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hawkeyegough's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This book was excellent, just like its predecessor (The Ark). While I learned in the acknowledgements at the end of Trident's Forge that this book series was intended originally just to be a standalone of The Ark, I couldn't tell at all by the body of the work. This is impressive to me, as I imagine it's very hard to write 90%+ of a book to then go back and re-write the ending to allow for continuation. The acknowledgments also clued me in to the fact that Patrick S. Tomlinson, the author intentionally chose a more open and expansive setting for this book than he chose for The Ark. I think this gives his characters more space to breathe and was refreshing. The bottle episode setting of The Ark worked great for the mystery Tomlinson was trying to convey, and I think it was smart of him to adapt his scenery to the type of story he wanted to tell rather than just plodding along in the tracks of the first novel. I won't go into the plot very much because it would be too easy to casually spoil things, but I will say that the expanded setting gives the main characters a distance from each other that wasn't present in the first book. This means they can each have their own agency, allowing them to develop more as characters individually from each other. This let me see aspects of Theresa (who is one of the new viewpoints we are treated to) and Chao Feng that I didn't pick up on in the first book. This also allowed for some very human miscommunication and lack of knowledge of what the others are doing that lends some intensity and believability to the plot. This book - characteristic of Tomlinson - took off fast and never really slowed down. For some books this would leave me feeling windswept and harried, but for this type of go-getter main character it really makes sense. And Tomlinson has done a good job of breaking this up with perspectives from other characters who are less chaotic (Kexx, for example). Speaking of other characters, I thought the author did a good job of creating and portraying the perspectives of alien species trying to comprehend humans. The ending was similarly well-crafted, if quick and dirty. The set up was very elaborate and detailed, and it allowed the quick ending to fit neatly into the story without the book overstaying its welcome. The one thing I wish I had seen in the book was more digging into a piece of information - a spoiler I won't mention - we discover at the end of the 1st book, which is not referenced again until the end of the 2nd. Presumably, it will blossom in the 3rd book, but a little bit of development here would've been awesome. I was very pleased with the second Tomlinson book I've read and will pick up the conclusion to the trilogy whenever I find it.
debbiesilkserif's review against another edition
4.0
Received via Angry Robot Books in exchange for an completely unbiased review.
Also posted on Silk & Serif
The Ark, a massive space shuttle outfitted to harbor thirty thousands souls away from a dying Earth in the hopes of finding a new home world, has arrived at a suitable planet. The residents of the Ark have begun to build a new colony by the sea on this strange planet inhabited by strange creatures called the G'tel. The G'tel have called the Tau Ceti G home for generations and have a primitive social structure based on gods and ritual rather than logic and technology. The two very different cultures are bound to clash - and do - when the first official greeting ceremony for humans is interrupted with violence that causes losses for both species. Bryan Benson, ex-detective and current football coach, teams up with an alien 'turth-digger' Kexx in order to bring those culpable to justice. Benson is thrust into an alien landscape with interstellar strangers whom he must trust to keep him alive while he proves that his colony is not to blame for the grisly greeting ceremony slaughter.
Meanwhile, the Cheif of Police and Bensons wife, Theresa, is dealing with violent outbursts within the human colony. The general populace suddenly wants to wipe out the G'tel, whom they claim, are dangerous species bent on war with the humans. In a rush to ensure that the colony remains peaceful with their new neighbours, Theresa uncovers a plot to manipulate the populace to commit genocide.
Guys, I don't even know where to start with this one. I requested Trident's Forge from NetGalley without really knowing what to expect. I'd never read Patrick S. Tomlinson before and I certainly wasn't sure how the plot would go, but thankfully I decided to take a chance. I was pleasantly surprised to find myself immersed into a world of strange beings, deep questions about the dishonesty of humanity, a whodunit mystery supported by a strong cast of characters.
I have always enjoyed science fiction because of the pure creativity that goes into creating new worlds, cultures and species. The entire spirit of science fiction is one that allows anything to be possible - entire worlds can be created and entire cultures can be developed no matter how implausible they seem. Tomlinson obviously did plenty of research to develop the G'tel: a species composed of loose limbs, headcress and shifting-coloured skin for communication. These elements of biology in the G'tel are both foreign and familiar in our current world's animal populations and yet, at their very core, the G'tel have similar drives and motivations as humans: love, loss and honor. In the end, the G'tel are an unfamiliar civilization, with some interesting social characteristics, which are explored sufficiently to emphasize the exotic while illuminating the key qualities that make us human.
