Tag Archives: Scifi

The Wolves of Winter by Tyrell Johnson – a Review

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The Wolves of Winter by Tyrell Johnson – a Review

 

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Description:
A captivating tale of humanity pushed beyond its breaking point, of family and bonds of love forged when everything is lost, and of a heroic young woman who crosses a frozen landscape to find her destiny. This debut novel is written in a post-apocalyptic tradition that spans The Hunger Games and Station Eleven but blazes its own distinctive path.

Forget the old days. Forget summer. Forget warmth. Forget anything that doesn’t help you survive in the endless white wilderness beyond the edges of a fallen world.

Lynn McBride has learned much since society collapsed in the face of nuclear war and the relentless spread of disease. As the memories of her old life continue to haunt, she’s forced to forge ahead in the snow-drifted Canadian Yukon, learning how to hunt and trap and slaughter.

Shadows of the world before have found her tiny community—most prominently in the enigmatic figure of Jax, who brings with him dark secrets of the past and sets in motion a chain of events that will call Lynn to a role she never imagined.

Simultaneously a heartbreakingly sympathetic portrait of a young woman searching for the answer to who she is meant to be and a frightening vision of a merciless new world in which desperation rules, The Wolves of Winter is enveloping, propulsive, and poignant.

 

 

Review:

The Wolves of Winter by Tyrell Johnson is his debut novel.   I did not know what to expect when I started The Wolves of Winter, but by the time I finished the book, I really enjoyed this post-apocalyptic story, and very impressed with the writing of Tyrell Johnson.

In The Wolves of Winter, we meet the McBride family living in the cold snowy Canadian Yukon, surviving within their igloo and hunting.  Lynn McBride is our young heroine, and through her we learn how they ended up there; the world was decimated by a nuclear war and disease.

Lynn is a tough, smart, vulnerable and very likeable heroine.   She helps her mother, brother, uncle and cousin as they survive in this bitter wilderness.   But then Jax, a loner with a wolf, passes by and the family gives him food.  Jax warns them that there is danger from something called ‘Immunity’, and they learn fast when they are attacked.  Jax, who is very strong and powerful, manages with Lynn, Jeryl (uncle) and brother to kill the attackers.  After giving him food and shelter they find out that Jax is a hunted man. He is being hunted by Immunity, which is something more than scientists that want to cure the disease.

What follows is an interesting, and exciting adventure where Lynn will learn that her beloved deceased father was a scientist that helped start the disease, and when he realized Immunity was using it for a different purpose, he took his family and escaped to Canada.  Lynn will also follow Jax and Jeryl as they try to find the attacker who got away, only to find herself in danger.  This was an intense part, where Lynn will discover everything about the Immunity.  Will she survive?   Why is Immunity interested in Lynn and Jax?

The last ¼ of the book kept me glued to my seat anxious to see what happens.  There is a slight start to a romance between Jax and Lynn, but that will probably be explored in future books.  The Wolves of Winter was a gripping, exciting, tense and intriguing story line that leaves us wanting more.  There is nothing about this being a series, but it leaves a lot open to be continued.  I hope Johnson will continue this series. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Red Sister by Mark Lawrence – Review & Giveaway

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Red Sister by Mark Lawrence – Review & Giveaway

 

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Red Sister
Ancestor series – Book #1
by Mark Lawrence
Release Date: April 4, 2017

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Description:
I was born for killing – the gods made me to ruin.

At the Convent of Sweet Mercy young girls are raised to be killers. In a few the old bloods show, gifting talents rarely seen since the tribes beached their ships on Abeth. Sweet Mercy hones its novices’ skills to deadly effect: it takes ten years to educate a Red Sister in the ways of blade and fist.

But even the mistresses of sword and shadow don’t truly understand what they have purchased when Nona Grey is brought to their halls as a bloodstained child of eight, falsely accused of murder: guilty of worse.

