Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest review! I've been psyched to get an early read of this sequel, which is due out April 4th. 
 Neuvel does it again, y'all. When I reviewed Sleeping GiantsS last year, I likened it to a darker and more dangerous version of CONTACT. Well, Waking Gods has upped the ante in a big way. The plot moves at break-neck pace, and those brutal, austere twists of fate driving book one have only been greatened. (So look out for your feels.) 
 Book two begins with the sudden appearance of a new Themis-like machine in London, and the story quickly evolves into a true apocalyptic thriller. Fans of the super fun science theorizing or the more personal crises of our flawed characters, fear not. This novel does not drop the ball. 
 At times I'm amazed at what Neuvel conveys within the epistolary format - so much imagery, action, and emotion. Though I do sometimes feel the dialogue stretch a little thin, it's very seldom. 
 Waking Gods is another page-turner that takes us deeper into a world-wide alien crisis. If you enjoyed the first entry, definitely come back and strap in for more.