Trident's Forge is a fast action science fiction novel that doesn't disappoint with strong characters that continue to develop as they begin to understand their new, alien neighbours. This novel is also exceptionally good at creating interesting mysteries that span a continent and that initially appear to be completely unrelated. In the end, Trident's Forge is an exciting second installment of what appears to be a fantastic series. I am definitely looking forward to book three of the Children of a Dead Earth series!
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy science fiction, whodunit mysteries, action and adventure and first contact novels. I would definitely recommend reading Trident's Forge if you're in the mood to read something unique and exceptionally well written. It's not required to read The Ark, book one of the Children of a Dead Earth series, as Trident's Forge is a book that can be consumed as a stand alone.
Also posted on Silk & Serif
The Ark, a massive space shuttle outfitted to harbor thirty thousands souls away from a dying Earth in the hopes of finding a new home world, has arrived at a suitable planet. The residents of the Ark have begun to build a new colony by the sea on this strange planet inhabited by strange creatures called the G'tel. The G'tel have called the Tau Ceti G home for generations and have a primitive social structure based on gods and ritual rather than logic and technology. The two very different cultures are bound to clash - and do - when the first official greeting ceremony for humans is interrupted with violence that causes losses for both species. Bryan Benson, ex-detective and current football coach, teams up with an alien 'turth-digger' Kexx in order to bring those culpable to justice. Benson is thrust into an alien landscape with interstellar strangers whom he must trust to keep him alive while he proves that his colony is not to blame for the grisly greeting ceremony slaughter.
Meanwhile, the Cheif of Police and Bensons wife, Theresa, is dealing with violent outbursts within the human colony. The general populace suddenly wants to wipe out the G'tel, whom they claim, are dangerous species bent on war with the humans. In a rush to ensure that the colony remains peaceful with their new neighbours, Theresa uncovers a plot to manipulate the populace to commit genocide.
Guys, I don't even know where to start with this one. I requested Trident's Forge from NetGalley without really knowing what to expect. I'd never read Patrick S. Tomlinson before and I certainly wasn't sure how the plot would go, but thankfully I decided to take a chance. I was pleasantly surprised to find myself immersed into a world of strange beings, deep questions about the dishonesty of humanity, a whodunit mystery supported by a strong cast of characters.
The G'tel is a cleverly crafted, plausible but alien society that exists on a world that is, for the most part, familiar to humans.
I have always enjoyed science fiction because of the pure creativity that goes into creating new worlds, cultures and species. The entire spirit of science fiction is one that allows anything to be possible - entire worlds can be created and entire cultures can be developed no matter how implausible they seem. Tomlinson obviously did plenty of research to develop the G'tel: a species composed of loose limbs, headcress and shifting-coloured skin for communication. These elements of biology in the G'tel are both foreign and familiar in our current world's animal populations and yet, at their very core, the G'tel have similar drives and motivations as humans: love, loss and honor. In the end, the G'tel are an unfamiliar civilization, with some interesting social characteristics, which are explored sufficiently to emphasize the exotic while illuminating the key qualities that make us human.
Trident's Forge is a fast action science fiction novel that doesn't disappoint with strong characters that continue to develop as they begin to understand their new, alien neighbours. This novel is also exceptionally good at creating interesting mysteries that span a continent and that initially appear to be completely unrelated. In the end, Trident's Forge is an exciting second installment of what appears to be a fantastic series. I am definitely looking forward to book three of the Children of a Dead Earth series!
Trident's Forge is a well written novel that kept me obsessively reading until the last page.
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy science fiction, whodunit mysteries, action and adventure and first contact novels. I would definitely recommend reading Trident's Forge if you're in the mood to read something unique and exceptionally well written. It's not required to read The Ark, book one of the Children of a Dead Earth series, as Trident's Forge is a book that can be consumed as a stand alone.
ladydaffney's review against another edition
5.0
This book is as awesome as the first one. I got sucked in and just couldn't put it down. Very well written! The added short story was a great addition. I hope to see more books in this series in the future!!
debbiesilkserif's review
4.0
Received via Angry Robot Books in exchange for an completely unbiased review.
