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Liminal #2
The Liminal War
In the third Liminal Novel Taggert's adopted daughter disappears so he only has one find her. When Taggert's adopted daughter goes missing he suspects the hand of an old enemy. He gathers friends, family, and even those who don't quite trust that he has left his violent past behind. But their search leads them to an unexpected place, the past, and the consequences of their journey have a price that is higher than they can afford.
192 pages, Paperback
First published May 25, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 9, 2015
Coming fresh off the first volume, I gotta say this one included much more of everything: more liminals, more enemies, more world building, more traveling and exotic situations.
But somehow (or maybe because of it?) this one did not feel quite as... intimate? Even when infused with a heavy dosage of ganja culture and black culture icons (not naming any to avoid spoiler, though). Even when the stakes were higher than ever. Even when failure was not an option, it did not quite click as much with me as the introduction to this world and the beginning of the healer's journey narrated in The Liminal People, one of my favorite books this year. That one lay heavy with emotional choices and burdens to carry; while this one felt more akin to a classical hero's journey to rescue the stolen princess. And maybe that's what I found missing: a battle between good and evil is interesting when good is not as shiny, while evil is not as dark, as they initially appear to be.
This one is all about the impending war between two sides clearly delineated as good vs bad. But I liked it best when the lines were blurry enough to doubt each side's means to their respective ends.
But somehow (or maybe because of it?) this one did not feel quite as... intimate? Even when infused with a heavy dosage of ganja culture and black culture icons (not naming any to avoid spoiler, though). Even when the stakes were higher than ever. Even when failure was not an option, it did not quite click as much with me as the introduction to this world and the beginning of the healer's journey narrated in The Liminal People, one of my favorite books this year. That one lay heavy with emotional choices and burdens to carry; while this one felt more akin to a classical hero's journey to rescue the stolen princess. And maybe that's what I found missing: a battle between good and evil is interesting when good is not as shiny, while evil is not as dark, as they initially appear to be.
This one is all about the impending war between two sides clearly delineated as good vs bad. But I liked it best when the lines were blurry enough to doubt each side's means to their respective ends.
December 2, 2019
The Liminal War blew me away. And I'm not even sure why. I liked The Liminal People; that's a solid first effort. But I'm not overly fond of comics or superheroes, and I like my sci-fi to have more to do with science than mysticism. (Maybe that's not true; I'm generally more interested in fantasy than in torturing science to do things it really can't do. And in that sense, this book is more in line with fantasy.)
But The Liminal War blew me away with a combination of elements that I've never seen combined, at least not in fiction: religious faith taken seriously, the history of the slave trade, and music, from Bob Marley to the Blues (and particularly Robert Johnson). It's fantasy moved into an Afro-American mental topography, and that's something I don't think anyone has accomplished quite so well, not even N. K. Jemisin or Nnedi Okorafor.
Here's an example. In the climatic battle, Jama-Everett writes "Whatever ancient dark powers Kothar taps into, I don't think it can handle the collective suffering of the Middle Passage." That could just be a throwaway line--if you don't know about the Middle Passage, the journey enslaved Africans took across the Atlantic. (If you don't know about the Middle Passage, read Robert Hayden's poem). If you do know about the Middle Passage, you know that it's not a throwaway line, it's possibly the most important sentence in the book. The Liminal War is a book inscribed on the pain of one of the most monstrous events in human history. And Jama-Everett does that repeatedly: in addition to the spirits of the dead slaves, other players in the final battle include a black cat stolen from one of Bob Marley's dreams, and the hellhound from Robert Johnson's blues.
And, as so often in the Black America, a local victory leads only to a larger defeat. Though (in true comic book fashion) that defeat sets up a sequel, which I hope Jama-Everett writes. (The Entropy of Bones is related to the Liminal novels, but it's really more of a mid-quel.)
But The Liminal War blew me away with a combination of elements that I've never seen combined, at least not in fiction: religious faith taken seriously, the history of the slave trade, and music, from Bob Marley to the Blues (and particularly Robert Johnson). It's fantasy moved into an Afro-American mental topography, and that's something I don't think anyone has accomplished quite so well, not even N. K. Jemisin or Nnedi Okorafor.
