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Wanderlust (Sirantha Jax #2)

by Ann Aguirre (Goodreads Author)

3.89 of 5 stars 3.89 · rating details · 2,558 ratings · 279 reviews

Sirantha Jax doesn’t take chances…she jumps at them…

Sirantha Jax is a “Jumper,” a woman who possesses the unique genetic makeup needed to navigate faster than light ships through grimspace. Jax has worked for the Farwan Corporation her entire career. But now the word’s out that the Corp deliberately crashed a passenger ship, and their stranglehold on intergalactic commerce...more

Paperback, 312 pages

Published August 26th 2008 by Ace (first published August 24th 2008)

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Apr 26, 2012 new_user rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: UF Fans

Shelves: romantic-scifi

First of all, there are too many spoilers in the reviews. So I'll keep this to my impressions- mostly, fawning. I love these books.

The characters and goings-on are so real because, aside from drawing from actual circumstances and issues, Ann Aguirre also includes the morally ambiguous, ambivalent musings that we really entertain in our heads and in dialogue too, the events they experience also grey. For example, a few times I wondered about the placement of Lachion in the story and the character...more First of all, there are too many spoilers in the reviews. So I'll keep this to my impressions- mostly, fawning. I love these books.

The characters and goings-on are so real because, aside from drawing from actual circumstances and issues, Ann Aguirre also includes the morally ambiguous, ambivalent musings that we really entertain in our heads and in dialogue too, the events they experience also grey. For example, a few times I wondered about the placement of Lachion in the story and the characters' decisions to help or go there. If it were me, I'd have nothing to do with a place where might is brutally right in the struggle for resources and one's allegiance is so arbitrary, i.e. determined by clan. Personally, I would have recommended all the residents of Lachion to GTFO a long time ago. One can't lead a life in a place where one's at risk of death 24/7 -the age-old trade-off for government- and problems with authority aren't worth it, to my mind.

Associating her characters' loyalties with such an ambiguous place is a brave decision on Aguirre's part. Actually, just making a place in the story for such a society -and with respect- is open-minded. Aguirre never leads the reader to believe that any character is "safe" from death either, except for the first person narrator, naturally, but Aguirre is not unaware of this. Sirantha Jax herself often contemplates her curse of living long after her friends.

This in mind, with regular observations on people or society or emotions captured with raw honesty, it's easy to see why I wanted to quote every other page. Anyway, it's continuous food for thought, and for that reason, I never looked to the back of the book to see the number of pages left. Wanderlust could have gone on forever, and I don't think I would have minded so long as she kept supplying those little nuggets that suit this gritty story so well and which she seeded as carefully as the summaries -"reminiscences"- for book one. No infodumps.

Also, there are monsters and more stuff blown up. Enjoy!

Update: It's funny looking back, after reading Doubleblind (#3), at my so-positive reviews of Grimspace and Wanderlust. I liked them, but I must have seen more hope for the characters there than I did in Doubleblind, or else Aguirre really upped the depression to unbearable levels, or I lost patience with Jax-- because Doubleblind was just tedious and made me fall out of love. (less)

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Jul 25, 2011 Catie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2011, sci-fi, romance, series

You know what, Flannery? I DO want ugly people in my masturbatory space operas. So there. I think that may be the main thing about these books that’s still holding my attention: the ugly people sex. Er, I mean, the stimulating characters. Let’s review who’s in this crew so far: a damaged grimspace jumper, a psychic former mercenary, a genetically engineered former mercenary, a kick ass mechanic (and former princess), a kick ass pilot, an insectoid bounty hunter, and a needy AI. I actually didn’t...more

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Jun 07, 2010 Chichipio rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: sci-fi

A really good sequel. I'm not giving it 5 stars, though, because it's a little more mainstream than the fantastic Grimspace.

Here, Jax dons the hero suit and sets off to do "the right thing." Her band of misfits is still pretty cool, but most of their internal issues have been resolved so it's easy to present a united front. As a result, you get the clear feeling of "us against the world" and "the good guys vs. the bad guys." I like the fact that Jax is growing up and that now they can trust each...more

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Oct 16, 2011 Anzu The Great Destroyer rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: cool people and sci-fi fans

Shelves: ball-busting-chicks, zomg-i-must-have-him, science-and-space-and-crap, the-fantasy-of-urbans, i-would-kill-to-own, dat-cover-goddammit, i-am-stalking-you, reviewed-2011, a-bit-of-mush, absolute-madness

Sci-fi up! We’re going to the future!

Even though the beginning wasn’t as flashy as Grimspace, Wanderlust was another thrilling adventure for me. I may be totally biased about this series though. One can never know…

One of the best things about this series is the almost perfect way I can relate to Jax. Yes, of course she’s way cooler than me (duh) and she lives in the future and goes into space and is badass but at least I get consoled personality wise.

I don’t have to say that March was a major di...more

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Jan 12, 2011 Rhonda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Loved it!!!

