Member Reviews
The adventure of Sofi and Miguel ends with a cliffhanger in the first book. And I wanted to scream a bit when it happened.
The theme that goes around the book, the human traffic , is more and more explored into this second novel. If you’re really sensible to this topic, I suggest you to do not read the book.
Also because one of the new POV is the one of Inola, Sofi and Shilo’s mother. It was difficult to read about this women, of her choices and how sad and bitter was her relationship with her so-not-much family. It was interesting to see someone so near the power, thinking of being right while actually hurting people. One thing that for me wasn’t deeply explored, anyway, was exactly this part.
Inola seems to feel regret, she lost things and regain some, but a further develop ends because of the series (only two books) and because or her path into the story. Not that I found it wrong, since I found it to be the best solution.
Talking about Sofi and Shilo, a thing that left a me bit perplexed, even if it didn’t bother me so much, was that Shilo is basically absent for the majority of the main plot.
The general story left a bit confused. I liked it, just to be clear, but I also had the feel that a lot of things could have ended far before the time if the Delonese took a good decision. A ruthless one, I know, but things were a bit dragged on. And it also left me with some questions, like: what really made the Delonese arrive at that point? How they reduced themself that way? And why? Like, I doubt that a group of people modify their genes and body until the reach of infertility.
A lot is focused on Sofi, the discovery of her past, her fighting a way inside the Delonese planet/ship… Really, one of the most interesting part is some sort of brain hacking, mixed with a good dose of sci-fi ideas. It’s a thing (the brain hacking) that I’ve recently studied, along all the technology trend that spread fastly in our era, including devices that should work along with our brain and it was great to read about it in a book, even with more large interpretations.
So, on the bright side, the whole tech concept captivated me. I really need to find more books related to this particular aspect.
During the whole novel it plays an important part, not also for Sofi’s ability but also because it’s the perfect reign of twist and surprises. Let me add that there was a touch of creepy too. Many scenes and the sensation transmitted by those disturbed quite a bit and I almost didn’t want to discover how some people had end up in a certain way.
Weber’s duology is quite pleasant and different from the few sci-fi novel I read, more focused onto a new type human-technology interaction and also humanitarian themes, even if the latter should have been further developed (it happened but still not enough) instead to giving space to mostly adventure and an emotional discourse.
If you didn't catch my my review of 'The Evaporation of Sofi Snow', the first book in this series then feel free to do that before continuing. I do need to throw in a trigger warning and disclaimer here. While not necessarily overt this book deals heavily with the idea of human trafficking. Not just for sexual exploit but for a myriad of reasons. It also takes on the ideal that sometimes you have to sacrifice a few for the greater good of the many. Where is that line? How many is too many? What is truly the greater good? Those are questions that came up for me and I'm sure you'll have your own.
I have to admit, I didn't love this book as much as the first one. I had the same issues with the dated curse replacements. I also got lost in the inner-workings of the techie world. But there were two bigger things. Onamonapia. Tick. Tick. Tick. It set a stage for urgency and that time was slipping away the first few times I read it. By about the tenth I was over it. There were a few other's that showed up randomly as one-offs but they started to get grating as the book went on. And by went on I mean the middle two-thirds dragged. I got so bogged down in all the tech talk and the trying to figure everything out that I lost the greater story. I was so bogged down in the backstory that I lost the real story. I couldn't wait to finish if for no other reason than to find the story again.
In the end I still enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the interplay between Miguel and Sofi. I enjoyed the connection between Sofi and Shilo. I respected the interplay between politics and personal conviction. At the end of the day we are all accountable for what we know about and allow to happen. Whether that be letting children be taken by an alien race to try and reboot their own species or turning a blind eye to the abuses others suffer in our communities. We are accountable for our own reactions and how we step up but we are also accountable to our responses to others as well. Especially people in power positions. This book did lose me in the translation but it caught me up in the bigger picture. For that reason alone I recommend this book.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
Even better than the first! Sofi is desperate to save her brother, Shilo. The characters the grew on my in the first book are back, and ready for more! I was hooked from the first page, and enjoyed the ride!
Reclaiming Shilo Snow throws Sofi into a thrilling race to save the ones she loves and to rethink what she’s capable of.
In this fast-paced, duology wrap up to Mary Weber’s science fiction series, we follow Sofi Snow on a quest to rescue her brother. Left behind on the planet/space craft Delon, Sofi discovers the fascinating truth behind the Delonese and works to actively oppose them.
