"The collapse of The Flow, the
interstellar pathway between the planets of the Interdependency, has
accelerated. Entire star systems—and billions of people—are becoming cut off
from the rest of human civilization. This collapse was foretold through
scientific prediction… and yet, even as the evidence is obvious and
insurmountable, many still try to rationalize, delay and profit from, these
final days of one of the greatest empires humanity has ever known. Emperox
Grayland II has finally wrested control of her empire from those who oppose her
and who deny the reality of this collapse. But “control” is a slippery thing,
and even as Grayland strives to save as many of her people from impoverished
isolation, the forces opposing her rule will make a final, desperate push to
topple her from her throne and power, by any means necessary. Grayland and her
thinning list of allies must use every tool at their disposal to save
themselves, and all of humanity. And yet it may not be enough. Will Grayland
become the savior of her civilization… or the last emperox to wear the crown?"
As I mentioned in the review of the first book, I read
somewhere this series was supposed to be two volumes, not three. I think it
should’ve stayed two books. Part of the problem lies in how many times Scalzi reminds
the reader of the plot and while less obvious, here than book two, there still remains
an over-reliance on the expository narrative trope –he tells
too much of the story instead of showing it. Once again, the books ideas will resonant
with modern times -the story isn't very subtle as we see greedy capitalists
trying to save themselves and their fortunes and are willing letting the rest
of the humans die a horrible death. Of course, not all are evil.
Despite some of my nitpicking, the three
female leads are pretty fun, even if they all seem self-aware. Kiva is the
best, though.
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