Enemies

Belarus #2

by Emily Devenport, Lee Hogan

In this extraordinary sequel, the once magnificent planet of Belarus has descended into centuries of isolationism and bigotry. When representatives of the new galactic Union contact Belarus, they claim to have their best interests at heart. But they also harbor a secret mission, related to the Enemies: the brutal alien race beneath the planet's surface.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy

406 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 1, 2003

About the author

Look for MEDUSA UPLOADED, published by Tor, available in paper, ebook, and audio. MEDUSA IN THE GRAVEYARD is due out from Tor in July 2019.

I've been published under three pen names: as Emily Devenport, I wrote SHADE, LARISSA, SCORPIANNE, EGGHEADS, THE KRONOS CONDITION, and GODHEADS. As Maggy Thomas, I wrote BROKEN TIME, which was nominated for the Philip K. Dick Award. As Lee Hogan I wrote BELARUS and ENEMIES. My books have been published in the U.S., the U.K., Italy, and Israel. I'm writing as Emily Devenport again, and I have two titles available exclusively in ebook: THE NIGHT SHIFTERS and SPIRITS OF GLORY. (Okay -- almost exclusively. TNS is also available in audio.)

I'm an undergraduate studying Geology, a volunteer at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, and a buyer for the Heard Museum book store.

Reviews

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

My initial take was that I didn't like this as much as the first book, but by the end I was loving how it connected the dots and wrapped things up. It sort of sets things up for a sequel if one is ever written, but it also makes a satisfying conclusion if it goes that way. Both of these books are a great mix of Russian fairy tales, Russian politics around the time of the revolution, and science fiction first contact/alien warfare stuff. Mix in with that a serial killer procedural and you have some idea of the complexity of the narrative, which also hums along at a great pace. I'm not sure why Goodreads lists this under the wrong pseudonym for this author, but the book cover will say "Lee Hogan". Seek it out! Start with the first one though. I doubt if this one will make much sense without that background.

[Mel Nevergold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking the idea of finding common ground to a startling extreme.

[Andrew Herbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Messy.
Devenport/Hogan has left an opening for more, but 20 years on it seems unlikely.

There are some dull political bits, but overall this is a good read. The ending was not as expected, which is good, but it appears to be so more could be written rather than a good ending.

Not much character development but an entertaining plot (mostly). I lime Belarus better.

[Philip Mowrer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only negative thing I can say about this book is the fact that it is book 2 of a 2 book series and there are loose ends that aren’t answered and wrapped up by the end. I want more of this amazing universe!

[yoshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish there was A third

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Belarus and Enemies were little gems. Loved the Russian aspects to the space culture. Very often space culture is somewhat British or American. It is refreshing to get a different viewpoint. I also enjoyed the layers of the story and the mystery of the Enemies. Things were "wrapped up" at the end but really it leaves much open to wonder and even allow for a third book. I didn't care for some aspects of the ending but it was overall satisfying. Many of the characters still have stories to tell which if the author doesn't write more I can enjoy the imaginings from her fun world. Many unknowns even at the end which actually made me enjoy the book even more because I could then wonder and imagine. Sadly many authors over-share and it takes some of the fun away.

[Elsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book very quickly because it was so good. I look forward to finding more books by this author.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was an excellent sequel to Belarus. I hope he continues the saga in a third book. This universe has much to offer.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great book with all the right elements of suspense, danger, action and a fantastic background based on Russia.

[Shaunesay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This feels like there should be another book! I mean what about Grigory and Tally and Canopus!

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a bit too dry for me. It was a decent read. Not much I remember of it.