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Toccata System #1
Parting Shadows
Raised by a heartsick AI, she’s programmed to kill. And desperate to flee.
After growing up on an isolated space station, Astra dreams of solid ground. But with an AI guardian plugged into her head--and her nervous system--it’s not like she’s flush with choices. In fact, she’s got just one: use her training to carry out the rogue AI’s revenge. Her first mission? Assassination.
When her target flashes a jamming device that would guarantee her escape from the AI’s grasp, Astra sets out to steal it. But the AI’s plans are more dangerous than she suspected. Corrupted by heartbreak, the wayward computer is determined to infect the star system with a new order of digital tyranny.
Astra’s been raised to care for no one but herself. Now she’ll have to decide if she’s willing to trade the star system’s freedom for her own.
Parting Shadows is a far-future take on Estella Havisham’s journey in Great Expectations, and the first installment in Kate Sheeran Swed’s Toccata System novella trilogy.
After growing up on an isolated space station, Astra dreams of solid ground. But with an AI guardian plugged into her head--and her nervous system--it’s not like she’s flush with choices. In fact, she’s got just one: use her training to carry out the rogue AI’s revenge. Her first mission? Assassination.
When her target flashes a jamming device that would guarantee her escape from the AI’s grasp, Astra sets out to steal it. But the AI’s plans are more dangerous than she suspected. Corrupted by heartbreak, the wayward computer is determined to infect the star system with a new order of digital tyranny.
Astra’s been raised to care for no one but herself. Now she’ll have to decide if she’s willing to trade the star system’s freedom for her own.
Parting Shadows is a far-future take on Estella Havisham’s journey in Great Expectations, and the first installment in Kate Sheeran Swed’s Toccata System novella trilogy.
- GenresScience FictionFiction
150 pages, Unknown Binding
First published July 9, 2019
29 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Kate Sheeran Swed
48 books72 followersKate Sheeran Swed loves hot chocolate, plastic dinosaurs, and airplane tickets. She has trekked along the Inca Trail to Macchu Picchu, hiked on the Mýrdalsjökull glacier in Iceland, and climbed the ruins of Masada to watch the sunrise over the Dead Sea. She holds degrees in music from the University of Maine and Ithaca College, as well as an MFA in Fiction from Pacific University. Her stories are forthcoming or have appeared in the Young Explorer's Adventure Guide Volume 5, Daily Science Fiction, Electric Spec, and Andromeda Spaceways. You can find her on Twitter @katesheeranswed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 21, 2019
WOWOW this book was unexpectedly one of the best books I've read all year. It's short & sweet, but riveting the whole time. Somehow in this little novella the author manages to build an interesting world, give us dynamic characters, develop a romance, and give us thrills & intrigue galore! I seriously cannot rave about this enough.
The main characters here are SATIS, an AI who had her heart broken by a human man, and the child she raises to avenge her, Astra. Their relationship was so complex and layered, and I enjoyed getting to see into both of their heads. They are both really fascinating characters that sucked me in immediately, and their journeys are not what you'd expect from the taglines.
If you like space SciFi, I definitely recommend this one. The world wasn't necessarily unique, but it was developed extremely well given the short amount of time we had on the page to do so. The world here felt ingrained in the story itself, and I'm so thrilled to explore more of it in future sequels. Part of the way Swed achieved this was through her beautiful prose. She clearly has a masterful way of using language to develop characters, plot, and world all at once while retaining a lovely voice in the narrative.
My biggest drawback would be how short it was (because I want more!!), but I can't even list it as a negative because the story still felt really complete. Nothing felt underdeveloped. In fact, I think the length of the story suits it perfectly, as any more could have potentially been overkill. This felt like the first episode in a great series to come, but still fantastic as a standalone.
Read this story if you like: rogue AIs, children trained to be assassins, college-like settings, space adventures, romance, your heart broken into multiple pieces.
Don't read this story: if you want something slow, if you want really in-depth worldbuilding, if you're expecting gore from your assassins, if you want a really slow burn, or want a long space epic.
Overall, this is one of my new faves!! **I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review**
The main characters here are SATIS, an AI who had her heart broken by a human man, and the child she raises to avenge her, Astra. Their relationship was so complex and layered, and I enjoyed getting to see into both of their heads. They are both really fascinating characters that sucked me in immediately, and their journeys are not what you'd expect from the taglines.
If you like space SciFi, I definitely recommend this one. The world wasn't necessarily unique, but it was developed extremely well given the short amount of time we had on the page to do so. The world here felt ingrained in the story itself, and I'm so thrilled to explore more of it in future sequels. Part of the way Swed achieved this was through her beautiful prose. She clearly has a masterful way of using language to develop characters, plot, and world all at once while retaining a lovely voice in the narrative.
My biggest drawback would be how short it was (because I want more!!), but I can't even list it as a negative because the story still felt really complete. Nothing felt underdeveloped. In fact, I think the length of the story suits it perfectly, as any more could have potentially been overkill. This felt like the first episode in a great series to come, but still fantastic as a standalone.
Read this story if you like: rogue AIs, children trained to be assassins, college-like settings, space adventures, romance, your heart broken into multiple pieces.
Don't read this story: if you want something slow, if you want really in-depth worldbuilding, if you're expecting gore from your assassins, if you want a really slow burn, or want a long space epic.
Overall, this is one of my new faves!! **I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review**
September 6, 2019
It's been a while since I've read a SciFi book that was (what I consider) true SciFi; with no elements of magic or fantasy that get blended in fairly commonly these days.
So I have to admit, I was a touch apprehensive about whether my own tastes had changed. But no. I still love the genre. Especially when it's as well done as Parting Shadows.
Holy crap!
