Waking Gods (Themis Files #2) by Sylvain Neuvel

As a child, Rose Franklin made an astonishing discovery: a giant metallic hand, buried deep within the earth. As an adult, she’s dedicated her brilliant scientific career to solving the mystery that began that fateful day: Why was a titanic robot of unknown origin buried in pieces around the world? Years of investigation have produced intriguing answers—and even more perplexing questions. But the truth is closer than ever before when a second robot, more massive than the first, materializes and lashes out with deadly force.

Now humankind faces a nightmare invasion scenario made real, as more colossal machines touch down across the globe. But Rose and her team at the Earth Defense Corps refuse to surrender. They can turn the tide if they can unlock the last secrets of an advanced alien technology. The greatest weapon humanity wields is knowledge in a do-or-die battle to inherit the Earth . . . and maybe even the stars.

-- Goodreads.com description -- 

This is the sequel to Sleeping Giants and I got an e-arc from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. However, I received a PDF file and I have a hard time reading those, so I waited until the paperback came out to read it (which I'm glad of right now because don't have to wait too long for the third book).

I liked the first book Sleeping Giants, but I did not think it lived up to the hype. That said, I really enjoyed Waking Gods.

This series is told through interviews and documents (similarly to The Illuminae Files) and while I had trouble connecting to the characters and plot in the first book, I didn't have any issues with Waking Gods. That might have something to do with the fact that the sequel is a lot more action-packed than the first one and intrigued me from the beginning. Additionally, a lot of questions raised in the first book were answered and the one shocking thing after another happened. 

Ultimately, I was pleased with all the answers I got but was left with even more new questions I can't wait to explore in the third book.

All in all, I would recommend this book even to people who read the first book and are in doubt whether or not to continue the series. It's definitely worth it, in my opinion! Action, mystery, great characters and an original plot. Very much looking forward to Only Human! 4 stars! Also, look at that gorgeous cover!