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The Tarakan Chronicles #2
Die schwarze Maske
Was wird mit der Menschheit geschehen, wenn das letzte Puzzleteil gesetzt ist? Das große Finale der »Puzzler«-Saga.Rafik, der Puzzler, war ein Kind, bevor er sich in die größte Bedrohung seiner Welt verwandelte. Er gab seine körperliche Existenz auf, doch der Tod bedeutet für Rafik nicht das Ende. Dies gilt auch für den letzten Überlebenden der Gilde der Funkelauge konnte Rafik im Kampf nicht besiegen, doch nun erhält er eine zweite Chance. Er kehrt von den Toten zurück und reist in die zwielichtige Stadt der Türme, wo schweres Geschütz und eine große Portion Glück vonnöten sein werden, um zu überleben. Denn Funkelauge wird verfolgt von seiner Vergangenheit, einem tödlichen Geheimnis und einem Mörder aus einer vergangenen Zeit.
Alle Bücher der Das schwarze Mal Die schwarze Maske
Alle Bücher der Das schwarze Mal Die schwarze Maske
704 pages, Paperback
First published January 28, 2020
18 people are currently reading
946 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 15, 2020
Bukra's balls!
This was very good.
The Puzzler's War is the continuation of book 1 The Lost Puzzler.
I gave that book a negative 2 star review.
The author responded to my criticism. "Thank you for your review - EK"
Holy smokes!
I felt a little guilty about being so harsh.
A couple months ago the author sent me a message through Goodreads.
Eyal said to you:
"Hey!
You gave The Lost Puzzler 2 stars
How about you check if I had improved ;-)"
Holy smokes!
I like to think my reviews are fair so i gave it a try and an honest review.
I really enjoyed my journey through the lands of Tarakan.
Set 100 years after Armageddon destroyed most of 23rd century Earth.
Think Mad Max with 23rd century technology.
Vincha, a tough mommy, searches for her daughter Emilija who holds the secret that may give Earth a second chance.
Also searching for her are Peaches, a middle aged Chinese ninja woman who was from a time before Armageddon and also hunting her are Twinkles Eyes and Galinak a funny duo.
A big improvement from book 1
It was a good journey although at times i wasn't sure where we were going.
It had a strong paced plot, action, humor, characters that connected with, Nak was my favorite, and felt for their loss. I also liked that the line between good and evil, right and wrong was blurry.
Well done.
This was very good.
The Puzzler's War is the continuation of book 1 The Lost Puzzler.
I gave that book a negative 2 star review.
The author responded to my criticism. "Thank you for your review - EK"
Holy smokes!
I felt a little guilty about being so harsh.
A couple months ago the author sent me a message through Goodreads.
Eyal said to you:
"Hey!
You gave The Lost Puzzler 2 stars
How about you check if I had improved ;-)"
Holy smokes!
I like to think my reviews are fair so i gave it a try and an honest review.
I really enjoyed my journey through the lands of Tarakan.
Set 100 years after Armageddon destroyed most of 23rd century Earth.
Think Mad Max with 23rd century technology.
Vincha, a tough mommy, searches for her daughter Emilija who holds the secret that may give Earth a second chance.
Also searching for her are Peaches, a middle aged Chinese ninja woman who was from a time before Armageddon and also hunting her are Twinkles Eyes and Galinak a funny duo.
A big improvement from book 1
It was a good journey although at times i wasn't sure where we were going.
It had a strong paced plot, action, humor, characters that connected with, Nak was my favorite, and felt for their loss. I also liked that the line between good and evil, right and wrong was blurry.
Well done.
April 23, 2025
Milliarden Menschen waren tot, und jene, die überlebt hatten, schnappten sich einfach eine Schusswaffe, ein Schwert oder gar einen Knüppel und machten munter weiter.
Zitat
Der Entwurf dieser postapokalyptischen Zukunft ist wirklich nicht ohne - zurückgeworfen auf eine Epoche ohne Technik einerseits und andererseits mit Zugriff auf technische Raffinessen, die für uns heute noch Zukunftsmusik ist, befinden sich hier unsere Protagonisten auf einem vorgezeichneten Weg, der das Schicksal der Menschheit entscheiden wird. Eine wüste Erde, zu wenige Nahrungs- und Energiequellen und Bündnisse, die nicht halten oder Gemeinschaften, die sich bekämpfen.
Die Hoffnung lastet auf den Schultern einer einzigen Frau - aber um sie zu finden wird viel riskiert, und niemand weiß, ob ihr Ziel zum Guten beitragen oder alles zerstören wird.
✺✺✺✺✺✺✺✺✺✺✺✺✺✺
Der Prolog hat mich direkt geflasht, denn hier erfahren wir direkt ein Geheimnis, das etwas erklärt, über das ich mir in Band eins noch gar keine Fragen gestellt hatte! Auch lernen wir direkt den großen Gegenspieler kennen, der gegen das System, das die Menschheit wieder zu einer großartigen Zukunft führen will, einen Krieg führt.
Der Historiker, aus dessen Sicht die Geschichte ja erzählt wird, wird wieder auf eine Suche geschickt. Seinen wahren Namen haben wir ja bisher nicht erfahren - und durch seine Tattoos, die seine Sehfähigkeit modifiziert haben, ist ihm der Spitzname "Funkelauge" zuteil geworden. Den behält er hier auch erstmal bei.
Peach - aus ihrer Sicht erleben wir ebenfalls eine Rückkehr und auch sie ist auf dem Weg zu einer Mission.
Und dann haben wir noch Mannes. Durch ihn erfahren wir endlich, wie es zu der unermesslichen Katastrophe kam im Jahre 2247, die solche folgenschweren Veränderungen für die Menschheit hatte.
Diese Wechsel der Perspektiven halten die Spannung gut aufrecht, denn so viel actionreiches passiert eigentlich nicht, aber ich war sehr gefesselt von den Infos und neuen Begebenheiten, die hier auf uns warten. Auch der Schreibstil wirkte etwas anders, hat mir aber sehr gut gefallen. Weiterhin anschaulich und gerade durch die Gedanken der Protagonisten, die immer wieder dazwischen spielen, hat das ganze eine sehr gute Dynamik entwickelt.
Der Clou ist auch, dass ich nicht so recht wusste, wer auf welcher Seite steht. Das KI Programm Adam der Tarkanier, die ja damals ihren weltweiten Einfluss durch ihre hoch entwickelte Technologien genutzt haben, steht Cain gegenüber, der virtuelle Gegner. War Adam wirklich eine gute Entwicklung und Cain der böse kleine Bruder? Wer steht hinter wem und welches Ziel verfolgen sie? Was haben die Echsenmenschen damit zu tun und welchem System hat Rafik sich tatsächlich angeschlossen?
