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drey72's review against another edition
4.0
Oh Norma. Not only does she know she never should have gone into the Demi-Monde, now she’s not sure she can get out. And to make matters worse, her “savior” seems to have developed an alternate personality — one that’s not really friendly, or very interested in saving Norma’s hide. So what’s a girl to do?
Save herself, that’s what. And if that means turning into a revolutionary, then Vive la révolution! Fitting, as she’s now in the Quartier Chaud, wondering what Aaliz Heydrich is doing with her life in the real world.
The Shadow Wars is as cheeky (and mayhap as offensive too) as The Demi-Monde, and sometimes even more so. We spend time with a few more characters, learn a little bit more of the politics, and find out that there’s nefarious purposes afoot — that’s planned, not the surprise that is Ella Thomas… I quite enjoyed it, and am looking forward to the next installment, to see where Norma goes with her new role, and (hopefully!) how it all shakes out.
drey’s rating: Excellent!
Save herself, that’s what. And if that means turning into a revolutionary, then Vive la révolution! Fitting, as she’s now in the Quartier Chaud, wondering what Aaliz Heydrich is doing with her life in the real world.
The Shadow Wars is as cheeky (and mayhap as offensive too) as The Demi-Monde, and sometimes even more so. We spend time with a few more characters, learn a little bit more of the politics, and find out that there’s nefarious purposes afoot — that’s planned, not the surprise that is Ella Thomas… I quite enjoyed it, and am looking forward to the next installment, to see where Norma goes with her new role, and (hopefully!) how it all shakes out.
drey’s rating: Excellent!
theartolater's review against another edition
4.0
I was a huge fan of the first book in this series, so I dove into the second one about as fast as I could. Fortunately, the idea and concept behind this series remains sound. Unfortunately, some missteps combined with a shift in focus for book two means this wasn't nearly as good as it could have been.
Following the success of the bad guys in the first book, the new goal is to consolidate power within the Demi-Monde. Since Ella has effectively decided she's a messianic figure within the simulation now, it's up to someone else to work things out a bit, and whether this will actually result in success in anyone's guess.
I don't mind the choices made in the narrative at all. It's all building to something that I hope ends up being pretty cool. The problem, unfortunately, is that the different focus takes us away from what we've come to like from the story and toward something different instead, and it means I felt a little less engaged as a result. For a book that really benefited from the tight focus, the wider lens didn't quite work for me. And I'm not a prude, but there was some definite gratuitous stuff at the end that just didn't work within the confines of the story that were really irritating and grating.
I will go in on book three, and I'm looking forward to it. But my enthusiasm for the story has been reduced a bit, and that's a problem. Here's hoping book three picks up a bit.
Following the success of the bad guys in the first book, the new goal is to consolidate power within the Demi-Monde. Since Ella has effectively decided she's a messianic figure within the simulation now, it's up to someone else to work things out a bit, and whether this will actually result in success in anyone's guess.
I don't mind the choices made in the narrative at all. It's all building to something that I hope ends up being pretty cool. The problem, unfortunately, is that the different focus takes us away from what we've come to like from the story and toward something different instead, and it means I felt a little less engaged as a result. For a book that really benefited from the tight focus, the wider lens didn't quite work for me. And I'm not a prude, but there was some definite gratuitous stuff at the end that just didn't work within the confines of the story that were really irritating and grating.
I will go in on book three, and I'm looking forward to it. But my enthusiasm for the story has been reduced a bit, and that's a problem. Here's hoping book three picks up a bit.
unabridgedchick's review against another edition
3.0
First, see my review of the first book in this series -- I semi-exhaustively (it felt) recapped the premise of this world.
This is the second book in Rees' four-book series exploring the virtual world of the Demi-Monde, a computer model filled with 30 million historical figures who are self-learning, free-thinking, and self-governing. Initially designed to train US military in aggressive warfare, the real reasons for the programs design comes clearer in this book, and there's an insidious religio-political plot to make Dan Brown jealous.
As with the first book, the world of Demi-Monde is the star and Rees' is unstinting in his time spent there, with the people, the places, the philosophies of the Demi-Monde (for good and for bad). However, if pressed, I'd say there was a smidgen less emphasis on the world as much of this novel's plot revolved around the real world / Demi-Monde divide (or lack thereof).
The story still has a fairly tight focus on characters, so despite the million side players who show up, I felt I understood what was going on. I had some of the same problems with this one as with the first one: when I'm not frustrated by the caricatures and stereotypical exaggerations, I'm caught up in the drama -- its like Les Mis meets any WWII resistance film with a dash of government conspiracy. Rees makes these disparate styles work in his world and it is a fun, escapist mish-mosh.
