#chasing earth

This book picks up right where the first one left off. The good news is that we get more of Aderus and Tori’s relationship. The downside is that I can’t remember anything particularly noteworthy to mention beyond that, the hybrid ships, and what happens to Tori. The story is shorter, and Tori was sidelined for most of it. She was quarantined in her room because of the “virus,” which turned out to be Henry, and it ultimately wasn’t as big of a deal as I expected.

Tori doesn’t really do much during this time. She’s supposed to be both a doctor and an ambassador, but neither role amounts to much here. I honestly thought she’d be researching, running her own tests, or even comparing notes with others. If not that, maybe getting more involved as an ambassador by using what she learned from Aderus to create a more accommodating environment for the Askari—but none of that really happens either.

Ambassador Wells, despite being painted in a negative light, actually seems to be doing his job. He may not be trusted with vital Askari information, but he does his best with what little he’s given. It’s a missed opportunity for Tori, because if she had shared what she learned—for example, surface-level information about the Askari, such as their dislike of being touched, the need for personal space, or dietary habits—it could have added more depth to both the story and her character. Instead, it highlights how the character framed as unlikable ends up being more effective than the one we’re supposed to root for.

Point is, I was a bit disappointed. I read the author’s note and understand that the publisher wanted to split it, but the result is a book that’s shorter and feels weaker. It wouldn’t have been as bad if there had been more… not fluff, but more fleshing out. There was plenty of space to include additional scenes that expanded the plot and added depth to the setting and characters.