Ohhhh, Mrs. Aguirre……You have me in your clutches now!!!

I first became acquainted with Ann Aguirre writing as Ava Gray. (Skin series) I loved those writings so much, that I set out to find more, which led me to this series. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about the “science fiction” theme, but I decided to give it a go. And I am so glad I did!!!

This story is told in the first person POV, through the eyes of Sirantha Jax. Aguirre does this skillfully, not letting me miss anything from t...more Loved it!!!

Ohhhh, Mrs. Aguirre……You have me in your clutches now!!!

I first became acquainted with Ann Aguirre writing as Ava Gray. (Skin series) I loved those writings so much, that I set out to find more, which led me to this series. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about the “science fiction” theme, but I decided to give it a go. And I am so glad I did!!!

This story is told in the first person POV, through the eyes of Sirantha Jax. Aguirre does this skillfully, not letting me miss anything from the other characters. The first book in this series is GRIMSPACE, which throws you into Sirantha Jaxs’ universe. Complete with spaceships, aliens, AI, and droids. There is lots of action, adventure, and even romance!! Don’t let me forget to mention that there are some smexy times too, it’s not loaded, but enough to keep that part of you satisfied.

I’m not going into the plot, I always feel that’s best left for the reader to unwrap that prize! I am however, going into characterization; again Aguirre does this as masterfully as she does in her works as Ava Gray.
At the beginning of the series, I didn’t immediately love Jax, I found her to be self absorbed. By the end of GRIMSPACE and going into this book, I love her so much. During her journey, she has met up with people and an Ithorian that have changed her for the better.
Now March…..March is the bomb!!! I really believe he can do anything, and by all means, don’t jack around with his woman, he’ll tear up any and everything to get to her!!!!
Now, I don’t know if I can say enough about the secondary cast of characters. I’ve got a great big group hug for all of them!!! I CAN NOT stress enough how awesome they are, Vel (xoxo), Dina, Jael, and Hit!!! I laughed so much reading this book, the bantering going back an forth between them is hilarious!!! However, they are a team in every sense of the word. They do a lot of trash talking, but when the chips are down….there’s no one left behind!!!

I’m definitely an Aguirre “fan girl” now!!! If she writes it, I will read it!!

Thank You Mrs. Aguirre, for the numerous hours of entertainment!!!

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Aug 26, 2008 Kim rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: fans of Grimspace, the series Firefly, authors such as Eve Kenin and Linnea Sinclair

Shelves: science-fiction

Please note: I received an ARC of this book (hooray for the Smart Bitches!); the book itself is due out on 8/26.
Oh, how do I love this series! And how much do I love Jax in particular, who is as fiery, determined, and attitudinal in this book as in the first in the series, Grimspace. After the events of the first book, Jax is unemployed, with her assets frozen due to her having been declared prematurely dead. When the government asks her to head up a new diplomatic mission to Ithiss-Tor, home wo...more

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Oct 10, 2012 Allison rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: science-fiction, space-opera, adult

I think for my experience / mood while reading Wanderlust, I should rate it 2 stars. But the end gave it a nudge back towards 3. I really don't enjoy books where nothing goes right and everything falls to pieces. This was one, and I also found some of the plot devices to be outrageously unbelievable.

That said, I believe it was necessary in order to give the series somewhere to go. It's like Grimspace was written without much thought of a larger story, and too much was wrapped up all nicely. When...more

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Jan 31, 2013 Maddalena rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I liked this second installment of the Sirantha Jax series quite a bit, and the character is growing on me.

Following straight from the end of book 1, Wanderlust sees a huge change for the former Jumper: she's offered the role of ambassador to forge an alliance with an alien species that might prove instrumental in withstanding the threat from an invasion force.

For someone already familiar with this world and this character, the offer sounds strange, to say the least, considering there is no one...more I liked this second installment of the Sirantha Jax series quite a bit, and the character is growing on me.

Following straight from the end of book 1, Wanderlust sees a huge change for the former Jumper: she's offered the role of ambassador to forge an alliance with an alien species that might prove instrumental in withstanding the threat from an invasion force.

For someone already familiar with this world and this character, the offer sounds strange, to say the least, considering there is no one less diplomatic and ambassadorial than Jax. And yet Aguirre manages to create the right circumstances leading to this and to frame them into a developing situation that promises to be quite interesting. Parallel to the "big picture" of galactic politics and social upheavals, Jax's personal journey takes unexpected directions that are very promising for the continuation of this series.

The greater part of my enthusiasm in embracing this story-arc comes from the realization that Aguirre did not follow the expected path with her character, especially in the lack of happily-ever-after with March, and in the twist concerning the after-effects of her ability to jump beyond the normal time frame for run-of-the-mill Jumpers.

I've found some remarks about how Jax seems very dependent on others, reacting more than acting to various situations, and I think the main reason comes from her transformation, both psychological and physical. One could say that in this installment she is in chrysalis form, and only at the end of the book she will finally start to unfold her new wings, tempered by adversity.

