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Doubleblind (Sirantha Jax #3)

by Ann Aguirre (Goodreads Author)

4.02 of 5 stars 4.02 · rating details · 2,051 ratings · 197 reviews

It’s not easy to tread lightly wearing steel-toed boots.

Sirantha Jax isn’t known for diplomatic finesse. As a “Jumper” who navigates ships through grimspace, she’s used to kicking ass first and taking names later—much later. Not exactly the obvious choice to sell the Conglomerate to the Ithtorians, a people whose opinions of humans are as hard as their exoskeletons.

And Ith...more

Paperback, 320 pages

Published September 29th 2009 by Ace (first published August 29th 2009)

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Apr 24, 2011 Maja rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: sci-fi, favorites, my-flat-army, just-another-book-crush, postcard-from-outer-space, role-models, never-saw-it-coming, cliffhanger-ending, reviewed-in-2011

This is an incredible addition to the series, probably the best one yet. Even though I loved the action in Wanderlust, the relationship angst really bothered me. That's why I waited a month or so before daring to read Doubleblind. I'm happy to say that it brings a nice equilibrium to everything that's been grating on my nerves. In Grimspace, and especially in Wanderlust, March seemed to suffer from multiple personality disorder. He was a perfect lover, Jax's punching bag/doormat and Universal So...more

11 likes · like · see review

Oct 13, 2009 Shannon (Giraffe Days) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: sci-fi, 2009, favourite

With Morgut attacks on space stations and planetary settlements escalating, the ousted Farwan Corporation's supporters pirating space ships, and the Syndicate coming out in the open to offer protection from the Morgut - for the right price, the success of Sirantha Jax's mission as the Conglomerate's ambassador to Ithiss-Tor has never been more important. She needs to broker an alliance with the one species who successfully drove off the Morguta couple of centuries before, but there's a big probl...more

7 likes · like · see review

Apr 27, 2012 Anzu The Great Destroyer rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: idk

Shelves: science-and-space-and-crap, the-fantasy-of-urbans, d-oh, dat-cover-goddammit, i-am-stalking-you, reviewed-2011, a-bit-of-mush, i-would-kill-to-own

WARNING: SOME SPOILERS AHEAD

Well now I’m disappointed. I was expecting something great like the rest of the books from this series and what did I get? Politics. Lots and lots of politics. I didn’t like the story at all, not even the ending. I’m not happy with this book and I’m not really looking forward to reading the next one. There are many little things that irritated me besides this whole politics crap. Most of them are related to the characters, which I used to love. Not I don’t anymore!

I’m...more

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Jan 26, 2012 Claire rated it 4 of 5 stars

Hot on the heels of finishing Wanderlust and feeling the love big time for Jax I was eager and excited to start Doubleblind however I have to say that I was a little disappointed with it. Don't get me wrong I still really enjoyed this book but it just wasn't Wanderlust. This book picks up immeadiately where book 2 ended with Jax, who is now an Ambassador, landing on Ithiss-Tor, Vel's home planet, and it is here on Ithiss-Tor that we stay for the whole of the book. Ms Aguirre does an excellent jo...more

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Apr 14, 2010 Sandra aka Sleo rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: scifi, ebook

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jan 17, 2011 Rhonda rated it 4 of 5 stars

The journey continues.......

Well, I'm pretty vested now!! Solid fan of this series.
This one was everything I hoped for and more, I actually love the characters more than I did in the last one, and I was lovin' them. I love the continued growth of friendship between Vel and Sirantha. I have a deep love for the Bug now!!!!
This book lost some of the humor, but the circumstances were much different than the last book, serious business here.

If you're a fan of the series, the author, or thinking of...more

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Oct 06, 2009 Kathryn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: science-fiction, aliens

I find myself rating this entire series 5 stars, even though there are flaws in the story. But the books are so enjoyable, especially for someone who is not a huge fan of heavy-handed science fiction. These are light, quick reads and a whole lot of fun.

