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Ardulum #2
Second Don
The Charted Systems are in pieces. Mercy’s Pledge is destroyed, and her captain dead. With no homes to return to, the remaining crew sets off on a journey to find the mythical planet of Ardulum—a planet where Emn might find her people, and Neek the answers she’s long sought. Finding the planet, however, brings a host of uncomfortable truths about Ardulum’s vision for the galaxy and Neek’s role in a religion that refuses to release her. Neek must balance her planet’s past and the unchecked power of the Ardulans with a budding relationship and a surprising revelation about her own genealogy.
Ardulum: Second Don blends space opera elements and hard science into a story about two women persistently bound to their past and a sentient planet determined to shape their future.
Ardulum: Second Don blends space opera elements and hard science into a story about two women persistently bound to their past and a sentient planet determined to shape their future.
Audible Audio
First published October 9, 2017
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111 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 17, 2021
Second Don is about expanding our worldview of Ardulum. By spending more time this go-around introducing more characters and adding the intricacies of the interstellar politics at play, the author creates a perfect Book 2, investing us thoroughly in the detailed, highflying story.
Emn is now Second Don, literally out of chrysalis and has emerged as a 20 year old woman. Atalant (formerly known as Neek) doesn’t know how to feel about it. After all, they’re linked telepathically and very close emotionally. But Atalant is tough girl personified and no one is going to close in on her heart if she can help it. Best buddy, Nicholas, is still with them, and continues to be everyone’s heart. Meanwhile, the rest of the world keeps going, rolling towards war or self destruction. The mythical planet Ardulum is either savior or the root cause of many ills depending on who’s telling it.
That’s the big question mark of this series. Just when you think you’ve pinned down who the villains are, the perspective flips and you just don’t know. One of the things that I love about SciFi is that it’s a dynamic statement on human nature and relationships. What are the differences between us and how we view one another because of them. Power over others and how it changes people. It’s all here, in all the hues and colors.
The ending is crazy chaos which makes a great lead into book 3.
Again, the narrator continues to amaze.
Emn is now Second Don, literally out of chrysalis and has emerged as a 20 year old woman. Atalant (formerly known as Neek) doesn’t know how to feel about it. After all, they’re linked telepathically and very close emotionally. But Atalant is tough girl personified and no one is going to close in on her heart if she can help it. Best buddy, Nicholas, is still with them, and continues to be everyone’s heart. Meanwhile, the rest of the world keeps going, rolling towards war or self destruction. The mythical planet Ardulum is either savior or the root cause of many ills depending on who’s telling it.
That’s the big question mark of this series. Just when you think you’ve pinned down who the villains are, the perspective flips and you just don’t know. One of the things that I love about SciFi is that it’s a dynamic statement on human nature and relationships. What are the differences between us and how we view one another because of them. Power over others and how it changes people. It’s all here, in all the hues and colors.
The ending is crazy chaos which makes a great lead into book 3.
Again, the narrator continues to amaze.
September 26, 2019
[Edit September 26th] As I said for Ardulum: First Don, I loved the book and am surprised to find it even better as an audiobook. In this second book in the trilogy, the romance is picking up but still at a very very slow pace. Which could be infuriating but I find it rather exciting, and coherent with the fact that there's so much happening, it makes sense Atalant and Emn would need to process stuff. And I love who Nicholas is becoming, he's much more interesting than I first thought. I started audiobook 3 right away and, after she did such a great job with other species, including trees, I can't wait to hear the narrator's take on fungi…
[Edit: In hindsight, now that I've read the whole trilogy and the anthology [book:Tales from Ardulum|44657299], giving these books 4* wasn't fair so I went up to 5*. I'm happy now.]
Ardulum: Second Don picks up when the first one ended, with Neek, Emn and Nicholas in a stolen Mmnnuggl pod trying to figure out what to do next and searching for Ardulum.
What I like best about this series so far is the world building, with this book introducing us to even more planets and species. I also love the fact that gender is shown as non-binary and the use of pronouns in that process.
As in Ardulum: First Don, I often felt like I had no idea what was going on (in a good way). I couldn’t see the big picture, which made me relate even more to the characters. And though this episode is darker than the first one (which wasn’t really light either), the start of a romance brings both hope and complexity to the story.
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
[Edit: In hindsight, now that I've read the whole trilogy and the anthology [book:Tales from Ardulum|44657299], giving these books 4* wasn't fair so I went up to 5*. I'm happy now.]
Ardulum: Second Don picks up when the first one ended, with Neek, Emn and Nicholas in a stolen Mmnnuggl pod trying to figure out what to do next and searching for Ardulum.
