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

Free Book in Awesome Sci-Fi Series

Tags

Cli-Fi, Free Books, Indie Author, Science-Fiction

Hi everyone! Been out this week with some righteous strep throat which I’m finally recovering from *hugs bottle of Penicillin*. The hubby has had to do everything for the house and kids and me, besides the full-time job. We work as a team on these things so I know it had to be exhausting.

In his words: “I figured out that I can do it all on my own, I just really don’t want to.”

He also found time to do a huge batch of yummy homemade chicken noodle soup for me. He’s an amazing, incomparable guy. That internship I decided to take in Holland where we met keeps paying off. Thank you past-Anela, for your bold, nerdy self.

Anyway, I’ll be back next week with regular blogging but I wanted to do a shout out for a Free book that’s available this weekend only:

This series was part of my Five-Star Roundup post you can check out here. Here’s my original review of book one. The blurb:

Ash was never supposed to visit Earth. After a genetic engineering catastrophe wiped out civilization, the survivors—inhabitants of a lunar mining colony—planned to rebuild on Mars. That was before a group of rebels seceded to the dark side of the moon, taking critical materials with them. Now conscripted teenagers scavenge the ruined third planet for species to use in terraforming. At fifteen, Ash is the best diver in a generation. But when tragedy strikes, he vows to end his colony’s dependence on its old homeworld at any cost.

Skye has never set foot on Earth. It’s not even visible from the moon’s far side, although the exiles’ mystic leader promises they will return home someday. Skye has discovered something that could realize this long-awaited dream, but she’s an outcast among outcasts, and no one will listen to her plan. To save her people, she might have to betray them.

Worlds collide when Ash and Skye meet, blurring the boundaries between enemies and allies, deception and truth. Their choices could preserve a future for humanity…or finally drive it to extinction.

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

A fast-paced and intriguing Sci-Fi series that is just cracking along the entire way. The fourth installment is coming out on June 27th so now is a great time to get caught up. If you’d like to read an excerpt, there’s one up on the author’s page right now.

Or you can just go grab a FREE copy on Amazon (Do it!)

Have a great weekend and I’ll see you next week!

Retrograde Motion (Syzygy Book 3)

Tags

Book Reviews, Cli-Fi, Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic, Science-Fiction

Title & Author: Retrograde Motion (Syzygy Book 3), J. K. Ullrich

Genre & Publication Date: Science-Fiction/Cli-Fi novella, January 31, 2017

Book Description: ““Whatever’s going on here, it’s bigger than any one of us.”

Ash and Skye’s rogue mission to Earth uncovers a secret with profound implications for their rival lunar colonies. But threads of conspiracy reach all the way back to the moon, and a traitor in their midst is determined to keep the truth buried. With their air supplies running out, Ash and Skye’s only chance is an unprecedented alliance…with one another.”

First Line: Anela says, “Can’t put the first line in here because it would be a huge spoiler to the previous two books. Sorry!”

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

Treading carefully with this review since it’s the third book in the series and some seriously awesome and unexpected things happened at the end of book two that I don’t want to ruin for everyone. This third installment of Syzygy is packed with loads of intriguing twists and turns and some reveals that I didn’t see coming. A new group has come on scene with our two main characters, Skye and Ash, calling into question many of the truths both have believed their entire lives (Excellent job with the science involved in explaining them!). Now they have to figure who is behind the lies and why. At the same time they are forced to make drastic choices in order to bring vital information back to their people on the moon settlements all while trying to evade forces intent on making sure they never leave Earth alive. *pants* There was so much going on I was grateful I didn’t have to breathe through a filter mask like Ash and Skye while reading this or I’d have surely passed out.

Another great ending too, so not what I thought would happen. I had a total, “Whaaaat??” moment. Nice.

The Magical: The evolving relationship between Skye and Ash has me hooked. Enemies in the beginning, they are slowly starting to respect each other’s courage and sense of duty to their respective peoples, despite that those peoples are in conflict. I love the natural pace of this change.

The Mundane: If I had to point something out it would be that the first handful of pages felt a touch on the slow side. Didn’t matter in the long run though because I knew I’d suddenly be falling through the pages, which I did.

