Dragon Eye Chronicles Book 2 by Ross Haines is a science fiction novel and the sequel to the debut book in the series. In Haines' universal reimagining, humans are on the verge of being nothing like we know them to be now, and interstellar life is a dangerous reality. We are obviously not alone in the infinite space we inhabit but we are also not alone in the battles waged, and the battles defended. Taking up from where book one left off, we follow the Nightshade’s exploratory undertakings in Continum that rounds out in a space-time race to stop the hijacking of genetic material and a colonization that has no need for humanity in its current state.

Dragon Eye Chronicles Book 2 by Ross Haines takes some time to get into and while shorter than the first tome in the series, it does not have the dreaded sagging middle that a second book tends to have. The writing is raw and unpolished, and this makes it a little more difficult to follow, but once we are in and able to identify multiple shifts in point of view and even past and present tense, we see immense world-building and character development. Mrs. Nightshade is the most compelling character and could probably stand on her own with an offshoot series, as could Sgt York in a different capacity with suitable regard to backstory, and the same applies for Major Paterson. The tension building to inevitable war is well executed and the addition of cyborgs, AI, and alien races that are easily distinguishable round it out for those who enjoy classic science fiction.

Dragon Eye Chronicles: Book Two is a work of fiction in the science fiction and adventure subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience and was penned by author Ross Haines. In this continuation of the series, we follow on from the events of Story of the Many and pick up the adventures of the knowledgeable Nightshade family. As the ongoing Paradox threatens the destruction of all humanity, a journey into the vortex of time seems like the only option. With volatile AI, cyborgs, and clones standing in the way of progress and positive change, the only way to bring humanity back into the light is to look to the past and change it at any cost.

Author Ross Haines delivers a complex and highly satisfying work of science fiction and time travel adventure for fans of high-concept plots and action-packed futuristic tales. The atmosphere of the dark future world, riddled with pervasive technology, was a particular highlight for me, and it’s amazing how many chilling parallels Haines is able to draw with our current existence. This makes such a dangerous future believable, one which threatens to take away that which makes us intrinsically human. This level of realism is certain to make readers all the more invested in the Nightshades and their mission. The concept of the Paradox itself is gripping and holds well with its own internal logic, making Dragon Eye Chronicles: Book 2 a superb continuation of a highly engrossing series. I can’t wait to see what happens next.