What do you think?
Rate this book
Faloiv #2
An Anatomy of Beasts
In the dazzling sequel to acclaimed author Oliva A. Cole’s YA sci-fi/fantasy debut, A Conspiracy of Stars, Octavia’s search to uncover the truth grows more dangerous as she becomes determined to protect her planet’s fate. This series is perfect for fans of Amie Kaufman, Veronica Roth, and Pierce Brown!
In the forty years since the Vagantur landed on Faloiv, the planet has existed in a tenuous peace between the humans who live in the enclosed community of N’Terra and the Faloii, the indigenous population. But after uncovering the shadowy secrets of the Council’s newly elected leader and helping a kidnapped Faloii man escape, sixteen-year-old Octavia knows that conflict is looming.
Then the Faloii discover the N’Terran’s latest an artificially weaponized creature, and Octavia realizes that it’s up to her to prevent her people from causing any further destruction.
As she and her friends set out to understand the scope of humanity’s history, nothing can prepare them for what they discover about both their home on Faloiv and the Origin planet. With war on the brink, Octavia must act to change her people’s future before the natural balance on the planet shifts forever.
In the forty years since the Vagantur landed on Faloiv, the planet has existed in a tenuous peace between the humans who live in the enclosed community of N’Terra and the Faloii, the indigenous population. But after uncovering the shadowy secrets of the Council’s newly elected leader and helping a kidnapped Faloii man escape, sixteen-year-old Octavia knows that conflict is looming.
Then the Faloii discover the N’Terran’s latest an artificially weaponized creature, and Octavia realizes that it’s up to her to prevent her people from causing any further destruction.
As she and her friends set out to understand the scope of humanity’s history, nothing can prepare them for what they discover about both their home on Faloiv and the Origin planet. With war on the brink, Octavia must act to change her people’s future before the natural balance on the planet shifts forever.
428 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2019
42 people are currently reading
2051 people want to read
About the author
Olivia A. Cole
16 books448 followersOlivia Cole is an author and blogger from Louisville, Kentucky. She spent eight years in Chicago and two in South Florida before finding her way back home. She is the author of PANTHER IN THE HIVE and its sequel, THE ROOSTER’S GARDEN, as well as her latest young adult series, A CONSPIRACY OF STARS and its sequel AN ANATOMY OF BEASTS. She is on the Creative Writing faculty at the Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts and is the founder of the sci-fi art show for young Kentucky women, KINDRED: MAKING SPACE IN SPACE.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
April 16, 2019
OH MY GOSH LOOK AT THE COVER I'M SCREAMING HOW DID THIS SERIES GET EVEN MORE GORGEOUS???
bustle cover reveal link
bustle cover reveal link
March 18, 2020
An interesting but less impressive sequel to a wonderful book, I felt that An Anatomy of Beasts could have done with more mystery-solving and less jungle-exploring.
It reminds one of Avatar in several ways, the detailed descriptions, and encounters with life on Faloiv certainly help a lot in that. And I don't necessarily believe that was a bad thing if anything it made these books immersive and fascinating. I just think this book is propelled almost entirely by that and it wasn't what I wanted.
The answers come at the very end of the book, and there's barely time to digest them when the book concludes. That is something I always get ticked off by.
I would also like to mention a cliche that I find vexing in such survival-in-dangerous-places plots: a loner living in the wilderness unbeknownst to all and presenting our protagonists with answers/survival tips/life-saving moves. BLEGH.
If you look at every plot thread and element separately it's not unique or unheard of, but the whole picture together is definitely something new and worth knowing more about.
May 25, 2020
2/5 stars.
let’s talk about why this felt short for me.
1. rondo
in my book review for a conspiracy of stars i said i didn’t understand rondo’s purpose and this book basically confirmed that. why was rondo a character in the first place? what was the point of olivia “falling in love” with him if she was just going to throw him aside in this book? like he literally should’ve just been cut.
also if a third book does come out, his character better have something going on because at this point, he needs to go. like soon.
2. characters
i feel like with this i had so many expectations. i felt that we would get some good character development, but this felt very much like ‘olivia and friends’. everything is happening to our character and our character alone. the purpose of the faloii is simply to guide and to answer questions, and whilst that’s great we don’t really see much of a development in terms of their character? idk if we’re even supposed to see character development with them??
and then there’s my problems with the gang. first off alma pissed me off in this book. that could be because olivia felt annoyed by her and so i also felt annoyed by her, but there really wasn’t a connection as there had been in the first book. her inputs and her character were far better in the first instalment. in this however she lost whatever spark she had and she basically had no relevance to the plot other than to put a contrast between her and olivia.
speaking of olivia this girl pissed me oFF. she had her friends there the whole time and she couldn’t appreciate them being there or trying to talk with them instead of discovering this new part of her?? like i get it, but these were your people befORE u got special gifts. these were the people who broke you out of the zoo and all you can do is distance yourself, snap at them, and give them poor excuses as to why you’re being a dick??
jaqout’s involvement in this book was also pretty useless. he survived the dirixi but for what? why? he had like zero to none input and his involvement was completely unnecessary.
if he also somehow survives i’ll be surprised.
then there was joi who’s only purpose was the infuriate olivia. she literally could’ve been so much more but whatever. let’s ignore that.
yaya and them lot had no further mentions which also made me mad and sad and disappointed. so i hope they’re involved in the next book.
as for villains, i hoped that we would’ve seen more of dr albatur and his loyal subjects/ his abominations, just to remind the reader how baD and tyrannical this guy is. i just feel like it would’ve raised the stakes sO MUCH.