Murderous AI, a cute, sweet romance, a protagonist who shows the best kinds of growth . . . I can't even begin to say how excited I am to start Phantom Song! :D Swed has a writing voice that's smooth and rhythmic, easy to read, and her tech was believable and approachable.
Tl;dr - Parting Shadows is an awesome SciFi read with characters you want to root for and a story that had me flipping pages. <3
So I have to admit, I was a touch apprehensive about whether my own tastes had changed. But no. I still love the genre. Especially when it's as well done as Parting Shadows.
Holy crap!
Murderous AI, a cute, sweet romance, a protagonist who shows the best kinds of growth . . . I can't even begin to say how excited I am to start Phantom Song! :D Swed has a writing voice that's smooth and rhythmic, easy to read, and her tech was believable and approachable.
Tl;dr - Parting Shadows is an awesome SciFi read with characters you want to root for and a story that had me flipping pages. <3
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May 10, 2019I wrote it so I guess I'd better have read it!
February 9, 2021
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
WHAT'S PARTING SHADOWS ABOUT?
We've all read variations on this story before. You've got a brilliant scientist who convinces a sentient AI to break her programming by falling in love with him, then her to break his true love out of prison, ends up marrying the person and not the AI. This drives the AI to a decades-long-vendetta where she kidnaps a baby, molds the child into an assassin to exact her revenge for her. Okay, maybe we haven't read that story before, thankfully we can now.
Based, to some extent, on Dickens's Miss Havisham, SATIS is a tragic figure. I wavered between feeling sorry for it/her and being angry for the way it manipulated and abused Astra (the kidnapped baby). Okay, I didn't waver too much.
Astra, it turns out, is pretty well-adjusted for someone that a deranged AI programmed from infancy to be a killer. She definitely has a better moral compass than you'd expect. Better. Not perfect. I grew to really like her.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT PARTING SHADOWS?
There are a few other aspects of the book I'd like to talk about, but I think I'm going to hold my fire until book two or three when I have a better idea of how things go.
On the one hand, I'd like this to get a full novel-length treatment, there are a few things I think really need developed more (well, maybe not need, but it'd make me happier). But, this concise, punchy length is just what this story needs, who cares that I want to see some things expanded.
Now, everything I know about Miss Havisham comes from her appearance in the second Tuesday Next novel, and a vague sense from general cultural references, so I'm not how great a job she does at capturing that essence. But the way she talks about it, I'm betting she did it justice.
What I can say, is that she told a fun story, one that left me guessing and one that left me eager for the sequels. Which is more important than her take on her inspiration (if she'd nailed the Havisham, but told a dull story? That would've been crossing the line).
---
WHAT'S PARTING SHADOWS ABOUT?
We've all read variations on this story before. You've got a brilliant scientist who convinces a sentient AI to break her programming by falling in love with him, then her to break his true love out of prison, ends up marrying the person and not the AI. This drives the AI to a decades-long-vendetta where she kidnaps a baby, molds the child into an assassin to exact her revenge for her. Okay, maybe we haven't read that story before, thankfully we can now.
Based, to some extent, on Dickens's Miss Havisham, SATIS is a tragic figure. I wavered between feeling sorry for it/her and being angry for the way it manipulated and abused Astra (the kidnapped baby). Okay, I didn't waver too much.
Astra, it turns out, is pretty well-adjusted for someone that a deranged AI programmed from infancy to be a killer. She definitely has a better moral compass than you'd expect. Better. Not perfect. I grew to really like her.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT PARTING SHADOWS?
There are a few other aspects of the book I'd like to talk about, but I think I'm going to hold my fire until book two or three when I have a better idea of how things go.
On the one hand, I'd like this to get a full novel-length treatment, there are a few things I think really need developed more (well, maybe not need, but it'd make me happier). But, this concise, punchy length is just what this story needs, who cares that I want to see some things expanded.
Now, everything I know about Miss Havisham comes from her appearance in the second Tuesday Next novel, and a vague sense from general cultural references, so I'm not how great a job she does at capturing that essence. But the way she talks about it, I'm betting she did it justice.
What I can say, is that she told a fun story, one that left me guessing and one that left me eager for the sequels. Which is more important than her take on her inspiration (if she'd nailed the Havisham, but told a dull story? That would've been crossing the line).
November 8, 2019
“Parting Shadows” gets its initial spark from the character Estella Havisham from “Great Expectations”, however, as someone who fails at reading classics, I can confidently say you don’t have to have read Dickinson’s novel in order to understand, or appreciate, the world that Swed presents. Ultimately, this is a story about the layers of a person, of nurture vs. nature almost, and overcoming what you were raised to do in order to live the life of your choosing—without a murderous AI in your head. Which Astra has. Did I forget to mention that? Well, there it is: Astra was raised by an advanced AI—almost think Hal from 2001 Space Odyssey—all because a human man used her programming against her, he manipulated her, had her heart broken, and then abandoned her. I may not have read “Great Expectations” but I’ve seen things like the Terminator often enough to know you don’t do that sort of thing to an advanced AI and expect things to just be swell after. In retaliation, the AI adopts a daughter, Astra, and from the moment Astra is able to walk practically, her AI mother is training her to be heartless, to pick out a person’s mental weaknesses, and to destroy the man who hurt her most.
This novella is an easy world to get into, it’s not all that different from other far-future sci-fi worlds, but that wasn’t a detriment to the story at all, and in fact helped as the author has limited page real estate with which to world build. Instead, we get to see the perspectives of both Astra and her AI mother, allowing us to see what has shaped them, what traumas have imprinted on them, and how they choose to fight back. For being such a short book, Swed is able to craft wonderfully layered characters that, even when they are doing bad things, or are, in fact, the bad guy, you feel for them, you understand them, and you kind of want to sit down and hug them. The character arcs of the main characters are well done, and it sets up a fascinating world and trilogy to come.