Here's an example. In the climatic battle, Jama-Everett writes "Whatever ancient dark powers Kothar taps into, I don't think it can handle the collective suffering of the Middle Passage." That could just be a throwaway line--if you don't know about the Middle Passage, the journey enslaved Africans took across the Atlantic. (If you don't know about the Middle Passage, read Robert Hayden's poem). If you do know about the Middle Passage, you know that it's not a throwaway line, it's possibly the most important sentence in the book. The Liminal War is a book inscribed on the pain of one of the most monstrous events in human history. And Jama-Everett does that repeatedly: in addition to the spirits of the dead slaves, other players in the final battle include a black cat stolen from one of Bob Marley's dreams, and the hellhound from Robert Johnson's blues.
And, as so often in the Black America, a local victory leads only to a larger defeat. Though (in true comic book fashion) that defeat sets up a sequel, which I hope Jama-Everett writes. (The Entropy of Bones is related to the Liminal novels, but it's really more of a mid-quel.)
July 30, 2020
"The Liminal War" strips away the measured, pseudo-noir, step-by-step pacing of "The Liminal People" and opts, instead, for leaps and bounds; cranking the stakes, the action, and the lore up to well-past 11. It's a thrill-ride, to be sure. And one now full to the brim with an incredible cast of superpowered characters. Ayize Jama-Everett tops his initial creations with even more, each of which is equally fascinating.
We spend less time this round learning what makes them tick, though. Instead, we're treated to the intriguing inner-workings of, essentially, the universe itself. The description of space, time, connection, rhythm, life, and everything in between is really quite something, with some of the most inspiring passages of how Time and Music operate (or cohabitate) that I have ever read. What's lost, though, that I very much enjoyed from Jama-Everett's first entry is that introspection. The stakes for the world at large are so high that the intimacy of what's lost internally for these characters, morally or otherwise, is explored less.
All of which is to say, simply, that I did not enjoy this entry as much as the first. However... two elements in "The Liminal War" are absolute gems not only in this series but in the world of speculative fiction and super heroes, and boosted my overall feeling of the novel itself.
First, the character of Mico. What an incredible addition. A bummy musician that smokes to communicate with an ageless, all-seeing fungus god in order hear, control, and deliver the music of the universe is not something I can ever say I expected to be a success. It is. He is. Mico, his journey, the connection to the past, the author's way of delivering the visuals of his power... it's all on another level entirely. Mico simply must be read.
Second, the final confrontation in the novel. I'll keep it brief in order not to spoil anything, but my heart was pounding in my ears from the moment it started.
All in all, it doubled-down on the complexity and made for a bit of a rushed adventure. Ayize Jama-Everett's world is only growing more rich as he adds to it, though, so I suggest "The Liminal War" and look forward to upcoming entries.
We spend less time this round learning what makes them tick, though. Instead, we're treated to the intriguing inner-workings of, essentially, the universe itself. The description of space, time, connection, rhythm, life, and everything in between is really quite something, with some of the most inspiring passages of how Time and Music operate (or cohabitate) that I have ever read. What's lost, though, that I very much enjoyed from Jama-Everett's first entry is that introspection. The stakes for the world at large are so high that the intimacy of what's lost internally for these characters, morally or otherwise, is explored less.
All of which is to say, simply, that I did not enjoy this entry as much as the first. However... two elements in "The Liminal War" are absolute gems not only in this series but in the world of speculative fiction and super heroes, and boosted my overall feeling of the novel itself.
First, the character of Mico. What an incredible addition. A bummy musician that smokes to communicate with an ageless, all-seeing fungus god in order hear, control, and deliver the music of the universe is not something I can ever say I expected to be a success. It is. He is. Mico, his journey, the connection to the past, the author's way of delivering the visuals of his power... it's all on another level entirely. Mico simply must be read.
Second, the final confrontation in the novel. I'll keep it brief in order not to spoil anything, but my heart was pounding in my ears from the moment it started.
All in all, it doubled-down on the complexity and made for a bit of a rushed adventure. Ayize Jama-Everett's world is only growing more rich as he adds to it, though, so I suggest "The Liminal War" and look forward to upcoming entries.
