Carlyle family is now in the all out war against their competitors while patriarch remains knocked out due to the insidious poison delivered by Hock. Drawn out conflict in the continental USA against Hock's and their allies seem to shake the Carlyle allies to the core. But as long Forever is in the fight there is nothing to lose. Right? Hmmm....

As always we have backstabbing, plots within plots, assassinations between these clans and plain people fighting it out out on the frontlines for their overlords.

And Forever is changing, in a subtle ways but she now knows what she is and no longer sees the world through the same eyes.

Story continues int he same tone as before. This is very bleak and dystopian world. Comics are not the ultimate and reference source to learn about the world and society relations (just look at this situation we are now world-wide, governments and serious professional organizations are treating it like it is a bloody video game, pure embarrassment) but they are always good to make people think and wonder and seek additional information through more serious works.

Same applies here - while what we are presented with would curdle the blood of any sane person and can easily be dismissed as weird fantasy it is somewhat sobering when one thinks how people are willing and eager to surrender themselves to respective authority. And when unscrupulous people use this chance then bottomless pit opens up (particularly disturbing is the intro regarding biological warfare).

While Carlyle's do show up as a rather sympathetic lot (when compared to others) it is obvious that neither family is united nor they see the other allied families as allies - they are just tools for the old Carlyle. everyone and everything, including his posterity and Forever.

As the rest of the series so far this is very good graphic novel. Art is the same as in previous books, sometimes a little bit blocky and rigid but in general very detail and photo realistic. Coloring is just magnificent.

Recommended to fans of SF and action/adventure stories. ( )

WOW! ( )

As with the previous story, these are fantastic! Dark and dynamic art compliments strong story arcs and fantastic action. The external struggles Forever face are balanced with her internal confusion, throwing her off balance. Her incredible power and talent clashes with the relative immaturity of her emotions and caused the confusion that drives her personal choices. This creates excellent tension in the plot.
Another aspect that makes this story intriguing is the complex characters. No person is truly good or bad, but a realistic mix of both, as humans usually are. This gives richness to the narrative, and keeps the reader guessing as far as their true motives. Combined with action and intrigue, this creates a story that moves at a blistering pace.
With a solid female lead character, multiple complex secondary ones, bloody action, twisting plot, and brilliant artwork, this is a must-read for any fans of multifaceted action stories. I’m eager for the next installment. ( )

The story continues to intrigue! The various plot lines twist and reappear, very entertaining; this volume left me hanging.... yer killin' me, Greg Rucka!
( )

A superb and tense addition to this excellent series, with not just one but several surprising events. Forever Carlyle is dispatched to the battlefield of Duluth, which she must keep from Hock hands. Meanwhile Stephen Carlyle struggles with leadership of the family and the usual politics. The prelude story 'Mercy' was also good, though I found the text of Sister Bernard's handwriting rather hard to read. In that story there was even an 'ops room' reference to Queen and Country (also by Greg Rucka). The 'Poison' referred to in the title has several meanings. ( )