In this second book she finds purpose and a goal, and this new Sirantha will be better able (IMHO) to deal with the man March has turned into: due to a particular set of circumstances, the two are driven apart, forcing Jax to give up her emotional reliance on the man and in this way bolstering her inner strength. The old Jax would not have reacted well to the darkness he's carrying after his harrowing experience on Lachion, but the new one has learned how, or at least is willing to try.

Moreover, in this book a new character has come to the fore, after being barely sketched in the previous one: I have quickly developed a fondness for the insectoid Velith and I like the way he's forging with Jax a bond based on mutual respect verging toward trust and friendship, and of course important changes.

There is a moment, toward the end of the book, where Jax understands that the people surrounding her, her friends and allies, are her responsibility, and she seems to take strength from this, not the other way around. This is going to turn into a compelling journey indeed.
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Sep 03, 2012 Mimi Smith rated it 4 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

"I’m Sirantha Jax, and I have had enough."

Poor Sirantha Jax can't seem to catch a break. Soon after taking down the corrupt Corps and appointed as a New Terra ambassador. So she starts the journey to Ithiss-Tor. Unfortunately, further demonstrating her bad luck, she's forced to make more than one stop, in the middle of a war zone and a monsters-infected station. Jinx, thy name is Jax. In the meantime Jax is ill, and both she and March will be forced to make some tough choices.

What to sa...more

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Aug 21, 2012 Nina rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: epic-battles, epic-couples, futuristic, heartbreaker, murder-she-wrote, series, shoot-em-up, tortured-hero

This one was utterly exhausting.

This one picks up right where Grimspace left off, and Jax is facing some bigwigs over the fact that now everyone knows what really happened to her on that ship, and that the Corp were behind it. Now it's time to play the politics game, and they want Jax to be ambassador and meet with Vel's preying mantis-like people and get them to become best friends and join the Conglomerate.

Really? They want to send Jax?

Some people want her to succeed, while others want her...more This one was utterly exhausting.

This one picks up right where Grimspace left off, and Jax is facing some bigwigs over the fact that now everyone knows what really happened to her on that ship, and that the Corp were behind it. Now it's time to play the politics game, and they want Jax to be ambassador and meet with Vel's preying mantis-like people and get them to become best friends and join the Conglomerate.

Really? They want to send Jax?

Some people want her to succeed, while others want her to fail, because now that the whole system is in turmoil over the shenanigans the Corp pulled, pirates and the like want things to stay crazy and loose. But Jax isn't alone. She's got Dina right there with her, ready to battle as usual, and she's got March.

Oh, March.

Big, bad, tough guy pilot is right there after the absolute craziness at the end of Grimspace. This guy was ready to END THE WORLD over her, and now he's watching over her. Worrying. Wondering about her health. This guy is all tough guy fierceness on the outside with a battered vulnerability at the center. He needs Jax, and isn't afraid to tell her so. But she's feeling weak and sick and worrying what that means not just for her, but for March, and so begins their issues this go 'round. It's not hot, sexy times. They're so in love, and are breaking each other's hearts a little more each chapter. It's hard to watch, but you just NEED TO KNOW.

It's just one big block of mayhem. Things just keep happening, and when they're strapped into their spaceship ready to go here all of a sudden there over there instead and they're there for forever because all hell is breaking loose. And all the while, Jax is sort of losing her mind. There's something going on with her body, she's not healing right, and even her hair isn't growing back. She's weak, and because of this, she's on the outside of a lot of the stuff that's happening, and that made it both hard to read and impossible to put down. You desperately need to know what comes next and are hoping you get there quick because everything is falling apart.

You meet Jael, the pretty boy with a surprising bite. He's different too, no surprise there since he ended up with this bunch. Vel is on the scene and is one of the best parts of this book. Keri is back on Lachion being the new queen and there's an alliance with her and Lex's people, and then CRAZY ENSUES and it's more exhausting chapters of them being stuck while a war rages. One Jax can't get to. All of this leads to a pretty sexy tent scene and then the one that absolutely gutted me. Jax has just knifed her way into my gut, and when she hurts, she hurts big and it feels real and it's too much and the world is falling apart, but you just sort of want to sit down with her and cry for awhile.

When you get to the last scenes it really shows how far Jax has come, and how much still has to happen. A new path is laid out and it looks like it's going to just get more and more insane with crazy battles and bloodshed, all without ever forsaking emotions, achy romance or tough as nails character development.

Fragging awesome.