Also posted on Silk & Serif
The Ark, a massive space shuttle outfitted to harbor thirty thousands souls away from a dying Earth in the hopes of finding a new home world, has arrived at a suitable planet. The residents of the Ark have begun to build a new colony by the sea on this strange planet inhabited by strange creatures called the G'tel. The G'tel have called the Tau Ceti G home for generations and have a primitive social structure based on gods and ritual rather than logic and technology. The two very different cultures are bound to clash - and do - when the first official greeting ceremony for humans is interrupted with violence that causes losses for both species. Bryan Benson, ex-detective and current football coach, teams up with an alien 'turth-digger' Kexx in order to bring those culpable to justice. Benson is thrust into an alien landscape with interstellar strangers whom he must trust to keep him alive while he proves that his colony is not to blame for the grisly greeting ceremony slaughter.
Meanwhile, the Cheif of Police and Bensons wife, Theresa, is dealing with violent outbursts within the human colony. The general populace suddenly wants to wipe out the G'tel, whom they claim, are dangerous species bent on war with the humans. In a rush to ensure that the colony remains peaceful with their new neighbours, Theresa uncovers a plot to manipulate the populace to commit genocide.
Guys, I don't even know where to start with this one. I requested Trident's Forge from NetGalley without really knowing what to expect. I'd never read Patrick S. Tomlinson before and I certainly wasn't sure how the plot would go, but thankfully I decided to take a chance. I was pleasantly surprised to find myself immersed into a world of strange beings, deep questions about the dishonesty of humanity, a whodunit mystery supported by a strong cast of characters.
I have always enjoyed science fiction because of the pure creativity that goes into creating new worlds, cultures and species. The entire spirit of science fiction is one that allows anything to be possible - entire worlds can be created and entire cultures can be developed no matter how implausible they seem. Tomlinson obviously did plenty of research to develop the G'tel: a species composed of loose limbs, headcress and shifting-coloured skin for communication. These elements of biology in the G'tel are both foreign and familiar in our current world's animal populations and yet, at their very core, the G'tel have similar drives and motivations as humans: love, loss and honor. In the end, the G'tel are an unfamiliar civilization, with some interesting social characteristics, which are explored sufficiently to emphasize the exotic while illuminating the key qualities that make us human.
Trident's Forge is a fast action science fiction novel that doesn't disappoint with strong characters that continue to develop as they begin to understand their new, alien neighbours. This novel is also exceptionally good at creating interesting mysteries that span a continent and that initially appear to be completely unrelated. In the end, Trident's Forge is an exciting second installment of what appears to be a fantastic series. I am definitely looking forward to book three of the Children of a Dead Earth series!
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy science fiction, whodunit mysteries, action and adventure and first contact novels. I would definitely recommend reading Trident's Forge if you're in the mood to read something unique and exceptionally well written. It's not required to read The Ark, book one of the Children of a Dead Earth series, as Trident's Forge is a book that can be consumed as a stand alone.
Also posted on Silk & Serif
The Ark, a massive space shuttle outfitted to harbor thirty thousands souls away from a dying Earth in the hopes of finding a new home world, has arrived at a suitable planet. The residents of the Ark have begun to build a new colony by the sea on this strange planet inhabited by strange creatures called the G'tel. The G'tel have called the Tau Ceti G home for generations and have a primitive social structure based on gods and ritual rather than logic and technology. The two very different cultures are bound to clash - and do - when the first official greeting ceremony for humans is interrupted with violence that causes losses for both species. Bryan Benson, ex-detective and current football coach, teams up with an alien 'turth-digger' Kexx in order to bring those culpable to justice. Benson is thrust into an alien landscape with interstellar strangers whom he must trust to keep him alive while he proves that his colony is not to blame for the grisly greeting ceremony slaughter.
Meanwhile, the Cheif of Police and Bensons wife, Theresa, is dealing with violent outbursts within the human colony. The general populace suddenly wants to wipe out the G'tel, whom they claim, are dangerous species bent on war with the humans. In a rush to ensure that the colony remains peaceful with their new neighbours, Theresa uncovers a plot to manipulate the populace to commit genocide.
Guys, I don't even know where to start with this one. I requested Trident's Forge from NetGalley without really knowing what to expect. I'd never read Patrick S. Tomlinson before and I certainly wasn't sure how the plot would go, but thankfully I decided to take a chance. I was pleasantly surprised to find myself immersed into a world of strange beings, deep questions about the dishonesty of humanity, a whodunit mystery supported by a strong cast of characters.
