Katherine

I think the storylines are pretty well balanced pacing-wise, so switching between them was still interesting, at least to me. The beginning was a bit slow, imo, as it introduced each storyline. There’s a lot of explanation and exposition, which IS needed, but it still takes a while. I do think it was handled fairly well. There were some things that I didn’t really like, or I thought were mistakes. I do think this book could’ve used one more continuity edit pass, as I caught quite a few little “oopsies” of contradicting information. The prose is a unique style and isn’t bad per se, but it could get a little repetitive. I still love the characters and the character work, and I like where Vis’s character goes throughout the book. One of the weak points in The Will of the Many is Vis being a bit too capable, and The Strength of the Few does address this (he’s still very capable, though).

Yet again, James has left all of us with a bombshell ending and many questions. Some answers, but many, many questions. This world is INSANE. There’s so much going on at all times, and it really keeps you on your toes. Overall I don’t think this book was a strong (ha) as the first, but I’m very much looking forward to the rest of the series. And I’m absolutely going to reread this when the next book comes out.

Saltcrop is a really enjoyable sci-fi. Kitasei does some great character work in this book- each of the sisters are SO distinct in their own perspective. You understand where each of them are coming from, why they view others the way they do, and how their relationship with their sisters and family influences their decisions. Honestly, I would LOVE to have a book that follows each perspective in every section- when I’m in Skipper’s POV, I see Carmen one way, but when you’re in Carmen’s POV, you see it completely differently. It’s SO well done. And yes, I would love to have a sequel or even prequels. The future Earth that is portrayed in this book is really interesting, and I loved following the sisters’ journey- I’d be really interested in seeing others. Especially their grandmother, she seems like she’d be a fascinating character to follow.

I do have some small issues with it. I really do love the characters, and I enjoyed their journey. It wraps up VERY quickly; however, it does conclude well. I also wish there was a bit more explanation in a few areas- the deliberate vagueness about where they were was a bit irritating at times (I swear they have to be in Norway or other parts of Scandinavia… but seriously it’s set on Earth why be THAT vague). Overall, I’d really recommend this book. The characters are so well written, and the plot is exciting even if it does have some questionable moments.

Anthologies are always so hard to rate, because I’ll love some of the stories but be very meh on others. I’m thinking a 3.5/5 overall. I liked “The Black Strings”, “Ghost Light”, “The Screamers”, and “The Brides of Devil’s Bayou” the most. I found it interesting that many of the stories dealt with body snatching or generational trauma. The latter makes sense to me, but I’m fascinated by the former being a prevalent theme. I’d be curious to know why that is; I’ll have to do some research on Black horror themes. Overall I’d recommend the anthology, it’s an interesting read and not extremely scary.