Summary of Thoughts: Currently this novella is $1.99 exclusively on Amazon. Be sure to check out my reviews of the first two installments if you’re new to this series: Transient Phenomena (Book One) and Opposition Effect (Book Two). Syzygy is such a unique story. I really haven’t read anything like it and I read all the time (Face-in-book syndrome, right here). Part Post-Apocalyptic, part Dystopian, all Science-Fiction, it’s a blunt confrontation with the mistakes of mankind and the slender hope for a future–if we can learn from the past.

If you’re on the hunt for good Sci-Fi, pick up book one today!

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

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

Transient Phenomena (Syzygy Book 1)

Tags

Book Review, Book Series, Cli-Fi, Indie Writer, Science-Fiction

Title & Author: Transient Phenomena (Syzygy Book 1), J. K. Ullrich

Genre & Publication Date: Science-Fiction & Cli-Fi, June 26, 2016

Book Description: “Ash was never supposed to visit Earth. After a genetic engineering catastrophe wiped out civilization, the survivors—inhabitants of a lunar mining colony—planned to rebuild on Mars. That was before a group of rebels seceded to the dark side of the moon, taking critical materials with them. Now conscripted teenagers scavenge the ruined third planet for species to use in terraforming. At fifteen, Ash is the best diver in a generation. But when tragedy strikes, he vows to end his colony’s dependence on its old homeworld at any cost.

Skye has never set foot on Earth. It’s not even visible from the moon’s far side, although the exiles’ mystic leader promises they will return home someday. Skye has discovered something that could realize this long-awaited dream, but she’s an outcast among outcasts, and no one will listen to her plan. To save her people, she might have to betray them.

Worlds collide when Ash and Skye meet, blurring the boundaries between enemies and allies, deception and truth. Their choices could preserve a future for humanity…or finally drive it to extinction.

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

First Line: Even trespassing had a languid elegance in low gravity.

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

Post-apocalyptic scenario in which we wrecked Earth and drove ourselves to near extinction? Check. Humans in space? Check. Split philosophies on what the fate of humanity (what’s left of it) should be which fractured mankind into two groups? Check. A hero who doesn’t feel like a hero, dealing with tragedy and desperation, plagued by hope? A heroine with cunning and drive, braving her people’s disdain to try to save them? These two thrown together in an all or nothing gamble that could get them cast out by both groups, killed, or maybe, just maybe, restore humanity’s future? Check! Check! Check! This story supplied everything on my Sci-Fi shopping list.

As a fan of this Indie author (For my review of her novel Blue Karma, click here) I’m always impressed by the depth of research she obviously completes to put in this level of detail. Genetic sequencing, decontamination protocols, biological and atmospheric hazards, and let’s not forget the physics of living on the moon. It’s a fully imagined reality, down to the science of what caused the catastrophe which drove mankind from Earth–an element that has an all too non-fictional slant to it and will leave you feeling a tad worried for our future. Okay, maybe more than a tad.

The Magical: Once again, awesome world building. Every facet of this universe feels like it was in place long before I got here, as if I opened a door and strolled into it. No info dumping. The history logically and realistically imagined and conveyed. I was one happy geek reading this.

The Mundane: So, the two main characters are Ash and Skye, only it takes quite a while before Skye is actually named in the book. Her sections are all “she” and “the girl” references. I wasn’t entirely clear why there was this anonymous element to her part and it kind of distanced me from her. We get to know her name when her story joins Ash’s, and I still very much like her characer, but I don’t know why she had to remain nameless until then.

Summary of Thoughts: Currently this book is $0.99 on Amazon. Action, adventure, lunar living, moral ambiguity, put together in this Sci-Fi/Cli-Fi package with a very non-fictional thread. It’s a great read that I definitely recommend and I’m looking forward to the next installment!

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

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

“Blue Karma” Birthday Book Bargain!

Tags

Cli-Fi, Fantasy, Indie Writer, Self Published Book

Hey all, a great book I once reviewed, Blue Karma, is on sale for just $0.99 for a short time!!It’s an action packed Cli-Fi novel. Go get your copy today!

If you’d like to read my review of the book, click here

The author, J K Ullrich, has more details about it on her blog at the post link below:

On May 27, 2015, I became a published author with the release of Blue Karma. I can’t believe my debut novel is a year old already. To celebrate, it’s going on sale! The Kindle Countdown…

Source: “Blue Karma” Birthday Book Bargain!