An sich könnte man die Handlung bzw. worum es geht, in wenigen Worten zusammenfassen - allerdings hat es mich dennoch sehr gefesselt, auch wenn nichts "großes" passiert. Die Interaktionen der Charaktere, die Figuren selbst, der holprige Weg hin auf ein Ziel, das einfach lange so vage bleibt, auch wenn man weiß wohin sie unterwegs sind, das hat eine ständige unterschwellige Spannung aufgebaut, die mich beim Lesen nicht losgelassen hat.
Die aktuellen Themen hier machen schon nachdenklich und vor allem können sie schon ganz schön erschreckend sein. Die vielen Forschungen und Möglichkeiten mittlerweile was KIs (Künstliche Intelligenzen) und deren Wachstum bzw. Lernfähigkeiten betrifft, hört sich schon immer sehr genial an - aber keiner weiß, wo das hinführen wird. Hier gibt es dann auch KBs (Künstliches Bewusstsein) und obwohl ich mir einerseits nicht vorstellen kann, wie sowas möglich sein soll, also wie eine Maschine ein Bewusstsein entwickeln soll, gehe ich immer davon aus, dass ich nicht alles weiß, was möglich ist. Die Welt ist voller Unmöglichkeiten... Jedenfalls fand ich das hier sehr erstaunlich, welche Weiterentwicklungen in den Augen des Autors möglich sein könnten.
Auch die Katastrophe / Apokalypse an sich, wodurch entstand sie, was entstand dadurch - wie geht es weiter? Welches Leben bietet sich und werden die Menschen je daraus lernen? Kriege gibt es schon, soweit wir auf historische Überlieferungen zurückblicken können und es scheint ja schon so, als wären wir unfähig das in den Griff zu kriegen. Aber die Hoffnung sollte man natürlich nie aufgeben, denn es gibt genauso viele aufmerksame, friedliebende Menschen - da bleibt der Wunsch, dass die Liebe sich endlich gegen die Angst und den Hass durchsetzt.
Angst ist natürlich - aber nicht die Angst vor anderen Menschen. Denkt mal drüber nach.
"Ich war mal genau wie er, habe pflichtbewusst getan, was mir befohlen wurde, ohne zu hinterfragen, was meine Taten für andere bedeuten. Ich kann ihm kaum vorwerfen, dass er getan hat, was ich auch getan hätte. Wegen Leuten wie uns ist die Welt völlig am Arsch. Jedenfalls das, was von ihr noch übrig ist..."
Zitat
Gegen Ende zieht die Spannung jedenfalls nochmal dramatisch an und alles löst sich schlüssig auf. Die Antworten waren teils vorhersehbar, aber es gab dennoch einige Überraschungen und der Schluss hat die Geschichte für mich perfekt abgerundet. Ein wirklich packendes Finale einer äußerst spannenden Darstellung einer möglichen Zukunft, ihrer Entstehung, ihrer wahrscheinlichen Überlebenskunst und welche Möglichkeiten die Menschen haben, ihre Schritte zu lenken. Hoffentlich die richtigen.
Weltenwanderer
Zitat
Der Entwurf dieser postapokalyptischen Zukunft ist wirklich nicht ohne - zurückgeworfen auf eine Epoche ohne Technik einerseits und andererseits mit Zugriff auf technische Raffinessen, die für uns heute noch Zukunftsmusik ist, befinden sich hier unsere Protagonisten auf einem vorgezeichneten Weg, der das Schicksal der Menschheit entscheiden wird. Eine wüste Erde, zu wenige Nahrungs- und Energiequellen und Bündnisse, die nicht halten oder Gemeinschaften, die sich bekämpfen.
Die Hoffnung lastet auf den Schultern einer einzigen Frau - aber um sie zu finden wird viel riskiert, und niemand weiß, ob ihr Ziel zum Guten beitragen oder alles zerstören wird.
✺✺✺✺✺✺✺✺✺✺✺✺✺✺
Der Prolog hat mich direkt geflasht, denn hier erfahren wir direkt ein Geheimnis, das etwas erklärt, über das ich mir in Band eins noch gar keine Fragen gestellt hatte! Auch lernen wir direkt den großen Gegenspieler kennen, der gegen das System, das die Menschheit wieder zu einer großartigen Zukunft führen will, einen Krieg führt.
Der Historiker, aus dessen Sicht die Geschichte ja erzählt wird, wird wieder auf eine Suche geschickt. Seinen wahren Namen haben wir ja bisher nicht erfahren - und durch seine Tattoos, die seine Sehfähigkeit modifiziert haben, ist ihm der Spitzname "Funkelauge" zuteil geworden. Den behält er hier auch erstmal bei.
Peach - aus ihrer Sicht erleben wir ebenfalls eine Rückkehr und auch sie ist auf dem Weg zu einer Mission.
Und dann haben wir noch Mannes. Durch ihn erfahren wir endlich, wie es zu der unermesslichen Katastrophe kam im Jahre 2247, die solche folgenschweren Veränderungen für die Menschheit hatte.
Diese Wechsel der Perspektiven halten die Spannung gut aufrecht, denn so viel actionreiches passiert eigentlich nicht, aber ich war sehr gefesselt von den Infos und neuen Begebenheiten, die hier auf uns warten. Auch der Schreibstil wirkte etwas anders, hat mir aber sehr gut gefallen. Weiterhin anschaulich und gerade durch die Gedanken der Protagonisten, die immer wieder dazwischen spielen, hat das ganze eine sehr gute Dynamik entwickelt.
Der Clou ist auch, dass ich nicht so recht wusste, wer auf welcher Seite steht. Das KI Programm Adam der Tarkanier, die ja damals ihren weltweiten Einfluss durch ihre hoch entwickelte Technologien genutzt haben, steht Cain gegenüber, der virtuelle Gegner. War Adam wirklich eine gute Entwicklung und Cain der böse kleine Bruder? Wer steht hinter wem und welches Ziel verfolgen sie? Was haben die Echsenmenschen damit zu tun und welchem System hat Rafik sich tatsächlich angeschlossen?
An sich könnte man die Handlung bzw. worum es geht, in wenigen Worten zusammenfassen - allerdings hat es mich dennoch sehr gefesselt, auch wenn nichts "großes" passiert. Die Interaktionen der Charaktere, die Figuren selbst, der holprige Weg hin auf ein Ziel, das einfach lange so vage bleibt, auch wenn man weiß wohin sie unterwegs sind, das hat eine ständige unterschwellige Spannung aufgebaut, die mich beim Lesen nicht losgelassen hat.