What I like best about this series so far is the world building, with this book introducing us to even more planets and species. I also love the fact that gender is shown as non-binary and the use of pronouns in that process.
As in Ardulum: First Don, I often felt like I had no idea what was going on (in a good way). I couldn’t see the big picture, which made me relate even more to the characters. And though this episode is darker than the first one (which wasn’t really light either), the start of a romance brings both hope and complexity to the story.
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 14, 2017
I will preface this review by saying I have not read many science fiction stories. However, having recently read and enjoyed a few I was happy to have the opportunity to read and review this story.
With that said, when I noticed at was the second of a series, I immediately asked if it could be read as a standalone and was assured it could. Now that I’ve read the story, I can’t say I totally agree. While some people might have a different experience, I found myself completely lost for the first five or six chapters.
In the first chapter, which begins with Arik’s point-of-view, there is mention of Zie and zir. For example; Zie was from the farthest northern province… and further on, Zie dipped two fingers into the bowl.
As I read on, two characters fled a bad situation and Zie and zir kept randomly appearing on page. I got to thinking they were Alien guides or something. When I finally figured out the words were female pronouns. Zie/she, zir/her, some of my confusion dissipated. But, my need to translate these words in my mind never left, which meant rereading many, many lines. And this is a lengthy story already.
The story is told in third person and from a number of point-of-views. As one would expect, there are many different species and names for readers to get their heads around, and keep track of – Adzeek, Asth, Emn, Nicholas, Ekimet, Miketh, Corrinth, Savath, Kisak, Ukie….
The plot really takes off around the 70% mark and was the saving grace for me. There’s an ending but that ending is also a new beginning if that makes sense.
If you’re a sci-fi fanatic, Ardulum could be just the ticket. Grab a copy and give it a whirl
92,000 words
With that said, when I noticed at was the second of a series, I immediately asked if it could be read as a standalone and was assured it could. Now that I’ve read the story, I can’t say I totally agree. While some people might have a different experience, I found myself completely lost for the first five or six chapters.
In the first chapter, which begins with Arik’s point-of-view, there is mention of Zie and zir. For example; Zie was from the farthest northern province… and further on, Zie dipped two fingers into the bowl.
As I read on, two characters fled a bad situation and Zie and zir kept randomly appearing on page. I got to thinking they were Alien guides or something. When I finally figured out the words were female pronouns. Zie/she, zir/her, some of my confusion dissipated. But, my need to translate these words in my mind never left, which meant rereading many, many lines. And this is a lengthy story already.
The story is told in third person and from a number of point-of-views. As one would expect, there are many different species and names for readers to get their heads around, and keep track of – Adzeek, Asth, Emn, Nicholas, Ekimet, Miketh, Corrinth, Savath, Kisak, Ukie….
The plot really takes off around the 70% mark and was the saving grace for me. There’s an ending but that ending is also a new beginning if that makes sense.
If you’re a sci-fi fanatic, Ardulum could be just the ticket. Grab a copy and give it a whirl
92,000 words
October 28, 2019
J.S. Fields has created a fascinating world and a great cast of characters. If you love science fiction that is a great space adventure of discovery and battle, this is the series for you. If you love political intrigue and social struggles, this is the series for you. If you love personal growth and self-discovery, this is the series for you.
did-not-finish
November 22, 2017DNF ~15%
I am not going to rate this book due to the fact that I didn’t finish, not as a result of the book being awful, but simply because I couldn’t get into it, personally.
Date started: October 23, 2017
Date stopped: October 26, 2017
Find a short review on my blog.
I am not going to rate this book due to the fact that I didn’t finish, not as a result of the book being awful, but simply because I couldn’t get into it, personally.
Date started: October 23, 2017
Date stopped: October 26, 2017
Find a short review on my blog.
June 3, 2018
If you haven’t read the first book then do that now. I didn’t and regret it heavily. There is a lot going on in this story, and even though I picked up most of what I needed, it would have been better for me to know the backstory from First Don.
Now that my recommendation for not skipping ahead is out of the way….
This story was pretty epic. I loved the concepts, the writing style, and the world building. While I’m sure a lot more happened in book one, there is plenty in this book to understand what is going on.
I’m not an avid sci-fi reader, but I do dabble occasionally, and this was high up there in concept and execution. I didn’t feel totally lost once I read through the first few chapters and my mind bent around what was happening in this universe. There was a lot, but it wasn’t messy. There were a few POV but it was to progress the narrative. Nothing was wasted on unimportant detail, and I admire the author’s mind, both in plot, and staying on point. This story could branch off into so many different directions, but there was a clear path and it was easy to follow. I will point out that some of the names for beings and planets were tongue twisters in my mind and well outside my imagination for pronunciation so I gave up a little bit and just pretended I knew what I was looking at. This is because I’m boring and frequently butcher other languages with my ridiculous self. Made up stuff has to be told to me out loud and even then I’ll probably get it wrong. It’s a flaw, and no reflection on anyone else but me. It’s inspiring and admirable that people can create this stuff out of thin air and maybe other people can understand it too.
