Demon in White by Christopher Ruocchio
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

People said this book was better than the first two, and my first reaction was: so I have to wade through a lot before it gets good? Hmmm.

So, let me back up. My impression of the first was... not so great. It wasn't bad, I was seriously annoyed by the outright and obvious riffs to other IPs, to how it outright rode those IP coattails, and the ideas were all pretty common in good space operas. The whole thing was written to draw out a lot of words, like an epic fantasy, but house it in far future SF a-la W-40k and Dune. I even blew off reading the second for a long time until I kept hearing--yet again--that they all get great by book 3.

Fast forward to now.

So, the writing is better, the characters seem more fluid and the pacing is definitely MUCH better. And beyond that, the story gripped me--even getting me super thrilled by the half way mark. I want my mind challenged with creative options, after all, and the idea of where all this might be headed, at long last, got me pumped.

The action nearing the end, the epic battle, wasn't anything to sneeze at, either.

So, I guess I'll have to jump on the bandwagon, or even make a heretical digression, and say, "Hey, hardcore SF enthusiasts: if you don't want to mess around, just go ahead and read the third book. You won't be dissatisfied."

It's not like I need an epic SF that reads like an epic Fantasy. What I really want is an epic SF that reads like an EPIC SF. I don't need endless battles. I want EVERYTHING. Mystery, character development, massive amounts of worldbuilding in service to entertainment, and all the twists and turns that I could ever desire.

We're getting there now.

My synesthesia finally gave me a lightshow before, during, and after an outdoor concert after I was reading this. I'm thinking it's more like a Pink Floyd than anything else. All the softer, louder, and quirky moments included. And yes, this is high praise.


Personal note:
If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.

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