As a child, Rose Franklin made an astonishing discovery: a giant metallic hand, buried deep within the earth. As an adult, she’s dedicated her brilliant scientific career to solving the mystery that began that fateful day: Why was a titanic robot of unknown origin buried in pieces around the world? Years of investigation have produced intriguing answers—and even more perplexing questions. But the truth is closer than ever before when a second robot, more massive than the first, materializes and lashes out with deadly force.

Now humankind faces a nightmare invasion scenario made real, as more colossal machines touch down across the globe. But Rose and her team at the Earth Defense Corps refuse to surrender. They can turn the tide if they can unlock the last secrets of an advanced alien technology. The greatest weapon humanity wields is knowledge in a do-or-die battle to inherit the Earth . . . and maybe even the stars. – Goodreads.com

If you’re a sci-fi fan and haven’t read this highly imaginative series yet – it’s your loss.  Although this book didn’t captivate me quite as much as the first, it’s still an engaging read and a worthy followup.

This book takes place nine years after Sleeping Giants and reacquaints the reader with returning characters and their activities during this time, and introduces a couple of new integral characters.  Where the first book is all about discoveries and learning what Themis is capable of, Waking Gods is more action-oriented, with the opportunity to use Themis for her intended purpose.  That being said, don’t assume that’s all this book is about – there are some shocking twists and surprises that left my mouth gaping.

I didn’t settle in with this book until about the 25% mark – it moved at a slower pace, but quickly picked up after that.  Like the first book, Waking Gods is told in interviews, journal entries, transcripts, and news articles – a format that is done very well.

With the ending, I’m assuming there will be at least one more book in this series – and I’ll be eagerly anticipating its release.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.