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Confluence #2
Remanence
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Science Fiction (2016)In defiance of NASA, Jane Holloway, the linguist of the Providence expedition, commandeers the alien ship that crew explored. She sets off to return that ship’s marooned navigator to his home world, determined to discover who was behind the genocide that destroyed his original crew.
But when she gets there, she finds his world devastated by the same plague. The remaining members of his race, uniquely gifted at navigating the stars, are stranded across the galaxy. And someone, it seems, doesn’t want those lost navigators to be found.
As Jane unravels the mystery of the plague and works to ensure the survival of Ei’Brai’s race, she discovers that the life of every sentient being in the galaxy may be in jeopardy…and the clock is ticking.
But when she gets there, she finds his world devastated by the same plague. The remaining members of his race, uniquely gifted at navigating the stars, are stranded across the galaxy. And someone, it seems, doesn’t want those lost navigators to be found.
As Jane unravels the mystery of the plague and works to ensure the survival of Ei’Brai’s race, she discovers that the life of every sentient being in the galaxy may be in jeopardy…and the clock is ticking.
452 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2016
761 people are currently reading
4510 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Foehner Wells
18 books1,321 followersAs a child growing up in rural Illinois, I had the wild outdoors, a budding imagination, and books for company. My interest in science fiction was piqued early on when a family friend loaned me a Ray Bradbury compilation, among loads of other wonderful scifi books.
Learn more about Jen at:
www.jenthulhu.com
Learn more about Jen at:
www.jenthulhu.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 276 reviews
February 9, 2017
This sequel to Fluency proves to me that I need to keep my eye out for this author's other works. There's a lot of great classic SF that gets revamped here for the more modern readers who are quite up to date on the technology-concepts and who don't want to slog through long explanations or embarrassing social bits of the 70's or earlier. :)
That being said, I like being right about some other things, too. I thought the main character wasn't Jane and the eventual focus on this book kinda vindicates me. :) Maybe they're co-main characters. :) I love my squiddy pal. :)
We get to leave old Terra behind and do some major exploration on an alien homeworld. There's some fun social stuff, some better *more* alien stuff, some unwelcome surprises, and after we pass the midway point, we've got ourselves a bona-fide space opera. :)
The adventure only gets better and sets us up for even bigger and badder things to come, because of course we've still fighting the Swarm and it's influence from the first novel. I personally think it's about time that these folks find some friends. Fast.
This is some pretty darn good SF adventure yarn that fits well in the basket held out by Charles E. Gannon, only we've got a reluctant linguist in the role of a captain of a full-sense telepathic alien spacecraft in conjunction with her squiddy navigator. :) I can't recommend it enough for those of you who like this particular brand of SF. :)
That being said, I like being right about some other things, too. I thought the main character wasn't Jane and the eventual focus on this book kinda vindicates me. :) Maybe they're co-main characters. :) I love my squiddy pal. :)
We get to leave old Terra behind and do some major exploration on an alien homeworld. There's some fun social stuff, some better *more* alien stuff, some unwelcome surprises, and after we pass the midway point, we've got ourselves a bona-fide space opera. :)
The adventure only gets better and sets us up for even bigger and badder things to come, because of course we've still fighting the Swarm and it's influence from the first novel. I personally think it's about time that these folks find some friends. Fast.
This is some pretty darn good SF adventure yarn that fits well in the basket held out by Charles E. Gannon, only we've got a reluctant linguist in the role of a captain of a full-sense telepathic alien spacecraft in conjunction with her squiddy navigator. :) I can't recommend it enough for those of you who like this particular brand of SF. :)
August 7, 2016
Wow. Jennifer Foehner Wells is on a roll!!
So the first book in this series (Fluency) was quite good. A little unpolished in places, yes, but an engaging story and, most importantly, a page-turner. I'm not one to be overly critical of the editing of a book, as long as it doesn't distract me from the story itself (and in Fluency, it didn't; I couldn't put it down.)
Remanence wasn't just good--it was GREAT. More polished all around, in every aspect. Better pacing, better characterization, and yes, better editing too. The author has stepped up her game and it shows! I had a better feeling for, and connection with, the characters, and the complex and ever-changing dynamics kept me interested. Good exploration, plot development, and some great plot twists, too.
I read the last 50% of the book in a non-stop, headlong rush--that's how much I enjoyed it. I can't WAIT for the next instalment. Keep writing, Jennifer!!
So the first book in this series (Fluency) was quite good. A little unpolished in places, yes, but an engaging story and, most importantly, a page-turner. I'm not one to be overly critical of the editing of a book, as long as it doesn't distract me from the story itself (and in Fluency, it didn't; I couldn't put it down.)