3. plot
the plot in this honestly felt like a hot meSS. at first it was going well, then the kidnap happened and honestly i feel like it fell from there. there was no flow to it at all. it all just felt like olivia making last minute plans and expecting everyone to go with them. which is fine, i guess, at first but after the third time? or fourth time??? can something not happen and then olivia change her course because of that? why not just have her pass through the places as she’s achieving her goal, that would’ve made it so much more easier.
and as for things i liked, i’d say only the first part. that part was the only thing i enjoyed.
let’s talk about why this felt short for me.
1. rondo
in my book review for a conspiracy of stars i said i didn’t understand rondo’s purpose and this book basically confirmed that. why was rondo a character in the first place? what was the point of olivia “falling in love” with him if she was just going to throw him aside in this book? like he literally should’ve just been cut.
also if a third book does come out, his character better have something going on because at this point, he needs to go. like soon.
2. characters
i feel like with this i had so many expectations. i felt that we would get some good character development, but this felt very much like ‘olivia and friends’. everything is happening to our character and our character alone. the purpose of the faloii is simply to guide and to answer questions, and whilst that’s great we don’t really see much of a development in terms of their character? idk if we’re even supposed to see character development with them??
and then there’s my problems with the gang. first off alma pissed me off in this book. that could be because olivia felt annoyed by her and so i also felt annoyed by her, but there really wasn’t a connection as there had been in the first book. her inputs and her character were far better in the first instalment. in this however she lost whatever spark she had and she basically had no relevance to the plot other than to put a contrast between her and olivia.
speaking of olivia this girl pissed me oFF. she had her friends there the whole time and she couldn’t appreciate them being there or trying to talk with them instead of discovering this new part of her?? like i get it, but these were your people befORE u got special gifts. these were the people who broke you out of the zoo and all you can do is distance yourself, snap at them, and give them poor excuses as to why you’re being a dick??
jaqout’s involvement in this book was also pretty useless. he survived the dirixi but for what? why? he had like zero to none input and his involvement was completely unnecessary.
if he also somehow survives i’ll be surprised.
then there was joi who’s only purpose was the infuriate olivia. she literally could’ve been so much more but whatever. let’s ignore that.
yaya and them lot had no further mentions which also made me mad and sad and disappointed. so i hope they’re involved in the next book.
as for villains, i hoped that we would’ve seen more of dr albatur and his loyal subjects/ his abominations, just to remind the reader how baD and tyrannical this guy is. i just feel like it would’ve raised the stakes sO MUCH.
3. plot
the plot in this honestly felt like a hot meSS. at first it was going well, then the kidnap happened and honestly i feel like it fell from there. there was no flow to it at all. it all just felt like olivia making last minute plans and expecting everyone to go with them. which is fine, i guess, at first but after the third time? or fourth time??? can something not happen and then olivia change her course because of that? why not just have her pass through the places as she’s achieving her goal, that would’ve made it so much more easier.
and as for things i liked, i’d say only the first part. that part was the only thing i enjoyed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2019
To be honest, I didn’t love the first book. I was lured into this sequel because of the cover and, mainly, the preorder incentive. Holy cow, am I glad I was.! This book was fantastic. It’s so imaginative and gorgeous. It’s descriptive without being excessive. I’m not eloquently spoken, so I shy away from leaving reviews. But something had to be said. I loved every minute of this journey and am absolutely dying for the next one.
July 11, 2019
Мне жаль, что об этой дилогии почти не говорят. Жаль, что вместо нее на вершине популярности в основном однотипные и лишенные искры и изюминки истории. Но я вечно влюбляюсь в то, что никогда не станет топом.
Вторая часть оказалась еще прекраснее. Да, чуть размереннее (хотя, казалось бы, куда еще замедляться?), но вдумчивее, ярче и глубже.
У меня остались вопросы, я заметила огрехи, но из любви к созданному автором миру, к героям, к красочным описаниям и удивительной атмосфере не стану придираться и ворчать.
Постараюсь написать подробное ревью, а пока просто рекомендую.
Вторая часть оказалась еще прекраснее. Да, чуть размереннее (хотя, казалось бы, куда еще замедляться?), но вдумчивее, ярче и глубже.
У меня остались вопросы, я заметила огрехи, но из любви к созданному автором миру, к героям, к красочным описаниям и удивительной атмосфере не стану придираться и ворчать.
Постараюсь написать подробное ревью, а пока просто рекомендую.
July 30, 2020
More like a 3.5 it felt like an intermission if that makes sense
April 13, 2021
Not as good as the first one. I must admit I lost some interest when I began to feel as though the book wouldn't be all wrapped up by the end, as I thought that this was a duology. I saw online that there was supposed to be a third book but there's no news on it. So the conclusion was quite unsatisfying.
I liked the adventure, I liked the whole idea of the alien planet that is all connected in a James Cameron Avatar-esque manner. The plants, the wildlife, the way the Faloii sees humanity, this was all great and interesting.
But Octavia and her friends seemed aimless. They drifted between ideas and Octavia went back to her people for a really stupidly thought out reason, so it seemed like the author only did this so Octavia could reunite with her friends. It was daft and out of character. Then there was the way the backstory to how humanity got to Faloii kept changing, which at first was interesting and mysterious and then just came down to corporations are eviiiil.
So mixed feelings on this one.
I liked the adventure, I liked the whole idea of the alien planet that is all connected in a James Cameron Avatar-esque manner. The plants, the wildlife, the way the Faloii sees humanity, this was all great and interesting.
But Octavia and her friends seemed aimless. They drifted between ideas and Octavia went back to her people for a really stupidly thought out reason, so it seemed like the author only did this so Octavia could reunite with her friends. It was daft and out of character. Then there was the way the backstory to how humanity got to Faloii kept changing, which at first was interesting and mysterious and then just came down to corporations are eviiiil.
So mixed feelings on this one.
