Escape Velocity (Syzygy Book 4)

Tags

Book Review, Book Series, Cli-Fi, Indie Author, Science-Fiction, Self Published Book

Title & Author: Escape Velocity (Syzygy Book 4), J. K. Ullrich

If you’re just learning about this series, I recommend starting with my review of book one: Transient Phenomenon

Genre & Publication Date: Sci-Fi/Cli-Fi, June 27, 2017

Book Description: “After surviving disaster and betrayal on Earth, Ash and Skye return to Luna with news they hope will unite their rival colonies. But not everyone welcomes the change their discovery promises to bring. Can they save their two communities, or will the conflict shatter their nascent partnership…and with it, the last chance for a nearly extinct human race?

“Escape Velocity”, the fourth volume in the “Syzygy” novella series, will thrill fans of contemporary science fiction classics like Orson Scott Card’s “Ender’s Game” and Margaret Atwood’s “Oryx and Crake”. Don’t miss Part I, “Transient Phenomena”, Part II, “Opposition Effect”, and Part III, “Retrograde Motion”, also available for Amazon Kindle.”

First Line: *Censored for spoilers*

My Take: This book was provided to me by the author for review.

Another awesome installment in this series that is becoming one of my favorites. After an unexpected turn of events Ash and Skye are forced to drastically alter their plans. Things are turning more dangerous than when they faced a spore infested planet, and some truths they held close are challenged by betrayal. As they risk their lives to work toward a potential solution to mankind’s greatest catastrophe, they’re confronted by political posturing and power grabbing rhetoric masquerading as salvation. I really enjoyed the intrigue and the fact that there are still allies even among people who might seem like enemies at first (and vice versa as well). This made the lunar communities feel so real to me.

The personal journey of our main characters Ash and Skye continue. I love how they keep learning new things about themselves and each other as they face these dangers. Each installment has me getting to know them on a deeper level than the previous one. I also love how they proactively strategize. Yeah, things are looking bleak, but dammit, they’re still going to fight for their people. And if one plan fails and they manage to survive, well then, they’ll try again. Their mix of pragmatism and optimism is addicting and I’m dying to see what happens next.

The Magical: The scientific research set against the backdrop of ignorance and politicking was a great juxtaposition and an excellent example of how humanity ended up in this situation in the first place. It really had me growling with frustration–not that my tolerance at the moment for this kind of thing is stretched thin as a wafer cookie or anything. I mean, after all, if it weren’t for politics I might still think the world is round. (Apologies if the sarcasm dripping off that fell onto your device. I’ll pass out towelettes.)

The Mundane: Something really awful happened to one of the main characters (it was really cool too but, you know, in an awful way). It wasn’t contrived feeling at all and really altered the dynamic between the two protagonists in a believable way. So, the thing I noticed is really minor given everything else and maybe no one else would see it, but I wondered why later it didn’t seem like the experience troubled the character it happened to other than some lingering physical stuff. I expected this person to grapple with it mentally a bit more, kind of in the way someone who survived a near drowning would be nervous about going near the water again.

Or maybe I’m just a sickie and wanted to read more about a favorite character’s suffering. There’s always that possibility.

Summary of Thoughts: Currently this book is $0.99 on Amazon. If you haven’t caught on to the fact that this is an awesome series by all the four and five stars I keep giving it (and my dedicated gushing about it), then here’s an extra reminder: It’s amazing! And NEW. I feel like I run across so many recycled plot lines and genre formulas these days. This story line is one I’ve never read anything like before (and y’all know I read constantly). A poignant look at our potential future through the lens of an environmental crisis that isn’t all that fictional. This is yet another fantastic installment just as strong as the rest.

Many thanks to author J. K. Ullrich for providing a copy of the book to review!

Want to learn more about this author and her work? Explore her website here

The Debt Collector: Season One

Tags

Book Review, Cyberpunk, Indie Author, Science-Fiction

Title & Author: The Debt Collector — Season One, Susan Kaye Quinn

Genre & Publication Date: Sci-Fi/Cyberpunk, December 31, 2013

Book Description: (From Season One): “In this sexy, gritty future-noir, debt collectors take your life energy and give it to someone more “worthy”… all while paying the price with black marks on their souls.