There is a bit of a thing in this story between Neek and Emn but that isn’t the main focus. The broader politics and what is happening on Ardulum is where this story leads. There is an obvious political situation happening abroad, but more importantly, The planet Ardulum and its inhabitants is going through some turmoil that takes precedence over the wider story arc.
I am also impressed by the conflicting feelings that were triggered by the Eld and their rule. It was difficult to tell whether they were power drunk villains or not. I enjoyed this aspect of the story. It really had my mind racing, and I was eager to understand what the true intent was of the Eld and the Andal.
The relationship building between Neek and Emn was a nice touch. Neek is having a lot of conflicting feels about everything in general, and the beliefs she was brought up with are being completely turned on its head. This emotional turmoil frustrates Emn but she is patient and provides room for a Neek to work through while being forgiving and supportive. I really loved Emn. She had her own issues, but she provided space in her heart for Neek to fit when she was ready.
If you’re looking for romance, this is probably a little light on that, but if you enjoy a great story with fantastic world building, this is definitely one to consider. It took me a while to pick this up, but once I did, I couldn’t put it down. I’m excited for book three.
Now that my recommendation for not skipping ahead is out of the way….
This story was pretty epic. I loved the concepts, the writing style, and the world building. While I’m sure a lot more happened in book one, there is plenty in this book to understand what is going on.
I’m not an avid sci-fi reader, but I do dabble occasionally, and this was high up there in concept and execution. I didn’t feel totally lost once I read through the first few chapters and my mind bent around what was happening in this universe. There was a lot, but it wasn’t messy. There were a few POV but it was to progress the narrative. Nothing was wasted on unimportant detail, and I admire the author’s mind, both in plot, and staying on point. This story could branch off into so many different directions, but there was a clear path and it was easy to follow. I will point out that some of the names for beings and planets were tongue twisters in my mind and well outside my imagination for pronunciation so I gave up a little bit and just pretended I knew what I was looking at. This is because I’m boring and frequently butcher other languages with my ridiculous self. Made up stuff has to be told to me out loud and even then I’ll probably get it wrong. It’s a flaw, and no reflection on anyone else but me. It’s inspiring and admirable that people can create this stuff out of thin air and maybe other people can understand it too.
There is a bit of a thing in this story between Neek and Emn but that isn’t the main focus. The broader politics and what is happening on Ardulum is where this story leads. There is an obvious political situation happening abroad, but more importantly, The planet Ardulum and its inhabitants is going through some turmoil that takes precedence over the wider story arc.
I am also impressed by the conflicting feelings that were triggered by the Eld and their rule. It was difficult to tell whether they were power drunk villains or not. I enjoyed this aspect of the story. It really had my mind racing, and I was eager to understand what the true intent was of the Eld and the Andal.
The relationship building between Neek and Emn was a nice touch. Neek is having a lot of conflicting feels about everything in general, and the beliefs she was brought up with are being completely turned on its head. This emotional turmoil frustrates Emn but she is patient and provides room for a Neek to work through while being forgiving and supportive. I really loved Emn. She had her own issues, but she provided space in her heart for Neek to fit when she was ready.
If you’re looking for romance, this is probably a little light on that, but if you enjoy a great story with fantastic world building, this is definitely one to consider. It took me a while to pick this up, but once I did, I couldn’t put it down. I’m excited for book three.
May 16, 2022
3.65
Maybe it was my mood of the day, but I got pretty impatient towards the last 30% of the book. It's also where things got more action-based, so it was probably due to the first 70%. I was still engaged with the story when it came to the crews' chapters. We got two new perspectives outside of the crew's. I didn't care much for Arik's. The romance was a long slow burn. The novelty kinda worn off as the story went on. Most of the action took place on Ardulum and a lot of the mysteries were explained. The story went in depth into the Ardulan's politics and relationships with other planets, which I found pretty interesting. While I enjoyed reading most of it, I felt somewhat emotionally disconnected to the characters this time around. A lot of things were constantly happening. It was paced consistently, but sometimes it felt like there's no breathing space to connect and learn more about the characters. I appreciated Arlatan's character growth. Overall, I'm still intrigued with the universe and its characters. Kudos to the author's great imagination.