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Jul 11, 2012 Abby rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

Paws rating: 5 paws

Key points: Aliens, war, space, female heroine, sexual content

In short: Another great, fast pace, action packed, heart wrenching book

Ginny’s (the pug's) review:

Wanderlust is the second instalment in the Sirantha Jax series and it just as feisty as Grimspace and I loved every minute of Sirantha new adventure.
This adventure is very emotional for Sirantha with her past coming to haunt in ways she could never imagined and this plotline leaves the readers shocked and surpirsed whe...more

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Jun 25, 2012 Emma Rosloff rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: space-opera

Wanderlust is a quick, action-packed read. I enjoy Jax's unique spin on things; watching her struggle and grow into the person she needs to be, in order to help the Conglomerate repair the power vacuum left in the wake of the now defunct Farwan Corporation, which she played a key role in dismantling. So much is riding on her, whether she asked for it or not; she can barely even keep her love life together, knowing that exposure to grimspace is finally killing her, that she'll die soon without he...more

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Jul 18, 2011 Andrea rated it 4 of 5 stars

So I raced through this book after finishing the first and thank goodness I came to this series four books in because the cliff hanger at the end is an easy fix, READ THE NEXT ONE :) I don't much care for summary as part of reviews as you can read a summary at the top of the page.

If possible I think I would give this book 3.75 stars but since we round on good reads I rounded up based on the fact that i couldn't put it down. I liked the return to the world and the further world building that occu...more So I raced through this book after finishing the first and thank goodness I came to this series four books in because the cliff hanger at the end is an easy fix, READ THE NEXT ONE :) I don't much care for summary as part of reviews as you can read a summary at the top of the page.

If possible I think I would give this book 3.75 stars but since we round on good reads I rounded up based on the fact that i couldn't put it down. I liked the return to the world and the further world building that occurs. I feel like Aguirre has got a knack for creating not just a likable main character but a very interesting cast of supporting characters. Every addition I am pleasantly surprised by. So far though my favorites are Vel and 245 but Dina is high up there as well (though this could be because I love seeing a interesting lesbian character in fantasy, can she have her own series please?). They really add body and depth to this story. The plot of this book was a bit messy at times because there is so much going on constantly and we do seem to lose sight of the original intention. Also with so much going on I almost would have liked to have known more about some of the events we witness, like the tribe war.

The other aspect I am a little unsure of is the plot between Jax and March. I really do like these two as a couple in this series so far and I was extremely pleased to see that they were already acknowledging they love each other in the first book, as opposed to drawing a game of cat and mouse out over the entire series which can be very tedious, but the obstacles thrown up in this book also got to be a bit much. I understand the author wants to continue to have a dynamic storyline between the two of them and I guess she has ensured that now, but I hope it does not just get overly complicated or gratuitous like some series to maintain drama. The world is more than interesting enough to draw me back without added relationship angst. I also hopes she does not put a love triangle in here, I am sick to death of those as literary devices.

Conclusion? This space series has got me hooked in to read the next in the series, regardless of some of my nit picky concerns about some of the stuff going on. If you liked the last one read this one.(less)

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Jun 21, 2011 Colleen rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: sci-fi, sequel

Wanderlust introduces readers to a new Jax: feeble and less combative, but also more selfless and aware of other peoples’ feelings. This is both a welcome change – it’s nice to see her character developing – and problematic in terms of Wanderlust’s pacing. Just as Jax’s physical deterioration saps her character of the strength and tough persona she displayed in Grimspace, the narrative initially seems sluggish. Jax's new fragility means that she's sidelined from much of the action, which has the...more Wanderlust introduces readers to a new Jax: feeble and less combative, but also more selfless and aware of other peoples’ feelings. This is both a welcome change – it’s nice to see her character developing – and problematic in terms of Wanderlust’s pacing. Just as Jax’s physical deterioration saps her character of the strength and tough persona she displayed in Grimspace, the narrative initially seems sluggish. Jax's new fragility means that she's sidelined from much of the action, which has the unfortunate side-effect of also disconnecting the reader from the story. Thankfully, despite a fairly simplistic plot that never really seems to go where it promises, the book picks up speed as it goes along, propelled by promising new characters and a planet-wide war.

Jax’s sickness also causes her to withdraw from March, and this leads to some conflict in their relationship, which is further exacerbated by March’s unerring hero complex. In Wanderlust, their on-and-off relationship adds drama without detracting from the plot; I just hope March and Jax’s breakups and makeups don’t become a too-recurring theme in future books, as it could become tedious. That said, they suit each other so well and their scenes together are so poignantly written that it’s impossible not to continue hoping for their Happily Ever After. I also liked that Ann Aguirre doesn’t shy away from separating these two characters on occasion, allowing the focus to shift more toward the action and character interactions than the romance.

This definitely benefits Wanderlust, as the side characters in this series continue to impress. Each of them is established as unique and likeable without their personalities ever seeming over-the-top. In particular, Vel is awesome; I loved his dry humour and awkward politeness, and his growing friendship with Jax is both amusing and thoroughly endearing. Enough new characters – including a few cameos by Jax’s mother – are introduced that this installment feels fresh and surprising, but not so many that the cast ever felt overwhelmed by unrecognizable names and faces.

