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Dark Sky #0.5
Smoke Sky
To survive in a horrific world overseen by bloodthirsty monsters, young thief Gemma will do whatever she must to see another day. Even though that means working for a damaged man convinced to make her a permanent member of this thuggish family.
So when her employer tells her that he’ll release her from his clutches, Gemma is obviously skeptical. Especially since the job is easy enough– recruit the two marauders that the gang has been spying on to take her place.
But as Gemma lies to Nash and Sawyer, she commits the greatest mistake a spy can make–– she begins to see them as friends, and perhaps more. Soon, she will have to choose: Sacrifice two strangers to ensure freedom from a brutal future, or risk her life to save them…
Set two years before the events of CRIMSON SKY, this prequel novella tells the story of how Gemma met Nash and Sawyer, and what prompted her to chose their safety over her own. While best enjoyed before reading CRIMSON SKY, this bonus story can be read at any time or enjoyed as a standalone.
So when her employer tells her that he’ll release her from his clutches, Gemma is obviously skeptical. Especially since the job is easy enough– recruit the two marauders that the gang has been spying on to take her place.
But as Gemma lies to Nash and Sawyer, she commits the greatest mistake a spy can make–– she begins to see them as friends, and perhaps more. Soon, she will have to choose: Sacrifice two strangers to ensure freedom from a brutal future, or risk her life to save them…
Set two years before the events of CRIMSON SKY, this prequel novella tells the story of how Gemma met Nash and Sawyer, and what prompted her to chose their safety over her own. While best enjoyed before reading CRIMSON SKY, this bonus story can be read at any time or enjoyed as a standalone.
142 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2016
1 person is currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Amy Braun
36 books349 followersAmy is a Canadian urban fantasy and horror author. Her work revolves around monsters, magic, mythology, and mayhem. She started writing in her early teens, and never stopped. She loves building unique worlds filled with fun characters and intense action.
When she isn’t writing, she’s reading, watching movies, taking photos, gaming, struggling with chocoholism and ice cream addiction, and diving headfirst into danger in Dungeons & Dragons campaigns. Amy can be found online on Facebook (www.facebook.com/amybraunauthor/) Twitter (@amybraunauthor) and Instagram (@amybraunauthor)
When she isn’t writing, she’s reading, watching movies, taking photos, gaming, struggling with chocoholism and ice cream addiction, and diving headfirst into danger in Dungeons & Dragons campaigns. Amy can be found online on Facebook (www.facebook.com/amybraunauthor/) Twitter (@amybraunauthor) and Instagram (@amybraunauthor)
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 10, 2016
Everyone has a past. In a time when monsters hover in the sky, just waiting for the blood of their next victim, Gemma, young and alone was desperate for a sense of belonging. What she found was a twisted “family” of thieves and murderers who used her for her skills as a thief and treated her like the insignificant creature. She wants out, period and when offered her freedom, she jumps at the chance. Her job, bring the two marauders to her “father” to be indoctrinated into his family and she can go free.
What Gemma didn’t expect was that she would find friendship and possibly more in Nash and Sawyer. Had she found a measure of happiness and a sense of belonging with two honorable men, only to betray them in the vilest of ways? Can Gemma truly be that cruel? Doesn’t it make her exactly like the “family” she is trying to get away from? The deed is done, but can Gemma live with herself knowing what they will face?
Amy Braun has given us a taste of Gemma’s past, of how she became part of the world of the marauders. SMOKE SKY is Gemma’s coming of age, of learning what real loyalty was and even the feeling of being special to someone, in other words, she learned how to feel pride and self-worth, something lacking in the dark world of the Dark Sky series.
Once again, Amy Braun lights up the reading world with a tale that will pull readers in with her detailed scenes, ominous atmosphere and life-like characters. Sit back and fall into this world and discover what made Gemma the young woman she is.
I received an ARC edition from Amy Braun in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Dark Sky - Prequel - Book .5
Publisher: Amy Braun (December 6, 2016)
Publication Date: December 6, 2016
Genre: YA Steampunk | Fantasy
Print Length: 133 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
What Gemma didn’t expect was that she would find friendship and possibly more in Nash and Sawyer. Had she found a measure of happiness and a sense of belonging with two honorable men, only to betray them in the vilest of ways? Can Gemma truly be that cruel? Doesn’t it make her exactly like the “family” she is trying to get away from? The deed is done, but can Gemma live with herself knowing what they will face?
