Book review of AT WAR

by Evan DeShais (Author)

Updated at: 30/01/2025

In Evan DeShais's AT WAR (Earth Prime Universe), humanity's history stretches far beyond recorded time. Rivas March, an ancient overseer from Earth Prime's dawn, seeks to reclaim his dominion over humanity, targeting the protagonist as the key to his millennia-long plan. This individual, the culmination of March's efforts, must now fight for humanity's future against a foe whose age and power defy comprehension. The conflict isn't just a war of armies, but a battle of wills against a mind whose name has been lost to the vast expanse of time. The stakes are nothing less than the survival of humanity itself.

4.4 / 8 ratings

Review AT WAR

Let me tell you, "At War" was a wild ride! Evan DeShais has crafted a truly exciting universe in the Earth Prime series, and this installment definitely delivers on the action-packed promise. The sheer scale of the conflict – a battle against a being so ancient its name is lost to time – is breathtaking. The stakes feel incredibly high, and you're constantly on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next. Rivas March is a truly compelling antagonist; his millennia-long ambition and ruthless pursuit of power make him a truly formidable foe, and the idea of fighting a mind that old, a being with such ingrained strategies and power, is genuinely terrifying and fascinating.

However, while the core concept is electrifying, I did find myself struggling a bit with the pacing and focus in this particular book. Some sections felt a bit bogged down in detail, particularly those concerning the stainless steel and the secondary character's relationship. While I appreciate the author's desire to flesh out the world and characters, these segments occasionally felt like they detracted from the main plotline, slowing the momentum considerably. There were moments where I wished for a more concise narrative, a tighter focus on the central conflict between the protagonist and Rivas March. It felt, at times, like slogging through mud, as one reader pointed out, and this unfortunately made it harder to maintain the same level of engagement I felt with the previous two books.

That said, the overall story is still captivating. The sheer ambition of the plot, the unique concept of humanity's ancient history, and the thrilling power struggles are enough to keep you hooked. The innovative aspects of the worldbuilding – the sheer scope and implications of humanity’s age – shine through, even amid the pacing issues. The moments of intense action are genuinely exhilarating, and the creative twists and turns in the plot kept me guessing. While I personally would have appreciated a more streamlined narrative, I absolutely understand why other readers were blown away. The core story is compelling and the overall concept is fresh and exciting. It's definitely a book that will leave you thinking, and if you're a fan of epic science fiction with a touch of ancient mystery, you might find yourself completely enthralled, even if the journey gets a little boggy along the way. I'm definitely curious to see where the series goes next and how the author might refine their approach in future installments.