Andrew Benesh’s Reviews > The Rise of Earth > Status Update

Done! Just when I thought we'd get a happy ending, and things were starting to clear up, Fry does that. It's good writing, but a serious gut punch. I do like that the stakes remain high, even in book 3. Now to wait for 4 to come out.

Tycho is making lots of bad decisions, and I suspect this will blow up in good face. I'm continually impressed with Kate though. Carlo's secret grows more mysterious. Grandma's decision to leave the family makes a lot of sense, and it's easy to empathize with.

I'm enjoying the pacing and the non conflict dynamics between military opponents. Grandma's appearance is a lie thread I've never considered. Yana is really impressing me, and Carlo feels a bit lost. As for Tycho, I'm concerned for this new romance. Kate feels like a good new character though.

And suddenly the larger plot comes into focus. I'm still rooting for Yana; Carlo is too self confident and shortsighted, as usual.

You know a series is good when the first chapter hooks you back in immediately, despite it being months since reading the prior entry. The SciFi elements are well done, and Fry is goofed at building tension, but the heart is still the family. I'm really feeling for Yana.