Stolen from the shadow of the noose, Nona is sought by powerful enemies, and for good reason. Despite the security and isolation of the convent her secret and violent past will find her out. Beneath a dying sun that shines upon a crumbling empire, Nona Grey must come to terms with her demons and learn to become a deadly assassin if she is to survive…

 

Review:

Red Sister by Mark Lawrence is the first book in his new Ancestor series. When I started this book, I wasn’t sure what to expect, since some of the new fantasy books that I have read recently have been ok.  I am happy to say, I loved Red Sister. Wow, what a fantastic story line, equally fantastic characters and wonderful world building. 

In Red Sister, Nona Reeve is our young heroine, but there are a number of young girls that play major parts in this story.  The story starts with 8 year old Nona facing execution in the gallows, only to have a nun save her.  The Abbess Glass, who runs the Sweet Mercy Convent, manages to whisk Nona away and brings her to her convent, which is filled with young girls, who are novices in training.  Nona, who is a peasant, is at first uncomfortable surrounded by those who come from families, who can afford the Convent fees.  Why is Nona brought there, as she has no family and is still being sought out for murder?

The Nuns in the convent all have strange and magical abilities, and in each class the girls are trained how to use those abilities, such as weapons (knives, throwing stars), shadows, paths, poisons, spirituality, etc.   These trainings were unique, strange and very difficult; much time is spent on watching the girls learn from these nuns.  But early on, Nona will find two friends to trust, and eventually others will accept her, and they will form a wonderful group of friends.  I loved Nona, Ara, Clera and Hessa.  But the cloud over Nona’s head remains, as those who are determined to get Nona back to pay for her crime,(which was truly done in self defense), will stop at nothing to get her.  The Abbess will once again save her, at a horrible cost, but Nona, will have to find a way to use her untrained ability to win the battle.  We know that though she is saved, those villains will continue to haunt her for the rest of this story.

What follows is an intense, harrowing and exciting tale of a young girl, her friends and their growth to be more than they were destined to be; in a place where they are trained to become self sufficient, and learn to be deadly killers, if need be.  Nona will become a kick-ass heroine, who will need to use her anger to utilize some of her special Hunska blood that will help magically enhance her abilities.  Nona not only is tough, but her loyalty to her friends makes her special.  Some of the other girls will also learn from their training from their at times dark atmosphere, strange and tough teachers to be equally powerful.

The last half of the book upped the ante that left you holding your breath as Nona, and the girls faced danger & death defying situations.  They will also learn more about Nona, and her abilities as they struggle to survive. What a fantastic climax to a wonderful story.  There was an epilogue that has us waiting with bated breath for the next book in this series.   If you enjoy fantasy, in this unigue intriguing world, with a fabulous heroine and other wonderful characters, you must read Red Sister. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

About The Author

Mark Lawrence


Mark Lawrence was born in Champagne-Urbanan, Illinois, to British parents but moved to the UK at the age of one. He went back to the US after taking a PhD in mathematics at Imperial College to work on a variety of research projects including the ‘Star Wars’ missile defence programme. Returning to the UK, he has worked mainly on image processing and decision/reasoning theory. He says he never had any ambition to be a writer so was very surprised when a half-hearted attempt to find an agent turned into a global publishing deal overnight. His first trilogy, THE BROKEN EMPIRE, has been universally acclaimed as a ground-breaking work of fantasy. Following The Broken Empire comes the bestselling RED QUEEN’S WAR trilogy. The BOOK OF THE ANCESTOR trilogy, in an entirely new setting, commences with RED SISTER in 2017. Mark is married, with four children, and lives in Bristol.

