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Aurora Rhapsody #2
Vertigo
Where do you run when there is no escape? Where do you turn when the enemy within is as dangerous as the enemy unknown?
The year is 2322 and humanity is under attack. An engineered war between rival superpowers escalates even as the shadowy Metigen armada begins attacking colonies on the frontiers of settled space.
Individuals from across the galaxy fight for their own survival and to protect those they hold dear, while a group of unlikely allies race to expose a secret cabal. As the aliens draw ever closer, leaving utter destruction and death in their wake, the strongest defenders of Earth and Seneca fall to one another in a war of lies and misdirection.
Alex Solovy and Caleb Marano stand accused of terrorism and murder. In a desperate gambit to clear their names and find a way to defeat the invaders, they breach the dimensional portal at the heart of the Metis Nebula. In a strange, mystical realm where nothing is what it seems, they will uncover secrets about humanity’s past and future—and one revelation which will change everything.
When faced with its greatest challenge, will humanity rise to triumph or fall to ruin?
AURORA RISING is an epic tale of galaxy-spanning adventure, of the thrill of discovery and the unquenchable desire to reach ever farther into the unknown. It's a tale of humanity at its best and worst, of love and loss, of fear and heroism. It's the story of a woman who sought the stars and found more than anyone imagined possible.
The year is 2322 and humanity is under attack. An engineered war between rival superpowers escalates even as the shadowy Metigen armada begins attacking colonies on the frontiers of settled space.
Individuals from across the galaxy fight for their own survival and to protect those they hold dear, while a group of unlikely allies race to expose a secret cabal. As the aliens draw ever closer, leaving utter destruction and death in their wake, the strongest defenders of Earth and Seneca fall to one another in a war of lies and misdirection.
Alex Solovy and Caleb Marano stand accused of terrorism and murder. In a desperate gambit to clear their names and find a way to defeat the invaders, they breach the dimensional portal at the heart of the Metis Nebula. In a strange, mystical realm where nothing is what it seems, they will uncover secrets about humanity’s past and future—and one revelation which will change everything.
When faced with its greatest challenge, will humanity rise to triumph or fall to ruin?
AURORA RISING is an epic tale of galaxy-spanning adventure, of the thrill of discovery and the unquenchable desire to reach ever farther into the unknown. It's a tale of humanity at its best and worst, of love and loss, of fear and heroism. It's the story of a woman who sought the stars and found more than anyone imagined possible.
441 pages, ebook
First published September 25, 2014
310 people are currently reading
940 people want to read
About the author
G.S. Jennsen
52 books520 followersG. S. Jennsen is a speculative and science fiction author, as well as a futurist, geek, gamer, programmer and editor. She has become an internationally bestselling author since her first novel, Starshine, was published in March 2014. She has chosen to continue writing under an independent publishing model to ensure the integrity of her series and her ability to execute on the vision she’s had for it since its genesis.
While she has been a lawyer, a software engineer and an editor, she’s found the life of a full-time author preferable by several orders of magnitude.
When she isn’t writing, she’s gaming or working out or getting lost in the mountains that loom large outside the windows in her home. Or she’s dealing with a flooded basement, or standing in a line at Walmart reading the tabloid headlines and wondering who all of those people are. Or sitting on her back porch with a glass of wine, looking up at the stars, trying to figure out what could be up there.
While she has been a lawyer, a software engineer and an editor, she’s found the life of a full-time author preferable by several orders of magnitude.
When she isn’t writing, she’s gaming or working out or getting lost in the mountains that loom large outside the windows in her home. Or she’s dealing with a flooded basement, or standing in a line at Walmart reading the tabloid headlines and wondering who all of those people are. Or sitting on her back porch with a glass of wine, looking up at the stars, trying to figure out what could be up there.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
February 27, 2021
Another fantastic book in this series!
I started reading this book immediately after finishing Starshine, and unlike the first book, it took me no time at all to get caught up in the story. Vertigo picks up right where Starshine left off. Caleb and Alexis have gone through the portal seeking answers about the alien’s origins and hopefully some viable way to defeat them. In the meantime, the conspiracy which incited war between the Earth Alliance and the Senecan Federation is gradually being uncovered by intelligence agents from both governments. As they work to uncover the true reasons behind the second Crux war and hopefully put a stop to it, everyone’s focus continues to shift towards the approaching alien armada that seems content to obliterate all populated worlds in its path. I don’t want to give away any details of what happens in the story so if you want to know you’ll just have to read it; however, I will say this: it’s fantastically awesome and difficult to stop reading. The pace of the story has picked up and thing really don’t slow down at all throughout the course of the book. The only gutting thing is that the story ends abruptly when things were really exciting and you are left desperately waiting for the third book which isn’t published yet!
