Flickers of Fortune

46. Ascending #5

by Sherrie R. Cronin

Seeing the future is a nuisance. Ariel does her best to shut it out, until she stumbles on a group of clairvoyants using their talents to get extremely rich. They have her attention. Then she meets a second bunch obsessed with surviving an upcoming near extinction event. Both factions seem dangerous and, to be honest, a little crazy. They don’t get along. As they learn more about her, however, each group decides Ariel’s particular abilities are hard to find and exactly what they need. There is no possible way to help them both. Aligning with either may be a bad idea, but staying out of this mess is no longer an option.(This is a shortened and updated version of the story originally published as d4.)

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Contemporary, Fiction

Kindle Edition

First published December 21, 2014

About the author

Sherrie Cronin is the author of a collection of six speculative fiction novels known as 46. Ascending and is now in the process of publishing a historical fantasy series called The War Stories of the Seven Troublesome Sisters. A quick look at the synopses of her books makes it obvious she is fascinated by people achieving the astonishing by developing abilities they barely knew they had.

She’s made a lot of stops along the way to writing these novels. She’s lived in seven cities, visited forty-six countries, and worked as a waitress, technical writer, and geophysicist. Now she answers a hot-line. Along the way, she’s lost several cats but acquired a husband who still loves her and three kids who’ve grown up just fine, both despite how odd she is.

All her life she has wanted to either tell these kinds of stories or be Chief Science Officer on the Starship Enterprise. She now lives and writes in the mountains of Western North Carolina, where she admits to occasionally checking her phone for a message from Captain Picard, just in case.

Reviews

[Glenn Conley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has the stupidest title. I mean, 'd4'? What the fuck does that even mean? If someone is browsing through amazon, looking for a book to read, why the fuck would they even click on that title? It's meaningless. It doesn't tell me anything about the book. I don't know how this author is able to sell any copies of this book. Maybe there's a subliminal 'FREE BEER' message hidden on the cover.

This book is about a dirty slut named Ariel, who works as a liaison for an investment firm, which develops software and hardware for investors who make high frequency trades. I know, every part of that sentence is boring as shit, except for the 'dirty slut' part. Ariel is not, in fact, a mermaid, as one would surely assume (because of The Little Mermaid, duh). But she does have a special gift. She can see the future.

Big fucking deal. Everyone in this goddamn book has some kind of amazing gift. Most have some kind of precognition, but others can astral-project, or communicate telepathically, or even morph into a completely different person. But here's the problem: none of them do a goddamn thing with their amazing abilities. Okay, one guy does, but because of it, he's seen as the book's only villain. He uses his future-telling ability to make tons of dough in the stock market. Come on... I mean, anyone with that kind of ability would do the same fucking thing.

One of the reasons that Ariel is such a dirty slut is that, apparently, precogs can enhance their visions by touching each other. Each time she meets one of her clients, she shakes their hands, and immediately recognizes the precog ability. Our villain, Baldur, sees Ariel's ability as well, and he finds that touching her would make his visions, and his trades, much more accurate.

Of course, he tries to rape her. Because, he's naughty like that. But mostly, because he absolutely NEEDS her touch to reach his goal of owning the entire world's wealth. She escapes, because she can see the immediate future. But Baldur is not easily avoided, since he is her best client. So the next time they meet, he slips something in her drink, and takes what he believes is his right.

But he still wants more... So he eventually ends up blackmailing her to be his personal mind-slave.

Then, there's this whole plot thing. Some precogs are able to see way into the future, and it turns out that in 2352, the human race becomes extinct, from some nasty plague. So, throughout the book, there are several characters who are dedicating their life to find out a solution to the distant future. How to save the human race.

So they go to Mars, as you do. Because, of course, there's no plague on Mars, right? It's said that the plague isn't man made. It's a natural occurring pathogen. So what makes them think it won't happen on Mars? I don't fucking know.

Ariel gets to be Queen Slut of Mars, and everyone ends up happily ever after. Great. Thanks a lot. Now I've got to go write some goddamn Little Mermaid fanfic, where people actually use their fucking super-powers.

[Sherrie Cronin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's impossible to judge your own book. I can say, though, that this my favorite thing I have ever written.

[Moony (Captain Mischief) MeowPoff · Rating 1 out of 5]

I sadly could'nt get past the 25% mark, sadly.
This book wasn't for me. I didn't find the book or it's characters interesting enough to manage to continue..
It was also may characters here and there and i didn't get to get a real connecting to them, since we jumped so much back and forth. Plus, i found the worldbuilding somewhat dull and complicated to understand about.

