The people of Stephen’s Point have put years into rebuilding the Chimera, their last hope for a return to Earth. As preparations continue, the ancient ship sleeps, bound by her strict protocols. Theo Puck finds himself drawn to the mysterious girl from the rim, Selena Samuelson, convinced that she holds the secret to waking the Chimera.
Meghan Ziczek watches as Theo and Selena grow closer, but the fulfillment of her own dreams of leadership give rise to a growing respect for the outsider. Marcus too wants the Chimera woken. But unlike Meghan, his leadership has nothing to do with saving Stephen’s Point—his hatred for Selena nearly equal to the desire to control Theo. Will his dark impulses overwhelm them all?
When an exchange ship suddenly bursts through from Fractal Space, celebration erupts. Contact with Earth has been reestablished, the colony is saved from the brink of starvation … or are they? Instead of much-needed food and supplies, the exchange ship is full of nothing but the dead. A gruesome and horrifying delivery. With Earth's fate called into question, Stephen’s Point descends into chaos.
Tasked with fulfillment of the rebuild and return Mandate, Chief Moorland will stop at nothing in her quest to wake the Chimera and prepare the ship’s young crew. But can anything prepare them for what they might face at Earth? In the explosive new chapter to the Universe Eventual series, “Helios” will leave you breathless.
Let me start this review with a question — Have you ever read a book that you were having a great time until the ending? Not because you’re sad to have finished the book but somehow all your joy transformed into anger at the conclusion; An ending that tarnished the whole reading experience. Has that happened to you? Yes, that was my experience with this book. I was completely enchanted with the science fiction universe the authors created — so much so I stayed up until 4 o’clock in the morning to finish it. In hindsight, that was not the wisest decision, however I do not regret reading this book.
Helios is the sequel to Chimera. The story picks up right where the previous book left off and had excellent pacing. The authors (N.J. Tanger is really three people) never indulged in heavy exposition but rather let the reader piece together how technology in this far future worked. Understanding the technology is core to understanding parts of the plot and never once was I confused. I really like the concept used for faster than light travel, which a part has the creative term Fractal Space. The name alone gives a big clue of how it works. Simply brilliant technological concepts abound in this book which I found delightful.
I spent even more time awake after having finished the book trying to figure out what about the ending bothered me. It was a darker ending than typical stories but that wasn’t the issue. It was the characters. All of the character arcs felt unnatural at the conclusion. One character never had the connections established with the reader for the desired emotional response of the authors for what occurs near the end. Another character becomes completely neutered and I felt only apathy at this character’s attempt at redemption. The antagonist is described as super smart and manipulative, think Peter from Ender’s Game, and yet he missed a very obvious problem in his plan. I am not that smart and I knew well ahead of time what the flaw was — which made his lack of oversight feel uncharacteristic. It really seems the authors painted themselves into a corner and the only way to achieve the ending was to completely destroy the established character of the antagonist. The antagonist transforms from a clear thinking sociopath to an insane Batman villain caricature. This annoyed me.
I had several predictions for how the story would conclude; there was one prediction I hoped the story would not go, but that is exactly where it went. It does not help that certain choices of the characters were completely validated and yet it is clear the authors want the reader to think lesser of these characters. It was confusing and really frustrating. I found myself supporting these characters more than the supposed heroes. I also feel the book should have had a different title. The current title reveals more than I think the authors intended and it doesn’t really tie into the book in a meaningful way.
It almost seems like I hated this book, but I didn’t. I really enjoyed my time in this universe and thought there were many creative ideas. It is a good science fiction novel and I certainly consider my time well spent. I was left unsatisfied by the ending but not enough to not recommend.