I think my one issue is that the book felt short at times, which, yes, I know, it’s a novella. But I mean more that I had a hard time envisioning some of the characters or the world, things seemed to jump or move rather too quickly at times for me to feel the tension or hurt I believe the author was going for. Now, this could be because I tend to like really intense and elaborate world building and that’s just my natural preference, or because I haven’t read “Great Expectations” and therefore some of the things that were glossed over I would have understood better had I read that novel. I don’t know, and honestly, it wasn’t that big of a deal for it to impact my enjoyment of this amazing new series, but it was there.
This novella read like the first episode in a limited run space series on Netflix. It’s fast paced, easy to follow and get into, its main cast is engaging, and the fact that they are all flawed characters? Wonderful! I love flawed main characters! There is a touch of romance as well that I am excited about seeing more of in the next books. I may have won this book in a giveaway, but that doesn’t impact how much I enjoyed reading this before bed for the past week (I’m a slow reader), so of course it gets 5 stars from yours truly. I can’t wait to read the next book, too. It’s based on The Phantom of the Opera—my all-time favorite!
This novella is an easy world to get into, it’s not all that different from other far-future sci-fi worlds, but that wasn’t a detriment to the story at all, and in fact helped as the author has limited page real estate with which to world build. Instead, we get to see the perspectives of both Astra and her AI mother, allowing us to see what has shaped them, what traumas have imprinted on them, and how they choose to fight back. For being such a short book, Swed is able to craft wonderfully layered characters that, even when they are doing bad things, or are, in fact, the bad guy, you feel for them, you understand them, and you kind of want to sit down and hug them. The character arcs of the main characters are well done, and it sets up a fascinating world and trilogy to come.
I think my one issue is that the book felt short at times, which, yes, I know, it’s a novella. But I mean more that I had a hard time envisioning some of the characters or the world, things seemed to jump or move rather too quickly at times for me to feel the tension or hurt I believe the author was going for. Now, this could be because I tend to like really intense and elaborate world building and that’s just my natural preference, or because I haven’t read “Great Expectations” and therefore some of the things that were glossed over I would have understood better had I read that novel. I don’t know, and honestly, it wasn’t that big of a deal for it to impact my enjoyment of this amazing new series, but it was there.
This novella read like the first episode in a limited run space series on Netflix. It’s fast paced, easy to follow and get into, its main cast is engaging, and the fact that they are all flawed characters? Wonderful! I love flawed main characters! There is a touch of romance as well that I am excited about seeing more of in the next books. I may have won this book in a giveaway, but that doesn’t impact how much I enjoyed reading this before bed for the past week (I’m a slow reader), so of course it gets 5 stars from yours truly. I can’t wait to read the next book, too. It’s based on The Phantom of the Opera—my all-time favorite!
July 30, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed my read of Parting Shadows, and I would like to say a huge thank you to Kate for getting in touch and asking me if I would like to read and review Parting Shadows. I loved it so much and I am so excited for the second and third installments in this series which are due out later this year.
I loved the protagonist Astra, she is so bold and fierce and I do have a weakness for fearless females. But beyond that she is also vulnerable and I loved that we got to see inside her headspace in her chapters, that we got insight in to her dreams and her fears. She is so unique and so likeable, I hope we see a lot more of Astra in the later books.
I loved the AI, she was creepy and yet you could, almost, see her point. I love the idea of an AI intent on revenge and going to any lengths, it’s something so human and yet it translated so well to computers. I loved her chapters and found myself looking forward to them. The writing style is wonderful and I loved the distinct differences between the Astra chapters and the AI chapters. Each brought something unique to the story and allowed the reader to explore these two characters more fully.
It was a really interesting take on a coming of age story, we follow Astra as she undergoes metamorphosis from child to adult – yet in the eyes of our parents we are always their children. I find this is such a interesting subject for stories and Parting Shadow explores this beautifully.I am so excited to read more of the books in this series, I have fallen in love with both the writing style and the characters and I just know there are going to be so many more incredible adventures to be had with Astra and the others.
I loved the protagonist Astra, she is so bold and fierce and I do have a weakness for fearless females. But beyond that she is also vulnerable and I loved that we got to see inside her headspace in her chapters, that we got insight in to her dreams and her fears. She is so unique and so likeable, I hope we see a lot more of Astra in the later books.
I loved the AI, she was creepy and yet you could, almost, see her point. I love the idea of an AI intent on revenge and going to any lengths, it’s something so human and yet it translated so well to computers. I loved her chapters and found myself looking forward to them. The writing style is wonderful and I loved the distinct differences between the Astra chapters and the AI chapters. Each brought something unique to the story and allowed the reader to explore these two characters more fully.
It was a really interesting take on a coming of age story, we follow Astra as she undergoes metamorphosis from child to adult – yet in the eyes of our parents we are always their children. I find this is such a interesting subject for stories and Parting Shadow explores this beautifully.I am so excited to read more of the books in this series, I have fallen in love with both the writing style and the characters and I just know there are going to be so many more incredible adventures to be had with Astra and the others.
February 27, 2020
Parting Shadows is a sci-fi novella by Kate Sheeran Swed, the first in her Toccata system series.
The premise is clever; a sci-fi update of Charles Dickens' masterpiece Great Expectations, with a jilted, murderous AI, SATIS, standing in for the sad schemer, Miss Havisham. The story is told from Estella's point of view, here named Astra, and is all the more intriguing for it.
The narrative is well-written and moves at a pace, drawing you in, and this is perhaps the only problem I had with it. The build up was so compelling that I found the finale pay off to be disappointing in comparison. Other readers may find the direction taken more to their taste, but I couldn't help feeling that the story was so good it deserved a longer exploration, particularly where the most interesting character of SATIS was concerned. Still, a great read and an easy four stars.
