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Riven Worlds #2
Inversion
Nothing has prepared humanity for an enemy on the scale of the Rasu. Now, after a devastating defeat no one saw coming, the dream of victory has become a battle for survival.
Concord, with its vaunted indestructible warships and dimension-bending weapons, has been knocked back on its heels. A stunning loss in the Battle of Namino has left its best and brightest leaders scattered, trapped or thought lost. The Rasu press their advantage, laying siege to Namino and cutting it off from the rest of civilization.
For Miriam Solovy, a coup attempt by Anaden rebels and a flaring conflict with the militaristic Savrakaths are the least of her concerns. After blowing up the Concord flagship to prevent its capture by the Rasu, she is awakened in a new body and expected to don the mantle of leadership once again. But how can she lead Concord in the fight against the Rasu when humanity doesn’t trust regenesis and she no longer trusts herself?
For Caleb Marano, nothing matters more than family. When his niece is trapped behind enemy lines, he turns his back on the peaceful sentient planet he shares a consciousness with in order to rescue her. If he hopes to succeed, he must become the killer he once was, even if it costs him everything.
For Alex Solovy and Nika Kirumase, however, the crucible of two deadly intergalactic conflicts has taught them that survival is not enough. Together they will cross every line and break every rule to accomplish the impossible, end the siege of Namino and take the fight directly to the enemy.
*
In Amaranthe, where exotic alien life, AIs, wormholes, indestructible starships and the promise of immortality rule the day, no feat seems out of reach for humanity. But when the worlds of Aurora Rhapsody and Asterion Noir collide and the Rasu horde descends upon them both, more will be asked of heroes past and future. More will be given and more taken, and when the dust settles the very fabric of Amaranthe will be changed forever.
Concord, with its vaunted indestructible warships and dimension-bending weapons, has been knocked back on its heels. A stunning loss in the Battle of Namino has left its best and brightest leaders scattered, trapped or thought lost. The Rasu press their advantage, laying siege to Namino and cutting it off from the rest of civilization.
For Miriam Solovy, a coup attempt by Anaden rebels and a flaring conflict with the militaristic Savrakaths are the least of her concerns. After blowing up the Concord flagship to prevent its capture by the Rasu, she is awakened in a new body and expected to don the mantle of leadership once again. But how can she lead Concord in the fight against the Rasu when humanity doesn’t trust regenesis and she no longer trusts herself?
For Caleb Marano, nothing matters more than family. When his niece is trapped behind enemy lines, he turns his back on the peaceful sentient planet he shares a consciousness with in order to rescue her. If he hopes to succeed, he must become the killer he once was, even if it costs him everything.
For Alex Solovy and Nika Kirumase, however, the crucible of two deadly intergalactic conflicts has taught them that survival is not enough. Together they will cross every line and break every rule to accomplish the impossible, end the siege of Namino and take the fight directly to the enemy.
*
In Amaranthe, where exotic alien life, AIs, wormholes, indestructible starships and the promise of immortality rule the day, no feat seems out of reach for humanity. But when the worlds of Aurora Rhapsody and Asterion Noir collide and the Rasu horde descends upon them both, more will be asked of heroes past and future. More will be given and more taken, and when the dust settles the very fabric of Amaranthe will be changed forever.
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First published July 10, 2020
54 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
G.S. Jennsen
52 books517 followersG. S. Jennsen is a speculative and science fiction author, as well as a futurist, geek, gamer, programmer and editor. She has become an internationally bestselling author since her first novel, Starshine, was published in March 2014. She has chosen to continue writing under an independent publishing model to ensure the integrity of her series and her ability to execute on the vision she’s had for it since its genesis.
While she has been a lawyer, a software engineer and an editor, she’s found the life of a full-time author preferable by several orders of magnitude.
When she isn’t writing, she’s gaming or working out or getting lost in the mountains that loom large outside the windows in her home. Or she’s dealing with a flooded basement, or standing in a line at Walmart reading the tabloid headlines and wondering who all of those people are. Or sitting on her back porch with a glass of wine, looking up at the stars, trying to figure out what could be up there.
While she has been a lawyer, a software engineer and an editor, she’s found the life of a full-time author preferable by several orders of magnitude.