Overall this book was a fantastic second part to the series and it confirmed that I made the right call when I said that this series has become a favourite of mine out of all the books I’ve read this year. Alexis and Caleb are both excellent main characters and seeing them work together throughout the course of this book was awesome. Alexis also grew a lot in this part of the series (through some forced introspection) and seemed to finally be letting go of some of her trust issues (at least with Caleb). I still find it funny that Alexis is the one running around and doing the most to save humanity when she pretty much admits she can’t stand most people in the galaxy. A lot more of her good character shows through in this book and Caleb’s continual influence only seems to make that part of her stronger. I genuinely love both their characters and can’t wait to see what will happen in Transcendence, the final book in this fantastic trilogy. I’d recommend this book and the rest of the series if you’re looking for an epic science fiction read with action, aliens, romance, politics, suspense, a whole host of interesting and dynamic characters, and a level of detail fine enough to convince you it really is 2322 and you just missed the memo.
I started reading this book immediately after finishing Starshine, and unlike the first book, it took me no time at all to get caught up in the story. Vertigo picks up right where Starshine left off. Caleb and Alexis have gone through the portal seeking answers about the alien’s origins and hopefully some viable way to defeat them. In the meantime, the conspiracy which incited war between the Earth Alliance and the Senecan Federation is gradually being uncovered by intelligence agents from both governments. As they work to uncover the true reasons behind the second Crux war and hopefully put a stop to it, everyone’s focus continues to shift towards the approaching alien armada that seems content to obliterate all populated worlds in its path. I don’t want to give away any details of what happens in the story so if you want to know you’ll just have to read it; however, I will say this: it’s fantastically awesome and difficult to stop reading. The pace of the story has picked up and thing really don’t slow down at all throughout the course of the book. The only gutting thing is that the story ends abruptly when things were really exciting and you are left desperately waiting for the third book which isn’t published yet!
Overall this book was a fantastic second part to the series and it confirmed that I made the right call when I said that this series has become a favourite of mine out of all the books I’ve read this year. Alexis and Caleb are both excellent main characters and seeing them work together throughout the course of this book was awesome. Alexis also grew a lot in this part of the series (through some forced introspection) and seemed to finally be letting go of some of her trust issues (at least with Caleb). I still find it funny that Alexis is the one running around and doing the most to save humanity when she pretty much admits she can’t stand most people in the galaxy. A lot more of her good character shows through in this book and Caleb’s continual influence only seems to make that part of her stronger. I genuinely love both their characters and can’t wait to see what will happen in Transcendence, the final book in this fantastic trilogy. I’d recommend this book and the rest of the series if you’re looking for an epic science fiction read with action, aliens, romance, politics, suspense, a whole host of interesting and dynamic characters, and a level of detail fine enough to convince you it really is 2322 and you just missed the memo.
June 30, 2023
An okay Military Sci-Fi space opera offering with a touch of well done romance.
Good writing, interesting ideas, good plot. Recommended.
Good writing, interesting ideas, good plot. Recommended.
December 15, 2014
5 stars: Another outstanding read by Jennsen. Is this space opera at this point? Don’t know, don’t care. I love the world she’s created and the multi-layered characters and subplots. I wanted to strangle her last night when I finished this book and had no book three to dive into. She goes farther than I expected in book two and pulled it off beautifully. Looking forward to book three.
March 23, 2018
4.5 Stars
Vertigo, Aurora Rising #2 by G.S. Jennesen is a fantastic science fiction thriller with a tiny twist of romance. Great characters, cool science and an amazing heroine make this story work. I was so intrigued by the spaceship Siyane that I really hope it is even more of a feature in the later books. The second book was no let down. The additional backstory of our heroes was very welcome.
Loved it
Vertigo, Aurora Rising #2 by G.S. Jennesen is a fantastic science fiction thriller with a tiny twist of romance. Great characters, cool science and an amazing heroine make this story work. I was so intrigued by the spaceship Siyane that I really hope it is even more of a feature in the later books. The second book was no let down. The additional backstory of our heroes was very welcome.
Loved it
June 4, 2015
Too often, 2nd books in trilogies suffer the "sophomore syndrome" in which they are little more than plot bridges connecting the world building introduction (1st book) and the climactic conclusion (3rd book). Because of this, many authors use it as a filler tool--expanding on the world they've created, the people/cultures populating it, and providing some additional tidbits on why we should care--rather than an integral plot driving mechanism.