Still, Rees' exaggerated world and focus on Super Nazi Heydrich's Final Solution as a plot means lots of racism and sexism. But he's also set up one of his three female leads as the messiah, so, pretty amazing. I'm really torn!
I found Rees' writing very readable - quite cinematic, very action packed - but I really could go without the PoMo caps. (Given that the computer characters have independent thought - enough to form religions, philosophies, and scientific communities - one would imagine that linguistically, they'd drop the random caps esp since they love corrupting words, ie jouissance as JuiceSense, etc.) As with some of his characterizations, he's uneven.
Definitely not a standalone novel - start with the first book to get your feet solidly on the ground. I'm stunned there are to be two more books - clocking at more 400 pages each, rees has a huge canvas to paint his cyber-steampunk epic. I'm daunted at the idea of two more but I'll be getting the third book!
As I said in my review of the first book, fans of Tron or The Matrix will like this series as well as anyone who loves a dark dystopia. I think Rees is trying for the kind of punk fantasy saga of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy -- an examination of religion, philosophy, sex, identity, oppression -- so those who enjoy that kind of adventurous fiction should give this series a go!
This is the second book in Rees' four-book series exploring the virtual world of the Demi-Monde, a computer model filled with 30 million historical figures who are self-learning, free-thinking, and self-governing. Initially designed to train US military in aggressive warfare, the real reasons for the programs design comes clearer in this book, and there's an insidious religio-political plot to make Dan Brown jealous.
As with the first book, the world of Demi-Monde is the star and Rees' is unstinting in his time spent there, with the people, the places, the philosophies of the Demi-Monde (for good and for bad). However, if pressed, I'd say there was a smidgen less emphasis on the world as much of this novel's plot revolved around the real world / Demi-Monde divide (or lack thereof).
The story still has a fairly tight focus on characters, so despite the million side players who show up, I felt I understood what was going on. I had some of the same problems with this one as with the first one: when I'm not frustrated by the caricatures and stereotypical exaggerations, I'm caught up in the drama -- its like Les Mis meets any WWII resistance film with a dash of government conspiracy. Rees makes these disparate styles work in his world and it is a fun, escapist mish-mosh.
Still, Rees' exaggerated world and focus on Super Nazi Heydrich's Final Solution as a plot means lots of racism and sexism. But he's also set up one of his three female leads as the messiah, so, pretty amazing. I'm really torn!
I found Rees' writing very readable - quite cinematic, very action packed - but I really could go without the PoMo caps. (Given that the computer characters have independent thought - enough to form religions, philosophies, and scientific communities - one would imagine that linguistically, they'd drop the random caps esp since they love corrupting words, ie jouissance as JuiceSense, etc.) As with some of his characterizations, he's uneven.
Definitely not a standalone novel - start with the first book to get your feet solidly on the ground. I'm stunned there are to be two more books - clocking at more 400 pages each, rees has a huge canvas to paint his cyber-steampunk epic. I'm daunted at the idea of two more but I'll be getting the third book!
As I said in my review of the first book, fans of Tron or The Matrix will like this series as well as anyone who loves a dark dystopia. I think Rees is trying for the kind of punk fantasy saga of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy -- an examination of religion, philosophy, sex, identity, oppression -- so those who enjoy that kind of adventurous fiction should give this series a go!
raelovestoread's review against another edition
1.0
The first instalment of the Demi-Monde series was something of a guilty pleasure; I didn't think it was a masterpiece but I enjoyed the ride. I can't say the same for the second.
The plot has exploded out in so many directions that, even discounting the fact that it's a fantasy world, makes no sense. The story snowballs out in an unwieldy way and despite the steampunk elements, the introduction of vampires, the lore, the historical characters, the constant action and the twists and turns, the whole thing felt like a pointless slog.
Despite it's flaws I would still have given it a couple of stars had it not been for the downright offensive use of its women. I am all for a bit of racy nudity, a bit of sensuality but I couldn't go 5 minutes without one of the female characters getting their breasts out gratuitously. I tolerated this for a good while - the book being set in the lusty Quartier Chaud, known for its sexual freedoms - however, it didn't settle down.. I could barely go 50 pages without the words "nice tits, luv" popping up or one of the female characters showing a bit of nipple to further her plans.
By the time it got to the part where the leading lady - revolutionary leader of the peace campaign - was getting her bits out to further the cause I felt a bit nauseous. This book has all the subtlety and class of a Robin Thicke video.