On Earth, Sofia’s mother is faced with a hard choice that will not only affect Earths inhabitants but also the lives of her children.
I really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced and answered a lot of questions the first book had left me with (of course, since it was the end of the duology). I thought the interspersing of her mother’s point of view was really well done and added a layer to the story that brought a lot of things to light.
I feel like this duology will appeal to those who enjoy fast paced plots with light elements of science fiction. It wasn’t so strong of a theme that it would be a requirement to like hard core sci-fi to enjoy this series. Mary’s heart for the innocent and children is visible in this book in a beautiful, powerful way. I think she has a message to share that we need to listen to.
Now that both books are out, there’s nothing holding you back! Definitely, check out this series!
This is the sequel to The Evaporation of Sofi Snow and I don't know much about the first book as I missed it but this one is awesome! Action packed and suspenseful, it will keep you on the the edge of your seat and up way past your bedtime, it is that good and exciting, this is a great book for gamers and computer type buffs, or anyone who enjoys the futuristic type dystopian books.
"My friends, we have become so busy taking care of people that we've too often forgotten to care about them."
I'm not one to cry when reading. I can get *all the feels* but I don't shed actual tears. I almost did with this book. Several times. My inner self was frequently misty-eyed.
Reclaiming Shilo Snow is the conclusion to the Sofi Snow duology, and it's the best book Mary Weber's written yet.
I love the characters and the perspectives she lets us see. I love the truths she shows and tells. I love her heart.
The duology is completed now, so you can binge read it straight through! Go, go, go!
<3
The voice inside her head isn't going away. It sounds so much like Shilo's voice, but how can that be? What is going on? As she fights to stay hidden, Sofi struggles to determine what is reality and what is an illusion. Why does everything seem so fuzzy? Trapped on Delon, Sofi is determined to find and free her brother, but the voice in her head is just plain weird and the returning memories that plague and cripple her are not helping. After she and Miguel are separated, she struggles to remain free on a planet where everyone is looking for her.
On earth, Inola Snow, mother to Sofi and Shilo, is shocked to find out the far-reaching and disastrous consequences of her actions. Her partnership with the Delonese started with the best of intentions, but both she and the Delonese have gone too far. Inola, shocked and willing to own up to her actions, is determined to set things right. However, others would like to silence her by taking her power or taking her life - whichever would protect them and their interests best. She did start out with good motivations and a good heart, but not everything turned out like she expected. Inola races to make things right before someone is able to stop her.
Trapped on Delon and separated from Sofi, Miguel, an ambassador with heart and courage, is facing his most difficult diplomatic task. Can he talk his way out of this mess? Plagued by his own questions and struggles to define reality and truth, nothing makes sense... at least not at first.
Reclaiming Shilo Snow picks up where the previous novel, The Evaporation of Sofi Snow, left off. Readers are again drawn into the world of FantasyFan Fights and the 30 Corporations that comprise the world government. Sofi and a few friends had tracked Shilo to Delon; on Delon, Sofi begins to remember what happened to her there as a child. I was anxiously awaiting this book, and it did not disappoint. I couldn't have dreamed up the technology and the conclusion of Sofi and Shilo's story, and although there was a weird twist that was a little unbelievable, at the same time it totally made sense and was convincing. Beyond the amazing technology and the teamwork of these amazing characters, this story is one about doing what is right - even when it hurts you. It's about standing up for what is right and good even when that isn't popular or convenient. Inola Snow, Miguel, Sofi, and their friends all fight for right in their own unique ways. Reclaiming Shilo Snow is also a story about finding family and friends - oft times in places where you wouldn't expect it. It's about finding people who will back you up and fight for you when no else will - those who are willing to stand beside you no matter what. It is a reminder of what is good and right and true and what is worth fighting for. That is a story worth reading. I highly recommend this novel!
Haven't read the first book? Don't worry - this very nearly could work as a stand-alone. There's not as much world building here (possibly it's in the first book), and the characters are pretty static but it's the action that is important. Who exactly are the Delonese? What is happening on their moon-spaceship? Can Sofi rescue (or reclaim) her brother Shilo? And what about those Corp CEOs? Not all of them will be answered, but that's ok. And no, apparently there won't be a third book answering those questions.
My biggest quibble is that as an adult, the idea of aliens coming to help save the people of Earth usually leads me to think of the Twilight Zone episode "To Serve Man", among other "don't trust their motives" episodes and movies and books. (Note: that's not a spoiler, because this is covered in Book One, continuing in Book Two.) Doing something different would have been nice.