Die aktuellen Themen hier machen schon nachdenklich und vor allem können sie schon ganz schön erschreckend sein. Die vielen Forschungen und Möglichkeiten mittlerweile was KIs (Künstliche Intelligenzen) und deren Wachstum bzw. Lernfähigkeiten betrifft, hört sich schon immer sehr genial an - aber keiner weiß, wo das hinführen wird. Hier gibt es dann auch KBs (Künstliches Bewusstsein) und obwohl ich mir einerseits nicht vorstellen kann, wie sowas möglich sein soll, also wie eine Maschine ein Bewusstsein entwickeln soll, gehe ich immer davon aus, dass ich nicht alles weiß, was möglich ist. Die Welt ist voller Unmöglichkeiten... Jedenfalls fand ich das hier sehr erstaunlich, welche Weiterentwicklungen in den Augen des Autors möglich sein könnten.
Auch die Katastrophe / Apokalypse an sich, wodurch entstand sie, was entstand dadurch - wie geht es weiter? Welches Leben bietet sich und werden die Menschen je daraus lernen? Kriege gibt es schon, soweit wir auf historische Überlieferungen zurückblicken können und es scheint ja schon so, als wären wir unfähig das in den Griff zu kriegen. Aber die Hoffnung sollte man natürlich nie aufgeben, denn es gibt genauso viele aufmerksame, friedliebende Menschen - da bleibt der Wunsch, dass die Liebe sich endlich gegen die Angst und den Hass durchsetzt.
Angst ist natürlich - aber nicht die Angst vor anderen Menschen. Denkt mal drüber nach.
"Ich war mal genau wie er, habe pflichtbewusst getan, was mir befohlen wurde, ohne zu hinterfragen, was meine Taten für andere bedeuten. Ich kann ihm kaum vorwerfen, dass er getan hat, was ich auch getan hätte. Wegen Leuten wie uns ist die Welt völlig am Arsch. Jedenfalls das, was von ihr noch übrig ist..."
Zitat
Gegen Ende zieht die Spannung jedenfalls nochmal dramatisch an und alles löst sich schlüssig auf. Die Antworten waren teils vorhersehbar, aber es gab dennoch einige Überraschungen und der Schluss hat die Geschichte für mich perfekt abgerundet. Ein wirklich packendes Finale einer äußerst spannenden Darstellung einer möglichen Zukunft, ihrer Entstehung, ihrer wahrscheinlichen Überlebenskunst und welche Möglichkeiten die Menschen haben, ihre Schritte zu lenken. Hoffentlich die richtigen.
Weltenwanderer
March 31, 2020
I think what Kless does so well is fill the world with both wonder, darkness, violence, and hope. The dream of what technology can do versus what it has done. While not the same Mad Max adventure of The Lost Puzzler, it's full of action and a sense of morals that I find to be hallmarks of the very best classic science fiction.
December 20, 2019
I'm glad to finally get back into the Post-Collapse world that Kless dreamed up in The Lost Puzzler, and even more glad to see how it's expanded. As I mentioned in my review of the first novel, Kless excels at world building and this book puts his abilities on parade. Much like Patrick Rothfuss's Kingkiller Chronicles, we have a story within a story, but multiples thereof as we're hearing from two new characters in addition to the main storyline.
Once again, I think the edginess is a little weak, or not so much weak as just not as sharp as it could be. Granted, this keeps the book open to a wider audience so I won't begrudge that...much lol. Truthfully, this is a book that I would have no issues suggesting to a reader of any age, so don't just pigeonhole it as YA even if it's marketed as such. (Is it? I honestly don't know and I'm on the HarperVoyager Super Reader team lol.)
Anyhow, an easy 4 stars for this installment. It won't blow your mind, but it'll give you plenty to think about. I'm definitely excited to see what happens in the next book, because that ending...whoo! Talk about cliffhanger...
Once again, thanks go out to the HVSR program (free books for an honest review) for early access, stories like this are why I joined the team.
Once again, I think the edginess is a little weak, or not so much weak as just not as sharp as it could be. Granted, this keeps the book open to a wider audience so I won't begrudge that...much lol. Truthfully, this is a book that I would have no issues suggesting to a reader of any age, so don't just pigeonhole it as YA even if it's marketed as such. (Is it? I honestly don't know and I'm on the HarperVoyager Super Reader team lol.)
Anyhow, an easy 4 stars for this installment. It won't blow your mind, but it'll give you plenty to think about. I'm definitely excited to see what happens in the next book, because that ending...whoo! Talk about cliffhanger...
Once again, thanks go out to the HVSR program (free books for an honest review) for early access, stories like this are why I joined the team.
February 14, 2020
Get ready to be "manouevered"! A beautifully woven blending of characters journeys to a final gathering. Built off the shoulders of SciFi greats (a lot of Arthur C. Clark influences and others) Eyal adds his own mix of talent and imagination. Even harder to put down than the first chronicle. My only disappointment would be if the series ends here... Encore!! A must read for people who enjoy action packed adventure with some twists.
March 9, 2023
I love this universe and think this series is very under rated. More dystopian sci-fi fans should read this.
August 11, 2020
NB: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via a Goodreads giveaway contest. This fact has not influenced this review.
This is a very solid adventure book - a fun read, overall. I think it's notably stronger than the first book in the series, though it does still have some problems. You can see that the author is still perfecting his craft, though he's come a way since the first book. Overall, an enjoyable story. 3 stars is what I rate most good-but-not-spectacular books I read.
This book feels very different than the first novel in the series. This feels like a post-apocalyptic story, not really like science-fantasy. That is not unexpected, given the revelations that happen at the end of The Lost Puzzler. Things here were consistently linked back to more "realistic" sci-fi technology that you might find in other hard SF and didn't feel like fantasy, if that makes sense. It's neither good nor bad by itself, but being a fan of science fantasy, which drew me to the first book in the series, I missed some of those elements a bit.
I liked the characters, overall, though I definitely liked the new characters more. I felt like the weaker characters were the ones who also appeared in the first book. They tended to come off as flat and just drivers of the plot. The characters who were new to this book were much better, I think. I would have loved to have had more POV chapters from Mannes or Peach. Mannes, in particular, was a strong character. Given the ending, I understand why that might have been difficult, but he was by far my favorite character.
I also enjoyed the ending a lot. Without spoiling anything, a lot is revealed, but it all fits well with what we knew before. It's (mostly) surprising, but not out of left field. I also enjoyed how it's resolved, even though it is in no way what I would have thought. That's tough to do and I'm impressed the author pulled it off.
