Book Review - Chasing Earth (Saving Askara #2) by J.M. Link
Tori knows Aderus sees dealing with Earth as necessary to an unlikely, but last-ditch effort to save his world; as she tries to bridge the gap between two vastly different species while proving she’s more than just some unimpressive human. But her fascination and his frustration have led to an attraction she’s unprepared to handle. Or more precisely, the consequences of acting on it. Which not only involve changes to her body, but struggling with what the fierce Askari inspires...and what’s actually possible between them.
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Aderus never imagined a creature like Tori would be what he has come to crave, even over his own kind. The sentiments she provokes perturb as much as they entice him and understanding her proves a separate challenge. But when his actions result in an unintended threat to the balance of power in an alliance between their two races, he is forced to weigh his trust in her against the only thing that matters to him. Or so he thought.
*WARNING* Not intended for readers under 18. Contains explicit sexual content.
This book picks up right where the first one left off. The good news is that we get more of Aderus and Tori’s relationship. The downside is that I can’t remember anything particularly noteworthy to mention beyond that, the hybrid ships, and what happens to Tori. The story is shorter, and Tori was sidelined for most of it. She was quarantined in her room because of the “virus,” which turned out to be Henry, and it ultimately wasn’t as big of a deal as I expected.
Tori doesn’t really do much during this time. She’s supposed to be both a doctor and an ambassador, but neither role amounts to much here. I honestly thought she’d be researching, running her own tests, or even comparing notes with others. If not that, maybe getting more involved as an ambassador by using what she learned from Aderus to create a more accommodating environment for the Askari—but none of that really happens either.
Ambassador Wells, despite being painted in a negative light, actually seems to be doing his job. He may not be trusted with vital Askari information, but he does his best with what little he’s given. It’s a missed opportunity for Tori, because if she had shared what she learned—for example, surface-level information about the Askari, such as their dislike of being touched, the need for personal space, or dietary habits—it could have added more depth to both the story and her character. Instead, it highlights how the character framed as unlikable ends up being more effective than the one we’re supposed to root for.
Point is, I was a bit disappointed. I read the author’s note and understand that the publisher wanted to split it, but the result is a book that’s shorter and feels weaker. It wouldn’t have been as bad if there had been more… not fluff, but more fleshing out. There was plenty of space to include additional scenes that expanded the plot and added depth to the setting and characters.
We’re also introduced to a new character, Dr. Kemina “Mina” Perez, a virologist, who will take center stage in book three along with Jadar. Okay, I guess. Neither made much of an impact on me when they were first introduced. If anything, I was more interested in getting to know the nameless albino Askari. Sadly, I doubt we’ll get much on him, but who knows—I’ve only just started book three, so I might be pleasantly surprised.
Book 2 in the Saving Askara series and still just as good as the first! Shorter, but just as good. Glad that we clearly will get to see this couple more in later books from time to time, (as it is heavily implied), and can not wait for all thee other books of the other fantastic aliens we meet in book 1 to be released so I can gobble them all up like Aderus and his—super nasty alien food. (if you know you know)
Side Note: so happy this book didn’t take the direction I thought it would with Earth’s leaders. Legit so tired of dumb fucks as leaders...in my stories...lol
