The struggle to survive intensifies

This is another compelling sci-fi read from A.G. Riddle. The back and forth interactions between Emma and James continue to be engaging, contributing to a rich dynamic that's a highlight of the series. However, James's naiveté towards his chief antagonist was a bit frustrating, straining the believability of his character at times. While I found this book not as fast-paced as the first one, it still offers plenty to enjoy. My main disappointment came with the 'end of the world' direction this book took, especially following the optimistic ending of the first book. Despite this, Riddle's writing continues to impress and fans of the genre will certainly find elements to appreciate. Moving on to book 3.

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Not as good as book 1

Unfortunately this book did not meet my expectations. I was almost tempted to ditch it after the first hour but I saw it through.

It came across almost as a soap drama is some areas. I felt it lacked any real substance and felt more like the author had filled it out with inane dribble to fulfil a quota.

A shame, as the first book was certainly a far better story.

I know the author is capable of much better work so this won’t deter me from reading future stories.

I guess you can’t hit home runs every time 🫤

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Not his best work

the last hour had the most promise, but like most of the book, evaporated into nothing

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Great story, but the narration...?

I really enjoyed this book, despite the bad reviews. The only thing that bothered me was the accents from the narrators!! Their English accent was weird, but that Australian accent was just plain BAD. It was a mix of New Zealand, British and Jamaican... not much Australian. As an Aussie this bothered me more than it should!!

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Good series somewhat marred by unrelenting gloom

I am enjoying this series overall and there are a few oblique parallels to coming real world challenges. The narrators are good ones but in this volume, where survival is unlikely for 99% of the book, the unrelenting gloomy and even maudlin tone makes it difficult to listen to for longer periods unless you don't mind coming out of it with a very bad mood. About a 1/4 of the way through though I discovered that speeding it up to 1.05 made them sound slightly less downbeat. I enjoy it enough to finish and buy the next volume though!

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Very enjoyable, great escapism.

I would also recommend Riddles other books for more entertaining and wide adventures. Keep then coming!

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A truly terrible and horrendously boring sequel

Straight out of the gate here, Ballerini, as usual, does a phenomenal job, however, if you thought The Matrix Reloaded was a terrible sequel be prepared for amazement.

It's very apparent that locking the narrative into just two characters has hindered the potential of this story, especially these two characters. Although James continues to be the only super genius able to save Earth, Riddle has relegated Emma to a moronic, and emotionally stunted, child-rearing mess only suitable for being a house-wife. Yes, Riddle took the Ex-Captain of the ISS and made her a terrible side-kick with all the emotional intellect of a potato. {insert drinking game for every time bone density is raised}

I thoroughly enjoyed the first book, even with its endless plotholes and zero originality, it was good ear candy but this book just drags, especially in the second act. My major issue is that none of the supporting characters have been fleshed out enough for me to really care if they live or die.

Disappointment doesn't come close to the feeling I have with this sloppy and downright lazy mess.

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A poor sequel to the excellent first book.

Where I found the 1st book to be quite well written with an excellent attention to detail found this sequel to be far less impressive. Not sure I'll bother with the 3rd now. While the performances of the narrators were great and carried the story a bit the underlying plot was at times a bit far fetched and poorly thought out. It's almost like this book was more of an attempt to shoe horn the 1st book and the 3rd book into the same narrative universe and characters than its own real story of its own.

My biggest problem is that this books plot basically rests upon the supposedly genius main character and antagonist being not only stupid but in ways inconsistent with their established motivations. All the while trying to tell rather than show that they really are actually geniuses and motivationally consistent still. For example conservation of energy and underestimating the uppity humans May have worked brilliantly in the 1st book but here it doesn't make sense apart from the characters telling you it does, even the ending acknowledges this obliquely (though probably not consciously intended by the writer).

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2 people found this helpful