Helios continues the Universe Eventual saga begun with Chimera. This is a fast-paced space drama with tense action, tight dialog, and tangled relationships. It takes the "boot camp" cadets from Chimera into a military academy experience on a space station prepping them for a real mission. (Warning: there are spoilers for any who haven't read Chimera. Read it before Helios or this review.) Marcus continues his manipulative and deceitful ways to push forward his agenda which is made all the easier by Chief Moorland's willingness to meet her goals to save those in her care on Stephen's Point by any means necessary, Doctor Duncan's nearly blind faith and Meghan's naïveté. Even Selena' s skepticism can't keep Marcus' Machiavellian schemes at bay. Adding to the great cast of characters is one of the most intriguing - Chimera herself. She is a bit of an enigma but plays a forceful role as the drama unfolds.
Helios is a page-turner from start to finish. It has an incredibly engaging story that will keep you hooked until the end. I dare say it may even be better than the first book. A few typos crop up here and there, but they don't bring down the experience.
The best aspect of this story is the characterization. The three writers expertly build a roster of compelling protagonists (and at least one antagonist). Marcus in particular is a deep character; you never know if you should hate him or sympathize with him (or both). While you may not like his personality or methods, you can't deny he makes some good points about their perilous mission.
Finally, the white-knuckle climax has me waiting eagerly for the next book in the series, as the fate of several characters is left up in the air, and one very big problem for our species still needs to be solved.
This series is really growing on me. I enjoyed Book 1, but Helios is even better. I love that the authors (and that's pretty cool--N.J. Tanger is actually a collaboration of three authors, I think) took their time to world-build this series in a way that adds depth I don't often see in these sort of stories. There is time given to the motivations of the characters. We truly understand their psyche by the book's end. But don't get me wrong. The pace moves well too. I grew to enjoy these characters and the unique situation in which they find themselves. Plus it was nice to read a story in which the romance was either nonexistant or mild. Yes, a few characters feel attraction, but it's in a normal way and doesn't overwhelm. I went ahead and bought Book 3 right after finishing! Some language and violence, but nothing too graphic.
This was really really entertaining until the ending. This is one of those instances where I keep reading because the story is great and the ending just killed any chance I had at enjoying the whole series. The story is the second book in the series and picks up easily where Chimera ended. Instead of reading about the way things work, this book lets you learn as you go in a way that keeps it from getting confusing. As I moved through the story I imagined the different directions that it could go and then it veers off in the worst way. I don’t always like the way books end but usually I can make peace with the ending. That isn’t the case here it was just a complete disappointment. I don’t hate this book, it was mostly good. I just can’t see myself moving on to the next book.
Good character development but heavy on statistics.
The characters are interesting which is why I read the second book in the series after completing the first book. I almost did not read book two. I became weary of the heavy handed science droning on with stastics. I stayed with the series because near the end of the book the characters' stories hooked me into the plot. Some of the minor characters stories could be more developed, though what happens at the end may be why they are not fleshed out fully. I didn't like the ending, and I'm not sure if the incentive is there for me to stay with the series. I will download a sample of book three and see if it catches my interest. The science is right on, but soon got boring.
A great sequel for this fantastic young adult sci-fi series. The plot in Helios picks up right where Chimera left off. The plot is mostly solid. The characters are interesting and engaging. Though our hero and antagonist make a few decisions that feel slightly contrived and "necessary" for the story versus a true emotional action/reaction, but that could just be my darker, gritty side complaining. All in all, another brilliant foray into the stars and beyond...
Another good read and quite a page-turner. Helios continues exactly from were Chimera stops, with the three protagonist's quest to be part of the crew on the Chimera. The character development and the story of how the 3 of them accomplished their goal is good. However, I felt like slapping both Teo and Selena upside the head. Teo, every time I read about him because of how incredibly gullible and daft he is.
The clash of characters in such a high stakes setting leads a delightful building of tension. It's easy to invest in more than one characters agenda--even when they are competing, and the ambiguity over who actually knows what will work and that they are all gambling on competing paradigms is quite tantalizing.
The Chimera atmoshpere darkens, the characters fight against the destiny some regular YA author could be tempted to condemned them to. The AIs suffer from some adolescent/identity crisis. Once again a nice surprise.
It's so hard to rate this one because I loved it up until about 80% and it took a turn that I didn't love. I'm sure there are those out there that do but doing what the authors did felt like a betrayal BUT I love so much about this series and I'm going to keep reading.