Maybe it was my mood of the day, but I got pretty impatient towards the last 30% of the book. It's also where things got more action-based, so it was probably due to the first 70%. I was still engaged with the story when it came to the crews' chapters. We got two new perspectives outside of the crew's. I didn't care much for Arik's. The romance was a long slow burn. The novelty kinda worn off as the story went on. Most of the action took place on Ardulum and a lot of the mysteries were explained. The story went in depth into the Ardulan's politics and relationships with other planets, which I found pretty interesting. While I enjoyed reading most of it, I felt somewhat emotionally disconnected to the characters this time around. A lot of things were constantly happening. It was paced consistently, but sometimes it felt like there's no breathing space to connect and learn more about the characters. I appreciated Arlatan's character growth. Overall, I'm still intrigued with the universe and its characters. Kudos to the author's great imagination.
November 9, 2019
3.25 decent read in the main.
I really enjoyed book one of the series, although there were points where things were confusing. This one is even more confusing in the beginning and the jump from one POV to another did not really contribute much for me. I loved the Emm, Atalant, Nick parts, probably because it is easier to become invested in those characters.
Some of the action scenes were also difficult to follow. I know the author is smart, and tries to show this in the stories, but sometimes being overclever is just a confusuin to mere mortals.
I really enjoyed book one of the series, although there were points where things were confusing. This one is even more confusing in the beginning and the jump from one POV to another did not really contribute much for me. I loved the Emm, Atalant, Nick parts, probably because it is easier to become invested in those characters.
Some of the action scenes were also difficult to follow. I know the author is smart, and tries to show this in the stories, but sometimes being overclever is just a confusuin to mere mortals.
October 11, 2017
The second book was just as good as the first, and I am very thankful I was able to get a free digital ARC.
The characters were constantly growing and being pushed to evolve. They were all flawed in ways that made me want to root for them. The obstacles thrown at them were believable enough to accept but big enough to pose a significant challenged.
The romance subplot is is picking up a bit, though it is still going at an incredibly slow, frustrating pace. This really puts the slow in slow burn. However, the romance really is a subplot, and there is so much more to this book.
The main plot was faster than the romance. I was reading on my kindle. One minute I was at 54%. The next time I looked at my progress, I was 77%, 95% and then I was done. It flew by, and I really wish book 3 was already out. The little teaser at the end of this made me want to read it now!
I may have already said this in the first review, but I loved how different pronouns were used for different species who had members that were neither male nor female, but while the idea of a true third gender was awesome, it wasn’t with the humans.
I have no complaints about this book. I had been reading more fantasy than science fiction, but the authors and editors at NineStar press, with books like the Ardulum series, Dalí, and Trans Liberty Riot Brigade, are reminding me how powerful science fiction can be when it involves complex characters and issues.
Ardulum was entertaining. It kept me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was going to happen next, and got me through a bad day, but it also made me think. It made me think about gender and sexuality, about human rights, religion, faith, diversity and where technology and advancement can build society up and break it down. Second Don was a little darker than First Don, but it wasn’t bleak and hopeless. Yes, it exposed some nasty flaws, but also offered hope that they might begin to heal in Third Don.
I guess I’ll just have to wait and see.
The characters were constantly growing and being pushed to evolve. They were all flawed in ways that made me want to root for them. The obstacles thrown at them were believable enough to accept but big enough to pose a significant challenged.
The romance subplot is is picking up a bit, though it is still going at an incredibly slow, frustrating pace. This really puts the slow in slow burn. However, the romance really is a subplot, and there is so much more to this book.
The main plot was faster than the romance. I was reading on my kindle. One minute I was at 54%. The next time I looked at my progress, I was 77%, 95% and then I was done. It flew by, and I really wish book 3 was already out. The little teaser at the end of this made me want to read it now!
I may have already said this in the first review, but I loved how different pronouns were used for different species who had members that were neither male nor female, but while the idea of a true third gender was awesome, it wasn’t with the humans.
I have no complaints about this book. I had been reading more fantasy than science fiction, but the authors and editors at NineStar press, with books like the Ardulum series, Dalí, and Trans Liberty Riot Brigade, are reminding me how powerful science fiction can be when it involves complex characters and issues.
Ardulum was entertaining. It kept me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was going to happen next, and got me through a bad day, but it also made me think. It made me think about gender and sexuality, about human rights, religion, faith, diversity and where technology and advancement can build society up and break it down. Second Don was a little darker than First Don, but it wasn’t bleak and hopeless. Yes, it exposed some nasty flaws, but also offered hope that they might begin to heal in Third Don.
I guess I’ll just have to wait and see.
January 6, 2023
I was not expecting that turn of events at the end!! I love Atalant and Emn. So much has happened to both of them. I want more of them and all their friends.
December 1, 2020
I really wasn't expected that :D!
That's resume the book all in all.
