The Breadth of Creation

The Divine Space Pirates #2

by C.S. Johnson

Finding love in the middle of a world at war was supposed to be impossible ... until it was inevitable.

Life in the United Revolutionary States has never been easy for Aerie St. Cloud. Recovering from recent injuries and unable to recall the last few weeks of her life, she feels haunted by a growing absence in her memory. Stepping out in search of the truth, she is determined to get the answers she seeks—even if they only bring her more pain.

After losing Aerie, Exton Shepherd once more faces the temptation to take his revenge against the URS, and General St. Cloud in particular. With the help of his family, community, and Aerie's long-lost mother, Merra, he leads them into battle to reclaim the Ecclesia's outpost of Chaya in hopes of finding inner peace. 

Surrounded by secrets and deception, and plagued by their own shortcomings, can Aerie and Exton find their way back to each other without sending the world into further chaos?

FROM THE AUTHOR: 

Take your reading all over the world as Exton and Aerie return in The Breadth of Creation, book in the Divine Space Pirates trilogy, a futuristic romance series. Look for Book 3, The Price of Paradise, as they prepare for the coming end!

FROM THE BOOK: 

The moment he stepped out of the ship, he saw someone running toward them. His heart lurched; he would recognize those golden ginger locks anywhere.

“Exton!”

Disbelief struck him, but dispersed a second later, as the shock of hearing her say his name dissolved into pure joy.

Once more, he had his miracle.

“Thank you, Lord,” he whispered, overcome.  

He shook it off a second later. Exton took off, heading for her. “Aerie!”

Every step over the rocky dirt and the stilted grass brought him closer to her seemed too surreal. After the weeks of missing her, it seemed more like a lifetime had passed, yet nothing had changed. The wave of pleasure, the surge of protectiveness—all of it rushed out of him, as he finally reached out and took hold of her again.  

Exton crashed into Aerie, already grasping for her as the force of their collision nearly toppled them over. Exton wrapped his arms around her and crushed her against him, reveling as the wave of warmth passed between them. He felt her stumble and he moved to catch her, keeping her close.

The rest of the world around him seemed bitter and cold, but he had his sunlight back.

WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING: 

5 STARS! ~ Reader's Favorite

Genres: Romance, Science Fiction

376 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2019

About the author

C. S. Johnson is the award-winning, genre-hopping author of several novels, including sci-fi and fantasy adventures such as the Starlight Chronicles series, the Once Upon a Princess saga, the Divine Space Pirates trilogy, and more. With a gift for sarcasm and an apologetic heart, she currently lives in Atlanta with her family. Find out more at http://www.csjohnson.me.

Reviews

[Angie Thompson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Can't do it, as much as I want to finish the story. I was getting a bit uncomfortable with the passionate kissing, but I was relieved when it was interrupted by a serious talk on marriage as a commitment more than feelings and how the right way is different from the world's view. So why, immediately after that conversation, was it suddenly okay for an unmarried couple to curl up on a bed together? I don't care that all they were doing was sleeping. Not married = separate beds. Period.

I probably need to go back and revise my rating on the first one, as I think I gave it a pass on almost the same issue when I shouldn't have. It's sad because they're very engaging stories with really deep and complex characters. :(

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Breadth of Creation by C S Johnson is the second book in the Divine Space Pirates trilogy. I loved the first book and was ecstatic when I received the rest of the series. It’s rare when I do finish a series and this is one where I felt I had to know the ending. So let’s get started.

the Breadth of Creation picks up where The Heights of Perdition by C S Johnson left off.

Aerie is anything but predictable and that makes for some exciting reading. I like a person that bucks the system and shows some independence. After all, it is thinking outside the box that brings about advancement.

The Heights of Perdition made me think of the Patrick Swayze movie Red Dawn. I loved it, so it was easy for me to get lost in Aerie’s world.

To keep from spoiling things for you, I will only tell you that Aerie feels something in her life is very wrong. And that is putting it mildly.

Rebels, dissenters and the religious are ready to fight for their right to live in freedom. It’s the usual debate of those who wish to rule and use an iron fist to do it. Outlaw religion, the arts and anything else that helps people to dream of what could be. But…how far can you push someone before they push back?

C S John has created a believable world that shows both sides of humanity, with all the gray areas popping up, because that’s life. It could be our future. Lots of food for thought and seeing that the trilogy is complete, I will not have to wait to see how they resolve their lives. That is always a plus in my book.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Breadth of Creation by C S Johnson.

See more at fundinmental

[Dee/ bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always hold my breath, so to speak, when reading the second book of series. Sometimes the second book defines the series, sometimes it adds to the series, sometimes you can't tell how you truly feel about the book until you read the next one. This one was awesome! I loved how Exton and Aerie fought to get back to each other, all that hope when you can't even remember... thats amazing. All the emotions experienced by the reader during the course of the book was such a range! It is a great thing when an author can load the book with so much that speaks to us. Wonderful addition to the series!

[Gay Deputee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow... wonderful sequel to the first book. Great story. Pick up C. S. Johnson's books for a wonderful experience.

