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smasson13's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This book is so hard to rate. It took me a very long time to get through, yet I never wanted to give up on it and always found myself coming back.
I think the writing is easy but the novel is trying to do too much. As a result, nothing was as fleshed out as I wanted it to be. The main plot was interesting, but predictable. The inclusion of the boarding games felt wildly unnecessary in this one, much more than the first novel.
And while the glimpses of character development, relationships, and romance were enticing, nothing was ever emotional and it felt difficult to connect to any of the characters.
I just wanted less of the random plot additions and lengthy and unnecessary events, and instead a more clear and meaningful story.
I think the writing is easy but the novel is trying to do too much. As a result, nothing was as fleshed out as I wanted it to be. The main plot was interesting, but predictable. The inclusion of the boarding games felt wildly unnecessary in this one, much more than the first novel.
And while the glimpses of character development, relationships, and romance were enticing, nothing was ever emotional and it felt difficult to connect to any of the characters.
I just wanted less of the random plot additions and lengthy and unnecessary events, and instead a more clear and meaningful story.
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Alcohol, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, and War
carolined314's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A tense military romp with a diverse and queer cast, including two nonbinary characters (and no one has to talk about it). Driven by the big plot, fighting for the greater good, lots of discussion of team dynamics and emotions.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism, Death, Murder, and Violence
Minor: Alcohol
caseythereader's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
medium-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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Gore, Gun violence, Alcohol, Blood, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Grief, Ableism, Murder, Suicidal thoughts, and Violence
lettuce_read's review against another edition
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, and Suicidal thoughts
jennikreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, and Violence
Moderate: Blood and Gaslighting
e_flah's review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Hold Fast Through the Fire was a really satisfying addition to the NeoG series. Many of the characters I loved from A Pale Light in the Black were back along with the addition of a new spacer, Chae. Chae was a lovable addition to the crew and watching them find their place on Zuma's Ghost was a touching parallel to Max's journey in book 1. I had initially been a little nervous about the fact that the crew of Zuma's Ghost changed between book 1 and book 2 but ended up thinking it was for the best. This change gives characters I already knew and liked reasons to keep growing as characters while also laying the groundwork for compelling interpersonal conflict.
Hold Fast Through the Fire is a character-driven story that had a bit more of a significant external conflict than its predecessor. I found the smuggling plot line interesting though was frustrated with the fact thatthe conclusion felt really rushed at the end. A Pale Light in the Black did a similar thing but since that story focused a bit more on the Boarding Games -- this one doesn't to the same degree -- I was willing to let it go. Here it just felt unsatisfying, particularly as the smuggling conflict was the root of some serious interpersonal conflict. Despite having a more prominent external conflict, I was also sad to see that Hold Fast Through the Fire largely omitted the fight scenes that had been such a treat to read in book 1. Even the combat elements of the Boarding Games received a lot less attention.
That said, I love the crew of Zuma's Ghost, especially Max and Jenks, so I would happily read about them doing anything for 400 pages. Hold Fast Through the Fire was a satisfying sequel and I hope we get more NeoG novels.
Hold Fast Through the Fire is a character-driven story that had a bit more of a significant external conflict than its predecessor. I found the smuggling plot line interesting though was frustrated with the fact that
That said, I love the crew of Zuma's Ghost, especially Max and Jenks, so I would happily read about them doing anything for 400 pages. Hold Fast Through the Fire was a satisfying sequel and I hope we get more NeoG novels.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Gaslighting and Death
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
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