A review by see_sadie_read
Annihilation Aria: Book One of the Space Operas by Michael R. Underwood
4.0
This is a little rambly, but I have scattered thoughts.
I enjoyed this a lot. I did think the pacing a little inconsistent—it dragged in the middle—and it felt a little like a second book sometimes, because of how much history was referenced between the characters. But overall, I loved spending time with the characters, enjoyed that the two main characters were married and seriously in love (no need to be a romance if the relationship is already established), appreciated the diversity in the alien species, thought there was a ton of witty humor, and several moral quandaries that invited deeper thought.
I also got a personal little amusement after I spent the whole book thinking, "Wow, this has a real Stargate feel to it" (along with anything and everything like Indiana Jones, Tomb Raider,—we had a lara/Lahra after all—Farscape, Star Wars, Firefly, etc, but mostly Stargate)—with the archeologist stepping through a gate and getting lost in space—and then realizing Max was referred to as 'son of Danielle.' Close enough to Daniel for me to call it a tribute, right? I'm running with it. It made me happy.
Lastly, as an aside, I recently read several books that I found recommended in a Fantasy Readers' Forum in which the OP asked for books in which martial women protect nerdier guys. (Totally my jam too, BTW.) Well, this may be Sci-Fi, but it fits the OP's request better than just about any of the books I saw recommended. (Except maybe His Secret Illuminations). So, if that's your thing too, pick this book up.
All in all, I don't know if a second book is planned, but I'd be happy to read it (or more of Underwood's work) if one is.
I enjoyed this a lot. I did think the pacing a little inconsistent—it dragged in the middle—and it felt a little like a second book sometimes, because of how much history was referenced between the characters. But overall, I loved spending time with the characters, enjoyed that the two main characters were married and seriously in love (no need to be a romance if the relationship is already established), appreciated the diversity in the alien species, thought there was a ton of witty humor, and several moral quandaries that invited deeper thought.
I also got a personal little amusement after I spent the whole book thinking, "Wow, this has a real Stargate feel to it" (along with anything and everything like Indiana Jones, Tomb Raider,—we had a lara/Lahra after all—Farscape, Star Wars, Firefly, etc, but mostly Stargate)—with the archeologist stepping through a gate and getting lost in space—and then realizing Max was referred to as 'son of Danielle.' Close enough to Daniel for me to call it a tribute, right? I'm running with it. It made me happy.
Lastly, as an aside, I recently read several books that I found recommended in a Fantasy Readers' Forum in which the OP asked for books in which martial women protect nerdier guys. (Totally my jam too, BTW.) Well, this may be Sci-Fi, but it fits the OP's request better than just about any of the books I saw recommended. (Except maybe His Secret Illuminations). So, if that's your thing too, pick this book up.
All in all, I don't know if a second book is planned, but I'd be happy to read it (or more of Underwood's work) if one is.