I was very much looking forward to reading this just as the sequel to Seeds ... but oh, my word. it started out as I expected, but then took a dramatic and utterly fantastic turn for the better. Kath drunk was splendid writing, I giggled to myself for pages. There's a totally creepy hotel experience the morning after, which was electrifying, And then the whole novel sort of shifts into this absolutely unputdownable saga of action-packed dramatic tension. Honestly, I could see things working as a mega-budget TV series: the livestreamed presidential briefing. Nolan's briefing to the rangers. The helicopter from the roof. the dive shop. the firebombing. The lawnmower and the basketball hoop. flashes of scenes and action shots which would make utterly compelling television. Why aren't Netflix at Peter's door, I ask myself? Hell, I'm absolutely 100% blind, yet I have just read the best few hours of TV you've never seen. Seriously thrilling stuff.

I love the Humanity, Jorge and Veronica are beautiful. Andy was great. Winters and her whole squad kick ass, and yet again, Kath and Nolan do good things. Peter's also not shy about reality, his afterword comments on mis- and disinformation are insightful and, quite honestly, scarier than the aliens.

SO, if you're a hard sci-fi fan, you'll enjoy the science. If you enjoy action? This one also has you covered. The first book in this series felt quite cerebral and thoughtful, and I like that. But although that was present in this novel too, I enjoyed the latter half with as much popcorn and chips as brain food.