June 6, 2019
This is such a good sci fi series that isn't getting much buzz. The writing is so good in this book and honestly it amazes me how some writers are leagues above others. Like, this could have been an adult novel not a young adult. So good if your into the Avatar movie or just hella good writing.
June 4, 2020
Fantastic book, loved learning more about this world and these characters! I really hope we'll get the 3rd book, apparently it's written, now it needs to be bought and published, or self published. I just want to read it!
December 22, 2020
Nonono it can't just END!!! There has to be another book!!!!!
December 29, 2020
After the cliff-hanger ending of A Conspiracy of Stars, this book deals more with Octavia's relations with the Faloii and the planet itself, giving her a chance to explore more of the world - and its inhabitants - than she ever learned from her study in N'Terra.
First, some positives: like the first book, what really pulled me in was the unique setting, resplendent with carnivorous plants, bioluminescent tentacled sea creatures, and interactive biological shelters. This book is very much a continued exploration of this world. Admittedly, I had some trouble with a few aspects of this new world - I can't quite accept the logistics of the whole "predator eating predator" model - but overall, the setting is richly colored, exciting, and well-developed. The writing style accentuates this - it is purposefully evocative and beautiful, and at times this really resonated with me, like the description at the end of chapter 27: "It's almost beautiful, the perfection of its savagery" and "all the joy growing spines of rage." (407) I also liked that the book tried to wrestle the complexity of warring allegiances.
Now some weaknesses:
I read this book around a month after finishing the first one, and it might just be my poor memory, but it took me too long to get back into the swing of the story and remember various details, including character names and plot points. In my opinion, some of these elements could have been simplified or at least reiterated for clarity, and this especially struck me as I was getting into the "main" conflict.
I dislike the whole cliché of "mentor characters definitively telling the main character what to do or what to get in order to fix the whole problem," and when this was combined with confusion about how these quests would actually help - I wasn't a fan. What exactly is the Isii? What does Octavia's grandmother want her to do? What do the Faloii want her to do? What does her grandfather want her to do? What does her father want her to do? It's a lot to track, especially when the details are left purposely vague to contribute to the mystery of the book.
Also: characters. While Rondo and Alma are present for most of the book, their characters felt entirely flat and vague. It's hard to say exactly what they add to the book, especially when Octavia's totally fine ditching Rondo at one point (with no explanation) to tackle a side quest with Alma. Both of them are portrayed more as "stupid humans who showcase Octavia's frustrations with humans in general" than "independent and resourceful friends who contribute to her quests."
Overall, it seems like more thought and design went into the setting than into the characters, which is maybe ironic considering the book's themes.
Pacing: This was something I noticed in the first book too, but it seems like the plot is fine with moseying along at a leisurely pace up until the last 100 pages or so. There is underlying threat/conflict, but there isn't a whole lot of urgency, and when there are confrontations, they happen and then are over, leaving the characters essentially in the same position as before. While this might be necessary for the world-building, there were parts when I found it hard to engage.
Style: While the metaphorical descriptions contribute to one of the book's descriptions, I found a few hard to take seriously. There are moments in the dialogue when it felt like the author was forcing "depth" into a situation, making the characters philosophize even when it was unrealistic. Octavia asks "Was it ever good? Was there anything worth saving?" and, at one point, thinks "it feels like I'm talking to my mother, and at the same time it feels like I never had one." (392) What does that really mean? Instead of grounding me in her feelings, it pulls me out of the scene and doesn't really seem to justify the conversation she'd been having. This might just be a personal preference, though.
Overall, I liked the ambiance of the book, and moments from the plot grabbed my attention and pulled me into the story. However, there are a few things that made it a difficult reading experience - although if there's a third book, I'll probably check it out.
First, some positives: like the first book, what really pulled me in was the unique setting, resplendent with carnivorous plants, bioluminescent tentacled sea creatures, and interactive biological shelters. This book is very much a continued exploration of this world. Admittedly, I had some trouble with a few aspects of this new world - I can't quite accept the logistics of the whole "predator eating predator" model - but overall, the setting is richly colored, exciting, and well-developed. The writing style accentuates this - it is purposefully evocative and beautiful, and at times this really resonated with me, like the description at the end of chapter 27: "It's almost beautiful, the perfection of its savagery" and "all the joy growing spines of rage." (407) I also liked that the book tried to wrestle the complexity of warring allegiances.
Now some weaknesses:
I read this book around a month after finishing the first one, and it might just be my poor memory, but it took me too long to get back into the swing of the story and remember various details, including character names and plot points. In my opinion, some of these elements could have been simplified or at least reiterated for clarity, and this especially struck me as I was getting into the "main" conflict.
I dislike the whole cliché of "mentor characters definitively telling the main character what to do or what to get in order to fix the whole problem," and when this was combined with confusion about how these quests would actually help - I wasn't a fan. What exactly is the Isii? What does Octavia's grandmother want her to do? What do the Faloii want her to do? What does her grandfather want her to do? What does her father want her to do? It's a lot to track, especially when the details are left purposely vague to contribute to the mystery of the book.
Also: characters. While Rondo and Alma are present for most of the book, their characters felt entirely flat and vague. It's hard to say exactly what they add to the book, especially when Octavia's totally fine ditching Rondo at one point (with no explanation) to tackle a side quest with Alma. Both of them are portrayed more as "stupid humans who showcase Octavia's frustrations with humans in general" than "independent and resourceful friends who contribute to her quests."
Overall, it seems like more thought and design went into the setting than into the characters, which is maybe ironic considering the book's themes.
Pacing: This was something I noticed in the first book too, but it seems like the plot is fine with moseying along at a leisurely pace up until the last 100 pages or so. There is underlying threat/conflict, but there isn't a whole lot of urgency, and when there are confrontations, they happen and then are over, leaving the characters essentially in the same position as before. While this might be necessary for the world-building, there were parts when I found it hard to engage.