Lirium plays the part of the grim reaper well, with his dark trenchcoat and jackboots—he’s just in it for his cut, the ten percent of the life energy he collects before he transfers it on to the high potentials, the people who will make the world a better place with their brains, their work, and their lives. That hit of life energy, a bottle of vodka, and a visit from one of Madam Anastazja’s sex workers keep him alive, stable, and mostly sane… until he collects again. But when his recovery ritual is disrupted by a sex worker who isn’t what she seems, he has to choose between doing an illegal hit for a girl whose story has more holes than his soul or facing the bottle alone—a dark pit he’s not sure he’ll be able to climb out of again.

Originally written as a serial, SEASON ONE of Debt Collector contains the complete story of Lirium. There are five planned seasons, each from the perspective of a different debt collector.”

First Line: My jackboots are new, the latest ultra-light material out of Hong Kong’s synthetics district, and they make a strange squeaking sound against the hospital floor.

My Take: I feel like I don’t get to read enough cyberpunk. There’s Sci-Fi that comes close but doesn’t have enough grime and despair to really hit the spot. This hit the spot.

Season One features Lirium. He is what’s known as a debt collector in this dystopian world, a person able to draw the life force from another with a touch. All debt collectors work for a centralized government agency who determines which individuals should be “cashed out” and which ones are deserving of  “pay out” (extra life force). This determination is based on your cost to society versus your contribution to it. Got a medical condition you’re not going to recover from and debts that exceed your ability to pay? Well then, it’s likely you’ll see Lirium show up at your hospital door to take the days/months/years you had left. In this future, the government feels your life force is worth more to society in the hands of “high potentials” than with you. Who are these high potentials? You guessed it, people with money, power, and positions of influence who bring innovation to the world. Sounds like a scenario rife with corruption? Ah, that’s where our story begins.

Lirium does a job that eats away at his soul every time he takes life from the poor, the indigent, and the infirm only to pass it on to someone in perfect health who gets to have a boost because of their status. He fills in the emptiness with shallow pleasures to forget long enough to survive until his next assignment. Definitely a flawed dude what with the prostitutes and booze, but a tortured one whose remorse is slowly killing him. Then one day he meets a girl who isn’t what she seems and asks him to pay out to someone who really needs it. Things only get more interesting from there with government intrigue, an illegal black market trading in life force, the mob, and fellow debt collectors who may or may not be on Lirium’s side.

The Magical: As always, Quinn’s worldbuilding is top notch. So many layers from the bottom of society up, from the dingy alley dealings to the ivory tower exchanges. She makes it seem so real I start to get a little nervous given the health care crisis we have going on in the U.S. right now.

The Mundane: Didn’t feel like we needed two love stories for our hero. I still rooted for him all the way, and it’s not that he was a player, but this made it hard to believe he was actually giving his heart to someone in truth.

Summary of Thoughts: Immersive and fast-paced, this series has been optioned for virtual reality by Immersive. Characters are flawed but compelling, their motivations complex and believable. This one had such a unique premise and the gritty cyberpunk world just added to the awesome. There are two seasons out and I really hope the author keeps going with this story. Originally published in segments, the entire first season (all 400+ pages) is on sale for a limited time for only $0.99 (also on Kindle Unlimited). Less than a buck, people. Can’t do better than that for a great read!

Curious what others thought? Check out Amazon’s reviews here

Want to know more about the author and her work? Explore her website here

The SnowFang Bride (SnowFang Book #1)

Tags

Book Review, Indie Author, Paranormal, Self Published Book

Title & Author: The SnowFang Bride (SnowFang Book #1), Merry Ravenell

Genre & Publication Date: Paranormal, Oct. 11, 2016

Book Description: “Centuries of political games killed most of the female werewolves. Now only a few survive, and the Elders work to change the old ways of thinking.

Winter, the only daughter of the SilverPaw Alpha, finally meets the soul Gaia has chosen for her: Sterling, the cold, demanding, and entirely-too-human Alpha of the tiny SnowFang pack.

Thrust into a world of human wealth for which she was never prepared, Winter must become Sterling’s flawless wife and Luna from the moment she arrives. The city is full of threats, both werewolf and human, and Sterling’s past is full of secrets best left undisturbed.

When they are betrayed by those closest to them, Winter and Sterling embark on a dangerous game of brinkmanship that will change their lives, and the future of the werewolves, forever.”

First Line: The werewolves lacked females.

My Take: It occurs to me that the book’s first line is going to give folks the wrong impression of this novel. It’s not one of those “alpha male werewolf kidnaps human female to force her into marriage and then they end up falling in love” things (I can’t stand those, by the way. Taking someone against their will does not lead to warm, fuzzy feelings. Full stop.). Rather, this first line is a reference to a population concern going on in the werewolf world of this story.

