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Liberty

Annie Laurie Cechini (Goodreads Author)

really liked it 4.00 · Rating details · 86 ratings · 20 reviews

A STOLEN VIAL

Eternigen is the miracle drug that allows humans to travel in deep space. Seventeen-year-old space captain Tabitha "Dix" Dixon has the only vial of Eternigen in existence.

A RELENTLESS ENEMY

Eira Ninge always gets what she wants. She wants the Eternigen, and she'll do anything-and kill anyone-to get it.

A DEADLY CURSE

Since Dix stole the vial, everyone she lo ...more

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Paperback, 304 pages

Published February 1st 2013 by Rhemalda Publishing (first published January 8th 2013)

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· 86 ratings · 20 reviews

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Jan 04, 2013 Cherie rated it it was amazing

Annie Laurie Cechini’s LIBERTY rockets into space with an endearing cast, amazing worlds, and a storyline that leaves the reader breathless and begging for more!

Cechini breathes life into every single character. I cared about them and couldn’t stop reading. The villain is delightfully vindictive as well and keeps the characters on their toes. At first, I thought Tabitha, the main character, sounded a bit old for her seventeen years, but as the book progresses, I understood why. Tabitha has respo ...more

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Jun 01, 2013 Brittany rated it it was amazing

Shelves: don-t-know-how-many-books-will-be, friendship, paperback, sci-fi, romance, ya, own

Now that is what I'm talking about!
I picked this book up based on a blurb on it saying it's a "YA version of Firefly." Well there's the magic word; Firefly! Sign me up! And there was so much truth in that blurb. So. Much. Truth.
This is the kind of Sci-Fi/space opera book I need in my life. It has it all; space travel (obviously), action (lots of action), awesome characters, psychotic "bad guy", corrupt government(s), heartache, a mysterious space travel drug and Terra forming (gone right and w ...more

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Jan 03, 2013 Michelle (In Libris Veritas) rated it really liked it

Shelves: science-fiction, young-adult

Liberty is a face paced story that focuses on Dix, a teenager who is the captain of her own ship and the holder of something very important to the rest of the System’s inhabitants. A vial of what is known as Eternigen, which holds the key to travel outside of the System and build a new life, dangles around her neck in secret. Unfortunately her secret is out and she has to race against time to save the ones she loves and protect the vial.

I remember when I first picked this up and read a few chapt Liberty is a face paced story that focuses on Dix, a teenager who is the captain of her own ship and the holder of something very important to the rest of the System’s inhabitants. A vial of what is known as Eternigen, which holds the key to travel outside of the System and build a new life, dangles around her neck in secret. Unfortunately her secret is out and she has to race against time to save the ones she loves and protect the vial.

I remember when I first picked this up and read a few chapters, I kept thinking that it had the same feeling as Firefly the show. It’s quick, easy, and engrossing but at the same time there is a deep and emotional layer that kind of sneaks up on you and pulls you in deeper. The similarities end after the awesome space ships and having a adorable engineer but it just has that same comfortable feel to it. I haven’t read very many books dealing with space travel, as I could probably count them on my hands, and even less in the YA category but this is certainly one of the best. It has it all: fighting, space ships, a crew that really stands out, a dash of love, and of course awesome settings on different planets. The last thing is probably one of my favorite aspects of the story, I loved how each terraformed planet had it’s own ‘personality’ and served it’s own purposes with in the System. Another great aspect is the action because Liberty gives you plenty of it, both in the darkness of pace and on the ground. Dix’s whole struggle against SUN and Eira is one that I became completely invested in.

Dix, or Tabitha Dixon, is one tough girl. She has a ship of her own and a crew that is completely loyal to her, and she’s only seventeen. I personally loved her because she reminded me a bit of myself…I’m not likely to choose a career like hers but her personality was spot on. She has a wall up and when things start to really break a part around her, it begins to crumble giving glimpses of someone who really needs the support of her friends. Dix is a great girl and she has her flaws, for example she’s fond of cursing (flark and scud) and she has a problem opening up to people. She tries to shoulder heavy burdens by herself and it was nice to see her evolve past that.

Her crew is a mixed bag and just as enjoyable as she is. Barret is the new addition with a smart mouth and a cute smile, he’s got a good head on his shoulders and isn’t afraid of danger. The slow build up between him and Dix is rather good and kind of cute, but nothing overwhelming. I personally preferred Hobs, who is the scientist and best friend of Dix. He’s the one person in the group that knows everything right from the beginning, and he’s utterly loyal to Dix. For those worried about a love triangle, it doesn’t really exist and I’m very happy for that. There is a slight etching of one, but it never develops into that sort of situation. The other four crew members are so different that it’s a bit surprising they all get along so well, and even though you don’t get to see them all together for very long you can still tell they are close.

Overall this one surprised me with how much feeling went into it. This is a action packed ride filled with snarky characters, friendship, and the fight for survival. I’m not sure if this one will become a series or not as the end is nearly closed, though there is enough of an opening to continue on, but if it does I will definitely read the other.

I received this from Rhemelda in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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Jan 27, 2013 Maralee J rated it it was amazing

I LOVED IT! The pages turned themselves and I couldn't stop until I was done. I loved the way the author managed to write a lead character with depth who is rough and tumble, full of conflicting emotions, courageous and socially awkward, angry and kind, tough and vulnerable. Dix manages to behave in a completely unacceptable and inappropriate way without actually being crude - so REFRESHING! ...more

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Mar 28, 2013 Theresa rated it really liked it

I heard this book referred to as a space opera and I’ve never read one before, so I looked it up. It is like a soap opera, in that there is melodramatic adventure set in outer space. That sort of defines this story, but it really is much more than that because it fits nicely into the well-established young adult genre where there has to be just enough romance, action, and devastation. There is not a lot of space travel in the YA genre and this was a fun and refreshing read that held my interest. ...more

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Mar 02, 2013 Lynette ~ Escaping Reality – One Book at a Time ~ rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, science-fiction

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. When I read the synopsis, I got excited, it sounded like a really great book… I wasn’t disappointed. Liberty went above and beyond my expectations.

Debut novel by self published author Annie Laurie Cechini, Liberty was very engaging, and I quickly got pulled into the story, which means a lot. When I get ‘pulled into a story’, what I mean is ‘freaking-out-yelling-at-the-characters-oh-my-gosh-I-can’t-believe-what-just-happened-crying- ...more

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Dec 10, 2012 Kevin Johansen rated it really liked it

Awesome book! I loved the humor that was consistently present while not taking away from the action. Very fast-paced from start to finish.

I got lost a few times because of how fast things can change in this book, but I thought that worked well with the first person narration where it truly wasn't always clear what was going on.

Loved the themes of loyalty and family. The characters were well written and very believable which made me come to care for their little family of misfits. That can't be ...more

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Sep 06, 2012 Heidi Schulz rated it really liked it

Shelves: young-adult

I may be a bit biased here (I am mentioned in the acknowledgements, after all), but Liberty is just so much fun. I'm thrilled to have been along for the ride.
*Mild spoiler* Liberty is not your typical girl-blows-up-her-spaceship-and-is-rescued-by-a-cute-boy story. There is certainly romance, but it gladly takes a backseat (no pun intended) to all the action. Dix (don't you dare call her Tabitha) is a great character, as are her friends and crew members.
Really enjoyable YA sci-fi read.
...more

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Feb 23, 2013 Sandra Hould rated it it was amazing

Liberty was truly an inspiration and a awesome book that really reminded me of Firefly. It was full of actions, of emotions that made me laugh, cry, shout in celebration and hoped for the best for the crew of Liberty. I really recommend this book to all who love science fiction and a good story filled with hope, dreams and the human spirit.

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Dec 18, 2012 Karen rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fiction

You know a book is good when you look up from reading and realized you've missed your train stop. Then you think, "Oh well, let me just finish this chapter." Liberty is super fun, packed with action and impossible to put down. And "Dix" is by far the most awesome YA heroine I have ever come across. ...more

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Sep 03, 2012 Katy rated it liked it

Recommends it for: fans of YA space opera/sci-fi

Recommended to Katy by: Rhemalda Publishing

Shelves: ebook, upcoming-pub, galley-for-review

Book Info: Genre: Science Fiction/Space Opera
Reading Level: older YA
Recommended for: fans of YA sci-fi/space opera
Book Available: February 1, 2013
Trigger Warnings: Violence, murder

Disclosure: I received an ARC e-book copy of this book from Rhemalda Publishings in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis: A STOLEN VIAL
Eternigen is the miracle drug that allows humans to travel in deep space. Seventeen-year-old space captain Tabitha “Dix” Dixon has the only vial of Eternigen ...more

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Feb 03, 2013 Emily rated it liked it

Shelves: first-reads

Full disclosure: I received this book free in a goodreads giveaway.

When I got this book the author was kind enough to enclose two custom bookmarks. On the bookmark is a quote from a review: "Like a YA version of Firefly!". I think that quote is very true. The only issue for me is that I didn't really like Firefly. I'm not a fan of the 'space cowboy' genre. It's not that I think it's bad, it's just that I don't particularly like it.

This book was one I forced myself to finish. Mainly because I a Full disclosure: I received this book free in a goodreads giveaway.

When I got this book the author was kind enough to enclose two custom bookmarks. On the bookmark is a quote from a review: "Like a YA version of Firefly!". I think that quote is very true. The only issue for me is that I didn't really like Firefly. I'm not a fan of the 'space cowboy' genre. It's not that I think it's bad, it's just that I don't particularly like it.

This book was one I forced myself to finish. Mainly because I absolutely could not stand the main character. She starts out not thinking about any sort of consequences, getting people around her hurt and killed right and left, and then angsting over it all without changing her freaking behavior. Granted, she does eventually, but by that point I didn't much like her and wasn't inclined to cut her any leeway.

Also, I find it really, really implausible that a 17 year old with no experience is going to end up captain of a ship, no matter how good her scores were in school.

Ok, that out of the way, the dialogue and writing style in this book is very casual. Very true to the main character being a teenager. I can't fault the author for that, even if I didn't particularly like it.

We never find out much of anything about the bad guys. They're out there, faceless, chasing and shooting. The lack of detail and depth left this really lacking, for me. Ok, big scary evil government, I get it. The other enemy isn't ever really explained beyond 'oh she's a crazy bitch'.

I found myself not really caring about any of the characters. We spend most of our time running around with the main character as she screws up one thing after another, and never really get to know the others much. There is a love interest, and eventually a love triangle but its short and feels hastily done (I don't care for love triangles anyway, so that didn't much bother me, but it needs to be said). There's no insta-romance, at least. Feelings develop in a believable way.

Because I couldn't empathize with the main character I really didn't care what happened to her. Nor her love interest...he felt kinda shallow to me, as far as characterization goes. Which is one issue that does drag the book down. Characterization is lacking, except for the main character, and she's an irresponsible, impulsive, and rather prone to angry fits person. Ok, so she's your average teenager.

Overall, I just didn't enjoy this book. It's not a bad book. Just not for me. Seems unfair to give it anything less than three starts, though, because I think people who are really into the space-cowboy genre will get a kick out of it. ...more

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May 04, 2013 Dani rated it liked it

Shelves: arc, for-review

Originally posted at The Cozy Armchair.

After posting a cover reveal for Liberty, I was very excited to pick up a copy because it was a sci-fi book with a lady captain that promised a whole lot of adventure ala Firefly. What more could I want? Unfortunately, that comparison set high expectations that Liberty just didn’t meet.

We jump into the action right away. The story doesn’t waste time with exposition, but instead weaves it in as the characters move forward. This is a very fast-paced book, whi Originally posted at The Cozy Armchair.

After posting a cover reveal for Liberty, I was very excited to pick up a copy because it was a sci-fi book with a lady captain that promised a whole lot of adventure ala Firefly. What more could I want? Unfortunately, that comparison set high expectations that Liberty just didn’t meet.

We jump into the action right away. The story doesn’t waste time with exposition, but instead weaves it in as the characters move forward. This is a very fast-paced book, which makes for a quick and entertaining read. However, this also works against it because the worldbuilding feels kind of generic and vague. There’s some detail to paint a faint outline of this world, and some cool moments where the sci-fi nature of the book really shined, but overall it’s not enough. Liberty felt superficial in its development, especially when it came to characters.

Our heroine, Dix, is basically the most well-developed character of the lot, but she wasn’t particularly likeable to me. Sure, she has a tragic past that is tied directly to the Eternigen, which is her only hope for a free life, but I had such a hard time sympathizing with her. She’s impulsive and stunningly single-minded. I have to be honest, she irritated me at the start, only getting better as the story went on.

Then there’s Berrett, the typical love interest. He’s interesting, I guess, but his relationship with Dix levels up so quickly, I had a hard time buying it. Not to mention the weak love triangle introduced later one, which was totally unnecessary. Overall, I wish I had a better grasp of the characters so I could care about them.

The plot is driven by the Dix & co. running from a sketchy evil government entity with a girl named Eira at the lead of the manhunt. She isn’t given more than basic motive, and she just comes off as your run-of-the-mill caricature of a villain. Lots of yelling and ultimatums and doing Really Evil Things.

Writing this review has made me realize that the core of my problem with Liberty lies with its characters because the plot had a lot of potential (with some reservations) and the writing was pretty good. There was just something missing from this book for me, which doesn’t mean that there isn’t an audience out there for me. Its fairly simplistic nature would make a good choice for younger YA readers who like sci-fi adventures. It just wasn't my cup of tea. ...more

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Feb 26, 2013 RivkaBelle rated it really liked it

Shelves: ebooks, for-review, ya, sci-fi

eBook provided by publisher for review.
Review originally published on my blog: AWordsWorth.blogspot.com

Dix is a girl with a secret. A big secret. We're talking huge secret. A secret that could cost not only her life, but the lives of all those near to her. She's been hiding it for years, keeping it tucked close, letting only a precious few know the truth. But all that careful planning and dodging and hoping has come to an abrupt end, and Dix finds herself on a desperate race for survival. And, s ...more

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Jun 18, 2013 Julia rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-faves

i think this author is evil. in the good way. but still evil. the ending left me hanging and there is no book 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!i mean..how much worst can it get...GRANTED: it had the perfect ending..i just knew that it was meant to end like that..but it did NOT end!!!!!!!!!!!there could be soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much more going on and i am left tragified that i wont read it..ill have to imagine it myself...but i dont want to because it was left at such a good part that i want to cry!( ...more

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Feb 07, 2013 C.R. Asay rated it liked it

With promises of a Firefly-ish adventure, I was excited to pick up this book and give it a shot. Right out of the gate I was intrigued with the voice and the spunk of the main character. As the captain of a star ship, it was a little eyebrow-raising to find that Captain Loveless, aka Tabitha Dixon, aka Dix was only 17. However she seemed to command her crew with the expertise of someone who has been forced to grow up very quickly, while at the same time holding true to the raging-hormone/teenage ...more

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Jan 08, 2013 Chelan Dixon rated it it was amazing

It was hard for me to find moments to put down this book and get some things done! There was always something happening and it’s no fun to hit the “pause button” when you’re enjoying living through the eyes of a hilarious, hot-headed, space ship captain. Not only that but I’m convinced that if Tabitha was real, she’d no doubt be my best friend. You know, the one who you ask a question if you want a brutally honest answer. She’d give it to you, and then you’d want to slap her and hug her at the s ...more

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Jul 20, 2013 Kandise marked it as dnf

Shelves: dystopia

The writing is REALLY challenging, gotta come back to this one.

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Sep 09, 2012 Matt rated it it was amazing

Still awesome. The ending was very powerful.

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topics	posts	views	last activity
Addicted to YA: YA Space Sci Fi - Liberty	1	15	Jan 27, 2013 02:30PM
Creative Reviews: Giveaway of 1 copy of "Liberty" by Annie Laurie Cechini now live	1	7	Jan 13, 2013 11:47PM
Goodreads Librari...: Please add cover	3	29	Sep 03, 2012 11:17PM

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About Annie Laurie Cechini

Annie Laurie Cechini

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Annie Laurie Cechini is a connoisseur of every type of geekery. She signs books with a sonic screwdriver, owns a Tribble named Nimoy, and often threatens in all seriousness to name a child after a character from the Star Wars lexicon. Her first novel, LIBERTY, will be released through Rhemalda Publishing on February 1st, 2013. Annie also co-authored and produced CHRISTMAS WISHES, an anthology that ...more