 

 

Giveaway

Mark Lawrence’s publisher is graciously offering a Hardcover copy of RED SISTER to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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Quantum by Jess Anastasi – a Review

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Quantum by Jess Anastasi – a Review

 

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Description:
Someone wants Captain Admiral Zander Graydon dead. Like yesterday. Zander’s convinced his attractive assistant knows more than she’s willing to say, and if he can stop running long enough, he’ll find out exactly what she’s hiding. Lieutenant Marshal Mae Petros is determined to keep her CO safe. Before she tips her hand, however, Mae has to figure out if the alluring man she’s protecting is the real Captain Admiral Graydon. Or an alien shape-shifting imposter.

On the run and no one to trust…not even each other.

Captain Admiral Zander Graydon has seen a lot of action, but almost getting killed three times in one day is pushing it. Only the company of his new assistant, Lieutenant Marshal Mae Petros, makes things a little easier to swallow. Except the delectable Lieutenant Marshal Petros is hiding a number of secrets, and her presence might have something to do with the continued attempts on his life.

It’s no accident Lieutenant Marshal Mae Petros finds herself in the firing line alongside the charming but very off-limits Captain Admiral Graydon. She’s taken the job as the admiral’s assistant to determine if a shape-shifting alien has killed the CO and assumed his form. Whether the admiral is human or not, Mae finds herself getting way too close to him as they run for their lives. 

Military to the core, Mae and Zander will have to overcome their suspicions of each other to work together, when they realize the fate of the entire universe is at stake.
 

Review:

Quantum by Jess Anastasi was such a fun read?  It’s the second book in the Atrophy series. I do not think you need to read the first, but I had a feeling it probably would have helped. There may have been some background on a few of the characters, and it did jump from one ship to another (these characters were in the first book.) The continuing story is to do with a war against an alien species (Reidar) 

Mae and Zander are both dedicated to their jobs. Neither having much of a social life. After meeting at the space station, they make their way to the shuttle that will take them back to the Captain Admirals ship. But things don’t to go according to plan ……. 

Surviving a crash, the two characters and a couple of crew members are forced to make a shelter and survive in a wilderness planet, until they are rescued. The story moves at a good pace. Very descriptive, and well written. The characters are brought to life and very believable. 

The story keeps you wondering ….. Is Zander a shape shifter? Did he kill the Captain Admiral and take his place for a more sinister reason ? 

The feelings between Mae and Zander have an instant attraction feeling, but Mae needs to be cautious, she can’t fall for a shape shifter, they are at war with the aliens, but as she gets to know him, the lines become blurry, What’s a girl to do ? 

Zander knows his new lieutenant Marshall has a big secret, but they have time on board his ship to find out those secrets. But the crash will put things on hold, as they dance back and forward with their attraction. What will he think when he finds out that’s she’s only interested in him until she works out if he’s a threat to the war that they are fighting?

I have not read a space story before, but I’d totally recommend this book, for an afternoon of escapism ?

Reviewed by Julie B

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Waking Fire by Anthony Ryan – Review & Giveaway

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The Waking Fire by Anthony Ryan – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
The Waking Fire is set in a vibrant new world where the blood of drakes—creatures similar to dragons—is valued beyond reckoning, and can be distilled into elixirs that grant fearsome powers to those who are “blood-blessed.” The novel follows an unregistered blood-blessed as he searches for an elusive variety of drake so potent, its capture would mean unrivalled riches; the second in command of a blood-burning ironclad ship; and a young woman in a lifelong contract to a trading syndicate, whose espionage mission places her on the front lines of a newly declared war. As empires clash and arcane mysteries reveal themselves, these characters are tested again and again and soon discover that the fate of the world rests on their shoulders.

The Draconis Memoria is a remarkable new epic fantasy series with steampunk flavor, full of the phenomenal worldbuilding and non-stop action that have gained Anthony Ryan a global fan base.

 

 

Review:

The Waking Fire by Anthony Ryan is the first book in his The Draconis Memoria series.  This series is an epic fantasy, with an amazing world building, that includes magic, agents, war, ships, thieves and dragons.  Though the dragons are a major part of the storyline, it is the blood blessed humans who drink the blood harvested from dead dragons that give them the magic to perform many amazing powerful feats.  The story revolves around a war &  finding an unproven myth of a White Dragon that is more powerful than any of the other dragons (Black, Red, Green, Blue), and therefore, the white blood will be more powerful. 