This book has to be the most intricate and detailed depiction of werewolf culture I’ve ever read. History, customs, political intrigue, rules of the pack, how they greet each other when they want to show respect (or not), the cultural differences between rural and city wolves–Everything seemed so friggin’ REAL you could swear this secret world truly existed alongside our own.

An example from a situation with a prominent pack:

“Do we have to bring a gift? Might be better if we don’t.”

“We don’t have to. But it would be in our favor if we did.” I had seen many gifts given to my father and the SilverPaw over the years. There was a very delicate etiquette surrounding gift giving. It could not be trivial, and offer insult. It could not be too grandiose and be seen as a bribe or ostentatious or above the perceived station of the giving pack. It ideally would be something that represented the strength or character of the gifting pack, and something that the recipient’s entire pack could enjoy and benefit from.

The main character, Winter, is from a more powerful rural pack and is very familiar with all the rules and customs of the werewolf world. When she finds her fated mate in Sterling of the SnowFang pack he relies on her to help him understand how to navigate the customs due to his more human upbringing. He knows a lot about the human world, something Winter knows less of, so they’re matched in that way. I love a romance based on equals, y’all:)

TONS of intrigue, starting with the search for Winter’s mate, finding Sterling and her father’s weird behavior afterward, the Wanderers (lone wolves forming miscreant packs and causing harm) in the city streets of her new home, and much more. There’s not a ton of shape-shifting, FYI, and I didn’t mind this at all. It’s a more cerebral werewolf tale told through the smart voice of a very likable heroine.

The Magical: I really believed in Winter and Sterling’s relationship. They might be soul fated but they still didn’t know each other when they were thrown together. That partnership grew over the course of the book which made it feel as real as the werewolf culture the author created.

The Mundane: There are a lot of mysteries going on throughout the book but the ending didn’t answer any of them. I mean, ANY of them. That left me feeling a little adrift, especially when more mysterious things happened. It seemed at least some things could have been answered without spoiling what’s coming in the sequel. It didn’t cliffhanger but the pay off felt a little deflated as a result. Still a great ride, though.

Summary of Thoughts: Currently, this book is $2.99 for the Kindle. Not your typical werewolf story which was awesome because werewolf stories tend to be all about the bulging biceps of an Alpha male and the resistant (called stubborn) way of his mate who *wink*wink* is secretly dying for him to take her. Ugh. Here is something much more interesting: a fully fleshed out culture (not just a smattering of habits), and two people trying to lead a tiny pack in their complex world. Intrigue abounds and I loved it. Recommended and dying for the sequel!

Curious what others thought? Check out Amazon’s reviews here

Want to know more about the author and her work? Explore her website here

The King’s Man (Welsh Blades Book 1)

Tags

Book Review, Historical Romance, Indie Author, Self Published Book

Title & Author: The King’s Man (Welsh Blades Book One), Elizabeth Kingston

Genre & Publication Date: Historical Romance, June 20, 2015

Book Description: “Ranulf Ombrier’s fame throughout 13th century England for his skill at swordplay is rivaled only by his notoriety as King Edward I’s favorite killer. Ranulf’s actions have gained him lands, title, and a lasting reputation as a hired butcher. But after years of doing his king’s bidding, he begins to fear for his mortal soul and follows his conscience away from Edward, all the way to the wilds of Wales.

Gwenllian of Ruardean, Welsh daughter of a powerful Marcher lord, has every reason to leave Ranulf for dead when one of her men nearly kills him. As a girl she was married by proxy to a man Ranulf murdered, only to become a widow before she ever met her groom. In the years since, she has shunned the life of a lady, instead studying warfare and combat at her mother’s behest. But she has also studied healing and this, with her sense of duty to knightly virtues, leads her to tend to Ranulf’s wounds.

Saving her enemy’s life comes with consequences, and Gwenllian and Ranulf are soon caught up in dangerous intrigue. Forced together by political machinations, they discover a kinship of spirit and a surprising, intense desire. But even hard-won love cannot thrive when loyalties are divided and the winds of rebellion sweep the land.”

First Line: Wales 1280: When he first woke, he thought he must be roasting in the fires of Hell.

My Take: Every once in a while I pick up a book in historical fiction rather than speculative. I’ve only ever done one review of this genre on the blog. It’s a little odd since I’m a big Masterpiece Theater fan and just loved Downton Abbey (For anyone in withdrawal since the show ended, there’s another awesome series called Larkrise To Candleford that was made some time back. Equally amazing). My point is, it takes an especially good book to push me off my usual reading habit of imaginary worlds and space exploration. The King’s Man is one of those.