Remanence wasn't just good--it was GREAT. More polished all around, in every aspect. Better pacing, better characterization, and yes, better editing too. The author has stepped up her game and it shows! I had a better feeling for, and connection with, the characters, and the complex and ever-changing dynamics kept me interested. Good exploration, plot development, and some great plot twists, too.
I read the last 50% of the book in a non-stop, headlong rush--that's how much I enjoyed it. I can't WAIT for the next instalment. Keep writing, Jennifer!!
September 21, 2016
Dreamers and the engineers who get it done.
Remanence, the sequel to Jennifer Foehner Wells's Fluency, was an adrenaline-filled adventure of the imagination. The blurb isn't all that revealing about the content, and the discovery of what happens next is definitely part of the magic of this book. I'm contemplating what exactly isn't a spoiler, and it is darn hard. I also took exactly four notes as I read, which is virtually nothing for me. That means I was in a headlong rush to get to the end, and very little about this book bothered me.
As in book one, the adventure is non-stop. The fate of humans, the Sectilius, and Ei'Brai's race are tied together, and Dr. Jane Halloway, the novice captain of a commandeered ship of alien origins, may be all that stands between annihilation and survival.
With no hint from the blurb about whether Dr. Alan Bergen had decided to take the fateful journey into space, the romance side of my brain was tentative about moving forward. And JFW was in no way anxious to assuage my fears that he had met his demise or been left behind on Earth or found a new "Doc" to fill his dreams. Let's just say that QD Jane (that's her unofficial title as captain) is as tenacious in love as in life.
Once again I was completely sucked into the world created by the author. It is out there. JFW plays a lot with the constructs of the Sectilius society, or at least the remnants of it, and I felt a new appreciation for imposing a Western culture belief system on these people. They are struggling with devastation on their own planet, so they aren't necessarily at their best, either. It was a fascinating interplay that still managed to give strongly individual personalities to the Sectilius characters. For instance, the healer was fond of repeating words for emphasis; it was simultaneously endearing and annoying, and I loved that little detail.
Plant life, weather, strange animals, grumpy characters, a devotion to engineering, the reduction of technologically dependent society, language, mental ability, and gender identity all get mixed up in this carefully plotted story. There is also mystery and suspense and really cool gadgets. The cable "elevator" was.....I have no words. Emotions are everywhere, from exhaustion to bravery to disgust. The relationship between Ei'Brai and Jane is a central focus, and I have to admit I see sentient life in a totally new way. Probably my only criticism is that so much of the introspection is reserved for Jane and Brai that I wanted more deep moments of connection between Jane and the human members of the crew.
The ending is much like the first book, where different parts of the story conclude with a climactic slap and a touching sweetness, and then there is the teaser to tune in again. If this book were ever turned into a movie, it would have to be either animated or total CGI. It is that fantastical. For full richness of the story, I would recommend partaking of book one, although JFW has provided a lengthy prologue to bring readers up to speed at the beginning of Remanence.
Remanence, the sequel to Jennifer Foehner Wells's Fluency, was an adrenaline-filled adventure of the imagination. The blurb isn't all that revealing about the content, and the discovery of what happens next is definitely part of the magic of this book. I'm contemplating what exactly isn't a spoiler, and it is darn hard. I also took exactly four notes as I read, which is virtually nothing for me. That means I was in a headlong rush to get to the end, and very little about this book bothered me.
As in book one, the adventure is non-stop. The fate of humans, the Sectilius, and Ei'Brai's race are tied together, and Dr. Jane Halloway, the novice captain of a commandeered ship of alien origins, may be all that stands between annihilation and survival.
With no hint from the blurb about whether Dr. Alan Bergen had decided to take the fateful journey into space, the romance side of my brain was tentative about moving forward. And JFW was in no way anxious to assuage my fears that he had met his demise or been left behind on Earth or found a new "Doc" to fill his dreams. Let's just say that QD Jane (that's her unofficial title as captain) is as tenacious in love as in life.
Once again I was completely sucked into the world created by the author. It is out there. JFW plays a lot with the constructs of the Sectilius society, or at least the remnants of it, and I felt a new appreciation for imposing a Western culture belief system on these people. They are struggling with devastation on their own planet, so they aren't necessarily at their best, either. It was a fascinating interplay that still managed to give strongly individual personalities to the Sectilius characters. For instance, the healer was fond of repeating words for emphasis; it was simultaneously endearing and annoying, and I loved that little detail.
