The Dreams of Men and Pandas (The Griffin Series: Book 2)

Book 2 of the Griffin Series.Love, these books! Book 1,2,3 &4 is a must read-complete Syfy series!I loved these books!!From the very beginning I was hooked. The characters are well defined and immediately you begin to associate yourself with them and all of life's similar struggles. Garrod, the lone duck, the rogue, savior for some traitor to others. He comes off with this armored exterior but he's such a softy. His past is heart wrenching and filled with difficult decisions and soul searching guilt. Can he overcome his past to save his and the local galaxy's future?You will immediately fall in love with his ship and the artificial life forms aboard ship, who he has helped program into more self awareness and free will: Destiny- the ship, Bailey- the first lieutenant/2nd in command, Jean Wa-the extravagant Chef & Little Bit--the "roly-poly" Tech Assist & jack of all trades. They, also have their own journey, which is really cool. They add such life and humor to the story. There are all kinds of stories within the story which is so great, entertaining and keeps us guessing.Helen- a scientist, hires Garrod a Free Trader pilot to haul a very previous cargo in secret. However Helen is a person of many faces. Can Garrod trust her? Can she trust him? She seems determined on the path of treachery but to whom? Will she sacrifice the ship and all it's occupants to succeed in her mission? Are the pandas her mission or is there something else, something she's not telling the Captain, something that endangers them all, including the pandas?. The pandas & the ship Destiny's Needle, are now being sought after by the most powerful military force from the Dragon's Empire but under the direct leadership of Lord Barrett. Is Barrett good or bad? Is he just doing his job or does he have alternative motives? Why is he so determined to take the pandas? Garrod needs to figure out the reason behind the importance of the pandas before it's too late and he loses everything dear to him. He knows he will not survive the loss of one more from his life.Well edited, minor errors. Good read for junior high to adult.Sent from my iPhone

The second book in this series picks up right where Ashes of Honor leaves off with Garrand Medeville fleeing Imperial forces. It's easy to fall in love with these characters. The author spends time letting this conflict unfold as a vast intergalactic drama and since there are lots of players, you can pick and choose which ones you like the best. I really like that there are lots of shades of grey when it comes to the protagonists and antagonists as allegiances shift, and motivations crystalize. Secrets are slowly unveiled in this book, deepening the story.The battles are bigger, the stakes higher and the descriptions are intricate and beautiful. I highly recommend this book to all space opera and fantasy fans. I could see this series taking a place on my bookshelf for years to come.

The author builds on the first book and creates an even richer plot. If you enjoyed the first book the writing gets even better in this novel. It has a cliff hanger of an ending so that earns it only a 4*; I wanted a complete ending with foreshadowing of the next novel. Our hero Garrand Médeville, does his best to lead 37 giant pandas to safety. The villain characters are filled out and that really creates wonderful color to the story. Not all is as it seemed from book one. No spoilers. But no resolution on the lost girl friend element of the first novel.

The thrills continue in Book Two of Williams' four part sci-fi saga. The universe he created in the first installment comes to life as the interactions and dialogue between characters give them more depth, and the truth about opposing agendas comes to light. You can't help but root for the pandas and hope this precious cargo can be protected before their precognitive abilities fall into the wrong hands. I am amazed by the detailed descriptions, polished writing style and evolving storyline. Technological advances in this futuristic world showcase Williams' ability to think outside the box. Book Two left many unanswered questions that I hope will be revealed in Book Three. Williams has found a solid place amongst the top science fiction writers.

Fleeing a rim wide search by the Empire-Garrand,Tchelakov,and crew are pushed into actions and consequences that lead to a depth and complexity that further draw in the faithful reader. Previously sympathetic characters loose some luster while supposed bad actors become more human. Will good win out-is there hope? Stay tuned.

I have read the first three books of the series of four. I am hooked! I need to read the last book. The author tells the story in great detail, almost too much. His "made-up" names and descriptive terms make reading the book awkward and difficult. Once you get past the terminology, the books flow. Give yourself time to acclimate to the writing style and you'll enjoy them.

As my first read into sci-fi Ashes of Honor blew me away. The Dreams Of Men And Pandas just took that to a whole new level. Philip Williams is unbelievable as every person, place, artificial, tech, things, etc.etc. are so clear in his writing that you feel like you know exactly what everyone and everything looks like and how they operate. As the plot thickens- I just got more and more in suspense that it was not only hard to put the book down-- but as soon as I finished it I was anxious for #3 to come out-- The ending of this book was unreal and I cannot wait to see how Garrand Médeville handles his adversaries in The Dragons Price..Because you know he will not walk away without a fight much harder then the ones he has already been in..Only half way thru the series of The Griffin-- yet has been a great read for me and looking forward to the next half--And yes- I would love to own one of those Pandas someday---