Initially I just grabbed the sample chapter, intrigued by the blurb. Pretty much after the first paragraph I knew my life was about to come to a standstill:

When he first woke, he thought he must be roasting in the fires of Hell. Later he would know if was a raging fever that burned him, and she would tell him it was delirium that caused insensate visions. These were practical and unromantic explanations that were true enough. But earthly truths would never be as real as hellfire, and angels, and the moment he put the tattered remains of his soul into her hands.

I mean, yeah. I didn’t stand a chance. The writing throughout the whole thing is just exquisite. I kept running into whole sections where I’d be like, “Oh wow. Hang on, I’ve got to reread that a few more times just for the love of words.” Yet, it never became heavy handed, the writing deliberately holding off on those more epic phrases until just the right moment. Then, while you’re curled around your Kindle, when you’re utterly rapt with the scene at hand, it releases that poetic style. Let me tell you, it hangs on to your thoughts well after you’re done reading it, like sillage from an open perfume bottle.

The plot itself is also solid. This is set during the reign of the ruthless King Edward I, otherwise known as Longshanks (some of you might remember his portrayal best from Braveheart). On the one side you have Ranulf, the King’s assassin, on the other you have Gwenllian, a Welsh noblewoman of a people long at odds with the King Edward’s rule. With murmurs of rebellion in the air, it sets a series of events in motion that neither one of them ever anticipated. Awesome historical and monarchical intrigue set against a very personal story of two people who find they are both enemies and allies at the same time.

The Magical: Loved Gwenllian! Such a great character with confidence and leadership ability, strong and steadfast, but also grappling with self-doubt and a wish for belonging. I also really loved Ranulf though. He’s as strong as Gwenllian, a strategic mind and cunning, but dealing with terrible self-loathing—adrift, never feeling at home in his home. Their trust grew slowly and in such a beautiful and believable way.

The Mundane: …I can’t think of anything, people! *sits down and checks pulse*

Summary of Thoughts: An amazing tale set in medieval Wales with three-dimensional characters, including the supporting cast. I enjoyed this one so much! Gwenllian and Ranulf felt like real people. They loved but they also argued, they made mistakes, they said stupid things and regretted them–just like a non-fictional relationship! I think that’s what I liked most. Currently it’s $4.99 for the Kindle on Amazon. I definitely recommend it (in case the gushing didn’t tip you off). Cool historical stuff, sword fights, a haunted past, and two people trying to learn what it means to love someone.

Curious what others thought? Check out Amazon’s reviews here

Want to know more about this author’s work? Explore her website here

Weltanschauung

Tags

Book Review, Speculative Fiction

Title & Author: Weltanschauung, Vikki Patis

Genre & Publication Date: Short Story anthology, November 4, 2016

Book Description: “The harbinger, the oddball, the remaining twin… Weltanschauung seeks to open your eyes to different stories, set in different worlds and at different times, but with the same theme in mind: to make you question your worldview.

This collection of short stories traverses genres, introduces a variety of characters, and shines a light on some of our deepest fears.

Challenge your perceptions.”

First Line: (From the first story: Zombie) The air around him was hot and close, the shadows lengthening by the second.

My Take: This book was provided by the author for review.

For those of you wondering about the title, no, it’s not just a collection of random letters strung together. It’s actually a German word meaning “world view” or the philosophical/life view of an individual or group. It’s a perfectly chosen title actually since each story travels down the oftentimes dark road of a character’s mind and the world he/she experiences. A shame English doesn’t have a succinct term for this like the German language — but then again, French needs two words (peu profond) to say the word “shallow”, so there you go.

I’ll admit up front that this is not my usual type of read. It’s quite a bit darker than my tastes normally run, which is why I continued to reflect back on the title as I went along. Each character of the five short stories starts out in a comprehensible setting, whether they are moving through a self-imposed routine, or living with trauma, or working within a warped reality and rigid beliefs. Then events intervene, things escalate, and the macabre rolls onto the stage. At turns grisly and unnerving, these stories don’t pull any punches.

I think for this reason I both liked the read and didn’t, but I also believe that was the point. Delving into the minds of these characters, their perspectives and their “world view”, isn’t something to be enjoyed so much as experienced. Unfiltered weltanschauung, if you will, and the book delivers on that promise.

The Magical: Chilling and thought provoking, the tales definitely hung around in my thoughts well after I finished them which doesn’t often happen. They also had me suspiciously eyeballing shadows and that weird guy who sometimes hangs out in front of the grocery store in my neighborhood.