ARC provided by publisher.
The perfect book for those that are into the gaming world including what it could turn into in the future. A little darker than the first but oh so good!
Seventeen-year-old Sofi Snow is one of the world’s greatest hackers alive. She has left our world to go to the alien planet Delon to find her brother Shilo who everyone believes is dead. She knows that isn’t true, she can feel it. With the help of Ambassador Miguel, they seek out the truth in finding her brother and also letting the people of Earth in on the secrets about the alien planet and what intentions it has for Earth. However, this isn’t the first time she has been with the Delonese. When she was younger, she and her brother were taken by them, but she has no memory of this time. As the second installment in the Sofi Snow series, readers will see what is next for this brother and sister and how it will impact all of Earth and beyond.
Not all books in a series have to be read in order but this one most definitely does. If you haven’t read The Evaporation of Sofi Snow or don’t remember the story very well it will be difficult to connect to this one. With that being said, if you have read it, get ready to pick up where it left off and see how the rest of the story unfolds. The characters continue their journey and we seem them grow closer to each other as the story unfolds. There is sacrifice and betrayal and all the things that make a good story great. I loved how Weber continued with the multiple viewpoints to give readers a deeper sense of what was happening in the story instead of sticking with one POV and having to figure some of it out without really seeing it unfold. There were times in the story that I felt confused and thought I needed to go back to clear something up but within a few pages it all seemed to work itself out for me. Readers that love YA/Dystopian novels and have a passion for gaming will not want to miss this one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
Filled with tension-filled suspense and drama, Reclaiming Shilo Snow draws the reader into a believable future world where details of one’s life are documented and available to . Told in alternating first-person points of view (Sofi, Miguel, and Inola), Reclaiming Shilo Snow picks up where The Evaporation of Sofi Snow ended but with a darker tone as Weber continues the themes of alien invasions, interplanetary politics, and human trafficking in this sequel.
I have been waiting for this book ever since the moment I read the end of The Evaporation of Sofi Snow. I was pretty hyped up about it, needing to know what happened after that huge cliff hanger. This book met and exceeded my expectations! It was fun, full of adventure, and wonderfully written. Although this is considered YA, I think adults will enjoy it just as much. In fact, perhaps you want to read it with your young adult so you can discuss it with them as you read!
Like I mentioned in my review of The Evaporation of Sofi Snow, the book looks a little intimidating when you read the cover. I promise you, it is not difficult to read or understand, and instead quite enjoyable. Sofi learns and grows a lot in this installment, and I found it easier to connect with her than the first book. You see her struggles more, but even more importantly the way she deals with everything life throws at her. It is a great testament to all of us growing in our faith, and dealing with life’s difficulties.
I encourage you to pick up this book and give it a try, but make sure you read Book One first. Trust me, once you reach the end you’ll want to jump right into this one! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
After reading the Evaporation of Sofi Snow, I was dying to know what happened. I was hurting to find completion in this story. And then I started reading Reclaiming Shilo Snow and I found that I just didn't care anymore. I was bored by the reviewing of the previous book. I was a little lost as to what exactly was happening. (It was only a couple of weeks between my reading of these books, so it's not like I forgot over time.) I really lost interest in the characters and they did not redeem themselves. This one just did not live up to the amazing cliffhanger and the first book.
From the very first of this series, I was hooked. Aliens, world takeover, and the truth of that nothing is what it seems are the main themes that dominate this sequel. Told by three of the main characters, the switch between point of views is seamless and flows well.
A bit romance, a bit sci-fi, Reclaiming Shilo Snow concludes a pair of books that make me want to return again. (I actually read the first again once I finished). These will be added to my own collection. I loved reading these!!
Reclaiming Shilo Snow is the conclusion to the story that started in The Evaporation of Sofi Snow. Weber's style and talent do not fail as the book continues where Sofi Snow concluded. The book is broken up in chapters with the alternating point of view from Inola, Miguel, and Sofi.
The story continues with Miguel and Sofi being trapped on the ice planet of Deleon with Sofi determined to find her brother. During her search Sofi begins to realize that things aren't quite like they seem on Deleon and that she and her brother are far from ordinary.
Meanwhile back on Earth, Deleons finest are in plans to destroy and end key players on Earth, one of them being Sofi and Shilo's mom, Inola.
Now not only is Sofi determined to find her brother, save her home planet, destroy Deleon, but also now save her mother.
