

I listened to the audiobook when it first came out but sat down to read the book earlier this year to refresh myself ahead of the second novel coming out. Starts off fairly slow with a lot of buildup of plot lines that have no payoff...but on the second time through, I really see that as a strength. It helps lull you in and put you in the shoes of the characters, where all the petty workplace drama and interoffice politics they were caught up in become completely meaningless in the face of the Carryx invasion. Very good book overall, nice bit of world building and teases out enough threads to make one interested in continuing the series.
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My Rating Scale
5 stars - An all-time classic, a book that fundamentally changed or enriched my life. Would recommend to any and all readers.
4 stars - An excellent book that stands out in one or more areas of writing style, characterization, making a point, etc. Would recommend to anyone with even a passing interest in the genre or subject matter.
3 stars - A perfectly serviceable book that may be entertaining or informative but does not push the envelope or linger long in the memory. Would recommend to pre-existing fans of the genre or author.
2 stars - A book that falls short in one or more areas of writing style, characterization, making a point, etc. Would only recommend with reservations or would not recommend at all.
1 star - A book that has nothing to say, or says it so poorly it isn't worth reading. Would not recommend and would actively warn away from.
I listened to the audiobook when it first came out but sat down to read the book earlier this year to refresh myself ahead of the second novel coming out. Starts off fairly slow with a lot of buildup of plot lines that have no payoff...but on the second time through, I really see that as a strength. It helps lull you in and put you in the shoes of the characters, where all the petty workplace drama and interoffice politics they were caught up in become completely meaningless in the face of the Carryx invasion. Very good book overall, nice bit of world building and teases out enough threads to make one interested in continuing the series.
_____
My Rating Scale
5 stars - An all-time classic, a book that fundamentally changed or enriched my life. Would recommend to any and all readers.
4 stars - An excellent book that stands out in one or more areas of writing style, characterization, making a point, etc. Would recommend to anyone with even a passing interest in the genre or subject matter.
3 stars - A perfectly serviceable book that may be entertaining or informative but does not push the envelope or linger long in the memory. Would recommend to pre-existing fans of the genre or author.
2 stars - A book that falls short in one or more areas of writing style, characterization, making a point, etc. Would only recommend with reservations or would not recommend at all.
1 star - A book that has nothing to say, or says it so poorly it isn't worth reading. Would not recommend and would actively warn away from.