September 8, 2017
Not as good as Jama-Everett's THE LIMINAL PEOPLE, which introduced us to his world of superpowered individuals and Taggert, a healer-turned-assassin-turned-healer-and-hero, but still an amazing romp. Like any good superhero tome, Jama-Everett starts off by throwing you right into the action. It takes longer than it should have for the reader to sort out who is who, what powers they have, and who the bad guys are, but by the time the heroes travel to the past to meet Bob Marley and then bluesman Robert Johnson, the confusion is gone - and the marvels never stop coming. At the end, you find the whole book was basically a set-up for the next book, but that, too, is in the comic book tradition. Recommended.
July 7, 2018
Unfortunately, The Liminal War doesn't hold up as well as its preceding volume. While The Liminal People was deeply rooted in a comicbook sensibility, The Liminal War kicks that up to 11 and reads like the latest Marvel crossover. That's not a good thing, because ultimately it results in a bunch of disparate elements, many of which feel jarringly out of tone with what we saw in Liminal People.
Did I enjoy it? Mostly. Maybe it would have felt a little more coherent if I'd first read Entropy of Bones (these two books were random finds while browsing - my local library doesn't have that volume), but as it stands I felt a bit let down by The Liminal War.
Did I enjoy it? Mostly. Maybe it would have felt a little more coherent if I'd first read Entropy of Bones (these two books were random finds while browsing - my local library doesn't have that volume), but as it stands I felt a bit let down by The Liminal War.
May 25, 2017
Actually 3.75 stars, this book had a little more action & adventure with way more people with abilities than The Liminal People but in the middle I got kinda lost but it definitely picked up towards the end and I'm hoping the third part of this trilogy will have me pumping my fist all the way through. Still definitely a good read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2020
Sadly, it's not as good as The Liminal People. A lot is happening but it loses the sense of intimacy I loved in the first book. Not bad, just slightly disappointing.
September 8, 2024
Really strong sequel, expanding the world and the conflict. Love the mix of magic and action.
December 23, 2025
mmmm they brought back my girl Chabi love that
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2017
A SIMPLE MAN'S REVIEW:
After reading The Liminal People, it took one day for me to snag the next book. But considering I'd started with The Entropy of Bones, which I thought was the third book, I was a little confused that some of the events/characters seem to take place after "Entropy". For example, Chabi is out looking for Narayana, which definitely happens after "Entropy" ends. Regardless, I enjoyed all three and my mind didn't explode from reading them out of order.
This book continues where The Liminal People leaves off. The healer and his two new daughters are trying to live a normal life. Obviously Nordeen and other bad guys don't want this to happen so chaos ensues.
The first half of the book seems a bit scattered, as new characters are introduced and the crew learn about Manna. But once the rescue mission starts, the story feels more like the first book and there's a great fight scene to end it all.
The epilogue turns everything on its head and sets up the next book. I won't spoil it but it could shape up to be a great battle.
Read it!
After reading The Liminal People, it took one day for me to snag the next book. But considering I'd started with The Entropy of Bones, which I thought was the third book, I was a little confused that some of the events/characters seem to take place after "Entropy". For example, Chabi is out looking for Narayana, which definitely happens after "Entropy" ends. Regardless, I enjoyed all three and my mind didn't explode from reading them out of order.
This book continues where The Liminal People leaves off. The healer and his two new daughters are trying to live a normal life. Obviously Nordeen and other bad guys don't want this to happen so chaos ensues.
The first half of the book seems a bit scattered, as new characters are introduced and the crew learn about Manna. But once the rescue mission starts, the story feels more like the first book and there's a great fight scene to end it all.
The epilogue turns everything on its head and sets up the next book. I won't spoil it but it could shape up to be a great battle.
Read it!
April 29, 2016
[[review originally appeared on SFRevu at: http://www.sfrevu.com/php/Review-id.p...]
In 2012, Ayize Jama-Everett introduced us to his world of liminals--people with powers like those in movies or graphic novels, though with considerably less spandex. Think more along the lines of Netflix's latest Daredevil series or the movie Push, rather than Superman or Spider-Man. The Liminal People was a thrilling, thought provoking and gritty read. If you haven't read it, or if you last read it when it was released, a re-reading is called for before picking up The Liminal War, Jama-Everett's much anticipated sequel. [Spoilers for Liminal People ahead.]