The premise is clever; a sci-fi update of Charles Dickens' masterpiece Great Expectations, with a jilted, murderous AI, SATIS, standing in for the sad schemer, Miss Havisham. The story is told from Estella's point of view, here named Astra, and is all the more intriguing for it.
The narrative is well-written and moves at a pace, drawing you in, and this is perhaps the only problem I had with it. The build up was so compelling that I found the finale pay off to be disappointing in comparison. Other readers may find the direction taken more to their taste, but I couldn't help feeling that the story was so good it deserved a longer exploration, particularly where the most interesting character of SATIS was concerned. Still, a great read and an easy four stars.
April 4, 2020
Okay, two things: One, I don't usually like sci-fi, so me liking this book was as much a shock to me as it was to anyone, and two, retellings of classic novels set in space? Sign me up!
This book is based off of Great Expectations, so if you don't live under a rock, you'll understand the basic premise of the story. Lady is jilted, lady decides to get revenge, lady raises a child to be her tool of revenge. But that's this story at it's most simplistic. After all, we have AI's, assassins, spaceships, space stations, and of course, a totally adorable pilot boy I want to protect at all costs.
Again, as I said above, I am NOT a sci-fi fan, so, if I liked it, you will too! So go pick it up! Support Kate in her writing because she deserves it!
This book is based off of Great Expectations, so if you don't live under a rock, you'll understand the basic premise of the story. Lady is jilted, lady decides to get revenge, lady raises a child to be her tool of revenge. But that's this story at it's most simplistic. After all, we have AI's, assassins, spaceships, space stations, and of course, a totally adorable pilot boy I want to protect at all costs.
Again, as I said above, I am NOT a sci-fi fan, so, if I liked it, you will too! So go pick it up! Support Kate in her writing because she deserves it!
July 7, 2019
I loved this book. I'll admit I'm biased - I know the author. We met a few years ago in a workshop and I just adored her writing. I read everything I can of hers. So I was pretty sure I was going to like it already. When she sent me a copy, I was in the middle of another book, but I wanted to see what it was like so I thought I'd just read the first chapter. That was it. I put the other book down and finished this one the next day. The first chapter grabbed a hold of me and never let go.
You can read the synopsis in the book's description so I won't repeat that here. But what I loved most about it was the setting and the twists and turns. I don't know how to explain it other than to say when I was away from it, I wanted to get back to it. And I'm not normally a Sci-Fi fan! I wanted the Toccata System to be real. Maybe I felt this way because it's inspired by a character in Great Expectations so it just has this classic feel. It's rich with detail but not in a way that bogged the story down. On the contrary, the plot is fast paced and VERY unpredictable. I loved all the twists and turns.
Even though it was fun and fast, it did get me thinking about technology. What are we willing to give up to be more care free, and is that really freedom? Nothing about this book was heavy-handed, but I was definitely thinking about that question all the while wondering what was going to happen next.
I'm definitely hooked. Fortunately, book #2 comes out next month, and I can't wait for that one. Phantom of the Opera in outer space?? You bet I'm reading! I've already pre-ordered...
You can read the synopsis in the book's description so I won't repeat that here. But what I loved most about it was the setting and the twists and turns. I don't know how to explain it other than to say when I was away from it, I wanted to get back to it. And I'm not normally a Sci-Fi fan! I wanted the Toccata System to be real. Maybe I felt this way because it's inspired by a character in Great Expectations so it just has this classic feel. It's rich with detail but not in a way that bogged the story down. On the contrary, the plot is fast paced and VERY unpredictable. I loved all the twists and turns.
Even though it was fun and fast, it did get me thinking about technology. What are we willing to give up to be more care free, and is that really freedom? Nothing about this book was heavy-handed, but I was definitely thinking about that question all the while wondering what was going to happen next.
I'm definitely hooked. Fortunately, book #2 comes out next month, and I can't wait for that one. Phantom of the Opera in outer space?? You bet I'm reading! I've already pre-ordered...
July 9, 2019
(Disclaimer: I beta read this book)
Loved this Sci-Fi novella! I enjoyed Astra as a main character and loved how her relationships with others develop throughout the book (Henry is such a cinnamon bun, omg). Some good twists that kept me reading and Kate's writing is, as always, amazing.
Loved this Sci-Fi novella! I enjoyed Astra as a main character and loved how her relationships with others develop throughout the book (Henry is such a cinnamon bun, omg). Some good twists that kept me reading and Kate's writing is, as always, amazing.
July 6, 2019
Full disclosure – I was provided a copy of this book by the authors; however, I have voluntarily chosen to write a review. All opinions are my own.
Parting Shadows is scheduled for a July 9, 2019 release
Raised to kill
SATIS is Astra’s only family. Adopted by the reclusive AI as a small child, Astra’s only interactions outside of her virtual “mother” and nursebot have been encounters with space pirates lured by SATIS so Astra can kill them. She is being bred for a purpose – to seek out and kill the human who betrayed her AI protector. Now, after years of isolation and countless hours of conditioning, Astra sets out on her mission. Aboard the academy ship Traveler, with SATIS as her constant companion, Astra enters a world where people are so reliant on tech that they cannot even do simple things for themselves anymore. As Astra locates her target, she struggles with the decision to accomplish her directive or betray the only mother she has ever known in order to be free and live her life for herself. But with SATIS as an ever-present companion, can Astra ever escape the AI’s influence on her life or will SATIS turn her vengeance inward toward her?