Plant life, weather, strange animals, grumpy characters, a devotion to engineering, the reduction of technologically dependent society, language, mental ability, and gender identity all get mixed up in this carefully plotted story. There is also mystery and suspense and really cool gadgets. The cable "elevator" was.....I have no words. Emotions are everywhere, from exhaustion to bravery to disgust. The relationship between Ei'Brai and Jane is a central focus, and I have to admit I see sentient life in a totally new way. Probably my only criticism is that so much of the introspection is reserved for Jane and Brai that I wanted more deep moments of connection between Jane and the human members of the crew.
The ending is much like the first book, where different parts of the story conclude with a climactic slap and a touching sweetness, and then there is the teaser to tune in again. If this book were ever turned into a movie, it would have to be either animated or total CGI. It is that fantastical. For full richness of the story, I would recommend partaking of book one, although JFW has provided a lengthy prologue to bring readers up to speed at the beginning of Remanence.
November 20, 2017
So you know in baseball when they talk about “rebuilding years.” Thats what this book felt like. It spent so much time setting up for the future novel and not enough time in the present.
First of all the opening was a huge gap from the first book. End of book 1 - making demands of Earth, beginning of book 2 - weeks later flying through space with some of the crew and no real explanation of what happened. Yes the other 2 astronauts were sent home in a shuttle, that’s all the explanation we get.
My other major complaint is that after the first book the author had several scientists contact her to ensure she got the science correct. The problem is they spend so much time explaining how everything works and why now. Parts of the story are so dry as the author takes half a chapter to discuss 1 scientific fact/process/etc.
The book lost its made for TV movie feel in this one and it was replaced by long drawn out conversations of technology and delving into the emotions of a squid.
Again this leaves you on a large cliff hanger and questioning of what happens next? I’ll likely read it when it comes out but it’s because I feel I’m “pot committed.” Not something I’m likely to recommend.
First of all the opening was a huge gap from the first book. End of book 1 - making demands of Earth, beginning of book 2 - weeks later flying through space with some of the crew and no real explanation of what happened. Yes the other 2 astronauts were sent home in a shuttle, that’s all the explanation we get.
My other major complaint is that after the first book the author had several scientists contact her to ensure she got the science correct. The problem is they spend so much time explaining how everything works and why now. Parts of the story are so dry as the author takes half a chapter to discuss 1 scientific fact/process/etc.
The book lost its made for TV movie feel in this one and it was replaced by long drawn out conversations of technology and delving into the emotions of a squid.
Again this leaves you on a large cliff hanger and questioning of what happens next? I’ll likely read it when it comes out but it’s because I feel I’m “pot committed.” Not something I’m likely to recommend.
December 11, 2016
Quite good!
October 23, 2016
Huh. That was... I dunno.
May 9, 2022
Ne tik labi kā pirmā daļa. Attiecības starp abiem galvenajiem varoņiem pajukušas :/ nav vairs jūtama tā ķīmija, kas pirmajā daļā. Pati galvenā varone, kas visu diriģē arī stipri mainījusies. Taču tik un tā bija pietiekami interesanti lai vakarā palasītu un beigas mani ientriģēja, gribēšu lasīt arī nākamo daļu.
July 10, 2016
Space opera with romantic and inter-cultural themes
REMANENCE is the second book in the Confluence series. The story revolves around a relationship between Jane Holloway, the Captain of a huge alien spaceship which is navigated by a sea-based, intelligent, telepathic creature called a kuboderan, named Ei'Brai.
Jane and her fellow humans try to take Ei'Brai and his spaceship back to his original owners, the Sectilius. They end up crash landing on a large moon where they discover the Sectilians have been affected by a deadly technological plague that has reversed their lifestyle back to the Industrial Age.
Generally I found this book a bit simplistic but compelling enough that I bought the first two books in order to find out what happens to Jane and Ei'Brai.
REMANENCE is the second book in the Confluence series. The story revolves around a relationship between Jane Holloway, the Captain of a huge alien spaceship which is navigated by a sea-based, intelligent, telepathic creature called a kuboderan, named Ei'Brai.
Jane and her fellow humans try to take Ei'Brai and his spaceship back to his original owners, the Sectilius. They end up crash landing on a large moon where they discover the Sectilians have been affected by a deadly technological plague that has reversed their lifestyle back to the Industrial Age.
Generally I found this book a bit simplistic but compelling enough that I bought the first two books in order to find out what happens to Jane and Ei'Brai.
February 2, 2017
Book two of this series sees Jane and her crew take the alien spaceship back to where it originated in search of the race that built it. Things don't turn out as expected.
I'm a sucker for SF stories of exploration and discovery so most of this book I found engaging. However, the problem for me was that the story seemed to be totally sidetracked from the original goal for most of the novel. It's one of those books where the content was interesting enough, but little progress was made on the overall story arc.
