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wyrmbergmalcolm's review against another edition
5.0
The excellent follow-up to the fantastic West Of Eden takes place moments after the end of the previous book and takes the characters to new places to discover surprising new things. Vaintè's hatred seeks to corrupt all of Yilanè while Kerrick is still struggling with his own dual identity. Is there any hope for peace in this world of two sentient species?
Really engrossing, fully immersive and cleverly written. Also comes with a handy glossary of words.
Really engrossing, fully immersive and cleverly written. Also comes with a handy glossary of words.
cheriekg's review
4.0
This is the second in the Eden series, and I admit that I'm a bit embarrassed to be seen reading them. I think it has something to do with the pulpy covers, or maybe I feel ridiculous admitting that I'm reading a book about talking dinosaurs, but the truth is that these are solid science fiction in the classic "what if" tradition. What if the dinosaurs had not died off, but continued to evolve as the dominant species type in the form of a species named Yilane? What would that mean for humans?
I did not find this second book to be as strong as the first. Vainte, who is set up as the arch-nemesis, barely appears in the action. We usually learn about her activities in hindsight, which lowers the tension dramatically. Also, the greater role of the Daughters of Death, a Yilane movement that challenges the established authority, slowed the pace of the main plot fairly dramatically. I assume that this side tangent is setting up a major action in book three, but it did distract from this volume. Kerrick, the human raised by Yilane, is now feeling the weight of his role fully. I found his particular story arc to be well-handled, as he wrestles to balance the need to save the human settlements with his dislike of killing Yilane.
I do think this series is well worth reading for anyone who likes alternative-world scenarios. I will definitely be reading the third book, after I take a break with something a little more socially acceptable.
I did not find this second book to be as strong as the first. Vainte, who is set up as the arch-nemesis, barely appears in the action. We usually learn about her activities in hindsight, which lowers the tension dramatically. Also, the greater role of the Daughters of Death, a Yilane movement that challenges the established authority, slowed the pace of the main plot fairly dramatically. I assume that this side tangent is setting up a major action in book three, but it did distract from this volume. Kerrick, the human raised by Yilane, is now feeling the weight of his role fully. I found his particular story arc to be well-handled, as he wrestles to balance the need to save the human settlements with his dislike of killing Yilane.
I do think this series is well worth reading for anyone who likes alternative-world scenarios. I will definitely be reading the third book, after I take a break with something a little more socially acceptable.
jonbar94's review
4.0
It’s really cool except for the whole sexism thing :/
My favorite characters are the dinosaurs who go to South America to start a communist city.
My favorite characters are the dinosaurs who go to South America to start a communist city.
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