I was so very pleased to discover that Vertigo was not relegated to such a fate. It continues the adventure from the get go, much in the way that gives you the impression you've merely turned the page and started a new chapter than a whole other book.
Foreshadowing abounds, giving fodder to a multitude of plot permutations that effectively eliminates the use of the word 'predictable' when describing this series so far (except for Caleb, but come on! How could you not?!). Who knows what the final installment will bring with all the little jems Jennsen's left lying around everywhere? None of it not on purpose if I might hazard a guess...
The science is heavy and can be cumbersome (only to people who hate science-heathens!), but like with Peter Hamilton's books, (which are quite similar and wouldn't be surprising if he was an inspiration) much of it can be glossed over if needed (heathen!). Real or made-up, the theories hold continuity and it's easy to assume a fair amount of research went into reporting the known or extrapolating the theoretical possibilities of physics we haven't yet discovered. I particularly revel in the Asimov-ish or for you youngins Kaku-esque ability Jennsen has to illustrate future technology that is actually relatable and useable so much so one would find it surprising if forms of it didn't become available in the near-far future. (remember, Asimov was scifi-ing cell phones and tablets during a time when mainframes took up entire buildings and only processed a fraction of the data a mp3 player does today!)
Please note that it did not actually take three months to read this. This book kept falling through the cracks of work and editing deadlines (hobby fyi, don't get excited) in addition to going missing twice and being lent out once. The important thing to notice is that it kept getting picked up and eventually finished because it was compelling. There have been many (many, many) other titles that have suffered the same hardship, but never made it to the end.
I was so very pleased to discover that Vertigo was not relegated to such a fate. It continues the adventure from the get go, much in the way that gives you the impression you've merely turned the page and started a new chapter than a whole other book.
Foreshadowing abounds, giving fodder to a multitude of plot permutations that effectively eliminates the use of the word 'predictable' when describing this series so far (except for Caleb, but come on! How could you not?!). Who knows what the final installment will bring with all the little jems Jennsen's left lying around everywhere? None of it not on purpose if I might hazard a guess...
The science is heavy and can be cumbersome (only to people who hate science-heathens!), but like with Peter Hamilton's books, (which are quite similar and wouldn't be surprising if he was an inspiration) much of it can be glossed over if needed (heathen!). Real or made-up, the theories hold continuity and it's easy to assume a fair amount of research went into reporting the known or extrapolating the theoretical possibilities of physics we haven't yet discovered. I particularly revel in the Asimov-ish or for you youngins Kaku-esque ability Jennsen has to illustrate future technology that is actually relatable and useable so much so one would find it surprising if forms of it didn't become available in the near-far future. (remember, Asimov was scifi-ing cell phones and tablets during a time when mainframes took up entire buildings and only processed a fraction of the data a mp3 player does today!)
Please note that it did not actually take three months to read this. This book kept falling through the cracks of work and editing deadlines (hobby fyi, don't get excited) in addition to going missing twice and being lent out once. The important thing to notice is that it kept getting picked up and eventually finished because it was compelling. There have been many (many, many) other titles that have suffered the same hardship, but never made it to the end.
February 13, 2015
I'm going to be totally honest here: After reading the first book in this series, I wasn't sure I was going to like the sequel. Starshine was a decent book, but I had some major misgivings with certain aspects of the writing and wasn't sure it was really my cup of tea. Despite that, the story and main characters were compelling enough that I wanted to keep reading, so I bought Vertigo. I'm so glad that I did, because within twenty pages, G.S. Jennsen converted this reluctant reader into a die-hard fan.