My major complaint - I wish these were longer and I wish Aguirre would go into further detail with her characters, alien worlds, and cultures.

More than anything, I loved reading about the friendship between two of the main characters, one a human...more

5 likes · like · see review

Apr 14, 2010 Summer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: psychic-powers, paranormal, romance, sci-fi-futuristic, sci-fi-romance

Yaaay! While this book is certainly an emotional read, it wasn't as dark a book as the previous in the series. At the end of the previous book Sirantha finally made it to the alien planet she was assigned to delegate negotiations for an alliance. The beginning of this book starts right where it left off. Things are much more complicated than they seem and Sirantha has to rely more on her crew than usual. She especially has to rely Vel, whom I love, since March is still in a state from events at...more

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May 10, 2013 Candace rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: series-author-completed, sci-fi-romance

I wouldn't call Doubleblind a satisfying entry in the Sirantha Jax series, but it's a decent one, none the less. It's my least favorite of the three books so far, though, for a few reasons.

For one thing, I guess it was nice to see a more mature side to Jax... but, ultimately, the diplomacy stuff was a lot less exciting for me than the space adventures of the previous books.

Next, the Jax/March "romance" - ugh. I know I'm in the minority here, but, ugh. Granted, I wasn't on board even back in Grim ...more

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Feb 04, 2013 Maddalena rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

There is no better description for this series than 'addictive'.

Part of it comes from the habit the author has of ending each book in a cliffhanger, which makes me very happy to be in possession of all six volumes, so I will not have to endure the wait for the next installment as it must have happened for those poor souls who discovered the series as it was being written.

But the major attraction comes from the characters and the stories: both become more complex and layered with each new book, a...more

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Sep 24, 2012 Liv rated it 4 of 5 stars

I read Doubleblind immediately following the last instalment, Wanderlust. Sirantha Jax, the protagonist, continued on her adventure as an ambassador to the planet Ithiss-Tor to persuade the Ithtorian council in accepting a treaty with the Conglomerate.

In this book, there was substantial character growth and maturity observed for Jax. She had gone from the once blithe and self-centered navigator (a.k.a. jumper) to someone who cared about others and would now consider her moral compass before tak...more I read Doubleblind immediately following the last instalment, Wanderlust. Sirantha Jax, the protagonist, continued on her adventure as an ambassador to the planet Ithiss-Tor to persuade the Ithtorian council in accepting a treaty with the Conglomerate.

In this book, there was substantial character growth and maturity observed for Jax. She had gone from the once blithe and self-centered navigator (a.k.a. jumper) to someone who cared about others and would now consider her moral compass before taking action. She had even achieved significant diplomatic and political finesse in her manoeuvring at the Ithtorian council. That was definitely a big leap for her as a character.

I have mentioned in my previous review that Jax wasn’t always a likeable character, but in this book, I’ve come to be fond of her in many ways. Her perseverance in learning the Ithtorian cultures and nuances had enabled her success as an ambassador. She had built an exceptional, though unusual, friendship/bond with Velith who was an Ithtorian himself. Despite the fearsome chitin appearance that Velith had, he had become a real part of Jax’s crew. They would not have survived without his participation and involvement in many of their adventures. I would say Velith was one of my favourite characters in the series, regardless of his appearance or demeanour – he was someone that I could respect and admire, for his strength, loyalty, and resourcefulness.

Relationship wise, Jax and March ended on shaky grounds in the last book. Thankfully, due to Jax’s stubbornness, she was able to restore part of the “old” March. March would probably remain emotionally and psychically scarred for life, but with Jax’s remedial interventions, there was hope yet for these two. I admired the way the author intentionally separated Jax and March in the last book, because their reunion in this book became so much more treasured. Through the romantic hardship that Jax experienced, it taught her the life lesson of loving someone and never giving up.