[Coco.V]

🎁FREE on Amazon today (11/24/2020)!🎁

[Jessica Jesinghaus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out this review, and many more, on my blog https://jessjesinghaus.wordpress.com

After the thrilling and tumultuous events of book 1 of this series (The Heights of Perdition) I found myself wondering if C.S. Johnson could recapture the spark, desperation, and hope I felt oozing from her two main characters, Exton and Aerie. Well, I am happy to report The Breadth of Creation does not disappoint!

After unwillingly, but for the greater good, relinquishing Aerie to the clutches of the URS and her father, General St. Cloud, Exton returns to his family and crew aboard the Perdition. He can't even take solace in plotting and planning Aerie's rescue... What would be the point? With the URS's memory serum in her system he would be a stranger to her. Their love no longer exists in Aerie's mind and she knows nothing of the broken space pirate whose heart she healed. Although the genral promised no harm would come to their rebel settlement of Petra, Exton knows he must take measures to protect the innocent defectors at their secret base. So when a ghost from Aerie's past surfaces and tells Exton the best way to move on with his life and protect those he loves is to stop picking at the URS and confront them head-on with an outright war, he's inclined to believe it.

Meanwhile, back in New Hope, Aerie settles back in to life with her unit, a job in the Comms Sector, and the continued growth of a possible relationship with her long-time friend Brock. Although everything appears perfectly normal on the outside, inside Aerie is plagued by doubt. Thoughts sometimes pop into her head, bringing with them crippling headaches, as her heart tries desperately to fight the effects of the memory-wiping drugs she was given. Can she overcome her memory loss and regain what was taken from her? And even if she can remember, how could she possibly escape the clutches of the URS and her controlling father for a second time?

The Breadth of Creation continues the themes set forth in the first book about authority and conviction, duty and honor, and, most importantly, faith and love. C.S. Johnson tells an incredibly compelling story. Her secondary characters are so well thought out, each with their own purpose, conflicts, and story arcs to explore... but they're interwoven so seamlessly into the story as not to detract from Aerie and Exton's journeys. I particularly loved getting to know more about the rest of Aerie's Unit (family). Her older twin brothers and domineering sister made only a tiny impact on me in book one, but they play a much more central role this time around. Watching them adjust and adapt to Aerie's new way of thinking was wonderful! And the ending?!? What a surprise twist. Jeepers if C.S. Johnson doesn't know how to sucker punch her readers and leave them hungry for more. Needless to say, book 3 isn't far off on my event horizon!

Actual rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

**Reviewed for Readers' Favorite**

[Sarah Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had a very interesting premise with a lovely romantic story between the main characters. It had plenty of world building to keep you intrigued and not want to place the book down. I would recommend this story to future readers looking to explore this authors works.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Valery · Rating 3 out of 5]

I almost put it down when the first paragraph had grammar errors, however, the storyline is decent enough to keep the reader engaged. Now, if only the editor had caught a fair amount of the 26 errors I noticed, it would have been an almost 5 star book.
One thing that really bothered me beside grammar and content errors was the weird phrasing. One that especially set me off was "Her butt involuntarily wriggled in anticipation." I don't know about anyone else, but if this doesn't scream awkward, I don't know what does. Raise your hand if your butt wriggles in anticipation too! Because butt wriggling is the new excitement of the masses. 🤔

If I were the editor, and I missed such things, I don't think I would advertise who I was at the end of the book. Just saying.

Okay, despite the glaring issues, it was a decent read so 3.5 stars for this one.

For my clean readers: violence and romance, and, of course, don't forget the butt wriggling.

[C.O. Bonham · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Review of audiobook edition*
The Breadth of Creation is a sequel to The Heights of Perdition and should be read in order.

I love this continuing story about the fight against the flawed thinking of the URS.

Aries and Extant (I don't know if the spelling is right, audio book problems) are still amazing people and they are perfect for each other. There are even more feels here as Aries brings her whole family with her when she needs to hurriedly flee New Hope and it's despicable dictator.

This audiobook is amazing not only does it utilize duel narrators one for female voices and one for male voices. They sprinkled it full of sound effects and even music. It's basically an audio drama and I the production values are a professional quality.

This is a must read story of overcoming oppression to live truly free.

* I was given an audio code by the author. My review is my own honest opinion of the audiobook experience.*

[Terri Rand · Rating 5 out of 5]

This exciting second book in the Divine Pirates Trilogy, life has gotten very complicated for Aerie and Exton. I was so anxious to find out what would happen to two of my favorite characters that I couldn't read this fast enough. No spoilers from me, but suffice it to say, Exton and Aerie have a ways to go to get their happy ending, if they are even destined for that. More action and adventure, and unfortunately, more of Aerie's father. Sorry, but he is really not one of may favorite characters. Of course there are new characters to meet, really great ones. The Breadth of Creation is really a terrific next chapter in the Divine Space Pirates.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am reviewing the audible copy of the book which I received from the author. This is my voluntary review. I really like the couple that read this book. They did such a good job changing their voices for the different people. I like that a man & woman did their counterpart gender parts. It is easy to keep track of the different characters throughout the story. I love the story also. I don't know what to say about the story without giving away what the story is. It is the middle book in the series so I want to move on to the last one to learn how the "good" people hopefully win out over the people that I consider "bad". Also want to learn if there is an HEA for Aerie & Exton.

