mrbear30021's review
5.0
Anna Butler knows how to tell a story. She is able to grab your attention by having her characters scream at you for attention, often with nothing more than a gentle whisper. Heart Scarab screamed emotional rollercoaster to me. I'm not talking about what the characters went through. I'm referring to what I went through. There are so many shades of love lost and found and lost again. Self-empowerment and reconciliation. Denial and acceptance. One of the most heartbreaking acts of love I have ever read.
I'm purposely trying not to be specific as this book is but one "chapter" in a continuing story of How Bennet, who is thought of as in control and on top of every situation by his peers, lives a life of turmoil. He has aspirations just like all of us, and yet he also has a commitment to serving the greater good. Duty always seems to win out, yet ultimately, it sets the stage for better things to come.
Now that I've double talked my way through two paragraphs, let me just say that no matter what I think of this book, I am screaming at you to read it for yourself, along with the whole series. You'll love meeting Ms. Butler's creations, and I wouldn't be surprised if you even grow quite fond of them as well. You'll rise and fall with every new event in our hero's journey.
I'm purposely trying not to be specific as this book is but one "chapter" in a continuing story of How Bennet, who is thought of as in control and on top of every situation by his peers, lives a life of turmoil. He has aspirations just like all of us, and yet he also has a commitment to serving the greater good. Duty always seems to win out, yet ultimately, it sets the stage for better things to come.
Now that I've double talked my way through two paragraphs, let me just say that no matter what I think of this book, I am screaming at you to read it for yourself, along with the whole series. You'll love meeting Ms. Butler's creations, and I wouldn't be surprised if you even grow quite fond of them as well. You'll rise and fall with every new event in our hero's journey.
alisonalisonalison's review
5.0
So very good! This is the second book of the amazing Taking Shield sci-fi series and it's a little different in tone, but just as engaging as the first. This book does not stand alone, so do read the first book, [b:Gyrfalcon|24686085|Gyrfalcon (Taking Shield, #1)|Anna Butler|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1422211135s/24686085.jpg|44303874], well, first. Here's what I said about the first book, and it all still applies--amazing characterisation, amazing world-building, amazing depth, amazing plot, amazing writing...just amazing all around. On finishing the first book, I immediately dove right into to this one and absolutely loved it--it's vivid, gripping, moving, and so captivating. Taking place over a year later, this particular book is less about zooming around in space fighting a war (though there is that) and more about the personal dramas following Bennet's presumed death. One of my favourite things about this series is the depth and complexity of the characters and their relationships and their growth--it's all very human and realistic and full of messy and complicated situations. No, this isn't a romance series, but the love story is central while still being in the background and getting very little page time, if that makes sense, and it's intense and complicated. While this book is a little quieter in terms of action, it's big on emotion and personal growth and sets up a lot for the next book, which is particularly action-packed. This is a big, sweeping story which has completely drawn me in and there's so much more to come. This (along with the other two Taking Shield books) is definitely one of my favourite things I've read this year.
kaje_harper's review
5.0
This second book in a very good series is well worth reading for SciFi fans. The romance thread is still glacially slow and muted at the end, although there is forward movement here. Joss, Bennet's long-time partner, is a focus as their relationship unravels, leaving space, perhaps, for Flynn.
Bennet is on a backwater colony planet, trying to evacuate religious fanatic colonists, when the Maees strike. In the scramble to get off the ground, he is injured and his helmet transponder is destroyed. As his family and friends mourn his loss, Bennet is working with some local outlaws to escape the notice of the Maees, and get a small group of survivors off the planet and to safety.
The action is fun, the mourning of those who believe Bennet is dead is affecting. I did have a quibble with the way Joss shoots himself in the foot - I was hoping that Bennet wouldn't get that out-of-jail-free card. I like when splitting up is necessary but hard and with blame to both. However this book took me deeper into the characters and the world-building, and I really enjoyed it.
Once again, the ending is just another beginning, not a cliff, but not an HFN. On to book 3.
Bennet is on a backwater colony planet, trying to evacuate religious fanatic colonists, when the Maees strike. In the scramble to get off the ground, he is injured and his helmet transponder is destroyed. As his family and friends mourn his loss, Bennet is working with some local outlaws to escape the notice of the Maees, and get a small group of survivors off the planet and to safety.
The action is fun, the mourning of those who believe Bennet is dead is affecting. I did have a quibble with the way Joss shoots himself in the foot - I was hoping that Bennet wouldn't get that out-of-jail-free card. I like when splitting up is necessary but hard and with blame to both. However this book took me deeper into the characters and the world-building, and I really enjoyed it.
Once again, the ending is just another beginning, not a cliff, but not an HFN. On to book 3.
capellan's review
3.0
The military aspects of this series very much take the backburner in its second entry. Much more focus goes on Bennet's relationships with his family, his friends, and - especially - with his romantic interests. People who signed up for the battle against the alien Maess are likely to feel short-changed, which I guess is fair enough. I'm sure there will also be those who are outraged that Bennet's love interests are mostly male - but then they probably bailed on the first book - as well as a few who are miffed that his love interests aren't exclusively male (to whom I say, be of good cheer, because I really think he will be with a guy at the end of the series).
Personally, I liked the book, though I am hopeful that the next entry in the series will give us a bit more of that Maess-fighting content.
Personally, I liked the book, though I am hopeful that the next entry in the series will give us a bit more of that Maess-fighting content.
pinnacle's review
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
It's not as good as Gyrfalcon. I really enjoyed the part on Telnos which focused more so on the science fiction side of the story. But the storyline with Joss and Flynn at times felt forced, and Joss' POVs felt unnecessary at times. It is a bit of a change of tact from the first story of the series, but none the worse. Following the POV of Flynn was interesting though, to see how he reacted to news about Bennet.
mrella's review
5.0
This was neither a full blown sci-fi nor a romance.