Chronologically, The Liminal War picks up three years after the end of Liminal People. But in terms of pacing and feel, it seems as if it picks up right where Liminal People left off. Taggart, the central character, has the power to control bodies--not in the sense of making them do things, but in a literal sense where he can alter a body down to a molecular level. He's a healer, though his abilities were perverted and corrupted by Nordeen, an ancient and more powerful liminal to whom he was indentured.
Taggart's daughter, Tamara, is a powerful telekinetic and telepath, and his adoptive daughter, Prentis, has the ability to control animals. After rescuing Tamara and Prentis from the clutches of a powerful liminal named Alia, Taggart told Nordeen that he was done being his slave. Nordeen did not take it well, declaring war on Taggart and his allies.
The Liminal War starts with an abduction that hits close to home for Taggart and Tamara and the rapid introduction of some new characters with entirely different sets of powers, powers not necessarily of the liminal sort. Taggart immediately suspect's Nordeen's hand in this and seeks aid from new acquaintances that are connected with his lover, Samantha. Their search leads them around London, the globe, and ultimately, eternity.
Where Liminal People is a quick thrill ride that rarely lets up, The Liminal War is a slower, more contemplative book. Jama-Everett introduces concepts and characters that take a bit more processing to get used to and understand. He takes a world that was, if not exactly our world, a close approximation and adds in some elements that might be considered a bit more fantastical and less science fictional. This includes a plant based sentient life-form billions of years old, beings comprised of entropy, and a human representative of the four winds. And surprisingly, within the context of The Liminal Wars, it all makes sense.
The Liminal War broadens and expands Jama-Everet's world building and introduces an intriguing variety of new elements. Not all of these happen seamlessly, and perhaps just a bit more explanation would have solved a couple of these issues. But overall, the connection to elements in Liminal People that easily could have been overlooked is wonderful. Characters and concepts mentioned in passing play key roles in The Liminal War, and it's pretty fun to have those connections revealed.
The Liminal War is a deserving sequel to Liminal People, and a unique book in its own right. It will make you look forward to another in the series, hopefully arriving sooner rather than later.
In 2012, Ayize Jama-Everett introduced us to his world of liminals--people with powers like those in movies or graphic novels, though with considerably less spandex. Think more along the lines of Netflix's latest Daredevil series or the movie Push, rather than Superman or Spider-Man. The Liminal People was a thrilling, thought provoking and gritty read. If you haven't read it, or if you last read it when it was released, a re-reading is called for before picking up The Liminal War, Jama-Everett's much anticipated sequel. [Spoilers for Liminal People ahead.]
Chronologically, The Liminal War picks up three years after the end of Liminal People. But in terms of pacing and feel, it seems as if it picks up right where Liminal People left off. Taggart, the central character, has the power to control bodies--not in the sense of making them do things, but in a literal sense where he can alter a body down to a molecular level. He's a healer, though his abilities were perverted and corrupted by Nordeen, an ancient and more powerful liminal to whom he was indentured.
Taggart's daughter, Tamara, is a powerful telekinetic and telepath, and his adoptive daughter, Prentis, has the ability to control animals. After rescuing Tamara and Prentis from the clutches of a powerful liminal named Alia, Taggart told Nordeen that he was done being his slave. Nordeen did not take it well, declaring war on Taggart and his allies.
The Liminal War starts with an abduction that hits close to home for Taggart and Tamara and the rapid introduction of some new characters with entirely different sets of powers, powers not necessarily of the liminal sort. Taggart immediately suspect's Nordeen's hand in this and seeks aid from new acquaintances that are connected with his lover, Samantha. Their search leads them around London, the globe, and ultimately, eternity.
Where Liminal People is a quick thrill ride that rarely lets up, The Liminal War is a slower, more contemplative book. Jama-Everett introduces concepts and characters that take a bit more processing to get used to and understand. He takes a world that was, if not exactly our world, a close approximation and adds in some elements that might be considered a bit more fantastical and less science fictional. This includes a plant based sentient life-form billions of years old, beings comprised of entropy, and a human representative of the four winds. And surprisingly, within the context of The Liminal Wars, it all makes sense.
