mountsleepyhead's review
4.0
It's a shame this didn't come out with the album in 2003. I vividly remember buying that CD at Best Buy and obsessing over it, trying to suss out the story. I've always been a big concept album nut, and while I could see the threads in Coheed & Cambria's albums, I was never able tie them together (no matter how many forum posts I read). Paired with the graphic novel, the album finally has context and it's a much improved experience (and we're talking about an album I loved and still love here). While the Amory Wars series hasn't been without its growing pains and has a bit of a tolerance curve in regard to the cringey dialogue and miscalculated humor, it really hits its stride in the middle of In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3. The art is more professional, and the story starts to really feel like a big sci-fi fantasy epic. Claudio Sanchez's excellent world building finally gets its just due, and Wilhelm Ryan is established as a true all-timer of a super-powered, insurmountable villain.
cassholex's review
5.0
I didn’t enjoy In Keeping Secrets quite as much as I did The Second Stage, but it is a phenomenal continuation nonetheless. It is action-packed and leaves you on the edge of your seat. The ending sets the reader up beautifully for the comics and music that chronologically follow the book. Looking forward to continuing the series.
Update for my 2020 re-read:
I actually increased my rating from 4 to 5 stars and now prefer this one to Second Stage. I think this book does a great job of filling in the gaps that the Second Stage left. The universe that Sanchez creates is so elaborate and imaginative. This book is really a joy to read.
Update for my 2020 re-read:
I actually increased my rating from 4 to 5 stars and now prefer this one to Second Stage. I think this book does a great job of filling in the gaps that the Second Stage left. The universe that Sanchez creates is so elaborate and imaginative. This book is really a joy to read.
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