Amy Braun has given us a taste of Gemma’s past, of how she became part of the world of the marauders. SMOKE SKY is Gemma’s coming of age, of learning what real loyalty was and even the feeling of being special to someone, in other words, she learned how to feel pride and self-worth, something lacking in the dark world of the Dark Sky series.
Once again, Amy Braun lights up the reading world with a tale that will pull readers in with her detailed scenes, ominous atmosphere and life-like characters. Sit back and fall into this world and discover what made Gemma the young woman she is.
I received an ARC edition from Amy Braun in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Dark Sky - Prequel - Book .5
Publisher: Amy Braun (December 6, 2016)
Publication Date: December 6, 2016
Genre: YA Steampunk | Fantasy
Print Length: 133 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
December 10, 2016
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
"I was good at lying to people. I was even better at lying to myself."
Ever since I found out that there were going to be novellas about the characters from the Dark Sky series, I was absolutely stoked.
This novella follows a character that I've been super curious to dig further into since I first met her. Her name is Gemma and I always admired how she could find a silver lining in this tragic world Amy has thought up. I won't mention what that silver lining is because I would be spoiling you but let's just say, I hope I can encounter it as well some day.
Amway, Gemma is a badass fighter whose story was dark, gritty, rich, and captivating. Just like it was Amy's favorite story to write, it was my favorite to read. (Second to Path of the Horseman, of course.) I found myself forming a personal connection to her without expecting to do so and it made me appreciate the story even more than I already wad. Her heart and mind were so similar to mine that I couldn't help but cry whenever she said or did certain things. I took some of the things that she went through personally and it sparked a lot of anger and hatred within me whenever I witnessed such injustices. Gemma's past is more than grim and there were two particular scenes in this novella that had me weeping like a baby without comfort.
We get to witness her first encounter with Sawyer and Nash and it was more than satisfying. This book contained a lot of negativity but it also contained a lot of positive surprises. One of them being that I now officially have a crush on Nash!! This novella is making me want to reread the other books with my newfound crush in the front of my mind.
This is a story about a woman who had to fight for her freedom no matter who she had to mistreat in the process. I already admired these characters to begin with but this novella multiplied that admiration time and time again.
I absolutely loved Amy's detailing of this world, especially when she speaks of machinery. It made me wish I were an expert in it. The ending to this was so perfect that I felt cheated. I wanted more and Gemma has now become one of my absolute favorite female characters ever.
"I was good at lying to people. I was even better at lying to myself."
Ever since I found out that there were going to be novellas about the characters from the Dark Sky series, I was absolutely stoked.
This novella follows a character that I've been super curious to dig further into since I first met her. Her name is Gemma and I always admired how she could find a silver lining in this tragic world Amy has thought up. I won't mention what that silver lining is because I would be spoiling you but let's just say, I hope I can encounter it as well some day.
Amway, Gemma is a badass fighter whose story was dark, gritty, rich, and captivating. Just like it was Amy's favorite story to write, it was my favorite to read. (Second to Path of the Horseman, of course.) I found myself forming a personal connection to her without expecting to do so and it made me appreciate the story even more than I already wad. Her heart and mind were so similar to mine that I couldn't help but cry whenever she said or did certain things. I took some of the things that she went through personally and it sparked a lot of anger and hatred within me whenever I witnessed such injustices. Gemma's past is more than grim and there were two particular scenes in this novella that had me weeping like a baby without comfort.
We get to witness her first encounter with Sawyer and Nash and it was more than satisfying. This book contained a lot of negativity but it also contained a lot of positive surprises. One of them being that I now officially have a crush on Nash!! This novella is making me want to reread the other books with my newfound crush in the front of my mind.
This is a story about a woman who had to fight for her freedom no matter who she had to mistreat in the process. I already admired these characters to begin with but this novella multiplied that admiration time and time again.
I absolutely loved Amy's detailing of this world, especially when she speaks of machinery. It made me wish I were an expert in it. The ending to this was so perfect that I felt cheated. I wanted more and Gemma has now become one of my absolute favorite female characters ever.
November 25, 2020
If the rest of the series offers anything close to the fun time I had here, I'll be checking it out immediately.
Gemma was such a fun character, and I enjoyed going on this journey with her.
Gemma was such a fun character, and I enjoyed going on this journey with her.
December 8, 2016
To survive in a horrific world overseen by bloodthirsty monsters, young thief Gemma will do whatever she must to see another day. Even though that means working for a damaged man convinced to make her a permanent member of this thuggish family.
