I think this is the last one? I hope this is the last one. This book took all the gains that were made in book 2 and retreated waaaaaay back behind the starting line.
It’s the super stylized writing that gets me, the page after page of stunted, one-line paragraphs repeatedly truncated to show rapid action. I mean, sure, it helps the book move quickly, but it feels like reading a seizure.
Again, this book picks up right where the previous one left off. A scout ship from the incoming settlers has landed, bringing with it heightened weaponry that could assist either of the two warring sides against each other – or against the incoming Spackle army. One of the Spackle is also given POV chapters on par with Todd and Viola and where two felt right, three feels like too many and I really don’t like the gimmick of using different type styles for each. The book is ostensibly about the two factions of humans deciding what is more important, fighting with each other or fighting with the Spackle, and how each use the fight with the Spackle to win the fight against each other but also the struggle of should they be fighting the Spackle and somehow at the same time it really feels like nothing happens. The Mayor goes from evil but fascinating to just full monologue-ing nightmare.
This was a really disappointing end to what had felt like quite a promising series. There might be a 4th book, but I don’t see myself reading it. I just don’t care anymore.
For me, it was a steady decline. Something about the second book didn’t work as well for me as the first book, but it definitely didn’t turn it around in this one. So disappointing for such a strong start. I recommended the first book to someone but finished the trilogy and then told them not to bother.