Extremis : Book Review

"Extremis" by Steve White is a captivating and exhilarating science fiction novel that takes place in a distant future. The planet Earth is facing a dire threat from a ruthless and merciless alien race known as the Dreen. The crew of the U.S.S. Merrimack becomes humanity's last hope as they embark on a perilous mission to halt the Dreen's plan to annihilate Earth.

The story begins with the Merrimack crew suffering a devastating loss against the Dreen. However, they refuse to give up and devise a desperate plan to turn the tide of the war. Their strategy involves infiltrating a heavily fortified Dreen stronghold deep in enemy territory. As they push further into Dreen-controlled space, the crew encounters a multitude of challenges and discovers fascinating alien civilizations.

One of the standout aspects of "Extremis" is the incredibly well-developed characters. Each member of the crew, from Captain Farragut to Lieutenant Tugwell, possesses a distinct personality that adds depth and complexity to the narrative. The interactions and relationships among the characters create a sense of camaraderie and emotional investment for the reader.

The world-building in "Extremis" is truly exceptional. Steve White skillfully paints a vivid and detailed picture of a future Earth and its diverse alien species. The Dreen, in particular, are portrayed as a formidable and enigmatic enemy, which keeps readers constantly engaged and intrigued.

The pacing of the novel is relentless, with non-stop action and heart-pounding suspense. The author effectively balances moments of introspection with explosive battles, keeping readers on the edge of their seats throughout. White's crisp and immersive writing style enhances the reading experience, making "Extremis" a real page-turner.

What are readers saying?

Extremis by Steve White is a sci-fi novel that has garnered a range of reviews from readers on Goodreads. Some reviewers laud the book for its fast-paced action and captivating plot. They find the storyline suspenseful and struggle to put the book down. Readers appreciate the well-crafted characters and their relationships, which add depth to the narrative. The exploration of themes surrounding advanced technology and warfare also intrigues these readers, as they find it thought-provoking and relevant.

However, there have been some negative reviews of Extremis as well. Some readers criticize the book for its lack of originality and predictable plot twists. They feel that the story follows a formulaic structure, with clichéd characters and familiar narrative devices. Certain reviewers also find the writing style excessively descriptive, resulting in a slow pace that hampers their enjoyment of the book.

Another point of contention among readers is the treatment of female characters in the story. Some reviewers perceive these characters as stereotypical and poorly developed, lacking agency and depth. This aspect disappoints readers who desire strong female representation in the sci-fi genre.

Despite these criticisms, there are still readers who thoroughly enjoy Extremis and appreciate it for what it is: an entertaining sci-fi read. They are willing to overlook its flaws in favor of the action-packed story and the exploration of futuristic technology.

In conclusion, opinions on Steve White's Extremis are divided. While some readers praise its exciting plot and well-developed characters, others criticize its lack of originality and portrayal of female characters. Ultimately, the reception of the book will depend on individual preferences and expectations.

ExtremisBook GoodreadsReading SciFiFiction