The story hooks you from the first page, and before I knew it, I was completely immersed in Jennsen's universe. New questions are raised as fast as old ones are answered, which made me eager to keep reading and find out more. The action will keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what happens next. Many of the characters we met in the first book appear again here, but they each seem to have a much more distinctive voice and role in the story, which makes it easier to keep track of them all. The continued development of certain secondary characters from the first book is especially good here, and I particularly loved how Jennsen wrote Miriam Solovy's character in this book. I didn't really care for her in Starshine and felt very detached from her, but that completely turned around here in Vertigo as we see her open up more and become a major driving force in the larger events of the story. She's easily one of my favorite characters in the story at this point. The author's take on invading aliens was interesting and unique. More importantly, I found their motives and reasoning believable, which is something I always have an issue with in stories like this. Overall, I was very impressed by this book and the way Jennsen seems to have improved from the first one. If you're anything like me, the last few paragraphs of Vertigo will leave you eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
The story hooks you from the first page, and before I knew it, I was completely immersed in Jennsen's universe. New questions are raised as fast as old ones are answered, which made me eager to keep reading and find out more. The action will keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what happens next. Many of the characters we met in the first book appear again here, but they each seem to have a much more distinctive voice and role in the story, which makes it easier to keep track of them all. The continued development of certain secondary characters from the first book is especially good here, and I particularly loved how Jennsen wrote Miriam Solovy's character in this book. I didn't really care for her in Starshine and felt very detached from her, but that completely turned around here in Vertigo as we see her open up more and become a major driving force in the larger events of the story. She's easily one of my favorite characters in the story at this point. The author's take on invading aliens was interesting and unique. More importantly, I found their motives and reasoning believable, which is something I always have an issue with in stories like this. Overall, I was very impressed by this book and the way Jennsen seems to have improved from the first one. If you're anything like me, the last few paragraphs of Vertigo will leave you eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
January 20, 2015
If you love Sci-Fi and space, aliens and space, strong character development and space then you will love this book!! My advice is to read Starshine first. There are a lot of characters in this series. My favorite characters are Alex Solovy and Kennedy Rossi. I am a computer analyst. It was fun reading about two brilliant and strong minded women who are technology geniuses. Miriam Solovy is brilliant in her own way as well. She takes no mercy and will throw whatever crap you send her way back in your face in the most masterminded political way!!
September 30, 2014
I thought I loved the first book, and then I read this one and I can't decide which I liked better. Becase . . . Caleb.
Jennsen took me by surprise, yet again, and all the characters that I loved in Starshine showed up again with perfect consistency in this book. It's just a great escapist read and makes me want space exploration. The intricate plot is impressively even from the previous book as well. Much respect to the author.
Jennsen took me by surprise, yet again, and all the characters that I loved in Starshine showed up again with perfect consistency in this book. It's just a great escapist read and makes me want space exploration. The intricate plot is impressively even from the previous book as well. Much respect to the author.
January 26, 2020
Alexis Solovy and her lover, Caleb Marano, are on the run as they stand accused of murder and terrorism, but they have bigger problems as they attempt to cross an interdimensional portal to uncover the truth behind a massive alien invasion. The second book in the Aurora Rising series takes up where Book One ends, filled with non-stop action, heroism, and betrayals. There’s a large cast of characters, and Ms. Jennsen deftly handles multiple character arcs, romances, and deepening backstory for our favorites. I love the world she’s created and can’t wait to read Book Three.
August 24, 2016
It has been a while since I read the first book of this series, but I remember that it was at least decent, maybe even pretty good.
However, this second book is rather dissappointing. It is always hard to figure out what exactly makes me dislike a book, but here are some of the factors that played a role:
* Several times, characters are introduced over several pages only to be killed without ever having played any role at all.
* The description of science is rather painful. It often feels as if the author randomly picked words from the index of a physics textbook and then arranged them into grammatical sentences. Now, I can perfectly accept a SF novel that doesn't explain any of the future technologies, but if (like in this case) the book attempts to be scientific, it should at least remotely make sense. If you have taken e.g. an introductory undergraduate physics course, be prepared for a lot of pain. Here's an example: one of the protagonists looks at her watch, sees that it runs "faster", and concludes that time in their region of space must be passing more quickly.
* The extent of the main protagonists skills compared to anyone else is just not believable (think someone running into a military repair bay and showing the technicians how to fix a nuclear reactor, or grabbing an advanced alien device and integrating it into your ship in a few hours).
* The development of the relationship between Alex and her mother is rather predictable.
That said, I think that even if the above points were all fixed, the book would still not really excite me. Somehow the book just doesn't get me to care very much about what's happening.
On the plus side, the story arc with Richard and his partner was very well written and quite believable.
However, this second book is rather dissappointing. It is always hard to figure out what exactly makes me dislike a book, but here are some of the factors that played a role:
* Several times, characters are introduced over several pages only to be killed without ever having played any role at all.
* The description of science is rather painful. It often feels as if the author randomly picked words from the index of a physics textbook and then arranged them into grammatical sentences. Now, I can perfectly accept a SF novel that doesn't explain any of the future technologies, but if (like in this case) the book attempts to be scientific, it should at least remotely make sense. If you have taken e.g. an introductory undergraduate physics course, be prepared for a lot of pain. Here's an example: one of the protagonists looks at her watch, sees that it runs "faster", and concludes that time in their region of space must be passing more quickly.
* The extent of the main protagonists skills compared to anyone else is just not believable (think someone running into a military repair bay and showing the technicians how to fix a nuclear reactor, or grabbing an advanced alien device and integrating it into your ship in a few hours).
