Enjoyable plot and characters, but a bit too political for me. I thought this was a sci-fi mystery on Mars. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book

First off, let me start by saying the story is enjoyable and interesting. I would happily recommend this book to others to read. However, where it lost stars for me, is that it cannot decide whether or not it is a sci-fi novel or a political novel. It seems to be trying too hard to make a not so subtle commentary of the current political landscape that sometimes the actual story seems to fall by the wayside. Setting a story in the future but then making characters not-so-veiled versions of current politicians just stops the ability of the reader to suspend disbelief. I would have just enjoyed it being a murder story set on Mars in the future.

I found The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel was a more sly take at modern politics and the absurdity of the US's current situation, with all the challenges demonstrating the complete chaos within a party.
The murder blended in, overshadowed by the shenanigans surrounding a life on Mars and the Blue Planet.
Overall an enjoyable read
An independent review for NetGalley / Nicholas Ponticello