SPSFC FIRST CHAPTER READS DAY 4
When Ceri boarded the colony ship with her parents, they were escaping the destruction on Earth. They’d sleep in stasis for a thousand years, then wake on their new home, free from the ravages of war.
But for Ceri, it was not to be.
The adults of the Stratford stole her childhood and replaced it with terror. For seven years, they forced her and her squad to fight against a rival faction. They were called the enemy, but just like her, they were children, trying to survive.
One day, Efa, her squad mate and friend, confesses a forbidden love that can only be considered treason. Ceri is furious, but also confused. They were like sisters. Why had Efa kept this from her?
The reason forces Ceri into a choice. Should she do what Efa asks, or risk losing the only person on the ship she could trust?
First ImpressionsThe cover is eye catching, and the blurb was interesting, though I would tighten it more. There’s too many details there in my opinion.
The blurb made me suspect queer rep, but the first chapter quickly disabused me of that notion. (there may be queer rep, but it’s not there in the first chapter).
The first chapter is well written but the beginning feels very info dumpy. Also there’s no explanation for why this war is happening. It does seem as if everyone is a child, which makes me sceptical about the romance mentioned in the blurb.
If you like space operas with high personal stakes, you should like this one.
A Wolf in Space by Alex Valdiers BlurbGunslinger. Skyhorse rider. Lone Wolf. Malvius is a veteran gunslinger in Larragon, a six-planet solar system with two rivers: two train lines linking each planet together. The two rivers are a beehive for opportunistic merchants and feisty gunslingers.
All you need to survive in Larragon is a skyhorse to roam the open space and a gunblaster to protect your hide and earn your keep. Wild moons and saloons are aplenty, money is easily made and lost, but life for Malvius isn’t about money, it is about helping who needs helping, shooting who needs shooting.
Along comes the Raoke Gang, shattered, their leader wounded, half of the gang incarcerated. Malvius feels compelled to help. Little did he know that simply relaying a message from their leader to the survivors of the Raoke Gang will send him on a wild course of events that will see him facing off a space wizard, assisting a space train heist, and become Larragon’s most wanted man.
First ImpressionsThe cover makes it look sci fantasy than pure sci fi and the blurb reinforces the impression. I really like the blurb, and this book sounds like something I really would like to read!
Once again, Amazon sample has the first part of the first chapter cut so the sample opens part way through (heavy sigh). Nothing much happens in the chapter, but it does establish the protagonist’s character and motivations which would become more relevant (I hope) as the plot progresses. It’s well written with a voice that has enough individuality to make me want to keep reading.
Added to wishlist.
Wakers of the Cryocrypt by Nathan Kuzack BlurbA thought-provoking post-apocalyptic story about an unexpected reunion between humankind and the AIs it created. In a world full of living machines one man may die… again.
The future. The human race is extinct. Earth is ruled by eltecs, descendants of the AIs humans created before their demise.
While searching for prehistoric cave paintings, two eltec explorers discover a hidden cryogenic crypt containing 23 perfectly preserved human bodies frozen inside crystal columns.
As eltec society argues over who might have built the crypt and what to do with it, one of its occupants is restored to life. Human beings are no longer extinct, but, for reasons of their own, not every eltec wants to see them come back. The only living human on Earth is in terrible danger.
First ImpressionsThe cover doesn’t stand out, but it fits the genre, and the blurb sets out the stakes. There’s nothing new about the trope, but I’m still interested to see how the author has handled it.
Though the writing was error free, I found I could not get into it. The style didn’t really resonate with me. If you like the man vs machine trope, and futuristic worlds, you may enjoy this book.
Vermilion Flames by Adam Fernandez BlurbIn the pursuit of progress, how much of your soul are you willing to sacrifice?
In the shadow of a ruined Earth, the Republic and its church claim to offer safety and security while burning ideas and people alike. No moon or planet is free of flames and bloodshed, even as the rebel organization, the Vermilion Coalition, seeks to dismantle the Republic’s oppressive regime.
On a terraformed Mercury, Kaya al Vardan hopes to find the truth behind her mother’s murder; a difficult task when everyone insists it was a tragic accident. When Kaya’s adventurous spirit leads her into the forbidden Great Desert, she’s sent to the Republic’s capital on Mars to study under the watchful eye of the all-powerful church she despises. There she unravels mysteries about her mother’s life and faces a fall in line or risk everything to take up her mother’s mantle.
Silas Beckett, High Commander of the Pandora Fleet and hero of the Republic, can feel his time running out. Fighting terrorists has been his life’s mission, but his nemesis Hex—leader of the Vermilion Coalition—still eludes him. As his failures mount and his allies abandon him, he has few chances left to bring Hex to justice. Can Silas secure peace for his family and for the entire solar system?
Vermilion Flames is the first book in the Midnight War series, an action-filled epic set long after the destruction of Earth.
First ImpressionsThe cover makes it look like science fantasy, but the blurb makes it seem like a post apocalyptic dystopian book. Tyrannical powers and rebellions are a tried and tested trope which always resonates with readers, and with this reader in particular. So, I’m eager to see how the author has treated the subject.
The opening chapter was a prologue and as a BIG fan of prologues, I’m giving my verdict based on that. It was well written and I loved the fight, the emotions, the blind devotion of Silas and his concern for his companion. Ngl, though, I’m solidly on Hex’s side. I just like rebels more, okay?
Adding this one to my wish list as well!
DISCLAIMER: Everything above is my very personal, very subjective views, so give all the books a try and don’t just go by what I say!