When she isn’t writing, she’s gaming or working out or getting lost in the mountains that loom large outside the windows in her home. Or she’s dealing with a flooded basement, or standing in a line at Walmart reading the tabloid headlines and wondering who all of those people are. Or sitting on her back porch with a glass of wine, looking up at the stars, trying to figure out what could be up there.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 13, 2020
*checks to see when my last G.S. Jennsen book review was*
*barely 6 months ago*
Hm yep sounds about right.
The worlds of Aurora Rhapsody and Asterion Noir collided in spectacular fashion in Continuum (fair warning that this review does contain Continuum spoilers). But as the case often is in any trilogy—even in a trilogy that’s part of an overarching series—the second installment tends to be where things take a little bit of a darker turn (perhaps the most popular example is The Empire Strikes Back). In that sense, the gamer in me finds it entirely appropriate that the green, yellow, and black color scheme gives the Inversion cover a little bit of an irradiated look, because the vast majority of the book focuses on the characters dealing with the *ahem* fallout of everything that happened in the last installment.
First and foremost, we have the entire Solovy family dealing with the impact of Miriam’s death and subsequent regenesis. Perhaps the most interesting part is seeing how the experience affects Miriam herself, considering the tough-as-nails military persona we’ve always known. Then we’ve got Caleb trying to figure out how to deal with Marlee being trapped on Namino, seeing as how any excursion to find her is almost certainly going to exacerbate a more…personal problem he’s having. Mia is dealing with Malcolm’s disappearance, and in turn Malcolm is dealing with having disappeared. Our good friend Eren is dealing with loss too, as well as the consequences of some of his own actions. Almost every single character is dealing with something in some way, and as a result, this story is a very emotional journey for all parties involved. The book’s title is fitting in that sense; after all the excitement of these two worlds coming together, everyone’s lives have now been turned upside down, and some of the choices characters have made as a result will surely continue to affect events to come.
That’s not to say we don’t see many of the same thrilling heroics we’ve grown accustomed to throughout this saga. On the contrary, ever-evolving technology brings new pizzazz to combat, both in space and on the ground. Characters—namely Marlee and the rest of the group stranded on Namino—are forced to improvise in order to survive, and it seems as though some unlikely new alliances/relationships are brewing. There’s also plenty of intrigue; spies and moles abound on all sides, so we spend quite a bit of time with Casmir, a character I never would have expected to be so significant back when he was first introduced. We haven’t seen a lot of Nyx and Nisi/Corradeo since the Aurora Resonant trilogy, but they remain some of my favorite minor characters and I’m particularly excited to see what comes of the action they took in this book (two words: “Daddy’s home”).
This story has gotten so huge that I can’t even imagine what comes next, but I’m here for it.
*barely 6 months ago*
Hm yep sounds about right.
The worlds of Aurora Rhapsody and Asterion Noir collided in spectacular fashion in Continuum (fair warning that this review does contain Continuum spoilers). But as the case often is in any trilogy—even in a trilogy that’s part of an overarching series—the second installment tends to be where things take a little bit of a darker turn (perhaps the most popular example is The Empire Strikes Back). In that sense, the gamer in me finds it entirely appropriate that the green, yellow, and black color scheme gives the Inversion cover a little bit of an irradiated look, because the vast majority of the book focuses on the characters dealing with the *ahem* fallout of everything that happened in the last installment.
First and foremost, we have the entire Solovy family dealing with the impact of Miriam’s death and subsequent regenesis. Perhaps the most interesting part is seeing how the experience affects Miriam herself, considering the tough-as-nails military persona we’ve always known. Then we’ve got Caleb trying to figure out how to deal with Marlee being trapped on Namino, seeing as how any excursion to find her is almost certainly going to exacerbate a more…personal problem he’s having. Mia is dealing with Malcolm’s disappearance, and in turn Malcolm is dealing with having disappeared. Our good friend Eren is dealing with loss too, as well as the consequences of some of his own actions. Almost every single character is dealing with something in some way, and as a result, this story is a very emotional journey for all parties involved. The book’s title is fitting in that sense; after all the excitement of these two worlds coming together, everyone’s lives have now been turned upside down, and some of the choices characters have made as a result will surely continue to affect events to come.
