Well, the people here don't feel as poorly-written as in volume 1. There seems to be more variety in personality and beliefs.We see more of what the society on the train is like (puppet-head newscaster, virtual trips, etc.).And the ending is appropriately bleak, without being definitive.But maaaaaan, does this all still feel flat and pointless to read.(Note: Have not seen the movie. Judging this on its own merits.) I really got a kick out of the artwork in this one -- it's still recognizably the same artist, but it was fascinating to see how Rochette's style changed and grew in the intervening years. The design for the Explorers' suits is particularly great. The story's less focused than the original, but it's a fascinating take-off on Lob's concept, and a great companion to the first book. These were both definitely worth reading, but I'm a bit glad I got them from the library, since I'm not sure either volume is something I would revisit terribly often.
Horrible waste of my time trying to read this. No redeeming characters or anything. Blech.
—sri
very choppy narrative, but real peaks with action and characterization. Glad I read it.
—MSkyE
A later attempt to craft a sequel, or two, doesn't really work.
—decster101
I was more intrigued by this installment, but still... Meh.
—Nasim
Bleak, but powerful. Better than the first one.
—Maria