Without giving much away I can honestly say Shilo Snow was a fast paced and engaging read. The story has an even mesh of love and loss. However, the strongest point that stands out is that even in the most difficult times humanity can rise up and overcome. Even despite humanity's flaws Weber shows the readers that when it matters a world can unite and come together to survive. This isn't just a message of unity but one of hope.
The story has the hidden reference to human trafficking much like the Storm Siren series encouraged girls to have self confidence and self love. Regardless of the story Weber's message will always ring true. Overlook the ugliness of moments in time and love yourself and others
Reclaiming Shilo Snow
Evaporation of Sofi Snow #2
By Mary Weber
The memories of that day came back - they day her world changed. The day her father died. The day her mother didn't come for them. The day they took them to the planet of Delon.
Returning to Delon in search of her brother Shilo has reawakened the memories that threaten to undo Sofi. But with the unexpected help of Ambassador Miguel, she has made it this far. And if she can use her skills to access the Delonese system she just may make it out alive. There's just one problem she has to stay ahead of the Delonese long enough to find the brother they have stolen from her.
But returning to Earth could be a death sentence as Sofi has been labeled a terrorist by the very people who staged the attack that allowed Shilo to be taken. But Earth might be the only place that Sofi and Miguel can hope to stop the Delonese and their secret designs on Earth.
So begins a game that will test Sofi on every level as she battles against her awakening memories, the Delonese, and the code. As the lines between reality and virtuality begin to merge Sofi will have to depend upon the skills that advanced her through the levels of the FanFights.
Meanwhile on Earth Inola Snow is in a fight of her own - with her children gone and on the Delon planet she is determined to get them back. But her secret dealings with Delone could be a potential liability, destroying all she's worked for. And it could make her a potential target to those who view Delon and her inhabitants as a threat to both humanity and Earth.
War could soon be upon their doorstep and the clock is tick tick tick ticking down. Are the Delonese their salvation or their destruction? The answer lies within Sofi if she can only find it in time.
If you have not read the first book The Evaporation of Sofi Snow don't pick up this book until you do. The vast majority of both books takes place over a couple of days - so reading this book first will totally confuse you - it would be equivalent to picking up a book and starting in the middle. This two books together are the complete and total story. And what a story it is! Betrayal, devotion, the bond of family, a world in peril - fans of fantasy and sci-fi will love this series that is for the YA teen and up reader.
I was provided an Advanced Reader's Copy (uncorrected proof) of this book by the publisher through JustRead Publicity Tours with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I really enjoyed this book so much! I don’t read a lot of Sci-Fi of any kind so I’ve made a point to really get into it more. I’m so glad that I took the opportunity to sign up for Evaporation of Sofi Snow because I really enjoy this duology! Book two was just as good as the first one and it was even better getting to learn more about the alien species that’s been inhabiting parts of Earth for the 11 years since their arrival.
Sofi is such a fun character. She doesn’t let anyone get in the way of what she wants and that is to find her brother. Throughout this book we learn more about her childhood through flashback memories that seem to happen at seemingly random times. She finds herself trying to navigate this alien planet and learns that there may not be a coincidence when it comes to her knowledge of the Delon technology, especially when she realizes she’s been there before. In this book Sofi finds herself, her strength, her abilities, and even comes to accept that her past does not determine her future. She overcomes the heartaches she faced when she was younger and sees that maybe her mother isn’t as cold and distant as she believed her to be.
Miguel is also faced with many challenges in this book. He’s trying to be there for Sofi in a way that he couldn’t be when it counted and their relationship grows because of it. He is also an advocate for the children who have been taken over the previous 18 months and fights hard to help Sofi not only find Shilo but also the missing children. His goal is to expose the Delon for their trafficking of these kids and the reasons behind why they are doing it. He is such a strong and stable character which helps bring balance to the characters in these books!
Inola! We get a third POV in this book and that is from Sofi and Shilo’s mom CEO Inola Snow. This is where we really get to see the politics behind the negotiations between the Delonese and humans. She is forced to play a dangerous game in order to keep her children alive but also keeping her role in the deal she made with the Delonese in regards to child testing. We also get to see her struggle between having given up so much, including her relationship with her children, to build a society between the Delonese and humans. Her selfish motivations that took place 11 years prior are catching up to her and all she’s left with is the possibility that it’s too late to rebuild the relationship with her children that has always been in the back of her mind. Is she too late to save them and all the others?