The Waking Fire centers on the pov of three interesting and different main characters, who are sent on separate missions, which will bring them to the same resolution, finding that dragon and saving the world.

Lizanne:  she is a agent and spy for the Ironbound Protectorate.  Lizanne had been trained to be a top assassin since she was a young child, and is considered one of the best.  We see how good she is when she manages to get herself out of difficult situations.  Lizanne starts off as somewhat cold as she is efficient early on; this will change as the story evolves.  

Clay:   He is also blood blessed, but not as powerful or registered like Lizanne.  He is an adventurer and thief, who is forced to help his uncle on a mission to find out the truth of the mythical White Dragon, which Lizanne’s superior, Madame Bondersil  has assigned them on.  Clay by drinking bue blood, allows him to communicate with Lizanne mentally from far away, keeping her up on what is happening on his assignment.

Hilemore:  He is a naval officer, who was just assigned to be on a new warship.  In a short time, he will earn the respect of his ship mates, and when faced with war, will take over command.  He has little interaction with the others main characters, but we can see at the end, this may change in the next book of this series. 

With an epic fantasy type of book, there will be many characters, and The Waking Fire had quite a few memorial ones: Lizanne’s superior, who ruled those with an iron fist; Clay’s uncle and other people on their trek into dangerous and unknown territory; Tekala, a young girl, who will eventually open up Lizanne’s cold heart;  Hilemore’s ship mates, including the captured pirate queen; the missing academy  member, Ethelynne Drystone, who was presumed dead after leaving years before to look for the mythical White Dragon.   Ryan did create some wonderful and complex characters.

The entire book had a lot of action, with many battles against the attacking dragons.  Why are they all of sudden coming after the humans in full force?  Is the White Dragon real and does this have something to do with the attacks?

The Waking Fire was very well written by Ryan. I did think early on it was a slow, but as normal in the start of an epic fantasy, there is a lot of world building and character introductions.  I liked the element of blood blessed drinking Dragon blood to give them more powers, but I would have liked to see more Dragons that were good, or even talked.  I loved seeing one that communicated and helped protect Ethelynne.  I hope they utilize this more in the next book.  The Waking Fire ends with more to come, and the main characters to continue the quest to save the world. If you like fantasy, world building and a big book, I suggest you read The Waking Fire. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

giveaway

Anthony’s publisher is offering a Hardcover copy of The Waking Fire to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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Marked in Flesh by Anne Bishop – a Review

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Marked in Flesh by Anne Bishop – a Review

 

Marked in Flesh
The Others series – Book #4
by Anne Bishop
Release Date: March 8, 2016

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Description:
For centuries, the Others and humans have lived side by side in uneasy peace. But when humankind oversteps its bounds, the Others will have to decide how much humanity they’re willing to tolerate—both within themselves and within their community…

Since the Others allied themselves with the cassandra sangue, the fragile yet powerful human blood prophets who were being exploited by their own kind, the delicate dynamic between humans and Others changed. Some, like Simon Wolfgard, wolf shifter and leader of the Lakeside Courtyard, and blood prophet Meg Corbyn, see the new, closer companionship as beneficial—both personally and practically.

But not everyone is convinced. A group of radical humans is seeking to usurp land through a series of violent attacks on the Others. What they don’t realize is that there are older and more dangerous forces than shifters and vampires protecting the land that belongs to the Others—and those forces are willing to do whatever is necessary to protect what is theirs…

 

Review:

Marked in Flesh by Anne Bishop is the 4th book in her fantastic The Others series. I have said this before; I am a huge fan of Anne Bishop, having loved all of her other series; whatever she writes, she is a master storyteller. In Marked in Flesh, Anne just continues to wow us with another fascinating story that had us holding our breaths in the final half of the ultra exciting pulse pounding finish.

