Reviews

I was recently disappointed by the third book of a trilogy [b:Noumenon Ultra|48929862|Noumenon Ultra (Noumenon #3)|Marina J. Lostetter|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1580195856l/48929862._SY75_.jpg|74331695]. Reading the first half of this book I was afraid that I was going to be let down again. The arc of some of the peripheral characters from the second book awkwardly continued the plot. A new major character comes out of nowhere. Human civilization is being destroyed, seemingly inevitably, by the White Fleet. But Powell really pulled it out in the end. He links the story back to its beginning with the House of Reclamation, with a masterful twist. The sentient ship Trouble Dog and their captain Sal Konstanz continue their personal development, and relationship in a logical and very satisfying way. The problem of the White Fleet is resolved as well with an unexpected twist. As I mentioned in previous review of this series Nod, of the alien engineer in Trouble Dog, is one of the best characters every. Their POV chapters are succinct meaningful observations of life. As Nod says "Philosophy is just engineering by another name". And we get to learn more about Nod's Druff species' history and civilization, which is fascinating and turns out to play a major role in the resolution of the plot. Overall a wonderful ending to this tale. And the suggestion of what happens next doesn't at all feel like Powell's working on a sequel. It's just a recognitions that the surviving characters' live will go on after the book ends.
Highly recommended.

tensy's review against another edition

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4.0

A fitting end to the Embers of War trilogy. Meandering in parts but this last chapter brings all the pack together, along with a new pivotal young woman, Cordelia Pa, to fight the metal dragons coming out of the Intrusion. Winner for the most creative alien characters have to be the Druff, and particularly, the philosophical Nod.

cakefrog's review

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3.0

I liked the first two books a lot and was certain that the conclusion would be as great. It turned out to be different.
This book made me feel the author lost the sense of proportions. Too many times he repeats the things we know already about the characters and thier motivations. Some of the heroes of the book turned out to be fine and believable, but then some others, both new and old went over the limit of what you could assume. Thier actions/thinking getting into maximalist/extremes or bit of stereotypes.
Also a lot of interesting and intriguing details and openings of the previous books are developed and not all the developments/explanations worked with me. At some point I had a thought: "too much, just too much crazy stuff too assume. I am done here

sooflo's review

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adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

grid's review

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4.0

There were a lot of character motivations I just couldn’t get behind in this novel. On the other hand, I really appreciated the treatment of grief, and so many other aspects of this that were just really fun. Definitely worth reading.

frithnanth's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

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