Thank you, J.D. Rivers, for this ARC! My opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this book! As the second installment in the Otar’s Universe series, it starts with a bang: Otar wakes on a foreign planet in an unknown room, with no memories, his lover missing, and a bounty on his head. This high-stakes opener is sustained throughout the story as Otar journeys with the Dreamcatcher crew to explore the legends of ancient Dragons.
Rivers' writing style is inviting and accessible. There is just enough detail to spark the imagination without allowing locations and scenes to feel over-burdened. This precision is especially effective because the underlying concept, blending terrestrial archaeology with interstellar space exploration, could easily become laborious. Instead, Rivers blends them masterfully, and I was never disengaged. To me, historical revelations were a standout feature, and were perfectly paced to create a compelling sense of mystery that kept me driven to uncover every secret. And that ending? I loved that ending! It sets up the next book perfectly, and I'm genuinely excited to see what comes next!
Likewise, Rivers balances compelling characters with chilling monsters. Otar's internal conflict and flaws make them a compelling protagonist, and their romance with Andres adds a sweet, humanizing element to ground their narrative. The Dreamcatcher crew are a charmingly gruff support, and their evolving relationships, both among themselves and with Otar, are a joy to explore. In sharp contrast, the terrifying shadows stalking the characters within the ruins introduce a thrilling element of suspense that elevated the story for me.
In all, I think this is a solid read! If you enjoy complex characters in intergalactic settings who seek to plunge the depths of human knowledge, this book is for you!