nightstorm's review against another edition
5.0
What a fun read this was! By the end, I felt like I had watched a full-length movie in the best possible way. The first half reminded me of Firefly crossed with Indiana Jones, and the second half echoed of both Star Wars and Marvel. The 3 main characters are your classic, lovable trio: space pilot (Wheel), bad-ass fighter (Lahra), and brilliant nerd (Max). Together, they romp around space looking for old Atlan artifacts that they can mine for clues to their respective pasts (oh and also sell for money). It's the whole "find a job, keep flying" mentality, complete with a local crime boss and several satisfying action scenes where Lahra gets to kick some butt.
When one particular set of artifacts triggers a massive Imperial response, the team realizes that they have stumbled over something much bigger than they thought. The tone changes to more of a resistance movement as the team joins forces with others and races to crack the artifact's code in time to avoid complete annihilation by the Vsenk. Whether they succeed or not...well, I guess you'll have to read it for yourself!
There was so much to love about this book. There are strong characters who each have their own perspective and set of concerns. Lahra and Max have an admirable, balanced marriage where they support and encourage each other. I particularly enjoyed the antagonist, Arek. Far from being aggressive and heartless, his story shows complexity as he tries to thread a path through political manipulation on all sides. Finally, the action writing was very good - punchy, quick, engaging, and descriptive. Perfect for a 2-night read when I needed something relaxing and entertaining for the evenings. I'm looking forward to the author's next novel in this series.
When one particular set of artifacts triggers a massive Imperial response, the team realizes that they have stumbled over something much bigger than they thought. The tone changes to more of a resistance movement as the team joins forces with others and races to crack the artifact's code in time to avoid complete annihilation by the Vsenk. Whether they succeed or not...well, I guess you'll have to read it for yourself!
There was so much to love about this book. There are strong characters who each have their own perspective and set of concerns. Lahra and Max have an admirable, balanced marriage where they support and encourage each other. I particularly enjoyed the antagonist, Arek. Far from being aggressive and heartless, his story shows complexity as he tries to thread a path through political manipulation on all sides. Finally, the action writing was very good - punchy, quick, engaging, and descriptive. Perfect for a 2-night read when I needed something relaxing and entertaining for the evenings. I'm looking forward to the author's next novel in this series.
rustman's review against another edition
2.0
Well it is a space opera. I would not classify this book as Sci-fi, but fantasy. I get it the universe is a big place and not everyone will look human. But come on space creatures flying around the void with gnarly teeth. Just not for me.
bmacenlightened's review against another edition
4.0
Annihilation Aria was a fun book to read and a great introduction to an imaginative universe with unique aliens. The main characters are an Earthling named Max, an archaeologist, Lahra a Genae, a species who sing songs which have a tangible effect on their abilities especially when done in chorus, and Wheel, a ship's captain like none other. Max and Lahra are married, despite being of vastly different origins, and their relationship throughout and that of theirs with Wheel would rival the teamwork and relationships in any number of stories. Since they're excavating artifacts under the nose of a fascist regime ruled by the horrific Vsenk, it definitely lends itself to comparisons with Star Wars, but besides that it's definitely in it's own universe.
There's a lot of fun, a lot of action, some heartfelt moments, and all that together makes for a very entertaining space opera.
Thanks NetGalley, Parvus Press, and Michael Underwood.
There's a lot of fun, a lot of action, some heartfelt moments, and all that together makes for a very entertaining space opera.
Thanks NetGalley, Parvus Press, and Michael Underwood.
jenny_d's review
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
iffer's review against another edition
3.0
This was lacking in...oomph? I'm a sucker for most motley space crew stories, and I enjoyed and was entertained by this, even if it fell a little bit flat. I like the idea of magic songs that make for badass fighters. It's not only fun to imagine, but the ancestral songs appeal to me because of the way in which strength is literally passed through strong cultural and oral tradition generation after generation. I really like the odd-ball partnership between the main characters, and I think this would make a good TV show. I intend to read the next book to find out what happens next.
trike's review against another edition
3.0
Sometimes you just need some fun, and this book provides that. It’s a little bit of Farscape with a dash of Guardians of the Galaxy and a soupçon of [b:The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet|22733729|The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet (Wayfarers, #1)|Becky Chambers|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1405532474l/22733729._SY75_.jpg|42270825]. It’s not as over-the-top as the first or as funny as the second or as well-written as the last, but it was enjoyable nonetheless.
That said, there are a few continuity errors and one chapter repeats the first few paragraphs, so I guess the copy editor was asleep at the switch for this one. Still, the overall story was great fun, just a non-cynical Space Opera romp. If you like Scalzi’s lightweight stuff, you’ll probably enjoy this.