The Others is a story about the terra indigene (non humans, such as wolves, crows, vampires, elementals, grizzlies, etc) who control most of the world, and the humans, both good and bad who live in lands that the Others allow them to live on. Meg is our heroine of this series; she is human, but a valuable blood prophet, who has the ability of seeing the future when she cuts herself. The Others have come to care very much for Meg, and will go to all lengths to protect her from the evil that threatens them all.

In Marked in Flesh, the group who call themselves Humans First and Last, have escalated their foolish threats against the Others, including humans and/or businesses that support the terra indigene. They kill livestock, and threaten the lives of many of the wolves. The Elders, whom we learn more about, as even The Others fear them, decide it is time to reclaim their land and do what they learned from what the humans did.

Simon Wolfgard, who is the leader of The Others, prepares everyone for what is coming. He warns other territories that have been working with the good humans, and the cassandra sangue (young blood prophets that were saved, and whom Meg tries to help). In Lakeside, and in a few other territories, The Others try to bring in humans who have worked with them to protect them from the expected fallout. It was interesting to watch the preparation of a possible destruction of the world as they know it, with the humans and others bringing in supplies to last them for some time; which included books, food, medicine, normal things for their human friends, such as toilet paper. Lol Meg begins to try and find out ways for her and the other blood prophets to be able to see the prophecy without cutting.

Meg has become an important part of the others, especially to Simon, who is slowly finding himself not seeing life without our Meg. I look forward to the time when Simon and Meg open themselves to a romance. I love the great characters Bishop has created for this series, Meg, Simon, Sam, Tess, Vlad, Nathan, Merri, Skippy, Monty, just to name a few, and there are so many.

Marked in Flesh gives us a look at the original others (The Elders), who are different from the shape shifters, and more lethal. When the time comes as we race to the finish, the excitement and danger is breathtaking. The power of the Elders, and the Elementals (Ocean, Fire, Water, Air, Earth, etc,), is so powerfully written by Bishop, as we watch what unfolds around us.

This was an exciting and intense race to the climax, with many deaths that will change this world going forward. I loved the humor that Anne added to alleviate some of the tension, with the wolves howling to let the Elders know that they are there and not to harm those with them. Even Meg did her Arroooo! The ending was very well done, with some sad moments. We are left waiting impatiently for the next book to see where Anne Bishop will take us. Once again, Anne Bishop has done a wonderful job continuing this wonderful urban fantasy series, which is not to be missed.

If you have not read this series, I suggest you do so. This is not a standalone; you must start with the first book, as it is a continuing storyline.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Last Dream Keeper by Amber Benson – a Review

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The Last Dream Keeper by Amber Benson – a Review

 

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Description:
Lyse MacAllister did not step into an easy role when she took over as master of the Echo Park coven of witches after her great-aunt Eleanora’s death. As she begins to forge the bonds that will help her lead her sisters, she struggles to come to terms with her growing powers. And she soon faces a deadly new threat. A group of fanatics intent on bringing about the end of times has invaded the witches Council—but the Council is turning a blind eye to the danger growing in its midst.

Only one witch is prophesied to be able to stop the encroaching darkness. And if Lyse and her blood sisters are to have any chance at protecting all we know from being lost forever, they must keep her safe—no matter what the cost…

 

 

 

Review:

The Last Dream Keeper by Amber Benson is the 2nd book in her The Witches of Echo Park series. This is an Urban Fantasy series about a coven of witches in Echo Park, Los Angeles. In the first book, Lyse MacAllister , learns that she is a witch, after she comes to visit her dying aunt. Eleanora, who turns out to be Lyse’s grandmother (not aunt), is near death, and explains to Lyse that she will need to take over the responsibility as head of her coven. The Last Dream Keeper picks after Eleanora’s death, and Lyse becoming closer to the members of her coven, as they all know the danger they face with the rise of the evil group, The Flood, who are trying to destroy all the covens in the world. The Echo Park Coven members each have their own specialties, which we get to see, as each member has their own POV throughout.