So, it's a shame but I'm giving up on this series that has clearly lost it's way, plot wise and other wise. It was an interesting idea but sadly has tumbled off the rails.
The plot has exploded out in so many directions that, even discounting the fact that it's a fantasy world, makes no sense. The story snowballs out in an unwieldy way and despite the steampunk elements, the introduction of vampires, the lore, the historical characters, the constant action and the twists and turns, the whole thing felt like a pointless slog.
Despite it's flaws I would still have given it a couple of stars had it not been for the downright offensive use of its women. I am all for a bit of racy nudity, a bit of sensuality but I couldn't go 5 minutes without one of the female characters getting their breasts out gratuitously. I tolerated this for a good while - the book being set in the lusty Quartier Chaud, known for its sexual freedoms - however, it didn't settle down.. I could barely go 50 pages without the words "nice tits, luv" popping up or one of the female characters showing a bit of nipple to further her plans.
By the time it got to the part where the leading lady - revolutionary leader of the peace campaign - was getting her bits out to further the cause I felt a bit nauseous. This book has all the subtlety and class of a Robin Thicke video.
So, it's a shame but I'm giving up on this series that has clearly lost it's way, plot wise and other wise. It was an interesting idea but sadly has tumbled off the rails.
whatsheread's review against another edition
When readers last entered the Demi-Monde, the situation for our hapless victims/heroes looked bleak. Ella was too late to prevent Reinhard Heydrich from executing his master plan. Norma was still trapped, and for all their efforts, the ForthRight was still poised to take over yet another sector of the Demi-Monde. The Shadow Wars picks up at the exact spot where the first book ends, building on the suspense already established. Yet, readers expecting a rehashing of the previous story, with the use of the same format and plot structure will be pleasantly surprised as this second novel in Rod Rees’ Demi-Monde series does not rest on its laurels. What was once familiar is turned on its head as Norma and Ella’s roles within the Demi-Monde evolve, and the story twists down unforeseen paths. Every secret unveiled within the Demi-Monde adds a new twist and depth to the overall story which helps make this one of the more exciting science fiction/alternative reality series in recent years.
One of the best things about Mr. Rees’ Demi-Monde is the fact that it is so well-planned and executed. It is very apparent that he has given his virtual world much thought, and the proof is in the details. The descriptions are exacting, while his use of the familiar helps a reader understand this unfamiliar world. Interestingly, it is the twists added to the familiar landmarks, words, and phrases which help further flesh out the Demi-Monde and solidify the differences between Mr. Rees’ virtual world and our real one. For example, the “Awful Tower”, which plays such a pivotal role in this sequel, becomes much more ominous and therefore befitting the darkness of the Demi-Monde, than the Eiffel Tower, and yet the play-on-words allows readers to understand exactly what tower it is without much in the way of description. It is a creative and successful world-building tool that never loses its effectiveness.
In The Shadow Wars, the overarching story of the Demi-Monde takes some unusual twists that are questionable at the time. It is only upon reflection and with the use of hindsight where these unusual turn of events are not as surprising as they actually were and actually begin to make sense. For, the Demi-Monde storyline is not just a story about a futuristic alternative reality, it is a commentary on the blurred lines between good and evil. More importantly, it is a fantastic study on free will and the randomness, or the lack thereof, of chaos. It takes everything that is familiar in our current world and hypothesizes on potential changes under certain stressors and within certain environments. Nowhere is this better seen than in the Department of Future History and the study of Pre-science, both explained in detail in throughout the sequel. The plot twists, which are startling and suspicious at first glance, fit into this sociological experiment that is the Demi-Monde.
However, even while the series may make sociologists drool, the Demi-Monde series, and The Shadow Wars in particular, is first and foremost science fiction. There are plenty of fantastic elements to appease the most discerning of science fiction lovers, crossing over into many different sub-genres for wider audience appeal. The steampunk elements within the Demi-Monde are fascinating, while the futuristic scientific gadgets used outside of the virtual world are impressive and yet oh-so-scary thanks to their insidious intent. The addition of the prophecy with its Messiah figure, and the heavy use of auras throughout the novel, appeals towards those interested in more speculative, paranormal fiction. While in some novels the combined effect of these very different sub-genres could be disastrous, Mr. Rees uses them all to his advantage, using the tension created by such opposing ideas to fuel the suspense and drama of the main storyline.