The Mundane: Oddly, the gloomy nature of these stories (which is the book’s strength) is also what bothered me most, but that was the idea. It says, “Challenge your perceptions” right there in the description.

Summary of Thoughts: Currently the book is $5.00 on Amazon, or free if you have Kindle Unlimited. I have a hard time rating this one because while the stories disturbed me I also know this is exactly what they were trying to do. So, the thesis of the book definitely hit its target but it also made me feel like the volunteer from the crowd who stands in front of a bullseye with an apple on her head. The professional knife throwing Carnie gives me an enormous thrill but I’m planning on a trip to the bar after it’s over.

I’m giving this one three and a half stars — three for my personal opinion/preference and an extra half because I know those with darker literary tastes who enjoy an unsettling read will love it. If that’s you, pick this one up today.

Many thanks to author Vikki Patis for providing a copy of the book to review!

Want to know more about the author and her work? Check out her awesome website and blog over at the Bandwagon where she discusses Fiction, Feminism, and Fibromyalgia.

Recommended: A Christmas Romance

Tags

Book Review, Fantasy Romance, Paranormal, Self Published Book

Just a quick recommendation if you’re looking for something sweet and romantic to read this holiday season. “All the Stars Look Down”, a Christmas romance duo from Elizabeth Hunter and Grace Draven, had two endearing tales of love by this pair of amazing writers.

In SUNDAY’S CHILD, Grace Draven heats up a cold and lonely Christmas when museum archivist, Claire Summerlad, meets a mysterious new co-worker. Andor’s past may be a mystery, but is a future with Claire possible with a centuries-old punishment hanging over his head? Father Christmas meets Norse mythology in this brand new Christmas novella from the author of Master of Crows.

In LOST LETTERS AND CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, readers return to the Elemental Mysteries in an all new novella by Elizabeth Hunter. Giovanni Vecchio and Beatrice De Novo travel to Rome when an new mystery interrupts their Christmas. Fina Rossi may have been the director of the Vecchio library, but she wasn’t expecting vampires for the holidays! Christmas takes an unexpected turn when she meets her employers’ old friend, Zeno Ferrara. He has the key to solving a mystery plaguing Beatrice’s client, but he’s taken a far more personal interest in Fina.

Buy it on Amazon for only $0.99

I absolutely adored “Sunday’s Child” because, seriously, how can you go wrong with a Saint Nicholas-Norse Mythology combo? Draven always delivers something unique and heartwarming. “Lost Letters and Christmas Lights” is similarly enchanting. The only addendum I’d add is that if you haven’t read any of Elizabeth’s Hunter’s Elemental series, there are mild spoilers in it, but nothing that should hinder your enjoyment if you decide to dig into that series later.

Give yourself or a romance reader a little love this Christmas and pick up this great read!

Opposition Effect (Syzygy Book 2)

Tags

Book Review, Cli-Fi, Indie Author, Science-Fiction, Self Published Book

Title & Author: Opposition Effect (Syzygy Book 2), J. K. Ullrich

Genre & Publication Date: Science-Fiction/Cli-Fi, October 23, 2016

Book Description: “In this second volume of the Syzygy series, colonial hero Ash and renegade Skye forge an uneasy partnership, launching an unauthorized mission that could mean survival for the lunar-dwelling remnants of the human race. But when their distrust undermines the effort, conflict between their teammates leads the entire company into disaster. Can Ash and Skye survive each other, and the shocking discovery that shatters every belief they held true?

Fans of contemporary science fiction classics like Orson Scott Card’s “Ender’s Game” and Margaret Atwood’s “Oryx and Crake” will enjoy the “Syzygy” novella series.”

First Line: “I can’t believe you talked me into this,” Rowan grumbled, drifting in front of the shuttle’s hatch.

My Take: This book was provided to me by the author for review.

The continuation of this Sci-Fi series takes readers on a return journey to Earth with a mission that could either be a complete disaster or the salvation of the human race — love it when a story puts the stakes as high as they can get. The mission itself is clandestine in nature because the leader of Ash’s colony flat out told him not to do it, but since the death of someone close to him (avoiding spoilers here), Ash isn’t quite as biddable as he once was. He wants a way to get humanity on its way to making Mars the new home in THIS lifetime, rather than the achingly slow progression it’s taking now. Even if the information source behind this mission comes from an enemy (our second protag, Skye), he’s willing to risk it. It’s a bold move that makes me really like the guy. Skye is still an enigma to me and her demeanor can seem chilly with a pinch of snark, but yet there’s this inner pain she struggles with that keeps her in my good graces. Most of that bluster comes from her struggle and her desperation. The interactions between her and Ash had me smirking frequently.