Style: While the metaphorical descriptions contribute to one of the book's descriptions, I found a few hard to take seriously. There are moments in the dialogue when it felt like the author was forcing "depth" into a situation, making the characters philosophize even when it was unrealistic. Octavia asks "Was it ever good? Was there anything worth saving?" and, at one point, thinks "it feels like I'm talking to my mother, and at the same time it feels like I never had one." (392) What does that really mean? Instead of grounding me in her feelings, it pulls me out of the scene and doesn't really seem to justify the conversation she'd been having. This might just be a personal preference, though.
Overall, I liked the ambiance of the book, and moments from the plot grabbed my attention and pulled me into the story. However, there are a few things that made it a difficult reading experience - although if there's a third book, I'll probably check it out.
April 19, 2019
Woooooow. I loved A Conspiracy of Stars but this sequel is on a whole other level of great. I just finished it and I am already planning to recruit friends and coworkers to pick up copies and share my love and frustration.
April 10, 2019
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Everything I loved about A Conspiracy of Stars was only further developed in An Anatomy of Beasts. If you love books with rich world building, Cole delivers a stunning planet not only full of lush plants, but descriptive animals. It's like walking through a virtual off planet zoo! Not only that, but An Anatomy of Beasts asks us what we will do to fight for our home. Where we will take our stand. It's about having to think for ourselves in a world, a society, that wants to deceive us.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
Everything I loved about A Conspiracy of Stars was only further developed in An Anatomy of Beasts. If you love books with rich world building, Cole delivers a stunning planet not only full of lush plants, but descriptive animals. It's like walking through a virtual off planet zoo! Not only that, but An Anatomy of Beasts asks us what we will do to fight for our home. Where we will take our stand. It's about having to think for ourselves in a world, a society, that wants to deceive us.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
June 22, 2019
I waited two days to review this book so I could really think about it. The world building in this series is just amazing. The depth of the story and the connections made between the planet and all the lifeforms on it is so interesting. Octavia is a well-planned character who stayed true to herself throughout. I would recommend this series to pretty much anyone!
June 6, 2019
An Anatomy of Beasts follows A Conspiracy of Stars, and the story of Octavia's struggle of deciding who she wants to be. It begins almost immediately following the events of A Conspiracy of Stars. Octavia has found herself in Mbekenkanush, the Faloii village where she has found her grandparents still alive. But there isn't much time for a family reunion. With her mother gone and her father under Albatur's thumb, Octavia has a choice to make. Does she return to N'Terra to the people she is a part of, or stay with the Faloii and embrace her connection with the planet and the people before all out war comes to the planet?
I really enjoyed An Anatomy of Beasts. I really love the world that Olivia Cole has created. There isn't much that has been left out setting-wise, and I really enjoyed seeing more of the planet in this story. I also really enjoyed the flow of the story with the new elements. It was really cool to meet new characters and animals throughout the story, and I felt like I could really see them in my mind through the descriptions.
The only real problem I had with this story is it felt a little repetitive to the first story. Octavia has her friends Alma and Rondo to help her understand herself, then she gets separated from them. In AAOB, she goes back to N'Terra and finds them again, leaves with them, and by the end gets separated again, although this time she is actually by herself and not with the Faloii. With the internal battle Octavia has throughout the whole story on who she wants to be and her quick rising anger with Alma and Rondo purely because they aren't truly like her, it would have been more powerful for me if she had willingly left them at the end. I also wanted a few more answers throughout the story, as it always feels like we along with Octavia don't know very much at all.
That being said, I again did really enjoy this story, hence the 4 stars. The characters are all likable, the story is intriguing, and the setting is so believable. I am very interested to see where the story will go, as it left it at a cross-roads where really anything could happen. I am totally in love with the fact that there is a focus on the planet being alive and is able to make its own choices. It makes for an unpredictable factor, which is really cool.
I would definitely recommend this series that Olivia Cole has started, as I absolutely love the scientific part of the story and it's unlike anything else I have ever read.
I really enjoyed An Anatomy of Beasts. I really love the world that Olivia Cole has created. There isn't much that has been left out setting-wise, and I really enjoyed seeing more of the planet in this story. I also really enjoyed the flow of the story with the new elements. It was really cool to meet new characters and animals throughout the story, and I felt like I could really see them in my mind through the descriptions.
The only real problem I had with this story is it felt a little repetitive to the first story. Octavia has her friends Alma and Rondo to help her understand herself, then she gets separated from them. In AAOB, she goes back to N'Terra and finds them again, leaves with them, and by the end gets separated again, although this time she is actually by herself and not with the Faloii. With the internal battle Octavia has throughout the whole story on who she wants to be and her quick rising anger with Alma and Rondo purely because they aren't truly like her, it would have been more powerful for me if she had willingly left them at the end. I also wanted a few more answers throughout the story, as it always feels like we along with Octavia don't know very much at all.
That being said, I again did really enjoy this story, hence the 4 stars. The characters are all likable, the story is intriguing, and the setting is so believable. I am very interested to see where the story will go, as it left it at a cross-roads where really anything could happen. I am totally in love with the fact that there is a focus on the planet being alive and is able to make its own choices. It makes for an unpredictable factor, which is really cool.
I would definitely recommend this series that Olivia Cole has started, as I absolutely love the scientific part of the story and it's unlike anything else I have ever read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2019
Hurray, work finally calmed down enough again for me to read a library book!
After the events of the first book in the series (that you should really read before picking up this one,) our heroine Octavia is on the run from the rest of the humans of N'Terra. She finds refuge with the Faloii, the native inhabitants of the planet, who are harboring both refugees and secrets that will gradually be uncovered as the book heads to its curiously moving ending. It's the kind of ending that feels complete even as you want to know what happens next: I'd love to read more books in the series, but if it ends right here, I won't feel at all unsatisfied (tho very much want to read more of Olivia A Cole's work.)
