The Cassidy Chronicles - The Spark Before the Fire

The Cassidy Chronicles #1

by Adam Gaffen

Aiyana Cassidy is a happy genius. She has a job she enjoys and is about to marry her best friend and their groom. And then the minister pulls out a gun. Aiyana grabs their hands and runs away, but nobody else saw what she saw!
Is she imagining things?

It doesn’t matter for now, because Kendra Foster-Briggs believes her, and when they’re together there’s never been anything they couldn’t handle. Kendra leads them off the grid, displaying skills no former sensie actress should have.


What happened? Who is behind it? Why?

Travel with them across the length and breadth of a shattered United States, from Vegas to Massachusetts to New Orleans and more. There are schemes, double-crosses, plots, and unexpected allies along the way.


Welcome to The Cassidy Chronicles!

Genres: Science Fiction, LGBT

446 pages, Paperback

Published March 2, 2021

About the author

Come for the starships. Stay for the soul.

Adam Gaffen is the award-winning author of the Cassidyverse, a genre-blending universe where science fiction, fantasy, romance, and rebellion intertwine. His books span centuries and genres but share a common thread: characters with grit, stories with heart, and futures worth fighting for. Recognized across multiple indie award platforms, his work includes sweeping sagas, pulse-pounding missions, and mythic romances with cosmic consequences.

Every book stands on its own—each a gateway into a world where chosen family matters, love defies expectation, and change is always possible.

Start anywhere. You’ll find your people.

Reviews

[Charl · Rating 1 out of 5]

This exercise in poor writing reads like a 15-year-old's idea of a spoof of a spy story. Everyone just happens to be perfect and exceptional and know exactly what they need to at just the right moment, everything is so extreme, with the most unlikely events following one behind the other. I barely made it through "Book 1", and I just can't take any more. Mr. Gaffen has a long, LONG way to go as a writer, and every pending inch of it shows.

[Samra Nadir · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fast paced energetic read. Every scene was filled with action and never let the readers lose interest in it. The best thing about this book was the pacing. The plot of this book was unique and kept me hooked. And I really liked the writing style of the author, it was to the point and easy to understand. The character of Kendra is so brilliantly developed, she is such a strong and level headed lady. I feel like Cassidy’s character lacked a little depth in the beginning but later on she also developed a really likeable personality. The twists and turns in this book were excellent. The action sequences were penned down really well. I found some parts a little confusing but later on I got the hang of it.

This was a really fast paced action packed SciFi read. If you like to read something exciting then this is the book for you.

[Priya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is set in not-so-distant future. The United States has been broken up through various events and the main protagonists of the story Cassidy and Kendra navigate their way through the various nation-states that have come to replace it.

During her wedding Aiyana Cassidy called as Cass by her friends was attacked by the pastor . She is on the run with her boyfriend Derek and her best friend. Leaving her boyfriend behind, Cass and Kendra (Ken) go on a quest to stay alive.

Both Cass and Ken are brilliant and intelligent ladies with Ken having secrets of her own. The story revolves around these two characters as they run for their life from place to place trying to find out the mystery of the person who is tying to kill Cass and why.

Will they find out who is behind all this?
Will their friendship survive through this journey?

This is a 3 part series and it has everything that a reader wants from a sci-fi book. It has mystery, suspense, thrill, action, comedy, romance, friendship,betrayal and of course new technology and innovations. The twists and turns and the action sequences are narrated really well.

The character of Kendra is brilliantly developed as a strong and energetic lady. The Charactesrs and the plot are very well developed and I really enjoyed how the story went ahead. This book is fast paced which I liked the most and the story keeps you hooked till the end.


I really enjoyed reading this book and I recommend it to all sci-fi fans out there.


Disclaimer : I received a free e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. The above is my honest opinion of what I felt while reading the book and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shiny Jain · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the Volume One of the wonderful Cassidy Chronicles Series and this is a type of series that once you start reading it, you won't be able to put it down.

🌸It’s a great story with interesting characters and plot, I really enjoyed every twist of this book. An action-packed story and a rollercoaster ride of emotions. I have a special kind of love for books with a strong female lead and here the author created a world full of female Warriors and leaders which is interesting and good to read. I am impressed with the author's imagination skills and the world building is so impressive. All the characters are well developed and played their role amazingly and if i talk about my favorite character, it was Kendra. I loved her character, she is brilliant, strong and energetic lady.

