John Payton > Recent Status Updates

I'd forgotten the ending of this one. Made me wonder why there were sequels, until I started reading them.

My SF club is probably disappointed in this book.

At this point in the book, the author seems awfully optimistic and naive about politics, particularly Republican politics.
I do realize that this was written well before Covid, well before MAGA, but it's hard to re-read it knowing what I do now. KA virus would wipe out the entire country if it were to happen today.

I loves me a good heist story. I kinda want to see Elliot make a cameo at the end and offer to bring all these interns into Leverage International. I mean, you know, since the murder seems to have been wrapped up already.

Halfway through the book, finally there's a murder. I was beginning to think that this book didn't belong in our mystery book club at all.

Seems like a teaching book disguised as a YA story.

Well I'm glad that Grace let the anger go.

Kinda messed up that Grace held onto his grudge for so long. And that he didn't want to go on the mission, especially since 1) he was geeking out so much over the alien ship, and 2) he didn't really have any friends on Earth.

So he will get enough fuel to get home. Does he have enough FOOD?

Hah, the aliens ARE anhydrous!

So Grace just got the cannister. I think that they sent him a sample of their breathable atmosphere. Will these be the non-water-based aliens?

Excellent narration.

After the defeat of Caroline's father. I though that the rest would be denoument - and with 25% of the book left to go, an unnecessarily long one. Now I can see that this is about taking responsibility for what you break.

The way it jumps around is confusing at first. I'm starting to like Steve a bit.

Did I miss something? How did Doyle know that bleeding on the ground would disrupt the Master's magic?

Am I being too harsh on a history of literature professor for not taking into account that his Kaa might be the Ashbless who survives?

Nah. Doyle is a dumbass.

So Doyle is Ashblest. Bet right now he does get back to 1983 and Tish goes with him.

Some of this book seems a lot like Powers showing off historical/literary knowledge.

my boy Doyle thinks he can invent the light bulb. Ha!

The psychology is valid for the time it was written. But I think it's actually an exploration of blurred lines between human and divine.