I really enjoyed the different areas that were explored in this book. It did get confusing at times but in the end everything came together. I’d definitely recommend this book to YA Sci-Fi lovers!
Of course, the snag with being swept away by a gorgeous cover is that I tend to crash midway into a series. Sometimes I get away with it and other times, because the action seamlessly continues from one book to the other, I flounder. This second book in the series falls into the latter category and it took me a while to work out who was doing what to whom. Once I sorted that out, however, I became invested in the characters and caught up in the very difficult situation facing humanity.
Sofi and Miguel are appealing protagonists and while romance isn’t generally my go-two genre, Weber writes this relationship with lyricism and conviction that swept me along. The Delonese aliens are suitably imperturbable and smugly superior with their intimidating technical superiority and the character I most empathised with was poor Inola, who is trying to hold this political situation together. The action was gripping throughout and there were a couple of deaths that winded me with their unexpectedness, while keeping me on my toes.
Any quibbles? While the climactic action scene was engrossing and convincing, the aftermath did seem to wrap things up just a tad too tidily. But this is really a very minor issue, and certainly didn’t stop me from thoroughly enjoying this one – though my firm advice would be to go and track down the first book in this duology, The Evaporation of Sofi Snow, before tucking into this one. While I obtained an arc of Reclaiming Shilo Snow from Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
8/10
For those of you who took my advice and read book one in this series, The Evaporation of Sofi Snow, you know it ended in one of those awful cliffhangers that made me want to scream, “WWWHHHHHYYYYYY????” Well, thankfully the wait is finally over, since Reclaiming Shilo Snow is set to be released in just a few days. And trust me, it was worth the wait.
While it took me a while to change gears from Weber’s Storm Siren world to her Sofi Snow world in the first book, I did not have that issue at all in Shilo Snow. The action picks up right where she left us hanging, and it does not quit until the end.
And she continues to peel back even more layers on Sofi and Miguel to reveal deeply scarred, yet dramatically beautiful characters that you can’t help but cheer for.
Weber did leave the ending a bit open, so I’m not sure if this is the last of the series or if she plans to continue the Snows’ adventures in this dystopian world or not. Either way, thank you Mary Weber for giving your readers some resolution and helping to ease the heartache you left us with last year. (Although, **minor spoiler alert** she did leave me with different heartache at the climax of the story!)
Thrilling, poignant, creative, fascinating…I definitely recommend you read Mary Weber’s Reclaiming Shilo Snow (and The Eveaporation of Sofi Snow, if you haven’t experienced it yet.)
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the digital copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my very own! 🙂
This was a fun conclusion to the Evaporation of Sofi Snow duology. Once I dived back into this world the details of the first book started coming back to me and I didnt feek like I was missing anything important. In the first book we follow Sofi an awesome hacker and gamer as she tries to get her brother back from the aliens who abducted him after the bombing at the worlds biggest sporting event where teens fight it out in a virtual reality game.
I liked the main characters and their romance more in this book. I was already familiar with them and they had both developped in wonderful ways since the first novel. Sofi and Miguel had distinct voices and personalities that made it easy to tell them apart. They complimented each other perfectly. Miguel was persuasive and could read others well while Sofi was compassionate and a genius with technology. I also liked how their feelings for each other didnt overpower the story.
I enjoyed the familial relationship and the sibling bond, especially since I found myself relating to it. I didnt get to see as much of Shilo as I was hoping, but the parts with him in it were great. Im happy we got their mothers perspective. It helped me understand her better and I really enjoyed her character arc. I also loved the side characters and would have enjoyed seeing more of them. Claudius was stylish and hilarious as always and the AI Vic was her snarky and flirtatious self.
My main issue with this book was probably the writing. It didnt flow very well and some of it felt a little clunky, but Ive seen other people say the like the writing so maybe its just me. I thought the world was interesting and had it been written differently it would have been more immersive. The virtual reality games element could have been more exciting to read about, like Ive seen done in other books. The plot was fascinating with all the action and intensity, but the writing definitely took away from it.
The mystery behind the alien experiments and their intentions gave the story a suspenseful atmosphere that kept me turning the pages, but I thought the ending dragged a little bit. I feel like it could have been wrapped up quicker or left more open ended. I even started skimming the last couple pages. Not to mention how the aliens could always come back in 100 years when Sofi and Shilo are dead to take their revenge. Overall this was a entertaining story with great characters. It was really close to a 4 Stars for me so I did really enjoy myself.