What can I say – the most unique piece of science fiction I’ve read in ages!
It feels like it’s been ages since I’ve finished a book—much of my summer disappeared in having my 15-year-old nephew staying with us for seven weeks, while my wife suffered a pretty devastating back injury—so I’ve hardly had time to pick up a book for months. I barely even remember how to review them, but I’ll give it my best shot…
I do remember loving the first book in this series, Embers of War, a lot. So much that I immediately started this sequel (even though it took my an age and a half to actually I read it). But I can reveal right here and now that I immediately started book 3 in the series, Light of Impossible Stars, so if that turns out just as good, we’re three for three on the excellence chart.
What I really like about Powell’s writing is his writing, so let’s start there. His books are short, made up of short chapters with a myriad of points of views from different characters and plot lines. There’s a quick pace to his writing, not in a way that makes it feel rushed, but in a way that keeps you interested. It’s very easy to pick up these books and read just a little bit more. I love that in books. I often read in short bursts on my Kindle app whenever I find the time between other things, not hour-long sessions where I’m snuggled up on the couch, so these kinds of books are perfect.
That’s not to say I don’t love it for the plot, because of course we do. If you haven’t read my review of Embers of War you can do that here, but know that book 2 follows almost exactly where 1 left us off, and again its the sentient space ship Trouble Dog who’s the main character. Honestly, a sentient space ship is such a fun protagonist, I love them almost as much as the seven-faced ship’s Engineer Nod, who always speaks in riddles.
In book 2 there’s a bigger, badder threat that Trouble Dog and its crew has to deal with, and we also meet old enemies, entirely knew characters on their own terrifying side quests, and mysterious, mythical creatures looming in the dark beyond.
You get why I’m excited for book 3, right?
The only downside to these books, and it’s only really a very minor thing, is that they can be a bit confusing at times. Maybe it’s my headspace at the time (like I mentioned, I haven’t been very on with my reading lately) but honestly, I think they’re meant to be experienced that way. You’re not supposed to understand everything that’s going all the time, necessarily — not until you suddenly do. But I know some people who would probably find it a bit distracting.
Anyway — I still can’t recommend Gareth Powell and this trilogy enough! It is truly unique.
What are you reading these days? Come across any new and exciting authors? Or re-reading an old love? Let me know in the comments!
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