[Ally Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

---4.5 Stars---

Another win from the entertaining and intriguing 46. Ascending Book Series!!!

I really enjoyed catching back up with the Zeitman family and joining them on another adventure!

This is the fifth book I’ve read from the talented writer, S. R. Cronin. Over the past few months, I have had the privilege of delving into her Book Series, 46. Ascending and reading the first four books. I really enjoyed them, so I was excited to read her latest work – which also happens to fall in the same series. “Flickers of Fortune,” is Book Five in the 46. Ascending Book Series.

Like with the rest of this book series, this book follows the Zeitman family. This particular book focuses on the daughter, Ariel and her special ability to see the future.

Ariel starts a new job in London handling three well-to-do client’s financial portfolios. It isn’t long before Ariel starts to realize that there are other clairvoyants among her, and some are using their talents to get wealthy while the others are planning for an upcoming apocalypse. Before Ariel can decide what to do with this information it seems her fellow psychics have discovered her secret talent and think it’s the key to reaching victory on their side. Ariel must make some quick choices and decide what team she’s on as her and her family’s lives are put in danger. No spoilers here!! But you definitely will want to read this book and find out what happens!!

I really enjoyed the main and supporting characters!! It was great to have the entire Zeitman family make a strong appearance throughout the book!! I liked Ariel and Mikkel together. They fit well and played off each other complementary. It felt sweet, gentle, and genuine. I also enjoyed Zane and his partner Afi. They were cute together! I think this particular book really showcased the innerworkings of the Zeitman family coming together and being helpful, encouraging, and supportive. For example, when baby John gets sick, Zane, Ariel’s brother, besides being a doctor, steps right up to help and then him and his partner take him in and raise the baby for Ariel without hesitation. It was so considerate and kindhearted. Ariel made a lot of sacrifices for her family’s best interests in this book and it really showed a great deal of her character. I really felt for Ariel and all the changes she had to make and everything/everyone she had to leave behind to protect her family.

I found myself completely wrapped up with the characters and immersed in their storylines!!!

I really enjoyed all the hidden and not so hidden messages the author seemed to sneak into this book. As with most of Mrs. Cronin’s books there always seems to be underlying meanings and themes and this book was no exception. This particular book focused on what if we knew the future, what would we do with that knowledge, and would we want to know what was coming. I really enjoy these compelling and thought-provoking philosophical lessons that she proposes. I think many of us have all said at one time, “I wish I had such and such special power…” and with the Zeitman family they actually do. But, with all things there’s usually pros and cons, special abilities are no different, and in this book, Ariel shows how her gift is a blessing and a curse.

I also enjoyed the intriguing and fascinating storyline that was filled with stimulating action, engaging scenes, innovative worldbuilding, and perplexing concepts.

Very creative plot points that were well structured and defined.

I love the in-depth amount of research the author did while constructing this book. It was clear she was very familiar and well-versed on the culture, customs, and traditions of the North Atlantic region. The author provided so much detail and such vivid descriptions it made the scenes easy to picture.

Mrs. Cronin continues to go above and beyond in her research and it strongly shows in her writing. She always seems to find a way to add significant historical references into fun and interesting scenes while showing an active knowledge of the area.

This book genre is marketed as a science fiction/fantasy book and yet the author found a way to throw in adventure, mystery, intrigue, suspense, and romance elements into the book. It definitely added a fascinating extra component to the story!

There are some predictable scenes. However, there are quite a few unexpected twists and turns that you won’t see coming!

I really liked all the additions to the book besides the story. This book included a map of the North Atlantic region focusing on the settings in the book: Greenland, Iceland, and Ireland. This book also included a list of resources the author used while researching and writing this book that includes songs, cultural, historical, and scientific information, etc. The website links and books are listed for easy access to follow up on the data. Also, at the end of this book is a list of characters names and their role in the book. These additions provided readers a little something extra and allow for a quick reference guide. Plus, it gives the reader the chance to decide if they want to follow up with reading more research instead of having too much information forced on them by overloading too many facts into the book.

This book is book five in the 46. Ascending Book Series. It can be read as a standalone. There is a total of six books in this book series and all them have already been released for sale. All six books feature the Zeitman family and their special abilities. According to the author, all of these books in this series can be read as a standalone.

