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Not Your Typical Second Book: Gemina

18 Nov

Gemina breaks the usual conventions that are often found in second books. While almost all second books immediately pick up right after where the first book ended, Gemina introduces us to new characters and a whole new situation that takes place a little during and somewhat after the events of the first book, Illuminae. Jay Kristoff and Aimee Kaufman’s second book of the Illuminae Files Trilogy takes place at Heimdall Station, the same space station the crew in Illuminae were heading for.

The tone in the second book is far different than the one we were given in Illuminae. While the first one had a strong tone of horror, this one gives us a the feel of an action flick with only traces of horror in the background. Despite the tonal shift, however, Kristoff and Kaufman still weave together a tale with new, compelling characters that manages to connect us to the plot and has the same unique formatting from the first book. 

The narrative team up of these authors is once again handled excellently and for those out there who are fans of audiobooks, the audiobook experience for this one does not disappoint and will suck you right in just as the first one did. Gemina is an excellent follow up and will have readers eager to pick up the third and final installment.

Written By:
Lauren Lapinski
Circulation Assistant

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Action Packed Sci-Fi: Golden Son

5 Aug

Second books in a trilogy can be a tricky thing. They have to follow the build up from the first book and still maintain the attention of the reader while continuing the story from where it last left off. Such is the case of Golden Son, the second book of the Red Rising Trilogy. 

The opening starts off with quite a literal bang and leads us right into a thrilling story with a conclusion that will leave the reader dying for book three. While there are some slower moments throughout Golden Son, they are moments that help to weave the tapestry of the narrative, Pierce Brown has written. The pacing over all is well done and the character work is just as excellent as ever before, even introducing us to new characters, readers are sure to love as much as the original cast.

Of course it wouldn’t be much of a sci-fi book without space battles and for those looking for quality action, you need look no further. Brown delivers on all these fronts from exciting ship battles to one on one fights; every fight leaves the reader satisfied.

This is excellent second for the trilogy and one fans of Red Rising will love.

If you enjoy Speculative Fiction then you should join us for our monthly virtual Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Discussion Group. Our next meeting is on August 24 at 6 PM EST; we will discuss The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu, a “silkpunk” sci-fi fantasy adventure! Besides ebook copies available to HPL patrons from eLibraryNJ, you can request a print copy for curbside or locker pickup. For more information and to get the zoom invite email hplwriters@gmail.com.

Written by:
Lauren Lapinski
Circulation Assistance

Tags: ,

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