Books for Prep | |
 - A Failure to CommunicateWars that start because of poor communication are probably the saddest. Steve White explores this premise in "Exodus", along with co-author Shirley Meier. These new aliens do not exhibit the pure malevolence of the Bugs, but because of their empathic abilities and their capability of reincarnating their dead, this could just as well be a bug war writ new. It is a bit of a stretch to believe that sentient aliens, whose exodus sets up the premise for this story, would not be more prepared for an encounter with other sentient species. This single issue strains the credibility of the entire story. It has been a few years since I have read about "Tabbys" and "Horse Heads", Ophiuchi and Gorm, the TRN, RFN, and PSUN, so the opening of the book was a little disorienting. Once the story settled down, though, it became enjoyable enough, leaping forward 80 years after the events of "The Shiva Option" to reunite some old adversaries. I use "enjoyable enough" only insofar as it was good to revisit this universe and these characters. "Exodus" does not read with the urgency of "In Death Ground"--its themes of war and peace do not quite recall "Crusade" and "Insurrection"--but all of the elements are there and, since this book doesn't even pretend to offer a conclusion, another book will be along by and by to further develop the story. Perhaps because Weber didn't collaborate on this project, there are fewer acronyms flying around and the battle scenes are more contained. "Exodus" serves mostly as an introduction to some new characters and a re-introduction to some old ones (with a few others disposed of in battle). It will disappoint in places and satisfy in others. It is worth the paperback price but certainly not the hardcover price. Rating:  - Did not live up to the hypeNot much of a follow up to the series. Very let down by the book. The other reviewers have done a good job outlining this book's strengths and weaknesses..... Rating: - Good beginning for a new seriesI am a little underwealmed with this series because it ended without any clear direcrion for the rest of the series. Obviously since there wasn't any discernable conclusion we can expect a series- but WHEN? Rating:  - Fast action and gripping dramaSteve White & Shirley Meier's EXODUS offers up a fine sequel to THE SHIVA OPTION, and fans of this prior book will be the most likely enthusiasts for its ongoing saga. Here decades have passed and the original warriors of the 'battle against the bugs' have grown complacent. How can they win against aliens who know they will be reincarnated when they die? Fast action and gripping drama makes EXODUS a pick for any who enjoyed THE SHIVA OPTION. Rating: - Can't put it downI just finished reading this as an ebook on my Treo and I could barely put it down. I've read the whole series and it is just fabulous - I hope they hurry with the next one! In association with Amazon.com | |