Calculated Risks by Seanan McGuire Series: InCryptid #10
Published by DAW on February 23, 2021
Genres: Urban fantasy
Pages: 448
Format: Paperback
Goodreads
Also by this author: Imaginary Numbers, Over the Woodward Wall, Across the Green Grass Fields, Backpacking Through Bedlam
Also in this series: Backpacking Through Bedlam
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
About Calculated Risks
In an attempt to not destroy Earth while using a living math equation, Sarah transported herself, Antimony, James, Artie, and Greg, their only ally among the Johrlac, along with a chunk of university and students to another planet. A big enough problem since she doesn’t know how to get them all back home. Even worse, her family doesn’t remember who she is.
Sarah thought that using the equation would kill her so she made it erase her from all of their memories. Especially heartbreaking since she still loves Artie and now she’s a hated Johrlac, to be distrusted, even feared.
My thoughts about Calculated Risks
This is the tenth book in the InCryptid series. Calculated Risks starts directly after the events in Imaginary Numbers, thankfully! Because OMG, what a cliffhanger!
Since Calculated Risks is closely tied to Imaginary Numbers, it’s not a good entry point into the series. But for longtime readers, it should be incredibly satisfying to learn more about the Johrlac and their powers. And, of course, get more time with Sarah who’s been an intriguing secondary character in several previous books.
Since the group is on another planet, we get the science fiction trope of how to survive on an alien planet, especially one with giant jumping spiders. Apparently, having a university bookstore to get supplies from is super helpful. Lots of Price-Healy survival skills on display.
While there’s plenty of action because aliens! Zombies! Giant jumping spiders! There’s also a lot of internal dialogue and a fair amount of exposition. All of it written with Seanan’s usual wit and ability to capture emotions. One of her greatest gifts as a writer is creating characters that readers are emotionally invested in.
There’s a bonus novella about Annie’s first hunt as the lead. She, Sarah, Artie, and Verity hunt a killer siren at a con.
Your thoughts
How do you feel about a series where the main character is constantly changing? Do you read the books where the main character is a character that you don’t like? Tell me what you think in the comments below.
Other books
Start at the beginning of the InCryptid series with Discount Armageddon featuring Sarah’s cousin and Antimony’s older sister, Verity.
Read my review of Imaginary Numbers, the first half of Sarah’s adventures.
Read one of Seanan’s other series, the Wayward Children, portal fantasies about children who don’t quite fit into our world. Try the standalone, Across the Green Grass Fields.
Enjoy her standalone portal fantasy Over the Woodward Wall written as A. Deborah Baker.
In conclusion
Calculated Risks is a solid entry in the InCryptid series.
Thank you NetGalley and DAW Books for the ARC.
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