So when her employer tells her that he’ll release her from his clutches, Gemma is obviously skeptical. Especially since the job is easy enough– recruit the two marauders that the gang has been spying on to take her place.
But as Gemma lies to Nash and Sawyer, she commits the greatest mistake a spy can make–– she begins to see them as friends, and perhaps more. Soon, she will have to choose: Sacrifice two strangers to ensure freedom from a brutal future, or risk her life to save them…
Set two years before the events of CRIMSON SKY, this prequel novella tells the story of how Gemma met Nash and Sawyer, and what prompted her to chose their safety over her own. While best enjoyed before reading CRIMSON SKY, this bonus story can be read at any time or enjoyed as a standalone.
Rating: 4/5 Penguins
Quick Reasons: awesome action/adventure; Gemma is so snarky and strong-willed, I adore her; YAY to the Sawyer and Nash I fell in love with in Crimson Sky; fast-paced, quick read that starts you off in the middle of the action; I really enjoyed this novella
Huge thanks to Amy Braun for sending me a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review! This in no way altered my read of or opinions on this book.
"Gemma," Fletcher crooned. "You know better than to hurt your brother like that."
I was about to blurt my retort that Tyler was my brother like a spider was a brother to a fly, but held my tongue.
"Apologize to him."
My restraint didn't last long. "I'd rather kiss a Hellion."
So I'm sure you all remember, I read a different novella from this world-- Amber Sky --several months back, and felt overall disappointed in it. I am super excited to say, THIS novella?! set me back on track with this world, and made me fall back in love with Amy Braun.
These are much closer to the characters I grew to know and fall in love with in the two full novels in this series so far. In fact, this novella helped me fall back in love with Nash and Sawyer--their snark, their gentle caring, pretty much their everything shines through so beautifully in this read. Gemma, also, came to life for me--her snark and strong-willed character permeated every page. I really enjoyed watching her react to and change from the shift in the people she surrounded herself with. She makes some admittedly poor decisions...but she carries herself with such sass and strength, I found myself giggling through several very tense moments. Her inner voice is unique and well-crafted; I felt like I was literally seeing through her eyes.
He glanced at the bodies of the three Junkers who'd followed and attacked me. "Besides, it's not like these guys will give us trouble any more."
I would have berated him for his callousness, if I didn't hear the tinge of sadness to his voice. Sawyer was masking his pain. I knew all about masks.
"Yeah," I agreed. "When dead men start haggling you for trade, you know you're in serious shit."
The plot is fast-paced and full of action and adventure. There are plenty of fight scenes, heart-pounding moments, and Hellion battles. While there are still missing words, missing letters, and weirdly written sentences, I was so captivated by the story being woven around me that I was able to ignore the majority of these--they in no way hindered or slowed my reading progress. Amy Braun knows how to write detailed, finely-oiled action...and she did beautifully in this novella, holding me hostage until the very end. While this IS part of a larger arc, this can be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone--so if you're not sure you're ready to commit to such a wide-arcing story, maybe consider picking this up and getting a taste of the world first?
I am LOVING this series, and cannot wait for the third full-length novel to be released. I mean, it helps that these covers are SO super stunning--the steampunk theme is carried into the world-building. And who could possibly say no to pirates vs. vampires?! That's such a tempting pairing, I can't imagine any reader who'd snub their noses at these reads. I definitely recommend to lovers of science fiction/fantasy, steampunk, and creeptastic vampire/mosquito hybrids. Trust me--these books are a blast!
December 7, 2016
While I enjoyed Amber Sky, I might like Smoke Sky just a bit better. Gemma is a wonderful protagonist; Braun specializes in writing these badass, yet intensely human female characters. As always the action scenes are amazing, and I found myself holding my breath more than once.
The Hellions- particularly unlikable monsters who feed on humans- are super scary, but the human bad guys are worse. At least to me, the element of psychologically toying with their victims is especially unpleasant. Which makes Fletcher, the main bad guy, bad in a super-creepy sort of way. Fun!
Though I'm not a big fan of romance, I adored Gemma and Nash's burgeoning relationship. They seem extremely well-suited to each other, and his sweetness was the perfect way to meet her cautious vulnerability. I also enjoyed the verbal sparring between Gemma and Sawyer. These guys will make a great crew!
The story pulled me along so effectively, I read this in almost one sitting. Always a sign of a great read!