* The development of the relationship between Alex and her mother is rather predictable.
That said, I think that even if the above points were all fixed, the book would still not really excite me. Somehow the book just doesn't get me to care very much about what's happening.
On the plus side, the story arc with Richard and his partner was very well written and quite believable.
March 25, 2015
WOW I really don't know where to start. I had read Book 1 in the series last year and it was really special I did the audiobook by the way and Pyper Down was also a great story teller. Anyway I had been waiting for the a.b. to come out on Vertigo, I spend a lot of time driving daily So I have to plan my audiobooks carefully and after years of this I can't waste listening time on something with a poor story or narrator. This book is so far above the mark on both of these points. It's one of those books that you start getting anxious and sad as you see you are coming to the end, you just want to spend more time with it. I am a big space opera fan and this is up there with the best. I have seen others say it is a military sci fi. I don't agree with that at all, I read military sci fi books frequently and this just doesn't fit. This book has quit a few parts that are so original and to me memorable. connections made to the first book and between characters that are now revealed/explained, back stories that she mentions in first book and now fills in details that it really made the characters whole. I am going to have to change all my top 10 best of lists, I really thought I guess I would not ever have to do. Thanks for the memories Ms. Jennsen and I can't wait for the audiobook to Transcendence
January 26, 2018
The Metigens Are Here
This book was awesome! I got mad every time I had to put it down.
OK...what I loved-Alex and Caleb's ingenuity, passion and daring. I dare say that without them humanity would be up a creek. I loved Richard and Will's story, loved how things progressed when certain truths came out. Loved the writing, dialogue, description and again, Jennsen's grasp of quantum computing, physics and the potential for mankind, future AI and the realities of the human condition.
What I liked-Kennedy finally gets a better role to play, as it where. We get to see a woman who, while wealthy and entitled, can survive insurmountable odds and not fall apart like so many female characters are written to do.
What I didn't like-not sure...I'll have to get back to you on that one.
As soon as I publish this review, I'm heading over to read Transcendence, because the fun doesn't stop here.
This book was awesome! I got mad every time I had to put it down.
OK...what I loved-Alex and Caleb's ingenuity, passion and daring. I dare say that without them humanity would be up a creek. I loved Richard and Will's story, loved how things progressed when certain truths came out. Loved the writing, dialogue, description and again, Jennsen's grasp of quantum computing, physics and the potential for mankind, future AI and the realities of the human condition.
What I liked-Kennedy finally gets a better role to play, as it where. We get to see a woman who, while wealthy and entitled, can survive insurmountable odds and not fall apart like so many female characters are written to do.
What I didn't like-not sure...I'll have to get back to you on that one.
As soon as I publish this review, I'm heading over to read Transcendence, because the fun doesn't stop here.
January 31, 2016
After a slow start in the first book (which was needed for the world building and set up of the story), I'm really getting into this series now. Very good writing - action, emotional at times, great characters.
September 27, 2014
An excellent continuation of an amazing story.
November 11, 2021
"aliens attacking humankind" for sure isn't my favourite sci-fi trope, but i still really had fun with this book! space opera adventures, political drama, espionage, crime bosses reluctantly pitching in to save humanity - a great sequel to the first part. while i wasn't sold on the main love story back then, i must say they've kinda got me now. the bit with the dragon (???) was wild though. looking forward to reading the next part of the series!!! it does certainly make for a good time.
May 14, 2019
Good storytelling
Started a little slow but picked. I am no working my way through the series and enjoying it thoroughly. Ms Jennsen is on my “authors I buy” list
Started a little slow but picked. I am no working my way through the series and enjoying it thoroughly. Ms Jennsen is on my “authors I buy” list
March 5, 2019
Soooo good to binge this series. The reread is as good as the first read. Maybe even better.
January 29, 2016
Off the top of my head, I can only think of 4 or 5 franchises where sequels – second installments in particular – are actually better than their predecessors. When you’re the author of a series, you always hope that your sequel will turn out better than your first book.
G.S. Jennsen has done it.
While I still enjoyed Starshine immensely, I was one of “those” people who thought it started out a bit slow. It was all relevant background information that the reader needed to know in order to understand the plot and setting, but it made it a little hard for me to get sucked in at first. This was certainly not the case with Vertigo. With all of this information already set up, the story could get going right away. And that’s exactly what it did.