Wanderlust, like its predecessor, would be an enjoyable, quick read even for those who don’t usually like science fiction. It also tones down on some of the narrative quirks that grated in Grimspace, such as the overuse of ‘frag’ as a swearword. Unfortunately, sketchy plotting and an initially slow pace weigh Wanderlust down, and, unlike the fast-paced and self-contained first book, it suffers from trying too hard to set up the next installment in the series. Nevertheless, Wanderlust is effective in that the ending left me pining for the third book, Doubleblind, and I can’t wait to see Jax attempting to play the role of gracious diplomat.(less)

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Mar 30, 2010 MissyC323 C rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: sci-fi-romance, read-in-2010

I must like this author, because I actually set aside a Linnea Sinclair book to read this one. The first book, Grimspace was very good, and lingered in my for several days, which compelled me to go to B&N and purchase book 2 and 3 in this series. Book 2 did not disappoint.
Wanderlust has all the elements of a fantastic intergalactic space world, with a smart heroine, romance and relationships, sexy hero's, interesting and offbeat alien species. Also has that desired techno space jargon, but n...more

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Feb 10, 2010 Jess rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010, sci-fi

I think I have papercuts from turning the pages so fast... I could NOT get enough of this one!!

Jax is pretty much in a crappy position. She has no money, she has no job (because the corp is she worked for previously has crumbled - reasons are given in the first book) and so she is approached by the new head of the Conglomerate with a mission for her. They want her to become an ambassador and go on a diplomatic mission to Ithiss-Tor. Sort of a peace keeping thing, and since bounty hunter Vel is a...more

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Sep 13, 2009 Chessa rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: series, sf_fantasy

2nd in the Sirantha Jax trilogy. Second installments are tricky, and this one I found a little frustrating. I really love that Velith is back and has a prominent role. I was also very pleased to see that Aguirre remains adept at adding new and fascinating characters to the mix (Jael is particularly fascinating!). The Aliens-like portion of the book where they are battling the Morgut was terrfying. The war on Lachion dragged on and on - way too long. Both because i was tired of Jax whining on abo...more

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Jun 06, 2009 Katie(babs) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Wanderlust is no walk in the park type of read. This is one emotionally draining book. Ann is a sly (wench) writer. The way she ends Wanderlust wants to make you scream because there is no neat and tidy ending. Things are left very open and as soon as I finished my inner voice was screaming, “ME WANT NEXT BOOK NOW!” Should I feel embarrassed when such a book like this makes me feel such emotion? *blush*

You would think Sirantha, otherwise known as Jax would have it easy since she saved the univer...more Wanderlust is no walk in the park type of read. This is one emotionally draining book. Ann is a sly (wench) writer. The way she ends Wanderlust wants to make you scream because there is no neat and tidy ending. Things are left very open and as soon as I finished my inner voice was screaming, “ME WANT NEXT BOOK NOW!” Should I feel embarrassed when such a book like this makes me feel such emotion? *blush*

You would think Sirantha, otherwise known as Jax would have it easy since she saved the universe. Think again. Jax’s former employer, the Farwan Coporation has been eliminated thanks to Jax and her rag tag crew, which also includes her new lover, March. Grimspace is where we were introduced to Jax, a jumper that can make spaceships travel through time and space at the speed of light, a.k.a grimspace. In Wanderlust, Jax is given a new job as an ambassador for the centuries old Conglomerate, which is a coalition of planetary representatives that try to keep peace and order in the universe. The Conglomerate wants Jax to travel to those known planets that still are not a part of the coalition and recruit them into their group. Since Jax is out of a job, she has no choice but to accept. Jax is not happy with these turns of events. She lives and breathes to jump, it is in her blood. But something is very wrong with Jax. She is weak and sick because of all her jumping through grimspace. A few more jumps could kill her. March is scared for Jax and doesn’t want her to jump anymore. But grimspace is like a drug to Jax and she can’t stop, even if it means her death.

Things are not that great between Jax and March. Jax has always assumed she wouldn’t have much longer to live and even tells March so. March feels that Jax holds back a part of herself from him even though he has opened his heart and soul to her. He begins to questions if her love for him is real. They are both hurting, and because of that, their relationship is breaking down before it can even truly begin. Before they can even work things out, they are on another dangerous adventure. Jax’s ambassadorship is not smooth sailing, especially when Jax’s mother, Ramona, who she hasn’t seen in sixteen years, comes to Jax for help. Romona is in a bind and may end up dead by a secret group called the Syndicate unless Jax sabotages her mission. And even though mom lays the guilt on thick, Jax doesn’t fall for it. This may sound a bit cold hearted on Jax’s end, but her mother is a shady bitch.

Jax and March round up their crew, which includes some familiar faces such as Dina, the ship’s mechanic and Vel, an alien bounty hunter. Their intergalactic journey is even more treacherous than before. Not only do they have to keep an eye out for space raiders, killer aliens out for their blood, and the nasty Syndicate, but Jax’s body is slowly weakening to the point that she may indeed be dying. Jax is very scared and constantly thinking morbid thoughts, which make March so angry to the point, he can’t bear to be around Jax. And because of this, he makes a life alternating decision that may destroy their very fragile love along with his soul in the process.