I can't really talk about the plot without giving away a ton of spoilers, as so much happens. What I can say is that the predatory ecosystem of the planet finally made sense to me in this book, and the strictures against meat-eating took on even more significance. I was less enthused about the way the Faloii dismissed intent, but I suppose their capacity for tolerance was understandably limited at that point in the novel. Sometimes, I didn't really understand why Octavia made the choices she did as to where to go next on her journey; it was a bit chaotic, but in a good way. That said, it was a great journey, especially with the subtle way Ms Cole draws parallels between what Octavia encounters and the way colonizers have historically engaged with new lands and peoples. The book is also an excellent exploration of racial guilt and belonging and the many tools oppressors use to keep dissenters in line, all clothed in a YA sci-fi novel.
If you want genuinely inventive sci-fi that boldly explores the nature of colonialism and oppression, this is definitely the series for you, as it is for me. I'm hoping for a sequel, but would be happy just to be able to read more of Ms Cole's writing. She's a fresh talent with a lot to say about the structures of power, and a pretty darn good sci-fi author to boot.
After the events of the first book in the series (that you should really read before picking up this one,) our heroine Octavia is on the run from the rest of the humans of N'Terra. She finds refuge with the Faloii, the native inhabitants of the planet, who are harboring both refugees and secrets that will gradually be uncovered as the book heads to its curiously moving ending. It's the kind of ending that feels complete even as you want to know what happens next: I'd love to read more books in the series, but if it ends right here, I won't feel at all unsatisfied (tho very much want to read more of Olivia A Cole's work.)
I can't really talk about the plot without giving away a ton of spoilers, as so much happens. What I can say is that the predatory ecosystem of the planet finally made sense to me in this book, and the strictures against meat-eating took on even more significance. I was less enthused about the way the Faloii dismissed intent, but I suppose their capacity for tolerance was understandably limited at that point in the novel. Sometimes, I didn't really understand why Octavia made the choices she did as to where to go next on her journey; it was a bit chaotic, but in a good way. That said, it was a great journey, especially with the subtle way Ms Cole draws parallels between what Octavia encounters and the way colonizers have historically engaged with new lands and peoples. The book is also an excellent exploration of racial guilt and belonging and the many tools oppressors use to keep dissenters in line, all clothed in a YA sci-fi novel.
If you want genuinely inventive sci-fi that boldly explores the nature of colonialism and oppression, this is definitely the series for you, as it is for me. I'm hoping for a sequel, but would be happy just to be able to read more of Ms Cole's writing. She's a fresh talent with a lot to say about the structures of power, and a pretty darn good sci-fi author to boot.
July 5, 2019
Many books, when you reach that point where the title comes into play, bring a sort of satisfaction, maybe even a revelation, like with book one,
A Conspiracy of Stars
. When the title came into play early on in An Anatomy of Beasts, I wanted to shudder. Though I definitely see the title as fitting, and I like, too, how it came into play more than once.
At first, it took me a little while to get into book two. Though it seemed a little faster paced than book one, I wasn’t exactly trapped on an airplane and was actually catching up with more friends. So my reading speed probably has more to do with my life than the quality of the book. When I finally did have the time to sit down and read, I gobbled it up. I was just going to read a couple chapters. Ha! I stayed up later than I should have one night with no regrets.
Like the first book, it starts off in the middle of the story, picking up slightly later than A Conspiracy of Stars left off. Unlike book one, however, it takes place primarily in the jungle of Faloiv, from bubbling lakes and sentient plants to a crumbling star ship and underwater rivers. Did somebody say underwater and scifi?! I am 100% here for this book! I’m just a little confused about how the suits work when it comes to underwater travel. They provide humans with oxygen, sure, but what about the water pressure? Is this always going to be one of my concerns? Yes, yes it is.
I also liked the way the book developed the telepathic communication. What starts off as a semi-vague concept in the first book turns out to be a complex language in the next.
And let’s not forget the themes, especially how each person’s choice bears a certain amount of responsibility, no matter one’s intentions.
In the end though, I didn’t enjoy the story quite as much as I enjoyed the first book. Partially because some of the relationships that were developed in book one were more strained in book two. Partially because I expected a little more resolution, initially thinking this was a duology, so I was surprised when the book left me wanting more. Now I need book three!
In all, I gave An Anatomy of Beasts 4/5 stars for excellent world building and themes and would recommend the series to anybody interested in YA sci-fi.
At first, it took me a little while to get into book two. Though it seemed a little faster paced than book one, I wasn’t exactly trapped on an airplane and was actually catching up with more friends. So my reading speed probably has more to do with my life than the quality of the book. When I finally did have the time to sit down and read, I gobbled it up. I was just going to read a couple chapters. Ha! I stayed up later than I should have one night with no regrets.
Like the first book, it starts off in the middle of the story, picking up slightly later than A Conspiracy of Stars left off. Unlike book one, however, it takes place primarily in the jungle of Faloiv, from bubbling lakes and sentient plants to a crumbling star ship and underwater rivers. Did somebody say underwater and scifi?! I am 100% here for this book! I’m just a little confused about how the suits work when it comes to underwater travel. They provide humans with oxygen, sure, but what about the water pressure? Is this always going to be one of my concerns? Yes, yes it is.
I also liked the way the book developed the telepathic communication. What starts off as a semi-vague concept in the first book turns out to be a complex language in the next.
And let’s not forget the themes, especially how each person’s choice bears a certain amount of responsibility, no matter one’s intentions.
In the end though, I didn’t enjoy the story quite as much as I enjoyed the first book. Partially because some of the relationships that were developed in book one were more strained in book two. Partially because I expected a little more resolution, initially thinking this was a duology, so I was surprised when the book left me wanting more. Now I need book three!