I guess a third novel is a certainty and I will read it eventually, just i'll be in no rush to get it when it's first released.
I'm a sucker for SF stories of exploration and discovery so most of this book I found engaging. However, the problem for me was that the story seemed to be totally sidetracked from the original goal for most of the novel. It's one of those books where the content was interesting enough, but little progress was made on the overall story arc.
I guess a third novel is a certainty and I will read it eventually, just i'll be in no rush to get it when it's first released.
November 9, 2016
This was another 4+ star scifi read that suffers from a horribly contrived fish-hook ending.
The story is interesting and the characters are generally compelling, but the endings of both the first and second book are really dissatisfying.
The story is interesting and the characters are generally compelling, but the endings of both the first and second book are really dissatisfying.
June 14, 2018
I think the biggest thing that drives me crazy in this series is how the characters talk. It's so ... bizarre. They ALL rattle off explanations and scientific jargon. Always, and without prompting. Like 'sexual dimorphism' is a term used in numerous places by normal people. Who thinks like this:
'well, the female is small so maybe the male is larger or perhaps there's not real sexual dimorphism in their species'.
Who really wonders that in great detail? Like, you're meeting someone for the first time and you're wondering how sexual dimorphism is with them? (It's the differences between a male and female of a species.) Or they'll rattle off scientific reasoning behind their features. Someone will look at their species for the first time and that person will just rattle off why they have blue skin, why they're bulky in muscles, and why they're tall. Without prompt, mind you. It goes like:
"So, uh, you're human? Never seen one of them before" and said human would reply:
"Yes, I am. I come from a small planet than this. My species has developed higher percentages of body fat compared to other species to adequate padding for breast feeding children during times of starvation, which is why our people tend to put on pounds and are unable to shed them. Most of my kind are darker skinned but some of us, who came from a continent call Europe, have lighter skin. That came about by the mixing of three district genetic pools, while blue eyes are a result of inbreeding."
This is how they talk. I'm not making that up.
'well, the female is small so maybe the male is larger or perhaps there's not real sexual dimorphism in their species'.
Who really wonders that in great detail? Like, you're meeting someone for the first time and you're wondering how sexual dimorphism is with them? (It's the differences between a male and female of a species.) Or they'll rattle off scientific reasoning behind their features. Someone will look at their species for the first time and that person will just rattle off why they have blue skin, why they're bulky in muscles, and why they're tall. Without prompt, mind you. It goes like:
"So, uh, you're human? Never seen one of them before" and said human would reply:
"Yes, I am. I come from a small planet than this. My species has developed higher percentages of body fat compared to other species to adequate padding for breast feeding children during times of starvation, which is why our people tend to put on pounds and are unable to shed them. Most of my kind are darker skinned but some of us, who came from a continent call Europe, have lighter skin. That came about by the mixing of three district genetic pools, while blue eyes are a result of inbreeding."
This is how they talk. I'm not making that up.
August 22, 2017
Will the next book in the series be called Flatulence?
Now anybody who can dream up a giant squid as the navigator of a starship is OK by me.
I thought this book eclipsed the previous version with much better writing. The characters are just lovable and easy to identify with ... or hate. The plot is well thought out and engaging and for the most part, the science is pretty good too. One exception is The Swarm; a bunch of interstellar locusts who are "swarming" through the galaxy chomping up all the goodness out of any inhabitable planet they come across. Well how do they travel faster than light? How do the know where to go? How do they survive re-entry? Does eating all those planet's inhabitants give them gas? Will the next book be called "Flatulence"? Apart from that, I loved this series and look forward to more helpings of this author's inventive imaginings.
Now anybody who can dream up a giant squid as the navigator of a starship is OK by me.
I thought this book eclipsed the previous version with much better writing. The characters are just lovable and easy to identify with ... or hate. The plot is well thought out and engaging and for the most part, the science is pretty good too. One exception is The Swarm; a bunch of interstellar locusts who are "swarming" through the galaxy chomping up all the goodness out of any inhabitable planet they come across. Well how do they travel faster than light? How do the know where to go? How do they survive re-entry? Does eating all those planet's inhabitants give them gas? Will the next book be called "Flatulence"? Apart from that, I loved this series and look forward to more helpings of this author's inventive imaginings.
March 25, 2016
Incredible! I thought that the first book was good. The second book is even better. Ms. Wells balances the storytelling and science well. A good book like this does not have to read like an astrophysics 101 but it contains enough information that a space geek like myself would find enjoyable. Very well done.
January 1, 2017
I really wanted to give this book a higher rating. It is a wonderfully imaginative space opera with good characters, a good plot, and a real sense of the alien. However, I did not like it as much as the first book. The first 3/4 of the book seemed to drag along and be a bit plodding. But the last quarter was a cracking good adventure and made me wanting the next book. Good job!
