This one is a little harder for me to review. I read Rise of the Red Hand sometime last year and the formatting and language in that one was kind of hard to get a good grasp on but once I did everything felt so explosive and fast paced. The writing is the same in this sequel but I felt like it slogged a lot due to the fact that most of it was centralized around the events that had already happened. I just felt like it kept going around in circles in the first half so when we got to the actual action it wasn't as exciting or rewarding. This has lots of espionage and mystery in it to keep me going but I felt like every good thing I liked in the first book just wasn't there. Still a good book just I found it dissapointing compared to the first book. Still recommend to cyberpunk readers and ones who love scifi.

The second book in the two book The Mechanists series
Previous Review of <a href=https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3657830380>Rise of the Read Hand</a>

This is the second and final book of the series, and as the author notes in the acknowledgements, this is a different beast. Where the first book was a bit choppy and hard to really connect with, this one was much better with the two (2) main PoVs for Ashiva and her sister Taru … members of the rebel/terrorist group known as the Red Hand. Frankly, this book could be read by itself, but you would miss some of the unique world building that sets it apart … and it has a lot to say about human predation and environmental degradation that didn’t come through as much in the first book. We get a little more detail on the cybernetic “replacements” that seem to provide a vague “Alita Battle Angel” with just enough of a difference to avoid being derivative. Of course, you still have the ubiquitous network that is being subverted by the authorities, along with giant battle mechs and “synthetic” androids … all under the control of a growing artificial intelligence that all treads familiar ground, but again does so with enough nuance t keep it fresh and interesting. In fact, part of that familiarity helps to build up the suspense that make the final resolution at the end so satisfying (with the last chapter providing an epilogue of sorts). Finally, after a slow start, the action in the second half picks up nicely, making it a fairly quick read for me.

I was given this free advance reader copy (ARC) ebook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

#FallOfTheIronGods #Mechanists #NetGalley

This sequel to Rise of the Red Hand had a promising premise. The first book struggled to keep my interest but the plot of the story was very promising. I went into this book with the hope that I would enjoy it more than the first. I did enjoy it but this isn’t a book that will stick with me long term. I would encourage anyone to give it a try.

Thank you NetGalley for a free e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"Fall of the Iron Gods" by Olivia Chadha is a climactic and thought-provoking conclusion to The Mechanists Duology, following the highly acclaimed "Rise of the Red Hand." Set in a future South Asia ravaged by climate change, the novel seamlessly blends elements of science fiction and political intrigue, offering a poignant reflection on environmental issues, power dynamics, and the cost of revolution.

Chadha's narrative picks up in the aftermath of a significant blow dealt to the autocratic provincial government by Ashiva, Synch, and their allies from the Red Hand. The story is propelled forward by an urgent sense of danger as the Planetary Alliance Commission escalates its efforts to annihilate the Red Hand. The stakes are higher than ever, and Chadha masterfully heightens the tension, crafting a narrative that is as relentless in its pacing as it is rich in detail.

The characters, particularly Ashiva with her new bionic upgrade, Synch, and Taru, are drawn with depth and complexity. Each character's journey is a blend of personal struggle and collective responsibility, and their individual missions intertwine to form a tapestry of rebellion and resilience. Chadha's skill lies in her ability to make these characters resonate with readers, their struggles mirroring the larger themes of the book.

One of the novel's most compelling aspects is its vivid depiction of a world ravaged by environmental decay and technological excess. Chadha's portrayal of this dystopian future is both imaginative and grounded in a reality that speaks to current concerns about climate change and societal inequality. The blend of action, technological advancements, and political intrigue is handled with a deft touch, making the novel both an exciting read and a thoughtful commentary on contemporary issues.

However, the complexity of the narrative and the multitude of characters can occasionally be overwhelming, potentially leaving readers new to the series struggling to keep pace. Nevertheless, for those familiar with the first book, "Fall of the Iron Gods" delivers a satisfying and resonant conclusion.

In summary, Olivia Chadha's "Fall of the Iron Gods" is a powerful and engaging finale to a duology that skillfully combines science fiction and social commentary. The novel is a testament to Chadha's ability to weave complex narratives that are not only entertaining but also provoke thought about our own world's future. Fans of Marie Lu and Zoe Hana Mikuta will find this book a compelling and rewarding read.