In all, I gave An Anatomy of Beasts 4/5 stars for excellent world building and themes and would recommend the series to anybody interested in YA sci-fi.
April 7, 2022
The cover art on this book is gorgeous and what caught my eye in the library. It kind of amazes me that the cover is one of only two redeeming things about this book. I was all in for the story line: an alien planet and a daughter wanting to be a scientist until she finds out something is not quite right in her own society? Sign me up! But I think where this book ultimately lacked was in the details. The main character couldn't describe the creatures or plants by comparing them to things we know on Earth because she had never seen them, fair enough and creative. I feel like where the author went wrong was in providing minimal details of an animal in the beginning and then later adding in additional details about the animal's appearance. This would cause me to start to imagine the animal one way with the minimal details but then have to change in my brain what it would look like halfway through the book because my version no longer matched and then change again later on. Ultimately, it made it so I wasn't able to read the story smoothly. While this was a minor issue in the first book, it became even worse in this second book as it made it hard to imagine the landscape and, at times, even hard to figure out what was happening in the book. Overall, it was pretty clear that the author had a beautiful world and scene developed in their head, it's just a shame that they didn't transfer it onto the page very well. A smaller point : the main character becomes progressively more and more dislikable. She becomes more knowledgeable about the world around her due to her special abilities and as a result, becomes more stuck up and instead of sharing her knowledge, she frequently abandons those who help and care about her only to be welcomed back by them without a second thought.
February 9, 2020
This sequel was alright for me. I'm glad we got to explore more of Failov and that was one of my favorite parts of the book, the world was certainly well-built.
Another good thing about this book is that it answered a lot of questions and was satisfactory in unraveling some of the mysteries in the story.
However, I found a lot of things a bit ho-hum:
~ It's hard not to feel like the entire book is just a rather linear stream of difficult experiences for Octavia. It's getting almost easy to predict when a "breather" sort of situation is going to be suddenly interrupted by unexpected terror, baddies, or become even more shrouded in mystery. Meh. It's not as much driven by the character as by her circumstances.
~ The plot takes some strange and unnerving turns and the book has absolutely no resolution whatsoever. I'm going to go ahead and assume that there will be a #3 in the series, because otherwise it's one of the most unsatisfactory ways to finish up a series. While it answers a lot about the mystery of the world, this chapter of the story leaves pretty much every single thing the reader was hoping to see a solution to completely unresolved.
~ I really did not totally buy the protagonist's I felt that this was uncharacteristic and a bit of a stretch. In fact, her close knit friendship with Alma and Rondo was something that was such an important part of the story in the first book, and it bothered me that this entire element of the story was just discarded all of a sudden.
Another good thing about this book is that it answered a lot of questions and was satisfactory in unraveling some of the mysteries in the story.
However, I found a lot of things a bit ho-hum:
~ It's hard not to feel like the entire book is just a rather linear stream of difficult experiences for Octavia. It's getting almost easy to predict when a "breather" sort of situation is going to be suddenly interrupted by unexpected terror, baddies, or become even more shrouded in mystery. Meh. It's not as much driven by the character as by her circumstances.
~ The plot takes some strange and unnerving turns and the book has absolutely no resolution whatsoever. I'm going to go ahead and assume that there will be a #3 in the series, because otherwise it's one of the most unsatisfactory ways to finish up a series. While it answers a lot about the mystery of the world, this chapter of the story leaves pretty much every single thing the reader was hoping to see a solution to completely unresolved.
~ I really did not totally buy the protagonist's I felt that this was uncharacteristic and a bit of a stretch. In fact, her close knit friendship with Alma and Rondo was something that was such an important part of the story in the first book, and it bothered me that this entire element of the story was just discarded all of a sudden.
June 19, 2019
Ch 25: *reading on Kindle* thirty min chapter. I gotta psych myself up for this one.
Ch 26: *switched to book* forty pages left. let's see how this is gonna end.
Ch 27: *sweats nervously* four-page chapter. a lot can happen in four pages...
Ch 28: Ten pages left. I've seen a lot of things happen in ten pages. I don't know how this can end but let's see.
Me: *looks for chapter 29*
Like I'm a big fan of ambiguous endings. Hell, I write ambiguous endings. But this ending was just cruel. I've scoured Goodreads and the authors Instagram and I don't see any talk about there being a book three. I've seen one comment on Goodreads about the book not being popular enough for them to publish book three. I plan on messaging the author on Instagram about this just so I can get a confirmation from the source. But I'm going to write this review as if it is the ending of the series.
An Anatomy of Beasts is a good book. There seemed to be a much slower pace this time around. I wouldn't say it suffered from second-book-syndrome but it might have a mild case of it. Now don't get me wrong, it's still a great book. I just don't like how there was so much filler in the book compared to how it ended.
What I did love though and why I'm giving it five stars? The topics that were talked about. I love environmental stories. When I write my own books I always have an environmental message to send. I really hope there's a book three. I messaged the author so I guess it's just time to wait for a reply.
5/5
Ch 26: *switched to book* forty pages left. let's see how this is gonna end.
Ch 27: *sweats nervously* four-page chapter. a lot can happen in four pages...
Ch 28: Ten pages left. I've seen a lot of things happen in ten pages. I don't know how this can end but let's see.
Me: *looks for chapter 29*
Like I'm a big fan of ambiguous endings. Hell, I write ambiguous endings. But this ending was just cruel. I've scoured Goodreads and the authors Instagram and I don't see any talk about there being a book three. I've seen one comment on Goodreads about the book not being popular enough for them to publish book three. I plan on messaging the author on Instagram about this just so I can get a confirmation from the source. But I'm going to write this review as if it is the ending of the series.