One should be warned that The Shadow Wars does have an almost Dickensian element in regards to its cast of characters. For, the cast of characters is large and growing larger as the main characters delve further into the Demi-Monde’s various sectors. While it can be difficult to remember them all, a reader instinctively knows that each character will become important at some point within the series and is therefore worthy of scrutiny. Thankfully, Mr. Rees excels at creating memorable minor characters, with larger-than-life personalities and characteristics which not only help a reader keep everyone straight but also enhance the overall plot.
As a sequel, The Shadow Wars does not disappoint as it builds upon the rich and fully-developed world first experienced in Demi Monde: Winter. While it does suffer slightly because it sets the stage for the rest of the series, the action remains fast and furious, and the characters develop in surprising ways. Norma’s growth in particular is unanticipated, as she steps into a role vacated by Ella, also an unforeseen turn of events. With the two girls’ roles firmly established, it will be the actions and development of the minor characters - Vanka, Burlesque, and the like - which will be particularly interesting and important as the story continues to unfold. Unfortunately, thanks to the differences between the UK and US publishing dates, the wait for more adventures of the Demi-Monde promises to be long and anxious. Thankfully, the details and complexity of Mr. Rees’ world leaves a reader with plenty to ponder and anticipate during the long wait.
One of the best things about Mr. Rees’ Demi-Monde is the fact that it is so well-planned and executed. It is very apparent that he has given his virtual world much thought, and the proof is in the details. The descriptions are exacting, while his use of the familiar helps a reader understand this unfamiliar world. Interestingly, it is the twists added to the familiar landmarks, words, and phrases which help further flesh out the Demi-Monde and solidify the differences between Mr. Rees’ virtual world and our real one. For example, the “Awful Tower”, which plays such a pivotal role in this sequel, becomes much more ominous and therefore befitting the darkness of the Demi-Monde, than the Eiffel Tower, and yet the play-on-words allows readers to understand exactly what tower it is without much in the way of description. It is a creative and successful world-building tool that never loses its effectiveness.
In The Shadow Wars, the overarching story of the Demi-Monde takes some unusual twists that are questionable at the time. It is only upon reflection and with the use of hindsight where these unusual turn of events are not as surprising as they actually were and actually begin to make sense. For, the Demi-Monde storyline is not just a story about a futuristic alternative reality, it is a commentary on the blurred lines between good and evil. More importantly, it is a fantastic study on free will and the randomness, or the lack thereof, of chaos. It takes everything that is familiar in our current world and hypothesizes on potential changes under certain stressors and within certain environments. Nowhere is this better seen than in the Department of Future History and the study of Pre-science, both explained in detail in throughout the sequel. The plot twists, which are startling and suspicious at first glance, fit into this sociological experiment that is the Demi-Monde.
However, even while the series may make sociologists drool, the Demi-Monde series, and The Shadow Wars in particular, is first and foremost science fiction. There are plenty of fantastic elements to appease the most discerning of science fiction lovers, crossing over into many different sub-genres for wider audience appeal. The steampunk elements within the Demi-Monde are fascinating, while the futuristic scientific gadgets used outside of the virtual world are impressive and yet oh-so-scary thanks to their insidious intent. The addition of the prophecy with its Messiah figure, and the heavy use of auras throughout the novel, appeals towards those interested in more speculative, paranormal fiction. While in some novels the combined effect of these very different sub-genres could be disastrous, Mr. Rees uses them all to his advantage, using the tension created by such opposing ideas to fuel the suspense and drama of the main storyline.
One should be warned that The Shadow Wars does have an almost Dickensian element in regards to its cast of characters. For, the cast of characters is large and growing larger as the main characters delve further into the Demi-Monde’s various sectors. While it can be difficult to remember them all, a reader instinctively knows that each character will become important at some point within the series and is therefore worthy of scrutiny. Thankfully, Mr. Rees excels at creating memorable minor characters, with larger-than-life personalities and characteristics which not only help a reader keep everyone straight but also enhance the overall plot.
As a sequel, The Shadow Wars does not disappoint as it builds upon the rich and fully-developed world first experienced in Demi Monde: Winter. While it does suffer slightly because it sets the stage for the rest of the series, the action remains fast and furious, and the characters develop in surprising ways. Norma’s growth in particular is unanticipated, as she steps into a role vacated by Ella, also an unforeseen turn of events. With the two girls’ roles firmly established, it will be the actions and development of the minor characters - Vanka, Burlesque, and the like - which will be particularly interesting and important as the story continues to unfold. Unfortunately, thanks to the differences between the UK and US publishing dates, the wait for more adventures of the Demi-Monde promises to be long and anxious. Thankfully, the details and complexity of Mr. Rees’ world leaves a reader with plenty to ponder and anticipate during the long wait.
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