That’s not to say we don’t see many of the same thrilling heroics we’ve grown accustomed to throughout this saga. On the contrary, ever-evolving technology brings new pizzazz to combat, both in space and on the ground. Characters—namely Marlee and the rest of the group stranded on Namino—are forced to improvise in order to survive, and it seems as though some unlikely new alliances/relationships are brewing. There’s also plenty of intrigue; spies and moles abound on all sides, so we spend quite a bit of time with Casmir, a character I never would have expected to be so significant back when he was first introduced. We haven’t seen a lot of Nyx and Nisi/Corradeo since the Aurora Resonant trilogy, but they remain some of my favorite minor characters and I’m particularly excited to see what comes of the action they took in this book (two words: “Daddy’s home”).
This story has gotten so huge that I can’t even imagine what comes next, but I’m here for it.
December 29, 2020
I like to go into a little more depth with my indie book reviews, but I’m going to keep this one short and sweet because I don’t have time for much more than that. As always, Jennsen delivers a fantastic story here filled with all the characters we’ve come to know and love over multiple books. The conflict with the Rasu escalates with even higher stakes in some ways, but I really appreciated this story’s focus on some of the smaller-scale challenges and personal conflicts the characters have to face. A huge chunk of the story takes place in a setting where the characters are cut off from everything, which means a lot of the technological “superpowers” they’ve developed over the last several books aren’t working or are disrupted for other reasons, and I liked watching them have to struggle a little more and find some different creative solutions to their problems. It was also interesting to see some real (and heartbreaking) consequences for certain characters in a world where so much is technologically possible, even immortality. I look forward to seeing those stakes explored further in future books. And since I waited so long to read this one, the good news is I don’t have much longer to wait before the next book comes out.
July 10, 2020
Another awesome instalment in the Amaranthe universe. There is so much going on that in the hands of a lesser author it would be easy to get lost, but Jennsen’s skillful storytelling weaves all the plot lines and characters together beautifully to create a fast-paced, utterly engrossing narrative.
Can’t wait to see what comes next!
Can’t wait to see what comes next!
July 8, 2020
This was another fantastic ride in the Amaranthe universe, but be prepared with a lot of chocolate beside you because things get dark and the angst is strong in this one.
The characters are amzing as usual and I think I have reached new levels of love for Eren.
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat and wanting for more once you reach the last page.
Hopefully winter is coming and so is the new book.
Thanks for another great adventure <3
The characters are amzing as usual and I think I have reached new levels of love for Eren.
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat and wanting for more once you reach the last page.
Hopefully winter is coming and so is the new book.
Thanks for another great adventure <3
July 18, 2020
I'd like to be able to wait for all the books in a series to be published before diving into them. Alas, I don't have this patience, especially when the series is excellent, which is the case here. So be it, I'll wait for the next one, hopefully next January G.S.? ;-)
Here's my thoughts while reading, so major spoilers below: don't read it unless you already have read Inversion.
Thank you again for this adventure G.S! I'm counting days before the next book!
Here's my thoughts while reading, so major spoilers below: don't read it unless you already have read Inversion.
Thank you again for this adventure G.S! I'm counting days before the next book!
July 18, 2020
I don't know where to begin. This is the second in the immediate Riven Worlds series, and fifteenth in the overall Amaranthe series. It has been quite a ride.
Inversion picks up immediately following the catastrophe at the end of Continuum. Uh, that is a spoiler if you haven't read that far into the series. Heck, if you haven't read that far into the series, you should stop reading this review now. There is just TOO much good stuff in the overall story to allow it to be spoiled.
That said, you have been warned. Inversion picks up immediately from the events in Continuum. The tension resumes about the top of the second page (by my Kindle's page count). And the pace never stops. From one story line to another and back, the tale is woven spectacularly until the end. There is one place that I was in tears. This was the place that, had this book been a movie (hopefully in the future!) I would have been pumping my fist and screaming and cheering at the screen. One of those lines that sound simple but means, "That's it. Now we are going to do something about it." That isn't the line, but it has the same import. And after 400 pages of storytelling and being invested, again, in all of these characters' lives, I was pumped. And I cried. The tide had turned.
G.S. Jennsen is not only a master of storytelling, but somehow keeps coming up with new technology that is stunningly mind blowing. Humanity may not go this course, but it seems all so logical and possible given the things happening now.
If you love a good long read that you can lose yourself in, that you can invest in the characters, that you can know is going to be worth the investment in time, then I totally recommend the books of G.S. Jennsen.
Inversion picks up immediately following the catastrophe at the end of Continuum. Uh, that is a spoiler if you haven't read that far into the series. Heck, if you haven't read that far into the series, you should stop reading this review now. There is just TOO much good stuff in the overall story to allow it to be spoiled.
That said, you have been warned. Inversion picks up immediately from the events in Continuum. The tension resumes about the top of the second page (by my Kindle's page count). And the pace never stops. From one story line to another and back, the tale is woven spectacularly until the end. There is one place that I was in tears. This was the place that, had this book been a movie (hopefully in the future!) I would have been pumping my fist and screaming and cheering at the screen. One of those lines that sound simple but means, "That's it. Now we are going to do something about it." That isn't the line, but it has the same import. And after 400 pages of storytelling and being invested, again, in all of these characters' lives, I was pumped. And I cried. The tide had turned.
G.S. Jennsen is not only a master of storytelling, but somehow keeps coming up with new technology that is stunningly mind blowing. Humanity may not go this course, but it seems all so logical and possible given the things happening now.
If you love a good long read that you can lose yourself in, that you can invest in the characters, that you can know is going to be worth the investment in time, then I totally recommend the books of G.S. Jennsen.
August 20, 2020
G. S. Jennsen’s books get better each time and this one is one of my favourites. I love them all because they take us to worlds beyond imagining and introduce us to characters that feel real. But this one had me feeling like I was part of a family rather than part of a huge universe. The scope closed in around what’s happening to a select few, yes the universe is still running around them but it’s what’s happening to the particular people in it that matters.
A long running series like this often loses its attraction but not here, it’s only made me want more, to see where all of these characters and their story end. This book takes a step back from all the big stuff and gives us something more personal, how all of this affects a single person or one or two people and not a whole species. It was like coming full circle and spending time with the characters who began this story, with the characters we’ve come to know and love getting back in the spotlight.
Once again though I was carried away by the scope, the grandeur and the epic story that is Amaranthe. It was a truly great read.
A long running series like this often loses its attraction but not here, it’s only made me want more, to see where all of these characters and their story end. This book takes a step back from all the big stuff and gives us something more personal, how all of this affects a single person or one or two people and not a whole species. It was like coming full circle and spending time with the characters who began this story, with the characters we’ve come to know and love getting back in the spotlight.
Once again though I was carried away by the scope, the grandeur and the epic story that is Amaranthe. It was a truly great read.
August 26, 2020
What can I say? I've read everything this author has written and I've never been disappointed. My only complaint is that I have to wait for the next book to come out. But, if Ms. Jennsen puts forth all that effort to write for me, the least I can do is wait patiently for her next masterpiece.
In this 15th book of the Amaranthe series, the cast of Alex's adventures aligns with the cast of Nika's saga to take on a nearly undestroyable enemy. Many of the characters from previous books are featured in this novel, which adds continuity to the story as well as giving the reader familiarity and rapport with the characters. As with all of Ms. Jennsen's books, the narrative, the setting, and most of all, the characters are impeccably developed. "Hard to put down" is an apt description for any one of the books in this series.
So, I will wait patiently for the next adventure. Get to work, G.S., I'm not getting any younger.
In this 15th book of the Amaranthe series, the cast of Alex's adventures aligns with the cast of Nika's saga to take on a nearly undestroyable enemy. Many of the characters from previous books are featured in this novel, which adds continuity to the story as well as giving the reader familiarity and rapport with the characters. As with all of Ms. Jennsen's books, the narrative, the setting, and most of all, the characters are impeccably developed. "Hard to put down" is an apt description for any one of the books in this series.
So, I will wait patiently for the next adventure. Get to work, G.S., I'm not getting any younger.
July 13, 2020
I mean, after reading fifteen of GSJ's novels, you'd think I'd run out of steam for her words. Or that her antagonists would feel watered down. Or that I'd be tired of her characters.