An Anatomy of Beasts is a good book. There seemed to be a much slower pace this time around. I wouldn't say it suffered from second-book-syndrome but it might have a mild case of it. Now don't get me wrong, it's still a great book. I just don't like how there was so much filler in the book compared to how it ended.
What I did love though and why I'm giving it five stars? The topics that were talked about. I love environmental stories. When I write my own books I always have an environmental message to send. I really hope there's a book three. I messaged the author so I guess it's just time to wait for a reply.
5/5
June 27, 2019
Interesting concepts again, but there was something missing in the plot or writing that holds it back from a four-star read for me. The ideas are all there, and the world-blinding is incredible.
It felt like some plot points were something - worn out, or drawn out, I’m not sure, but it lacked a certain finesse. Some of the happy coincidences Octavia (and others) experience go beyond the believable explanation of her symbiotic nature with the planet. Though it’s minor, I didn’t get what happened between Octavia and her kind-of romantic interest from book one; it felt unexplained.
Octavia isn’t quite as well-rounded as I’d hoped. It’s a small example but she at one point judges Jaquot in a way that’s so naive and off-base for a character who has empathy for so many living beings that it was jarring:
“‘Aren’t you thinking about home?’ I say. ‘Your dad thinks you’re dead, Jaquot. That doesn’t bother you?’
‘Of course it does. But we didn’t talk much when I was in N’Terra.’ He averts his eyes, focusing on the path ahead. ‘I don’t think he’s even noticed I was gone. Maybe he needs to see what life is like without me for a while.’
‘Petty,’ I say, but he shrugs.”
Even if she and Jaquot shared a commonality in that they weren’t incredibly close with their fathers, she’s in no position to dole out judgmental jabs like that. It’s his life; she hasn’t lived it and she doesn’t know what it feels like.
That being said, the world was so rich and detailed that I’d still recommend it if dystopian sci-fi is your jam.
It felt like some plot points were something - worn out, or drawn out, I’m not sure, but it lacked a certain finesse. Some of the happy coincidences Octavia (and others) experience go beyond the believable explanation of her symbiotic nature with the planet. Though it’s minor, I didn’t get what happened between Octavia and her kind-of romantic interest from book one; it felt unexplained.
Octavia isn’t quite as well-rounded as I’d hoped. It’s a small example but she at one point judges Jaquot in a way that’s so naive and off-base for a character who has empathy for so many living beings that it was jarring:
“‘Aren’t you thinking about home?’ I say. ‘Your dad thinks you’re dead, Jaquot. That doesn’t bother you?’
‘Of course it does. But we didn’t talk much when I was in N’Terra.’ He averts his eyes, focusing on the path ahead. ‘I don’t think he’s even noticed I was gone. Maybe he needs to see what life is like without me for a while.’
‘Petty,’ I say, but he shrugs.”
Even if she and Jaquot shared a commonality in that they weren’t incredibly close with their fathers, she’s in no position to dole out judgmental jabs like that. It’s his life; she hasn’t lived it and she doesn’t know what it feels like.
That being said, the world was so rich and detailed that I’d still recommend it if dystopian sci-fi is your jam.
May 2, 2019
This was a beautifully written sequel to “A Conspiracy of Stars”. Originally this was supposed to be a duology, but this book leaves the main conflict wide open. I am hoping we see at least one more book in this series to tie things up.
I absolutely love the planet of Faloiv and all of the interesting beasts and plants there. This setting is amazingly creative and I enjoyed reading about it a ton. I also really loved Octavia and how she interacts with the planet and its natives.
This story helps us learn a lot more about how Faloiv works and a lot more about the humans and how they ended up here. It was intriguing and very fun to read about.
I love Cole’s writing style as well. It flows beautifully and makes this book effortless to read. I was very close to reading the whole book in one sitting...but you know, sleep was needed.
Overall this was an amazing continuation of the Faloiv series. It’s creative, fast-paced, and beautifully written. I really hope this isn’t the last book in the series. I would recommend to those who enjoy science fiction reads about other planets. Especially to those who enjoy reading about alien plant life and animals.
I absolutely love the planet of Faloiv and all of the interesting beasts and plants there. This setting is amazingly creative and I enjoyed reading about it a ton. I also really loved Octavia and how she interacts with the planet and its natives.
This story helps us learn a lot more about how Faloiv works and a lot more about the humans and how they ended up here. It was intriguing and very fun to read about.
I love Cole’s writing style as well. It flows beautifully and makes this book effortless to read. I was very close to reading the whole book in one sitting...but you know, sleep was needed.
Overall this was an amazing continuation of the Faloiv series. It’s creative, fast-paced, and beautifully written. I really hope this isn’t the last book in the series. I would recommend to those who enjoy science fiction reads about other planets. Especially to those who enjoy reading about alien plant life and animals.
February 7, 2019
My Review: I loved how book one unfolded and the story was just a great blend of new creatures and characters and a world unlike any other. This one was even better than book one. I enjoyed how the pacing picked up just a little and all the characters are still with us. Without giving anything away I will tell you that if you think you know where this book is heading you have NO CLUE!! I loved every page of this title and I really hope we get another one after this!! I love this world and in the end I would love to see another story about where everyone else ended up since of course these people were stranded here. This could be one of those series that encompasses so many things and I hope the author does that!! As I don't want this to end.
Go Into This One Knowing: Creatures, Great Pacing, New Worlds
Go Into This One Knowing: Creatures, Great Pacing, New Worlds
September 13, 2020
A strong sequel and a satisfying enough conclusion to the duology.
I found the plot of Anatomy of Beasts to be more dragging compared to the first one, but it still has that suspenseful and electrifying atmosphere so it didn't bother me too much.