Wait though!!!! I didn't mean it in a discouraging way.
This book is an in-between stage, a suspension if you will.
The story starts with the history of Bennett and Joss.
It's very sweet and I do feel for Joss in the end, even if he turns out to be stuck in his ways just like one of his beloved mummies - dead to the change. His rituals, his sacrifice, which I found heartbreaking and endearing at the same time, reflects vividly on his character and the state of his affairs with Bennett. He is done, he just won't admit it to himself and the world.
The middle of the book is a state of suspension.
Bennett is in between the worlds physically and metaphorically; between life and death, stuck on a planet run over by hostiles.
Bennett knows that Joss belongs in his past, but he's yet to do something about it when and if he gets back. His relationship with Flynn is uncertain, at best.
This part, tho, is where all the exciting sci-fi is. Not enough to please the majority of the genre fans (it seems), because it's not this book's true focus, but very satisfying at the same time.
There is no romance in the third part of the story either, despite all the feels between Flynn and Bennett. Bennett is still in transition. His old life is no more. His future, that depends on his health, is unpredictable at this point.
Flynn, however much in love, is too independent, with a very strong sense of purpose. His life is not his own, he will not resign and compromise his integrity. I love that about him. About both characters.
I don't think I am risking a spoiler: there is no HEA here, not even a HFN, the boys simply cannot be together at this stage of their lives. I hope very much that book three will tie everything together ...or book four. I am not picky :D Looking forward to it.
Maddening writing skills :)
Wait though!!!! I didn't mean it in a discouraging way.
This book is an in-between stage, a suspension if you will.
The story starts with the history of Bennett and Joss.
It's very sweet and I do feel for Joss in the end, even if he turns out to be stuck in his ways just like one of his beloved mummies - dead to the change. His rituals, his sacrifice, which I found heartbreaking and endearing at the same time, reflects vividly on his character and the state of his affairs with Bennett. He is done, he just won't admit it to himself and the world.
The middle of the book is a state of suspension.
Bennett is in between the worlds physically and metaphorically; between life and death, stuck on a planet run over by hostiles.
Bennett knows that Joss belongs in his past, but he's yet to do something about it when and if he gets back. His relationship with Flynn is uncertain, at best.
This part, tho, is where all the exciting sci-fi is. Not enough to please the majority of the genre fans (it seems), because it's not this book's true focus, but very satisfying at the same time.
There is no romance in the third part of the story either, despite all the feels between Flynn and Bennett. Bennett is still in transition. His old life is no more. His future, that depends on his health, is unpredictable at this point.
Flynn, however much in love, is too independent, with a very strong sense of purpose. His life is not his own, he will not resign and compromise his integrity. I love that about him. About both characters.
I don't think I am risking a spoiler: there is no HEA here, not even a HFN, the boys simply cannot be together at this stage of their lives. I hope very much that book three will tie everything together ...or book four. I am not picky :D Looking forward to it.
Maddening writing skills :)
saphirablue's review
4.0
*squee* While not as awesome as the first part - I still enjoyed it a lot.
I really like the parts of the plot that have been about Bennet on Telnos and Flynn's POV to Bennet being "dead". The part on Telnos has been awesome. Bennet being rescued by Ifan, their bantering, the horses (<3), the rescue, omg, the rescue! *loves*
I could have done without Joss's POV and especially later on without Bennet still trying to save (?) the relationship with Joss. I really didn't like Joss from the beginning on and everything in this book just confirmed it. Joss turned out to be a huge emotional abuser in my opinion and I'm glad that Bennet got finally out of that relationship.
The six weeks of Bennet and Flynn have been short (for them and for the reader) and bittersweet. *hugs them both*
Overall the plot didn't really move on regarding the war with the Maess. We get some hints of the political situation that might change within Albion/humankind and that's it. On one hand, it's nice to get all this background on Bennet and his family, but on the other hand a bit more on the overall would have been also great.
Bonus points:
The rescue scene. So often I get cheated of rescue scenes/friends seeing each other after being presumed dead in books/shows/movies. Not here! I love that so much.
Bennet being shown in pain and having to recover for days/weeks/months and being miserable and in pain and grumpy.
Even though, I could have done without it - the breakup process. It has shown that breaking up with someone is not easy. And some other stuff I'm not articulated enough to express properly.
So, *makes grabby hands for the next parts*
I really like the parts of the plot that have been about Bennet on Telnos and Flynn's POV to Bennet being "dead". The part on Telnos has been awesome. Bennet being rescued by Ifan, their bantering, the horses (<3), the rescue, omg, the rescue! *loves*
I could have done without Joss's POV and especially later on without Bennet still trying to save (?) the relationship with Joss. I really didn't like Joss from the beginning on and everything in this book just confirmed it. Joss turned out to be a huge emotional abuser in my opinion and I'm glad that Bennet got finally out of that relationship.
The six weeks of Bennet and Flynn have been short (for them and for the reader) and bittersweet. *hugs them both*
Overall the plot didn't really move on regarding the war with the Maess. We get some hints of the political situation that might change within Albion/humankind and that's it. On one hand, it's nice to get all this background on Bennet and his family, but on the other hand a bit more on the overall would have been also great.
Bonus points:
The rescue scene. So often I get cheated of rescue scenes/friends seeing each other after being presumed dead in books/shows/movies. Not here! I love that so much.
Bennet being shown in pain and having to recover for days/weeks/months and being miserable and in pain and grumpy.
Even though, I could have done without it - the breakup process. It has shown that breaking up with someone is not easy. And some other stuff I'm not articulated enough to express properly.
So, *makes grabby hands for the next parts*