August 13, 2019
I am still trying to decide how I feel about this series. I think it has some really good qualities, but I still don't feel much about how the characters are portrayed. This book takes up right where the first book left off, so it really is more of a continuation of the same story.
The story is interesting enough that I will probably read the next books in the series, but I do hope her characterizations improve. Right now I really am not invested in any of the characters. It would be nice if they could be written as a little more realistic.
The story is interesting enough that I will probably read the next books in the series, but I do hope her characterizations improve. Right now I really am not invested in any of the characters. It would be nice if they could be written as a little more realistic.
December 16, 2019
Remanence picks up where the first book in series, Fluency, left off. There was a two year period between the publication dates so Jennifer Foehner Wells kindly starts off this book with a five page synopsis of book one.
As I mentioned in my review of book one, I am a a fan of hard science science fiction and definitely not a fan of romantic fiction. Therefore, I can not think of a higher accolade for Wells’ writing than the fact that I read the first book in one day, immediately bought the second book, and then read all of the second book the next day. I am totally hooked on this storyline.
Jane Holloway, a linguist, finds herself commanding a space ship belonging to one alien race with the help of a telepathic alien from another alien race. She is trying to return the ship to its rightful owners with a small crew and no clue as to what she is going to find when she gets to her destination. Of course, nothing in a space opera every goes easily so this book is adventure after adventure, interspersed with Jane having to deal with relationship conflicts. In fact, there are probably more romantic and sexual scenes in this book than in all of the other science fiction books I have ever read. This is book definitely fits into the romantic science fiction category.
Being a fan of hard science Science Fiction this book is definitely not my normal read. Fortunately Wells spins an absorbing tale without making any scientific faux pas. This review is light on detail as I do not want to give away any of the storyline. What I can say is Wells has written a rapidly changing storyline, developed believable and interesting characters, and has created alien races that are unlike beings you have met in other Sci Fi adventures.
Off to read book three…
As I mentioned in my review of book one, I am a a fan of hard science science fiction and definitely not a fan of romantic fiction. Therefore, I can not think of a higher accolade for Wells’ writing than the fact that I read the first book in one day, immediately bought the second book, and then read all of the second book the next day. I am totally hooked on this storyline.
Jane Holloway, a linguist, finds herself commanding a space ship belonging to one alien race with the help of a telepathic alien from another alien race. She is trying to return the ship to its rightful owners with a small crew and no clue as to what she is going to find when she gets to her destination. Of course, nothing in a space opera every goes easily so this book is adventure after adventure, interspersed with Jane having to deal with relationship conflicts. In fact, there are probably more romantic and sexual scenes in this book than in all of the other science fiction books I have ever read. This is book definitely fits into the romantic science fiction category.
Being a fan of hard science Science Fiction this book is definitely not my normal read. Fortunately Wells spins an absorbing tale without making any scientific faux pas. This review is light on detail as I do not want to give away any of the storyline. What I can say is Wells has written a rapidly changing storyline, developed believable and interesting characters, and has created alien races that are unlike beings you have met in other Sci Fi adventures.
Off to read book three…
May 22, 2017
Very Imaginative
I truly loved the word building. That's one of my favorite things about sci-fi and fantasy. The ships, the alien species, the planets, even the style of dress and differences between human and alien social norms, were all very well thought out.
I did wish to know more about the Sectillian religion and the prophecy (unless I just don't remember that from book one ).
I really look forward to the next novel in the series
I truly loved the word building. That's one of my favorite things about sci-fi and fantasy. The ships, the alien species, the planets, even the style of dress and differences between human and alien social norms, were all very well thought out.
I did wish to know more about the Sectillian religion and the prophecy (unless I just don't remember that from book one ).
I really look forward to the next novel in the series
December 29, 2019
In the second book of the Confluence story, the heroine solves some of the mysteries she and her new alien friends had encountered in book one. But, as in real live every answer leads to new questions.
Again many fascinating adventures and touching moments.
To be recommended.
Aybi
Again many fascinating adventures and touching moments.
To be recommended.
Aybi
Read
October 3, 2019VERDICT: 2 stars, mostly for the action that finally happens at the end. Includes romance (sort of), if you care about such in your SF. I have no desire to read futher in this series, but maybe will check out some of Wells' other books.
Science & suspension of disbelief: low.
Science & suspension of disbelief: low.
October 9, 2019
Hell. Yes!
While the first book reminded me of a space horror like Prometheus and Alien: Covenant without the body count or gore, this second book felt very much like a carefully paced episode of Star Trek with the creepiness held until the end of the third act.