I felt that it was through this book that I became fully invested in Jax, and everything that she did, including her relationship with March, Velith, and even others in her crew. Before this, particularly in book #1, I had a hard time feeling the connection. Now though, I had no doubt that these relationships would only become stronger than ever.

From a plot perspective, the primary goal was for Jax and company to achieve the peace dealings with Ithtorians, to convince them that operating business with outside worlds would be beneficial for both parties. The shenanigans that the Ithtorian opposition enacted were interesting, to say the least. We were introduced to many details about the Ithtorian culture, and it was through these details, that we learned more about Velith and his background. The story was fast-paced, filled with lots of political scheming, or actions, or both. I simply loved it!

Finally, I must add that I knew there was something about Jael – and I was right!! Without giving away spoilers, it would be suffice to say that I wasn’t surprised by the outcome - (view spoiler) Though I was saddened by his fate, secretly I still would wish to see him somehow in a future book.

All in all, the Sirantha Jax grimspace series has brought me increasing joy and surprises. I loved the world-building that Ms. Aguirre had constructed using her vivid imagination. The characters were palpable and I felt a deep connection to the overall story and development for both primary and secondary characters. Did I fall in love with this series upfront? No, not really. But over time, it became something that would capture your attention and suck you right in. You wouldn’t want to put the book down until the end. The only issue I had with the series would be the fact that they were all written in present tense. It really took some getting used to, and until now, it still wasn’t something that I liked although I had grown accustomed to it. Nonetheless, this did not detract the series from its entertainment in any way.

I’d give this book 4 stars.
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Mar 10, 2012 Jacey rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, science-fiction, romance

The third of Ann Aguire's lively Sirantha Jax novels in which she's charged with drawing the Ithtorians into the Conglomerate while at the same time she's trying to retrieve her relationship with the war-damaged lover, March, who is living on a knife-edge in permanent kill mode after events in the second Jax book.

The isolationist Ithtorians (bug-like aliens) might be humanity's only hope, beleaguered as the Conglomerate is by raiders, pirates and carnivorous aliens who like the taste of human fl...more

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Mar 05, 2012 Anna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: sci-fi

When last we saw the saga of Jax, she had agreed to act as Ambassador to the Ithtorians ("bugs") with the assistance of Vel the bounty hunter. If she can't convince the Ithtorians to join with the Conglomerate, humankind will be crushed by the ever-increasing attacks of the Morgut, vicious killers with a fondness for human flesh. Jax is possibly the least diplomatic ambassador ever, but considering what's at stake, she's determined to do everything in her power to make this work. Which would be...more When last we saw the saga of Jax, she had agreed to act as Ambassador to the Ithtorians ("bugs") with the assistance of Vel the bounty hunter. If she can't convince the Ithtorians to join with the Conglomerate, humankind will be crushed by the ever-increasing attacks of the Morgut, vicious killers with a fondness for human flesh. Jax is possibly the least diplomatic ambassador ever, but considering what's at stake, she's determined to do everything in her power to make this work. Which would be a lot easier if the Ithtorians didn't think of humans as a stupid, violent, and inferior race.

Meanwhile, her lover March has returned from war broken beyond what Jax knows to deal with. An empath surrounded by so much bloodshed, he's come back cold and detached, having necessarily cut off his sympathy and psi abilities to handle the violence of the war. Now he has the memories of having cared about Jax, but none of the accompanying emotions, and he's suffering from post-war trauma. Jax has always relied on March's strength to get her through tough situations, but now he has nothing to give her and couldn't care less about it. She's determined to find the man she loves and haul him out of the cold shell he's buried in, but first she'll have to figure out how to go about it.

Every time I review one of these books, I go on and on about the narration style and Jax as protagonist. There's a reason for that: both are phenomenal. As the series progresses, we get to watch Jax grow and change, but shades of her former, more selfish self poke through often enough to highlight how difficult the progression is for her. She's still a wonderful combination of tough but broken, and her voice is inarguably what makes this series so addictive to me. The first person perspective is urgent and powerful, and I'm pretty sure if Jax were telling me in great detail about her efforts doing the laundry, I would be fascinated. The voice and narration style just suck me in at page one and don't let go until I've finished the book, at which point I turn the page, realize there's no more writing, and glare at the back cover for awhile, sulking that I don't have the next installment right now.