But . . . nope.
In fact, Inversion only made me hungrier for more this world. It has all the sci fi tech I wanted, complete with twists, multiple storylines that didn't feel difficult to follow, and so much more. This book, like all the others, is so worth it. At a time like this, the escapism GSJ provides has never been so welcome.
But . . . nope.
In fact, Inversion only made me hungrier for more this world. It has all the sci fi tech I wanted, complete with twists, multiple storylines that didn't feel difficult to follow, and so much more. This book, like all the others, is so worth it. At a time like this, the escapism GSJ provides has never been so welcome.
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August 1, 2020Phenomenal - just gets better and better!
I love these series, such a great read, deep extremely well developed characters, a gripping plot that just keeps building and building - gosh the tension toward the end! You can tell a great read when you reach the end and go 'NO! 😭'
Each book is well worth the wait, just going to have to... *sigh*
I love these series, such a great read, deep extremely well developed characters, a gripping plot that just keeps building and building - gosh the tension toward the end! You can tell a great read when you reach the end and go 'NO! 😭'
Each book is well worth the wait, just going to have to... *sigh*
October 25, 2020
Just Finished Continuum, Riven Worlds book 2 today, 24th October 2020, another fantastic book, have loved them all.
Did have a hiccup when I got confused as to which book was next in my early days of reading the series, have enjoyed the vast universes created and all the other races living there plus the range of characters.
looking forward to reading more.
Reg
Did have a hiccup when I got confused as to which book was next in my early days of reading the series, have enjoyed the vast universes created and all the other races living there plus the range of characters.
looking forward to reading more.
Reg
July 13, 2020
Events have turned even darker for the citizens of Concord and their new allies, the Asterions, as the Rasu continue their devastatingly destructive invasion of Namino.
Inversion is an emotional, action packed ride through the Amaranthe universe replete with loss, grief, sacrifice and vengeance in this exemplary installment of this much beloved series.
Inversion is an emotional, action packed ride through the Amaranthe universe replete with loss, grief, sacrifice and vengeance in this exemplary installment of this much beloved series.
August 5, 2020
Another great instalment. I really enjoyed this. I have been waiting on it since I read Continuum ( twice).
The only problem is I have finished it. 😥
Never mind I am sure there is another excellent book in the pipeline.
The only problem is I have finished it. 😥
Never mind I am sure there is another excellent book in the pipeline.
August 24, 2020
Classic Jennsen strengths in this book - complex plots interwoven effectively, diverse and strong characters, credible science/space aspects.
I need six stars at least!
I need six stars at least!
July 28, 2020
If you want an early night, don't read the latest installment "Inversion".
No, really, don't start reading it unless you are willing to immersed in a temporal bubble from which you emerge, somewhat gob-smacked, several hours later... wanting more and yet, satiated by what GS Jennsen has sculpted. I don't want to give anything away, suffice to say, the good folk win. So far. At least, a battle is won, though the war is far from over.... there I go giving things away... The "loose ends" are big enough to fill more volumes.... Is there a connection between kyoseil and Akeso? and the Rasu? How did they come about? Is it possible there is a distant connection/interaction between them that is currently still brewing in GS Jennsen's cranial contents? I 'm torn between liking the chief female characters: Don't ask me to choose: Alex or Nika? Perrin? Miriam? Nyx lurking on the fringes has salvageable merit... And the male characters are equally hard to favor one over another.... Dare I say, so early upon completion, that the next installment can't come soon enough. A most unkindly demand on a very hard-working author... The trauma from the previous book has largely been....healed. Most satisfactorily. You may need to rent a ventilator to help you to breathe through some parts of "Inversion" You have been warned...