The mission itself is helluva rollercoaster with one obstacle after another thrown at them. Action, intrigue, and a load of twists that I did not see coming which is something I don’t say often!

The Magical: The reveals at the end, definitely! Of course, I can’t tell you why because that would be spoiler-y, but what a crescendo!

The Mundane: I thought Ash should’ve put a bit more thought into who would be on his team for the mission. The trust he placed in the person who helped him make his choices seemed a little flimsy considering he’s leading the mission. He’s not usually a leader though so maybe that’s why he dropped the ball on that part.

Summary of Thoughts: This second installment is an awesome follow-up to part one (read the review of the first novella Transient Phenomena). Things are escalating quickly, the intensity of the story along with it, leaving me and my theories of what was going to happen in the dust. I can’t tell you how much I hunt for that sort of thing in my reading  and how rarely I find it. If you haven’t gotten into this series yet, get started now. I definitely recommend it and cannot wait for part three!

Many thanks to author J. K. Ullrich for providing a copy of the book!

Want to learn more about this author and her work? Explore her website here

Steel and Fire Series

Tags

Book Review, Book Series, Fantasy, Indie Author, Self Published Book, Young Adult

Title & Author: Steel and Fire Series — Duel of Fire (#1), King of Mist (#2), Dance of Steel (#3), Jordan Rivet

Genre & Publication Date: YA Fantasy, Duel of Fire – March 20, 2016, King of Mist – May 11, 2016, Dance of Steel – August 30, 2016

Book Description: From Book One: Duel of Fire: “Dara Ruminor is a serious young duelist in the mountaintop kingdom of Vertigon, a land of dramatic cliffs and misty peaks where mysterious Fire magic runs through the stones like blood. The secluded kingdom has been peaceful for a hundred years. Swords are used for sport, and successful athletes live like kings as long as the crowds love them.

Eighteen-year-old Dara needs to find a wealthy patron in order to duel professionally and avoid a lifetime working in her parents’ Fire Lantern shop. Her efforts are disrupted when her coach asks her to train with Prince Siv, an infuriating—if handsome—young man who refuses to take the sport as seriously as she does. But the prince’s life may be in danger, and soon Dara will discover that Vertigon isn’t as peaceful as she thought.

As threats emerge from the shadows, Dara will have to raise her sword to protect Siv—if he doesn’t irritate her so much that she decides to run him through herself.”

First Line: Dara struck the practice dummy with a precise hit.

My Take: Sooooooo torn on how I feel about this series. It has an awesome premise with royal intrigue, fire magic, and dueling all with some good humor and lovable characters that had me thinking a lot of “The Princess Bride” — totally different story but the fencing and quipping called that one to mind.

The two main characters, Dara and Siv, are a great contrast. Dara is strong and serious, determined, a tat rigid but with a caring, honorable soul. Siv is outgoing, flippant but in a charming way, brave when the chips are down and deeply loyal to his family. Their differences juxtapose brilliantly and bring some fun conflict, particularly those early scenes when they irritate the crap out of each other, and their similarities make them a great team. What I enjoyed about this relationship was how it evolved slowly: from animosity, to respect, to friendship. Siv admires Dara, her ability with a blade and her dedication, while Dara, for all that Siv’s teasing drives her crazy, can’t help but be drawn to his warmth and exuberance. This is all beautifully done against a backdrop of duels, monarchical turmoil, betrayal, and murder…at least, for the first two books.

What does that mean, you ask?

It means I hit book three and – CRASH! – the plot stopped moving forward altogether and headed off in different directions, adding totally new characters that I don’t care about and subplots I care even less about. There’s also another POV added which threw me off. It’s from a character we’ve been introduced to before but since books one and two are from Dara and Siv’s POV, I had a hard time not hating this new voice for interrupting the ones I’m more interested in hearing from (especially since I wasn’t all that excited about the new one). All the action and tension built up from the first two books felt utterly deflated. The entire time I’m thinking, “When are we going back to the main story???”, but that doesn’t seem to be the point of book three, almost as if the author got tired of writing that main plot line. But I wasn’t tired of reading about it! *cries*

This sort of thing has happened to me with other series (book two of An Ember in the Ashes, for example). Things are centered around two characters, then suddenly another point of view I DON’T CARE ABOUT is added on, taking me away from the story I signed up for. Why? Was it just to extend the length of the series? I think this one could’ve made an awesome trilogy but because it’s scheduled to be five books long when maybe it shouldn’t be, book three felt like a tacked on adventure, or a filler episode like in a TV series. You know the ones — like any of the Jordy La forge episodes we were subjected to in the Next Generation.

