The Collapsing Wave is a sequel to The Space Between Us, and I really would recommend reading them in order if at all possible.

This is a compelling page-turner playing with an often used, but somehow here still fresh, science fiction idea – what would we do if aliens came to Earth? Would we want to connect with them, or would some of us try to destroy them at any cost?

Ava, Lennox and Heather – a new mum, a teen, and a terminally older woman – have previously connected with the octo-like aliens and feel a deep need to protect them. US military figures, on the other hand, have built a station in Scotland to investigate what’s happening. They begin by taking Lennox and Heather prisoner and then try to trap as many alien beings as they can. For them, fear takes precedence over acting ethically. Soon Ava and her new daughter are pulled into the same situation. The only way out is if they can work together with the aliens to find a solution.

This was an engaging continuation of the story from The Space Between Us. I enjoyed spending longer with each character and seeing them change and develop over the course of the plotline. I don’t know if this is the final book or if any more are planned, but I felt this was a satisfying ending for the time being. I know enough about each character’s current position to feel happy with where the story went, but also I can imagine their lives continuing and changing (so wouldn’t be too surprised if there was another book one day!). Would certainly return to this author.