Wanderlust is a rip-roaring adventure tale that sci-fi enthusiasts will embrace. Even if you are not a sci-fi fan, don’t be surprised if Wanderlust ends up being one of your favorite books this year. The way Ann writes Jax and her point of view is so very real and scary. Jax is at her wits end and close to the breaking point. She is somewhat responsible for March’s suffering and the path he has decided to take. Jax knows this and there is nothing she can do, because in order to save March, she has to give up a part of herself that makes her what she is, and that price is just too high for her to pay. Along with Jax and March’s emotional heartbreak there are some intense scenes of destruction and death taken right out of some of my favorite space adventure movies. One such scene, where Jax boards an empty space station, had me freaked out because it was so reminiscent of the 1979 sci-fi horror movie, Alien.

Wanderlust had my hooked from beginning to end, but there are some things that Ann does that made me so angry because she sure does like to make her characters suffer. There is a lot of suffering going in within these pages and my heart broke for both Jax and March because they are not in a good place right now. But even though Jax is going through some intense situations, the thing with Jax that I adore, is her tenacity and determination to overcome roadblocks, whether it be personal or life threatening. Jax may talk about her own death and mortality, but she does have a will to survive. If only Jax can see in herself what others see.

If you were a fan of Grimspace, you will most definitely enjoy Wanderlust, perhaps even more than Grimspace, which I did. This is a fast and furious read that will have you panting for the next book.(less)

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Mar 28, 2013 Claudia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: science-fiction

this is the second book of the Sirantha Jax-Series and I really love this series. Although the first book was a bit better - I think because of the real good plot.

this book was for me I think even better in regard of the angst and the development of the characters. the new additions of Jael and Hit were done really good and I really like both. the differences between March and Jax were not entirely understandable and sometimes I wanted to punch them both. on the whole this book and this series...more

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Oct 27, 2011 Ally Bishop rated it 2 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Ann Aguirre starts out with a lot of promise in her first book, but it degenerates by the end of it, and gets much worse in the second book. She created a great character, Sirantha Jax, who is flawed, difficult, and often weak. In other words, wickedly human. But rather than develop this story into something her audience can connect to, Aguirre ruins the series by devolving into sloppy romance, bad plot devices, and static characters that never change.

Her second book has a basic premise that is...more Ann Aguirre starts out with a lot of promise in her first book, but it degenerates by the end of it, and gets much worse in the second book. She created a great character, Sirantha Jax, who is flawed, difficult, and often weak. In other words, wickedly human. But rather than develop this story into something her audience can connect to, Aguirre ruins the series by devolving into sloppy romance, bad plot devices, and static characters that never change.

Her second book has a basic premise that is poorly imagined from the start: Jax is chosen as the ambassador of the new government, in hopes to draw in other races, specifically the Ithiss-Tor species. Why oh why would a new government choose someone who has no proven leadership skill? Of course, the logical explanation: because she is a hero, even though most people hate her...yeah, that makes sense. Then there's the mafia boss who wants her to fail in her mission, which he assumes she will do anyway, but sweetens the pot by threatening to destroy her mother...whom Jax could give two-you-know-whats about. Sure, this is REALLY logical.

Next comes pregnant aliens whom we drop from the plot when they are no longer needed, other unexplained pilots which we add when we need them, poor representations of the characters from the first book, and a winding, incoherent plot that doesn't even provide much tension. Subtlety is apparently lost on Aguirre's audiences, as she ensures her characters tell us the subtext...multiple times.

Aguirre is so excited to have a lesbian mechanic that she can't resist pointing it out over and over. A sad fact, as Dina is one of the few characters who maintains her peronsality consistently and holds some real mystery.

Jax is pathetic in this book: weak, whining, and lacking any draw for the reader. She has no inner strength beyond her crying over her love interest March, and most times, she's not even sympathetic. To make it worse, now she's ill with bone disease, so she can only sit on the sidelines and either describe the action she thinks is happening, or be told later by her friends. Oh, and moan at how she wishes things were different.

I could go on, but why bother? It was disappointing, and the only reason I chose to finish it was in hopes that I'd see a glimmer of that first couple of chapters in the first book. Unforunately, Aguirre never returns to that moment of brilliance.

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Mar 01, 2010 Hali Sowle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ann-aguirre, science-fiction, space-travel, war, syndicate, politics

The second Sirantha Jax book picks up a bit after Grimspace leaves off. After exposing Farwan for the crash of the Sargasso and how they have tried to manipulate the government Sirantha has been named as an ambassador, a post she is not very fitted for, to the Ithiss-Tor, a race of aloof, xenophobic "bugs" that are highly developed. Along the way she goes from the frying pan into the fire as she lands on a station devestated by the Morgat and then precipitates a war when she lands to get help fo...more

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Mar 13, 2013 Lindsay Mead rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2013

