![The Solar War (The Long Winter Trilogy Book 2) by [Riddle, A.G.]](https://images-fe.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/419llO9VGYL._SY346_.jpg)
A.G Riddle is back and in fine form, proving why he is one of the top science fiction and thriller writers to watch!
Not unlike his previous trilogy The Solar War suffers from being overly long and at times drags as it tries to justify itself in the middle of two stories.
However, Riddle succeeds in humanizing every moment of the narrative, making this second entry almost more of a drama/Saga than anything else.
Where Winter World was disjointed between Space and Earth- Polarising the story in half as almost two differant things, book 2 is almost 100% set on Earth and builds on many of the previously established relationships and tensions.
While Riddle has a good grasp of space,science and other worlds, the most contentious part of this book is the conciet of the "big bad" and AI/Intelligences in general. This was the weakest part of the ending to some of his previous books and the omnipotent snarky Matrix like AI just doesn't stick. Perhaps because it reminded me of the woeful Ultron in the Marvel movies but: "Conservation of energy" just doesn't fly and feels like a lazy explanation for a highly evolved and dangerous enemy.
Why Arthur doesn't just snap the neck of every living being left on Earth and move on makes no sense, his superior physical body at odds with his actions and motivations. But then some of the actions early on the book could have been solved much more simply given such an advanced artifical intelligence exists within the narrative
Riddle does seem to dance around these issues and assumes this is just how things are while also effortlessly plowing ahead with the creation and design of incredible advances in human technology.
The Solar War is a sweeping novel that continues well past its conclusion and Riddle is quick to address there is another Novella on the way.
In truth the last 10% of the book on Eos could have been the start of the third story splitting these two stories more evenly but as it is, the need for another book is self evident as there are too many unanswered questions.
The Solar War is a wonderful personal journey about the last days of mankind and their will survive and evolve past their own limitations.
For those who like a strong dose of existencialism
Review
'This is apocalyptic sci-fi at its best. Plot and character are masterfully woven together and the action - which is anything but frozen - sling-shots from stage to stage like an intergalactic spaceship' Daily Mail.
Product Description
Read the second book in The Long Winter trilogy--now a Wall Street Journal bestseller!
* * *
We thought the war was over.
We were wrong.
They decimated Earth during the Long Winter.
Now the grid has returned, and they won't stop until the human race is extinct.
On a ruined world, humanity's last survivors fight against impossible odds.
In their darkest hour, they discover a new hope for survival. But it comes at an unthinkable price, with consequences that will change everything.
* * *
After the Long Winter, Emma Matthews and James Sinclair hoped life would get back to normal. They've settled down in Camp Seven and welcomed their first child, a daughter. And they have waited and watched the sky for any signs of the grid's return.
When NASA discovers that several asteroids have broken from the Kuiper Belt and are headed for Earth, James instantly realizes the truth: the grid is back. And this battle will be one to the very end.
As he and his team prepare for humanity's last stand in space and on the ground, Emma makes a discovery closer to home, one that will change life for her and James once again.
With war raging around them, Emma and James fight to keep their family alive. In the cold darkness, humanity splinters. New alliances emerge. At every turn, Emma and James face new dangers--and question whom to trust.
Just when it seems that all hope is lost, James uncovers what may be the key to humanity's survival. But it comes with enormous risks. To implement his plan, he and Emma will have to survive the grid and another, even more deadly enemy. One thing is certain: their gambit will change the future of the human race forever.
Praise for A.G. Riddle
"...reads like a superior collaboration between Dan Brown and Michael Crichton."
-- The Guardian on Pandemic
"I finished the book fast because I just couldn't wait..."
-- WIRED GeekDad on Departure
"Riddle... keep(s) the focus on his characters... rather than the technological marvels"
-- Publisher's Weekly on Departure
"Well-constructed and tightly-wound as a fine Swiss watch--DEPARTURE has non-stop action, an engaging plot and, of course, wheels within wheels."
-- Diana Gabaldon, bestselling author of Outlander
* * *
We thought the war was over.
We were wrong.
They decimated Earth during the Long Winter.
Now the grid has returned, and they won't stop until the human race is extinct.
On a ruined world, humanity's last survivors fight against impossible odds.
In their darkest hour, they discover a new hope for survival. But it comes at an unthinkable price, with consequences that will change everything.
* * *
After the Long Winter, Emma Matthews and James Sinclair hoped life would get back to normal. They've settled down in Camp Seven and welcomed their first child, a daughter. And they have waited and watched the sky for any signs of the grid's return.
When NASA discovers that several asteroids have broken from the Kuiper Belt and are headed for Earth, James instantly realizes the truth: the grid is back. And this battle will be one to the very end.
As he and his team prepare for humanity's last stand in space and on the ground, Emma makes a discovery closer to home, one that will change life for her and James once again.
With war raging around them, Emma and James fight to keep their family alive. In the cold darkness, humanity splinters. New alliances emerge. At every turn, Emma and James face new dangers--and question whom to trust.
Just when it seems that all hope is lost, James uncovers what may be the key to humanity's survival. But it comes with enormous risks. To implement his plan, he and Emma will have to survive the grid and another, even more deadly enemy. One thing is certain: their gambit will change the future of the human race forever.
Praise for A.G. Riddle
"...reads like a superior collaboration between Dan Brown and Michael Crichton."
-- The Guardian on Pandemic
"I finished the book fast because I just couldn't wait..."
-- WIRED GeekDad on Departure
"Riddle... keep(s) the focus on his characters... rather than the technological marvels"
-- Publisher's Weekly on Departure
"Well-constructed and tightly-wound as a fine Swiss watch--DEPARTURE has non-stop action, an engaging plot and, of course, wheels within wheels."
-- Diana Gabaldon, bestselling author of Outlander
