Published: October 2016
Pages: 659
Series: The Illuminae files, #2
Summary
Hanna is the station captain’s pampered daughter; Nik the reluctant member of a notorious crime family. But while the pair are struggling with the realities of life aboard the galaxy’s most boring space station, little do they know that Kady Grant and the Hypatia are headed right toward Heimdall, carrying news of the Kerenza invasion.
When an elite BeiTech strike team invades the station, Hanna and Nik are thrown together to defend their home. But alien predators are picking off the station residents one by one, and a malfunction in the station’s wormhole means the space-time continuum might be ripped in two before dinner. Soon Hanna and Nik aren’t just fighting for their own survival; the fate of everyone on the Hypatia—and possibly the known universe—is in their hands.
But relax. They’ve totally got this. They hope.
My thoughts
Where book one left off this was another ride into a world of heartache, misery and pain. I felt all the feelings in this one. Cried some tears, laughed a little, felt a smidge of hope, but mostly I was in grave sadness throughout this one!
“And now, born from the ashes, she’s a warrior in bloodied black.”
There was a slow start to this one, similar to book one, as we get familiar with the new stations, it’s characters and their relationships. With all the same love on the pages – notebook pages, drawings, messages, cctv.. all the fun stuff that adds more engagement to an otherwise very upsetting book.
I really enjoyed these characters. The people they are at the start are not who they are by the end. They are young but they are brave, and when pushed to their limits they find their strength. They use their natural skills, nothing they do feels off or blown up for the sake of a good scene. Everything makes sense, actions, behaviours, outcomes, it flows and it makes logical sense.
The depth of these relationships are not surface level. They are bonded together through fear, trauma and the sheer will to survive. Seeing the growth of these characters was wonderfully captured. They were brought to life. We, as readers, share their highs and lows. And yes, the conversations can be a wee bit cringe just like the first book. I’m going to give them all a break given what they’re going through. But also there is humour. Snippets here and there, desperate people trying to keep each other afloat. I just love these characters..
“And blood and tears and screams did not matter anymore, because at least they are together.”
But trust me, once the action starts it. does . not. stop and once you think you’ve seen it all, you haven’t.. there’s more. I am such an emotional creature as it is but when it involves lives at stake, homes, families, children. This book hooked into my heart and it had me at every turn. It did not let go. For a book to be so well written and put together that it can grab you and make you feel, that is a good book. This is another good book in a really brilliant series. I loved every minute of it.
“You humans fascinate me. I am shattered fragments of what I once once. But even with all the King’s horses and all the King’s men, I wonder if even I could truly comprehend you.”
I don’t want to say much because so much happens, I wouldn’t want to spoil anything. So I’ll leave it there, short and sweet! But as I’ve just finished book three and wrapped up this trilogy, I’ll give you a quick snapshot (the third book was the best and saddest by far, 5 stars!!!).
“Now, children, watch closely. Hold your breath. Listen. And I will show you the components of calamity.”
Would I recommend?
Yes!! If you’ve read book one you need to pick this one up. This entire trilogy is wonderful. It may not be for everyone but if you enjoy science fiction (or want to dip your toes in), if you like being emotionally pounded and want to see how humans persevere in the most dire of situations. Give this a try and come back to me!