"The Dying Light" picked up right where "The Prodigal Sun" left off with the same gusto and the air of mystery and suspense. The 2nd book in the "Evergence" Trilogy by Sean Williams and Shane Dix continues to expand the futuristic universe as the consequences continue to grow larger and the mystery deeper. Following the trail of the generically enhanced warrior the plot flows smoothly onwards getting straight into the action. While the first book feel like a action thriller movie, the 2nd book feels like an investigative, mystery and action movie as the party try and uncover the events that took place in the Palasian system - a solar system mush like our own. The team led by Morgan Roach - the protagonist - encounters experimental technology as they explore new worlds, meet different species and castes and ultimately stumble onto a plot with implications that is truly of a galactic scale. Much like the 1st book, The Dying Light does not shy away from hard theoretical science and space themes. In fact it is this point that drew me into the book. One idea in particular is the concept of "open ended" hyperspace where one does not exist in "normal" space but is very much still physically present. The Dying Light is action packed, featuring many exciting scenes ranging from melee fighting sequences to large space battles. Coupled with the plot creating an aura that is similar to a crime-scene investigation, the book continues to throw the reader off centre with twists and surprises when least expected. In addition to the amazing theories and intriguing history, I was impressed with the descriptions of the planets and environments in the book - just enough to spark an image in your mind and provoke wonder without getting in the way of the action and the fast paced story. Again, similar to the first book, it is written in the perspective of two different characters - changing at key points of the story, where eventually they both collide at the climax. Only this time, the story appears slightly more abstract and took a lot more thought to grasp. The readers are introduced to several new characters while all the favourite central characters from the first book return. Unfortunately, not all of them take the front stage and some are left in the background. One of the new central characters include a person from Morgan's past. While this turn of event certainly brings about an extra layer of complexity and emotion to the book, the character himself does not radiate or incite enough interest. Indeed, I was mostly disappointed with the new characters and yearned for some of the old ones to come back and take centre stage. Overall this is a exciting sequel that continues to excite readers with mystery, a few very much unexpected twists and plenty of action. If you enjoyed "The Prodigal Sun", you'll certainly love this book. Again, I cannot wait to get stuck into the 3rd book in the series - "A Dark Imbalance".