🌸This book series have everything that a reader expects from a sci-fi book. Great combination of mystery, suspense, comedy, romance, friendship, thrill, betrayal. The twists and turns will definitely make you excited to read the whole book series. I really liked the writing style of the author and the cover is really attractive.

[coffeeN'books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sci-fi rollercoaster that hooked me right from the start and kept me on my toes craving for more. Perfect time setting, technology that smartly fits in, and the unbreakable heroes Cass and Ken, who take you on their passionate ride of action and adventure. The suspense made me skip a beat - or maybe two - and sent my adrenaline through the roof. I enjoyed the blend of the unusual romance, technological advancement, and the mesmerizing futuristic plot. Perfect fit for the dystopian sci-fi fans looking to have an enjoyment of their lifetime!

[Chantel Lamote · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Futuristic Ride!!!

This book set in a Futuristic but realistic time period of what the world will look like next century. Taking a ride with Cassidy will lead you on an adventure filled with romance, betrayal, and friendships built admits chaos. Enjoy the new world of technology this author offers to readers from a scientific perspective, with a twist of suspense and thriller. I can easily see this book turning into a television drama. Definitely will recommend.

[Hector Fenwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

If your idea of a heroine is someone who waits to be rescued, then this is the wrong book! Neither lead character is content to simply wait; from the moment the minister tries to kill them at their wedding, they are out there seeking answers. Along the way they run into more trouble, more enemies, and more threats. They also find new friends, new allies, and new opportunities. This book draws you in quickly and doesn't let you go until the last page.

[Ciara Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is set in 2113. The country has been torn up by numerous incidents. The main characters, Cassidy and Kendra, begin their journey through the places that have emerged to replace it! Cassidy and Kendra are on a run to fight to stay alive. Will their friendship stay strong after this is over? This book is definetly a 5/5 for me.

[Samantha Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the experience of reading this book using Audible with Amazon. Such an addicting read for sure! Loved the storyline for sure! Ken and Cass...such good characters in the book! Adventures in a book get me hooked. I was like wanting to know more about what was going to happen next! This book is full of description, and never get people bored! This is worth the read. Good job to the author!

[Sheena Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sci-fi, futuristic fun gadgets. Fantasy fiction masterpiece with an absorbing and intriguingly aspired story with fun and thrills. An easy listen with a disturbingly believable plot with imaginative characters.

[Insha Anam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escaping into a good book is our favorite form of distraction. If you’re looking for an engrossing book to pass the time, then do check this book out. From pulse-pounding thrillers to addictive page-turning fiction, this fast-paced novel would pull you in and keep you captivated until the very last page.

For a long I held back from writing a review because I wanted to write something smart, explaining the aspect of this book.

Set in the world of 2113. The country has shattered into ten squabbling nations and the solar system is on the edge of colonization and our main protagonists of the story Cassidy and Kendra with the pastor attacking Cass and now they are running for their lives from place to place trying to find out the mystery of the person who is trying to kill Cass and why.

This book is a lot--a labyrinth within a maze, an enigma within a conundrum. Beautifully intense that doesn't allow for lazy reading.

I have always loved and appreciated books with strong female leads. This world of female warriors and leaders feels natural. 𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 𝑨𝒅𝒂𝒎 𝑮𝒂𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒏’𝒔 depth of imagination and worldbuilding is impressive, as this 486-pager is filled not only with the tale but also with satisfying twists that turn legend on its head and I am sure that the 𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 𝑨𝒅𝒂𝒎 𝑮𝒂𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒏’𝒔 isn’t new to this game of complex storytelling. 𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 𝑨𝒅𝒂𝒎 𝑮𝒂𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒏 keeps a fast yet steady pace and the epic converging of plotlines at the end is something worth the read.

Taking about my favorite character then it has to be Kendra. I loved her character development. If you need a heroine who is smart and has charm, her ability to excel in an environment that was not welcoming to her, and others in the process, is a stirring example of perseverance. She can handle her battles—and hence I loved her.

There’s a tremendous amount of darkness, real and metaphorical, wash over in this novel, but there is also an abiding hope that maybe, just maybe, the people who inhabit it can find their way into the light.

𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 𝑨𝒅𝒂𝒎 𝑮𝒂𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒏 weaved all elements. I mean, this book deserves it. Yet my brain has entered a vacay mode, so I'll just have written what I felt while reading it. It felt great. Exhilarating, even.