The Magical: The duels! Oh the duels were my favorite. Thrust and parry! I almost wanted to shout, “I am not left-handed!” while reading them.

The Mundane: Book three. The beginning and ending held true to the first books but that whole middle section, no.

Summary of Thoughts: A while back I asked whether readers thought the serial series was a writer’s gimmick or not. There were some strong opinions on the subject that I didn’t altogether agree with, but I think I’m starting to get the sentiment, especially after this recent experience. When it seems like a story is being stretched thin just to eke out another book and earn more money, it really kills the reading enjoyment. Offshoot stories, prequels, etc. are all acceptable in my view, mainly because they’re independent and don’t interfere with the core books. This series could’ve easily ranked as one of my favorites because book one and two are spectacular, but that third one just took the fun out of it for me and sadly, I won’t be reading the final installments.

Curious what others thought? Check out Amazon’s reviews here

Want to know more about the author and her work? Explore her website here

The Singularity Series

Tags

Book Review, Book Series, Science-Fiction, Self Published Book, Susan Kaye Quinn, Young Adult

Title & Author: “The Legacy Human” (Book One), “The Duality Bridge” (Book Two), “The Illusory Prophet” (Book Three), Susan Kaye Quinn

Genre & Publication Date: YA Science-Fiction, Feb. 19, 2015 (book one), Aug. 13, 2015 (book two), Oct. 13, 2016 (book three)

Book Description: (From Book One, “The Legacy Human”) “What would you give to live forever? Seventeen-year-old Elijah Brighton wants to become an ascender–a post-Singularity human/machine hybrid–after all, they’re smarter, more enlightened, more compassionate, and above all, achingly beautiful. But Eli is a legacy human, preserved and cherished for his unaltered genetic code, just like the rainforest he paints. When a fugue state possesses him and creates great art, Eli miraculously lands a sponsor for the creative Olympics. If he could just master the fugue, he could take the gold and win the right to ascend, bringing everything he’s yearned for within reach… including his beautiful ascender patron. But once Eli arrives at the Games, he finds the ascenders are playing games of their own. Everything he knows about the ascenders and the legacies they keep starts to unravel… until he’s running for his life and wondering who he truly is.

The Legacy Human is the first in Susan Kaye Quinn’s new young adult science fiction series that explores the intersection of mind, body, and soul in a post-Singularity world… and how technology will challenge us to remember what it means to be human.”

First Line: I want to ascend so badly, I can taste it.

My Take: I’m not sure where to even begin with my review of this series. I could start with how amazing it is, but that doesn’t do it justice. Okay, I’ll put it this way: This is a series that tackles the question of life, the universe, and everything, and let me tell you, the answer is a lot more interesting than 42.

I’ll keep most of this review about book one, “The Legacy Human”, to avoid spoilers but will comment on the sequels as well.

In book one the story takes place on a futuristic Earth in which mankind has found a way to ascend past the confines of the human body to a technologically advanced existence. In other words, memories and personality are streams of data that can be housed in synthetic bodies which are stronger/faster/more beautiful than a normal human body, essentially making the “ascenders” immortal. Ah, but not everyone gets to take the leap. There are still regular flesh and blood humans, dubbed “Legacy” humans (and I just LOVE this term because it makes me think of how outdated computer programs are called) who live in specific, rather grungy areas outside of the glittering central neighborhoods where the ascenders live.

Written in the first-person POV, we enter this world through Elijah Brighton–Eli. I really liked this kid. He’s compassionate, self-deprecating (always a win in my book), and so loyal. He’s also insecure, indecisive, and needs to be shoved in the right direction at times. Thankfully he has his best friend Cyrus to help him out there, an awesome side character who I adored.

