Pros
- Enjoyable story that finds a union of sorts among the factions vying for power on the other side of the Obsidian Gate
- Engaging story with fun characters
- Packed with action and the thrill of adventure
Cons
- Story is a bit focused on the planet rather than the larger concerns of the galaxy
Hero’s Return Review
Hero’s Return by J. N. Chaney and Scott Moon is the ninth iteration of a fantastic and thrilling adventure featuring Noah, Kayan, and his motley crew of aliens in another galaxy.
Continuing from the previous story, Noah and his friends are on Zal-tytos gathering allies, defending themselves against Screamers, and attempting to disable Taliz weapons that are deterring Kayan and other allied ships from landing and providing help.
For a good part of the story, Noah is separated from most of his friends who are now onboard Kayan. Instead, he’s working with a young and plucky native Tyton of Zal-tytos named Ryn who still has her battle tail symbiont despite it being a delicacy for the native monsters, the Screamers.
Throughout the story, Ryn acts as a scout and a guide on the planet for Noah and friends. She expertly helps the group avoid Taliz patrols, and as the story progresses, she becomes an important part of the group. Fortunately, readers who have come to adore Ryn will be in for a nice surprise even if it’s to Noah’s disappointment.
The story follows Noah as he navigates from one obstacle to the next, seemingly defying the odds against him. Still with him are the ancient weapons that he makes great use of, and there are several scenes against the Screamers that almost feel like Starship Troopers moments when a few well-armed and well-trained soldiers are holding back a horde of massive beats with unending hunger.
These fight scenes are packed with action and suspense, and they give the story a sense of thrill that would otherwise not be there with just the Taliz.
Noah’s goal in this book is to put a stop to the fighting between the Tytons and the Taliz, but he needs to overcome the centuries of distrust and war—a small piece of history revealed later about the Taliz culture almost seems unreal considering their penchant for war.
There’s a surprise return home for one of the characters that feels a bit nostalgic, and a mention of another former villain that reminds readers that he may still pose a problem. Noah overcomes one obstacle only to encounter more, including ones he previously believed resolved. It wouldn’t be an adventure if there were no obstacles.
Hero’s Return by J. N. Chaney and Scott Moon is another exciting story in the Homeworld Lost series that readers are sure to enjoy, and the hints of what is to come in the next books only increase that sense of anticipation and expectation.
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