Review: an interesting continuation
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 17, 2013
Resolution finds Rick and his friends (though mostly Rick) defending a mine and the slaves who work it from the ever-increasing number of undead. I think that fans of the TV show The Walking Dead would love this book. It's essentially a zombie story, though not touted as such.Like in the first book Rick tries very hard to maintain his ethical and moral certitude in the face of increasingly questionable circumstances. He is confronted with a Baron who both perpetrates incredible cruelties and surprising acts of caring. He is a grey character. He firmly believes himself to be doing right, while others (Rick among them) are disgusted by his harsh punishments and befuddled by his occasional heroism. Rick is also forced to examine the actions of his own culture/government, questioning his willingness to continue to support decisions that he finds morally reprehensible. Slavery is becoming more widespread and permanent; dying no longer frees one of the subservience to a master. Certain religions are being suppressed and outlawed and all the while the followers of the gods of darkness seem to being growing more prevalent if not powerful. Oh and they seem to have it out for Rick in particular.What I like about Rick is his introspection. He regularly examines his own thoughts and actions. Though not always pleased with what he finds, he isn't afraid to see himself for what he is. I did miss his friends though. In theory they were assigned to the camp with him, but they play a very small part in the book.There are a few unexplained aspects to the book. For example, apparently counting plays some part in the use of the Raingun's magic. I noticed this mentioned in the first book too, but there never is any real explanation of why it is necessary. Magic also has to be replenished, but I never firmly understood how or why. It's not that I can't simply suspend enough disbelief to just accept these facts. This is a book of fantasy after all. But so much of the world is so meticulously laid out those aspects that aren't stand out.Also like the first book this one ends with mystery still afoot, mostly those which involve Rick. There were more hints that there is more going on around him than he realises, but still no resolution. As I sit here deciding whether or not to race out and get book three I can't help but wonder how far into the series I'll have to go before I start to get those answers. I wouldn't really consider this too grievous an issue except that there aren't yet anymore than three books, so I would be left waiting. hmmm