I went from surprise to surprise . I would have probably fallen of my chair if I hadn't been lounging on the couch at surprise number Waouh.
When a book goes to completely unexpected ways, I just want to clap.
I'm usually an intuitive reader who is rarely suprised but loved to be mesmerized. Here I was both.
That's resume the book all in all.
I went from surprise to surprise . I would have probably fallen of my chair if I hadn't been lounging on the couch at surprise number Waouh.
When a book goes to completely unexpected ways, I just want to clap.
I'm usually an intuitive reader who is rarely suprised but loved to be mesmerized. Here I was both.
January 14, 2025
I just finished this book and i'm just so upset after the first book which I quite enjoy this was just a massive letdown.
Spoilers below so beware
Let's start by our main cast, Neek or Atalant was just unbearable throughout this book, i was shocked to read that she's supposed to be in her 30s, this girl just whines and whines and throws tantrums if she doesn't get her way like why are you this way?. She spends the first half of the book just ignoring Emn and hiding in her room like I get that she's supposed to be upset about the whole god thing or whatever, but it was such a drag to read, and she never tries to improve in any meaningful way
Emn is next and apperantly she's in love with Neek, why? hell if i know as she just get ignored by her and or gets treated in a really patronizing way. It's not like I was expecting a groundbreaking romance, clearly this is more of a sci-fi book than romance, but you could at least try to have more chemistry between the two. It's frustrating because i found her character to be interesting but this girl gets nothing to do up until the point where they actually reach ardulum and even then she gets sidelined at the end and doesn't really accomplish nothing.
Nicholas i have nothing to say he's probably the best character in the book by virtue of being the only rational character in the book.
With that we also get some new POVs this was probably the best parts of the book, the chapters in the Mmnnuggl were interesting enough but midway through the book they just get dropped. Apparently there's a war brewing, Mmnnuggl's are out for blood feeling betrayed by Ardulum but instead of attacking the planet, they instead (or plan to??) attack the neek world? Why? I don't really know, it doesn't made much sense either given that the neek world is a whole system away from Ardulum it's just extremely confusing.
This part of the book reads like a mess, at some point we are told that the Mmnnuggls want to capture Emn to use her against Ardulum, and they even pursue their ship but suddenly they just leave??? Like no kidding they just turn their ships around, and we never hear from another Mmnnuggl again.
Ardulum itself reads like a mess, to me, it just felt like the author was afraid to commit one way or the other. At multiple points in the book Ardulum is portrayed as colonizers that just abuse other planet's resources giving very little back and as being willing to sacrifice and destroy other planets and their species, but this is never expanded on and by the end of the books the story pulls a 180 and says no actually flares are wrong for trying to overthrow the system, the elt where right all along guys!
But let's talk about the whole Flair side story and how messy it was, basically flairs are treated like second class citizens, we learn Emn is actually a flair and at some point flairs were even sold as slaves, later deciding to just keep flares locked up as experiments. Flairs get almost zero explanation or help regarding their condition and are fed like terribly picture giving a human boiled leather as food, as the book progresses we learned that the hope is that some of the flairs are motivated enough by this awful conditions so that they eventually escape and reintegrate in society, but they are locked up on an island and under constant surveillance, how are they supposed to achieve this is never really explained.
POV character Aerik leads a group of flares to escape in a bloody affair just before the rest of the flares are all killed off, apparently due to the fears about Emn's arrival, so I was thinking ok I get where this is going but by the end the books does a 180 turn, and we get possible the worst lines ever, where our main character Atalant being randomly chosen by the magic trees suddenly decides you know what concentration camps are a good thing actually, flares cannot be trusted, and it's all their fault, the council was right by keeping those nasties locked up. There's an incredibly gross line she says that's like sentient beings behave under the system and obey the law or something and something about the good type of flairs and the bad type of flairs (yeah yikessss) all the while I am reading this like yes of course they should have just obey and get killed off like good citizens, what the fuck do you mean lady? All the while she viciously executes two of the flairs (despite the fact that she easily incapacitates both of them may i say) and was ready to gut Aerik like a pig, the only reason she doesn't is that the magic god trees tell her not to.
And don't get me wrong, the flares group are not saints and the author makes sure of that, but none of the themes are touched or explored by the text it even manages to feel anti-revolutionary in a way. If anything it was the Elt's fault for keeping them locked and offering no real training or care to any of them, but this just gets ignored by the narrative completely, the genocide of all the other flares? ignored, Atalant mercilessly executing two of Aerik and Emn's friends? Ignored. Honestly, the way the main character behaves at the end made me so grossed out that I had to force myself to finish it just for closure's sake.
