Waking GodsAuthor: Sylvain Neuvel
Series: Themis Files #2
Published by: Del Rey
Publication Date: April 4, 2017
Format: eARC
Pages: 336
Source: Publisher
As a child, Rose Franklin made an astonishing discovery: a giant metallic hand, buried deep within the earth. As an adult, she’s dedicated her brilliant scientific career to solving the mystery that began that fateful day: Why was a titanic robot of unknown origin buried in pieces around the world? Years of investigation have produced intriguing answers—and even more perplexing questions. But the truth is closer than ever before when a second robot, more massive than the first, materializes and lashes out with deadly force.
Now humankind faces a nightmare invasion scenario made real, as more colossal machines touch down across the globe. But Rose and her team at the Earth Defense Corps refuse to surrender. They can turn the tide if they can unlock the last secrets of an advanced alien technology. The greatest weapon humanity wields is knowledge in a do-or-die battle to inherit the Earth . . . and maybe even the stars.
With the way Sleeping Giants ended, there’s no way I was going to skip this. Waking Gods turned out to be a pretty good sequel.
I was surprised that it picks up years later, but it works. Shit really hits the fan when more giant robots show up causing death and distraction.
I was so curious about where they come from and their purpose. I’m not completely satisfied with what was learned, but I’m sure we’ll get more in the next book.
There’s plenty of action and intense moments. There are even a couple that surprised and saddened me. Overall, I enjoyed it and looked forward to what comes next.
SkitterAuthor: Ezekiel Boone
Series: The Hatching #2
Published by: Atria Books
Publication Date: May 2, 2017
Format: eARC
Pages: 352
Source: Publisher
Tens of millions of people around the world are dead. Half of China is a nuclear wasteland. Mysterious flesh-eating spiders are marching through Los Angeles, Oslo, Delhi, Rio de Janeiro, and countless other cities. According to scientist Melanie Gruyer, however, the spider situation seems to be looking up. Yet in Japan, a giant, truck-sized, glowing egg sack gives a shocking preview of what is to come, even as survivors in Los Angeles panic and break the quarantine zone. Out in the desert, survivalists Gordo and Shotgun are trying to invent a spider super weapon, but it’s not clear if it’s too late, because President Stephanie Pilgrim has been forced to enact the plan of last resort: The Spanish Protocol. America, you are on your own.
I don’t know what it is about this series. It’s this mixture of boredom and fascination that’s hard to explain. There are times I just want to quit, but at the same time I can’t because I’m actually into it. It’s weird.
It’s kind of the same thing with the multiple perspectives. I like getting so many that show what’s happening in different parts of the world, especially now that they’re coming together and starting to connect. I do find them interesting, but also find myself want to skim parts.
I actually started to feel more of a connection with some of the characters, like Shotgun and his group, in this book, so hooray for that.
Maybe I would feel different about everything if I found it more creepy and intense, but that isn’t the case. Yet. I think there might be potential in the next book, though.
I’m a little annoyed that we’re going into a third book, but I’m still looking forward to it.
Obviously my feelings about Skitter are scattered. *shrugs*
They both sound like pretty exciting series. I doubt I’ll read the spider one, but the giant robots sound more my thing.
And wow, on mini reviews. I don’t think I could do them LOL
Mini reviews are pretty much my thing now. 😃
I need to try the Themis series. It sounds great, and everyone raves about it.
The second book is not for me. I mean besides the premise being terrifying and gross, the multiple POVs scare me. I’ve never really enjoyed a book with multiple voices. It’s harder to connect with the characters.
I haven’t read either of these series but The Hatching one is on my TBR. I have read mixed things but I think the premise sounds so cool. Maybe one day. Great reviews!
Great minis Christy! I agree I did become more attached to characters in the second book.
You are the first person I agree with as far as the Hatching books. I hate all the view points, I feel so unattached. I actually look forward to seeing characters getting eaten because they bore me.
LOL at Heidi!
I don’t mind the different POVs although some I could do without, there are a buttload of them after all but like you, this series continues to fascinate me and horrify me. The scenes where the spiders come out of their bodies is just *shudders*.
I hope you like the next book more Christy.
Loved the mini reviews. I haven’t read either of these.
I have both of these books to read. I wish these were better for you but at least you did enjoy them somewhat.
I’m with you about this second one. I did connect more with some of the characters, but it was on again off again about my interest level. Hopefully the third book will give us the grand finale.
I forgot to comment about Waking Gods. The series sounds wild. Got to check it out. A new author for me too.
Gotta be honest, neither of these books are blowing my skirt up based on blurb and reviews. Happy you enjoyed Waking Gods though.
I hope it will be a bit better with book 3
You know I wasn’t crazy about Sleeping giants but I love the premise so I probably will read Waking Gods. I want to know where those damn robots come from too lol. And it sounds like this one has more action maybe.
I don’t remember of reading something like this one but it sure sounds pretty exciting.
I’m not familiar with Boone’s books, but I have had the first of Sylvain’s books waiting on my to read shelf for awhile now.
These both sound like fun books. I’ve got Boone’s first book in this series in my TBR list. I’m going to have to check out the other series.
What a diverse pair of books tihs is! are you getting back into the groove of blogging and reading?
Eh, kind of. I have a build-up of books to review, so it’s just a matter of pumping those out
Giant robots of death and destruction. Well! lol Glad to see it was a pretty good follow up 🙂
This series has been such a conundrum for you, hasn’t it?I hope you’ll like the next one. Looking forward to it after that ending!
I’ve heard good things about the waking Gods series. I’m glad you enjoyed the sequel! I can usually deal with some questions being unanswered as long as there will be more books to answer them. There is no way I am ever reading those hatching books though!
Fantastic reviews! Both sound really good but I’m interested in Waking Gods. Sounds SO good. These two are by totally new authors to me. Thanks for putting them on my radar. 😁👍🏻
I should get to Sleeping Giants ASAP! 🙂