Readers intrigued by Vel or Jael will have lots to appreciate in Doubleblind, which delves a little deeper into both gentlemen. (If, by the way, anyone finds a Vel around, please send him my way. I'm up for adopting one.) Some of the secrets hinted at in previous books are explored, and Vel in particular becomes an increasingly major presence in Jax's life.

The book isn't as action-packed as its predecessors, but since Jax is currently acting as a diplomat, that's probably a good thing. The pace doesn't suffer for the lack of fight scenes, though, and since the character driven nature of the books has always been primarily what's drawn me to them, I was just as delighted to read about their political and social struggles as see them get into a knife fight. Since Jax is pretty far out of her element here, it's a lot of fun to watch the inner struggle as well as the political outer conflict. It's more personal in a lot of ways, and I felt like I'd run through the emotional gamut every bit as much as the characters had by the time I'd finished the book, which in my mind is the mark of effective storytelling.

And now for the million dollar question: does the book hold up to Wanderlust? Is it as good as its predecessor? Actually, it's not. It's even better. How is this possible? Well, you'd better get yourself a copy to find out!(less)

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Feb 23, 2012 Mei-Lu rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: sf-f

This is the third book in Ann Aguirre's Sirantha Jax series. This series is like a written word version of the Mass Effect games in which the main character is Starbuck from the Battlestar Galactica reboot. It's chockful of action, romance and bug-like aliens (some good, some bad).

In this book, Sirantha finally fulfills the mission she was given at the beginning of book two - acting as ambassador to Ithiss-Tor. She's not even remotely qualified for the job but she happens to be the only person i...more

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Nov 19, 2011 E. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: sci-fi

It would help to read the second in the series ("Wanderlust") because circumstances have changed considerably from those detailed in "Grimspace". Sirantha Jax is acting as the ambassador to Ithiss-Tor with Vel the Ithtorian bounty hunter acting as her translator and guide. March has become a danger to all around him as he has reverted to the dangerous weapon of his past although Sirantha is determined not to give up on their love despite the very real possibility that he may kill her inadvertent...more

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Aug 06, 2011 Maria rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: science-fiction

Warning : Spoilers for the first two books, but not for Doubleblind.

The Sirantha Jax series runs through the gamut of all possible elements in science fiction/ fantasy. Grimspace was a jaunty, action-filled adventure with romance. Wanderlust had horror, separation from love interest, a thrilling escape from war-torn, Teras-infested planet, and the added stress of Jax's health issues. Now, Doubleblind features political intrigue, psychological post-war issues, expansion of artificial intelligence...more

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Aug 04, 2011 Ainslie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: scifi

This third book in the series differed for me in that instead of racing from one adventure to the next as in the first two books (nothing wrong with that, perfectly good space opera), it mainly focussed on one thing--Sirena's diplomatic mission to her friend's home planet. This gave the author a chance to slow down and examine and develop relationships, not just with the protagonist and her love interest, but that of her friendship with someone from a vastly different culture and race. While we...more

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Apr 08, 2011 Jamie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: bookclub-books, library-books

This book was ok; I mostly liked it, but it definitely had some flaws.

The things I liked:

1. I quite enjoyed seeing the customs, culture and world of the Ithtorians. The world was nicely built, and Vel was a character that I really liked among that world.

2. I continue to like Jax. She is a very likeable character, and her inner thoughts are realistic and understandable. She's an awesome main character.