The plot started out fast and it didn’t slow down – I was engaged the entire time. The characters felt like old friends I was getting reacquainted with, and I love that we got a chance to dig deeper into the lives of people who only played small roles in the first story. As with Starshine, the worldbuilding and descriptions of the futuristic environments were very well-done; I always felt like I was right there interacting with the characters. The plot structure is pure genius. Questions are answered and information is revealed in such a way that I was left wanting more after almost every chapter. On that note, I personally was pleased that the chapters were shorter than the ones in Starshine. It made it easier to come to stopping points, but it also made it easier to say “one……more….. chapter…..” and keep reading when I should have been doing other things ;)
I’m definitely strapped in for the ride that is the Aurora Rising trilogy. These are memorable stories with memorable characters and I can’t wait for Book 3!
G.S. Jennsen has done it.
While I still enjoyed Starshine immensely, I was one of “those” people who thought it started out a bit slow. It was all relevant background information that the reader needed to know in order to understand the plot and setting, but it made it a little hard for me to get sucked in at first. This was certainly not the case with Vertigo. With all of this information already set up, the story could get going right away. And that’s exactly what it did.
The plot started out fast and it didn’t slow down – I was engaged the entire time. The characters felt like old friends I was getting reacquainted with, and I love that we got a chance to dig deeper into the lives of people who only played small roles in the first story. As with Starshine, the worldbuilding and descriptions of the futuristic environments were very well-done; I always felt like I was right there interacting with the characters. The plot structure is pure genius. Questions are answered and information is revealed in such a way that I was left wanting more after almost every chapter. On that note, I personally was pleased that the chapters were shorter than the ones in Starshine. It made it easier to come to stopping points, but it also made it easier to say “one……more….. chapter…..” and keep reading when I should have been doing other things ;)
I’m definitely strapped in for the ride that is the Aurora Rising trilogy. These are memorable stories with memorable characters and I can’t wait for Book 3!
February 17, 2016
If you just finished Starshine and are on the fence about continuing the series, READ VERTIGO!
There were some aspects of Starshine that people struggled with. It was a bit slow at the start, there were too many characters to keep straight, and there was too much information being thrown at you. These are not things that I had a probem with, but I can understand why others did. If you are in this boat, I assure you that Vertigo lacks these problems!
Vertigo benefits from Starshine having already established the main characters and the main bulk of world building. Vertigo introduces some new characters and settings, but at a much more manageable pace. In addition, Vertigo is able to proceed at a much faster and more stable pace than its predecessor.
The new storylines explored in Vertigo are amazing! The growth of Miriam as a character is fantastic, she quickly became a favorite. Kennedy, Richard, and Will also get more of a spotlight and they arefantastically written. It is also awesome to follow Olivia in her deadly exploits! You are never sure what she is going to do next, but you can be sure it will cost a few lives!
The Alex/Caleb storyline also moves at a good pace alongside the rest of the characters. You really get to dive into the mystery and intrigue of the universe Jennsen has created (I just realized the irony of that statement, all things considered). We get to start to see what is on the other side of the curtain, and the alien thought process is as foriegn as one can expect!
All in all, read the frakking book!
There were some aspects of Starshine that people struggled with. It was a bit slow at the start, there were too many characters to keep straight, and there was too much information being thrown at you. These are not things that I had a probem with, but I can understand why others did. If you are in this boat, I assure you that Vertigo lacks these problems!
Vertigo benefits from Starshine having already established the main characters and the main bulk of world building. Vertigo introduces some new characters and settings, but at a much more manageable pace. In addition, Vertigo is able to proceed at a much faster and more stable pace than its predecessor.
The new storylines explored in Vertigo are amazing! The growth of Miriam as a character is fantastic, she quickly became a favorite. Kennedy, Richard, and Will also get more of a spotlight and they arefantastically written. It is also awesome to follow Olivia in her deadly exploits! You are never sure what she is going to do next, but you can be sure it will cost a few lives!
The Alex/Caleb storyline also moves at a good pace alongside the rest of the characters. You really get to dive into the mystery and intrigue of the universe Jennsen has created (I just realized the irony of that statement, all things considered). We get to start to see what is on the other side of the curtain, and the alien thought process is as foriegn as one can expect!
All in all, read the frakking book!
January 2, 2018
This book had the same issues that the first book in the series did, it's really boring and there is no suspense whatsoever.
Let me give an example, towards the end of the book, our two romantic protagonists make a series of discoveries about their enemies, and then take a couple of actions that will have ramifications towards the war between the humans and the aliens. That part is interesting. This is followed by a chapter that describes a warroom style meeting between the higher ups about what course they should take with the aliens, should they continue to fight, or should they let the aliens retreat while the humans follow their demands for doing so. There is an ENTIRE chapter of this conversation, all the while the reader is aware of the fact that the aliens no longer have any leverage to make demands. The warroom finds out about this with ten pages left in the book. So why did Jennsen make us read an entire chapter of moot debate, debate that the reader knows means nothing, and will be immediately forgotten by the characters?
