Before you read Obsidio, make sure you check out the first two books in The Illuminae Files: Illuminae and Gemina.
The Mao is headed back to Kerenza. It’s their only option: they’re running out of fuel and resources, and they have to hope that the Kerenza IV colony hasn’t been completely wiped out. In their first stroke of luck since this entire disaster began, (some) of the colonists are alive. And they’re fighting back against their BeiTech occupiers.
We already know where the story is heading. From the beginning, it’s framed as Hanna running them through how they got home. It’s like skipping to the last page of the book. Does the middle matter anymore? Maybe, but it sure drags getting there.
AIDAN is, again, the most interesting character. What is worth a sacrifice? And what is a worthy sacrifice? Ella finds him incredibly alarming when he asks her if it’s worth killing 1,000 people to save 1,001? Your classic trolley problem on a bigger scale and in outer space. And real. What would you do?
The logistics of the Kerenza colony could use clarification. These people live in A) the middle of nowhere on B) an icy rock that cannot possibly actually sustain life. How? How do they eat? Even after the occupation? I find it difficult to believe that the army brought enough food for a 7-month occupation, and I find it difficult to believe there’s a 7-month store, even with massive casualties. Also, why are major corporations allowed to own and operate their own military forces? It feels like the UTA was begging for this to happen. It’s not adding up.
While I still found the stock character usage underwhelming, the “found family,” theme around this massive atrocity is working. Isaac Grant with Ella is the heartwarming highlight of the novel. Through this development, they were better able to help me connect with the characters in the series. For the first time, I what happened to them.
Regardless of my issues with character creation and development, I really enjoyed this series. Between the beautiful formatting and action-packed chapters, I was hooked. I found I had trouble putting the book down when it was time to go to bed (and the nightmare fuel did its job, even when I managed). If you’re looking for a new Sci-Fi Disaster/Thriller series, look no further than the Illuminae Files by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff.