I was scared this book wouldn't live up to it's predecessor. So much was set up, and dealing with such complex topics like power, and interpersonal relationships, and the future of human kind as sustainable system; it was inevitable to be cautious of the argument to be made.

Inevitable, also, to compare with book 1. While I like better the concepts and arguments presented on the first one, in ABFE the execution shines so much brighter that the scales are balanced towards me liking the sequel more.

The Argument: The problems in AART, as sci-fyy as they were, we're more relatable and developed. It was about humans interacting in face of a worldwide phenomenon. Now, with the stakes growing, the subjects of discussion (as well as the previously very nuanced antagonists) turn a bit cartoony. It's still a beautiful ode to the human race and what we are as a community, but I felt that the actual concepts were more simplistic to give space to plot.

The Execution: if before we had an essay, now we have an opera. We finally have the impact Carl caused on the world, not only on April. The multiple perspectives made the world more alive and interesting, even if it took a while to start making sense. The other characters, before, were mere props in April May's play, now they have all the nuance and flaws and insecurities that were lacking on the Argument. For me, it's a great trade-off.

Ultimately, even if this sequel eerd a little more to the side of dystopian and  catastrophic as I would like, it's still an absolutely wonderful story to have, to cherish, and to remember that "The meaning of life is still, as it was, simply other people."