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A review by silvae
Critical Point by S.L. Huang
5.0
TW: Animal death, paranoia, violence including guns and explosions, mind control
S.L. Huang called Critical Point the entry in the Russellverse "'the one with all the explosions' or 'the one that is (finally) super gay.'" and I would say both of those are true - in the third book in the series, we learn more about the homelives and pasts of many of the characters we have come to love, while also being blown up every few chapters. In my humble opinion, Critical Point is the most solid entry in the series so far, as both action and interaction are handled skillfully as more information about Cas' past emerges. I especially loved all the tag team missions Cas and Pilar (who are most definitely my favorite duo) got to go on, but missed Arthur quite terribly once again. While I am so happy that we now have a crime family, I do miss the Cas Arthur shenanigans from book 1.
I think a few people will find issue with the characterization S.L. Huang has decided to continue on from Null Set - Cas is no longer the cool detached badass that despises working with others and dealing with her emotions. Instead she is now driven by trauma and memories that have resurfaced for the first time in decades. I think, as always, how you approach the series also determines how you react to this change in behavior. If you're only in it for the thrill, action and excitement, Cas' inner conflict and venture into her past may severely dampen your enjoyment. If you're invested in the characters and the family they have found, this will more than likely aide in fleshing out the characters and their relationships. Make of that what you will - I, for one, am anxiously awaiting the next entry into this series.
S.L. Huang called Critical Point the entry in the Russellverse "'the one with all the explosions' or 'the one that is (finally) super gay.'" and I would say both of those are true - in the third book in the series, we learn more about the homelives and pasts of many of the characters we have come to love, while also being blown up every few chapters. In my humble opinion, Critical Point is the most solid entry in the series so far, as both action and interaction are handled skillfully as more information about Cas' past emerges. I especially loved all the tag team missions Cas and Pilar (who are most definitely my favorite duo) got to go on, but missed Arthur quite terribly once again. While I am so happy that we now have a crime family, I do miss the Cas Arthur shenanigans from book 1.
I think a few people will find issue with the characterization S.L. Huang has decided to continue on from Null Set - Cas is no longer the cool detached badass that despises working with others and dealing with her emotions. Instead she is now driven by trauma and memories that have resurfaced for the first time in decades. I think, as always, how you approach the series also determines how you react to this change in behavior. If you're only in it for the thrill, action and excitement, Cas' inner conflict and venture into her past may severely dampen your enjoyment. If you're invested in the characters and the family they have found, this will more than likely aide in fleshing out the characters and their relationships. Make of that what you will - I, for one, am anxiously awaiting the next entry into this series.