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The Rush's Edge

Ginger Smith (Goodreads Author)

3.75 · Rating details · 177 ratings · 62 reviews

With the help of his commanding officer, a genetically engineered ex-soldier fights back against the government that created him and others like him to be expendable slaves.

Halvor Cullen, a genetically-engineered and technology implanted ex-solider, doesn’t see himself as a hero. After getting out of the service, all he’s interested in is chasing the adrenaline rush that h ...more

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Published November 10th 2020 by Angry Robot

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Oct 05, 2020 Alexander Peterhans rated it it was ok

Shelves: edelweiss

You don't need to constantly reinvent the wheel to tell a good story. When your worldbuilding isn't flowing over with original ideas, you can tell a great yarn with interesting characters, with vibrant dialogue, and perhaps a well paced plot.

I'm afraid to say this book fails on both fronts. Pretty much every world detail you come across you will have encountered in other sci-fi works, sometimes literally - think a mix of Star Wars, Star Trek, Space: Above and Beyond, Firefly and Mass Effect. The You don't need to constantly reinvent the wheel to tell a good story. When your worldbuilding isn't flowing over with original ideas, you can tell a great yarn with interesting characters, with vibrant dialogue, and perhaps a well paced plot.

I'm afraid to say this book fails on both fronts. Pretty much every world detail you come across you will have encountered in other sci-fi works, sometimes literally - think a mix of Star Wars, Star Trek, Space: Above and Beyond, Firefly and Mass Effect. There are laspistols and lasrifles, there are medjets, there is a mysterious extinct and technologically advanced race called the Mudar, there are technicians called teckers, there is an Empire stand-in called the ACAS, there are vatgrown soldiers called vats (although, to be fair, 'vat' here is an abbreviation), and so on.

There is a lot of attention for character development, which is a good thing, but they aren't very interesting people. In the end they still feel shallow and predictable. Essentially this is a book about soldiers and PTSD, and even that is handled dully - we see one of the characters wrestle with flashbacks, nightmares and disassociation, but we only really see it from the outside.

The plot pootles along, but is never surprising, and there is little suspense. There's a love story that does the bare minimum what a love story has to do. Because the characters aren't very engaging, I didn't really care what happened here.

Parts of the plot feel like they're just there because that's what you do in a space opera. There's an enigmatic assassin who follows the crew, and when the confrontation comes quite early in the book, it's an anticlimax. There is a scientist who has helped to create vat soldiers for the evil ACAS for years and years, but now all of a sudden realises that hey, this just isn't cricket.

There is a lot of dialogue, and I mean a LOT, which I'm afraid to say felt like a chore to get through.

I'm sorry to say I was just so very bored.

(Kindly received an ARC from Angry Robot through Edelweiss) ...more

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Jul 19, 2020 Dan Hanks rated it it was amazing

Lucky enough to read this early and I loved it. Great sci-fi setting, shady military organisations, super soldiers, assassins, and one awesome ship. But the best part is the family of characters at its heart - all richly drawn and very easy to invest in from the start - which gave me big Firefly meets Mass Effect vibes. Hugely entertaining and thought provoking too. Highly recommend.

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Nov 25, 2020 Athena (OneReadingNurse) rated it really liked it

Heyy space opera fans, how’s it going? Thank you so much to Angry Robot for the eARC of this fast-paced sci-fi / space adventure in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own!

There are a lot of things that I really liked about The Rush’s Edge, so let’s start there. I love science fiction that touches on ethics related to robotics, genetics, and AI – I guess I can thank Mr Asimov for that one. Hal is a Vanguard Assault Trooper, one of thousands genetically enhanced and modified to Heyy space opera fans, how’s it going? Thank you so much to Angry Robot for the eARC of this fast-paced sci-fi / space adventure in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own!

There are a lot of things that I really liked about The Rush’s Edge, so let’s start there. I love science fiction that touches on ethics related to robotics, genetics, and AI – I guess I can thank Mr Asimov for that one. Hal is a Vanguard Assault Trooper, one of thousands genetically enhanced and modified to serve as cannon fodder for the ACAS (government).

As the description states, what future can these troops have? Should they fight back? The book takes a long look at the prejudices and ethical issues surrounding the soldiers and that was my favorite element.

The action is steady as well, the book was certainly never boring. From scrapping to mission to heart pounding escape or combat scenes, even the character and relationship building parts kept the story moving forward.

