It took me awhile to get around to reading this, which I’m now regretting. It had been long enough between the publication of the first book and this one that I had lost some of the urgency to find out what happened next for all our characters. So I kinda let this one languish on the TBR for too long. But let me just say, when I finally picked it up, I got back into the story so quickly and effortlessly that, to be honest, it was a little surprising (very impressive work on the author’s part). And yet again I find myself in the position of waiting impatiently for the next installment (hopefully I won’t let it get away from me so much next time…).

The story telling style, the collection of the series titular “files” ranging from recordings to letters to journal entries to interviews, remained the same (as expected, as that was a central characteristic of the first book). And it was handled just as well as before. It’s “jump around” style allowed for quick pacing and plot development, including the major points of character growth, without getting bogged down by unnecessary exposition and detail. Again, it left a lot up to us as readers, regarding filling in blanks between events and conversations, but in a way that was flexible and fun and didn’t require too much effort to be enjoyable.

As far as the characters, the background information that we get on them in this second book really fills in a lot of blanks. Our main “narrator,” our mystery agent, has the same caustic attitude and decision making style as before, but we definitely get to see more and more of what I suppose you could call his personality shining through. What happens to Dr. Franklin is explained (phew) and we get either some good wrap ups on previous supporting characters (like Ryan Mitchell), plus the introduction of some great new ones (like Eva). And, no spoilers, but OMG some of the people that we have to say good-bye to are a huge surprise! I mean, there’s just a lot of death in general, but a lot of it is written about distantly (and in such numbers that it’s hard to fully grasp what it means). However, there are a couple main losses that are gutsy and unexpected – and hats off to the author because I was skeptical about things moving forward after that but the author pulls it off.

A little differently than the first book, the plot of this novel, I felt, moved even faster. The first one was a bit more set-up and scientific process, in discovering and learning about Themis and bringing all our characters together. But here, now that she is more “understood” we really get into the meat of the interstellar sci-fi interaction action (check out that phrase –that would be a bit of a tongue twister if you tried to say it out loud.) Anyways, things really pick up here. While there is still discussion of genetics and other scientific concepts and theories, this book is less intellectual and much more like the typical conflict-based sci-fi that we see in blockbuster movies: the aliens have come and their technology is better so what sneaky loophole can we find? Plus, the author really moves into addressing some larger, more philosophical questions, like what it actually means that we found something we didn’t create on our Earth (and if it happened once, what else can’t we take credit for) or what (if anything) makes us as humans special, or individual? This focal transition was handled well though, not too abruptly. Plus, the sprinkling of metaphor stories from our eyebrow-less man (Mr.
Burns – he has a name now!), keeps us grounded and connected to the first book nicely.

All in all, just like the first one, I couldn’t put this book down. It was entertaining and exciting and terrifying and really kept you on the edge of your seat. Although still compelling in all the ways the first one was, there were a couple plot points that I thought were a little…borrowed, maybe? I’m not sure exactly what I’m trying to say but, in essence, even though it was a great page turner, it didn’t feel quite as original as the first one did. And some of the emotional responses of the characters are not quite as in depth as they were in the first book. That could be because the action picked up and they didn’t have time for it all or because we already know the characters and can maybe insert some of their reactions on our own, but still, it was a difference that I definitely noticed.

Regardless, this was a fantastic read. It never fell prey to the “filler” book feel that I think second books can often have. It moved the story and characters forward at breakneck, but well written and developed, speed. And yet again, I am left on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book to answer a cliff-hanger (seriously, where are they?!?!). Two books in and I still give this series my full recommendation – so good!

This sequel to Sleeping Giants takes place ten years later. The world accepts Themis and the story continues. No spoilers. The book, well, the style is a bit disjointed, the well worth reading.

Waking Gods in the second book in the Themis Files Series and follows the same characters, well as some additional characters and follows what happens after discovering an alien robot on Earth.

While I did not enjoy this book nearly as much as the first, I did find it fairly enjoyable to read. It was an interesting and new to me plot, which kept me wanting to know more. Towards the second half of the book I found myself getting bored however, as there didn't seem to be that much happening to drive the plot forward (lots of repeating of events). I was glad to see that the robot wasn't all sunshine and daisies.
As far as writing goes, this book is an interesting read because it written in transcript format. That being said, there isn't tons of flowery language, which is ok for a sci-fi book. It keeps it very realistic. However, due to the transcript format and some characters lacking in distinguishable character voices, I had a hard time figuring out who was speaking in some of the transcripts.

If I were in a bookstore, having never read this book before. I would've definitely picked it up and given it a go. Now having read it, I'm not sure I would recommend it to just anyone. I think this one is only really well suited for people who prefer traditional sci-fi books.