Some sections in the middle lack tension - I wasn't really worried about Peaches or Twinkle Eyes and Galinak through most of the book because of their enhanced bodies. Without tension, it becomes more like a travel-log than an adventure story at times and we've seen a lot of these places in the first book, so a lot isn't that new. That created some problems for me. But pushing through some of that is definitely worth it to get to the end, when things pick up and all the characters are legitimately at risk and have to make decisions with consequences.
All in all, a good book. I'm not sure if there is a plan for another book in the series, but I'd definitely read one, if so.
This is a very solid adventure book - a fun read, overall. I think it's notably stronger than the first book in the series, though it does still have some problems. You can see that the author is still perfecting his craft, though he's come a way since the first book. Overall, an enjoyable story. 3 stars is what I rate most good-but-not-spectacular books I read.
This book feels very different than the first novel in the series. This feels like a post-apocalyptic story, not really like science-fantasy. That is not unexpected, given the revelations that happen at the end of The Lost Puzzler. Things here were consistently linked back to more "realistic" sci-fi technology that you might find in other hard SF and didn't feel like fantasy, if that makes sense. It's neither good nor bad by itself, but being a fan of science fantasy, which drew me to the first book in the series, I missed some of those elements a bit.
I liked the characters, overall, though I definitely liked the new characters more. I felt like the weaker characters were the ones who also appeared in the first book. They tended to come off as flat and just drivers of the plot. The characters who were new to this book were much better, I think. I would have loved to have had more POV chapters from Mannes or Peach. Mannes, in particular, was a strong character. Given the ending, I understand why that might have been difficult, but he was by far my favorite character.
I also enjoyed the ending a lot. Without spoiling anything, a lot is revealed, but it all fits well with what we knew before. It's (mostly) surprising, but not out of left field. I also enjoyed how it's resolved, even though it is in no way what I would have thought. That's tough to do and I'm impressed the author pulled it off.
Some sections in the middle lack tension - I wasn't really worried about Peaches or Twinkle Eyes and Galinak through most of the book because of their enhanced bodies. Without tension, it becomes more like a travel-log than an adventure story at times and we've seen a lot of these places in the first book, so a lot isn't that new. That created some problems for me. But pushing through some of that is definitely worth it to get to the end, when things pick up and all the characters are legitimately at risk and have to make decisions with consequences.
All in all, a good book. I'm not sure if there is a plan for another book in the series, but I'd definitely read one, if so.
February 3, 2020
The Lost Puzzler was one of my favourite books of last year, and I’m pretty sure The Puzzler’s War will be one of my favourites this year, despite it only being February.
One of the standout features of both books is the setting, which focuses on the ruins of a much-advanced long-dead civilization, the Tarkanians. It’s a post-apocalyptic dystopia, where humanity clings to existence but has reverted to a more medieval and barbaric society. To have people whose descriptions could easily place them in the middle ages (dirty, living harsh lives in tiny, far-flung settlements) be living alongside and operating technology that’s decades beyond what we’re capable of even today, was interesting and exciting.
Consider, for example, the two main protagonists, historian Twinkle Eyes and his witty mercenary friend Galinak. Having been reborn into new bodies with enhanced capabilities, they journey across an abandoned countryside and encounter, among other things, an inbred family who all strangely share the name Dwaine, who live a tribal life alongside the carcasses of airplanes. It was weird in the best way, and reminded me a little bit of Mad Max, as it's compared to in its blurb.
This book, the second in the series, takes what’s been established in the first book and develops it further. The collapse of the world from its advanced heights to its now crippled state are explored through the eyes of a new character, Mannes. Mannes is a Tarkanian who not only witnessed the apocalypse, but took part in it, and survived for hundreds of years after. It was a welcome new perspective, and introduced a character who might be best described as an accidental anti-villain.
There’s also a woman who choses to go by Peaches. Like Mannes, she’s a Tarkanian from before the world fell, and is awakened into a collapsed society she has to quickly adjust to. Also like Mannes, her memory of Tarakan in its prime provided backstory and history for the plot.
My only real (very small) gripe with The Puzzler’s War was the back-seat Rafik, who was such a large part of the first book (and the titular Puzzler) quickly took. I can understand, though, that his role in the story would be overtaken by other characters as the cast grew. I just expected to hear from or about him a bit more.
In short, this book is amazing and I can’t recommend it enough and I eagerly await future books.
One of the standout features of both books is the setting, which focuses on the ruins of a much-advanced long-dead civilization, the Tarkanians. It’s a post-apocalyptic dystopia, where humanity clings to existence but has reverted to a more medieval and barbaric society. To have people whose descriptions could easily place them in the middle ages (dirty, living harsh lives in tiny, far-flung settlements) be living alongside and operating technology that’s decades beyond what we’re capable of even today, was interesting and exciting.
Consider, for example, the two main protagonists, historian Twinkle Eyes and his witty mercenary friend Galinak. Having been reborn into new bodies with enhanced capabilities, they journey across an abandoned countryside and encounter, among other things, an inbred family who all strangely share the name Dwaine, who live a tribal life alongside the carcasses of airplanes. It was weird in the best way, and reminded me a little bit of Mad Max, as it's compared to in its blurb.
This book, the second in the series, takes what’s been established in the first book and develops it further. The collapse of the world from its advanced heights to its now crippled state are explored through the eyes of a new character, Mannes. Mannes is a Tarkanian who not only witnessed the apocalypse, but took part in it, and survived for hundreds of years after. It was a welcome new perspective, and introduced a character who might be best described as an accidental anti-villain.
There’s also a woman who choses to go by Peaches. Like Mannes, she’s a Tarkanian from before the world fell, and is awakened into a collapsed society she has to quickly adjust to. Also like Mannes, her memory of Tarakan in its prime provided backstory and history for the plot.
My only real (very small) gripe with The Puzzler’s War was the back-seat Rafik, who was such a large part of the first book (and the titular Puzzler) quickly took. I can understand, though, that his role in the story would be overtaken by other characters as the cast grew. I just expected to hear from or about him a bit more.
In short, this book is amazing and I can’t recommend it enough and I eagerly await future books.
June 28, 2020
After enjoying The Lost Puzzler, I was looking forward to The Puzzler's War. I was not disappointed. I enjoyed Puzzler's War based on I could not put it down. I'm fascinated with the dystopian world that Eyal Kless has created in theses two books. A great fun read especially if you are into dystopian Sci-Fi.
January 31, 2020
Author Eyal Kless is a classical violinist, but he can whomp up a sci-fi adventure novel, too.
This one is a sequel to the first one, so you'll need to read that one first. This one I like better. That is to say, the first one is really good, too -- but this one ramps up the action and the adventure, and the motley crew of companions mucking about in a future where everything went into the pooper.