Spoilers below so beware
Let's start by our main cast, Neek or Atalant was just unbearable throughout this book, i was shocked to read that she's supposed to be in her 30s, this girl just whines and whines and throws tantrums if she doesn't get her way like why are you this way?. She spends the first half of the book just ignoring Emn and hiding in her room like I get that she's supposed to be upset about the whole god thing or whatever, but it was such a drag to read, and she never tries to improve in any meaningful way
Emn is next and apperantly she's in love with Neek, why? hell if i know as she just get ignored by her and or gets treated in a really patronizing way. It's not like I was expecting a groundbreaking romance, clearly this is more of a sci-fi book than romance, but you could at least try to have more chemistry between the two. It's frustrating because i found her character to be interesting but this girl gets nothing to do up until the point where they actually reach ardulum and even then she gets sidelined at the end and doesn't really accomplish nothing.
Nicholas i have nothing to say he's probably the best character in the book by virtue of being the only rational character in the book.
With that we also get some new POVs this was probably the best parts of the book, the chapters in the Mmnnuggl were interesting enough but midway through the book they just get dropped. Apparently there's a war brewing, Mmnnuggl's are out for blood feeling betrayed by Ardulum but instead of attacking the planet, they instead (or plan to??) attack the neek world? Why? I don't really know, it doesn't made much sense either given that the neek world is a whole system away from Ardulum it's just extremely confusing.
This part of the book reads like a mess, at some point we are told that the Mmnnuggls want to capture Emn to use her against Ardulum, and they even pursue their ship but suddenly they just leave??? Like no kidding they just turn their ships around, and we never hear from another Mmnnuggl again.
Ardulum itself reads like a mess, to me, it just felt like the author was afraid to commit one way or the other. At multiple points in the book Ardulum is portrayed as colonizers that just abuse other planet's resources giving very little back and as being willing to sacrifice and destroy other planets and their species, but this is never expanded on and by the end of the books the story pulls a 180 and says no actually flares are wrong for trying to overthrow the system, the elt where right all along guys!
But let's talk about the whole Flair side story and how messy it was, basically flairs are treated like second class citizens, we learn Emn is actually a flair and at some point flairs were even sold as slaves, later deciding to just keep flares locked up as experiments. Flairs get almost zero explanation or help regarding their condition and are fed like terribly picture giving a human boiled leather as food, as the book progresses we learned that the hope is that some of the flairs are motivated enough by this awful conditions so that they eventually escape and reintegrate in society, but they are locked up on an island and under constant surveillance, how are they supposed to achieve this is never really explained.
POV character Aerik leads a group of flares to escape in a bloody affair just before the rest of the flares are all killed off, apparently due to the fears about Emn's arrival, so I was thinking ok I get where this is going but by the end the books does a 180 turn, and we get possible the worst lines ever, where our main character Atalant being randomly chosen by the magic trees suddenly decides you know what concentration camps are a good thing actually, flares cannot be trusted, and it's all their fault, the council was right by keeping those nasties locked up. There's an incredibly gross line she says that's like sentient beings behave under the system and obey the law or something and something about the good type of flairs and the bad type of flairs (yeah yikessss) all the while I am reading this like yes of course they should have just obey and get killed off like good citizens, what the fuck do you mean lady? All the while she viciously executes two of the flairs (despite the fact that she easily incapacitates both of them may i say) and was ready to gut Aerik like a pig, the only reason she doesn't is that the magic god trees tell her not to.
And don't get me wrong, the flares group are not saints and the author makes sure of that, but none of the themes are touched or explored by the text it even manages to feel anti-revolutionary in a way. If anything it was the Elt's fault for keeping them locked and offering no real training or care to any of them, but this just gets ignored by the narrative completely, the genocide of all the other flares? ignored, Atalant mercilessly executing two of Aerik and Emn's friends? Ignored. Honestly, the way the main character behaves at the end made me so grossed out that I had to force myself to finish it just for closure's sake.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2019
This is the second book in the Ardulan series and the plot is thickening more than congealed stuk from a nervous Neek’s fingertips.
With Captain Yoren gone, a casualty of the Crippling War, Neek, Emn and Nicholas set off in search of the mythical planet Ardulum. The trio are seeking answers to some very profound questions surrounding who they are, who the Ardulans are, and just what do they have planned for the galaxy? Incredible revelations are revealed about the past, present and future of the Charted Systems, its inhabitants and the intricate web that binds them all together. Ardulum holds the answers they seek but what will the crew do with the truths that are revealed?
We really start to see a lot of growth and development in the main characters in this book. They become much more layered and complex as they learn more about their history. What I really enjoy is that we get to discover this information along with them. I felt so much more invested in the characters by experiencing these perception-changing revelations with them and witnessing them grapple with their implications.
