AARU: HALLS OF HEL Book 2, The Aaru Cycle by David Meredith

AARU: HALLS OF HEL

Book 2, The Aaru Cycle

by

David Meredith

            Aaru: Halls of Hel is the second book of The Aaru Cycle, a young adult series by David Meredith. I reviewed the first book in the series last year (see Aaru review, October 2, 2017).

            In Halls of Hel, we return to the world of Rose and Koren. Rose continues her life after death as a Veda in Aaru, while her younger sister, Koren, and their parents continue their lives in the real, “Before,” world. Elysian Industries continues to work to improve Aaru, while Aaru’s detractors continue to attack Aaru. Most importantly, Magic Man, the bad guy foiled by Rose and Koren but who got away, continues his pursuit of Koren and his attack on Aaru.

            I read Aaru during hurricane Harvey. Over the past year, I have thought about the Aaru world and wondered if my review had perhaps been too harsh; although I stand by the criticisms that I made, the mere fact that I continued to think about Aaru speaks volumes. So, when David Meredith asked me if I would like to read and review The Halls of Hel, I welcomed the opportunity to revisit Aaru.

            The world of Aaru is intriguing and raises some interesting philosophical questions. In addition to the question about the propriety of this virtual world, Rose and her friends are struggling with questions of purpose in a world wherein they can have or do anything merely by thinking of it. And, then there are ethical questions concerning the residents who join Aaru but who are forced to remain quarantined.

            One of my earlier criticisms of Aaru continues to bother me: Meredith’s written portrayal of Askr Ashe’s accent. It seems to me that the accent is inconsistent, and I continue to trip over it. Though this is a major stumbling block for me, it is relatively minor in the Aaru scheme of things. Another of my prior criticisms has been resolved, as both Rose and Koren have evolved. Although some of the angst we encountered in Aaru continues in Halls of Hel, both characters act in a more age appropriate manner.

            Halls of Hel, like Aaru, is well written and thought provoking. I enjoyed my return to the Aaru world, and I am looking forward to reading the next installment in The Aaru Cycle.