The whole novel is full of instances such as this, and it makes for a super boring read. I am glad the next installment of this series hasn't been released yet, so I can pry myself from this endless cycle of continuing reading just to find out what happens.
See ya later, Aurora Rising series, I tried, but you were just way, WAY too boring. WAY too boring!
Let me give an example, towards the end of the book, our two romantic protagonists make a series of discoveries about their enemies, and then take a couple of actions that will have ramifications towards the war between the humans and the aliens. That part is interesting. This is followed by a chapter that describes a warroom style meeting between the higher ups about what course they should take with the aliens, should they continue to fight, or should they let the aliens retreat while the humans follow their demands for doing so. There is an ENTIRE chapter of this conversation, all the while the reader is aware of the fact that the aliens no longer have any leverage to make demands. The warroom finds out about this with ten pages left in the book. So why did Jennsen make us read an entire chapter of moot debate, debate that the reader knows means nothing, and will be immediately forgotten by the characters?
The whole novel is full of instances such as this, and it makes for a super boring read. I am glad the next installment of this series hasn't been released yet, so I can pry myself from this endless cycle of continuing reading just to find out what happens.
See ya later, Aurora Rising series, I tried, but you were just way, WAY too boring. WAY too boring!
November 2, 2015
Alice and her discoveries at the bottom of that rabbit hole are utterly eclipsed by everything Alex and Caleb discover after transiting that mysterious portal in the Meltis nebula. Deep in another universe (or have they moved into another dimension?) lies a shrouded duplicate of Earth which, except for several fire-breathing red dragons and a couple of ethereal immortals, appears completely uninhabited.
The role of those dragons is a tribute to Ms Jennsen’s skill as a writer whilst the immortals clearly have differing views about the future of humanity and the Artificial Intelligence controlling the alien battle fleets invading ‘our’ galaxy.
Despite the ensuing violence it takes a predictable amount of time before the underlying reason for the war between the Earth Alliance and the Senecan Federation is recognised for what it is – and ended.
Something tells me the belated development of galactic Artificial Intelligence capabilities (plus a suspected schism between those ethereal immortals) will be a critical factor in ‘Transcendence’, the final part of this skilfully written trilogy.
As other reviewers have commented, the number of dramatis personae is large and can sometimes be slightly confusing. But, of course, Ms Jennsen’s canvas is vastly more complex – and challenging – than our own trivial galaxy…
The role of those dragons is a tribute to Ms Jennsen’s skill as a writer whilst the immortals clearly have differing views about the future of humanity and the Artificial Intelligence controlling the alien battle fleets invading ‘our’ galaxy.
Despite the ensuing violence it takes a predictable amount of time before the underlying reason for the war between the Earth Alliance and the Senecan Federation is recognised for what it is – and ended.
Something tells me the belated development of galactic Artificial Intelligence capabilities (plus a suspected schism between those ethereal immortals) will be a critical factor in ‘Transcendence’, the final part of this skilfully written trilogy.
As other reviewers have commented, the number of dramatis personae is large and can sometimes be slightly confusing. But, of course, Ms Jennsen’s canvas is vastly more complex – and challenging – than our own trivial galaxy…
June 12, 2015
This is an exciting and fun book, and I highly recommend this series.
Vertigo has a much more traditional science-fiction feel than the first, though the mystery and romance are still present. Set in a wartime environment, the author creates a believable feeling of dread as the characters are put in increasing peril. I really love the characters that Jennsen creatures; I care about them, so much in one part I was mentally shouting at the book. (Maybe even out loud; you’d have to ask my cats.) The book slows down in the middle for a delightfully sci-fi exploration of the human experience, and then picks back up at the end for a page-turning finish. So page-turning I refused to go to bed until I had at least read a few chapters of the next book in the series.
In the spirit of classic sci-fi, this book combines technology, exploration, and the quest to understand humanity. It also includes action, adventure, military drama, spy drama, mystery, and romance. If you like any combination of those things, you’d love not just Vertigo, but the whole Aurora Rising trilogy.
Vertigo has a much more traditional science-fiction feel than the first, though the mystery and romance are still present. Set in a wartime environment, the author creates a believable feeling of dread as the characters are put in increasing peril. I really love the characters that Jennsen creatures; I care about them, so much in one part I was mentally shouting at the book. (Maybe even out loud; you’d have to ask my cats.) The book slows down in the middle for a delightfully sci-fi exploration of the human experience, and then picks back up at the end for a page-turning finish. So page-turning I refused to go to bed until I had at least read a few chapters of the next book in the series.
