Blowback

Anniversary Day Saga, Book 2 (Retrieval Artist Universe)

By: Kristine Kathryn Rusch

Narrated by: Jay Snyder

Length: 10 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

The Moon, shaken by the Anniversary Day tragedies, deals with devastation. The Earth Alliance believes another attack imminent, but no one knows where or when it will strike. Just like no one knows who ordered the attacks in the first place.

The Moon’s chief security office, Noelle DeRicci, does her best to hold the United Domes government together. But Retrieval Artist Miles Flint, dissatisfied with the investigation into the Anniversary Day events, begins an investigation of his own. He builds a coalition of shady operatives, off-the-books detectives, and his own daughter, Talia, in a race against time. A race, he quickly learns, that implicates organizations he trusts - and people he loves.

©2012 Kristine Kathryn Rusch (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Rusch does a superb job of making the Retrieval Artist books work as fully satisfying standalone mysteries and as installments in a gripping saga full of love, loss, grief, hope, adventure, and discovery. It is also some of the best science fiction ever written.” (New York Times best-selling author, Orson Scott Card)

Ending Missing--Call a Retrieval Artist?

What did you love best about Blowback?

Blowback: Your weapon today might be their weapon tomorrow.

I have read the previous novels in the series, and this one builds on the others and exceeds them in both plot complexity and depth of characterization. Talia, Police Detective Nyquist, and undercover Earth Alliance Agent Zagrando all get significant time as point-of-view characters in addition to Noelle DeRicci and Miles Flint. Agent Zagrando & Detective Nyquist no longer seem like new characters making their story lines more interesting. Personally, I like DeRicci's gruff character better in small doses, so her reduced roll was appreciated.

I enjoyed that this book had the feel of a spy novel in addition to the expected police procedural style, heightening suspense and intrigue. In the best tradition of science fiction, Rusch continues to deftly explore the essence of person-hood, individualism, and discrimination using the future as her lens.

On the downside, this book leaves too many questions unanswered and that is disappointing. When the credits rolled, it seemed like it was three chapters too soon. To be fair, a significant part of the storyline does resolve, but unfortunately, without the all-important "why's" answered. The author has admitted that the story was "too big to fit" with which I can sympathize. The cliffhanger aspect didn't feel manipulative or purposeful. Sadly, fans will have to wait longer for several of the plot threads of this book to come to fruition.

Additionally, a couple story aspects don't quite ring true (e.g. two characters arguing essentially over nothing) other than as "because the script said so" excuses for conflict. While not too off-putting, there is no doubt in my mind that the author "rushed" this one and continuity suffered. I highly recommend the book even with it's flaws and I am very optimistic that there will be an appropriate payoff in the next novel. If you are new to the series, start with one of the first 3 books. Those who like this series should also enjoy the Miles Vorkosigan series by Lois McMaster Bujold.

Feeling more experienced.

The book is an easy read -- it takes you and moves you forward with ease and entertainment. Many issues are relevant to earthly experience: relationships between men and women, daughters and fathers, etc. Some ideas revealed in the book are interesting to think about and some sounded silly (that is why 4 starts -- actually I would put even 3.5 stars, if there was such grade), but nevertheless it is a good read engaging in a thought with a pleasant aftertaste and feeling that you have gained some useful experience.

Takes you down a new path for Retrieval Artist

Where does Blowback rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of her better one new ideals

Who was your favorite character and why?

Liked them all.

Any additional comments?

Give the Retrieval Artist series a great place to go.

Another Good Retrieval Artist Story

This story picks up after the Anniversary Day bombing. miles Flint works with his old partner on solving the bombing. Good twists & the story gives hints of who was involved but the book ends abruptly without solving the crime. This makes the 2nd or 3rd book on this crime without resolution. The author is a good sci-fi mystery writer but I liked these short stories because they were just that - short stories. Good book but beware

I just love this series

This book, in and of itself, is not that spectacular, but it moves the story along and since I love the series I very much enjoyed it. I am, however, very anxious for the next episode.

Probably My Favorite Audible Frontiers Series

This is one of my favorite audiobook series. Rusch is an expert at weaving a science fiction story. I love every character in these books. It's one of those that I don't mind that she switches points of view constantly. And I always want more when the books are over. I highly recommend the Retrieval Artist series to anybody that loves good science fiction. Also, Jay Snyder is the perfect narrator for this series.

Pretty good!

Way to leave them wanting more! I felt it ended too soon, but I hope it's because going any further requires another book, and another book.... You get the idea.

Great!!!

Love this series! Had to review before I go on to Murder of Clones. This series would make a great film noir science fiction movie or TV series but I'm sure the suits would mess it all up!

11 Hours of my life

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

nothing

Has Blowback turned you off from other books in this genre?

no

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Jay Snyder?

unknown

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment

Any additional comments?

I ordered this book because I like series, it turned out to be 11 hours of my life I'll never get back. think I'll keep to Anne McCaffrey from now on.

A little disappointing

Would you try another book from Kristine Kathryn Rusch and/or Jay Snyder?

Yes

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Meh

Was Blowback worth the listening time?

This is a story about a man who really loves his daughter and he would do anything to protect his daughter because his daughter is so special and he loves her so much he will do whatever it takes to keep her safe since he loves her so much, and some stuff happens on the moon too I think. I loved every book in the series until the last two, they took such a turn from what the first seven books were that these two hardly fit the series at all. She goes on so much about how much he loves his . . well, you get the idea from my first bit, every time the story just gets going it comes to a crashing halt with another diatribe about how much he loves his daughter.

Any additional comments?

I'm not sure I'll bother with anymore books from this series unfortunately.