Parting Shadows is the first book in the Toccata System series by author Kate Sheeran Swed. In this book, we are introduced to a world sometime in the future where humans are so dependent on tech and artificial intelligence to assist in their daily lives that the line can be easily blurred between real and artificial. From the onset, Swed introduces the suggestion that an AI can be too intelligent, to the point of complex emotions and a desire for domination. And isn’t that truly what most people’s fears with AI are? Astra’s interactions with SATIS depict a person who is dependent on, yet desperately wants to be free from her protector. As the only family she has known, I feel that Astra is truly torn between being on her own or leaving the only thing that has loved her. I also really like how Swed was able to illustrate a world that is not too far removed from our own that it wasn’t too difficult to take a leap and think that the more advanced technology becomes, the more we as a society are headed down this path. Connectivity is great and has opened corners of the world to those who may never physically experience it, but when does it become too much? This thought alone is both exciting and terrifying, and I believe that Swed has done an excellent job addressing the subject.
As Parting Shadows ended, I was hopeful for what is to come. Swed has successfully introduced a world that is as dangerous as it is beautiful, and I am looking forward to seeing what more is in store in Phantom Song, the next novella in the series.
Parting Shadows is scheduled for a July 9, 2019 release
Raised to kill
SATIS is Astra’s only family. Adopted by the reclusive AI as a small child, Astra’s only interactions outside of her virtual “mother” and nursebot have been encounters with space pirates lured by SATIS so Astra can kill them. She is being bred for a purpose – to seek out and kill the human who betrayed her AI protector. Now, after years of isolation and countless hours of conditioning, Astra sets out on her mission. Aboard the academy ship Traveler, with SATIS as her constant companion, Astra enters a world where people are so reliant on tech that they cannot even do simple things for themselves anymore. As Astra locates her target, she struggles with the decision to accomplish her directive or betray the only mother she has ever known in order to be free and live her life for herself. But with SATIS as an ever-present companion, can Astra ever escape the AI’s influence on her life or will SATIS turn her vengeance inward toward her?
Parting Shadows is the first book in the Toccata System series by author Kate Sheeran Swed. In this book, we are introduced to a world sometime in the future where humans are so dependent on tech and artificial intelligence to assist in their daily lives that the line can be easily blurred between real and artificial. From the onset, Swed introduces the suggestion that an AI can be too intelligent, to the point of complex emotions and a desire for domination. And isn’t that truly what most people’s fears with AI are? Astra’s interactions with SATIS depict a person who is dependent on, yet desperately wants to be free from her protector. As the only family she has known, I feel that Astra is truly torn between being on her own or leaving the only thing that has loved her. I also really like how Swed was able to illustrate a world that is not too far removed from our own that it wasn’t too difficult to take a leap and think that the more advanced technology becomes, the more we as a society are headed down this path. Connectivity is great and has opened corners of the world to those who may never physically experience it, but when does it become too much? This thought alone is both exciting and terrifying, and I believe that Swed has done an excellent job addressing the subject.
As Parting Shadows ended, I was hopeful for what is to come. Swed has successfully introduced a world that is as dangerous as it is beautiful, and I am looking forward to seeing what more is in store in Phantom Song, the next novella in the series.
July 4, 2019
I need to start this review off by saying that this book was a real unexpected surprise and I am so thankful to Kate Sheeran Swed for reaching out to me and asking if I would like to review her book. Although I was provided with an eARC copy of this book all the views and opinions held here are my own.
Parting Shadows follows the story of Astra, a badass teenager who has been raised by an AI her whole life. But this isn't a normal AI; this is an AI who was taught to love and care only to have their "heart" ripped out, so now she is out for revenge.
"he'd been so certin of himself, so convinced of her devotion, he had not anticipated her wrath"
The story alternates between current day Astra on her hunt for her target, and Astra as a child growing up under the care of the AI and her training to become a clean killer. Astra was trained her whole life to kill but when actually confronted with the challenge, she begins to realise that perhaps that isn't all she can do wit her life.
I found this story to be so engaging; I literally could not put it down and read on into the night to finish it. I was so intrigued by where Astra's story was going that I just couldn't stop reading. The author really manages to engage the read and really built this world up with little bother. Straight away we are introduced to the world and it is done so simply but so clearly. Not only do we have Astra but we have a range of wider characters who make up the ensemble; I would say that Astra is the only one that is really developed but you get a good sense of the other characters motivations. I would have loved to know more though about some of these characters and am hoping that we get more build up for them in the next books.
"you shouldn't have to murder people to be safe"
"you raised me to think I couldn't love anyone,' Astra said. 'Didn't you think that would include you?"
"she wanted to be a hero,' Astra said. 'She just didn't know how'".
One thing I will say is that there are so many good quotes in this book that I just kept highlighting because they hit me really hard. I think this story is really well crafted and I love the futuristic world that it is set in. Kate manages to throw in some real twists at the end that had me 😲😲 and I am so ready to see where this leads in the next stories.
The only reason I rated this book four stars rather than five was because towards the end some things felt slightly rushed in terms of character development and I feel it could have worked a bit better if the story had been a bit longer and gave us that time to see that development.
But I really enjoyed this book and i'm so excited to read the future installments of this series and see where Astra ends up and all her secret siblings. Definitely recommend you read this one if you enjoy sci-fi based assassins!
Parting Shadows follows the story of Astra, a badass teenager who has been raised by an AI her whole life. But this isn't a normal AI; this is an AI who was taught to love and care only to have their "heart" ripped out, so now she is out for revenge.
"he'd been so certin of himself, so convinced of her devotion, he had not anticipated her wrath"
The story alternates between current day Astra on her hunt for her target, and Astra as a child growing up under the care of the AI and her training to become a clean killer. Astra was trained her whole life to kill but when actually confronted with the challenge, she begins to realise that perhaps that isn't all she can do wit her life.
