theshenners's review
4.0
That was an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. Aside from the incredible action and pacing, I think this book contains excellent character development and is thematically rich and worth talking about.
I had a lot of mixed feelings about book 1 and its handling of the topic of colonization; some of those issues were addressed in this book, others not so much. Key turning point: Donovan's character finally realizes that most zhree don't value humans except when assimilated and harmless/loyal to them, which was something noticeably absent in the first book. I might write a full review later about the choice of POV and the resulting engagement with the nature of colonization.
CWs: ableism, violence, death, war, PTSD
I had a lot of mixed feelings about book 1 and its handling of the topic of colonization; some of those issues were addressed in this book, others not so much. Key turning point: Donovan's character finally realizes that most zhree don't value humans except when assimilated and harmless/loyal to them, which was something noticeably absent in the first book. I might write a full review later about the choice of POV and the resulting engagement with the nature of colonization.
CWs: ableism, violence, death, war, PTSD
anaiira's review
5.0
I was reading this book and I was thinking how fantastic of an author Fonda Lee is, to make many perspectives with conflicting goals be understandable, contradictory and in such excellent tension.
lubiluuc's review
4.0
I really like this book but did not find it as gripping as the first one.
I found the relationships more strenuous and was not as endeared by Donovan as in the first book. The fast pace and action definitely held me on the edge of my seat but I felt less connected to Donovan and surprised by his choices, albeit dumb and reckless, but that was what was part of the charm in the first book.. Where his character fluctuated in the first book, I found his potential had been dulled in this second instalment. I would have also preferred more Donovan and Jet time..
But I think the reason why I felt quite detached from the text was the gut-wrenching depictions of trauma in this text. I think in a reflex of preservation or something I made myself become numb or uninterested with the plot or characters because, holy crap, it was A LOT to take in! I felt very overwhelmed a couple of times that I had to put the book down for days to get back into a better morale. Ultimately this is the reason why it took me so long to finish this book... It was VERY painful and the depression essentially permeated the book which made it very difficult to shake off the sadness when the action was going on.
I found the relationships more strenuous and was not as endeared by Donovan as in the first book. The fast pace and action definitely held me on the edge of my seat but I felt less connected to Donovan and surprised by his choices, albeit dumb and reckless, but that was what was part of the charm in the first book.. Where his character fluctuated in the first book, I found his potential had been dulled in this second instalment. I would have also preferred more Donovan and Jet time..
But I think the reason why I felt quite detached from the text was the gut-wrenching depictions of trauma in this text. I think in a reflex of preservation or something I made myself become numb or uninterested with the plot or characters because, holy crap, it was A LOT to take in! I felt very overwhelmed a couple of times that I had to put the book down for days to get back into a better morale. Ultimately this is the reason why it took me so long to finish this book... It was VERY painful and the depression essentially permeated the book which made it very difficult to shake off the sadness when the action was going on.
mjfmjfmjf's review
4.0
Relatively clear where this one was going, though there were still surprises. Especially around the body count. Could have been deeper, could have gone to multiple pov characters. But basically worked and I'm curious for a sequel which is always a plus.
lazygal's review
4.0
One of the hardest things to do is to write a sequel set in an already strongly built world and bring in new readers without a ton of "previouslies" or assuming that the reader has already been in this world. This book does it, and does it well. To be honest, I didn't even realize this was a sequel!
The idea that aliens have invaded, that some humans have not only decided to work with them but also undergo a procedure to become more like them, doesn't feel new (one could imagine this as an allegory for any totalitarian regime) nor does the idea that there are resistence groups. What was surprising is that the Earth-born aliens, while adhering to their original societal norms, recognize that there is something special and different about humans. I also loved that the aliens look very different than we do.
The idea that aliens have invaded, that some humans have not only decided to work with them but also undergo a procedure to become more like them, doesn't feel new (one could imagine this as an allegory for any totalitarian regime) nor does the idea that there are resistence groups. What was surprising is that the Earth-born aliens, while adhering to their original societal norms, recognize that there is something special and different about humans. I also loved that the aliens look very different than we do.
fancypython's review
4.0
I liked Exo a lot, and Cross Fire is also quite good. It's got action, plot twists, and good character development. Very enjoyable!
justgj's review
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5