As I mentioned this is now the fifth book I’ve read in the series, and I’ve had the pleasure of reading them all in order so far. However, having done so, I must truly admit how impressed I am that even though these books are completely intertwined into a series they are yet so undeniably able to be broken apart and read standalone – in any order.

I will be reading and reviewing additional books in this series and look forward to sharing my take on those books with you soon!

All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend it! I think all science fiction and fantasy readers will like this book - and this book series too! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!

**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**

[Mercedes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author does it again - d4 another very good and thoughtful read.

Having read the previous books, I bought this one as soon as I heard about it. I was not disappointed, this was a very good, fast read. I could not put it down. While tying back to the other books, this one had its own storyline which was intriguing. Thanks to the author for another good and thoughtful read, ensuring that you think about the issues discussed in the book.

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 out of 5 stars

"Flicker of Fortune" by S.R. Cronin is a science fiction/fantasy story that is part of the ’46. Ascending’ series. This particular volume centers on Ariel Zeitman, who possesses the power to see the future but has not really explored her ability or consulted with others about it until a job interview changes her destiny. As she discovers that there are different permutations of clairvoyance, each decision becomes more pivotal, and her interactions with others who possess this ability draw her deeper into a dangerous web. Not only is the distant future of humanity at stake, but Ariel’s immediate future gets more and more precarious. It’s time for the Zeitman family to have a frank talk.



The fascinating aspect of this series is that each book can indeed stand alone but definitely is enhanced by the reader being aware of the storyline of those that came before. I inadvertently started reading the sequel to this book and therefore got a slightly different perspective (mom’s) to some of the events that take place without too much of a spoiler but it was no problem to stop that one and read this one. They flow together seamlessly.



I love that various aspects of mental abilities are showcased even as current events and the possibilities inherent in the manipulation of things are explored. This author is adept at playing the “what if” game and provides thought-provoking stories that also entertain.



I had trouble connecting with Ariel. She doesn’t seem to have had the strong ties to her family that her siblings have and her decisions are sometimes a little off to me. Those who have triggers should be warned that there are a couple of coercive scenes that were uncomfortable for me—although they could have been far worse—and I was disturbed that there were no immediate repercussions for the perpetrator. There are also multiple characters and interconnections that get a little disconcerting as their points of view are intermittently included but it all eventually comes together.



One of the things that amused me the most is that this book is primarily located in the far north (and beyond) and had very chilly settings whereas the following book involves activity at the opposite pole, with the attendant heat and humidity. I look forward to reading more adventures involving this very unique family and others with abilities that truly reflect the maxim that great power comes with great responsibility. This is not my favorite book of the series, but it does make one think about cause and effect with global implications as well as offers a glimpse of what the mind could be capable of.





A copy of this title was provided to me for review

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A slow start that brings everything together!

[Jeanne Adamek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through the Goodreads First Read program.

I have to say first that this book was slightly out of my comfort zone as I usually do not read Science Fiction. The story moved along very fast, and not hard to follow--I was captivated. I found the "matter of fact" characters curiously compelling as they were totally different from the type of characters that I usually read (more the emotional types).

If I had a criticism, it would be that (for me) there were too many characters with extremely unusual names and I found it hard to figure out who was being talked about at the beginning. I did like Ariel--she was tough and a very "exact" person.

I am not quite sure that I liked the end--maybe too much was told (?)

My rating would be 3 4/5 stars. This book was a book I enjoyed reading but I would not read it again.

[Terie Beasley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clever title combined with an exciting plot make this book a "must read!" While my brain normally doesn't absorb scientific concepts, I loved this sci-fi book. The expansive setting, the unique characters, and the intrique plot captivated me. I am simply amazed with the depth of talent and artistry that Sherrie weaves together to produce this masterpiece! It is truly a book for readers who enjoy life, love and learning.

[Margit Fernqvist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a book worth reading more than once!
I had the pleasure of beta-reading this wonderful book, and as soon as I have read the final version, I will leave a full review! !

[Cheryl Bonner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story line was difficult to follow at times, but the characters were interesting. If you like fiction beyond the realm of possibility, this is it.

[Aurialis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note - I received a free advanced copy from Netgalley for my honest review and feedback.

First of all, when I started reading this book, I wasn't aware it was 5th in the series. When I realized there was a series, I checked out other books and realized that they were all about different characters and it didn't matter if I hadn't read them.

So even though it is 5th in the series, I have read it as a stand alone. I don't read sci-fi much, so this was a pretty new and interesting for me.

