Seeds of War
Eden’s Root Trilogy, #2
by Rachel E. Fisher
Publisher: Self-Published (July 2012)
Genre: YA, Dystopia, Post-Apocalyptic
Format: eBook (Novel)
Source: Blog Tour / Author
Purchase: Amazon / Barnes & Noble
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3 stars)
The mission of Eden must be fulfilled and Eden’s best Seekers are needed. Forming a new group they dub the Seeders, Fi, Asher, and Sean are joined by a new addition as they set out to bring hope and support to the Topsiders in the form of radios and heirloom seeds. Their experiences Topside prepare them for the threat from marauding gangs they call Lobos, but it is a different, less obvious sort of threat that takes them by surprise. As radio broadcasts begin to reconnect Eden and the Topsiders, the Seeders stumble upon mysterious broadcasts from unknown stations. When two of their own new radio stations go silent within days of each other, Fi and her companions realize that something is terribly wrong. Eden finds itself pitted against a growing and unknown force as their very mission lights the flames of war.
At A Glance
The concept of this Trilogy still fascinates me, but the plot really needed to be more focused in Seeds of War.
The Good
I was excited to read book two of the Eden’s Root Trilogy because I have been dying to see what was going to happen next. For the most part I wasn’t disappointed. I was truly shocked by the developments in this book. The Truthers, the religious group who are strongly anti-technology, are gaining followers and are taking drastic measures to spread their version of what the world should be like. The Lobos, a dangerous gang, also make appearances. They still scare the crap out of me. They are as vicious and violent as ever, and this time, they have goals. A group of killers with a goal to accomplish can make one hell of a force to be reckoned with.
We also learn how the famine came to be. OMG, the stupidity of some people is limitless. Believe me, that’s how you will feel when you find out the cause of all this. It was a twist I didn’t expect.
Fi was the same strong leader we have come to love. But she goes through some issues of faith in Seeds of War. Because though the Truthers go about it the wrong way, their message sometimes rings true to Fi. I was surprised to see Fi waver in her convictions, but it was interesting to see her work out her problems. Asher was there with her every step of the way. And though Fi and Asher don’t always see eye to eye, they always find a way to compromise and do what’s right or for the best.
I was more excited to see Sean and and Sara become close. Sara was an interesting character. We see her as a somewhat shy but friendly person in Eden’s Root, but in this book her ferocious side comes out. She trains to become a part of the Seeders along with Fi, Asher, and Sean. She turns out to be one of the best fighters of the group. Sara has a fire inside her because of her past, and she doesn’t let anything hold her back. I both respected her and was fearful for her because at times it seemed like she let her past eat away at her.
I was so excited this time around because we start to see the rebuilding of communication, government, and cropping. Life is slowly starting to get back to normal. Of course there is a lot to still fix but the small steps taken so far look promising. The reality of this topic makes this Trilogy fascinating. All this could easily happen to us. Scary, right?
If you were waiting for the answers to the many questions we all had after Eden’s Root, then Seeds of War will not disappoint. You leave this book with a sense of understanding and hopefulness. The Truthers are still a major obstacle to overcome, which makes me anxious to read book three as soon as possible.
The Bad
Though I enjoyed Seeds of War, I also found a lot of stuff that bothered me. First, the plot. There was no focus, it was a little all over the place. There was really no set goal or main conflict. This is a book of sub-plots.
I loved the romance that Asher and Fi finally had, but the build up was non-existent. They did no more than kiss and spend some time together then all of a sudden they are getting married and having a romantic wedding night. I wish we got to see their relationship build more.
Then last, the pacing. It was so odd. We would get all this lead up to this dangerous mission that will last months, then once the mission starts, it ends in a matter of a dozen or so pages with nothing huge happening, just minor set backs. I just don’t understand all this tension being built up for a limp conclusion.
The Snuggly
Despite the lukewarm relationship building, I did love Asher and Fi’s relationship right before and after the wedding. They were very sweet together and though the sexual tension was YA-ish, it was still steamy in it’s own right.
Final Thoughts
The plot was not focused they way I hoped it would be and the pacing was sometimes off, but I still enjoyed Seeds of War. We get both hope for a better future and the ominous feeling of something bad to come. How much worse will it get before it gets better? Who knows. But I will for sure be there to find out. Recommended for those who love the concept of this book.
“Fi, ordinary people pushing themselves to become extraordinary is our only hope if we’re going to pull together and reconnect this broken world.”
*****
“Mr. Grey,” her voice wavered. “Would you be so kind as to help me out of my dress?”
He was grateful that it took only two steps to reach her, because his legs seemed to have turned to mush. He nestled behind her, so close that his body skimmed hers in places, each touch sending little shocks zinging through him. Fi dropped her hands with a shy smile as he reached for the clasps.
Author BioI am a wife and entrepreneur living and working in Florida. I am also a graduate of Mount Holyoke College, where I majored in Biology. It was always my assumption that I would end up making research my life. Though it did not work out that way in the end, my passion for Biology remains intact.
I have always loved biology-based science-fiction and the young adult genre. It is in this vein that I offer my work.
Make sure to check out my review for Eden’s Root. Here is a sneak peek:
I was so excited as I started this book. I have never read a book like it before. And after finishing it, I knew this book would stick with me forever.
Eden’s Root was a suspenseful thrill-ride. The characters made you want to keep reading to see what would happen to them next.
Ashley
Awesome review! I totally forgot about Sara.. you’re right, she was pretty awesome! I wish I had her kickassness.
You definitely nailed this review!
Jennifer Bielman
Sara kind of made the book for me.
emaginette
I like your final thoughts on the book. I’ll check it out. 🙂
Jennifer Bielman
Hope you do. 🙂
Sarah Elizabeth
Such a shame this was all over the place! Sounds like you enjoyed it still though! Should catch up and read eden’s root soon!
Jennifer Bielman
I really hope you like this trilogy. It is interesting.
Jaclyn Canada
It looks like the first two are the same in your opinion – having a concept that is really interesting but not outlined in the best manner. I hope the next one has more of a defined plot with an exciting culmination since the characters and the idea of the story are enjoyable. It really does seem like an interesting concept. Jaclyn @ JC’s Book Haven
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, I felt about the same for both of them. It can take authors a little while to really find their voice and plotting techniques.
Melissa (My World...in words and pages)
Oooo, this sounds good. And LOOVING the cover. Love how her face is on the bottom and her hair blends into the fields. Great! Thank you.
Jennifer Bielman
The cover really is cool looking.