(That's the technical definition of a dystopia, by the way.)
It's fun, thrilling, and well worth a read.
This one is a sequel to the first one, so you'll need to read that one first. This one I like better. That is to say, the first one is really good, too -- but this one ramps up the action and the adventure, and the motley crew of companions mucking about in a future where everything went into the pooper.
(That's the technical definition of a dystopia, by the way.)
It's fun, thrilling, and well worth a read.
March 3, 2020
Love this series!
March 1, 2020
I love science fiction and this book didn't disappoint.
January 28, 2021
A strong improvement on the first instalment, The Puzzler's War is a post-apocalyptic novel with a difference.
Considering I was not a fan of Twinkle Eyes', Galinak's, and Vincha's part of The Lost Puzzler, it is perhaps a surprise that I enjoyed TPW as much as I did. Overall, the story/plot itself seemed more clearly delivered and it was simply a more intriguing read for it.
Now fully established that this story takes part in our world, a few hundred years after a future-apocalypse, TPW focuses more heavily on how this apocalypse came about and those involved in that, and a way to amend it. To do that, a young adult female is required - Vincha's daughter, Emilija. As Twinkle Eyes and Galinak travel (in new bodies, of course) to find Vincha and Emilija, they are aware that they are not the only ones conducting this search.
One of my criticisms of the last novel included 'unrevelatory revelations'. In this, there is a nice twist and, while this twist is by no means out-of-nowhere, the reader is very nicely diverted from this revelation throughout and its reveal is the better for it.
However, I still had a few minor qualms, and one of those is the ending. It seemed a little half-baked, for lack of a better term, and it feels like there could have been another hundred or so pages tackling the loose end(s) that was left. The best way I can describe it is it seemed to end with our characters coming to a huge fork in the road, where it sort-of tells us which direction they choose, but doesn't elucidate on the consequences of that choice. That said, I have seen that the author intends to (or at least has considered the possibility of) writing a sequel series, so perhaps this is something he's purposely left for that.
Nevertheless, the improvements in the authors storytelling, from both a plot perspective and the general writing itself, far outweigh my issues with it, and, overall, it was an enjoyable reading experience. I'd recommend it to both hard-core sci-fi fans, and those who generally enjoy futuristic-style fiction, and I will personally be keeping an eye out for Kless' future work.
Considering I was not a fan of Twinkle Eyes', Galinak's, and Vincha's part of The Lost Puzzler, it is perhaps a surprise that I enjoyed TPW as much as I did. Overall, the story/plot itself seemed more clearly delivered and it was simply a more intriguing read for it.
Now fully established that this story takes part in our world, a few hundred years after a future-apocalypse, TPW focuses more heavily on how this apocalypse came about and those involved in that, and a way to amend it. To do that, a young adult female is required - Vincha's daughter, Emilija. As Twinkle Eyes and Galinak travel (in new bodies, of course) to find Vincha and Emilija, they are aware that they are not the only ones conducting this search.
One of my criticisms of the last novel included 'unrevelatory revelations'. In this, there is a nice twist and, while this twist is by no means out-of-nowhere, the reader is very nicely diverted from this revelation throughout and its reveal is the better for it.
However, I still had a few minor qualms, and one of those is the ending. It seemed a little half-baked, for lack of a better term, and it feels like there could have been another hundred or so pages tackling the loose end(s) that was left. The best way I can describe it is it seemed to end with our characters coming to a huge fork in the road, where it sort-of tells us which direction they choose, but doesn't elucidate on the consequences of that choice. That said, I have seen that the author intends to (or at least has considered the possibility of) writing a sequel series, so perhaps this is something he's purposely left for that.
Nevertheless, the improvements in the authors storytelling, from both a plot perspective and the general writing itself, far outweigh my issues with it, and, overall, it was an enjoyable reading experience. I'd recommend it to both hard-core sci-fi fans, and those who generally enjoy futuristic-style fiction, and I will personally be keeping an eye out for Kless' future work.
August 25, 2021
Nachdem mich der Vorgänger schon begeistert hat, war ich sehr gespannt auf diesen zweiten und finalen Teil der Puzzler-Saga und wurde auf jeden Fall nicht enttäuscht - im Gegenteil!
Die Geschichte ist aus vier verschiedenen Perspektiven geschrieben. Funkelauge ist bereits aus „Das schwarze Mal“ bekannt, auch seine Gefährten spielen wieder eine wichtige Rolle, kommen aber selber nicht zu Wort. Wir lernen zusätzlich gleich drei neue Charaktere kennen: Peach, Mannes und Artium. Alle vier Handlungsstränge habe ich sehr gerne verfolgt, jeder war auf seine Art und Weise sehr spannend und hat eine unterschiedliche Sicht auf die Welt und Ereignisse ermöglicht. Es werden nahezu alle wichtigen Fragen geklärt, vor allem erfährt man auch endlich was vor der Großen Katastrophe wirklich passiert ist und wie es zu dieser Apokalypse kam. Dementsprechend springt die Geschichte immer wieder zwischen Vergangenheit und Gegenwart hin und her.
Das Setting, das komplexe Worldbuilding und auch die Charaktere haben mich überzeugen können. Ich mochte einerseits die zwischenmenschlichen Beziehungen, die humorvollen Szenen, ebenso wie die actionreichen. Manchmal ist das Buch auch ganz schön blutig und brutal. Außerdem ist es erschreckend zu sehen wie die Menschheit noch weiter verkommt, wenn Zivilisation und Natur bereits zerstört wurden, Ressourcen knapp werden und jeder nur um sein eigenes Überleben und für seinen eigenen Vorteil kämpft.
Diese Mischung aus Dystopie, Science Fiction und Fantasy hat wirklich genau meinen Geschmack getroffen. Schade, dass die Dilogie schon beendet ist, ich hätte gerne noch mehr über die Charaktere und ihre Zukunft erfahren.
Die Geschichte ist aus vier verschiedenen Perspektiven geschrieben. Funkelauge ist bereits aus „Das schwarze Mal“ bekannt, auch seine Gefährten spielen wieder eine wichtige Rolle, kommen aber selber nicht zu Wort. Wir lernen zusätzlich gleich drei neue Charaktere kennen: Peach, Mannes und Artium. Alle vier Handlungsstränge habe ich sehr gerne verfolgt, jeder war auf seine Art und Weise sehr spannend und hat eine unterschiedliche Sicht auf die Welt und Ereignisse ermöglicht. Es werden nahezu alle wichtigen Fragen geklärt, vor allem erfährt man auch endlich was vor der Großen Katastrophe wirklich passiert ist und wie es zu dieser Apokalypse kam. Dementsprechend springt die Geschichte immer wieder zwischen Vergangenheit und Gegenwart hin und her.