I found this story to be so engaging; I literally could not put it down and read on into the night to finish it. I was so intrigued by where Astra's story was going that I just couldn't stop reading. The author really manages to engage the read and really built this world up with little bother. Straight away we are introduced to the world and it is done so simply but so clearly. Not only do we have Astra but we have a range of wider characters who make up the ensemble; I would say that Astra is the only one that is really developed but you get a good sense of the other characters motivations. I would have loved to know more though about some of these characters and am hoping that we get more build up for them in the next books.
"you shouldn't have to murder people to be safe"
"you raised me to think I couldn't love anyone,' Astra said. 'Didn't you think that would include you?"
"she wanted to be a hero,' Astra said. 'She just didn't know how'".
One thing I will say is that there are so many good quotes in this book that I just kept highlighting because they hit me really hard. I think this story is really well crafted and I love the futuristic world that it is set in. Kate manages to throw in some real twists at the end that had me 😲😲 and I am so ready to see where this leads in the next stories.
The only reason I rated this book four stars rather than five was because towards the end some things felt slightly rushed in terms of character development and I feel it could have worked a bit better if the story had been a bit longer and gave us that time to see that development.
But I really enjoyed this book and i'm so excited to read the future installments of this series and see where Astra ends up and all her secret siblings. Definitely recommend you read this one if you enjoy sci-fi based assassins!
June 15, 2019
Super cool sci-fi novella about an unstoppable AI and the daughter she raised to act out her revenge.
Content warnings include: (child) abuse, electroshocks, murder, violence, 24/7 surveillance.
I enjoyed reading Parting Shadows a lot!
Astra has been raised by SATIS, a rogue AI who is out for revenge - and Astra is her tool. We get glimpses into the past about how SATIS raised Astra on an abandoned space station, as well as Astra as a young woman out on the mission she was trained for all her life. But despite the rigorous training, Astra isn't quite prepared for what awaits her, and she is unsure how to handle the new and the familiar faces that unexpectedly turn up. And the finer details of her mission turn out not quite as expected either...
The setting is great: A big space station that is an exclusive school for the rich, whealthy and influencial, set in a universe where humans have conquered space (though the history of how and when isn't mentioned at all). As this was a novella, the setting wasn't quite as explored as I would have liked. Then again, given Astra's abrasive personality, maybe that was a good thing.
I liked the character development, even though it was very rushed and happened suddenly. The story was fascinating and kept me engaged the entire time, despite the book being relatively short and there being less depth to the characters than I wished for. Not that they weren't complex: they were all interesting, I just wanted to know so much more than what was given on-page!
Then again, this is the first of a series and very obviously will have a sequel, even if about different characters, some of which were introduced here.
There is a bit of a romantic subplot, but it's not at all the focus, and.... very unromantic? Or rather, it is romantic, but it's more of a secondary (and probably tertiary) thing, with the characters more focussed on other things, which I liked.
The computer scientist in my loved this take on AIs, not just SATIS but the others as well. I cannot wait to learn more about how the events of Parting Shadows will influence this world and the regulation and treatments of AIs in this world, and how cyborgs fit into it!
I received an ARC and reviewed honestly and voluntarily!
Content warnings include: (child) abuse, electroshocks, murder, violence, 24/7 surveillance.
I enjoyed reading Parting Shadows a lot!
Astra has been raised by SATIS, a rogue AI who is out for revenge - and Astra is her tool. We get glimpses into the past about how SATIS raised Astra on an abandoned space station, as well as Astra as a young woman out on the mission she was trained for all her life. But despite the rigorous training, Astra isn't quite prepared for what awaits her, and she is unsure how to handle the new and the familiar faces that unexpectedly turn up. And the finer details of her mission turn out not quite as expected either...
The setting is great: A big space station that is an exclusive school for the rich, whealthy and influencial, set in a universe where humans have conquered space (though the history of how and when isn't mentioned at all). As this was a novella, the setting wasn't quite as explored as I would have liked. Then again, given Astra's abrasive personality, maybe that was a good thing.
I liked the character development, even though it was very rushed and happened suddenly. The story was fascinating and kept me engaged the entire time, despite the book being relatively short and there being less depth to the characters than I wished for. Not that they weren't complex: they were all interesting, I just wanted to know so much more than what was given on-page!
Then again, this is the first of a series and very obviously will have a sequel, even if about different characters, some of which were introduced here.
There is a bit of a romantic subplot, but it's not at all the focus, and.... very unromantic? Or rather, it is romantic, but it's more of a secondary (and probably tertiary) thing, with the characters more focussed on other things, which I liked.
The computer scientist in my loved this take on AIs, not just SATIS but the others as well. I cannot wait to learn more about how the events of Parting Shadows will influence this world and the regulation and treatments of AIs in this world, and how cyborgs fit into it!
I received an ARC and reviewed honestly and voluntarily!
April 16, 2020
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Parting Shadows
Author: Kate Sheeran Swed
Book Series: Toccata System Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: Murderous/Heartsick AI
Publication Date: July 9, 2019
Genre: Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 17+ (violence, gore, death (lots of it in detail), some sexual content, murderous AI TW)
Publisher: Spells & Spaceships Press
Pages: 139
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Raised by a heartsick AI, she’s programmed to kill. And desperate to flee.
After growing up on an isolated space station, Astra dreams of solid ground. But with an AI guardian plugged into her head--and her nervous system--it’s not like she’s flush with choices. In fact, she’s got just one: use her training to carry out the rogue AI’s revenge. Her first mission? Assassination.
When her target flashes a jamming device that would guarantee her escape from the AI’s grasp, Astra sets out to steal it. But the AI’s plans are more dangerous than she suspected. Corrupted by heartbreak, the wayward computer is determined to infect the star system with a new order of digital tyranny.