[Kelly J Woodworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Run Like Hell

This story excites readers with lurking danger, thrilling pursuits, and escapes on every page. The author brilliantly combines action-adventure, dystopian sci-fi with modern romance, and an intense mystery that will keep you guessing. Many questions need answering within the span of the 140 pages presented in this book. I love it when an author doesn’t leave me hanging. And so I am off to read Book 2: The Deadly Quest! 

[fred jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A non stop action ride, tremendous fun right from the gun wielding vicar at the wedding right from page 1. Loved the storyline and the characters. I received a complementary copy via Storyorigin and am leaving a voluntary honest review

[Sonia Discher · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I found the book a bit long for me but the story line got better the more I read. Became suspenseful when they went on the run from the wedding and made me keep turning pages. Really enjoyed the book overall.

[K.J. Simmill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wedding should be a joyous occasion, but for Cass and Ken it was the start of a nightmare they had never seen coming. Without warning enemies flock from places unknown in pursuit of someone who could disrupt one of the largest trading industries of the time. She hadn't realised her discovery would cause so much trouble, that her side project would put her on a hit list leaving no choice but to flee in fear for her life. On the run they must discover who is behind this threat and find a way to survive before it is too late.

Adam Gaffen's The Cassidy Chronicles is non stop action from start to finish. Rich with creative technology, brilliant ideas, and tension. While Kas and Ken are fleeing for their lives there is also an injection of humour into the plot. The characters themselves are strong and go from strength to strength with during, courage, and a pinch of luck to overcome the countless obstacles in their path. The futuristic world building is imaginative giving the science fiction lover more than a healthy dose of fun in a character driven plot.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ken and Cass

Interesting take on the future of the United States in 2113 after so many people decide to spilt the country up. Like many different waring factions fighting for the piece of their pie. Soon you discover that not everything is what you originally expected. Although, I thought it was long - it always pulled me back into the storyline.

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[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, action-filled, espionage science fiction story. Kendra, Aiyana, and Derek are about to embark on a plural marriage. It’s their wedding day in the lovely little town of Los Alamos in the high desert of New Mexico. Then things go horribly wrong and they are on the run, accidentally getting separated from Derek and having to leave him behind. Cass (short for Aiyana Cassidy) and Kendra both have secrets and those secrets have messed up their special day.

It’s a long chase, the entire book. They must stay at least one step ahead of those that hunt them. But this is hard to do because they have more enemies than they know. Kendra has an old car, a Bugatti, that she’s upgraded to manage the normal high speeds expected from vehicles in this near-future world. There’s a lot of pop culture references too, mostly scifi shows. While many of these gave me a little chuckle, sometimes I felt the story was a little heavy handed with them as it took me out of the story.

The story takes us from NM to Louisiana and back to NM. Maybe there was some time in Los Angeles too. I lost track. The characters get separated again at some point and then betrayal happens and the two must figure out how to get back together to fight their enemies. Along the way, they pick up a new ally, Mac. She’s super organized, speaks a mile a minute, often gets lost on long tangents, and has some useful computer skills. She really compliments Kendra’s no-nonsense level-headedness and Cass’s brilliant but sometimes airy personality.

While I really like that a good chunk of this book happens in NM, there’s one little quibble. Near the end, our heroes decide to come at a problem from two directions. But they had some imaginary road from Taos to Los Alamos. Currently, that road would drop you off on the same road from Santa Fe (which is the route our second set of divided heroes would be taking). The story talked of limited ways to get to Los Alamos, which is true, but totally ignored the Jemez road while inventing from new, direct road from Taos to Los Alamos. Just my little quibble since I live in the area and drive these roads monthly.

Anyhoo, the story threw in one more twist near the end, which I hadn’t seen coming. Yay! Exciting for me, even as it threatened our heroes. But all turns out for the best. The story finishes with satisfaction for the heroes. The epilogue was a little long but it set things up for book 2. 4/5 stars.

The Narration: Jane Weatherstone did a pretty good job with this story. For the most part, she kept all the voices separate and distinct, though sometimes they did kind of meld into 1 voice when two or more characters were talking rapid-fire at each other. Her male character voices could use a bit more masculinity. There was 2 different pronunciations for Aiyana and I’m still not sure which is right. The pacing was good and Weatherstone did a great job with portraying emotions and nailing humor. There were no tech issues with this recording. 4/5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[The Book Break · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cassidy Chronicles by Adam Gaffen is a series of five books following two main characters, Aiyana and Kendra, on a fun, action-packed, dystopian adventure. The conclusion to the series, Triumph’s Ashes, comes out August 15th, but before you read the latest, I would recommend going back and starting chronologically with book one.