Das Setting, das komplexe Worldbuilding und auch die Charaktere haben mich überzeugen können. Ich mochte einerseits die zwischenmenschlichen Beziehungen, die humorvollen Szenen, ebenso wie die actionreichen. Manchmal ist das Buch auch ganz schön blutig und brutal. Außerdem ist es erschreckend zu sehen wie die Menschheit noch weiter verkommt, wenn Zivilisation und Natur bereits zerstört wurden, Ressourcen knapp werden und jeder nur um sein eigenes Überleben und für seinen eigenen Vorteil kämpft.
Diese Mischung aus Dystopie, Science Fiction und Fantasy hat wirklich genau meinen Geschmack getroffen. Schade, dass die Dilogie schon beendet ist, ich hätte gerne noch mehr über die Charaktere und ihre Zukunft erfahren.
July 30, 2021
I enjoyed The Lost Puzzler, but thought it had a weak ending, and I feel the same way about this one.
While tying up various narrative strands (with a bit of tedious explanation, to be honest) I was almost expecting "to be continued" to be the final sentence of the book - and I absolutely hate that in TV programmes that offer self-contained episodes, especially when I was not prewarned of it.
I suppose I should probably trot out my long-running antipathy to trilogies, or worse longer series of books. Why can't more authors follow Iain M Banks' (and Cordwainer Smith and...) example and write great independent stories within a continuing familiar universe, each one of which achieves a satisfying conclusion, even if the galaxies involved are still careering towards the heat death of the universe.
I will probably fork out for the (I hope) final tome, and maybe the Puzzler success will encourage Mr Kless to write something else.
While tying up various narrative strands (with a bit of tedious explanation, to be honest) I was almost expecting "to be continued" to be the final sentence of the book - and I absolutely hate that in TV programmes that offer self-contained episodes, especially when I was not prewarned of it.
I suppose I should probably trot out my long-running antipathy to trilogies, or worse longer series of books. Why can't more authors follow Iain M Banks' (and Cordwainer Smith and...) example and write great independent stories within a continuing familiar universe, each one of which achieves a satisfying conclusion, even if the galaxies involved are still careering towards the heat death of the universe.
I will probably fork out for the (I hope) final tome, and maybe the Puzzler success will encourage Mr Kless to write something else.
January 24, 2022
An interesting conclusion to the story begun in The Lost Puzzler. The returning characters get much more page-time than the previous book and are more enjoyable, and I found the new characters intriguing. The worldbuilding continues to be great. I liked the flashbacks to Tarakan in its former glory, and really felt for some of the characters as they grieved for all that was lost. The twist regarding what was responsible for the Catastrophe was something I saw coming a mile away, but the other twist regarding the Star Pillar was interesting, and gave off a somewhat deus ex machina vibe. Sometimes, the only way to win is to stop playing, cut your losses, and leave.
As previously stated, this does feel like a definite conclusion to the story, but I enjoyed it enough that I wouldn't mind more stories set in this universe, possibly showing how humanity rebuilds after what happens at the end.
As previously stated, this does feel like a definite conclusion to the story, but I enjoyed it enough that I wouldn't mind more stories set in this universe, possibly showing how humanity rebuilds after what happens at the end.
June 23, 2021
I enjoyed the first book of this series The Lost Puzzler. But this sequel was even better. The world building continues but what we thought we knew about the history this era is turned on its head. The author does a good job of reminding us of events and characters from the first book as he continues the story. And the plot twist at the end is very satisfying and does not come out of left field somewhere. (Why does "left field" get the bad rap. Right field is the road less traveled. Center field usually more distance. And third base is the hot spot.)
February 24, 2021
A different but slightly better sequel to the Lost Puzzler. Less characters but more clearly defined, and for the returning protagonists, their interactions with each other are endearingly natural with a few genuinely hilarious moments.
This book also more than gave the context of the Tarakan civilization and what happened to them, almost making a mandatory read on the first book.
I'm a bit disappointed at the absence of the supertrucks, one of the highlights in the first book. But a better pacing and no less imaginative scenes, technologies and a very cool gun.
Highly recommended.
This book also more than gave the context of the Tarakan civilization and what happened to them, almost making a mandatory read on the first book.
I'm a bit disappointed at the absence of the supertrucks, one of the highlights in the first book. But a better pacing and no less imaginative scenes, technologies and a very cool gun.
Highly recommended.
March 27, 2020
Review is of a free Uncorrected Proof Edition. I very much enjoyed this novel. I had not read the first novel in this series, so was a little slow on the uptake regarding what was going on. I plan on getting a copy of the first novel in the series to hopefully fill in some holes in my understanding of this story. But overall, I believe this to be a fine story by a talented author. Hope more novels in this series are in the works.
October 15, 2020
Video Review: https://youtu.be/dOeSVKLEVLs
December 28, 2023
While first book in the series gave us the world after the war, this one has even more demanding task - show us how destruction came to be.
I have to admit that author's style is truly great. Considering the amount of information and different worlds we are presented, various viewpoints (and as such various understandings of the world around us) entire story is handled superbly. Story just flows. Although this is big book (near to 500 pages) it reads much faster than some short reads I came across.
As in first book story is told through various narrators - Twinkle Eyes, woken and paired again with Galinak (the Troll :)) to find yet another Puzzler; Mannes Holtz, voice from the past, scientist whose actions have contributed to the start of war and who plays the role of bad guy in the novel; Peach, Colonel Vera Geer, deep undercover specialist/assassin from Tarakan, that gets activated once more after long hibernation, gets tasked with finding the Puzzler and needs to cope with the new reality - Tarakan gone and various techno barbarian tribes and nations rising on its corpse.
While their paths start at different points geographically (and in case of Mannes even in time) they will soon converge but not before coming across various cults almost religiously taking care of pieces of machinery and technology from the past, mutants capable of miraculous healing and future seeing, and new warlords given access to lost technology and waging new wars for world dominance. I have to admit I was expecting good old Emperor and Malcador to pop up and greet our heroes.
Story is fast, with lots of very interesting characters (Vincha being one of them) and lots of twists. But while main story progresses and you think you know where the story goes, trust me final twist is completely unexpected.
One can also see this story as a warning - from the hubris of Tarakan (that at some point decided they are the peak of humanity and thus started making more and more aggressive actions against their neighbors that culminated in everybody detesting them and joining the fight against them), and rise of AI and lack of control over it.
And finally it is story of how far is one willing to go to reach their goals. While Mannes will come out differently to each reader, it is questionable that everything is a means to the end. In each of us lies a vengeful being - if one succumbs to it, no matter the noble goal initially set it will be tarnished and such person's actions can be treated as nothing else than terror and wanton destruction.