Astra’s been raised to care for no one but herself. Now she’ll have to decide if she’s willing to trade the star system’s freedom for her own.
Parting Shadows is a far-future take on Estella Havisham’s journey in Great Expectations, and the first installment in Kate Sheeran Swed’s Toccata System novella trilogy.
Review: Overall, this is a great book! The characters are super complex and the writing is amazing. This is probably one of the best written sci-fis I’ve ever read and one of the most unique! The AI in this book has more emotion than AIDAN and it honestly terrifies me. The author nails the atmosphere and she does well to make the pacing very fast and easy to follow.
Overall, the plot is a bit confusing. We’re just thrown into the book and it takes awhile for the events to be explained. This works for the book, but it threw my brain for a loop after being handheld in a previous book lol. I also wanted a bit more world building, but that’s just me and my love of stars.
Verdict: I loved this book!
Book: Parting Shadows
Author: Kate Sheeran Swed
Book Series: Toccata System Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: Murderous/Heartsick AI
Publication Date: July 9, 2019
Genre: Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 17+ (violence, gore, death (lots of it in detail), some sexual content, murderous AI TW)
Publisher: Spells & Spaceships Press
Pages: 139
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Raised by a heartsick AI, she’s programmed to kill. And desperate to flee.
After growing up on an isolated space station, Astra dreams of solid ground. But with an AI guardian plugged into her head--and her nervous system--it’s not like she’s flush with choices. In fact, she’s got just one: use her training to carry out the rogue AI’s revenge. Her first mission? Assassination.
When her target flashes a jamming device that would guarantee her escape from the AI’s grasp, Astra sets out to steal it. But the AI’s plans are more dangerous than she suspected. Corrupted by heartbreak, the wayward computer is determined to infect the star system with a new order of digital tyranny.
Astra’s been raised to care for no one but herself. Now she’ll have to decide if she’s willing to trade the star system’s freedom for her own.
Parting Shadows is a far-future take on Estella Havisham’s journey in Great Expectations, and the first installment in Kate Sheeran Swed’s Toccata System novella trilogy.
Review: Overall, this is a great book! The characters are super complex and the writing is amazing. This is probably one of the best written sci-fis I’ve ever read and one of the most unique! The AI in this book has more emotion than AIDAN and it honestly terrifies me. The author nails the atmosphere and she does well to make the pacing very fast and easy to follow.
Overall, the plot is a bit confusing. We’re just thrown into the book and it takes awhile for the events to be explained. This works for the book, but it threw my brain for a loop after being handheld in a previous book lol. I also wanted a bit more world building, but that’s just me and my love of stars.
Verdict: I loved this book!
June 13, 2019
The usual disclaimer Kate and I are friends. She gave me a free copy of this book that she wrote a sweet note it, but this is my very honest opinion of this novella.
Kate and I tend to agree on most things literary with pretty much two exceptions: The Kingkiller Chronicles (I love them, but agree Kvothe is kind of a tool) and Dickens (Kate loves him, I hate him although appreciate the literary significance). So when I realized Kate's new novella was a retelling of Great Expectations (but in space), I was worried I wouldn't like it. But I loved it. To be fair, I like most things better if you put them in space or add some dragons/fairies (Tooth and Claw, I'm looking at you), but I particularly enjoyed this one.
Like all good retellings and reimaginings, this novella both sheds new light on the material that inspired it and becomes its own story exploring its own topics, characters, and ideas. At its heart, this novella is about what it means to love and be loved and what does it mean to be "good" (I don't really like that word...maybe moral?). It left me wondering how much more I would have liked Great Expectations if it had been from Estella's point of view (but also with more knives hidden up sleeves and a couple of cacti).
The world is well-crafted and it's clear that it is fully imagined beyond what we get in the novella, as is each of the characters, including the SATIS (the love-sick AI out for revenge). I particularly enjoyed Isabelle and am so excited to read the short story on Kate's website and to get more of her in book 2!
Kate and I tend to agree on most things literary with pretty much two exceptions: The Kingkiller Chronicles (I love them, but agree Kvothe is kind of a tool) and Dickens (Kate loves him, I hate him although appreciate the literary significance). So when I realized Kate's new novella was a retelling of Great Expectations (but in space), I was worried I wouldn't like it. But I loved it. To be fair, I like most things better if you put them in space or add some dragons/fairies (Tooth and Claw, I'm looking at you), but I particularly enjoyed this one.
Like all good retellings and reimaginings, this novella both sheds new light on the material that inspired it and becomes its own story exploring its own topics, characters, and ideas. At its heart, this novella is about what it means to love and be loved and what does it mean to be "good" (I don't really like that word...maybe moral?). It left me wondering how much more I would have liked Great Expectations if it had been from Estella's point of view (but also with more knives hidden up sleeves and a couple of cacti).
The world is well-crafted and it's clear that it is fully imagined beyond what we get in the novella, as is each of the characters, including the SATIS (the love-sick AI out for revenge). I particularly enjoyed Isabelle and am so excited to read the short story on Kate's website and to get more of her in book 2!
Read
June 16, 2021This is such a quick and satisfying read! And y'all, Kate's writing shiiiiines. It's so fluid and effortless -- compulsively readable. You just bebop along the whole time without even realizing how much you've read, which is not a sensation I can say happens to me often. It is a rare kind of indie book in that it feels expertly polished and is so well put-together. It could easily sit at the Big Kid table with books published by the Big 5. It's perfectly balanced in the way I believe all stories should be -- just the right doses of character, plot, action, dialogue, inner monologue, backstory, romance, and world-building. It's also told in a unique fashion from the perspective of a very sophisticated AI, which makes the narrative stand out. I recommend especially for fans of accessible sci-fi and unique re-tellings of classics.