In the spirit of classic sci-fi, this book combines technology, exploration, and the quest to understand humanity. It also includes action, adventure, military drama, spy drama, mystery, and romance. If you like any combination of those things, you’d love not just Vertigo, but the whole Aurora Rising trilogy.
December 4, 2015
A Surprise at Every Turn
The heroine, however reluctant, continues to make leaps of intuition and logic in her efforts to save humanity and begins to understand her mother, which in my opinion is a prodigious feat in itself. Growing up with mine then living and caring for her as an adult, I learned that understanding wasn't necessary. Her experiences shaped her as min did me. We weren't the same and never would be. Alex received that gift while her mother was alive and that to me was one of the more inspiring emotions that kept me reading.
Humanity coming together at last, after another pointless war came a close second. I'm hoping that it doesn't take us as long and we leave war in our past and don't carry it with us to the stars. But a novel has to have conflict and this one was more inspiring than just the BEM's are aggressive and conflict the only solution. The author hints at the mother conflict, in that our understanding is incomplete especially as it regards a different species.
I can't wait to start the next book.
The heroine, however reluctant, continues to make leaps of intuition and logic in her efforts to save humanity and begins to understand her mother, which in my opinion is a prodigious feat in itself. Growing up with mine then living and caring for her as an adult, I learned that understanding wasn't necessary. Her experiences shaped her as min did me. We weren't the same and never would be. Alex received that gift while her mother was alive and that to me was one of the more inspiring emotions that kept me reading.
Humanity coming together at last, after another pointless war came a close second. I'm hoping that it doesn't take us as long and we leave war in our past and don't carry it with us to the stars. But a novel has to have conflict and this one was more inspiring than just the BEM's are aggressive and conflict the only solution. The author hints at the mother conflict, in that our understanding is incomplete especially as it regards a different species.
I can't wait to start the next book.
January 28, 2016
I'll admit Vertigo didn't get to me as fast as Starshine did; it took a while to go back into this universe. But when I did, it instantly reminded me of why I fell in love with the series in the first place. It amazes me how so many characters can be so extremely well developed. They all feel real. They're all interesting. And most impressively, despite how many there are, it always feels like we spent enough time with each one to understand them. Yet it still feels like we didn't get enough and can't wait to know more. The plot is still intriguing and the way everything connects sooner or later is really rewarding. The world-building, which was one of the most impressive things from the first book, does not slow down.
On a side note (but a very important one), I'll say this series contains one of the most interesting, diverse, entertaining and intriguing cast of female characters I've ever read. And none of them is a stereotype.
I can't wait to get to the next one.
On a side note (but a very important one), I'll say this series contains one of the most interesting, diverse, entertaining and intriguing cast of female characters I've ever read. And none of them is a stereotype.
I can't wait to get to the next one.
April 16, 2015
I only took so long to read the book because my brain stopped functioning well enough to follow multiple plot lines. Once again, I found myself loving so many of these characters. I was cheering, laughing, crying, and yelling at different points in the story. The science doesn't get so involved that you are lost in the technical jargon (although I admit to a newfound interest in qubits), and the science definitely never overshadows that amazing backdrop of story and characters. I particularly love watching Caleb and Alex as well as Richard deal with their various situations. I cannot wait to read book three.
November 5, 2014
It took me a little while to get through this book as there is a significant number of characters and a lot going on! While it was a minor challenge to piece it all together, it was well worth it as the author has created a wonderful universe complete with business, politics, armies, and a string of bad guys. And that doesn't even include the aliens. I enjoyed the scope of the story and the world building. By the end of the book, things were getting really interesting. I love the two main characters, Caleb and Alex and I cannot wait to find out what happens in the next book.
January 3, 2015
The story was great, though I feel like the action slowed down a bit in the middle. It's okay though, because things really kicked into gear during the last 20% of the book. I'm excited to see what will happen. That O'Connell guy really ticks me off! I can't wait to read the next installment.
April 13, 2015
Much better than the first book, mostly because the events are more focused now and when it hopped to other characters it progressed the main conflict more clearly.
June 30, 2015
Another fantastic book in the Aurora Rising trilogy. This book was as good if not better than the first, showcasing mankind makeing hard choices in the face of a annihilation.
October 8, 2015
A good fun soft-sf romp. A good sequel to the previous book, continuing the story of the Aurora Rising trilogy.
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