3. I still love the idea of Dina and Hit. Hit is one of my favorite characters even though the...more

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Feb 18, 2010 Angie rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Jax Fans

Shelves: good-uns, scifi

I know what you're gonna say. "Um, Angie? DOUBLEBLIND came out like five months ago. What are you doing reviewing it in February? And you call yourself a fan..." Before you judge me too harshly, I thought I'd lost it. I've been ransacking my house for months trying to find it and hadn't replaced it because I knew it just had to be there somewhere. But it was starting to get a bit ridiculous and just when I was about to go buy another copy, I found it! I won't tell you where because it's embarras...more I know what you're gonna say. "Um, Angie? DOUBLEBLIND came out like five months ago. What are you doing reviewing it in February? And you call yourself a fan..." Before you judge me too harshly, I thought I'd lost it. I've been ransacking my house for months trying to find it and hadn't replaced it because I knew it just had to be there somewhere. But it was starting to get a bit ridiculous and just when I was about to go buy another copy, I found it! I won't tell you where because it's embarrassing. But it and I were supremely happy to see each other again and I immediately dove into the Adventures of Jax 3.0 and it was like I was right at home again, as though we hadn't been apart for months on end.

Jax is growing up. Despite herself. As the ambassador to Vel's home planet of Ithiss-Tor, she finds herself forced to play a part. A part she feels supremely unsuited for. It doesn't help that she's accompanied by her particularly ragtag group of rebels, each of whom seems to have a reason to distrust her at this point. And none of them more than her former lover March. Destroyed by another war, the tough-as-nails pilot has completely withdrawn so as not to pose a quite literal threat to Jax and her mission. Now that he's just a ticking time bomb, Jax is unsure what (if anything) she can or should do bring him back. And knowing March the way she does, he wouldn't want her to. More and more it seems Vel is the only one she can count on and, now that they're both in enemy territory, so to speak, they will have to combine their not inconsiderable personal arsenals in order to forge the alliance the Conglomerate needs to mount a defense against the encroaching threat of the Morgut.

DOUBLEBLIND is a much quieter book than the previous two in the series. But it wouldn't do to underestimate it because it doesn't flash and bang quite as spectacularly as its comrades. If you're a Vel fan, this book is for you. My favorite thing about it was the scenes Jax and Vel shared as he teaches her about the world he abandoned years ago and she teaches him about friendship between outsiders. There's so much political maneuvering going on that the few quiet interpersonal scenes are quite relieving to read. As always, the charged interactions between Jax and March pack such a punch. At this point, three books in, their history is one gorgeous, messy roller coaster and all I could do was hope they made it through without killing each other. I love how tightly coiled March was and how Vel seemed to always be there when Jax was in more danger than she realized. Which is often with Jax. Usually I'm the one holding my breath while reading. In this case it seemed as though each of the characters were holding their breaths, consciously restraining themselves for fear of what horror they might unleash with one wrong move. DOUBLEBLIND did have the feel of a transition book to me and I found myself turning the pages quickly, wanting to get to the end already, my mind looking ahead to what Ann Aguirre has in store for us next with Killbox, which is due out in September.(less)

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Oct 19, 2009 Jensownzoo rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2009-reads, bookstore-physical, science-fiction, favorites

Ambassador Sirantha Jax finally makes it to Ithiss-Tor after the many setbacks she experienced in the previous novel and must start work immediately on two of the most important tasks in her entire life--tasks that she feels eminently unsuited for--by convincing the inhabitants of Ithiss-Tor to become part of the Conglomerate before it is destroyed by attacks from multiple quarters and also by bringing her love March back from the deadly, dispassionate, hair-triggered soldier that he had to beco...more

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Oct 15, 2009 Kay rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2009

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Sep 19, 2009 Janice (Janicu) rated it 5 of 5 stars

http://janicu.livejournal.com/84719.html

I've been dying to read Doubleblind since, oh last year when I finished Wanderlust. So when I was lucky enough to get a early copy of the book (it comes out Sept 29th), it vaulted past everything else on my TBR (past some other books I've really wanted to read) and I started reading that night.