2.5 star. My least favourite of the series. In large part because I can’t stand how the evil manipulative Marcus plays such a large role. It felt like Lord of the Flies!
Good story in general terms, but it left me with conflicting emotions.
Let’s start with the pros: The story is page turner. If not from the very beginning, at least after 1/3 of it. Once they are in fractal space—the author's version of the hyperspace—the emotion and suspense skyrockets. The last day, I didn’t go to bed until I’ve finished the story and then I dreamt of it. Well done! An outstanding job.
Now the cons: I disliked Theo’s characterisation. His character’s arc was well done in Chimera: from a weak personality fearing Marcus (even though Theo gathered enough courage to hack his own name in the list) to growing and learning. He even stopped fearing Marcus and was able to stand him.
In Helios, I was expecting Theo to take a leading role. On the contrary, he behaved weak. As for character development, he walked backwards, something not expected. Retrograde character development happens in real life, but for a reason. Theo’s motivation shouldn’t have edged him to do what he did. Rather than approve, and support Marcus, Theo should have tried to lead through persuasion and convince his friends of the right path.
I know some will say: that Theo’s frustration explains his attitude. In my humble opinion, considering the way it’s presented in the story, this explanation is not enough. What the reader ends up with is a feeble character suddenly incapable of fulfilling a MC’s shoes.
The other detail that left me with a sour aftertaste is the situation on Earth. Let’s assume there’s a sound explanation for this situation in the next books. Granted. What doesn’t click in my mind is the fact Chimera left the fractal space and appeared in the worst possible place. I know the author preferred it that way for the added suspense, but the odds a ship travelling the hyperspace might appear right in front of the enemy’s mother ship are negligible.
Marcus is another pair of shoes. First he goes mad and almost wrecks the whole mission only to finally do what is expected of him. Why? Why the change? He hadn’t care before, why did he start caring all of a sudden?
The above said, the story is nice, well written, I enjoyed it, and I'm recommending it. Because of the above flaws, I'm subtracting 1 star.
Helios continues the Universe Eventual saga begun with Chimera. This is a fast-paced space drama with tense action, tight dialog, and tangled relationships. It takes the “boot camp” cadets from Chimera into a military academy experience on a space station prepping them for a real mission. (Warning: there are spoilers for any who haven’t read Chimera. Read it before Helios or this review.) Marcus continues his manipulative and deceitful ways to push forward his agenda which is made all the easier by Chief Moorland’s willingness to meet her goals to save those in her care on Stephen’s Point by any means necessary, Doctor Duncan’s nearly blind faith and Meghan’s naïveté. Even Selena’ s skepticism can’t keep Marcus’ Machiavellian schemes at bay. Adding to the great cast of characters is one of the most intriguing – Chimera herself. She is a bit of an enigma but plays a forceful role as the drama unfolds.
There are so many elements that come to play in Helios. We have science problems and other puzzles to solve, chief among which is getting Chimera free to take the return journey to Earth. We have challenges to overcome, people to motivate, a world to save and the unknown, but likely a bleak future based on the strange events surrounding Exchange Four. All of this occurs in the backdrop of a largely student-run training arena with Marcus in the lead. This must be student-led because it is only this generation who may take the Chimera back to Earth. So this book has a bit of everything but never loses its way, never becomes too tangled to follow and delivers it all in at a quick clip.
[Full Disclosure: I received an advanced review copy for an honest review.]
I don't typically read scifi. This series has so far been quite the ride! I've finished Chimera and Helios, and it just keeps getting better. The first book builds the Universe Eventual world for you and gets you attached to the characters. The second is an intense page turner. I HAVE to read the next one immediately! I'm left on the edge of me seat! All along, I've felt this series would make an excellent TV show. I would totally watch it.
Helios is a futuristic sci-fi fantasy and the second book in the Universe Eventual series. In this nail-biting sequel, we get to see the young men and women we met in the first novel come into their own. The Chimera is finally awakened, the crew positions filled, and her voyage to Earth is imminent. The civil unrest of the colony continues unchecked and valuable resources are dwindling making their mission a priority. But what will they find on the other end of fractal space?
