I must admit I gave Amalgam Book 2: Retrieval (by Mike Duke) a second chance. Well, not the book itself, but the series.
After reading Amalgam Book 1: Contact, I have to say I enjoyed it, but not enough to purchase the second book.
While searching on YouTube, I stumbled upon another BookTuber who said they enjoyed Book 2 a lot, and it made me wonder if I had judged it too harshly.
I’m so glad I picked up the second book, as it’s a great read.
Now, let’s review this bad boy.
Amalgam Book 2: Retrieval Review
Amalgam Book 2 picks off right where Book 1 leaves off. Well, if you remember correctly, they throw the alien life form out of the airlock and call for help. However, when they receive the response that help is on its way, it turns out that “on their way” actually means about six months out. So, help is coming, but not as quickly as they thought.
Fast forward six months later, and that’s when Book 2 begins.
What’s the Plot?
There’s a hideous alien life form that resembles the Blob and Alien but is even more intelligent.
This thing is an eating, killing machine that is hardy and can survive most things.
So when help arrives, the new crew investigates the wrong ship —the one from which all passengers escaped from in Book 1 —and they find a stone with carvings on it.
Hidden within the stone lies the hibernating alien, which smells the sweet scent of human flesh and begins its mayhem once again.
To survive the destructive path of this creature, the new crew and the old crew must work together and outsmart this highly intelligent and evolved monster.
The characters
One of the things I liked most about Amalgam Book 2: Retrieval is the characters, old and new.
It felt like the author really put some thought into the dialogue and personality of each individual. He made it look easy. Believe me, I’ve read many books where all the characters suck, are not developed, or you simply don’t care about them.
These characters are believable and funny, and even though this takes place hundreds of years in the future, you can still relate to their emotions and situations.
There’s even a sexbot with a Southern accent that’s pretty fun. Considering she was hardly in Book 1, it’s nice that they brought her back and gave her a larger role.
Savannah, the sexbot, reminded me of the android from Jason X, but with a charming accent.
Other characters are stupid enough to make you want to yell at the book. It’s enthralling.
The storyline
I don’t want to give too much away, but Book 2 was so different from Book 1. During the first book, you learn that the amalgam (alien) is hungry. It goes on a rampage, consuming everything in its path.
I foolishly thought this book would be more of the same, but I’m so glad it wasn’t. Honestly, I would have been bored if it were.
I like it when an author or a movie sequel mixes things up. It keeps it fresh and interesting.
But for this storyline, let’s just say the alien life-form has to problem-solve to outsmart the crew members.
The plot evolves into a slasher-style narrative, where the alien kills team members one by one rather than consuming and destroying everything in its path, a la blockbuster film convention.
But then you realize the main antagonist’s true objective, and then it ends.
And seriously, I’m eager to read Book 3.
I Want More
I don’t know why this book was so small. I guess I’m the selfish one here because when a story is good, I want it to go on forever. But I’m glad there is another book left to read.
This book is well executed. It’s everything I was looking for in a sci-fi horror thriller.
I love the futuristic landscape of an off-world plot. The gore and kills are spectacular. Even the laughs break up the seriousness of the plot, making it more entertaining.
I love sci-fi/horror, and so far, the Amalgam Series is delivering the action-packed bloodfest I was looking for.
Although, if I’m being honest, it’s not super bloody. I mean, it’s not splatter-gore or anything like that, but there’s enough imagination and visuals to make it feel that way.
Aliens Killing Humans is Amazing
If you’re into the movie Alien or love sci-fi/horror, you’re going to love the Amalgam Series.
So far, Book 2 has me excited to pick up Book 3. And I’m hoping there are more in the future. But what I want more of is for Mike Duke to make more amazing horror, science-filled works of fiction that will give me nightmares.
Are you up for the challenge, Mister Duke?
So, what’s my rating for Amalgam Book 2: Retrieval? I’m giving it five bloody hatchets (out of five). It’s believable and riveting, with incredible characters. Even though the alien life form is unlike any we’ve ever seen, I completely believed the story and felt like I was there, watching it all unfold.
Mike Duke, you took me to a distant planet where I ran for my life. It was a trip I didn’t expect, and I thank you for this vacation from reality.
What’s your opinion on Amalgam Book 2? Leave your own star-rated review below.