The G'tel is a cleverly crafted, plausible but alien society that exists on a world that is, for the most part, familiar to humans.
I have always enjoyed science fiction because of the pure creativity that goes into creating new worlds, cultures and species. The entire spirit of science fiction is one that allows anything to be possible - entire worlds can be created and entire cultures can be developed no matter how implausible they seem. Tomlinson obviously did plenty of research to develop the G'tel: a species composed of loose limbs, headcress and shifting-coloured skin for communication. These elements of biology in the G'tel are both foreign and familiar in our current world's animal populations and yet, at their very core, the G'tel have similar drives and motivations as humans: love, loss and honor. In the end, the G'tel are an unfamiliar civilization, with some interesting social characteristics, which are explored sufficiently to emphasize the exotic while illuminating the key qualities that make us human.
Trident's Forge is a fast action science fiction novel that doesn't disappoint with strong characters that continue to develop as they begin to understand their new, alien neighbours. This novel is also exceptionally good at creating interesting mysteries that span a continent and that initially appear to be completely unrelated. In the end, Trident's Forge is an exciting second installment of what appears to be a fantastic series. I am definitely looking forward to book three of the Children of a Dead Earth series!
Trident's Forge is a well written novel that kept me obsessively reading until the last page.
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy science fiction, whodunit mysteries, action and adventure and first contact novels. I would definitely recommend reading Trident's Forge if you're in the mood to read something unique and exceptionally well written. It's not required to read The Ark, book one of the Children of a Dead Earth series, as Trident's Forge is a book that can be consumed as a stand alone.
sbisson's review
4.0
Recent Reads: Trident's Forge. SF police procedural meets first contact as Patrick Tomlinson's Ark reaches its destination; but initial relations with locals go badly. Can ex-cop Bryan Benson and truth-digger Kexx unravel a deadly conspiracy? Building bridges, solving crimes.
debbiesilkserif's review against another edition
4.0
Received via Angry Robot Books in exchange for an completely unbiased review.
Also posted on Silk & Serif
The Ark, a massive space shuttle outfitted to harbor thirty thousands souls away from a dying Earth in the hopes of finding a new home world, has arrived at a suitable planet. The residents of the Ark have begun to build a new colony by the sea on this strange planet inhabited by strange creatures called the G'tel. The G'tel have called the Tau Ceti G home for generations and have a primitive social structure based on gods and ritual rather than logic and technology. The two very different cultures are bound to clash - and do - when the first official greeting ceremony for humans is interrupted with violence that causes losses for both species. Bryan Benson, ex-detective and current football coach, teams up with an alien 'turth-digger' Kexx in order to bring those culpable to justice. Benson is thrust into an alien landscape with interstellar strangers whom he must trust to keep him alive while he proves that his colony is not to blame for the grisly greeting ceremony slaughter.
Meanwhile, the Cheif of Police and Bensons wife, Theresa, is dealing with violent outbursts within the human colony. The general populace suddenly wants to wipe out the G'tel, whom they claim, are dangerous species bent on war with the humans. In a rush to ensure that the colony remains peaceful with their new neighbours, Theresa uncovers a plot to manipulate the populace to commit genocide.
Guys, I don't even know where to start with this one. I requested Trident's Forge from NetGalley without really knowing what to expect. I'd never read Patrick S. Tomlinson before and I certainly wasn't sure how the plot would go, but thankfully I decided to take a chance. I was pleasantly surprised to find myself immersed into a world of strange beings, deep questions about the dishonesty of humanity, a whodunit mystery supported by a strong cast of characters.
I have always enjoyed science fiction because of the pure creativity that goes into creating new worlds, cultures and species. The entire spirit of science fiction is one that allows anything to be possible - entire worlds can be created and entire cultures can be developed no matter how implausible they seem. Tomlinson obviously did plenty of research to develop the G'tel: a species composed of loose limbs, headcress and shifting-coloured skin for communication. These elements of biology in the G'tel are both foreign and familiar in our current world's animal populations and yet, at their very core, the G'tel have similar drives and motivations as humans: love, loss and honor. In the end, the G'tel are an unfamiliar civilization, with some interesting social characteristics, which are explored sufficiently to emphasize the exotic while illuminating the key qualities that make us human.