No, really, don't start reading it unless you are willing to immersed in a temporal bubble from which you emerge, somewhat gob-smacked, several hours later... wanting more and yet, satiated by what GS Jennsen has sculpted. I don't want to give anything away, suffice to say, the good folk win. So far. At least, a battle is won, though the war is far from over.... there I go giving things away... The "loose ends" are big enough to fill more volumes.... Is there a connection between kyoseil and Akeso? and the Rasu? How did they come about? Is it possible there is a distant connection/interaction between them that is currently still brewing in GS Jennsen's cranial contents? I 'm torn between liking the chief female characters: Don't ask me to choose: Alex or Nika? Perrin? Miriam? Nyx lurking on the fringes has salvageable merit... And the male characters are equally hard to favor one over another.... Dare I say, so early upon completion, that the next installment can't come soon enough. A most unkindly demand on a very hard-working author... The trauma from the previous book has largely been....healed. Most satisfactorily. You may need to rent a ventilator to help you to breathe through some parts of "Inversion" You have been warned...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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September 20, 2020Very good read....
Very good read.... Bring on the next one!!! I'm already suffering from withdrawal symptoms... I wish the books would come out faster.
Very good read.... Bring on the next one!!! I'm already suffering from withdrawal symptoms... I wish the books would come out faster.
September 7, 2020
People were born, lived and died. They held funerals and wakes for those lost; those rituals were painful and heart wrenching, but also cathartic and healing. In her heart, she was glad a day waited on the horizon when there would be no more funerals, no more goodbyes. But without death at its end, did life have meaning?
I love all of G.S. Jennsen's books, and this one was no exception. However, it did feel a lot slower than her other books. I mean, the characters are stuck on Namino for almost the entire book! I kept thinking, "Can we get to the part where they leave the planet already?"
My favorite part was a certain character's ruminations on regenesis, and how it affected their outlook on life, and humanity as a whole. I also really liked Caleb and Marlee's scenes. I'm glad he came to understand and see her as the woman she is becoming, instead of babying her. The Godjans were definitely another highlight.
Overall I liked the book, but it seemed a lot slower than Jennsen's previous books. Nevertheless, I am really excited for what comes next!!
I love all of G.S. Jennsen's books, and this one was no exception. However, it did feel a lot slower than her other books. I mean, the characters are stuck on Namino for almost the entire book! I kept thinking, "Can we get to the part where they leave the planet already?"
My favorite part was a certain character's ruminations on regenesis, and how it affected their outlook on life, and humanity as a whole. I also really liked Caleb and Marlee's scenes. I'm glad he came to understand and see her as the woman she is becoming, instead of babying her. The Godjans were definitely another highlight.
Overall I liked the book, but it seemed a lot slower than Jennsen's previous books. Nevertheless, I am really excited for what comes next!!
June 23, 2024
Excellent
As with all previous books, this book was very hard to put down. The characters are now so familiar and real that they are almost alive in my mind. Ms Jennsen is very talented in the ways she develops not only the characters she brings to life, matures and evolves, but also in the plot sequences that, you may only realize later, started in their infancy many books earlier. As are the kyoseil strands of light that are everywhere, but unseen, so are the strands of an amazing number of plot lines that develop, interact and build in suspense. To come together at the right time to make complete sense and allow for a melded conclusion that saves the day is awe inspiring. I am so very impressed with the intricacy of these stories. How many series have you read when, perhaps 4 books in, you are jolted out of the story by a plot or character history that doesn’t match something that occurred in an earlier book? I have not come across that horribly annoying circumstance even once in this series. Amazing.
My one bit of criticism in only this particular book is that there were some grammatical errors. Less than a handful, but I hadn’t noticed any in the 14 previous books. Perhaps there’s been a change in editors? Nevertheless I will continue reading and am dreading the day, the hour, that I am completely caught up to the end of this series. A black hole of immense proportions will open in my soul and my day. I will try to survive, but it is iffy.
As with all previous books, this book was very hard to put down. The characters are now so familiar and real that they are almost alive in my mind. Ms Jennsen is very talented in the ways she develops not only the characters she brings to life, matures and evolves, but also in the plot sequences that, you may only realize later, started in their infancy many books earlier. As are the kyoseil strands of light that are everywhere, but unseen, so are the strands of an amazing number of plot lines that develop, interact and build in suspense. To come together at the right time to make complete sense and allow for a melded conclusion that saves the day is awe inspiring. I am so very impressed with the intricacy of these stories. How many series have you read when, perhaps 4 books in, you are jolted out of the story by a plot or character history that doesn’t match something that occurred in an earlier book? I have not come across that horribly annoying circumstance even once in this series. Amazing.