The Liminal War broadens and expands Jama-Everet's world building and introduces an intriguing variety of new elements. Not all of these happen seamlessly, and perhaps just a bit more explanation would have solved a couple of these issues. But overall, the connection to elements in Liminal People that easily could have been overlooked is wonderful. Characters and concepts mentioned in passing play key roles in The Liminal War, and it's pretty fun to have those connections revealed.
The Liminal War is a deserving sequel to Liminal People, and a unique book in its own right. It will make you look forward to another in the series, hopefully arriving sooner rather than later.
February 21, 2017
What a ride. I can't wait for more.
I think some of the names and people got mixed up a bit so it could have done with some better editing. But so good.
Can't wait for the next chapter.
I think some of the names and people got mixed up a bit so it could have done with some better editing. But so good.
Can't wait for the next chapter.
July 13, 2016
Super-powered people of color cross the Atlantic ocean with the aid of African ghosts who died in the Middle Passage. And other stuff happens. Maybe there's a god and maybe there are spirits of entropy opposed to the god, and a group of people with superpowers caught in the middle, who are reminiscent of the X-Men, if the X-Men were a grittier, more realistic take on marginalization.
Yes, this book is bananas. Character introductions and plot points fly by so fast, reading it feels a little like standing on a lane divider in the middle of the freeway, especially the first part of the novel. Parts II and III settle down some, with a clearly identified team of protagonists and antagonists, but the pace never slows. Granted, this is the second of a series, so the author can make a few assumptions about what you know already about the characters, their powers, and the world, but I have a feeling that even if I'd started with its precursor, The Liminal People, I would still have whiplash. And no real idea how to explain the novel's world and its characters' powers, especially the villains'.
None of that's to imply that the book isn't fun or accessible reading, though. You'll probably enjoy it if you enjoy its references: Bob Marley makes a cameo, and (an even more mythologized musician) Robert Johnson. Our hero acquires a set of knives that, once they cut a person, the wound never stops bleeding. And a Rasta cult lives on an island in the middle of the Thames. It's unique, fun stuff, that you won't read about anywhere else, and for the time and the length of the book, highly worth it.
And if you need more character-development and explanation, well, there are at least two other books in the series.
Yes, this book is bananas. Character introductions and plot points fly by so fast, reading it feels a little like standing on a lane divider in the middle of the freeway, especially the first part of the novel. Parts II and III settle down some, with a clearly identified team of protagonists and antagonists, but the pace never slows. Granted, this is the second of a series, so the author can make a few assumptions about what you know already about the characters, their powers, and the world, but I have a feeling that even if I'd started with its precursor, The Liminal People, I would still have whiplash. And no real idea how to explain the novel's world and its characters' powers, especially the villains'.
None of that's to imply that the book isn't fun or accessible reading, though. You'll probably enjoy it if you enjoy its references: Bob Marley makes a cameo, and (an even more mythologized musician) Robert Johnson. Our hero acquires a set of knives that, once they cut a person, the wound never stops bleeding. And a Rasta cult lives on an island in the middle of the Thames. It's unique, fun stuff, that you won't read about anywhere else, and for the time and the length of the book, highly worth it.
And if you need more character-development and explanation, well, there are at least two other books in the series.
September 15, 2016
loved it. loved how my vocabulary expanded while reading this. loved the character development and the twist and turns. recommended.
February 24, 2016
I really liked the first of this series, so I was really excited to pick this book up. Once I did, I felt like I was thrown into one action sequence after another. I felt like a ton of god-related concepts were thrown at you at once, so between the Altars, the eventual war building between two gods, and the various other non-liminals thrown in I just really wasn't sure what was happening. When the ending happened, I feel like it was expected that you should have put all the pieces together, but instead I just felt lost.
There was a lot less time spent on getting to know the characters which made me care less about what was happening. To me the interesting part about the first book wasn't the villainous group trying to gather liminals. It was the connection with Yasmin and trying to form a relationship with Tamara amidst all the action. It was coming to terms with who he was, and understanding that he wasn't the freak he had feared for so long. And this book sort of lacked that. I feel like you can't hate villains that are just flunkies sent to kill you. You can't love new characters when you don't know if they're funny or smart or loyal. Hopefully the next book will have more of what the first book had.