I would first like to state that I received this through NetGalley for an honest review. That being said, at first I really enjoyed this suspenseful sequel. The pace was steady, the action was top notch, and the character growth was done rather well for the most part. However, personally, I did not like the over-extreme plot twists toward the end. While this was well written and engaging, the ending could have been so much better. I truly hope that things turn around in the next book as I really have enjoyed this series so far. Let's just say it's going to require some major TLC to be applied to the storyline in order to get it back on target for me. Don't get me wrong, this was a great story in its own right. It's just difficult to explain without posting major spoilers. Trust me, it's worth the read but if you are like me, it will leave you reeling at the end.
Helios (book 2 of the Universe Eventual series) by N. J. Tanger is an excellent example of good science fiction. It is full of intrigue and non-stop adventure.
I really like N. J. Tanger's writing style. This is the second book of the series I have read and I was not disappointed. It flows seamlessly from book one into the book and the adventure just grew more intense. The book is full of plot twist and turns and you have to keep up are you will be left behind. I really liked reading this book.
It was fun watching the characters grow and mature as the series progresses. You can see there strengths and ambitions come out in this book.
Helios by N. J. Tanger is a great book and I highly recommend this book to all readers. I would recommend you read the first book in the series, Chimera, before you start Helios, are you may be lost.
An engrossing sequel to Chimera with an equally maddening cliff hanger ending. Theo, Selena, Marcus, and Megan are more fully developed in this installment. Marcus, the bad guy you love to hate, becomes more human. His choices and manipulation, propelling the story and the crew forward, are explained and the reader feels as tortured as Theo knowing that his choice is awful, but probably necessary. Megan, Theo, and Selena face opportunities to prove their true allegiance and their mettle, while a cast of supporting characters make the cold, sterile environment warmer and richer. Filled with descriptive and riveting writing, Helios was a fun and addicting read that left me anxious for more.
4.5 Stars A pretty awesome sequel! If you loved Chimera, then you will enjoy book 2. Helios includes well-developed characters, exciting action and nail-biting suspense, and some great space drama. The characters are dynamic; some you can't decide if you love or hate while others just surprise you. The fight scenes are intense and the setting is very detailed. The writing is fantastic; it flows like honey. Seriously, I couldn't put the novel down once I started reading. The ending was a shocker, even a bit jarring (don't worry, no spoilers here). I look forward to the next book, Ceres (but honestly, I hope there's more installments beyond that). Overall, a fun YA Sci-fi read for teens and adults.
Following Chimera, this second book in the series follows most of the same characters and has a similar set of features including the rites of passage. That said, we shouldn't expect this to be just an update on book one as some of the characters gain significant depth, and some just die.
In Marcus you have a complete psychopath, comfortable at manipulating others to get to his goals, and killing them if they threaten him. Of all the characters Selena's and Theo's develops the most, though in very different ways.
Being only the second book in a series don't be looking for 'happily ever after' but do expect gripping hard sci-fi
This series is getting really interesting. There was so much action in this book. There is always someone plotting, something changing, something unexpected popping up.
This is predominantly a space book, but it's really about the relationships of the people involved. Everyone is still so young, so decisions and emotions run high and realistically rule people's choices and thoughts.
The ending of the book brought a lot of changes, and it will be interesting to see how the next story picks up the threads.
A decent read. Nicely realized world. Liked most of the characters. Thought the nemesis got a bit overdrawn towards the end. Not sure why the power-madness had to be amped-up in the last part of the book. Had to skip some parts as I was getting bogged down. Not sure I would have read it if I'd known it stops here. Confused by the final choices of some of the characters. Hopefully, there will be a 3rd book in the story.
Lots of really great ideas here - a well written story. It was very exciting and engaging. I just had to keep reading to see what happened. There was a significant amount of graphic violence, though. Overall, I didn't enjoy the plot (the way the story went) and found the ending especially disappointing.