The Hellions- particularly unlikable monsters who feed on humans- are super scary, but the human bad guys are worse. At least to me, the element of psychologically toying with their victims is especially unpleasant. Which makes Fletcher, the main bad guy, bad in a super-creepy sort of way. Fun!
Though I'm not a big fan of romance, I adored Gemma and Nash's burgeoning relationship. They seem extremely well-suited to each other, and his sweetness was the perfect way to meet her cautious vulnerability. I also enjoyed the verbal sparring between Gemma and Sawyer. These guys will make a great crew!
The story pulled me along so effectively, I read this in almost one sitting. Always a sign of a great read!
December 5, 2016
Amy Braun has delivered another exciting tale about our favorite Dark Sky characters.
I really enjoyed seeing Gemma's back story. She is strong, but also has a good heart. I felt how torn she was between doing her job and doing the right thing, and also the pull that brought her and Nash together.
This book has betrayal, a little bit of romance, and some pretty nasty characters that you just want to hate. Great read for a stormy afternoon. I would recommend it to anyone who loves adventure, pirates and steampunk. Four stars for Smoke Sky!
I really enjoyed seeing Gemma's back story. She is strong, but also has a good heart. I felt how torn she was between doing her job and doing the right thing, and also the pull that brought her and Nash together.
This book has betrayal, a little bit of romance, and some pretty nasty characters that you just want to hate. Great read for a stormy afternoon. I would recommend it to anyone who loves adventure, pirates and steampunk. Four stars for Smoke Sky!
December 14, 2016
Smoke Sky takes the reader back a little by exploring the character of Gemma and how she came to be a part of the Marauder's clan. While reading the other books in the Dark Sky series, I was always a little curious about Gemma's story and why how she became connected with Sawyer and Nash.
Smoke Sky is action packed (no surprise there) and sheds light on Gemma's personality and why she's such a tough and strong character. Gemma has always been my favorite character and Smoke Sky gave me even more reason to keep that opinion going strong.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novella and will be looking forward to Obsidian Sky that will be releasing in the next few months! Thank you Amy for sharing another wonderful book with me!
Smoke Sky is action packed (no surprise there) and sheds light on Gemma's personality and why she's such a tough and strong character. Gemma has always been my favorite character and Smoke Sky gave me even more reason to keep that opinion going strong.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novella and will be looking forward to Obsidian Sky that will be releasing in the next few months! Thank you Amy for sharing another wonderful book with me!
December 23, 2016
Once again, the theme of freedom makes its appearance in the second
Dark Sky
novella, just that this isn't Nash or Sawyer's tale of freedom, but Gemma's.
4 stars
In this bleak world, Gemma has managed to find herself a “family”. However, it is one where love or warmth is not present and every member only looks out for themselves under the pretence of protecting one another. Gemma sought freedom from them, not wanting to do their budding and or having to live in fear of what they may do to her should she ever let her guard down.
Gemma may not be my favourite character in this series so far but I gotta admit, she's got spunk*. In the “family”, all members are expected to obey the head, Fletcher. However, Gemma isn't entirely subservient to him. She defines her own boundaries and will not hesitate to attempt to take down any member that crosses them.
She is later on given a mission, one she doesn't want to accept but cannot refuse as its reward is the one thing she so desperately seeks—freedom. And cue the emotional turmoil. There is indecision as she contemplates whether to tell the people she's supposed to “recruit” the true nature of her mission. There is guilt as she imagines how they might feel when she betrays them. There are feelings as she realises that she has come to care for them over the short period of time they have spent together.
The world building in this one is not as detailed as compared to the first novella—just a brief explanation of Hellions and some mentions of the Dauntless Wanderer and the Kendric family—as it's not necessary for the plot and even without, you can understand the novella just fine. However, we do get more fight scenes with the Hellions in action (cue the gore) and glimpse of life on the surface as the entire novella takes place above ground.
4 stars
In this bleak world, Gemma has managed to find herself a “family”. However, it is one where love or warmth is not present and every member only looks out for themselves under the pretence of protecting one another. Gemma sought freedom from them, not wanting to do their budding and or having to live in fear of what they may do to her should she ever let her guard down.
Gemma may not be my favourite character in this series so far but I gotta admit, she's got spunk*. In the “family”, all members are expected to obey the head, Fletcher. However, Gemma isn't entirely subservient to him. She defines her own boundaries and will not hesitate to attempt to take down any member that crosses them.