The beginning sucked me in. It started with a lot of mystery and intrigue. The prose was written in such a way, that it gave this book a feeling of suspense and thrill. The writing from a various different point of view, the different characters coming together in different settings and forming various types of relationships.... it was wonderfully penned down.

The part where there was hitch, was that the entire book was written in similar way. After a while, I kind of started getting impatient. At the beginning, you need mystery and suspense to pull the readers in. In the middle, readers expect action to the said mystery. That was where it was lacking to certain degree.

The other part that bothered me, was Ariel herself. She had a very interesting ability, which had a huge potential. But, she was entirely passive. There is not a single place where she is the one who made decisions or took any action of her own. She is the main character, but except for giving her a lot of narrative prose, it didn't come as such. Everyone else, pushed and pulled her, and she allows them to.

I would expect a girl who can see probability of future to be more proactive. And smart. There were a lot of places, where she did something stupid, even when she had probable knowledge of things going wrong. She ignored her gift, and at some places deliberately put herself in danger. That kind of people pisses me off.

Overall, the book is well written. And even though, at some places, it feels slow, it manages to keep the readers hooked in.

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ariel is clairvoyant which as we know means she can see the future when she has contact when another person. Being clairvoyant has lead Ariel to a quiet and probably a sort of lonely life as she doesn’t like touching people and seeing their future.

Ariel doesn’t think she should use the knowledge that she has been given. Ariel as a lot of other people do as well believe that if you change just one small part of the future then it could be catastrophic.

If that is true then why was she given such a gift if it was not to help people you know to save someone’s life or to keep them from making a mistake that could cost lives? I mean otherwise it has no purpose, right?

Ariel is offered a new job in finance at first she is not sure that she should take the job but soon learns that it would probably be in her best interest. On her new job some of the people she meets are clairvoyant like her but their gift is different in that they each see into the future at different timelines or different time spans or periods.

There are two groups of clairvoyants and each group wants Ariel on their side and working for them. One group wants Ariel to use her abilities to help them get rich and the other group wants Ariel to use her abilities to help them stop the extinction of the human race.

Which group will Ariel help? Will she help both groups? Can she help both groups? Or will she have to choose one or the other? Will she help one group get rich? Or will she save the human race from extinction? Is it wrong for Ariel to use her abilities to help someone? If she uses her abilities will it change the future for the good or the bad? Why was she given these special abilities?

While Flickers of Fortune is part of a series it can be read as a standalone but it is so much better if they are read in order this way you already have knowledge of people from past books. Flickers of Fortune is a fast paced read that kept me glued to the pages and with all the twists and turns they kept the pages turning to see what the future held. I liked getting to see the points of view from more than one character. I like knowing how each character’s story fits as we go along and trying to figure out how they all connect in the end.

I highly recommend Flickers of Fortune to all fans of science fiction and anyone who likes reading about people who can see the future. I highly recommend every book in the 46. Ascending series.

[Anne Szlachcic · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved them premise of this book - but I must say that books told from multiple and third person points of view need to be very well structured …………. this was not , but I persevered .

Ariel's ability to see parts of the future have always proved a problem - she knows she must align herself with one of two other groups with similar abilities - to save the world .
BUT who to choose - that is the question - they both want her , not necessarily for the greater good .

This book could have been a much better read with tighter plot lines and greater character development .

I was given an ARC of this book by Netgalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Flicker of Fortune book five from Sherrie R Cronin’s 46. Ascending series. Science fiction is not my usual go to genre, but this book shows that it is sometimes good to go outside my comfort zone. Even though it is part of a series, I did not feel as if I was missing anything by not reading the previous books. I liked this Ariel’s story.

I give Flicker of Fortune three and a half and would be interested in reading the previous books of the series to see what happened prior to this one.

I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion review.

[R.K. Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this novel really blew me away. From the characterization, to the suspense, to the setting. I think that every moving part to this novel really came together and made it unforgettable.

This is just an overall well balanced novel. The pacing and flow are spot on and I was thoroughly engaged throughout.

I think this novel will affect you and I think that is a real testament to the writers ability to convey the characters feelings and make them come alive.

[C. Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book cover really makes me want to go do some yoga by the ocean. :)

I think that Sherrie really manages to bring a enlightening and uplifting novel to the table with d4. Having read her other novels, I was pleasantly surprised by how she was able to keep similar themes and still bring us a fresh feeling novel.

Her novels are always easy to follow and leave me thinking deeper about things once I have finished. A great fiction novel.