There was a lot less time spent on getting to know the characters which made me care less about what was happening. To me the interesting part about the first book wasn't the villainous group trying to gather liminals. It was the connection with Yasmin and trying to form a relationship with Tamara amidst all the action. It was coming to terms with who he was, and understanding that he wasn't the freak he had feared for so long. And this book sort of lacked that. I feel like you can't hate villains that are just flunkies sent to kill you. You can't love new characters when you don't know if they're funny or smart or loyal. Hopefully the next book will have more of what the first book had.
August 6, 2015
This second book in a trio started the action from page one. An intriguing world with the titular war breaking out between the protagonist and his sociopathic brother. The characters are well drawn and one of the best things about the book was the diverse group included. I have seldom read a book with so many different types and colours of people. That said, very few of them were anyone I would want to know. The protagonist himself and his daughter are paranoid loners who can barely work together let alone with anyone else. Headstrong, stubborn, and seldom with a kind word for anyone, they did not improve on acquaintance. It was drama, drama, drama, all the time with these folks and their allies and enemies, and that is far from my favourite type of story. Conflict in a story is good and people trying to overcome earlier trauma can be good, but somehow these people could occasionally make it seem tiresome.
It's a thriller and if fast action is your thing and you don't mind main characters who are the act first, plan later types, you may find them worth looking up.
It's a thriller and if fast action is your thing and you don't mind main characters who are the act first, plan later types, you may find them worth looking up.
September 29, 2015
I picked this up at random from my local library without realizing it's a sequel, so I did spend a few muddled pages getting my bearings with the world, the characters, and their unique abilities.
But it's worth it. The voice and pacing are vigorous, and the story surges forward on a tide of action-heavy scenes and heady concepts. With one daughter and a musically inclined frenemy in tow, Taggart goes in search of his other kidnapped daughter. Taken by a powerful enemy from Taggart's past, her suffering is assured.
While the writing sometimes feels a little rough around the edges, and occasionally conflicts end on unclear terms, I found myself preferring the rough-and-ready prose to a more measured or self-consciously literary style. It all felt very alive. Jama-Everett has assembled a multicultural cast of non-Pollyanna superheroes who possess a fascinating array of abilities, and he's pitted them against the provocative destructive forces responsible for most of humanity's woes. A fun, thinking novel with plenty of surprising historical twists.
But it's worth it. The voice and pacing are vigorous, and the story surges forward on a tide of action-heavy scenes and heady concepts. With one daughter and a musically inclined frenemy in tow, Taggart goes in search of his other kidnapped daughter. Taken by a powerful enemy from Taggart's past, her suffering is assured.
While the writing sometimes feels a little rough around the edges, and occasionally conflicts end on unclear terms, I found myself preferring the rough-and-ready prose to a more measured or self-consciously literary style. It all felt very alive. Jama-Everett has assembled a multicultural cast of non-Pollyanna superheroes who possess a fascinating array of abilities, and he's pitted them against the provocative destructive forces responsible for most of humanity's woes. A fun, thinking novel with plenty of surprising historical twists.
February 4, 2016
This is two-fisted pulpy insanity where super powered humans not quite allied with a sentient fungus god's messiah travel through time to hang out with Bob Marley and play guitar with Robert Johnson while fighting kinda-sorta-not-quite-vampires and an evil drug dealing Professor X type guy. Halfway through there's a scene where the protags are on a ghost ship traveling through time and the villains attack them with prehistoric sharks, while the messiah of the fungus god has to brand himself with the souls of dead Africans lost in the middle passage, and I have no idea what's going on or why, but PREHISTORIC SHARKS!
Think Octavia Butler meets Andrew Vachss with a healthy dose of gonzo thrown in.
Think Octavia Butler meets Andrew Vachss with a healthy dose of gonzo thrown in.