As is case with every SF from west lately when they talk about the east they need to place some so unnecessary remarks that you need to puke (I mean why?). But again this is the view from these parts of world [Tarakans of our age?|?]. Over time I have become allergic to these comments and [similar to former smokers getting into fits when they smell tobacco] I might give it much more attention than required .... but as they say once seen it cannot be unseen.
Besides that it is excellent novel, highly recommended to fans of SF thrillers, action-adventure and post-apocalypse, when all technology wonders are now seen through the lens of magic.
I have to admit that author's style is truly great. Considering the amount of information and different worlds we are presented, various viewpoints (and as such various understandings of the world around us) entire story is handled superbly. Story just flows. Although this is big book (near to 500 pages) it reads much faster than some short reads I came across.
As in first book story is told through various narrators - Twinkle Eyes, woken and paired again with Galinak (the Troll :)) to find yet another Puzzler; Mannes Holtz, voice from the past, scientist whose actions have contributed to the start of war and who plays the role of bad guy in the novel; Peach, Colonel Vera Geer, deep undercover specialist/assassin from Tarakan, that gets activated once more after long hibernation, gets tasked with finding the Puzzler and needs to cope with the new reality - Tarakan gone and various techno barbarian tribes and nations rising on its corpse.
While their paths start at different points geographically (and in case of Mannes even in time) they will soon converge but not before coming across various cults almost religiously taking care of pieces of machinery and technology from the past, mutants capable of miraculous healing and future seeing, and new warlords given access to lost technology and waging new wars for world dominance. I have to admit I was expecting good old Emperor and Malcador to pop up and greet our heroes.
Story is fast, with lots of very interesting characters (Vincha being one of them) and lots of twists. But while main story progresses and you think you know where the story goes, trust me final twist is completely unexpected.
One can also see this story as a warning - from the hubris of Tarakan (that at some point decided they are the peak of humanity and thus started making more and more aggressive actions against their neighbors that culminated in everybody detesting them and joining the fight against them), and rise of AI and lack of control over it.
And finally it is story of how far is one willing to go to reach their goals. While Mannes will come out differently to each reader, it is questionable that everything is a means to the end. In each of us lies a vengeful being - if one succumbs to it, no matter the noble goal initially set it will be tarnished and such person's actions can be treated as nothing else than terror and wanton destruction.
As is case with every SF from west lately when they talk about the east they need to place some so unnecessary remarks that you need to puke (I mean why?). But again this is the view from these parts of world [Tarakans of our age?|?]. Over time I have become allergic to these comments and [similar to former smokers getting into fits when they smell tobacco] I might give it much more attention than required .... but as they say once seen it cannot be unseen.
Besides that it is excellent novel, highly recommended to fans of SF thrillers, action-adventure and post-apocalypse, when all technology wonders are now seen through the lens of magic.
January 10, 2025
A step up from the first story, which I enjoyed as well! A conclusion open-ended enough that maaaaybe the author could return to this world, but it also satisfyingly ties up loose ends.
When last we left our protagonist “Twinkle Eyes” in THE LOST PUZZLER, things were more dire than even I realized! Spoiler alert…he’s dead. :0 But thanks to significant global AI constructs (we’re about 500-600 years into the future) his consciousness survives.
The driving force of the first novel, the puzzler Rafik (also now a mind in the machine) exists here only in the beginning of the novel as a friendly face. At the behest of the AI Adam which, up until the apocalyptic “Catastrophe,” ran the gears of Earth like a benevolent god, “Twinkle Eyes” and his trusty sidekick, Galinak, are put into new bodies and sent back to Earth to track down a new puzzler to save the world (haven’t we been here before? More on that later.) Problem is, Adam and Rafik aren’t the only….minds…to do this. Someone else has reawakened “Peach,” a pre-Catastrophe special agent, for the same purpose.
This book is able to take a step back from the characters and plot sometimes in order to assess the larger worldbuilding. The reality of the, er, present is gory, dim and “medieval.” But now, we get confirmation of the technological greatness of the downed Tarakans. Yes, things get a little hazy for me with regards to who was human, who was…superhuman? And who was a “Guardian Angel,” which mostly feels like a clone army. Not great when the AI is compromised.
Because there is enough philosophy in this piece to get into the idea that Adam, which ostensibly exists to defend Tarakan, starts seeing itself as a hammer and everything that is not Tarakan as a nail. Thanks to Peach and the other pre-Catastrophe newbie, antagonist Mannes, we understand that Adam was influencing global events so that the rest of the world was starting to hate Tarakan. Maybe enough to incite something like World War III. Dun dun duuuun.
…which is what Adam wanted in order, “rationally speaking,” to save Tarakan. Which is why Mannes and his buddies ultimately developed Cain, to reel Adam in. Things don’t go as planned, given that Earth is now a “medieval” post-apocalyptic landscape. The problem for me is, neither Adam or Cain were on the page enough as “characters” for me to truly invest in them. It’s the foibles of the humans that always drove the story.
And that’s fine, because they were fun to follow! It’s quite obvious how much Kless loved writing (and audiobook narrator Michael David Axtell loved narrating) the bromance between Twinkle Eyes and Galinak. Twinkle Eyes himself had a tiiiiny bit more of a personal arc than he did last time, so that’s something. I also appreciated the grittiness and nuances to Peach and Mannes, who will likely be appreciated by many fans of the post-apocalypse, grimdark subgenre.
Vincha is also back in a supporting role, because her Puzzler daughter is the new maguffin character. Which I guess speaks to the fact that this character was naturally underdeveloped, but it still rankled. Why was it that Rafik still got to feel like a person but Andrea was just a cypher? Boo. (There was just one moment where she was reaming out her mother for a stressful childhood where I saw the promise of an actual three-dimensional being underneath this plot device. But it quickly receded again.)
But overall I enjoyed the ride to greater heights well beyond the scope of book one. The plot continued to be breakneck but engaging. And it left enough room for that spark of hope at the end, that maybe things can get better for humanity again! If Kless were to continue with the series, I’d get my hands on the next volume.
When last we left our protagonist “Twinkle Eyes” in THE LOST PUZZLER, things were more dire than even I realized! Spoiler alert…he’s dead. :0 But thanks to significant global AI constructs (we’re about 500-600 years into the future) his consciousness survives.
The driving force of the first novel, the puzzler Rafik (also now a mind in the machine) exists here only in the beginning of the novel as a friendly face. At the behest of the AI Adam which, up until the apocalyptic “Catastrophe,” ran the gears of Earth like a benevolent god, “Twinkle Eyes” and his trusty sidekick, Galinak, are put into new bodies and sent back to Earth to track down a new puzzler to save the world (haven’t we been here before? More on that later.) Problem is, Adam and Rafik aren’t the only….minds…to do this. Someone else has reawakened “Peach,” a pre-Catastrophe special agent, for the same purpose.