[Ileana Renfroe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. In the fifth installment which can be read as a standalone, we meet Ariel. She thinks seeing the future is annoying and tries her best to block it out. Then she meets two sets of groups that in the end want something from her. She's caught in the middle trying to decide what to do.

I enjoyed the flow of the story and look forward to reading more from this author.

[Neil · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

I found this to be slow at the beginning, but gradually improved the further you went into the book.

The characters had great depth with varied personalities.

Overall an enjoyable story, just shame the start was slow.

[Helena#bookdreamer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a difficult novel to get into. It's told in several points of views and mostly shifts to third person. Ariel is a young woman who has the ability to see increments of the future. Shes always known that she will play a part in saving the world but can't see exactly how. We don't get an opportunity to really get to know the other characters as their parts are short spurts of dialogue and moments. The plot is fague and the story progresses rather slowly. Unfortunately i did not enjoy this novel.

[M.T. DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Read an excerpt and follow the Goddess Fish book tour here.
Yet again, I found myself enthralled in a book of this excellent series. This time, the power in question was seeing the future, and the various aspects to how it worked were just amazing. Combined with more truly interesting characters and another look into problems plaguing the world, and I will say it again: I can’t recommend this series enough.
Ariel was a fantastic heroine. The fact that she is a redhead got me humming Part of that World and Kiss the Girl, but I digress. She’s a take-no-prisoners person, but she’s also willing to bend to get what she wants. I appreciated her modern view on being a woman. “This didn’t have to end in sex, but it probably would.” Being aware is the first step, right?
The bad guy in this book seriously set my teeth on edge. He wasn’t organizing a human trafficking ring or trying to blow up airplanes like the villains in previous books, but his world-domination outlook on accumulating wealth was both scary and disgusting. His willingness to do whatever it took to meet his goals without caring who got hurt in the process was brilliant and terrifying.
As always, the plot was complex and intriguing. Even knowing books often end well for the good guys, there were moments I wondered. One of the best things about this series is that it’s never easy for the characters. The situations they are put in and the decisions they have to make are difficult, and I love that. The fantasy elements are icing on a chocolate cake. I look forward to more installments.

[Sara Monk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very different from anything I've read. The book is about a woman named Ariel who is clairvoyant. Everything that is done in this book has to do with what will happen in the far future. Every action has a reaction.. So many alternate realities exist in the probabilities and decisions that are made. I was excited to receive this book. It was an interesting read. However, I did feel like it was very confusing at first because it had so many different characters introduced at once and bits of their stories. Sometimes the character that it was talking about would change in the next paragraph, let alone the next chapter. Luckily, the author provided a list of characters on the back page and who they were. It was inconvenient though having to flip back and forth (but I suppose it's better than having to re-read sections to figure out who was who).. The book itself has a nice cover; however, the format inside looked more like an e-book format. It doesn't have much appeal to it. Further, I felt some parts of the book to be lengthy. I was really into the beginning and the ending of the book. But the middle I felt was a bit long; specifically when it came to talking about finances. I could have went without some of the finances talk.
Overall, I'd recommend this book to everyone. It left me wondering how the book would end. There were certainly twists in the story that I could not have foreseen. I enjoyed it.

**note: I received this book as a first reads giveaway. This is my true and honest opinion of this book. **

[susan murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Won from goodreads
Ariel is a clairvoyant and struggles sometimes with it and tries not to touch people but soon comes to realise she can help the mankind. Ariel works in London but has to move with her job to Dublin but sees this can help her.baldur is one of her clients intent on making loads of money with a hidden agenda and can be a danger to ariel. Eion is her boss heart in right place but gone onto make some mistakes. Mikkel at first she's not sure of but things start to change and siarnaq has a hatred for mikkel but why. Nell can change her appearance which ariel finally finds out and saves her a few times from getting hurt. Cillian is another one that can see far into the future one of the good men. Zane is her brother who can also change his appearance but not as good as nell. Hulda is baldurs secretary and in the story you find something interesting about her.
I really enjoyed the book and the story got even better the further you got into it .

[Noelene · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book as part of a Goodreads Giveaway. This novel is one of a series. However this book can be read as a standalone very easily. I couldn't really tell that it was part of any series. The premise of the story plot is intriguing. However the author needed to work on tightening tension within the novel. It should have been a page turner but it just plodded along. Characters were interesting but the author needed to craft the story in such a way as you were totally engaged with all of them.

[Cassy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book to be very monotone and flat for such a potentially interesting subject. I wish the author could have breathed more life into the characters.