Lyse is the new leader; she is a hybrid, which supposedly gives her a little bit of power from each of the others.

Arrabelle (Bell) was scheduled to be the heir apparent until Lyse was chosen. Arrabelle, a herbalist, accepts Lyse, and is very tough & independent.

Devandra (Dev) a diviner, is caring and has a family of her own to worry about.

Daniela, an empath (seer), who wear gloves, as no one can touch her. She is a strong member, who can get information at the touch, who will fight for her blood sisters.

Lizbeth, is the youngest and half sister to Weir. She doesn’t talk, but early on she comes out of dream to become a very strong member, who is destined to be the last dream keeper.

What follows is a suspenseful tense tale of evil slowly separating the coven members, and placing them in grave danger, as well as pitting some against each other. Rather than give spoilers, I enjoyed the concept of this storyline, and generally liked all the main characters. I will say that at times early on I thought it was a bit slow, due to the many POV’s that we had to follow. I am used to a two person POV, but this was a 5 person POV all throughout, which did make it a bit confusing.

This series has a lot of potential to be great, and despite the going back and forth between all the characters, I am invested to keep reading, as I want to know what will happen. Amber Benson pulls us into this series, with some great characters, and I look forward to seeing how this will turn out.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Wandering Star by Romina Russell – a Review

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Wandering Star by Romina Russell – a Review

 

Wandering StarAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
Orphaned, disgraced, and stripped of her title, Rho is ready to live life quietly, as an aid worker in the Cancrian refugee camp on House Capricorn.

But news has spread that the Marad–an unbalanced terrorist group determined to overturn harmony in the Galaxy–could strike any House at any moment.

Then, unwelcome nightmare that he is, Ochus appears to Rho, bearing a cryptic message that leaves her with no choice but to fight.

Now Rho must embark on a high-stakes journey through an all-new set of Houses, where she discovers that there’s much more to her Galaxy–and to herself–than she could have ever imagined

 

 

Review:

Wandering Star by Romina Russell is the 2nd book in her Zodiac series. Though this is considered a Young Adult book, the concept and story is truly for everyone. In the first book, Zodiac, where we met our teenage heroine, Rho, we learned about the different houses in the 12 galaxies. We learned about the evil Ochus, of the long lost 13th Galaxy, who was slowly destroying them. However, Rho was the only one who saw him in her visions. With the destruction in her Galaxy, causing the death of the Guardian, Rho was elevated to become the Guardian of House Cancer, due to her powers. She took on the mantle to alert all the houses with the help of a select few, but distrust and failure cause everything to backfire, and Rho was sent home in disgrace.

In Wandering Star, we find Rho working quietly in House Capricorn with her brother and their friend Aryll. A month has passed, when friends from House Sagittarius come to Rho and ask for help. War is on the horizon, and the Marad are threatening to destroy all. To her surprise, during her mediation, Ochus comes to her for help and a warning. Does she believe him, after all he has done to her, her friends , family and other houses?

Rho, with Aryll and Hysan (I really love him, but she is still stuck on her feelings for him and Mathias), leave for Sagittarius to meet up with her friends, Nishi and Deke. What follows is an exciting, action filled and interesting adventure that will be filled with betrayals, danger, death and mistakes that Rho must learn to rise from. Rho has a hard time accepting the challenge, especially after the shaming at the end of Zodiac. But there are those still out there who believe in her, and it is this trust that will allow her to rise again to unite all the houses in the face of this war.

