Review by Booklist Review
After the events of Sweep of Stars (2022), Maulana now leads Muungano, on the verge of war with Old Earth (O.E.). In the meantime, Wachiru is captured during the disruption of a flow of refugees to the Muungano Embassy on O.E. and finds himself in Panopticon Prison, where he leads an uprising. Amachi is on Mars exploring African spiritual heritage, and Ishant, working undercover for Muungano intelligence in the O.E. capital of Indianapolis and trying to get close to a fellow obroni who is chief of staff to the wife of VOP Harrison, the leader of O.E., nearly gets killed. Meanwhile, out in space beyond the Orun Gate, Captain Stacia Chikeke of the lost Cypher is trying to hold her crew together as they try to find their way back home. At the same time, Epyc Ro Morgan is trying to lead her Reapers back through the Orun Gate but has encountered two new alien species. Then a signal from deep space changes everything. With detailed world building, social commentary on prison as another form of slavery, and epic space battles, sf readers who enjoy Octavia Butler and Samuel R. Delaney will enjoy will enjoy this entry in the Astra Black series. Highly recommended.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
This sharp-witted, galaxy-spanning sequel to Broaddus's Sweep of Stars entertains while setting the stage for an explosive series finale. Tensions heighten in the Muungano Empire as Jaha and Wachiru become embroiled in planetwide unrest, while double-agent Ishant is tasked with recruiting an aide close to Old Earth's leadership. On Mars, Amachi embarks on a spiritual journey under the guidance of a new mentor. Meanwhile, stranded on the other side of the wormhole known as the Orun Gate, Stacia loses trust in her crewmates as they venture further from Muungano society, while Epyc Ro's makeshift fleet grows with each alien encounter--all with implications back home. Broaddus continues to center Black people and culture within his vibrant transglobalist future, creating a vast and immersive galaxy and probing the transformative philosophy of Muungano society. The results allow for deeper explorations of the nature of empire and the costs of exodus, without veering into didacticism. A helpful glossary elucidates potentially unfamiliar concepts. The Astra Black trilogy continues to be a must-read for fans of afrofuturism. (Nov.)
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Review by Library Journal Review
The Muungano empire continues to face off against those who want to impede its progress. After the destruction of the Orun Gate, the Reapers try to find a way to integrate their mission of first contact while trapped on the alien side of the ruined gate. On the Cypher, Captain Stacia Chikeke is trying to get her crew home and find a cure for her son's illness, but factions begin to form and crack the crew's loyalties. Back on Original Earth, the dying world gives rise to those who seek to escape Muungano and those who use violence to keep power over the oppressed. In Muungano itself, those with the loudest voices begin to stoke the fire for a battle that few want, but all will have to face. With multiple points of view carrying the story, readers may find themselves lost in the multiple plot threads. However, the character-driven action and themes of race relations, violent rhetoric, and families of blood and choice will connect throughout. VERDICT Broaddus's second "Astra Black" book is another sweeping space saga, with a complex story that explores deep themes.--Kristi Chadwick
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