Trident's Forge is a fast action science fiction novel that doesn't disappoint with strong characters that continue to develop as they begin to understand their new, alien neighbours. This novel is also exceptionally good at creating interesting mysteries that span a continent and that initially appear to be completely unrelated. In the end, Trident's Forge is an exciting second installment of what appears to be a fantastic series. I am definitely looking forward to book three of the Children of a Dead Earth series!
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy science fiction, whodunit mysteries, action and adventure and first contact novels. I would definitely recommend reading Trident's Forge if you're in the mood to read something unique and exceptionally well written. It's not required to read The Ark, book one of the Children of a Dead Earth series, as Trident's Forge is a book that can be consumed as a stand alone.
Also posted on Silk & Serif
The Ark, a massive space shuttle outfitted to harbor thirty thousands souls away from a dying Earth in the hopes of finding a new home world, has arrived at a suitable planet. The residents of the Ark have begun to build a new colony by the sea on this strange planet inhabited by strange creatures called the G'tel. The G'tel have called the Tau Ceti G home for generations and have a primitive social structure based on gods and ritual rather than logic and technology. The two very different cultures are bound to clash - and do - when the first official greeting ceremony for humans is interrupted with violence that causes losses for both species. Bryan Benson, ex-detective and current football coach, teams up with an alien 'turth-digger' Kexx in order to bring those culpable to justice. Benson is thrust into an alien landscape with interstellar strangers whom he must trust to keep him alive while he proves that his colony is not to blame for the grisly greeting ceremony slaughter.
Meanwhile, the Cheif of Police and Bensons wife, Theresa, is dealing with violent outbursts within the human colony. The general populace suddenly wants to wipe out the G'tel, whom they claim, are dangerous species bent on war with the humans. In a rush to ensure that the colony remains peaceful with their new neighbours, Theresa uncovers a plot to manipulate the populace to commit genocide.
Guys, I don't even know where to start with this one. I requested Trident's Forge from NetGalley without really knowing what to expect. I'd never read Patrick S. Tomlinson before and I certainly wasn't sure how the plot would go, but thankfully I decided to take a chance. I was pleasantly surprised to find myself immersed into a world of strange beings, deep questions about the dishonesty of humanity, a whodunit mystery supported by a strong cast of characters.
The G'tel is a cleverly crafted, plausible but alien society that exists on a world that is, for the most part, familiar to humans.
I have always enjoyed science fiction because of the pure creativity that goes into creating new worlds, cultures and species. The entire spirit of science fiction is one that allows anything to be possible - entire worlds can be created and entire cultures can be developed no matter how implausible they seem. Tomlinson obviously did plenty of research to develop the G'tel: a species composed of loose limbs, headcress and shifting-coloured skin for communication. These elements of biology in the G'tel are both foreign and familiar in our current world's animal populations and yet, at their very core, the G'tel have similar drives and motivations as humans: love, loss and honor. In the end, the G'tel are an unfamiliar civilization, with some interesting social characteristics, which are explored sufficiently to emphasize the exotic while illuminating the key qualities that make us human.
Trident's Forge is a fast action science fiction novel that doesn't disappoint with strong characters that continue to develop as they begin to understand their new, alien neighbours. This novel is also exceptionally good at creating interesting mysteries that span a continent and that initially appear to be completely unrelated. In the end, Trident's Forge is an exciting second installment of what appears to be a fantastic series. I am definitely looking forward to book three of the Children of a Dead Earth series!
Trident's Forge is a well written novel that kept me obsessively reading until the last page.
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy science fiction, whodunit mysteries, action and adventure and first contact novels. I would definitely recommend reading Trident's Forge if you're in the mood to read something unique and exceptionally well written. It's not required to read The Ark, book one of the Children of a Dead Earth series, as Trident's Forge is a book that can be consumed as a stand alone.
strangecurrencies's review against another edition
4.0
Trident’s Forge is the second novel in the Children of a Dead Earth series by American author and stand-up comedian Patrick S. Tomlinson. While I once again didn't realise an Angry Robot Books novel was a sequel and not a first book, I had no trouble picking up and following this interesting and engaging action-mystery. While it was just tropey enough to occasionally make me shake my head, the interesting world, the well-paced plot and engaging protagonist more than made up for it. A solid read, and one I definitely recommend.
Full Review At
http://strangecurrencies.org/2016/02/16/review-of-tridents-forge-by-patrick-s-tomlinson/
Full Review At
http://strangecurrencies.org/2016/02/16/review-of-tridents-forge-by-patrick-s-tomlinson/