There were many surprises and twists throughout the book, especially with all the deaths and betrayals, some of which was very sad. Rho, who works hard to bring the houses united, must also learn to believe in herself, in order to win this war. Most of all she needs to resolve her own dilemma of loving two men; one from her own house, and the other from a different house. I know who I would choose 🙂  but much will depend on the outcome of the war, and her freedom to be able to choose.

Romina Russell amazes me how she does this world building, with all the galaxies, the different characters, complicated rules, and yet make us believe in it all. Wandering Star was a very good read, and I look forward to the next book in this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Opposition by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

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Opposition by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

 

Opposition
Lux series – Book #5
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Release Date: August 5, 2014

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Description:
Katy knows the world changed the night the Luxen came.
She can’t believe Daemon welcomed his race or stood by as his kind threatened to obliterate every last human and hybrid on Earth. But the lines between good and bad have blurred, and love has become an emotion that could destroy her—could destroy them all.
Daemon will do anything to save those he loves, even if it means betrayal.
They must team with an unlikely enemy if there is any chance of surviving the invasion. But when it quickly becomes impossible to tell friend from foe, and the world is crumbling around them, they may lose everything— even what they cherish most—to ensure the survival of their friends…and mankind.
War has come to Earth. And no matter the outcome, the future will never be the same for those left standing

 

Review:
Opposition by Jennifer L. Armentrout is the 5th and final book in her wonderful Lux series. Let me start off by saying I have so much respect for Jennifer Armentrout, as a writer, and for giving us such wonderful exciting and befitting end to the Lux series. For anyone who needs a refresher on this series, you can find my earlier reviews under the review tab (Barb’s reviews, Jennifer Armentrout).

When we last left off in Origin, the Luxens had arrived in full force, and Daemon, Dawson and Dee disappeared seemingly to join with the Luxens. At the start of Opposition, Katy waits by the window praying for them to return. Beth is pregnant and only Archer and Luc are there with Katy. With the world being attacked, they needed to stay inside to be safe. But Katy is never one to listen, and she and Archer go out to find some things to help Beth. Of course, Katy is eventually captured, and wakes up surrounded by Luxens. To her shock, she sees a distant Daemon standing by the Luxen leader, as they plan the destruction of the human race, including the hybrids (which she now is). Dee is also mean and unfriendly to Katy. Has Daemon, Dee and Dawson changed, betraying them?

Since I do not want to give spoilers, what follows is an incredibly thrilling action packed story from start to finish. This is a war, and the Luxens, with help from  the traitors are winning this battle. With nowhere to go, and hope slowly evaporating, they must turn to an enemy for an unlikely truce. I loved when Katy, losing her temper, angrily goes into a tirade; since the beginning of time, there have always been differences, & hate throughout the world. But when there is a common enemy they will join hands; when all is said and done, they can go back to being enemies. Katy has grown so much in this series, and in Opposition, she turned into a kick-assed heroine. Perfect for our Daemon. I loved that Jennifer gave us a glimpse of Hunter again. Very cool.

The Lux series may be considered YA, but make no mistake, this series is a wonderful read for everyone. Jennifer Armentrout not only gives us a believable story of aliens living as humans in our world, but she has given us a fabulous young couple, whom we spent the entire series totally invested in what happens to them. Armentrout also gives us such wonderful secondary characters that we can worry, cry, or laugh with. Daemon & Katy were one of the best young couples in any YA or NA world, as they were so perfect together, not to mention totally hot. Ohhhh we will miss our Daemon.

Again, I must say that when I was anticipating reading Opposition, I was worried. After what happened in another series that I loved by another author, I was scared what will happen here. But thank you thank you, Jennifer, you have made me so happy. Opposition had such an awesome ending that allowed us to be happily content to move on. That’s not to say that I hope one day, when she is not buried with all the books she writes, she can write a novella giving us an update to the lives of Daemon, Katy, and all their friends who survived this epic adventure. Bravo Jennifer! This was a fantastic ride, and Opposition was a classic thriller, with an epic ending.

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