This book has a healthy dose of mental stimulation, a pinch of ethical evaluation, a smattering of wonderful characters and a boatload of entertainment. You can’t help but completely immerse yourself in the incredible universe Fields has created.
With Captain Yoren gone, a casualty of the Crippling War, Neek, Emn and Nicholas set off in search of the mythical planet Ardulum. The trio are seeking answers to some very profound questions surrounding who they are, who the Ardulans are, and just what do they have planned for the galaxy? Incredible revelations are revealed about the past, present and future of the Charted Systems, its inhabitants and the intricate web that binds them all together. Ardulum holds the answers they seek but what will the crew do with the truths that are revealed?
We really start to see a lot of growth and development in the main characters in this book. They become much more layered and complex as they learn more about their history. What I really enjoy is that we get to discover this information along with them. I felt so much more invested in the characters by experiencing these perception-changing revelations with them and witnessing them grapple with their implications.
This book has a healthy dose of mental stimulation, a pinch of ethical evaluation, a smattering of wonderful characters and a boatload of entertainment. You can’t help but completely immerse yourself in the incredible universe Fields has created.
April 12, 2020
I was left unsettled at the end of book one, and took some time to let it sit before coming back to book two. The ending of book two, however, has me reaching for book three already!
Neek and Emn and Nicholas are what is left of their crew from book one, on the run and trying to understand the full ramifications of the previous events. They decide to search for the planet Ardulum itself, hoping it will hold the answers that Emn and Neek are seeking. There are minor hijinks along the way, and the perspectives of a few new characters in new settings.. Neek and Emn are also trying to reevaluate their new realities and what that might mean for a new relationship between them. (It is a verrrrryyyyy sllloooooowww process.) The ending section is almost ridiculously action-packed, and ends with everyone in a very different place than they started.
"Dons" refer to the three stages of life in the main characters. First Don lasts until one is twenty years old, at which they undergo a major metamorphosis from child to young adult. At thirty years old, the physical change to their third don self is less dramatic, but it still represents a shift to the final adult stage. Looking forward to reading the third stage in this journey.
Neek and Emn and Nicholas are what is left of their crew from book one, on the run and trying to understand the full ramifications of the previous events. They decide to search for the planet Ardulum itself, hoping it will hold the answers that Emn and Neek are seeking. There are minor hijinks along the way, and the perspectives of a few new characters in new settings.. Neek and Emn are also trying to reevaluate their new realities and what that might mean for a new relationship between them. (It is a verrrrryyyyy sllloooooowww process.) The ending section is almost ridiculously action-packed, and ends with everyone in a very different place than they started.
"Dons" refer to the three stages of life in the main characters. First Don lasts until one is twenty years old, at which they undergo a major metamorphosis from child to young adult. At thirty years old, the physical change to their third don self is less dramatic, but it still represents a shift to the final adult stage. Looking forward to reading the third stage in this journey.
June 18, 2022
Well, this was a mess.
Character motivations? Change constantly and make no sense. The world's internal logic? Makes no sense. The plot? Makes no sense. So, there's this mystical, almost magical planet, that moves around, not on a defined orbit, but at will. No one has seen it for centuries. No one is even sure it's real. But our protagonists find it in two chapters... and it has a tourist depot, complete with museum, bars, and souvenirs, for all I know... What?
Why did we get two new POV only to have them abruptly dropped mid-book? I don't know, and I doubt the author knows, either. And, naught for naught, another chapter or two from Arik's perspective would have gone a long way towards not making me feel like there's a chunk of the book the author just forgot to write/include.
Also, the relationship between Neek and Emn is the most awkward thing I've read in a while. Thanks, but no thanks.
Such a shame. I actually liked the first book, but the sequel is just such a giant step in the wrong direction.
I will have to think long and hard whether I'll be finishing the "trilogy".
Character motivations? Change constantly and make no sense. The world's internal logic? Makes no sense. The plot? Makes no sense. So, there's this mystical, almost magical planet, that moves around, not on a defined orbit, but at will. No one has seen it for centuries. No one is even sure it's real. But our protagonists find it in two chapters... and it has a tourist depot, complete with museum, bars, and souvenirs, for all I know... What?
Why did we get two new POV only to have them abruptly dropped mid-book? I don't know, and I doubt the author knows, either. And, naught for naught, another chapter or two from Arik's perspective would have gone a long way towards not making me feel like there's a chunk of the book the author just forgot to write/include.
Also, the relationship between Neek and Emn is the most awkward thing I've read in a while. Thanks, but no thanks.
Such a shame. I actually liked the first book, but the sequel is just such a giant step in the wrong direction.
