I read The Last Watch in October of 2020 and posted the review in March. I'm glad to have been able to continue this adventure with The Exiled Fleet, but now I'm waiting for book 3.
My main complaint is that I wish there had been a little reminder of some of the events in the first book. The Exiled Fleet begins in medias res, and as I've read over a hundred of books since last October, it took me a chapter or so to reorient myself. A minor complaint.
Character development continues, an important element in a series that relies on a sense of loyalty and camaraderie. Each of the characters has both strengths and concomitant flaws that keep them human--not perfect, infallible cardboard cutouts. In addition to Rake, Cavalon, and Jackin, secondary characters from the first book take on new responsibilities, and some interesting new characters are added.
The Sentinels survived the collapsing of the Divide and have rescued as many other endangered Sentinels as possible, but their situation is still dire. As they struggle for materials, food, and mechanical and technical solutions, we learn more about the characters and their backgrounds while also gaining a better understanding of their world(s) and the machinations of Augustus Mercer, his eugenic programs, and long range plans.
Plenty of action. Read in July; review scheduled for
NetGalley/MacMillan-Tor/Forge
Science fiction. Aug. 17, 2021. Print length: 432 pages.
I don't generally read SF, once in a blue moon, but I do like when the briefly rehash the previous book in a series. This is especially important when there is a year or more in between.
ReplyDeleteSome authors excel at this, some ignore it entirely, and some pad with frequent information dumps. It didn't take that long to put myself back into the situation, but it's nice to have a little help. :)
DeleteI'm not familiar with this writer or this series but it certainly seems to have hit the right spots for you. It's always great to find a book or series that we find truly entertaining.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy science fiction and this series has been a fun and exciting trip so far!
DeleteI have come to really appreciate those writers who can so seamlessly work in reminders of the book/s that preceded the one I'm reading in a series. Some of them do it so well that each book in the series reads like a standalone; others don't even try to do it...maybe they can't.
ReplyDeleteThat's it, Sam. Some do the reminders so well that each book works like a standalone! If you have read the previous book you are brought gently up to date, if you haven't you have enough information to ease into the latest book with no problems.
DeleteI still need to read The Last Watch. But maybe it's good I waited because now I can read this one right afterwards...while I still remember the what happened in the first book. ;D
ReplyDeleteIt is always nice to know that there is at least one more book already published!
DeleteI remember reading a bunch of the Sue Grafton Alphabet books in a row and realizing that each novel had a little catch-up (her neighbor, her car, that little black dress that never wrinkled, her last case). I doubt I would have noticed this if I had read them as they were published, with many months in between reading!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great sci-fi series. Good characterization is a must for series, it is why the reader keeps coming back.
Yes, a little catch up detail that is almost unnoticeable, but ties everything together. It is strange what tiny details from a book will remain in our memory that brings together a larger picture in our mind--much the way a particular scent may bring about our own memories of another event. :)
DeleteIt's difficult for me to follow the storyline of a book that doesn't recall past events.
ReplyDelete:) It doesn't take that much to put you back in place, but that little effort can make it so much easier!
DeleteA small recap at the beginning of a book is a must. There's too many books in my head and they get all jumbled together sometimes, lol. This series does sound really good though. I'll definitely have to keep an eye out for it. :)
ReplyDeleteExactly! There are too many books in all of our heads, and we need a little help with reminders. Especially if it has been months or a year in between entries!
DeleteI'm so with you on series books that need a little reminder of the past events. This is one reason why I dislike waiting for the next installment to be released, especially if the wait is a long one.
ReplyDeleteI admire authors who can remind you seamlessly and pull you back in without you ever having to think about it. :)
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