue stating "i don't know what i'm doing" was supposed to be enough to subvert his general competency with all things combat and aliens, but it sure sounded like he was just saying that for the audience.
The book introduces a much better fleshed-out, one could even say "interesting" set of characters in Raymond and Mia, characters with personalities and depth beyond "im sad". Without going deep into spoiler territory, they are treated as secondary to Walt "Manbaby" Lawson, and I feel their arc is mishandled.
2/5, compelling story about societal collapse in the face of a plague and alien invasion, undermined by an unlikeable main character and questionable narrative decisions.
Unfortunately, the characters (well, at least one of them) prevented that. Walt can't decide if he's a tragic manbaby unable to fend for himself because of society collapsing around him, or Rambo, combat-trained from birth to be the greatest warrior. Maybe occasional snippets of his internal monologue stating "i don't know what i'm doing" was supposed to be enough to subvert his general competency with all things combat and aliens, but it sure sounded like he was just saying that for the audience.
The book introduces a much better fleshed-out, one could even say "interesting" set of characters in Raymond and Mia, characters with personalities and depth beyond "im sad". Without going deep into spoiler territory, they are treated as secondary to Walt "Manbaby" Lawson, and I feel their arc is mishandled.
2/5, compelling story about societal collapse in the face of a plague and alien invasion, undermined by an unlikeable main character and questionable narrative decisions.