November 23, 2024
Ayize Jama-Everett created a dangerous alternate world of super-powered humans in The Liminal People. We rejoin the protagonist of The Liminal People, Taggert, some time later. Life has improved for Taggert since he broke free of Nordeen, his twisted mentor and employer. The Liminal War begins with a bang. Taggert is healing a woman of terminal cancer when Nordeen makes his move and kidnaps a girl Taggert has adopted as his ward. The truce is over...
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type. I received a free copy of this book from Edelweiss for review consideration.
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type. I received a free copy of this book from Edelweiss for review consideration.
August 31, 2016
Liminal People worked pretty well as a stand alone book. Don't read this one.
Most of this is super terrible. I found myself wondering if I'd be able to justify even 2 stars. So many issues, from the conceit to the exposition. Though to be fair, I'm sure I would have liked it a lot more if I was at all interested in reggae. Or pot. Or believed music was the manifestation of all that is good in the world. But it gets bumped up to 3 stars because the end confrontation was really good, and the whole thing was pretty short.
Most of this is super terrible. I found myself wondering if I'd be able to justify even 2 stars. So many issues, from the conceit to the exposition. Though to be fair, I'm sure I would have liked it a lot more if I was at all interested in reggae. Or pot. Or believed music was the manifestation of all that is good in the world. But it gets bumped up to 3 stars because the end confrontation was really good, and the whole thing was pretty short.
February 3, 2016
The Liminal War is a very fast-paced alternate reality tale based upon the universal balance of power. Forces against each other from the dawn of time wage war for supremacy. Allegiances are in flux as the psychically gifted combatants attempt to end the conflict. Following orders is difficult for those who see loss of humanity as the outcome. Family ties become pivotal in an increasingly improbable victory for mankind. Wonderful read - looking forward to the next book!
August 1, 2016
I didn't enjoy this quite as much as the first book in the series, but it was still a very good and fun quick read. It was another action packed story, and Jama-Everett does action well. And I love a good fantasy novel where the world is built around Black people, culture, and history. Plus a fungus god. We also get introduced to Chabi, the central character of the third novel in this universe, and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more about her.
October 27, 2015
cracking pace and about a billion ideas crammed into a very short noirish Weird action adventure with super powers, time travel and a religion centred on getting high on shrooms because God is a sentient tuber. While some of it felt underdone due to aforementioned ideas density it's tightly written, I liked that character development allowed to Taggert and also the strong take on the role of black musical traditions in culture.
August 10, 2016
A worthy follow-up to The Liminal People. The world the author has imagined broadens and becomes more complex and weird, but the story is grounded by Taggert's devotion for the family he made for himself in the previous book. The use of music in the plot, which could have been left an annoyingly vague sort of magic by another author, is almost perfect in function and theme as he incorporates the music and mythology of reggae and blues into the story.
October 6, 2016
Perhaps it was always impossible to live up to the high bar set by the first book, but I was underwhelmed by Jama-Everett's follow-up effort. The writing is still stylish and distinct, as are the characters; likewise, the topics and ideas at play are unforgettable. However, this book would have benefited from a bit more refining. The lack of transitions and scene setting made this story disorienting and difficult to read. This may have been an intentional choice, but it did not work for me.
February 1, 2017
Loved the first book in this series. For this sequel, I enjoyed the character development of Taggart and the other main characters, but I didn't enjoy this story as much. It felt disjointed and more of a "let's place these people in a weird situation" setup. Interesting cameos from some historical figures but otherwise not as satisfying to me as the first book.
December 28, 2015
Doesn't just continue the story from The Liminal People - The Liminal War ups the ante and further expands the universe of mutants, gods and monsters. Ends on a massive cliff-hanger so I'm eager for the next installment - and I've got to read the spin-off along the way.
February 18, 2018
Not as good as The Liminal People
1.5 Stars. I loved The Liminal People which was unique and had great narration. This one - not so much. Honestly felt like it jumped the shark about 10% into the book.
1.5 Stars. I loved The Liminal People which was unique and had great narration. This one - not so much. Honestly felt like it jumped the shark about 10% into the book.
June 16, 2015
Review to come on Skiffy & Fanty
July 14, 2015
A fun romp through science fiction in a world of many kinds of super-powered people and entities. It almost verges on fantasy at time, but in a good way.
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