That said, there are a few continuity errors and one chapter repeats the first few paragraphs, so I guess the copy editor was asleep at the switch for this one. Still, the overall story was great fun, just a non-cynical Space Opera romp. If you like Scalzi’s lightweight stuff, you’ll probably enjoy this.
joshhall13's review against another edition
3.0
This had all the right ingredients for what i love. However I didn't love it. No idea if that's on me or the writing...
leticiatoraci's review against another edition
4.0
I liked the story, the world, the characters and especially the narration of the audiobook.
Very entertaining space opera!
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Very entertaining space opera!
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
rjtheodore's review against another edition
5.0
Overlay the adventure and romance of 1999's The Mummy onto the space shenanigans and color palette of Guardians of the Galaxy or Thor Ragnarok.
I cannot tell you how delightful it is to have a couple in Max and Lahra who show immense respect and love for each other despite their cultural and goal-oriented differences. The plot's drama is external to their marriage, allowing their love to give them strength rather than hold them back, and watching them lift each other up to power through the end of the book was immensely satisfying.
The publisher provided me with an Advance Review Copy of this novel but my review is my own.
I cannot tell you how delightful it is to have a couple in Max and Lahra who show immense respect and love for each other despite their cultural and goal-oriented differences. The plot's drama is external to their marriage, allowing their love to give them strength rather than hold them back, and watching them lift each other up to power through the end of the book was immensely satisfying.
The publisher provided me with an Advance Review Copy of this novel but my review is my own.
shell_s's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Annihilation Aria sings with intense action sequences involving blade combat and energy blasts and, eventually, a legendary weapon capable of wrenching apart planets---but the sweetest and strongest notes are about devotion to the people we cherish, be they 'found family' like spouses and ride-or-die friends, or kin by blood or heritage.
The warp space planet hopping adventure is top notch though, with mysteries and quests and fascinating locales to fuel many more adventures for the crew of the intrepid, if somewhat Frankenstein-stitched together, spaceship Kettle. The close calls of a motley ship's crew delving ruins for artifacts they can sell to keep their vessel flying and dodging interference from imperial forces and local crime bosses soon give way to far grander ambitions and showdowns.
Still I find that character is the most vital component of most tales, including rollicking adventures, and here as always Michael Underwood delivers. The alternating perspectives by chapter work wonderfully to introduce each lead and their unique perspective and personal history and deepest longings and goals.
Two of the leads/narrators, Lahra and Max, are immensely appealing as a tender and flirty, bantering couple who support and complement each other, and on their own impressive merits.
She is a stalwart protector and warrior whose blue-skinned Genae race puts the epic in oral tradition with their songs to augment combat skills and repair damaged objects and more, worthy of a 20th level Dungeons & Dragons RPG bard. Her fight scenes are thrilling.
Her husband is a black native of Baltimore research geek, playful but brilliant as a ruins-delving archaeologist and super linguist, and possesses D&D rogue's knack for avoiding traps and solving puzzles as well as a facility for interpreting texts and symbols. The scenes of trap and puzzle-navigating in temples bring their own thrills.
I found it refreshing that Underwood gave starring roles to a blissfully married couple attuned to each other's strengths and moods and needs, an all too rare glimpse of what comes after "will they/won't they admit their attraction and get together." Granted, these lovers do have goals that threaten to tear them apart--she to serve her people by locating a long-lost heir to the throne, and he to return to the Earth he was accidentally zapped away from--but I'm pleased with the characters' arcs by the final chapter.
The third lead/narrator Wheel, of the cybernetic Atlan race that can interface directly with machines, is far older (a refreshing detail in itself) and more cynical than her 'lovebird' crewmates and has this very cool hacker/drifter/stunt pilot vibe. Unlike Lahra, Wheel doesn't want to risk her neck to overthrow the conquering Vsenk race, even though her homeworld too was destroyed by one of their super weapons.
Also unlike Lahra, Wheel is trying to avoid relationship entanglements, including the siren call of two former girlfriends: her fellow Atlan Cog, leader of the underground resistance, and smooth-talking mob boss Jesvin Ker of the feathered Rellix race.
Like many reviewers I was surprised but pleased that even the series' villainous oppressor race got a relatable representative voice too: low-ranking diplomat Arek, yearning for a post that lets him spend more time with family. His people, the tentacled insect-like Vsenk, have a stranglehold on trade and history both, and insist they are god-like creators living benevolently among their creations in an era of harmony and prosperity (after a bloody conquest of dissidents, which the other major alien races remember all too well).