Doubleblind is the third book in the Sirantha Jax series:
Book 1: Grimspace
Book 2: Wanderlust

The Premise: Sirantha Jax is finally on Ithiss-Tor, feeling way over he...more http://janicu.livejournal.com/84719.html

I've been dying to read Doubleblind since, oh last year when I finished Wanderlust. So when I was lucky enough to get a early copy of the book (it comes out Sept 29th), it vaulted past everything else on my TBR (past some other books I've really wanted to read) and I started reading that night.

Doubleblind is the third book in the Sirantha Jax series:
Book 1: Grimspace
Book 2: Wanderlust

The Premise: Sirantha Jax is finally on Ithiss-Tor, feeling way over her head as an ambassador for the Conglomerate. The Conglomerate needs her to bring the bug-like aliens, the Ithtorians to their side because they need an ally against increased attacks by the Morgut (a species of violent, frenzied eaters that see everyone as food). The Ithtorians are the only species the Morgut have ever respected. A "jumper" and former party-girl, Jax doesn't feel in her element as someone responsible for such an important task, and March, who has always been at her side isn't himself to help her.

My Thoughts: I would have finished this much faster if it weren't for those pesky things like parents coming to visit, going to work, eating, sleeping, blah blah. All I wanted to do was read this book. I love space opera and science fiction romance. This is one of my favorite series. I think I've been anticipating it so much that by the time I got it I was getting lightheaded with giddiness and enthusiasm and I had a feeling that perhaps I was talking too much about it. You know that feeling where - internally you're saying to yourself, why are you still talking, you idiot, now they know you're crazy and Ann Aguirre will run away from you?! Yes, that was me on twitter this week. Ahem. So instead of doing what I briefly considered (just writing "SQUEE" in big, bold, underlined letters as a review), I'm going to try to be rational.

The thing is, it is so hard to stay quiet while reading this book, because there's these elements you just want to talk to *someone* about. For me it was character development and the twists in the plot. I think Ann Aguirre has an evil streak. First of all, she wrote Wanderlust and ended it the way she did (if you read Wanderlust, you know what I mean). What she puts her characters through has me looking around desperately for someone so I can discuss what I just read.

First of all, you would think that by now, the third book, March and Jax's relationship would be stable. But Aguirre did something that was the equivalent of pressing the "reset" button, and it is delicious. Neither March or Jax are the same people they were at the start of this series. In fact, I'd say that what they've been through has pretty much reversed their roles, although their old selves are in there somewhere. The first half of the book had me hanging on to every word or gesture between the two of them. I kept saying "intense", because that was the word to describe it (besides "AHHH!!"). It was kind of torture, yet I was happy. It was well worth going through the wringer in Wanderlust and here to come out the other side. There was one particular scene early in the book where March and Jax talk that had me completely involved and.. well I just don't have the words.

Aguirre seems to excel at character growth. Since we're on Vel's home planet and diplomacy is the reason for being there, Vel has the biggest role besides Jax, who is the narrator. I was really interested in finding out more about Vel in Wanderlust so I was pleased with learning more about him through Jax. The others were around less often (they weren't needed for all the negotiations that Jax attended), but everyone in Jax's circle is multi-faceted, and you catch a glimpse of inner depth in Jael, Dina, Hit, and Doc. If you're familiar with Ann Aguirre, you know these aren't always happy people either. Jax has a past full of scandal and self-preservation, and March is a psychic and soldier who had to do horrible things.

One of my favorite tropes is a stranger in a strange land or a culture-clash story, which we have here as Jax navigates the Ithtorians, some of who don't consider humans very smart. They remember an earlier delegation which had disastrous results. There are many Ithtorians who would like Jax to fail in her talks, even enough to kill her. That's why Vel is so important, explaining to Jax subtle gestures such as meaning to a bow. The story also covers what foods to eat, what markings on caripaces mean, and Ithtorian politics. I loved this. I also liked the description of the lush, tropical world the Ithtorians' surrounded themselves in, which is nicely illustrated on the cover by Scott M. Fischer.