After the fist book expectations it didn't disappoint. Neuvel again engages fully in a mind bending plot with lots of interesting characters. On a scientific level, the most important contribution is authors insight and idea on genetics - very convincing and plausible. On the other hand the alien technology is not convincing, and is kind of unjustified.

I get this as an audiobook with perfect acting, and I recommend such form.

I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

After devouring Sylvain's debut Sleeping Giants, I could not wait to read the sequel. I am always a little nervous that a debut authors' follow up novel will not be as awe-inspiring as their first but Sylvain has done it again!

I do not wish to put any plot spoilers in this review so I will tread lightly here. The novel takes place nine years after the events of the first novel. I was able to pick this up easily and get back into the story even though it had been over a year since I read the first. I was very pleased to have several of my questions from the first novel answered. Why was Themis hidden on Earth? What is its purpose? What do the aliens want with us? What is the story of the enigmatic man who has the answers to everything? How is Rose alive?

Sylvain's novels are incredibly fast to read as they are set in a writing style similar to The Martian. The novel is a series of logs and interviews. When you are finished with one, you cannot help but want to delve right into the next. I am fond of this new, fresh writing style but I have one problem with it. When you are writing a novel filled with dialogue you sometimes can miss that crucial thought or emotion that can help you connect and empathize with a character on a deeper level. Now, I am not saying that I had a hard time connecting to the characters, but I do feel the novel could have been significantly better with that connection. That is why I am giving this novel a four star review and not a five.

That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed part two in this series and I am very sad I have to wait almost another year for the next part. The cliffhangers that lead up to a conclusion in a trilogy are brutal sometimes!

I couldn't get into it. I'm not sure why. I just couldn't get myself to get through this read and finish the book. I look forward to what other books this author will be doing though.

It pains me to say, but Waking Gods fell below my expectations which, to be fair, were incredibly high. I loveddd Sleeping Giants and thought it was pure genius, but this felt exactly like the second book in a series usually does - rushed and unnecessarily brazen. It was just as inventive as Sleeping Giants, if not more, but that was kind of the problem for me - some events were clearly added purely for shock-value rather than to add to the storyline/character development. I'm still interested in finishing the series because I still think Neuvel is the best, and I'll be eagerly awaiting the third instalment.

I seem to be in the minority but I enjoyed Waking Gods less than Sleeping Giants. I really loved the first novel from Sylvain Neuvel; I could hardly even believe that this whirl of science and space and aliens was a debut novel. The dossier style, the ambitious plotting, the unnamed central figure operating from the shadows and from center stage.. it just worked so very well. A uniquely fun and forebodingly good experience. The twists and turns of the plot, the way the characters complicated and entwined lives coalesced.. it built so well into a great story. The ending? THE ENDING. Flabbergastingly good. But perhaps that was just a bit much for Waking Gods to live up to a year later.

There is still some seriously clever stuff going on here in Neuvel's sophomore effort, and also some very fun stuff -- Neuvel is a very creative and original talent when it comes to subverting and fullfilling science fiction tropes -- but the heart of it, the emotional investment I had with Kara, Vincent, Our Friend, Rose --- had nowhere to land here in Waking Gods. The inclusion of some new characters was a strong start but they lacked the definition really needed to invest and never got the screen time to become more dynamic. Even the familiar characters from before that appear had an emotional disconnect the second time around.

But I seem to be the baaa baaa black sheep for this anticipated sequel. I liked Waking Gods. It was.. good. I was entertained and appreciated the twists of the plot. But I didn’t love it. I didn’t have the emotional connection to the story or to the characters within it. I though it a bit.. rushed and over-complicated, with clarity issues in the writing. I appreciated the good points enough to continue and finish, but overall was mildly disappointed. Even the character deaths left me unemotional. However, this ending is impossible to ignore or forget, as was the gamechanger ending of Sleeping Giants. Though Neuvel's most recent effort was not a perfect read, it cannot be denied that the man is a master at ending his books with a memorable bang.

Thoroughly enjoyed this, I found it to be a real page turner, loved the way it evolved from book one. If you haven't read sleeping giants yet, I do think you should read that first.

When that which has slept for millennia awakens, the gods take note.

Following SLEEPING GIANTS and a story format told through files, interviews, reports and journals; WAKING GODS picks up the THEMIS storyline a decade later.

Having let the genie out of the bottle, humanity struggles with the repercussions of alerting an alien race that they have more in them than they should.

A great blend of chutzpah and snark, apocalypse, and intuitive intellective initiative.