Volume one of The Cassidy Chronicles was nominated for multiple awards in 2020, including a Dragon Award, which speaks to the readability and captivating nature of this dynamic plot. The books are set in a dystopian, post-modern America, in 2113, to be exact. From the very beginning, the two protagonists, Aiyana and Kendra, also known as Cass and Ken, are immediately lovable and I could not help but to root for them right off the bat. Best friends since childhood, the story of their reconnection was sweet and the to start of a beautiful relationship.

The action and adventure kicks off from the jump when an assassin crashes their wedding day and sends them on the run, trying to find out who wants them dead and why. Throughout the series, Kendra and Aiyana remain committed best friends who care about each other and will do whatever it takes to keep one another safe.

The Cassidy Chronicles is for a general audience. This series is perfect not just for fans of science fiction and dystopian novels, but also for any reader who enjoys action and adventure and strong female characters. Each book averages around 500 pages, so anyone can jump into this series knowing that there is a lot to read and that the fifth book, Triumph’s Ashes, provides a satisfying conclusion. Each book is available in audiobook, eBook, and physical book. No matter what kind of reader you are, as long as you like action and adventure, futuristic science fiction, and strong female protagonists, you will love this series.

[Timothy Baldwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author, Adam Gaffen, has gone to great lengths to create a truly interesting science-fiction, futuristic, dystopian world in which cool spy stuff can happen. From page one and onward, I'm there with his main characters, Kendra and Cass as they traipse about and between the fractured remnants of the United States in 2113. This story has a great premise that any fan of this genre would enjoy. Two beautiful, recently married women are on the run from some nasties who want to get them because of a scientific discovery that is sure to change the world.

The story begins when Cass's marriage to Kendra and Derrick is interrupted by a gunman who only she sees. Then these characters are on the run, though it isn't entirely clear why. It is not until roughly halfway through the story that we understand that Cass has made a discovery, but there is a huge disconnection between what the characters know and understand and what the readers know and understand.

Somehow, the story I thought I was going to be reading is lost in some major narrative faux pas - slow scenes between Cass and Kendra that go nowhere, too many jokes or references to 20th and 21st-century pop culture that slog up the scenes, and too many details and scenarios that seem to accentuate Kendra's experience and Cass’s naivety. All of these issues kill the pacing and lose the intensity of the overarching conflict in places where these characters need to keep moving, overcoming one conflict, then another, instead of characters walking around and talking about how unlike this world is when compared to the 21st century.

[Natalie Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible experience! To review one of very few F/F romance books I've ever read. Adam Gaffen's 'Cassidy Chronicles' combined the high-tech, futuristic story one expects to encounter in a science fiction novel with romance and humor. The story takes place about a hundred years in the future in a dystopian America that has been divided into ten separate and distinct nations. At the beginning of the story, we encounter the wedding of Aiyana Cassidy, Kendra Foster-Briggs, and Derek James! The wedding is interrupted when the reverend marrying them tries to shoot them. They do want any sane people would do--they get the heck out of there.
They determine that Cassidy, a graduate from MIT with a doctorate in optical engineering, is the target after surviving a second attack. The women leave Derek behind in order to arrange for new identities and a safe place to stay for themselves. Deciding they need additional help, Kendra approaches her employer for help that may cost more than she'd like to pay and Cassidy finds out her situation has put a friend in major trouble. She recruits a couple of agents to orchestrate a desperate rescue!
The writer keeps the action going as the women move from one event to the other. There are many supporting characters adding exciting dimensions to the narrative and the principals prove to be decisive, bright, and resourceful. The new America readers find superimposed on the world created by the writer is disturbing yet interesting, contributing to the adventure. I'm looking forward to discovering what happens next.

[Kara · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was given a free review copy of this audiobook at my request, in exchange for an honest review.

“The Cassidy Chronicles” is an entertaining near-future science fiction story featuring likable mildly incompetent secret agents entertaining us as they chase and run away from each other. There’s lots of humor and “in” sci-fi jokes throughout. The narrator does a wonderful job.

I was disappointed to discover that the MCs are not lesbians, they are bisexual. Their past and current sexual escapades with male partners are as significant as the relationship between the two women MCs. As a matter of fact, the two women marry a third MC, a male, to form a throuple marriage.

My biggest disappointment is with the author. While there is nothing wrong with a man writing lesfic, or using a penname, there is something completely wrong about catfishing. Successful lesbian author Jae recently published an in-depth exposé on Adam Gaffen creating an elaborate fake persona, “AC Adams”. Jae said “He had no reason to assume the persona of a queer woman other than to deceive a marginalized community for his own gain”.

So while I enjoyed the story and the narration, I cannot recommend that listeners support this author and his deceptions.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw that The Cassidy Chronicles included nods to Robert Heinlein and Star Trek as well as other scifi pop culture favorites, I was intrigued. The characters live in Los Alamos New Mexico in the distant future, and I live there now, so I felt an instant interest in them. The writing style is spare, the action fast paced as if you were watching a James Bond movie. The main characters, Cassidy (who has conceptualized plans for a star trek type transporter) and wife Kendra (who is publicly a famous sim-star (like the movies) and secretly a secret agent) are almost killed on their wedding day and forced to flee across a radically altered North American continent. The future world feels realer than most, despite the pop culture homages sprinkled throughout. This place has a history so detailed I believe the author could teach a course on this future’s past. The technology and high tech toys feel equally well conceptualized. Cassidy and Kendra have an affectionate and loving relationship, but the lean writing keeps the focus solidly on the suspense.

[Jennifer Shepard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book because of the amazing reviews on Amazon and oh boy, they were all right. This book is fantastic, the story is so beautiful and full of emotions, I couldn't put this down until I ended. The characters are so real and so well written that you can easily find yourself or a friend reflected on them, you start to love and care for them. Amazing book!!! can´t wait to read more from Adam Gaffen.

This book set in a Futuristic but realistic time period of what the world will look like in the next century. I happily endorse this story to any and all who are looking for an enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own.

[Amanda Sheridan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the not-to-distant future, America is now a group of numerous independent countries and technology has taken us to the brink of space exploration.
While celebrating their wedding, Cass and her wife, Kendra are attacked and have to flee. They escape and go on the run across the many borders that now crisscross what was once the United States.
Why were they attacked? Who, or what, is behind the hit? The two women have to find the answers to save their lives.
This is an amazing story. Full of action, a smattering of romance and some brilliant movie and tv references. Definitely worth five stars.

[The Book Dragon's Hoard by A.V. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept of a politically disjointed future for the North American continent is an interesting one, and the start with an assassination attempt during Aiyana Cassidy's triple wedding was intense, but then the story went nowhere. This first novel in the Cassidy Chronicles offers lots of tantalizing tidbits, but didn't feel like a cohesive story. It's the beginning, the taster. I would have really liked to get some answers to at least a few of the many, many questions this novel set up. I'm curious to see where it goes, so I'll give the second book a chance. I really hope there's more meat on the next instalment.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: This was my first experience with Adam Gaffen's work, and the story flowed from one action filled scene to the next, with little downtime. Aiyana and Kendra were characters that pursued their own dreams. They were brave, courageous, and determined. I liked that although the book was in the LGBT genre that the sexual descriptions were limited to some kisses and some suggestive language but not graphic in content. Jane Weatherstone's narration was good, and her performance kept my attention. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time I have listened to this author’s books. I loved it! The story is a fast paced dystopian sci-fi. The story is set in 2113, it is interesting and entertaining. The characters are well developed. At times, I could see the story unfold. It was not perfect. I felt there were a couple of slow spot, and an overemphasize on certain abilities. The story was easy to follow, and a pleasure to listen to. I will look for more books by Adam Gaffen. I received a free copy of this audiobook from StoryOrigin, and am leaving my honest review.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fast paced futuristic thriller. This is a fun book to read about a group of strong female warriors. I enjoyed this book. However, it was a little bit too much pro female and not very much balance of the characters. Almost all the bad guys were male and all the good ones were female. I like strong female characters but a little more balance would be good. Strong language warning for sensitive readers.

[PG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling

"The Cassidy Chronicles" is a thrilling tale of survival, love, and self-discovery that grips readers from the outset. Aiyana Cassidy and Kendra Foster-Briggs' wedding day takes an unexpected turn, catapulting them into a cross-country journey filled with mystery, betrayals, and surprising alliances. The narrative, set against the backdrop of a fractured United States, combines suspense with nods to sci-fi classics