Fluency also felt a bit more hesitant about introducing readers to a first contact story that was extremely slow and isolated while this second book blooms into the alien/space exploration/(kind of) political thriller that I was thirsting for in Fluency. Hallelujah! This is what I needed in my reading life right now!
I have been in the kind of reading slump where I didn’t know what I needed in my life. Turns out my heart was craving some good’ol’, modern, alien science fiction (if that makes any sense). I had been specifically looking for something similar to Karen Traviss’ Wess’har series where the alien-human companionship is turned into a brotherhood or even a romance. I’m sick and tired of reading and watching science fiction that automatically pegs the aliens as bloodthirsty, planet-mongering monsters—OR where the aliens are a part of the universe but not really characters (boo!) But I think Jennifer Foehner Wells may have written my new favorite series. Spoilers will be titled in a section near the end.
Story
This second book really upped the stakes but not in a hurried, action-packed kind of way. While the first book unfolded itself with timidity, this book expands the universe and the characters with the slow, baby steps of a flourish, but picks up at the tail-end of the third act. But I think the moderate pacing is important with keeping track of where the crew goes, who they encounter, who is who in the alien community (because there are a few people who have multiple titles), and it really makes that past-paced, unexpected ending pack a punch. I also felt like Wells kept everything understandable without completely holding my hand.
Like I said, this felt like a freaking episode of Star Trek meets Lost in Space and I freaking loved it! They crash land, they make first contact, they get a crew, and they go on a rescue mission. I really hope there is more of this stuff in the rest of the series and I’m excited to see where the story goes in the third book.
Characters
I didn’t talk about the characters in my review for the first book because, well, there wasn’t much to say other than they felt very real. The characters still feel very real in Remanence except we are introduced to almost a whole planet of people that didn’t know the universe was still ticking.
Wells is just fantastic at building extraterrestrial societies and helping us empathize with the Sectilius (dominant alien race) and the Kubodera (squid- and kaiju-like race “working” for Sectilius) through the mind of Jane Holloway. The Sectilus characters were pretty interesting—especially when they joined Jane’s crew on the ship and all had to learn to live together in peace. This event really allowed us to see Jane take the complete role of “captain” and—believe it or not—she inspired me to work at becoming a better leader myself. Hey, the book gets a fat thumbs up from me just for that element of encouragement.
Jane’s very close Kubodera friend and co-captain, Ei’Brai, is my favorite character by far. His character is really tested here and that emotional challenge is what made me really love him as much as Jane does. His whole belief system is shattered and seeing him work through that is a great way Wells really gets us familiar with him as a character. I loved all of it.
But we unfortunately also see half of this book through the very difficult-minded point of view of Jane’s somewhat ridiculous boyfriend Alan Bergen. Every time there was a chapter with this guy I wanted to slam the door and walk out.
I get that he is supposed to be the yang to Jane’s yin. I get that he is the kind of mind that has difficulty adjusting to the introduction to an alien society and their world as opposed to Jane who can do so easily. But, REALLY? This guy may seem like a nice guy on the outside but he is such a scumball! Ever since he first laid eyes on Jane all he can think about is getting in her pants. Yeah, I know Jane is sexually attracted to him as well, but it is seriously not her EVERY. WAKING. THOUGHT! Sex with Alan is NOT HER SOUL PURPOSE IN LIFE! Every word out of Alan’s mouth is a formulation of whether or not it will please Jane so he can bang her. Is that how men really think? Is that all they think about? Am I just a hopeless female who believes in the falsehood that there are still gentlemen in the world? Or is this just was Wells thinks what is in a man’s head all the time? When he first met her in Fluency this is what was going through his mind:
“She broadcasted uptight, law-student vibes…She was probably terrified to take a B home to daddy. It really was too bad she wasn’t showing more leg.”
WHAT IN THE ACUTAL EFF???
That mental attitude doesn’t evolve much as their relationship does in the second book. He starts out seeming kind and “in love,” but the whole thing feels like a one-sided competition she doesn’t know about between them and when he gets upset because she can’t make time to have sex with him she blames herself for it and they won’t talk about it. I could have done without Alan’s POV, honestly. He only thought with his pants.
SPOILERS
When the twist came, it hit me hard.
Conclusion
I was seriously conflicted about how to rate this book.
I enjoyed it way more than the introduction novel, but Alan annoyed me so much I just wanted to skip every chapter in his point of view. I ended up just ignoring him and focusing on what made this better than Fluency.
Remanence holds the same pacing and most of the same characters in the previous book but ups the stakes and widens the lens on the universe Jennifer Foehner Wells has created by exploring a new planet, getting to know another race, and introducing a villain that is sure to give others inspiration.
