Clearly this book was meant to be more of a transition period of Anthony and the colony after some pretty intense entries before (especailly considering the next book comes out on 10/14/25). The constant shifts to “Old Tolley” and other authors to for world building purposes probably overstayed their welcome a bit (especially during the more intense chapters where they really took me out of the action) and there was at least one loophole that was not satisfactorily explained (how were the Mana veins removed?!).
However, the characters are still charming, the voice acting is excellent (not surprising its Jeff Hayes and Annie), and the story did have enough progress to keep my attention and interest for the next book. I would say this is my least favorite in the series aka still good-great but not as much as the other imo.
Also, you are not slick the Mongo nickname is clearly a reference to another Man, Princess Cat, and Dinosaur series. I am on to you Anthony!!!