Overall: The best installment yet. If you read Wanderlust, you really *need* to read Doubleblind. And if you haven't read this series and you like space opera/science fiction romance, I think you should pick it up. Every successive book is better than the last.
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Jul 06, 2010 Katyana rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ass-kicking-women, sci-fi, series

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This series is a lot of fun, and I am really glad that it was so highly recommended by my friends - I haven't read any Ann Aguirre, and she's definitely a great find. I will have to check out several of her other series, too, now.

Let's start with: Things I Enjoyed.

1 - Sci-fi.

I used to read a lot more of it, but I have been in the UF cycle for a couple years now, and so it has been awhile. It was a refreshing change of pace to get back to some smart, well-built sci-fi. An awful lot of UF and YA

...more

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Mar 15, 2013 Lindsay Mead rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2013

Well, at this point I have to say I'm disappointed in the route the series has taken. With the way the first book went, coupled with the badass chick on the covers, I thought this series was going to be an action sci-fi with a tough heroine. That has just not been the case with the last two books. There was little to no action in this book and when the chance for action came at the end, once more Jax turned into a whimpering damsel. It's hard not to think less of her in those instances. I did li...more

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Feb 28, 2013 Veronica G. rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: female-protagonist, science-fiction, futuristic-romance

I didn't like this installment as much as the first two books. Jax is still a great protagonist and the secondary characters are still varied and interesting so there's no problem there. We finally see Jax arrive at Ithis-Torr to make a stab at forging an alliance between that world and the Conglomerate. This is where the story drags for me as I was just not very interested in the diplomatic shenanigans going on. Jax attending one diplomatic function after another just doesn't hold the same leve...more

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Jul 21, 2011 Andrea rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is probably closer to a 4.5 rating but I think it deserves the rounding up for being as good as it is. I am absolutely devouring this series at a ridiculously fast rate (over half way through Kill Box right now.) This particular novel is paced a bit differently than the previous novels due to Jax playing the role of Ambassador. This is not a bad thing, though at times things seem a little slow, because it gives the author time to really develop some of the relationships of the characters. A...more This is probably closer to a 4.5 rating but I think it deserves the rounding up for being as good as it is. I am absolutely devouring this series at a ridiculously fast rate (over half way through Kill Box right now.) This particular novel is paced a bit differently than the previous novels due to Jax playing the role of Ambassador. This is not a bad thing, though at times things seem a little slow, because it gives the author time to really develop some of the relationships of the characters. As always I love Vel and I love how his and Jax relationship grows deeper, as a friendship not romantic interest. The interaction of Jax and March is so heart breaking and then quite interesting to see how the obstacles of his PTSD on steroids are overcome. I really like Hit and Dina, I want them to have their own series, I think I have mentioned that. The growth of Constance is very cool and I am actually a bit a frustrated by the questions posed by Jax that are never answered in regards to Constance's intelligence and ability. I would like to understand her (constance) more as much as Jax does.

I think the particular strength of this novel comes from how detailed the author is with the Vel's homeworld, which I dare not attempt to spell. At times this is almost an ethnography because of the amount of detail with which the world is painted and how much time has been spent on the culture. Watching Jax learn and navigate it was a great journey that again showed a different pacing style than the the last few books. The meanings attached to the "Wa" were probably my favorite and I love the continuation of their use between Jax and Vel to express themselves to one another in the next book.