Eli’s mom is dying of cancer. Ascender technology could save her life but it’s outlawed to use it on Legacy humans because it would alter their genetic make-up, and the ascenders want to keep Legacy genes pure…unless you win the gold at the Olympics. Do that and you and your family can ascend. Thus Eli decides to participate to get his mom a cure and reach his dream of ascending. Oh, and these Olympics? Yeah, they’re no longer sports oriented since ascenders wouldn’t find physical feats interesting anymore. These Olympics revolve around the arts–music, dance, story/language, and art. Gah, how I WISH we had such a thing in real life! Don’t get me wrong, I love sports–Hey, I was on the Varsity team in high school, placed at the top of state and conference championships–but wouldn’t it be great if we had Olympics in the arts as well?? *wistful sigh*

So obviously, this is all amazing world-building with cool advanced tech and a race of human/non-humans that makes you wonder what’s really going on behind the scenes. We’ve got Eli striving to win the Olympics, navigate the murky politics of the games, and save his mother’s life. Not to mention the mystery of Eli’s fugue state where he gets visions and wakes up to having painted a masterpiece with no idea how to reproduce it.

All of that would be enough for an incredible story, but here’s the thing: the author takes it all one step further. What really gets me, and what makes this a five star review, is the second level to this plot, the philosophical questions around existentialism and spirituality it poses. The question of perpetuity versus immortality. The pondering of the nature of the soul. Does it exist? What does it mean if it does? These questions and more thread through each book in the series alongside the action and adventure. The best part? The author doesn’t cram her perspective down your gullet. There is no preaching here. She answers questions within the story and still leaves you wondering at the grander ideas. It’s a delicate dance expertly done–one that makes me think she herself deserves a gold medal in the Olympics of Eli’s world. Working with such immense themes while integrating them into an engaging Sci-Fi story in an incredibly complex futuristic world? A daunting task to say the least, one that requires a gutsy writer to accomplish and send into the world. It can’t have been easy but, wow, what a sensational result. *stands up to clap enthusiastically*

The Magical: Eli’s fugue state is trippy. So otherworldly. So abstract. So fun to read! And there’s Dutch in this book!! My Dutch husband was quite pleased to see his language (written correctly) in a Sci-Fi book. Thank goodness Eli didn’t run into Peter Rubens in his fugue or interpreting the guy’s painting might’ve gotten awkward…

The Mundane: There’s a bit of romance in the book and while I love Kamali (LOVE Kamali!) I’m not sure I felt the romantic connection with Eli so much. Definitely a bond though. Regardless, it didn’t detract from anything. This story is about so much more than romance. And that family love between Eli and Cyrus, and Eli and his mother, that hit the center of the bullseye. Beautiful.

Summary of Thoughts: “The Legacy Human” is currently $0.99 on the Kindle and it’s also on Kindle Unlimited. Seriously, less than a buck for an amazing story! It’s going to be a five book series–not that the plot is being stretched. It needs the space to do it justice. And while the Olympics in book one has that cool games/trials/competition feel to it, the books following it lose no momentum like other series I’ve read do when they leave the arena. Eli’s journey continues to expand as we learn more about him, his development a fascinating path to follow, and all the while themes around the nature of existence and soul leave you contemplating humanity, divinity, and what it means to be alive. There it is folks, I’ve flat run out of adjectives to convince you to read this one. It’s a chef d’oeuvre. Really.

Curious what others thought? Check out Amazon’s reviews here

Want to know about this author and her work? Explore her website here

Book Sale Alert: Thorn is 99 Cents this weekend!

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Book Review, Book Sale, Fantasy, Intisar Khanani

Need a great fantasy read? “Thorn” by Intisar Khanani is on sale this weekend only for just $0.99! I’ve read it and it’s an awesome story you don’t want to miss out on, especially at this price. Go get your copy!

If you’d like to read my reviews of Intisar Khanani’s other works (all 5 stars, by the way), you can check them out via these links:

The Bone Knife

Sunbolt (The Sunbolt Chronicles Book One)

Memories of Ash (The Sunbolt Chronicles Book Two)

She was also interviewed on Amid the Imaginary. You can check that out here

For Princess Alyrra, choice is a luxury she’s never had … until she’s betrayed.

Princess Alyrra has never enjoyed the security or power of her rank. Between her family’s cruelty and the court’s contempt, she has spent her life in the shadows. Forced to marry a powerful foreign prince, Alyrra embarks on a journey to meet her betrothed with little hope for a better future.

But powerful men have powerful enemies—and now, so does Alyrra. Betrayed during a magical attack, her identity is switched with another woman’s, giving Alyrra the first choice she’s ever had: to start a new life for herself or fight for a prince she’s never met. But Alyrra soon finds that Prince Kestrin is not at all what she expected. While walking away will cost Kestrin his life, returning to the court may cost Alyrra her own. As Alyrra is coming to realize, sometimes the hardest choice means learning to trust herself.

$0.99 Only This Weekend!