I will have to think long and hard whether I'll be finishing the "trilogy".
April 28, 2018
This book basically picks up where the first book leaves off . Neek and the gang are back and we also get to meet some characters . When Neek's ship is destroyed and her captain dead . She Emn and Nicholas head to find Ardulum . Where Emn can find her people and Neek might find some answers.
The characters are growing and becoming more and more complex . You really start to get invested in the characters in this book , you can see their flaws and you will cheer for them over and over again. I like that the author is actually pushing the characters to evolve into what they are suppose to be .
This story is a little more complex then the first book and more characters to love and hate. There is also a romantic story that is brewing in the back ground . I found that part just slow and dragged a bit . The main plot was a fast read . I really liked the sci fi aspect of this book . You meet a lot of interesting characters that will keep you reading . So if you like a good sci fi series check it out .
The characters are growing and becoming more and more complex . You really start to get invested in the characters in this book , you can see their flaws and you will cheer for them over and over again. I like that the author is actually pushing the characters to evolve into what they are suppose to be .
This story is a little more complex then the first book and more characters to love and hate. There is also a romantic story that is brewing in the back ground . I found that part just slow and dragged a bit . The main plot was a fast read . I really liked the sci fi aspect of this book . You meet a lot of interesting characters that will keep you reading . So if you like a good sci fi series check it out .
October 12, 2025
Men wants to belong, after living among people just looking to use and oppress Ardulans. How can she balance that need, plus her own desires for companionship (or more?) with another species in Neek? Conflicted interested between her crew and her background come to a head.
The characters are great, the world building in a universe of humanoids (but not all humans). Though stuk is still pretty gross…
Look forward to seeing more of Nicholas - he adds well to the Emn/Neek dynamic, though sometimes feels more like the ‘token human’.
The characters are great, the world building in a universe of humanoids (but not all humans). Though stuk is still pretty gross…
Look forward to seeing more of Nicholas - he adds well to the Emn/Neek dynamic, though sometimes feels more like the ‘token human’.
November 6, 2017
This builds on the themes of the first book, but brings in new characters and planets, and our first look at Ardulum. The discussion of individuals vs. society is a lot darker in this one that in the first, but still makes a lot of good points. The pace is exciting all the way through, leading up to a riveting ending--I couldn't put it down for the last quarter of the book!
Looking forward to reading the third one.
Looking forward to reading the third one.
April 27, 2018
I really liked that this book picked right up from where the first one ended. The plot kept me on my toes and left me hooked until the end. Out of the two books, this one has been my favorite as it was faster paced then the first. If you liked the first book then you will probably like this one as well. I can't wait for the next book to come out!
February 17, 2022
A great sequel, in which many of the questions from the first book were answered (in some pretty amazing ways). It was interesting to see how the relationships between Neek, Emn and Nicholas developed and changed now that Emn was an adult. The romance was light and sweet and I hope that we get more of it in the third book. I'm really looking forward to it!
June 12, 2018
I love these characters
I know I’ll miss them when I’m done. I suppose a reread will happen at some point. Book two was not a disappointment there was love, friendship, lots of longing and of course adventure. Well written, draws you in.
I know I’ll miss them when I’m done. I suppose a reread will happen at some point. Book two was not a disappointment there was love, friendship, lots of longing and of course adventure. Well written, draws you in.
November 30, 2018
I liked this book as much or even more as the first one. I love how the genders of the different species are not binary, because gender isn’t binary. I love how when Atalant changes her name everyone accepts it, I can’t wait to read the third book!
May 6, 2023
Excellent follow up!
This was an excellent second book. The first half was admittedly a much slower pace than the first book, but that was all setting up the story for an action packed climax. I can't wait to start the third installment of this series!
This was an excellent second book. The first half was admittedly a much slower pace than the first book, but that was all setting up the story for an action packed climax. I can't wait to start the third installment of this series!
January 22, 2025
More please
This jaunt through space just keeps getting better. The two MCs are my hook into the world, but the support crew is well fleshed out and engaging as well. Like how the plotlines have continued to develop and interweave into an engaging story.
This jaunt through space just keeps getting better. The two MCs are my hook into the world, but the support crew is well fleshed out and engaging as well. Like how the plotlines have continued to develop and interweave into an engaging story.
November 28, 2018
Really enjoyable space opera!
February 19, 2019
Really excellent, but what about Neek??
September 16, 2020
The second Don had me grasp my kindle with excitement. It's packed with action and deliriously fun. The darker parts are excellent and I love the theme of having trouble finding where one belongs.
March 20, 2021
See book 1 review.
January 26, 2024
Very good! Just as the first. More characters & and unpredictable plot twist. Needing to get my hands on the next three in series!
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