Clearly Sleeping Giants brought the expectations Themis-high (or should i say Hyperion high?). The breezy readability remains, but this is more of the same- and a sequel that isn't as great as the first one.

The relationship angles of the main characters have been either too contrived, or become non-existent. The world building remains fantastic and the sense of the entire globe crumbling--and how minuscule our existence is phenomenally brought out. But I think the biggest let down was how the climax shaped up.

[The big reveal that most of us are in fact alien, and only a few pure humans genetically was amazing, but fact that Rose was able to defeat the aliens using nuclear bugs sounds really novel and fancy--but to expect a hyper-advanced species to come and try to wipe their own progeny because they think they're 'interfering' with us seemed a little 1. unbelievable and 2. mega-contrived. I think there's a proper roadblock that Neuvel hit with trying to justify why the aliens want to finish the world. Why should such a species give a shit about where we've come?

Beyond that Sylvain is a future great, there is something amazing in being able to write a breathless book that can be finished in a day yet have its meat through most of the book. I'm eagerly waiting for Book 3, but because the halo effect of Sleeping Giants is still rife with me. (hide spoiler)]

The Themis Files has become one of my new favorite series after reading this awesome sequel to Sleeping Giants. I definitely thought the "giants" were there for a totally different reason. However, there were so many unexpected surprises in the plot line that I am unsure as to what is going to happen in the third book, which I can not wait to read.

This sequel to Sleeping Giants is more of the same really - fun, addictive and times frustrating.

Waking Gods widens the scope of the series somewhat with a global crisis following the appearance of an alien robot in London. What follows is fast-paced and enjoyable, with some unexpected plot developments. I'm looking forward to finishing the series..

The Themis Files is a series with big ideas and is a lot of fun. I do seem to roll my eyes a fair amount when reading it though and see it as something of a guilty pleasure. But hey, pleasure is good, guilty or otherwise, so thumbs up and I'm in for book 3.

Catching up with reviews. I finished this last month.

Note: I received a free ARC of this book via NetGalley in return for a fair and honest reiew, but the formatting of the ARC was really off and distracting so I waited for the library copy and the audio book via Overdrive and read a combination of all three formats. Overall I love this series and especially love it on audio Book, which really brings it to life. This audio book was slightly less successful for me than the first mainly because of the voicing of the character of Eva which became annoying after a while.

This book picks up about nine years after the first books when a male version of Themis, much larger appears in London. The team is back and not sure what the new robot means for the world. It becomes clear pretty quick that it isn't good and humanity is under an invasion and it's up to the Earth Defense Corps to try to save it.

I don't want to go into many details as the book is better if it unfolds on its own and it does in the same format of interviews, files and other documents. It has more action than the first book--especially the second half but things happened that made me like it a bit less. (No spoilers but I get attached to characters...) ;-( It is still an excellent book and solid addition to the series but I felt like the first book told the story with more heart and soul. That being said, the cliff hanger is good and makes me look forward to the third book and finding out what happens next.

I have been blown away by both offerings in the Themis Files series. Sylvain Neuvel has created a really compelling and believable world where aliens exist and are coming for us. Waking Gods is a far darker book than Sleeping Giants. Gone is the optimism and frontier feel of robot construction. What we have now is full on alien invasion and it is terrifying. The structure of the novel follows the same format with interviews and mission reports all of which piece together to create an absolute page turner. Neuvel never talks down to the reader. He explains pretty tricky scientific concepts efficiently and convincingly by ensuring that a scientist is talking to a layman in the narrative, while still maintaining a level of intelligent assumption. The saga is really moved forward in this instalment. The action begins ten years after the events of Sleeping Giants and rockets through a couple of years, only providing us with the important events. It is such a clever structure and it works so well. I for one think that this is one of the most impressive science-fiction series I have read for a while and I will now be anxiously waiting for another book!

I had no idea what to expect when I started Waking Gods, but I finished the book in a day. It was phenomenal and had such a faster pace than its predecessor. Again, to re-hash the premise, giant body parts are discovered on earth that are definitely not from around here. Humanity doesn’t even have a technology that could come close to matching what these parts are. So, what does this mean for the future of humankind?

You’re right, nobody knows. And that’s where this book got it right. The confusion. The desperation. The lack of knowledge and the frustration. It’s 9 years later, and there’s something on our planet that we still have no explanation for existing (we don’t even understand how it could be there in the first place). What would that really mean for us all? Potential extinction. Humanity might really be doomed, and there’s nothing we can do to stop it.