Going to purchase the rest of the series and put on the shelf right next to my Karen Traviss books. And if you like science fiction at all, you will definitely do the same thing.
May 15, 2020
I can't even believe this was written by the same author.
All the intensity and the excitement is gone. I feel like there was a missing book between this book and the first. Suddenly everyone's friends. All the humans are almost white-washed with barely any personality or depth. Everyone sounds dumber and weaker. The manipulative, lying, arrogant mastermind alien is now sweet and benevolent. WHhat? No discussions on what happened with the earth government. How are there only four people left on the ship? Were all the world leaders informed about this intergalactic war? How much time passed between the end of the first book and the start of the first? Suddenly there are lasers???
WHY IS EVERYONE SO FREAKING FRIENDLY WITH ONE ANOTHER?
Most of the book led with mystery, tension between characters and fear of the unknown : space. I liked the arguments and the disagreements, the mistrust and fear. I like that there was unknown event that reved up the intensity and tension. First contact and manipulated by an aquatic multi-brained alien and now Jane wants to hug him and she's crying because of him missing his siblings!!!?? did we forget that he lied to her from minute one and almost got them eaten by cannibalistic space rats/roaches, read through all their minds and introduced them to a unknown virus that program them to all die. What happened for the humans to trust and to be so happy to lucky about visiting an alien planet and possibly joining an intergalactic war ?
And that's only the first few chapters of the book.
Is this book written by the same author or edited by the same people for real?
Show, don't tell!!!
All the intensity and the excitement is gone. I feel like there was a missing book between this book and the first. Suddenly everyone's friends. All the humans are almost white-washed with barely any personality or depth. Everyone sounds dumber and weaker. The manipulative, lying, arrogant mastermind alien is now sweet and benevolent. WHhat? No discussions on what happened with the earth government. How are there only four people left on the ship? Were all the world leaders informed about this intergalactic war? How much time passed between the end of the first book and the start of the first? Suddenly there are lasers???
WHY IS EVERYONE SO FREAKING FRIENDLY WITH ONE ANOTHER?
Most of the book led with mystery, tension between characters and fear of the unknown : space. I liked the arguments and the disagreements, the mistrust and fear. I like that there was unknown event that reved up the intensity and tension. First contact and manipulated by an aquatic multi-brained alien and now Jane wants to hug him and she's crying because of him missing his siblings!!!?? did we forget that he lied to her from minute one and almost got them eaten by cannibalistic space rats/roaches, read through all their minds and introduced them to a unknown virus that program them to all die. What happened for the humans to trust and to be so happy to lucky about visiting an alien planet and possibly joining an intergalactic war ?
And that's only the first few chapters of the book.
Is this book written by the same author or edited by the same people for real?
Show, don't tell!!!
April 24, 2016
I'd give 4.5 if GR would let me! A great, fun story, full of suspense, tension, the wonders of alien contact -- as well as the plentiful opportunities for faux pas! The relationship between the different species, but especially Brai, was fascinating. Jane Hollaway is a great protagonist, struggling to lead her crew while also not offending aliens with entirely different sensibilities.
The story picks up pretty much where Fluency left off, and there's not much filling in of backstory. You pick it up as you go along. Nevertheless, I expected a bit more reaction, even a sense of wonder when they landed on another planet and met a new species. This was the case in Fluency, so perhaps it was no longer so new to them.
I liked how the relationship between Jane and Alan developed. Very realistic with its ups and downs. The various dynamics at work among the crew hints at the troubles that will brew for the crew in the next book. And they've definitely got their work cut out for them. That ending left me wishing the next book was out *now*!
The story picks up pretty much where Fluency left off, and there's not much filling in of backstory. You pick it up as you go along. Nevertheless, I expected a bit more reaction, even a sense of wonder when they landed on another planet and met a new species. This was the case in Fluency, so perhaps it was no longer so new to them.
I liked how the relationship between Jane and Alan developed. Very realistic with its ups and downs. The various dynamics at work among the crew hints at the troubles that will brew for the crew in the next book. And they've definitely got their work cut out for them. That ending left me wishing the next book was out *now*!
March 19, 2016
Wow, this is an awesome read!!! Jennifer Foehner Well's took this book to places I could never have imagined, and I loved every minute of it... It is one of the best books I've read this year...
I haven't had this much fun on a spaceship ship since I boarded the 'Streaker' (Startide Rising.) With an aquatic shipmate, alien politics, alien tech and oh so much action. Jane Holloway leads a team of humans and Ei'Brai back to presumedly return the ship 'Speroancora.' Instead of returning the ship she actually finds new truths, extra crew and a new mission directive.
