Pros
- A bit more interesting expansion of the aliens threatening the solar system
- Some engaging and suspenseful battle scenes
- A bit more focus on Starn’s relationships
Cons
- Overall progress of the plot regarding the aliens proceeding a bit slower
- No more interesting technology or time travel
Steel Rain Review
Steel Rain by B. V. Larson pits Devin Starn and his Red Company against some mysterious aliens who wish to destroy the solar system anonymously, which is a bit strange considering the overwhelming advantage the aliens have in weaponry.
Like the previous book, Steel Rain continues to deliver the fun and intense action scenes that readers have come to love from B. V. Larson and his stories. Starn and his marines are no longer facing undisciplined pirates using junkyard parts.
This time, the threat to Mars and Earth comes from ice chunks hurled toward the domes on Mars and the Moon. One ice chunk may be a coincidence, but two or three that are on a direct collision course is more than a coincidence: it’s a targeted attack.
Of course Borag is tricked and guilted into exploring the origins of these ice chunks in the outer system, and when they arrive, they once again find themselves facing some powerful cyborg foes who are busy replicating and constructing something.
Who is directing these cyborgs and what their motivations are still remains unknown in this fifth book of the series. But Borag’s successes in both space and ground battles lead to the capture of some interesting technologies, and perhaps these technologies will play a greater role against these mysterious overlords in later books.
One focus of this story is on Starn and the relationship with the Captain. This particular bond is further strengthened in the story with some big events, and the result is more responsibility for the former miner-turned-marine. Another romantic relationship change leads to some more promising encounters.
Steel Rain by B. V. Larson moves humanity one step closer toward a conflagration that threatens to consume all humans and colonies in the solar system unless Mars and Earth can move beyond their bickering and unite toward a greater threat that lies beyond.
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