The author did a great job of throwing in emotion of humankind, yet grounding everything in science with a perfectly logical explanation as to why that might be the reason for something’s origins. Granted, I’m not a scientist, so maybe a scientist reading this would be shaking their head the whole time. Like Sleeping Giants, the novel took place through interviews and journal entries by the unnamed interviewer. He’s grown more of a personality since his last stint, and also has a relationship with the characters. It added a depth that wasn’t there in the first novel. Now that the foundation is in place, I’m excited to see what comes next.

Overall, Waking Gods was a darker read than Sleeping Giants. More casualties, more sci-fi elements to explain humanity’s end, you know, the good stuff. The one problem I had is that the author tended to skim over the actual action bits, and we only saw the aftermath. Granted, this is probably due to the nature of how it’s written (the interviews, dialogues, etc.), but I would have loved to feel in the thick of things. There was also not much focus on the characters (and their development) as there was in the book prior. Once again, it hard to really connect to them. I know their personalities and how they react, but I don’t really know them.

Either or, read the series if you enjoy plausible explanations for a world apocalypse.

Waking Gods: 4.25 stars

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book but I didn't love it as much as Sleeping Giants. I think the reason for this is that this second volume is much darker previous book and the body count is huge.

The Earth as we know it is under threat and as a species we are not prepared, or even unified. Rose who was dead and is now alive. She is a year younger than she was when she started working on Themis and is not surprisingly confused and at times suicidal as she comes to terms with not being the person that everybody expects her to be. Except she already is.

This book starts of nine years after the previous one with a couple of new characters introduced. One of which is Eugene, the new leader of the Earth Defense Corps who controls and coordinates Themis and her pilots. He seemed fairly one dimensional or maybe I just cant relate to old ex-military men. The other newbie is a ten year old girl who is a far more interesting personality and hoping we see more of her in the next book, whenever that comes out.
Again the pacing is pretty fast and although much of it is still told in interview form, there are far more lengthy bits of journal, news reports and letters. We actually get to find out more details and the backstory about the unnamed interviewer and Mr Burns the Kung pao chicken guy but many questions are left unanswered.

The overall feeling of this book is of the sense that we are all going to die and soon with not a huge amount of hope. It all gets darker and darker until the last 50 pages or so, when it all lightens up considerably, which was a relief.
This is a good second volume, it is fast paced and engaging and well written with interesting characters. I just can't wait for the third book to find out what happens to the world.

I had mixed feelings towards Sleeping Giants, so I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue on with the series. However, I picked it up and was actually pleasantly surprised. Waking Gods was leaps and bounds better than Sleeping Giants.
This book gave me chills in the same way War of the Worlds spooks me and and how the movie Arrival unnerved me. It was action packed, heartbreaking and creepy at times and definitely made me pause and think about what could be out there.
I am still a bit unsure about the diary and interview entries though. While they're informative and interesting - I still miss having scenes laid out for me. I wanted descriptions of what was happening and I wasn't getting the entire picture when reading the dialogue sections.
However, the ending made me want more from the story, so I'm interested to see how the series will continue.

This series is epic, just the scale of 'What Ifs' is never ending and (especially the first book) really turns my brain on. I mean, really, there HAS to be other life out there somewhere or are they here already ...

What more can I say?! The words, they've left me. My brain is fried.

‘While I am reasonably confident you are not ‘the chosen one,’ you are without doubt one who has been chosen.’

Waking Gods is the sequel to the sci-fi hit Sleeping Giants and keeps with the same format as the first book. We continue on with the story being told through interview and, perhaps a bit more, journal entries. This book skips ahead about 10 years after the ending of Sleeping Giants. This was not something I was expecting, especially not with how it was basically promised that the ‘aliens’ would come now their robot was being used in the first book. That response apparently took 10 years.

There is a bit of a change in the middle of the book that is important. There is a change in narrator and I feel this changes a lot of the dynamics. It also was not a move I was expecting to see. But it is interesting. I did feel like I missed a true high note at the ending. I missed the excitement. I think this might be the format. It keeps me as a reader very far from our characters and it felt more obvious in this book. I think because this is a sequel. We expect to bond more with these characters but it doesn’t really happen. The deaths did little to me.

As far as characters go I was sad to see one character go, more so for what he brought to the story than him as a character. And I am catching myself be quite fond of Vincent. I suppose he is the exception to the not bonding with the characters. I think this is because he is a type of character I am normally quite drawn to.

Regardless I was surprised here and there throughout the book which is what kept my attention so high and why I flew through the book. In essence it is a very interesting idea and ultimately the kind of story I would love to watch as a tv show. Especially the epilogue seems to give me what I really want in the third book. It makes me very excited and why I did end up rating this book 4 stars instead of 3,5.