Scenes of the Vsenk's political intrigue, and discussing the pursuit of our heroic trio of protagonists and dastardly schemes to maintain power, added to the compelling worldbuilding and suspense overall.
Other scenes that are just straight up awesome include everything involving the humongous sentient space turtle race who also happen to be the universe's supreme archivists and librarians. Their concept combines so many of my favorite things, I couldn't ask for more.
It's also pretty fun and refreshing that Max is the lone Earth human in this story, and he was accidentally stranded and isolated in the outer reaches of space, which means none of the major plot arcs center on Earth or its political and economic concerns.
Final note, there are serious moral and personal conundrums and debates in these pages that make it heftier psychological and dramatic fare than its gorgeous 80s space opera film evoking cover might suggest, and that makes it all the more worthwhile to take the ride.
WHEN AN ADVENTURE TAKES YOU TO NEW HEIGHTS AND DEPTHS, SPEAK UP---BOOST THE SIGNAL!
The warp space planet hopping adventure is top notch though, with mysteries and quests and fascinating locales to fuel many more adventures for the crew of the intrepid, if somewhat Frankenstein-stitched together, spaceship Kettle. The close calls of a motley ship's crew delving ruins for artifacts they can sell to keep their vessel flying and dodging interference from imperial forces and local crime bosses soon give way to far grander ambitions and showdowns.
Still I find that character is the most vital component of most tales, including rollicking adventures, and here as always Michael Underwood delivers. The alternating perspectives by chapter work wonderfully to introduce each lead and their unique perspective and personal history and deepest longings and goals.
Two of the leads/narrators, Lahra and Max, are immensely appealing as a tender and flirty, bantering couple who support and complement each other, and on their own impressive merits.
She is a stalwart protector and warrior whose blue-skinned Genae race puts the epic in oral tradition with their songs to augment combat skills and repair damaged objects and more, worthy of a 20th level Dungeons & Dragons RPG bard. Her fight scenes are thrilling.
Her husband is a black native of Baltimore research geek, playful but brilliant as a ruins-delving archaeologist and super linguist, and possesses D&D rogue's knack for avoiding traps and solving puzzles as well as a facility for interpreting texts and symbols. The scenes of trap and puzzle-navigating in temples bring their own thrills.
I found it refreshing that Underwood gave starring roles to a blissfully married couple attuned to each other's strengths and moods and needs, an all too rare glimpse of what comes after "will they/won't they admit their attraction and get together." Granted, these lovers do have goals that threaten to tear them apart--she to serve her people by locating a long-lost heir to the throne, and he to return to the Earth he was accidentally zapped away from--but I'm pleased with the characters' arcs by the final chapter.
The third lead/narrator Wheel, of the cybernetic Atlan race that can interface directly with machines, is far older (a refreshing detail in itself) and more cynical than her 'lovebird' crewmates and has this very cool hacker/drifter/stunt pilot vibe. Unlike Lahra, Wheel doesn't want to risk her neck to overthrow the conquering Vsenk race, even though her homeworld too was destroyed by one of their super weapons.
Also unlike Lahra, Wheel is trying to avoid relationship entanglements, including the siren call of two former girlfriends: her fellow Atlan Cog, leader of the underground resistance, and smooth-talking mob boss Jesvin Ker of the feathered Rellix race.
Like many reviewers I was surprised but pleased that even the series' villainous oppressor race got a relatable representative voice too: low-ranking diplomat Arek, yearning for a post that lets him spend more time with family. His people, the tentacled insect-like Vsenk, have a stranglehold on trade and history both, and insist they are god-like creators living benevolently among their creations in an era of harmony and prosperity (after a bloody conquest of dissidents, which the other major alien races remember all too well).
Scenes of the Vsenk's political intrigue, and discussing the pursuit of our heroic trio of protagonists and dastardly schemes to maintain power, added to the compelling worldbuilding and suspense overall.
Other scenes that are just straight up awesome include everything involving the humongous sentient space turtle race who also happen to be the universe's supreme archivists and librarians. Their concept combines so many of my favorite things, I couldn't ask for more.
It's also pretty fun and refreshing that Max is the lone Earth human in this story, and he was accidentally stranded and isolated in the outer reaches of space, which means none of the major plot arcs center on Earth or its political and economic concerns.
Final note, there are serious moral and personal conundrums and debates in these pages that make it heftier psychological and dramatic fare than its gorgeous 80s space opera film evoking cover might suggest, and that makes it all the more worthwhile to take the ride.
WHEN AN ADVENTURE TAKES YOU TO NEW HEIGHTS AND DEPTHS, SPEAK UP---BOOST THE SIGNAL!