The first book in this series introduced some interesting ideas, and this sequel has a few more... but it's too obviously a part of a series. Many new characters are introduced and given absolutely nothing to do. The pacing is odd, and the authors seem to introduce some plot elements and then dissolve then in illogical ways that don't even do justice to the idea of Deus ex Machina.

I'm not sure I'll bother to pick up the next book when it comes out... maybe after the series is concluded in a few years. But maybe not. I didn't enjoy The Long War nearly as much as I did The Long Earth.