*according to the dictionary, this is apparently a British vulgar slang like O M G stop slaughtering the English language for me
She is later on given a mission, one she doesn't want to accept but cannot refuse as its reward is the one thing she so desperately seeks—freedom. And cue the emotional turmoil. There is indecision as she contemplates whether to tell the people she's supposed to “recruit” the true nature of her mission. There is guilt as she imagines how they might feel when she betrays them. There are feelings as she realises that she has come to care for them over the short period of time they have spent together.
The world building in this one is not as detailed as compared to the first novella—just a brief explanation of Hellions and some mentions of the Dauntless Wanderer and the Kendric family—as it's not necessary for the plot and even without, you can understand the novella just fine. However, we do get more fight scenes with the Hellions in action (cue the gore) and glimpse of life on the surface as the entire novella takes place above ground.
December 29, 2016
4/5 Stars!
Smoke Sky is like a tiny slice of heavenly pie in the Dark Sky series.
This is Gemma's story and let me tell you, Gemma is a badass. She survived a lot, lost the people close to her and still managed to maintain her humanity and her conscious. In Smoke Sky, Gemma is stuck working for an awful man who wants to make her a permanent part of his "family." Said family is all men and there is a reason he wants Gemma. Gemma wants to be free of Fletcher and the family and Fletcher knows it. So her offers her a near impossible job in exchange for her freedom - she must convince two marauders to join the family.
Want to guess who the guys are? Oh, yes...it's Sawyer and Nash, two of my favorite characters in this series! I was literally geeking out when I read the blurb and couldn't wait to get my hands on this book.
The three of them have to learn to work together, which isn't alway easy for them and Gemma eventually has to make a difficult choice.
This awesome novella is a great addition to the Dark Sky series! You don't have to have read the rest of the series to enjoy this, but trust me when I tell you, this series is fantastic!
Smoke Sky is like a tiny slice of heavenly pie in the Dark Sky series.
This is Gemma's story and let me tell you, Gemma is a badass. She survived a lot, lost the people close to her and still managed to maintain her humanity and her conscious. In Smoke Sky, Gemma is stuck working for an awful man who wants to make her a permanent part of his "family." Said family is all men and there is a reason he wants Gemma. Gemma wants to be free of Fletcher and the family and Fletcher knows it. So her offers her a near impossible job in exchange for her freedom - she must convince two marauders to join the family.
Want to guess who the guys are? Oh, yes...it's Sawyer and Nash, two of my favorite characters in this series! I was literally geeking out when I read the blurb and couldn't wait to get my hands on this book.
The three of them have to learn to work together, which isn't alway easy for them and Gemma eventually has to make a difficult choice.
This awesome novella is a great addition to the Dark Sky series! You don't have to have read the rest of the series to enjoy this, but trust me when I tell you, this series is fantastic!
August 17, 2017
Title: Smoke Sky
Author: Amy Braun
Genre: YA SciFi/Fantasy
Format: Ebook
Pages: 133
Rating: 5
Heat: 1
Thoughts: I love stories like this. I’ve already read book one and met the characters but learning more about how most of them ended up together was something I didn’t even realize I was missing. I’m pretty sure I was curious while reading book one but Ms. Braun has an awesome way of pulling you into the story. You get so caught up in the story that minor details that aren’t there don’t seem to matter. I might have to go back and read book one, just to see if it’s any different knowing more about the characters. And knowing what I know from book one, I’ve really got to make time to read the rest of the series. Aliens have arrived and we are dinner…the scariness of the aliens mixed with the dystopian and steampunk elements makes this such a fun read, you never know what might pop up.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work and chose to write a review.
Author: Amy Braun
Genre: YA SciFi/Fantasy
Format: Ebook
Pages: 133
Rating: 5
Heat: 1
Thoughts: I love stories like this. I’ve already read book one and met the characters but learning more about how most of them ended up together was something I didn’t even realize I was missing. I’m pretty sure I was curious while reading book one but Ms. Braun has an awesome way of pulling you into the story. You get so caught up in the story that minor details that aren’t there don’t seem to matter. I might have to go back and read book one, just to see if it’s any different knowing more about the characters. And knowing what I know from book one, I’ve really got to make time to read the rest of the series. Aliens have arrived and we are dinner…the scariness of the aliens mixed with the dystopian and steampunk elements makes this such a fun read, you never know what might pop up.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work and chose to write a review.
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