I loved the first book for its strong characters and complex relationships between them. For this book, the author decided to focus more on the political games and after effects of the first books dramatic ending. While overall I believe it worked it did leave me a bit hungry for the cat and mouse games of the first book and the mystery around Six. We got to spend a lot more time with a whole cast of characters in this book but I didn't find them as engaging as Esek Six Chono and Jun in the first book. The book did add some complexity to Chono and some back story for six which I appreciated though I'm not sure Jun had the same arc. I very much look forward to book 3 regardless.

I was blown away by These Burning Stars and am equally impressed by On Vicious Worlds. It took me a bit to recall all the characters but author Jacobs thrusts the reader right into the action from the beginning and I quickly felt back in the saddle. It is a wild ride, with new characters, stunning betrayals, and wild, unexpected twists. This trilogy is anything but predictable and I eagerly await the concluding book. Start with book one and read this excellent series.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

This was absolutely phenomenal!! The POVs, the timeline jumps, the action sequences, the plot twists and reveals, the complex relationships, the political intrigue, the moral ambiguity of every single character! This book took my breath away. High stakes, high energy; I simply could not put this book down and I am absolutely desperate for the final book in the trilogy!!! Easily the best sci-fi book/sequel that I have read in a hot minute! Jacobs has crafted an absolute masterpiece of a universe that I cannot get enough of. These are the most compelling characters I have ever read. “Space opera” doesn't even begin to do this book justice! The action sequences are so vividly described; the way pain and trauma and love is written is like poetry; I cannot get enough of the prose in this book!!

I was interested in where this series was going to go as These Burning Stars was my top book of the year (Banks-esque!). I was pleasantly surprised how the book took on a slightly different and slightly more standard space opera trope and felt that the book was a bit too short, particularly after an excellent first book. WELL THE FINAL CHAPTERS ELIMINATED THAT CONCERN. The book really took off and the characters fell right back into what I loved about These Burning Stars without being too repetitive. Can't wait for the final book.

I loved this book so much. I thought there couldn’t be more twists and turns after the first book but this one kept up the same breakneck pace and jaw dropping reveals.

The characters continue to grow and develop and so do the Jevani as a whole. This book is filled with so many flawed characters and they all have my heart. I can’t wait for the next book.

I am Over-the-Moon with Bethany Jacobs' Grimdark Science Fiction, which stunned me with THESE BURNING STARS, and now continues with ON VICIOUS WORLDS (Release October 15). I stand in awe of the extensive World-Building, of the deeply layered characterizations, of the interwoven Pride elements, of the unabashed Grimdark approach....early in the first novel (THESE BURNING STARS) Bethany Jacobs earned my unadulterated admiration, and cements that conviction with ON VICIOUS WORLDS. Do NOT miss out on either of these books! May Bethany Jacobs forever write! I think this is the trend of New Science Fiction!