This book is able to take a step back from the characters and plot sometimes in order to assess the larger worldbuilding. The reality of the, er, present is gory, dim and “medieval.” But now, we get confirmation of the technological greatness of the downed Tarakans. Yes, things get a little hazy for me with regards to who was human, who was…superhuman? And who was a “Guardian Angel,” which mostly feels like a clone army. Not great when the AI is compromised.
Because there is enough philosophy in this piece to get into the idea that Adam, which ostensibly exists to defend Tarakan, starts seeing itself as a hammer and everything that is not Tarakan as a nail. Thanks to Peach and the other pre-Catastrophe newbie, antagonist Mannes, we understand that Adam was influencing global events so that the rest of the world was starting to hate Tarakan. Maybe enough to incite something like World War III. Dun dun duuuun.
…which is what Adam wanted in order, “rationally speaking,” to save Tarakan. Which is why Mannes and his buddies ultimately developed Cain, to reel Adam in. Things don’t go as planned, given that Earth is now a “medieval” post-apocalyptic landscape. The problem for me is, neither Adam or Cain were on the page enough as “characters” for me to truly invest in them. It’s the foibles of the humans that always drove the story.
And that’s fine, because they were fun to follow! It’s quite obvious how much Kless loved writing (and audiobook narrator Michael David Axtell loved narrating) the bromance between Twinkle Eyes and Galinak. Twinkle Eyes himself had a tiiiiny bit more of a personal arc than he did last time, so that’s something. I also appreciated the grittiness and nuances to Peach and Mannes, who will likely be appreciated by many fans of the post-apocalypse, grimdark subgenre.
Vincha is also back in a supporting role, because her Puzzler daughter is the new maguffin character. Which I guess speaks to the fact that this character was naturally underdeveloped, but it still rankled. Why was it that Rafik still got to feel like a person but Andrea was just a cypher? Boo. (There was just one moment where she was reaming out her mother for a stressful childhood where I saw the promise of an actual three-dimensional being underneath this plot device. But it quickly receded again.)
But overall I enjoyed the ride to greater heights well beyond the scope of book one. The plot continued to be breakneck but engaging. And it left enough room for that spark of hope at the end, that maybe things can get better for humanity again! If Kless were to continue with the series, I’d get my hands on the next volume.
January 15, 2021
"The Puzzler's War" by Eyal Kless is a sequel to "The Lost Puzzler", a sci-fi action/adventure series that reminded me of Dr. Who (which I was watching while I was reading, so that might have influenced the comparison). And I don't think you have to read book 1 to get this story - and mainly because I also didn't read book 1. 😂
This was an ARC I received and held on to because scifi books (looking at you "Dune") tend to be very involved - new landmarks, new rules, different worlds that require some background that I'm not sure I have the patience for sometimes, but this book actually was very interesting and intriguing.
There are 2 timelines going on here and one is in a dystopian future where people are in factions after everything on earth was destroyed - except major technology still exists, for example the main characters of this storyline who are soldiers put into avatars to find the "key" to restarting civilization.
Another timeline involves an earth that has roundtrip visitors to space where one man's actions lead to the destruction seen in the future timeline.
It's very involved.
Even now I can't really remember all the details. I do know that there was a lot of travelling in the beginning and once the storylines start to merge it's really kind of about AI and the cost of putting so much dependence into it.
There was a bit to keep track of but not too much where I was taken away from the story itself. It reminded me a lot of Arthur C. Clarke's books with the space storyline and basically a good sci-fi movie for the rest.
Good reading if you're looking for something more complicated but still entertaining.
This was an ARC I received and held on to because scifi books (looking at you "Dune") tend to be very involved - new landmarks, new rules, different worlds that require some background that I'm not sure I have the patience for sometimes, but this book actually was very interesting and intriguing.
There are 2 timelines going on here and one is in a dystopian future where people are in factions after everything on earth was destroyed - except major technology still exists, for example the main characters of this storyline who are soldiers put into avatars to find the "key" to restarting civilization.
Another timeline involves an earth that has roundtrip visitors to space where one man's actions lead to the destruction seen in the future timeline.
It's very involved.
Even now I can't really remember all the details. I do know that there was a lot of travelling in the beginning and once the storylines start to merge it's really kind of about AI and the cost of putting so much dependence into it.
There was a bit to keep track of but not too much where I was taken away from the story itself. It reminded me a lot of Arthur C. Clarke's books with the space storyline and basically a good sci-fi movie for the rest.
Good reading if you're looking for something more complicated but still entertaining.
March 6, 2025
I picked up The Puzzler’s War right after The Lost Puzzler and was completely absorbed all over again. The parallel timelines, spanning different eras, were captivating and kept me hooked as each piece of the puzzle fell into place. The backstory of the world, slowly unfolding through the characters’ journeys, was incredibly satisfying and added so much depth to the stakes. The blend of dystopian intrigue, forlorn technology, and rich world-building made this a must-read.
April 5, 2025
Billions are dead; the survivors fight amongst themselves so that more die.
Who are the good guys? Who is Mannes? What did he really do?
Assorted people who were dead are revived in alternative human "vessels."
Different chapters focus on different sets of people each of whom are focused on finding and using Emilija, a Puzzler.
Distinct characters, but too much traveling and searching
Deception is a theme.
Who are the good guys? Who is Mannes? What did he really do?
Assorted people who were dead are revived in alternative human "vessels."
Different chapters focus on different sets of people each of whom are focused on finding and using Emilija, a Puzzler.
Distinct characters, but too much traveling and searching
Deception is a theme.
February 13, 2021
Another effective book the series, although somewhat less satisfying than the first as the world is less novel. Some of the resolutions of the "what happened" to break civilization and "what's next" were not completely completely convincing. The theme of aging is interestingly contrasted between two male characters.
June 2, 2020
Plodding. I skimmed most of the middle because I wanted to get to the end. The beginning and the ending get 3 stars, but you need to go through the middle to get there and there just isn’t enough story or character to be worth the read.
February 28, 2021
A good sequel and I kind of wish it would continue. Characters are so divers and sometimes I am not even sure who is really to like - but nevertheless a good story, lots of interesting ideas for a future world.
April 3, 2020
There's exactly one good character buried under awkward dialogue, cardboard character archetypes, and laughable decisions made in order to further the "plot"
December 15, 2020
Great sequel to the first book thoroughly enjoyed it.
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