To Terra: Vol. 2

by Keiko Takemiya

Synopsis
Jomy Marcus Shin has led the telepathic Mu race into hiding on Naska, a planet abandoned long before by human colonists. Naska provides a temporary home, but is no substitute for Terra. The first Mu children in hundreds of years to be conceived naturally are born there, giving the Mu the promise of a bright future. Their fragile peace, however, may soon be shattered....

Review
This is one of those volumes where a lot of stuff happens, and while it's interesting, it doesn't always leave a lot to talk about. Basically, the Mu, after living on Naska, leave because it was destroyed by the humans, then decide to go to Terra. So essentially, not much changed.

This series is really angsty. I know people are emotional, and there are certainly important times to be so, but I think Jomy is overly-emotional at times, and often behaves recklessly. Sometimes I can't help but wonder if the story might have turned out differently if he hadn't been so impulsive. I can't really say how different it might be, but it's too bad that he's not a more rational leader, probably like Soldier Blue was.

Probably the most interesting part of the book was when the Mu capture Keith Anyan, who was sent there to investigate the odd occurrences caused by the Mu's attempt to hide themselves. He hints at what the real purpose of the mother computers might be, and we also learn that Physis is a lot like him, with the same images of Terra in their minds.

The children born on Naska are a lot different than the Mu, being physically and mentally stronger. I'm unsure if it was due to Jomy's wishes that they would be stronger, or the planet they were born on, or both, but it seems clear that there aren't going to be any more like them. In this volume, only Tony is introduced and developed, but it's obvious that he's very different, perhaps not even "human," as he seems ruthless and aggressive. It's good that he's dedicated to following Jomy, because I'd hate to be his enemy.

Finally, we learn a little more about Physis, and it seems that she's not even Mu. Soldier Blue's memories seem to indicate that he thought she was, but to me, it's much clearer that she was grown in a tank like Keith was. Personally, I really can't stand her character. It's sad that she's the only main female character, and that she has to act stereotypically like a woman: weak, whiny, vulnerable, etc. Blah.

Final thought: There's only one book left, so I may as well read it.