The "bad guy" was actual a surprise to me, which is not very common, and while I mourn the loss of a character I was interested in learning more about, the storyline does not, to me anyway, present a thread that seems forced, it seems plausible based on our past knowledge of the characters. Jax at times can get a bit down on her self which would put me off more if not for the fact that stuff gets done. She gets her pity paragraphs but overall she doesn't stop. This really is one of the best series I have read in a long time and I am dreading/racing to finish the final book published so far because I don't want to wait for the next one but i need to know what happens. Read them if you have any interest in fantasy or maybe even cultural anthropology, as a lot of threads in these books address the issues of multiculturalism and the writer uses anthropological detail to build her world.(less)

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Mar 30, 2013 Claudia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: science-fiction

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. this series is really emotionally taxing but so good, that it is impossible for me to take a break.

this book is not so much action oriented and much more thoughtful. In Doubleblind Jax learns to be patient and diplomatic, she learns also to make sacrifeces for the greater good and this is really the hard part. this book is more than ever character-driven and it is really fascinating for me how Jax (and all the others) develop. there are developments which are changing her but nevertheless you ha...more this series is really emotionally taxing but so good, that it is impossible for me to take a break.

this book is not so much action oriented and much more thoughtful. In Doubleblind Jax learns to be patient and diplomatic, she learns also to make sacrifeces for the greater good and this is really the hard part. this book is more than ever character-driven and it is really fascinating for me how Jax (and all the others) develop. there are developments which are changing her but nevertheless you have to like her.

the first third was good but not perfect - but then the pacing of the story increases and it feels like riding on a space shuttle with no breaks at all. on the whole the plot is really good better even than in the second book.

regarding the secondary characters: I missed Hit and Dina a little - they were there but you could not really feel them. Vel develops to a real friend and the relationship between them is beautifully written.

Jael was a disappointment because I really liked the guy - I thougth he valued his friendship with all of them or at least he had some feelings for Jax.
I started getting angry him when he tried to get Jax off-world as soon as March confessed - but I thought maybe he is just in love with her. I really hoped that he was a good addition to the team but like in real life you don't have always winners

the relationship with March is a special case. I would love to see them happy together - but I am afraid we won't see that till the end of the series .. .and I am really hoping for a happy-ending. Otherwise I will be devastated .... so please!!!
this book shows how strong their relationship and their feelings for each other really are and that they are stronger because of each other - even when that means to make a huge sacrifice!

I really loved that book. It is a wonderful addition to the series and it shows that even if you don't have so much action an excellent writer is able to write a suspenseful book.
(by the way I started Killingbox already ... this series is an addiction!)(less)

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Sep 10, 2011 Catie rated it 4 of 5 stars

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

Well, all I have to say is, if you’ve stopped reading this series after book two (Wanderlust), then please give it another chance! This was the best installment so far. With the first two books my reviews were a bit like, “I loved it…except for…” and “if it weren’t for this then I would have loved it.” But this book needs no qualifiers. I loved it all the way through!

Sirantha has just arrived on Ithiss-Tor (finally), in an attempt to gain an alliance against the brutal, gluttonous Morgut. Everyo...more

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Sep 27, 2012 Alexandria rated it 4 of 5 stars

I am really enjoying this series. In this installment of the Sirantha Jax series there is a drastic change in the playing field. Instead of the usual gun slinging and ass kicking that usually occurs, this novel is filled with espionage and battles of the mind instead. In this transition Jax must change her fighting style, conforming to the ways of her opponents, which makes this novel fun and fresh; something I thought necessary after its' predecessors.

I don't wish to spoil too many things for...more

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Sep 19, 2012 Vivian rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2012

Doubleblind picks up right where Wanderlust left off. Still stressful. I imagine Jax' blood pressure is sky high. She tries so hard now to avoid the drama, but it just isn't in her cards, poor girl.

Most of this book was focused on politics. Jax is responsible for winning over Ithiss-Tor and we spend the whole time on the planet. If I read the ebook version, I'd count how many times Jax executed a "wa" greetings, but that's not a complaint. I was honestly interested in the complexities of the Ith...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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“I'll always want him. Until every sun goes dark in every sky, until I am nothing more than long-forgotten cosmic dust, I will want him. And even then I suspect my particles will long for his.” — 131 people liked it

“There are quiet ways to die where the body just doesn’t notice that the heart is gone.” — 31 people liked it

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Doubleblind (Sirantha Jax #3)

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