The Killing of Worlds

I loved this page-turner of a sci-fi novel, which balanced military sci-fi with space opera. The fulcrum of the book, a romance between two people with very different characters, also really worked for me. I would have given it an even higher rating -- the highest -- if it had handled more adroitly the balancing of the two halves. So it's not a literary masterpiece. But there's no doubt about it, if you have tastes like mine, you'll think this one is a banger.

After reading the first book in this series, I wasn't sure about reading the second one, but I trusted Westerfeld and I have to say - I'm so glad that I read it!

I had gotten used to the style of writing in the first one, as this book follows the same model as the first one. I sank into the rapid perspective and times changes immediately. The action of the battle in deep space was rapid and I was constantly surprised by the twists and turns that the plot took. I would say that The Killing of Worlds was actually BETTER than the first one! I also love how Nara's character was so deeply involved in the politics back Home and that we finally got to see how her position in Senate worked AND hear the Emperor's secret! I think this book just show more simply embellished and deepened the world that I had been so intrigued by in the first novel, that I couldn't help but enjoy the ride!

My one disappointment was the ending - While Nara and Laurent's stories have certainly accomplished a great deal (and drastically surprised me) I wanted to see more of what would happen to the Empire after the truth had been revealed. That being said, I totally understand why Westerfeld didn't go into this - Nara says herself that the Empire is going to have drastic changes in the future. I only wish there was another book to read.

Although I was unsure on the first in this series, I am sold on this sequel! I would really recommend this book to any sci fi or fantasy lover! show less

Read my review of book 1, The Risen Empire

Summary: Following the Rix attack on on the homeworld of the Emperor's sister, a new threat has emerged. Alexander, the planet-sized compound mind seeded by the Rix, is in possession of the Emperor's greatest secret, and a Rix battleship with a communications array is moving to receive a message from the planet. Laurent Zai and the crew of the Imperial frigate Lynx must stop that transmission at any cost. For if they should fail, the Emperor is prepared to nuke the entire planet... because what are hundreds of millions of lives to protect the secret that holds the Empire together...

Review: I was about ready to give this series up after 50 pages of the first book, but I'm glad I stuck it out. I show more don't know whether Westerfeld front-loaded the technobabble world-building into The Risen Empire, and left most of it out of this one, or if I just got better at skimming over the tech-heavy parts (or probably some of both), but I enjoyed this book quite a bit more than the previous one. The entire first half of the book is consumed by the battle between the Lynx and the Rix battleship, and it kept me entirely involved - not only understanding the maneuverings and their outcomes, but caring how each step of the process turned out. The rest of the book was similarly interesting, ultimately building to an satisfying conclusion. Part of me wished that Westerfeld had taken some more time to explore the ramifications of the conclusion, to untangle more of the philosophical implications, and to show us what happened afterwards... but part of me also recognizes the power inherent in the subtle and understated way he chose to end things. 4 out of 5 stars.

Recommendation: I wasn't mistaken when I could sense a good, interesting story underneath the techno jargon of The Risen Empire; Westerfeld really allowed it to come to the fore in the second volume, which meant I enjoyed it more. Still, I think the series is probably best for those who like extremely tech-y "hard" sci-fi, and may be worth a gamble for "softer" sci-fi fans who are willing to branch out of their comfort zone... or at least willing to skim in parts. show less

As the sequel to [b:The Risen Empire|267022|The Risen Empire (Succession, Book 1)|Scott Westerfeld|http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Z6WN21H4L._SL75_.jpg|1641114], this book deals with the aftermath of the battles in the first, although there is one skirmish in space that stands out. In The Killing of Worlds, the emphasis is a little more on the political and personal side, which I loved. The last few scenes are particularly wonderful. Westerfeld reads a bit like Nancy Kress; he's really good at combining innovative yet realistic science with multi-faceted, interesting characters and believable societies. I was particularly impressed with the multitude of perspectives he brought to the story without ever losing his focus.

They did this book a disservice by splitting it into two volumes. Dry, often in love with its own ambition, of disjointed, but it weaves an amazing tale all the same. Could have used a stronger editor, though.

It took me a while to become engaged with the story. It is essentially a continuation of the first book in the series and, therefore, lacks the world creation that I enjoy so much. It jumps right into the action and pretty much stays there until the final third of the book. Death is real and a kiss could change the world. Fine, romantic space opera.

This book was a lot more engaging than the first (The Risen Empire). Normally I'm not a huge fan of battle scenes, but the one that opens Killing of World's is very engaging. Westerfeld uses just the right combination of action, suspense, tactics, and science. The emperor's secret (which is revealed in this book) was a little anticlimactic, but very clever.