My one bit of criticism in only this particular book is that there were some grammatical errors. Less than a handful, but I hadn’t noticed any in the 14 previous books. Perhaps there’s been a change in editors? Nevertheless I will continue reading and am dreading the day, the hour, that I am completely caught up to the end of this series. A black hole of immense proportions will open in my soul and my day. I will try to survive, but it is iffy.
May 17, 2021
G. S. Jennsen’s books get better each time and this one is one of my favorites. I love them all because they take us to worlds beyond imagining and introduce us to characters that feel real. But this one had me feeling like I was part of a family rather than part of a huge universe. The scope closed in around what’s happening to a select few, yes the universe is still running around them but it’s what’s happening to the particular people in it that matters.
A long running series like this often loses its attraction but not here, it’s only made me want more, to see where all of these characters and their story end. This book takes a step back from all the big stuff and gives us something more personal, how all of this affects a single person or one or two people and not a whole species. It was like coming full circle and spending time with the characters who began this story, with the characters we’ve come to know and love getting back in the spotlight.
Once again though I was carried away by the scope, the grandeur and the epic story that is Amaranthe. It was a truly great read.
A long running series like this often loses its attraction but not here, it’s only made me want more, to see where all of these characters and their story end. This book takes a step back from all the big stuff and gives us something more personal, how all of this affects a single person or one or two people and not a whole species. It was like coming full circle and spending time with the characters who began this story, with the characters we’ve come to know and love getting back in the spotlight.
Once again though I was carried away by the scope, the grandeur and the epic story that is Amaranthe. It was a truly great read.
July 27, 2023
I devoured the series so I don't know which of these books this feedback is best placed at. But I assume that if you're 15 books into the series, it won't make a big deal if I am early by 1 or 2 as all the books are worth the read.
Jennsen writes people well, hopes the best for her main characters and largely absolves them of any human traits (e.g. being fallible). But oh lawdy did she go off the deep end with the anger she gave Alex towards Mesme. The complaints and the anger Alex voiced do not align with the story Jennsen told. And even the "victims" of Mesme's action forgave it and Alex was still upset. That anger lasted way to long, felt contrived, and was just so out of character for Alex. If Jennsen had all of her revelations from the last book planned at this point, it almost makes it worse. The conflict is so clunky in nature as to distract from the story. I read the contentious conversations between the two, each time hoping it would be resolved, and each time being frustrated at how big of a petulant child Alex was being.
Jennsen writes people well, hopes the best for her main characters and largely absolves them of any human traits (e.g. being fallible). But oh lawdy did she go off the deep end with the anger she gave Alex towards Mesme. The complaints and the anger Alex voiced do not align with the story Jennsen told. And even the "victims" of Mesme's action forgave it and Alex was still upset. That anger lasted way to long, felt contrived, and was just so out of character for Alex. If Jennsen had all of her revelations from the last book planned at this point, it almost makes it worse. The conflict is so clunky in nature as to distract from the story. I read the contentious conversations between the two, each time hoping it would be resolved, and each time being frustrated at how big of a petulant child Alex was being.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2020
Love this series, been in on by chance since since book 1. Early books had way less characters so much more story for each person in the story and way less military type sci fi. I really enjoyed it with more story and adventures for the people we created bonds with and I have listened to every book as an audio book and they have had the same incredible narrator since book one. But I realize military sci fi is very popular right now and it is done really well here. But as constant reader I miss some of the mis adventures the early books had. But here I am again anxiously waiting the next installment!!!
May 12, 2021
Another GREAT .
I waited until all three Riven books were out before reading them. This is because the cast of characters keeps getting larger and unless I read them together I lose track between books. Thanks for sharing your talent with us.
I waited until all three Riven books were out before reading them. This is because the cast of characters keeps getting larger and unless I read them together I lose track between books. Thanks for sharing your talent with us.
April 18, 2021
This second book was pretty good.
June 11, 2022
Another great addition to this series. The stakes are high for many characters! A thoroughly gripping and entertaining read.
September 24, 2022
A seemingly too quick and large bounce back from defeat, but there are two more books in the series.
February 29, 2024
G. S, Jennsen is my favorite author and has been since I read the first book of the series.
She never disappoints
She never disappoints
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