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sayyadina773 's review for:
Cibola Burn
by James S.A. Corey
Another awesome installment of the Expanse! I loved this one quite a bit! It had so many juicy character stuff in it, and I thought they did a much better job with the new characters than the last book. We have the ever sad Basia, as he struggles to protect his family and new way of life on Ilus. Elvi, the adorable, absent-minded biologist as she tries to make sense of this alien planet, and the cute geologist, Fayez, who's in love with her! Then I was happy to see that Havelock was back and had a pivotal role to play in the events! The villain of this story was great too, a kind of psychopathic Javert, as he resolutely and obstinately sticks to what he perceives as his duty to his mission and corporation! Once again, though, Corey creates an incredible high tension situation and Holden must, *once again*, save the universe. The situation on Ilus just goes from bad to worse, to cataclysmic. It is kind of amazing and depressing how well the authors capture human frailties - how pride, prejudice, hate, revenge, incompetence, lust for power and control, and cowardice all come into play upon the backdrop of this alien environment, even as the alien world begins to destroy them! The suspense is pretty much palpable and the mystery enticing!
So, Holden and his crew are sent into this volatile situation on Ilus to be mediators, to try to broker a compromise between the United Nations and the Settlers on Ilus, one of the worlds open to them by the Gates. However, a terrorist fraction rises up to try to push the United Nations out, and things pretty much escalate from there. I think of all the characters, Holden shines the most within this story. He most certainly was the hero in previous books, but he has never before shouldered quite as much responsibility as he did in this, and he wore it *very* well. He is pretty much the purest being ever, selfless and ready to do good to all even his enemies! There came a point where he literally became the only person who could save them, as everyone else becomes incapacitated due to the alien environment, to which they find out he is immuned. In the end, there were quite a few characters who become important to saving the day, but undoubtedly Holden shines golden in this story. He doesn't get the credit he deserves! But of course, being a hero is never for the credit.
Another amazing aspect about this book was all the mysterious alien stuff! More and more tantalizing bits reveal themselves as Proto-Miller investigates what had happened to the advanced alien race, how/why they were wiped out. I have a feeling that this whole alien plot is going to be Corey's "winter is coming" "dragons are coming" bit of Martin's books. Each book gives us just a little bit more information, but lots more questions, and the alien threat always just lingers right on the horizon, but never fully arriving! Ah! It is frustrating! This book especially left me wanting to know MOAR!
I have to say, though, PROTO-MILLER. *sob* WHY. Just when I was beginning to really love him, to get used to the fact that Miller has become some weird semi-conscious alien tech ghost machine, they go and kill him! Not to mention, *every* time him and Holden start to bond and their bromance begin to blossom, it is cut unexpectedly short. They have pretty much a doomed relationship, a tragic affair, their friendship never to be fully realized. Although, both of them are stubborn and have quite a difficult time getting along, (those two), so some of it is their own fault, but still. That was probably the most frustrating thing about this book, like come on! Really?! HOW MANY TIMES DOES MILLER HAVE TO DIE. It just isn't fair. I love Miller, though. Miller is everything. We barely knew ye! *tear*
Anyway, that is my smattering of thoughts! On to the next book! Loving this series so much! ^_^
P.S. ALEX. I loved getting to find out more about him and his past. Of course, it was sad, what else is new, and put him in a rather negative light, which was unexpected, but it was good! I just found out he is going to be one of the perspectives in Nemesis Games, so I'm like EEE. YISSS. Also, he passionately loves Film Noir movies, so that makes him cool in my book.
P.S.S. Just discovered ALL THE CREW of The Rocinante are going to be narrators in Nemesis Games! AHHHH. *runs to library to get book*
So, Holden and his crew are sent into this volatile situation on Ilus to be mediators, to try to broker a compromise between the United Nations and the Settlers on Ilus, one of the worlds open to them by the Gates. However, a terrorist fraction rises up to try to push the United Nations out, and things pretty much escalate from there. I think of all the characters, Holden shines the most within this story. He most certainly was the hero in previous books, but he has never before shouldered quite as much responsibility as he did in this, and he wore it *very* well. He is pretty much the purest being ever, selfless and ready to do good to all even his enemies! There came a point where he literally became the only person who could save them, as everyone else becomes incapacitated due to the alien environment, to which they find out he is immuned. In the end, there were quite a few characters who become important to saving the day, but undoubtedly Holden shines golden in this story. He doesn't get the credit he deserves! But of course, being a hero is never for the credit.
Another amazing aspect about this book was all the mysterious alien stuff! More and more tantalizing bits reveal themselves as Proto-Miller investigates what had happened to the advanced alien race, how/why they were wiped out. I have a feeling that this whole alien plot is going to be Corey's "winter is coming" "dragons are coming" bit of Martin's books. Each book gives us just a little bit more information, but lots more questions, and the alien threat always just lingers right on the horizon, but never fully arriving! Ah! It is frustrating! This book especially left me wanting to know MOAR!
I have to say, though, PROTO-MILLER. *sob* WHY. Just when I was beginning to really love him, to get used to the fact that Miller has become some weird semi-conscious alien tech ghost machine, they go and kill him! Not to mention, *every* time him and Holden start to bond and their bromance begin to blossom, it is cut unexpectedly short. They have pretty much a doomed relationship, a tragic affair, their friendship never to be fully realized. Although, both of them are stubborn and have quite a difficult time getting along, (those two), so some of it is their own fault, but still. That was probably the most frustrating thing about this book, like come on! Really?! HOW MANY TIMES DOES MILLER HAVE TO DIE. It just isn't fair. I love Miller, though. Miller is everything. We barely knew ye! *tear*
Anyway, that is my smattering of thoughts! On to the next book! Loving this series so much! ^_^
P.S. ALEX. I loved getting to find out more about him and his past. Of course, it was sad, what else is new, and put him in a rather negative light, which was unexpected, but it was good! I just found out he is going to be one of the perspectives in Nemesis Games, so I'm like EEE. YISSS. Also, he passionately loves Film Noir movies, so that makes him cool in my book.
P.S.S. Just discovered ALL THE CREW of The Rocinante are going to be narrators in Nemesis Games! AHHHH. *runs to library to get book*