For my review on Grimspace (Sirantha Jax, #1) click here: http://bit.ly/We7H4C

The pacing in this book is great. Jax is a bit of a damsel in this one and it really irked me until I realized it was because of her illness. I wish that had been more clear in the beginning so I could have understood her reaction to fear better. However, the largest flaw in this book in that there isn't an ending. I was shocked when I realized that there weren't any more pages left. Even though the story was actionpac...more

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Feb 25, 2013 Veronica G. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: female-protagonist, science-fiction

The second book in the Sirantha Jax series picks up mere days after the events of book one when Jax and crew exposed the truth about the Farawan Corp., the entity that controlled all of grimspace travel. To paraphrase Jax, the truth may set you free but it comes with its own set of problems. With the Corp monopoly gone, political instability is the new watchword as various factions scramble to be the next top dog in the void left behind. In an effort to restore some semblance of order, the Congl...more The second book in the Sirantha Jax series picks up mere days after the events of book one when Jax and crew exposed the truth about the Farawan Corp., the entity that controlled all of grimspace travel. To paraphrase Jax, the truth may set you free but it comes with its own set of problems. With the Corp monopoly gone, political instability is the new watchword as various factions scramble to be the next top dog in the void left behind. In an effort to restore some semblance of order, the Conglomerate of Worlds has put diplomatic missions at the top of their to-do list.
The first order of business is to convince Ithis-Tor, the homeworld of Vel, the assassin-turned-ally, to join the Conglomerate. There are definite reasons why an alliance with this particular world is so important though they are not readily made apparent to anyone. Surprisingly, the Conglomerate asks Jax to serve as the newly appointed Ambassador charged with making this alliance happen. As mentioned in book one, Jax has a history of making very successful first contacts with other worlds/civilizations while charting new territories via grimspace in her prior role as a jumper. Couple that history with the fact that she has earned the respect and loyalty of an infamous Ithtorian assassin and, well, Jax seems made for the role. And it seems like a cushy gig too, or at least it would be for everyone but Jax.

The resulting ride takes Jax and crew through misadventures that include tangling with a very savage species that likes nothing better than making dinner out of humans, to being drawn into a brutal clan war, to awkward family meals. That’s right, we learn a bit more about Jax’s family and exactly why she just might be different than any other jumper in history. That uniqueness may come with a price though as Jax finds herself dealing with a mysterious illness that seems to be weakening her at an alarming rate. Add in some less than rosy conditions in her ongoing relationship with March and Jax certainly has her hands full.

I like Jax and March but I will admit that, in reading book one, I would’ve preferred if things had been stretched out a bit more. I just didn’t want things to get stale on the romantic front but with book two I don’t think that’s going to be the case at all. Jax and March are two mature adults and the problems that they have are very grown up. I can certainly appreciate that their issues have nothing to do with third parties and in a genre where authors seem to be in love with the idea of the love triangle that is a true, rare treat. I can see things from the perspectives of both characters and I’m certainly rooting for them to make it.

I like that Jax is flawed and knows it. She’s self-aware and she never puts on airs or acts as anyone she’s not. She has the sense to be scared when she should be and to ask for help when she needs it. The motley crew of characters surrounding her are also interesting, entertaining, and all with their own secrets to hide…and the author doesn’t shy away from putting them through the wringer. All in all, this seems to be shaping up to be a pretty solid little series for me.

Three and a half stars
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Jan 23, 2013 Lauren Simmons rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: sci-fi lovers and romance lovers, especially those who love both.

4.3 out of 5 Stars!
Wonderlust was an amazing book for so many reasons, but it wasn’t as good as the first book. Not that the first book was perfect, but the ‘little things’ in this book were fewer yet slightly bigger problems than the first.

To begin with though, this book hurt me. I FELT for the characters. I actually cried (not that, that is saying much because I’m 100% a sap). Yet at other times some of the stuff the characters said made me laugh out loud. This book was all over the place emot...more 4.3 out of 5 Stars!
Wonderlust was an amazing book for so many reasons, but it wasn’t as good as the first book. Not that the first book was perfect, but the ‘little things’ in this book were fewer yet slightly bigger problems than the first.

To begin with though, this book hurt me. I FELT for the characters. I actually cried (not that, that is saying much because I’m 100% a sap). Yet at other times some of the stuff the characters said made me laugh out loud. This book was all over the place emotionally and I like that in a book. I LOVE books that can make you really feel so strongly for the characters you laugh and cry with them. There was a lot of action in this book though and a lot of Jax thinking to herself trying to figure herself out, which to me wasn’t a bad thing. There wasn’t much in the romance department though this book…this book will hurt you slightly if you adored March and Jax. Now for the ‘little things.’