Do yourself a favor and get the book. But please if you haven't already read Fluency go get it so you don't miss a thing!
I haven't had this much fun on a spaceship ship since I boarded the 'Streaker' (Startide Rising.) With an aquatic shipmate, alien politics, alien tech and oh so much action. Jane Holloway leads a team of humans and Ei'Brai back to presumedly return the ship 'Speroancora.' Instead of returning the ship she actually finds new truths, extra crew and a new mission directive.
Do yourself a favor and get the book. But please if you haven't already read Fluency go get it so you don't miss a thing!
March 17, 2016
Book 2 of most likely 3, it rocks my socks!
Fluency was the start of something wonderful! Remanence continues the wonderfulness. Jen's characters all feel real, and her worldbuilding feels solid. The way her people move through her worlds and deal with the choices they're given feels almost inevitable, and yet still surprising, in a "wait, did he really just do that? Of course he did, it's what he does!" kind of way. She knows her people well, a trait more writers need to cultivate.
In all, this was money and time well spent, and I look forward to the conclusion of the Confluence series!
Fluency was the start of something wonderful! Remanence continues the wonderfulness. Jen's characters all feel real, and her worldbuilding feels solid. The way her people move through her worlds and deal with the choices they're given feels almost inevitable, and yet still surprising, in a "wait, did he really just do that? Of course he did, it's what he does!" kind of way. She knows her people well, a trait more writers need to cultivate.
In all, this was money and time well spent, and I look forward to the conclusion of the Confluence series!
May 9, 2016
Marvelous read and story
I read Fluency, Jennifer's first book in this series, awhile back and looked forward to her continuing this first contact saga. I was not disappointed! In fact, this new book is even better.
I like the fact she has woven this storyline around some very believable characters and kept the science rooted in more realistic concepts when it came to alien technology. I think this makes the action more exciting and through the humor and emotion she imparts to the characters, makes the reader drawn into the storyline.
Hope she is hard at work on the next one. It will certainly be on my wish list!
I read Fluency, Jennifer's first book in this series, awhile back and looked forward to her continuing this first contact saga. I was not disappointed! In fact, this new book is even better.
I like the fact she has woven this storyline around some very believable characters and kept the science rooted in more realistic concepts when it came to alien technology. I think this makes the action more exciting and through the humor and emotion she imparts to the characters, makes the reader drawn into the storyline.
Hope she is hard at work on the next one. It will certainly be on my wish list!
May 10, 2016
Very good. BUT this one is a bit more space operaish than the first one. I would normally love this but in this case there doesn't seem to be any fire between the characters and Alan comes off looking like an idiot in terms of communication skills and the ability to actually HAVE a relationship at all never mind an adult intimate relationship. I loved the world building and thought the descriptions of the cultural difficulties that could be encountered were excellent. I'll be reading the next one but I anticipate that it will veer even more off course than this one simply because the ending of this one was so treacleish.
December 22, 2016
I was quite unsure at the start, since the book seemed a lot weaker then I remembered, but as soon as you got to interact with other races the book improved a lot, and in the end it's a strong 3 stars. Characters are mostly likeable, the aliens are not really that alien, but different enough all the same. There wasn't all that much sense of urgency in the story, but it seems that might change for the next book (though the "unlikely hero who has to fix everything" thing that seems to be planned worries me a bit, I'll still read it though)
October 11, 2016
This was a fun sequel to Fluency (Why is the series called Confluence?). Ms Wells has a recognizable style and I like it.
The gender fluidity crap got old in a hurry. A species that decides whether it's male or female. Why didn't she just say "and here's a shout out to all my gender confused libtards"?
Narration was excellent.
The gender fluidity crap got old in a hurry. A species that decides whether it's male or female. Why didn't she just say "and here's a shout out to all my gender confused libtards"?
Narration was excellent.
October 28, 2016
Second book as good as the first! I love this series!
What a fun read this series is to me! So full of rich and curious characters as unique as the plot of the books! I can't stop reading! I got them for my flight this weekend and read one a day and now I have to wait for more! (Greedily extends kindle towards the router...please ma'am, may I have another?)
What a fun read this series is to me! So full of rich and curious characters as unique as the plot of the books! I can't stop reading! I got them for my flight this weekend and read one a day and now I have to wait for more! (Greedily extends kindle towards the router...please ma'am, may I have another?)
November 8, 2016
A tremendous book 2. It is a rare author who can handle both the "science" required in excellent science fiction and the character development, personal and interpersonal conflict and plotting required in great fiction of any genre. Ms. Wells is that kind of an author and it makes this book just as good as its award-winning sibling Fluency. You can't go wrong with this one.
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