[Elizabeth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series and Aerie and Exton are separated. They have to go through a lot of dangerous and sometimes unnecessary pain as they navigate their way to each other. The characters are very well developed and the story is definitely thought out. Interesting and exciting read. Can’t wait to read the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this second book of the trilogy, Aerie is torn from Exton and returned to her father who drugs her to remove her memories of Exton. And the action never stops. A lot of information is slowly revealed to Aerie surprising not only her, but the reader as well.

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some action, secrets abound, surprises right to the end. It's interesting to see how people will fight to get to what is right even if they don't know what they're searching or fighting for. Sweet romance woven into a post apocalyptic society. Good continuation of a trilogy.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in The Divine Space Pirates series, another great story in this post-nuclear, apocalyptic world. Aerie St. Cloud and Exton Shepherd's story just gets better with each new book. I want to read the next book.

[Patrick S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

What C.S. Johnson did to me with the ending of the first book in this series was a crime! But in such a good way! So, this year I had to continue the series to see if I can get my fix of romance in a sci-fi setting.

The story picks back up right where the first one left, and with the ending of the first, I was nervous that the character of Aerie would change and the enemies become lovers story would repeat, or worse, that hatred would set in more. Joyously, this was not the case and the flow of the story continued in a way that kept tension but also kept the romantic entanglement of Aerie and Exton. This book has a focus on the relationship, of course, but a majority of it was on the conflict between the two military units. As with the first, I'm not exactly sure of the totality of the world changed in this post-apocalyptic setting and the military action tends to not go too long into the detail. Exton's pregnant sister flies into danger and it seems to just be a thing that's ok in the rebellion. Johnson is best with her prose and there are a few lines I underlined as being the perfect collection of words to highlight the relationship between the two main characters. An inclusion of a third possible love interest made me nervous of a Twilight love-triangle but that comparison was not needed here. Johnson also keeps her streak alive on endings that leave mouths agape so I guess I'm "forced" to continue the series.

Overall, I enjoyed the story. The plot was a little weak on the military/sci-fi description, and honestly, I would have liked more love dialogue between Arie and Exton. But being a fan of reading about characters who are actually in love and love each other and not just in lust with each other, this story continues to scratch that itch. Final Grade - B

[Christina Morley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Breadth of Creation is the second book in The Divine Space Pirates Trilogy. This is a Christian romantic science-fiction series. The story is character-driven with well-thought-out dialogue. The second book moves a little faster with more action scenes. There's plenty of clean chemistry to keep the romantics happy. I listened to it on Audible. The narrator Scott Senff does all the male voices and Andrea Senff the female voices. Both speak clearly and are easy to listen to. They incorporated a few sound effects and used them well. I noticed a couple of glitches, like with part of a sentence being repeated, but overall it was enjoyable to listen to. It has a cliff-hanger ending, so be prepared.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series. In fact, I love every book that I've read that was written by this author. If you like fantasy books, you will love them, too. Give her books a try. You won't be sorry.

[Kim Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm enjoying this series quite a bit - but, there is one place that frustrated me. Aerie is being forced to go with Brock and the last I read is that he is getting ready to beat her up. The next page I am with Exton and his sister at the command center chatting about what they should do. What!!! What's happening to Aerie?? I couldn't concentrate on what was happening with Exton and Emory because all I could think about was - get out of there and go help Aerie! Yes, it all turned out alright, but that change threw me.

The story begins with Aerie in the State's custody, trying to dig deep to find the elusive memories, memories that keep flashing in her mind and then disappear when the pain come. Help comes from an unexpected source, but it isn't all it seems to be.

The appearance of her mother with the rebels is unexpected, she's supposed to be dead. I don't think I liked this character, she grated on me with her pushiness. Exton stands up to the enemy so strongly, but it seemed he wasn't willing to stand up to her.

Overall, good read. There is heavy kissing and at times TMI with the desire, but there isn't any bad language. (I think it mentions hell twice, but I took it to mean the place. Too often authors describe something as hellish or like they are in hell and oftentimes the situation isn't that dire or horrible. That frustrates me because I think it is just wanting to use that description more than words meaning what they say.)

[Rebecca Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book, I couldn't put it down.

This story starts off straight where the last one finished off, with Aerie back home with her family and has forgotten her true love.

Exton is beside himself and wants Aerie back, but knows she can't remember him and he had to save the rest of his people.

The story continues with lots of things happening, that I won't mentioned as I don't want to spoil it, but I would recommend this series to everyone. A must read

[C.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid sequel to The Heights of Perdition, You can see the faint echoes of serious problems in our world today coming from the surface of this post-nuclear-apocalyptic world. Though I was not as engaged by this book as I was with its predecessor, It is still a well written story that takes the danger and action up a notch. I will enjoy reading the next book in this series when it releases.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!! Couldn't put it down. Happy to find a great book to read in my spare time. I can't wait to get my hands on more of their books!!!!!