K. B. Wagers

Gunrunner empress Hail Bristol must navigate alien politics and deadly plots to prevent an interspecies war, in this second novel in the Farian War space opera trilogy. In a surprise attack that killed many of her dearest subjects, Hail Bristol, empress of Indrana, has been captured by the Shen -- the most ruthless and fearsome aliens humanity has ever encountered. As she plots her escape, the centuries-long war between her captors and the Farians, their mortal enemies and Indrana's oldest allies, finally comes to a head. When her captors reveal a shocking vision of the future, Hail must make the unexpectedly difficult decision she's been avoiding: whether to back the Shen or the Farians. Staying neutral is no longer an option. Will Hail fight? Or will she fall?

Down Among The Dead

Sheila

3.5 stars rounded up to 4 because I'm biased & I love Hailimi

I've been hyped for this book all year, and I'm glad I got to finish 2019 with it! That said, this book is rough af. The author includes a warning at the front so do take heed as this book deals with self-harm, torture, suicidal ideation and PTSD. 

The first 50% of this book is easily some of the hardest reading. The aftermath of There Before the Chaos has left Hail and 3 friends in the hands of the Shen, and things get real dark real quick. Hail descends into a spiral of survivor's guilt and severe depression that is very difficult to handle. It honestly took me a solid week to read through it because it was a Lot. There were times I was questioning why Wagers was doing this to Hail, what possible reason there could be to put Hail through this, and even from the other side I still feel a bit that way. I don't want to take away from what in all circumstances would be a harrowing experience for Hail and friends, but I think the length of the ordeal was overwhelming even for me.

The second half is reaching the light at the end of the tunnel and things get better for Hail and everyone else involved. My biggest beef with this book is (view spoiler)[the HailxMia relationship as it makes me wildly uncomfortable given what had happened in the first half and Mia's involvement. The book does make an effort to emphasize that Mia is not a replacement for Portis (Hail's dead bf) and her feelings for Mia aren't the same as they were for Portis, but in the scope of trauma and abusive relationships I just... would have preferred this had not happened at all (hide spoiler)].

The big reveal at the end was telegraphed from about the 60% mark so it wasn't a surprise to me, but the event itself is pretty exciting so I am definitely dedicated to reading the finale! It will (hopefully) go back to more butt-kicking Hail and friends, and possibly an expanded universe?? EXCITE.

Down Among The Dead

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