’I understand Jax was feeling super wimpy at the beginning. Especially since she sort of has been developing a bone disease and she doesn’t want to hurt March because in a way, she’s dieing. Unfortunately, I feel like it is…pushed a little far/over dramatized. Don’t get me wrong! I love seeing characters at weak moments. It makes them human. I can feel connected to them. In the beginning of the book I felt like she was constantly complaining about how she couldn’t do anything and how weak she was/felt. Then mid-book, after March decides he wants to stay on Lachion, she suddenly forces herself to be okay and stop complaining even though the person she loves is staying to die without her, in her mind. It’s like, as soon as she didn’t have him to lean on any more she was almost perfectly fine on her own. Perhaps while her physical condition improved, her ability to mentally suppress her emotions and weaknesses also improved and I just missed that bit. It just felt kind of like a dragged out pity party for herself in the beginning. Things got better though and she came back to be somewhat the same Jax as the first book. She was more concerned about everyone else though which I though was a good improvement and correctly justified in her character development.

The second thing that bugged me in this book was that March and Jax had FINALLY appeared to get to a spot in their relationship where things might go a little smoother. Then suddenly because Jax felt weak and brittle she started pushing March away. They hardly had any time at all to even slightly act like a couple before everything started to fall apart. I would have really liked even just a solid chapter where they could be a couple and do coupley type things without the world coming in around them. That’s just the romantic in me though ^^; This bug wasn’t nearly as predominant as the previous though.

Other than those two things, I loved the book. I wanted to smack March because I understood yet at the same time was confused by him. Jax I wanted to shake. Hit is just as much a badass as Dina, who is still one of the greatest secondary characters ever. Vel…I have a very strange and endearing attachment towards him. Most likely because that’s how Jax feels, but I really like how even though he isn’t human, he acts human on his own accord. He doesn’t have to but he does. Jael confuses me. At the beginning I rather liked his flirty playfulness and lightheartedness with a badass edge. There isn’t too many characters like that around. At least not in the books I read. As the book goes on though, he loses that flirty play. It does occasionally rear its head but not as frequently as in the very beginning. I guess that does happen with some people and I’m curious to see if any development occurs with him. (less)

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Jun 11, 2012 Brandi rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I stayed up all night long reading this, and that is only impressive because I have been pretty sick this past week, and worn out is an understatement. I haven't stayed up past midnight for at least 2 weeks, but I didn't put this little baby down until 2am.

Jax and her crew are unique in my reading experience, and considering how many books there are in my favored genre that is quite a feat to accomplish. All of them are adults and all of them have issues of some sort. Not trivial ones either th...more

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Jan 07, 2011 C rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: sci-fi, read-in-2011

I liked this book, though not as much as I liked Grimspace. All the secondary characters were quite awesome in this book. I like how Aguirre develops her characters. They're all so interesting, with their own flaws and background, as though any of them could become the main character at any time. But... I didn't like Jax or March in this book. To me, it's ok if I'm not that into March, but it's not ok that I didn't like Jax. I feel like the things I liked best about her were gone. She's kind of...more

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Sep 10, 2010 Christina rated it 4 of 5 stars

I write a review and summary for every book. The review is below. Please check out both!

Summary
After several life and death experiences and running for her life, all Sirantha Jax wants to do now is to be left alone with her lover March. The only problem is the fall of the Corp has left a gaping hole of power that threatens to throw humanity into chaos. With the threat of the Morgut increasing, Jax is commissioned to be an ambassador on a good will mission to Ithiss-Tor to secure the alien race's...more

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May 30, 2009 Kathryn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: science-fiction, aliens

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I enjoyed this much more than Grimspace, which I would probably rate 4 stars now instead of 5, mainly based on comparing both of the books.

Jax's character grows in this installment. This book seemed to be more about her putting to use some of the life lessons she learned in the first book.

Two things that made me appreciate this book (1), Jax was physically very weak. She was protected and supported by her friends. I liked that the author did not feel the need to heal Jax after only a few chapt...more

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Nov 06, 2009 Sbuchler rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Liaden fans

Shelves: scifi-fantasy, read-in-2009

Genre: Space Opera

This is the sequel to _Grimspace_. It suffers a bit in comparison, mostly because it is obviously an in-between-book where _Grimspace_ stood on its own. Things keep happening to Jax one after another in this book, in an almost un-believable sequence.

You really see the result of the growing up Jax started to do in the first book in her actions in this book, which is nice. The political intrigue becomes more explicit as Jax is offered the post of ambassador in the first chapter...more

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Mar 22, 2013 Dilly-oh rated it 2 of 5 stars

Well, this book was quite the let-down. After the first adventure I was ready for more shenanigans with the ever-witty Sirantha Jax, but was sorely disappointed. Gone is kick-ass heroine, in her place a sniveling, self-pitying bore. Alot of the book focused on Sirantha and March's WAY too complicated relationship. I feel like those two AREN'T good for each other because they just make each other feel like they can't live without one another. THIS IS NOT HEALTHY. They also never shut up about how...more

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About Ann Aguirre

Ann Aguirre is a USA Today bestselling author with a degree in English Literature; before she began writing full time, she was a clown, a clerk, a voice actress, and a savior of stray kittens, not necessarily in that order. She grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now she lives in sunny Mexico with her husband, children, and various pets. She likes all kinds of books, emo music,...more

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