You know, I just really did not think I was going to like this sequel as much as I did! Sequels are pretty risky in general especially when the first book concluded well, but because the release of The Brightness Between Us was actually my introduction to this series (when I spotted it at random on a shelf at B&N) I felt like I was obligated to give it a try.
And I am sure glad I did, because this was so very well done. Funnily enough I actually started out this book by thinking that the kids were annoying as hell, and then I realized that actually, I was also annoying as hell at that age — developmentally appropriate annoyingness? It was a small thing but really served to underline that really, no matter what planet you’re growing up on, humanity has certain things that are intrinsic. Like being a know-it-all as a young teenager.
Additionally, the split narrative of what’s happening on Minerva versus what’s happening down on Earth was handled nicely and I felt that each segment really served to support the other, rather than feeling like two totally discrete storylines happening at the same time. I obviously wondered, like probably everyone else, what would have happened to the OGs back on Earth, and now my curiosity is not only satisfied, but another mystery from Minerva is also solved, allowing for an ending that might not exactly be *happy* but is almost certainly what they needed.
Being a huge sucker for a soulmates-type narrative as well, this was just a delicious meal for me. What do you MEAN they were destined to be together in every possible timeline! What do you MEAN, ELIOT!!!!
Overall, four out of five stars from me, really gorgeously done follow-up that feels necessary and not gratuitous at all, and which led to a wonderfully satisfying conclusion(?) to the series.