The moral dilemma that O deals within this book is so heartbreaking and powerful, and I liked how this was constantly dissected throughout the story. There were times when O came across as pretentious, especially when it came to her friends having opposing opinions, but the dynamic between the three of them made sense. Each character brought a different perspective and weight to the situation.
My feelings about the ending are a bit tricky to explain. While I thought that it closed the duology well enough, I did feel a bit cheated. I would have liked to have read more, but exactly what about I cannot even explain.
I found the plot of Anatomy of Beasts to be more dragging compared to the first one, but it still has that suspenseful and electrifying atmosphere so it didn't bother me too much.
The moral dilemma that O deals within this book is so heartbreaking and powerful, and I liked how this was constantly dissected throughout the story. There were times when O came across as pretentious, especially when it came to her friends having opposing opinions, but the dynamic between the three of them made sense. Each character brought a different perspective and weight to the situation.
My feelings about the ending are a bit tricky to explain. While I thought that it closed the duology well enough, I did feel a bit cheated. I would have liked to have read more, but exactly what about I cannot even explain.
March 16, 2022
3.5 stars
I can't believe it ends like that. I assume since there is war, all the humans will die. Does that mean Alma and Rondo will die too? I can't believe it. This book was fascinating. It started off much better than the first book. We get to learn more of the Faloii people and their culture. We also get to interact more with the environment which I found fascinating. It was all so beautiful. As with the first book, there were many secrets here in which we found the answers to eventually. It was very interesting to witness the path through the tree's point of view. I found this book to be very unique and it is very nice to find a book like this. The journey was breathtaking and I am a bit disappointed on how it ends. There are still questions left. I guess it's up for interpretation.
I can't believe it ends like that. I assume since there is war, all the humans will die. Does that mean Alma and Rondo will die too? I can't believe it. This book was fascinating. It started off much better than the first book. We get to learn more of the Faloii people and their culture. We also get to interact more with the environment which I found fascinating. It was all so beautiful. As with the first book, there were many secrets here in which we found the answers to eventually. It was very interesting to witness the path through the tree's point of view. I found this book to be very unique and it is very nice to find a book like this. The journey was breathtaking and I am a bit disappointed on how it ends. There are still questions left. I guess it's up for interpretation.
October 11, 2023
I'm slightly disappointed with how this ended. Not because it wasn't good or didn't end well, but because there are so many plot points that feel like they were just left unfinished. The ending was too open ended to make it feel like a solid ending. I heard whispers and murmurs that there was supposed to be a third but the likelihood of that happening seems low. I don't think this was the intended ending because we really didn't get the satisfaction of a final showdown between Octavia and Albatur and we also didn't get a solid ending on Octavia and Rondo. I also want more on the planet and how the Faloii conduct their war + how they plan on keeping the humans they respect alive and safe especially from the planet. There's just so much left to explore and the lack of ending leaves me with so many questions that the open ending seems unfinished.
July 7, 2019
I started this series when the second volume came through the library where I work. The cover hooked me, so I opened it to a random page and was immediately obsessed. I love both the first and second volumes and am anxiously awaiting the next! I love the main characters, and I want to thank the author for not only making characters that look like me and my family and being very clear about it, but for making them scientists and doctors, smart and caring and strong. I also love the moral questions raised regarding environmentalism. This book is a wonderful blend of sci-fi and action with the perfect touch of romance. The romance is done thoughtfully, and I appreciate how the characters grow and change through out the series. I can not wait for the next volume!
August 30, 2020
Can I give this book a 4 and 3/4 stars? Is that a thing?
I adored this duology. Everything about it was right up my alley. Awesome alien planet complete with amazing animals and scientist characters. Umm yes please. But not all is as it seems and there are some good twisty moments.
The only reason I take of some points is that ending. The book completes but it feels so unresolved still to me. Maybe I just wanted to spend more time on Faloiv, I don’t know but it just wasn’t the ending I felt we deserved.
The description however demands I still round up to 5 stars. The intensity of how the world is described is amazing, it draws you in until you don’t want to leave. Highly recommend this duology
I adored this duology. Everything about it was right up my alley. Awesome alien planet complete with amazing animals and scientist characters. Umm yes please. But not all is as it seems and there are some good twisty moments.
The only reason I take of some points is that ending. The book completes but it feels so unresolved still to me. Maybe I just wanted to spend more time on Faloiv, I don’t know but it just wasn’t the ending I felt we deserved.
The description however demands I still round up to 5 stars. The intensity of how the world is described is amazing, it draws you in until you don’t want to leave. Highly recommend this duology
December 24, 2025
I received Conspiracy of Stars through my Uppercase subscription and I remember reading it and liking it well enough that I bought this one when it was first released. Now, 7 years later, I finally was able to read it. The genre is sci fi, but the language is so poetic and descriptive that I really didn’t know what was going on. I had forgotten all the characters and people from the first one so I was just lost, following Octavia as she wandered around. This simply wasn’t for me.
Maybe it will be for you if you enjoy new planets, lyrical descriptions of new animals and plant life, and a story over 400 pages.
Maybe it will be for you if you enjoy new planets, lyrical descriptions of new animals and plant life, and a story over 400 pages.
April 19, 2019
So I have to say I am in love with the world that Olivia A Cole has created.
The world of Faloiv is amazing, and the way the world communicates is so cool (and one of my favorite parts about these books). But not only that, the plants and animals that she has created are unique and not just by how they look but in their relationships and reactions to each other.
I also love how the main character grows in this book and how she is discovering things about herself and her strengths that she did not even know she possessed.
The world of Faloiv is amazing, and the way the world communicates is so cool (and one of my favorite parts about these books). But not only that, the plants and animals that she has created are unique and not just by how they look but in their relationships and reactions to each other.
I also love how the main character grows in this book and how she is discovering things about herself and her strengths that she did not even know she possessed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews