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Meridian Six #1
Meridian Six
A brand new novella from USA Today Bestselling author Jaye Wells ... Meridian Six remembers the days before the Troika enslaved humans. She also remembers her mother, a freedom fighter murdered in the final battle between humans and vampires. But it is her mother's final words that have haunted her: Red means life. In the years since her mother's death, she has been used as both a propaganda tool and a blood slave by the Troika. She's withstood their indignities because the alternative meant bleeding out in a blood camp. But their abuses finally go too far, and she decides to run towards freedom and her mother's red light. On the other side of the light, she meets a band of human rebels who want to take their world back from the Troika. The vampires used her famous name to keep human slaves biddable, but now the rebels will use it inspire a revolution. For Meridian Six, freedom is a luxury paid for with blood. Novella length: 25,000 words/86 pgs.
120 pages, Paperback
First published June 2, 2013
About the author
Jaye Wells
29 books2,166 followersJaye Wells is a former magazine editor whose award-winning speculative fiction novels have hit several bestseller lists. She holds an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University, and is a sought-after speaker on the craft of writing. When she’s not writing or teaching, she loves to travel to exotic locales, experiment in her kitchen like a mad scientist, and try things that scare her so she can write about them in her books. She lives in Texas.
Want free fiction from Jaye? Check out www.jayewells.com for details!
Want free fiction from Jaye? Check out www.jayewells.com for details!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
July 21, 2013
"'How can you say you want to run? They took your mother. They took your life. They took your choices away. How can you just run when you have every cause to turn around and fight back?'"
This was a quick, mostly enjoyable vampire dystopian novella. It is far from perfect; I had numerous questions as I read through it, and there were plenty of errors. This novella could have benefited a great deal if it had an editor (or one that's better at doing his or her job). The problem here is one from which many books of its ilk suffers: IT'S A NOVELLA.
It is an ambitious premise. It would be an ambitious full-length book. The author said, in the preface, that this novella was originally published before, and was even shorter before she fleshed it out. My mind boggles. Seriously. I can imagine a book with this premise as a full-length, 300-page novel, with fleshed-out characters and a well-built setting. It certainly has a lot of promise from what I've read. And what I've read was not satisfying; this little book was around 70 pages (text size: extra-small!) on my ebook device.
Wha...what? 70 pages to build a new dystopian world, to explain how said world came about, to create compelling characters and backgrounds? A novella? No. It doesn't cut it. At all.
Before I go further off-topic ranting on the awfulness of the novella and how it should be restricted to, say, books 1.5 or 2.7 in a series, let's get back to the story itself.
Meridian Six is the name given to our main character, a 23-year old human girl whose actual human-given name is Carmina Sargosa. Before the Blood Wars, she led a life with her mother; after the wars, she was captured by the vampiric Troika, and used as propaganda, since her mother was the famous rebel, Alexis Sargosa. Carmina suffered tremendously under the Troika, and her reputation is left in shreds among the surviving human rebels. She has no one to turn to, she is of no use to the vampires besides her role as a poster-child for human obedience, and the rebels hate her because of her image. They despise her; to them, she is a pampered, spoiled, well-fed sycophant, living well against their hardship and suffering.
"'While you were sucking the Troika's cocks, my daughter was murdered and hung to bleed out from the window of our apartment building to serve as a warning to the other vampires who were considering mating with humans.'"
Despite what the rebels believed, Carmina's life inside the Troika, as their toy, was nothing but pure torture.
"In exchange for my services to the Troika's propaganda machine, I was passed around like a trophy among the highest level vampires. It was something of a badge of honor to vein fuck Alexis Sargosa's daughter."
The Troika tortured her physically and mentally, anything from benignly making her clean their houses to putting a gun to her head just to smell her fear. Finally, they put her through one final act of invasion that she could no longer withstand, and thus, she formulates a flimsy, idiotic plan to run away. My sympathy for Carmina is real, but it doesn't diminish the fact that she's a moron. I have to give credit where it's due, and so I will say that it's probably not out of character that she acts the way she does. She's had no formal education besides what little her more benevolent vampire masters choose to give her, and everything she has is given by them. Therefore, I suppose it's not really her fault that she decides to try and outrun a squad of Troika police in a green silk dress and high heels. And I suppose I can forgive her for not having the slightest bit of a clue what to do once she escapes.
Ok, maybe not.
First things first, let's get back to the world at hand here. This is not our United States; the US is now split into 3 parts, and New York is now Nachtstadt (apparently, vampires speak German?). There has been a Blood War. There are fucking vampires living on the planet, outnumbering humans. What little bunches of rebels there are exist on the edge of nothing. It is a hard life to be a rebel. It is a hard life to be a human, because as a human, you are either a) confined to a labor camp or b) hooked up and drained for your blood à la Daybreakers style, which, as you can imagine, diminishes your lifespan pretty quickly. Everything is run by the Troika. Before the war, they bought out all the media companies, so all they had to do to immobilize humans and take over was flip a few switches and kill off the phones, internet, TVs. That's actually really effective, now that I think about it. Props to the evil vampiric masterminds, yo.
So, in the midst of all this, humans are all but extinct and there are pretty much none living on the fringes. So where in the actual fuck would our intrepid heroine go once she's escaped? Once she's actually revealed the Troika's plot? Yeah. To say that Carmina doesn't really think things through is understating it. Sure, she'll escape in her silk dress and high heels, meet the rebels (who hate her from reputation), tell them of the plans, and then go on her merry way.
"'None of this has anything to do with me. I just want to move on and try to cobble a life together...I didn't escape the Troika only to get involved in some scheme that would put me back into their crosshairs.'"
Um, yeah. Tough shit, you walked right into it, sister. A little foresight wouldn't hurt, for future reference. You don't go into a mob of angry rebels after being the poster child for human obedience and expect to walk away scot-free after you've seen their secret lair.
My complaints about Carmina aside, she does manage to grow up somewhat throughout the novella. The rebels themselves are not likeable characters, but they're not intended to be likeable characters. They're tough as rocks. They've had horrible things happen to them. In some cases, they've had their entire families killed. We don't learn too much of them, but from what I've read, Dare, Icarus, and Saga all have backgrounds that can easily be built-up to fully sympathetic and complex characters IF THIS WAS AN ACTUAL BOOK.
I was left with too many questions for this book to fully work for me. Who are the Troika? We know they're vampires, but how are they different from the other vampires from before the Blood War? We know of the Blood War, how did vampires come into our knowledge and live alongside us before that? Why are certain blood types more valuable than others? Why and how did they use Meridian Six as propaganda? What do vampires look like? From what I read in this book, they either look normal or have fangs that make them look like "saber-toothed tigers." How are they able to reproduce with humans? Why are some vampires able to go around in the sun like Dare did? Why are some vampires alongside humans? And so on and so forth. Too many questions, too few answers. It's a decent little book, but it leaves me unsatisfied and frustrated.
Oh, I forgot to add one element which greatly pleased me. NO UNNECESSARY ROMANCE IS FORCED UPON US. Hallelujah!
This was a quick, mostly enjoyable vampire dystopian novella. It is far from perfect; I had numerous questions as I read through it, and there were plenty of errors. This novella could have benefited a great deal if it had an editor (or one that's better at doing his or her job). The problem here is one from which many books of its ilk suffers: IT'S A NOVELLA.
It is an ambitious premise. It would be an ambitious full-length book. The author said, in the preface, that this novella was originally published before, and was even shorter before she fleshed it out. My mind boggles. Seriously. I can imagine a book with this premise as a full-length, 300-page novel, with fleshed-out characters and a well-built setting. It certainly has a lot of promise from what I've read. And what I've read was not satisfying; this little book was around 70 pages (text size: extra-small!) on my ebook device.
Wha...what? 70 pages to build a new dystopian world, to explain how said world came about, to create compelling characters and backgrounds? A novella? No. It doesn't cut it. At all.
Before I go further off-topic ranting on the awfulness of the novella and how it should be restricted to, say, books 1.5 or 2.7 in a series, let's get back to the story itself.
Meridian Six is the name given to our main character, a 23-year old human girl whose actual human-given name is Carmina Sargosa. Before the Blood Wars, she led a life with her mother; after the wars, she was captured by the vampiric Troika, and used as propaganda, since her mother was the famous rebel, Alexis Sargosa. Carmina suffered tremendously under the Troika, and her reputation is left in shreds among the surviving human rebels. She has no one to turn to, she is of no use to the vampires besides her role as a poster-child for human obedience, and the rebels hate her because of her image. They despise her; to them, she is a pampered, spoiled, well-fed sycophant, living well against their hardship and suffering.
"'While you were sucking the Troika's cocks, my daughter was murdered and hung to bleed out from the window of our apartment building to serve as a warning to the other vampires who were considering mating with humans.'"
Despite what the rebels believed, Carmina's life inside the Troika, as their toy, was nothing but pure torture.
"In exchange for my services to the Troika's propaganda machine, I was passed around like a trophy among the highest level vampires. It was something of a badge of honor to vein fuck Alexis Sargosa's daughter."
The Troika tortured her physically and mentally, anything from benignly making her clean their houses to putting a gun to her head just to smell her fear. Finally, they put her through one final act of invasion that she could no longer withstand, and thus, she formulates a flimsy, idiotic plan to run away. My sympathy for Carmina is real, but it doesn't diminish the fact that she's a moron. I have to give credit where it's due, and so I will say that it's probably not out of character that she acts the way she does. She's had no formal education besides what little her more benevolent vampire masters choose to give her, and everything she has is given by them. Therefore, I suppose it's not really her fault that she decides to try and outrun a squad of Troika police in a green silk dress and high heels. And I suppose I can forgive her for not having the slightest bit of a clue what to do once she escapes.
Ok, maybe not.
First things first, let's get back to the world at hand here. This is not our United States; the US is now split into 3 parts, and New York is now Nachtstadt (apparently, vampires speak German?). There has been a Blood War. There are fucking vampires living on the planet, outnumbering humans. What little bunches of rebels there are exist on the edge of nothing. It is a hard life to be a rebel. It is a hard life to be a human, because as a human, you are either a) confined to a labor camp or b) hooked up and drained for your blood à la Daybreakers style, which, as you can imagine, diminishes your lifespan pretty quickly. Everything is run by the Troika. Before the war, they bought out all the media companies, so all they had to do to immobilize humans and take over was flip a few switches and kill off the phones, internet, TVs. That's actually really effective, now that I think about it. Props to the evil vampiric masterminds, yo.
So, in the midst of all this, humans are all but extinct and there are pretty much none living on the fringes. So where in the actual fuck would our intrepid heroine go once she's escaped? Once she's actually revealed the Troika's plot? Yeah. To say that Carmina doesn't really think things through is understating it. Sure, she'll escape in her silk dress and high heels, meet the rebels (who hate her from reputation), tell them of the plans, and then go on her merry way.
"'None of this has anything to do with me. I just want to move on and try to cobble a life together...I didn't escape the Troika only to get involved in some scheme that would put me back into their crosshairs.'"
Um, yeah. Tough shit, you walked right into it, sister. A little foresight wouldn't hurt, for future reference. You don't go into a mob of angry rebels after being the poster child for human obedience and expect to walk away scot-free after you've seen their secret lair.
My complaints about Carmina aside, she does manage to grow up somewhat throughout the novella. The rebels themselves are not likeable characters, but they're not intended to be likeable characters. They're tough as rocks. They've had horrible things happen to them. In some cases, they've had their entire families killed. We don't learn too much of them, but from what I've read, Dare, Icarus, and Saga all have backgrounds that can easily be built-up to fully sympathetic and complex characters IF THIS WAS AN ACTUAL BOOK.
I was left with too many questions for this book to fully work for me. Who are the Troika? We know they're vampires, but how are they different from the other vampires from before the Blood War? We know of the Blood War, how did vampires come into our knowledge and live alongside us before that? Why are certain blood types more valuable than others? Why and how did they use Meridian Six as propaganda? What do vampires look like? From what I read in this book, they either look normal or have fangs that make them look like "saber-toothed tigers." How are they able to reproduce with humans? Why are some vampires able to go around in the sun like Dare did? Why are some vampires alongside humans? And so on and so forth. Too many questions, too few answers. It's a decent little book, but it leaves me unsatisfied and frustrated.
Oh, I forgot to add one element which greatly pleased me. NO UNNECESSARY ROMANCE IS FORCED UPON US. Hallelujah!
June 15, 2013
Jaye Wells' Meridian Six hits the ground running with her trademark action and the pace never lets up. Deft and imaginative worldbuilding (with gruesome bats!), fierce complex characters who own their hard choices, and a suspense-stacked plot that keeps you turning pages right to the gripping end. An intense short story set in a brutal and unflinching dystopia. I loved it and can't wait to read more!
July 9, 2013
A dark, gritty UF novella with no romance. I did ask Wells if there would be more, and there will be. She does have lots of projects she is working on, but eventually we will get further stories in this world. This makes me happy.
Not that Meridian's world is full of sunshine and rainbows. Nope. This place is hell on earth. Vampires rule, humans are food, and it all sucks (every pun intended).
In this world, the Troika, vampires, have taken over. They did it slowly, using the humans fear to cement their hold. Humans are now in work camps, if their blood type isn't desirable, or little more than blood slaves.
The setup felt very believable. It's not unthinkable that a group could turn fear into a mobilizing force, stripping away freedoms before anyone realizes what is happening.
Meridian Six is the daughter of a famous human resistance fighter. Since her mother's death she has been a vamp PR guy's dream, paraded about before the conquered humans. She also has a very desirable blood type.
However, when we start our story, Meridian is running, trying to reach sanctuary. She assaulted the head of the Troika and his goons are after her. With no plan and no friends, Meridian isn't thinking much past the next second. Soon she finds herself with the Resistance, people who have little reason to trust her. Of course, Meridian has information that will change their fight.
There is a lot of darkness here. While it might look like Meridian has had a privileged life, she has more scars than anyone could count. What finally sent her over the edge was heartbreaking. She has also been used her whole life, and now, when she is free of the Troika, she is being used by the Resistance. Meridian is a complex character and since this is a novella, we only get a tiny snapshot of who she is. It was enough to make me want more.
Of course, Rabbit is my fav supporting character. A kid who has had to grow up too fast. My heart stopped a few times with that little guy.
I'm not quite sure what to expect with the next installment. There is a ton of danger in this world and things are tense. I will be reading it, though. Maybe with a blankie.
Not that Meridian's world is full of sunshine and rainbows. Nope. This place is hell on earth. Vampires rule, humans are food, and it all sucks (every pun intended).
In this world, the Troika, vampires, have taken over. They did it slowly, using the humans fear to cement their hold. Humans are now in work camps, if their blood type isn't desirable, or little more than blood slaves.
The setup felt very believable. It's not unthinkable that a group could turn fear into a mobilizing force, stripping away freedoms before anyone realizes what is happening.
Meridian Six is the daughter of a famous human resistance fighter. Since her mother's death she has been a vamp PR guy's dream, paraded about before the conquered humans. She also has a very desirable blood type.
However, when we start our story, Meridian is running, trying to reach sanctuary. She assaulted the head of the Troika and his goons are after her. With no plan and no friends, Meridian isn't thinking much past the next second. Soon she finds herself with the Resistance, people who have little reason to trust her. Of course, Meridian has information that will change their fight.
There is a lot of darkness here. While it might look like Meridian has had a privileged life, she has more scars than anyone could count. What finally sent her over the edge was heartbreaking. She has also been used her whole life, and now, when she is free of the Troika, she is being used by the Resistance. Meridian is a complex character and since this is a novella, we only get a tiny snapshot of who she is. It was enough to make me want more.
Of course, Rabbit is my fav supporting character. A kid who has had to grow up too fast. My heart stopped a few times with that little guy.
I'm not quite sure what to expect with the next installment. There is a ton of danger in this world and things are tense. I will be reading it, though. Maybe with a blankie.
June 16, 2013
I am a big fan of Jaye Wells' Sabina Kane series. She's become one of my "buy no matter what" authors. This novella is decidedly darker than the Sabina Kane books so if you decide to read this you need to be aware that it has a different temperature and tone. For me, it's a tone I love. It starts out hot in the middle of some great intense action, proceeds to reveal a well built world where vampires have taken over and turned humans into a slave/food source which leads us right to the human rebellion. I love gritty dystopian stories where every decision is a hard one that no one wants to make but has to be made anyway. Where characters don't want to be heroes or even participants but in the end all their choices suck and they end up choosing the least sucking one because it's the one that won't make them hate themselves. I like cranky characters in crappy situations who find family in the dark corners of hell turning the garbage into dinner. I am praying that Jaye will continue this into a full on something. Because I would love to read more about this world and these people.
November 6, 2013
3.5 stars
This is a dystopia story where bad vamps (known as Troika) rule and humans are slaved in work camps or blood camps, depending on their blood types (some types are more desireable). Meridian Six (real name: Carmina Sargosa) is a daughter of human resistance figher; her mother killed, and she has been captured and raised inside the Dormitories, suffering from tortures. Until one form of torture makes her snapped and decides to run, when he stumbles into human and vampire rebels...
I have only read Jaye Wells' "Sabina Kane" series before - and this novella came as darker, bleaker, and grittier. My heart goes out to Six, for the torture that she goes through (not only she is a blood 'slave' for coming with the rarest blood type, she is also become part of the 'breeding' project to produce vamp children!). She is also quite a complex character -- she stays inside with the bad vamps who killed her mother but when she runs she refuses to join the rebels and gets revenge? Other characters are intriguing too -- although my heart is stolen by a young boy, Rabbit, who are part of the rebels gang. There is one moment where my heart stops when it comes to him...
I think what stops me from giving this four stars is the fact that being a novella, I feel it lacks the world built that will come if it's a full-length novel. I just feel like this story only offers a glimpse of what the world is all about, and I would want to know MORE. Who are these Troikas, how could the war happened, why certain blood types are considered more valuable, what kind of propaganda is Meridian Six for (humans are already being slaved, so what is her worth??) and so on.
I guess I agree with This Review that there are just too many questions left unanswered due to the length of this story.
This is a dystopia story where bad vamps (known as Troika) rule and humans are slaved in work camps or blood camps, depending on their blood types (some types are more desireable). Meridian Six (real name: Carmina Sargosa) is a daughter of human resistance figher; her mother killed, and she has been captured and raised inside the Dormitories, suffering from tortures. Until one form of torture makes her snapped and decides to run, when he stumbles into human and vampire rebels...
I have only read Jaye Wells' "Sabina Kane" series before - and this novella came as darker, bleaker, and grittier. My heart goes out to Six, for the torture that she goes through (not only she is a blood 'slave' for coming with the rarest blood type, she is also become part of the 'breeding' project to produce vamp children!). She is also quite a complex character -- she stays inside with the bad vamps who killed her mother but when she runs she refuses to join the rebels and gets revenge? Other characters are intriguing too -- although my heart is stolen by a young boy, Rabbit, who are part of the rebels gang. There is one moment where my heart stops when it comes to him...
I think what stops me from giving this four stars is the fact that being a novella, I feel it lacks the world built that will come if it's a full-length novel. I just feel like this story only offers a glimpse of what the world is all about, and I would want to know MORE. Who are these Troikas, how could the war happened, why certain blood types are considered more valuable, what kind of propaganda is Meridian Six for (humans are already being slaved, so what is her worth??) and so on.
I guess I agree with This Review that there are just too many questions left unanswered due to the length of this story.
November 3, 2014
Non- stop action from start to finish! This was definitely a darker read, but well worth it. Fantastic world building and depth of character was seamlessly woven into the action.
Meridian Six escaped the vampires - barely. Her sanctuary with the Sisters of Crimson is (very) short-lived. Meridian gains a little bit of hope and purpose. She refuses to go back, but isn't fully accepted by the rebels.
I love Jaye Well's Sabina Kane series, but this might be even better! I hope to read more of Meridian Six in the future.
Meridian Six escaped the vampires - barely. Her sanctuary with the Sisters of Crimson is (very) short-lived. Meridian gains a little bit of hope and purpose. She refuses to go back, but isn't fully accepted by the rebels.
I love Jaye Well's Sabina Kane series, but this might be even better! I hope to read more of Meridian Six in the future.
January 4, 2017
This is no sweet, gentle vampire story. It's bloody and dirty and full of enough grit to keep you scrubbing for days. Basically, it was exactly what I was looking for when I picked it up. Something that would dig into my brain and make me think.
Meridian's life is awful. As a blood slave for the Troika, she's withstood everything life has thrown at her, until they cross a line and she goes on the run. She ends up tangled with a group of freedom fighters who are living on the ragged edge. They don't trust her and she doesn't want any part of their war.
Until she doesn't have a choice.
Dark, brutal and bloody, this story hit the spot. Meridian lives in a dangerous world and she's just thrown her lot in with a bunch who are willing to die to stop the vampires from continuing their reign of terror.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Meridian's life is awful. As a blood slave for the Troika, she's withstood everything life has thrown at her, until they cross a line and she goes on the run. She ends up tangled with a group of freedom fighters who are living on the ragged edge. They don't trust her and she doesn't want any part of their war.
Until she doesn't have a choice.
Dark, brutal and bloody, this story hit the spot. Meridian lives in a dangerous world and she's just thrown her lot in with a bunch who are willing to die to stop the vampires from continuing their reign of terror.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
June 12, 2013
This is an original review from http://bookedandloaded.com original rating is 4.5/5 Bullets.
Jaye Wells introduces us to an entirely new vampire world. One filled with repression and bleakness. It is dark. It is gritty....I loved it. Wells' take on vampires is not a romanticized version in this novella. Vampires use humans for one purpose only - food. The human world is destroyed and an underground rebellion still strains to make a difference. For a novella the story contained much depth and a great story. Meridian is at a crossroads in her life and this story begins after a life changing decision. I enjoyed walking the journey with her and hope there will be more to her story!
I received this title directly from the author in exchange for an honest review and was not compensated in any way.
Jaye Wells introduces us to an entirely new vampire world. One filled with repression and bleakness. It is dark. It is gritty....I loved it. Wells' take on vampires is not a romanticized version in this novella. Vampires use humans for one purpose only - food. The human world is destroyed and an underground rebellion still strains to make a difference. For a novella the story contained much depth and a great story. Meridian is at a crossroads in her life and this story begins after a life changing decision. I enjoyed walking the journey with her and hope there will be more to her story!
I received this title directly from the author in exchange for an honest review and was not compensated in any way.
June 25, 2013
A really interesting and compelling novella that I hope will spawn more stories in this universe. Wells, best known for her Sabina Kane series, is a consumate and talented story teller, and here her world building skills really shine.
If I have any complaint it's that a few minor editing mistakes took me out of my reading (these have since been fixed in the most recent version), but aside from that the story is excellent and definitely worth a read. I tore through it in one sitting.
If I have any complaint it's that a few minor editing mistakes took me out of my reading (these have since been fixed in the most recent version), but aside from that the story is excellent and definitely worth a read. I tore through it in one sitting.
June 12, 2013
Really fresh feeling post-apocalyptic urban fantasy. I mean... it is gritty and dark. It's post-apocalyptic and an ugly, ugly world our heroine lives in, but the author's voice is so fresh and she brings a new angle to urban fantasy. It was a complete page turner and I couldn't put it down. Really, really enjoyed it.
January 10, 2016
Good, solid vampire run world with humans trying to fight back. You are thrown into the action and it never lets up in this novella. Can't wait to try out the next book.
January 22, 2017
_______________________
Cliterary Genius 2017 Reading Challenge : Jan: "Read a book you've been meaning to read."
December 4, 2013
In a dystopian New York, now called Nachtstadt, vampires have taken over the government. They sort humans into castes based on blood type, sending the most common ones to labor camps and keeping the rarest for themselves. Meridian Six is one of the rare, used by the vampire propaganda machine as their human poster child. She's been passed around among the vampire elite and been privy to their secrets. Now she's had enough of being used and has decided to run. All she has to do is reach the nearest convent, a sanctuary marked by a red light, and she'll be safe from her pursuers.
The vampire regime is fairly new. Six remembers the war that shaped her world and her mother, a leader of the human resistance, who died in the final battle. When she meets the current members of the resistance, they both condemn her for her role in the government and expect her to live up to her mother's legacy. She has inside knowledge that can help them, but she's not interested in being used again.
This world is bleak and oppressive, with shades of Nazi Germany. The comic touches we usually see from Jaye Wells would not be welcome here. (Though she does give us a librarian hiding under a garbage dump.) Instead we have scarred characters, both literally and metaphorically, trying to overcome their dark pasts and start over. To do it they just might have to change the world. Her companions are a labor camp survivor, a fangless vampire, and an orphaned boy. Wells skillfully reveals their backstories in small pieces, adding to the sense of uncertaintly as the characters learn to trust each other, and letting the reader discover the realities of the world as Six does.
More stories are planned featuring Meridian Six and her band of rebels. This one feels like an origin story. I'm
curious to see just how much of a superhero she becomes.
(I won this book in an online contest.)
The vampire regime is fairly new. Six remembers the war that shaped her world and her mother, a leader of the human resistance, who died in the final battle. When she meets the current members of the resistance, they both condemn her for her role in the government and expect her to live up to her mother's legacy. She has inside knowledge that can help them, but she's not interested in being used again.
This world is bleak and oppressive, with shades of Nazi Germany. The comic touches we usually see from Jaye Wells would not be welcome here. (Though she does give us a librarian hiding under a garbage dump.) Instead we have scarred characters, both literally and metaphorically, trying to overcome their dark pasts and start over. To do it they just might have to change the world. Her companions are a labor camp survivor, a fangless vampire, and an orphaned boy. Wells skillfully reveals their backstories in small pieces, adding to the sense of uncertaintly as the characters learn to trust each other, and letting the reader discover the realities of the world as Six does.
More stories are planned featuring Meridian Six and her band of rebels. This one feels like an origin story. I'm
curious to see just how much of a superhero she becomes.
(I won this book in an online contest.)
February 28, 2016
I’m a tried and true fan of best-selling urban fantasy author Jaye Wells and am hooked on her “Prospero’s War Series.” As Ms. Wells is a master at creating new worlds filled with riveting characters, I was curious where she would take me in her new “Meridian Six Series.” Book one of the same name began as a short story and evolved into a novella.
Jaye Wells does not disappoint, and the reader is quickly drawn into an apocalyptic world ruled by vampires. You might be tempted to say, “been there, done that,” but you would be wrong. Known for her snarky, kickass heroines, Meridian Six is a bit of a departure. There’s a heart to her story I found intriguing. Having lost her mother, a freedom fighter, at an early age, Meridian Six has a rare blood type desired by the elite vampires. She becomes their captive and slave. Following her escape years later, she’s not interested in being anyone’s hero, but finds herself drawn into the resistance and the memory they carry of her mother.
I started and read this novella in one sitting, as could not put it down. I look forward to the next installment and learning more about Meridian’s life, the secrets of her past, and watching the hero evolve.
Jaye Wells does not disappoint, and the reader is quickly drawn into an apocalyptic world ruled by vampires. You might be tempted to say, “been there, done that,” but you would be wrong. Known for her snarky, kickass heroines, Meridian Six is a bit of a departure. There’s a heart to her story I found intriguing. Having lost her mother, a freedom fighter, at an early age, Meridian Six has a rare blood type desired by the elite vampires. She becomes their captive and slave. Following her escape years later, she’s not interested in being anyone’s hero, but finds herself drawn into the resistance and the memory they carry of her mother.
I started and read this novella in one sitting, as could not put it down. I look forward to the next installment and learning more about Meridian’s life, the secrets of her past, and watching the hero evolve.
January 16, 2016
I was first introduced to Jaye Wells when I read the Prospero War series. I enjoyed the series so much that I was glad to receive a complimentary copy of Meridian Six in exchange for a honest review. This was a quick an enjoyable urban fantasy story
See my full review at
http://romancing-the-book.com/2015/08...
See my full review at
http://romancing-the-book.com/2015/08...
June 11, 2013
AMAZING short story from Jaye Wells. It starts off hard and keeps at it until the last page.
Very different from her Sabina Kane series, which was light hearted and funny - Meridian Six is a lot darker.
Can't wait to read the rest of the novellas in this series.
Very different from her Sabina Kane series, which was light hearted and funny - Meridian Six is a lot darker.
Can't wait to read the rest of the novellas in this series.
August 12, 2016
This SO needs to be a series...you hear that Jaye Wells?!?! Loved loved loved!
May 2, 2016
I would kill for this to be a full length novel.
January 1, 2017
3.5/5 Vampires and rebels! Good intro to Meridian Six's story. Jaye Wells writes female characters that I understand and love to read. They have brains and speak out.
September 17, 2019
Reviewed by Nadene
Book provided by the author
I was first introduced to Jaye Wells when I read the Prospero War series. I enjoyed the series so much that I was glad to receive a complimentary copy of Meridian Six in exchange for a honest review. This was a quick an enjoyable urban fantasy story. Meridian Six introduces readers to a world where vampires, known as the Troikas, rule and humans are slaves. Humans are either kept in work or blood camps depending on their blood type. Those in the blood camps are placed there because their blood was considered precious.
I found this to be a much darker and grittier read than the Prospero War series. I thought the main character Carmen Sargosa aka Meridian Six was complex. She had endured a number of atrocities at the hands of the Troikas but when the opportunity came for her to get revenge she refused to take it. However, this decision was taken from her hands and she was forced to join the rebels in their bid to destroy the humans’ sworn enemies.
I enjoyed this unique take on the world of vampires. The story was entertaining and fascinating. There was enough action to keep me on the edge of my seat. It was fast paced and there was never a dull moment. Although I enjoyed this story I had a few issues. These issues prevented me from giving it a higher rating. The issues I had are as follows:
1. I felt that there could have been more written about the Troikas. There was no information as to how they originated and what set them apart from other vampires.
2. What triggered the blood wars?
3. Why were some blood types considered more precious?
4. Why and how was Meridian Six used as propaganda?
It should be noted that there is absolutely no romance in this story so if this is your main focus then this book is not for you. However, if you love the urban fantasy genre and you are looking for a unique read, then I will definitely recommend this title.
Overall, I enjoyed this title and I can’t wait to see what more Jaye Wells have to offer her fans.
Book provided by the author
I was first introduced to Jaye Wells when I read the Prospero War series. I enjoyed the series so much that I was glad to receive a complimentary copy of Meridian Six in exchange for a honest review. This was a quick an enjoyable urban fantasy story. Meridian Six introduces readers to a world where vampires, known as the Troikas, rule and humans are slaves. Humans are either kept in work or blood camps depending on their blood type. Those in the blood camps are placed there because their blood was considered precious.
I found this to be a much darker and grittier read than the Prospero War series. I thought the main character Carmen Sargosa aka Meridian Six was complex. She had endured a number of atrocities at the hands of the Troikas but when the opportunity came for her to get revenge she refused to take it. However, this decision was taken from her hands and she was forced to join the rebels in their bid to destroy the humans’ sworn enemies.
I enjoyed this unique take on the world of vampires. The story was entertaining and fascinating. There was enough action to keep me on the edge of my seat. It was fast paced and there was never a dull moment. Although I enjoyed this story I had a few issues. These issues prevented me from giving it a higher rating. The issues I had are as follows:
1. I felt that there could have been more written about the Troikas. There was no information as to how they originated and what set them apart from other vampires.
2. What triggered the blood wars?
3. Why were some blood types considered more precious?
4. Why and how was Meridian Six used as propaganda?
It should be noted that there is absolutely no romance in this story so if this is your main focus then this book is not for you. However, if you love the urban fantasy genre and you are looking for a unique read, then I will definitely recommend this title.
Overall, I enjoyed this title and I can’t wait to see what more Jaye Wells have to offer her fans.
August 23, 2019
Meridian Six is a great example of high-quality self-published fiction.
The novella manages to pack an impressive amount into few words, delivering likable and well-developed characters, a fascinating world, fast-paced action, and a satisfying resolution.
I also like reviewing my favorite creatures in stories that have them, so I'll also throw in that I liked the vampires in Meridian Six.
They're unique enough, especially in the worldbuilding aspects, but the most prominent ones are very recognizable as your classic blood-drinking, sun-hating, sexually charged, superior vampires. And really, that's how I prefer them. You do get some variety, though, from a vampiric religious order to vampire rebels.
Of course, like with most good novellas, I finished Meridian Six wanting more of these rebels and the post-apocalyptic world they inhabit. Luckily, Children of Ash is a thing, and I'll definitely be checking it out.
The novella manages to pack an impressive amount into few words, delivering likable and well-developed characters, a fascinating world, fast-paced action, and a satisfying resolution.
I also like reviewing my favorite creatures in stories that have them, so I'll also throw in that I liked the vampires in Meridian Six.
They're unique enough, especially in the worldbuilding aspects, but the most prominent ones are very recognizable as your classic blood-drinking, sun-hating, sexually charged, superior vampires. And really, that's how I prefer them. You do get some variety, though, from a vampiric religious order to vampire rebels.
Of course, like with most good novellas, I finished Meridian Six wanting more of these rebels and the post-apocalyptic world they inhabit. Luckily, Children of Ash is a thing, and I'll definitely be checking it out.
December 17, 2016
Set in a post-apocalyptic future that has vampires in charge this is a very short look into a dystopian world that the reader can easily envision and just as easily be apalled by for it is a dark forbidding existence if you are human.
There is of course a bit of back story revealed for our main female character Meridian Six and her supporting cast, but even with those tidbits the questions raised are for the most part unanswered to my complete satisfaction by books end.
Darker, grittier fare penned by an author whose Sabina Kane series set the bar for urban fantasy with a humorous twist.
There is of course a bit of back story revealed for our main female character Meridian Six and her supporting cast, but even with those tidbits the questions raised are for the most part unanswered to my complete satisfaction by books end.
Darker, grittier fare penned by an author whose Sabina Kane series set the bar for urban fantasy with a humorous twist.
July 2, 2021
I loved the idea. But the constant "can we trust her" got annoying real quick. I mean that girl had important information and was giving it for free to people who threatened her non-stop. She had leverage and still let herself get pushed around.
May 31, 2017
really interesting take on vampires.
December 13, 2017
Interesting story but not for me. I love Jaye Wells' other books, though.
August 6, 2019
What a great prelude!
Finally beginning this next set of books by Jaye!
Anything Jaye Wells writes I am going to read!
Jaye Wells rocks!
Finally beginning this next set of books by Jaye!
Anything Jaye Wells writes I am going to read!
Jaye Wells rocks!
June 19, 2025
Interesting but a bit basic.
March 3, 2017
Short, gritty, and much different from what I'm used to from Jaye Wells. That said, I loved the world-building and history of these new characters. The atmosphere is bleak and focused on survival, two central elements to Six herself. It's pretty clear that Wells was under word count restraints, but this was still an action-packed story with great characters, explosive action, and detailed urban fantasy world building. I definitely want to know more about this world and am already diving into book two!
January 5, 2017
Loved this book. I couldnt put it down.
October 10, 2013
Age: Carmina (aka Meridian Six) - 23
POV: one (Carmina's)
Narration: from first person
Tense: past
When I saw that this novella was by Jaye Wells I knew I need to read it. I am a big fan of her Sabina Kane series. And though this book has a disclaimer that unlike Sabina Kane books in “Meridian Six” “there are no snarky sidekicks or hilarious hijinks in this story”. But I still decided to try it. And I am so happy I did!
This novella is very short. It has only 9 chapters (73 pages on my reader). Usually there is just no time to build a background story, fully open characters and also create plot with twisting turns. But Jaye Wells managed it all!
The story gripped me from the first sentence. I liked the heroine voice immediately. Carmina is smart, tough and resourceful, but she is also so tired and broken.
Then there is an excellent worldbuilding. Just imagine a post-apocalyptic world where humans lost a war and vampires created the ultimate totalitarian regime. The world where humans are nothing more than blood dispensers or slaves in labor camps. Here vampires are monsters. And also the war was lost a long time ago, some humans still try to fight for the better future.
There is no romance in this novella. The world is too cruel to even be thinking about love. So do not even slight chemistry between characters.
In her interview author said, that she „considering publishing a series of novellas about Meridian Six and her band of rebels”. Yes! Yes! Yes! I want more! Even short this book is excellent urban fantasy. So I really hope she will keep writing about it.
But so far I am waiting for her Prospero’s War series debuts in January 2014. I know it will be great!
POV: one (Carmina's)
Narration: from first person
Tense: past
When I saw that this novella was by Jaye Wells I knew I need to read it. I am a big fan of her Sabina Kane series. And though this book has a disclaimer that unlike Sabina Kane books in “Meridian Six” “there are no snarky sidekicks or hilarious hijinks in this story”. But I still decided to try it. And I am so happy I did!
This novella is very short. It has only 9 chapters (73 pages on my reader). Usually there is just no time to build a background story, fully open characters and also create plot with twisting turns. But Jaye Wells managed it all!
The story gripped me from the first sentence. I liked the heroine voice immediately. Carmina is smart, tough and resourceful, but she is also so tired and broken.
Then there is an excellent worldbuilding. Just imagine a post-apocalyptic world where humans lost a war and vampires created the ultimate totalitarian regime. The world where humans are nothing more than blood dispensers or slaves in labor camps. Here vampires are monsters. And also the war was lost a long time ago, some humans still try to fight for the better future.
There is no romance in this novella. The world is too cruel to even be thinking about love. So do not even slight chemistry between characters.
In her interview author said, that she „considering publishing a series of novellas about Meridian Six and her band of rebels”. Yes! Yes! Yes! I want more! Even short this book is excellent urban fantasy. So I really hope she will keep writing about it.
But so far I am waiting for her Prospero’s War series debuts in January 2014. I know it will be great!
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