For the Prudie Rating, it gets a wholesome grade of A from me. There are only a few brief instances of profanity (no f-bombs), and there is nothing overtly sexual other than the occasional tame kiss. Any violence is conducted in a way that is tasteful on the page, meaning it's not very graphic.
**No rating because I made the decision to no longer rate indie books out of a sense of community fairness between myself and other indie authors.**
For the Prudie Rating, it gets a wholesome grade of A from me. There are only a few brief instances of profanity (no f-bombs), and there is nothing overtly sexual other than the occasional tame kiss. Any violence is conducted in a way that is tasteful on the page, meaning it's not very graphic.
**No rating because I made the decision to no longer rate indie books out of a sense of community fairness between myself and other indie authors.**
August 16, 2019
I’ll admit that I haven’t read a ton of science fiction books, but I do enjoy the genre as a whole especially movies. I’m so glad I got the chance to jump in on this series at the beginning because I have a feeling it’s going to be very popular.
The story is told from varying perspectives and we jump right in to the AI “brain” as it’s betrayed by the human it trusted. It was easy to sympathize with the computer, even if you don’t believe in AI emotions. There’s a human element that the author does a great job combining with the logic of computer systems.
Astra was “raised” for revenge. She only knows one thing, and that’s never to trust anyone. Desperate for a moment of peace in her own head when the opportunity to be free of the computer’s constant monitoring presents itself, Astra will do almost anything to get it.
This is a beautifully intense story about heartache, revenge, independence, and then self sacrifice. No spoilers, but the epilogue will leave you wanting more ASAP.
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy the idea of AI capable of emotions and great science fiction storytelling.
The story is told from varying perspectives and we jump right in to the AI “brain” as it’s betrayed by the human it trusted. It was easy to sympathize with the computer, even if you don’t believe in AI emotions. There’s a human element that the author does a great job combining with the logic of computer systems.
Astra was “raised” for revenge. She only knows one thing, and that’s never to trust anyone. Desperate for a moment of peace in her own head when the opportunity to be free of the computer’s constant monitoring presents itself, Astra will do almost anything to get it.
This is a beautifully intense story about heartache, revenge, independence, and then self sacrifice. No spoilers, but the epilogue will leave you wanting more ASAP.
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy the idea of AI capable of emotions and great science fiction storytelling.
November 16, 2019
"Parting Shadows" is a short and sweet sci-fi story about a girl whose mother is a vengeful AI.
I picked this book up on a whim when I needed something to read on the bus, and it did the job. It's a short and action-packed science fiction, that I definitely enjoyed for what it was.
Nonetheless, I could have done without the romance. Maybe because the book is so short, it feels like it's thrown in there as an afterthought. I also wanted more: as much as I enjoy short books, this one went by way too fast and I think it's a story that could have lasted longer, and would have been better for it.
I reccomend it anyway if you enjoy space sci-fi, and I will check out the rest of the series.
I picked this book up on a whim when I needed something to read on the bus, and it did the job. It's a short and action-packed science fiction, that I definitely enjoyed for what it was.
Nonetheless, I could have done without the romance. Maybe because the book is so short, it feels like it's thrown in there as an afterthought. I also wanted more: as much as I enjoy short books, this one went by way too fast and I think it's a story that could have lasted longer, and would have been better for it.
I reccomend it anyway if you enjoy space sci-fi, and I will check out the rest of the series.
July 14, 2019
One of the first things that I picked up on and enjoyed about Kate's writing style is that she knows her audience. Sci-fi readers, in my experience, have great imaginations, and Kate sprinkles in just enough details to let our imaginations take over with familiar sci-fi imagery. In other words, she doesn't bog the story down with paragraphs and paragraphs of description, which would have crippled the story's pacing in this tightly packed 140-page novella. Full review available at my blog.
July 10, 2019
An assassin raised by a vengeful AI in space...um, yes please!!!!!!
This book was so much fun! Astra is definitely my kind of character, smart & tough but struggling to figure out how she fits with other people. I absolutely love her. Lots of action and twists along with the emotional ride, and Kate's writing is fantastic as always.
This book was so much fun! Astra is definitely my kind of character, smart & tough but struggling to figure out how she fits with other people. I absolutely love her. Lots of action and twists along with the emotional ride, and Kate's writing is fantastic as always.
August 14, 2019
she is lonely and she has been trained to kill by the AI living in her body. It has plans of its own. It wants her to kill someone but it will not stay just that. a jamming device may help her get away. Will she get away? Will she be able to stop the AI plans? See if she can
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 24, 2019
Fast-paced action with a great story if you enjoy awesome sci-fi adventures, and this one is really awesome. I love the characters in this book and I can hardly wait for the next book in the series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 5, 2023
I really enjoyed this! The book was fast-paced and well-written, offering a new twist on an AI-driven story. The romance could have used a little more development - the relationship was a little glossed over. I'm looking forward to reading the next book!
October 7, 2023
Good Read.
This was an excellent read and is something that could possibly happen in the future the way technology is growing . I found it had a good storyline also . On to the next one.
This was an excellent read and is something that could possibly happen in the future the way technology is growing . I found it had a good storyline also . On to the next one.
July 28, 2019
OMG I’m breathless! Where is the sequel???
September 10, 2019
Full review: www.jessreviews.co.uk
November 17, 2021
Astra was raised by an AI to assassinate the would-be lover who tricked her years ago. How so much story and thought was written into these 150 pages, I will never know.
Read
November 24, 2021
Trigger & Content Warnings
Child abuse
Murder
Electrocution
Child abuse
Murder
Electrocution
September 14, 2024
An unusual situation for science fiction AI, which made a good story. Except the ending did not end everything, so it could have been better if the theme of the next story wasn't so clear.
April 13, 2025
series flips between lead characters
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