The characters were really good too, Hal and the other soldiers deal with PTSD and finding their place in the world after their service. Are they allowed to want a future? Can they fall in love? Can they command their own ship or fight in their own war? These are questions that Hal navigates through with help from his crew. Tyce, the captain, seems like such a caring person too, as does Beryl the ship’s medic. Vivi is just great too, a natural born that represents the naivety of most of the general population about their government and military. She is strong and smart and perfect for Hal and the crew.

I also love when AI’s have personalities. A friendly AI/alien is more rare in books than malicious ones so that was a fun plot twist…but no spoilers.

The downside was that at the end, I felt like the book would be a great introduction to a series. All the characters are introduced/found and the crew kind of chooses each other as a family, but it ends in a very open way. I also didnt think that any of the major plot points were cleared up at all, so either it’s all open to interpretation or there will be more books. In that manner I docked two stars, only because it seemed like all the right space opera elements were tossed in without any element of connectivity or closure towards the end goal. The book 100% accomplished forming a crew, and if there ends up being another book I will 100% bump this straight to a 5 star rating. ...more

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Nov 23, 2020 Tammy rated it liked it · review of another edition

I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.The nitty-gritty: I enjoyed the well thought out futuristic world and exciting action sequences, but overall the story suffered from a few rookie mistakes.

The Rush’s Edge is a fast-paced space opera debut that had plenty of thrilling moments and lots of action, and I enjoyed parts of it very much. However, I did have several issues with th ...more

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Nov 08, 2020 Cassidee Lanstra rated it really liked it

I read The Rush’s Edge in two sittings yesterday. This beauty comes out tomorrow and it was easy reading. The story pulled me in right away and the action never stopped. The Rush’s Edge was a mix of Vat-raised soldiers, assassins, untrustworthy government and military and it has a little bit of a love story in there. I was super invested in Hal and Veev’s relationship, not gotta lie. I love a bit of LOVE in my books, SFF or otherwise. Don’t worry, it wasn’t heavy or smutty, for the romance shy. ...more

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Nov 03, 2020 Laura (crofteereader) rated it it was ok · review of another edition

I think this book suffers from not having a "goal" - there's no central driving force in the plot. Indeed, the plot itself is a series of loosely connected events that are all, essentially, self-contained, with problems solved within ~20 pages of their appearance. If we'd gone into this book going "this is the crew and they want to accomplish X but A, B, C, and D have gotten in their way" I would have been so down. Instead, A, B, C, and D happen and we just... Continue on and find an E, F, and G ...more

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Sep 21, 2020 Reid Edwards rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Ginger Smith's debut novel The Rush's Edge is a great first step into what looks to be a a fascinating universe. Her characters feel alive, motivated by internal decisions and show the consequences of their actions. So rarely do protagonists suffer from their choices, but Smith is willing to play out the scenario, rather than dropping deus ex machina throughout the story. The universe she's created just hints at the world and species beyond, which should allow for great stories and great SF. Smi ...more

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Jul 19, 2020 Chris Panatier rated it it was amazing

Vat raised soldiers are pitted against both the AI species they were built to fight and the government that created them, in this character-driven space drama. If you are a fan of well-built sci-fi stories that actually flesh out the human relationships, then this book is for you. Very much for fans of The Expanse.

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Jan 11, 2021 Permanently_Booked rated it really liked it

Shelves: giveaways-arcs

This was not what I expected going in. When I read the synopsis, I expected an alien type tech going ‘I Robot’ on the poor inhabitants of the Loshad. What I read was much more in-depth and oddly heartwarming for a sci-fi opera read.

Ty, Hal and Beryl are the crew for the Loshad. The Loshad is a salvaging ship and the crew legally picks up scrap metal from past wars and wreckage. On other planets. Not so legally, they occasionally find ways to get intel on secret salvage spots and one such trip la This was not what I expected going in. When I read the synopsis, I expected an alien type tech going ‘I Robot’ on the poor inhabitants of the Loshad. What I read was much more in-depth and oddly heartwarming for a sci-fi opera read.

Ty, Hal and Beryl are the crew for the Loshad. The Loshad is a salvaging ship and the crew legally picks up scrap metal from past wars and wreckage. On other planets. Not so legally, they occasionally find ways to get intel on secret salvage spots and one such trip lands them as targets of the government and the host of an alien presence.

There are unique underlying themes like PTSD related to government soldiers and abusive relationships as well as an underlying cast system between VATS (engineered soldiers) and NATS (natural borns). A basic slavery type situation exists surrounding VATS and how they are used by the government. I liked how this was used to push the plot theme towards an underground resistance. I was hoping for more of an alien aspect instead of the ‘on-the-run’ and resistance group vibe this has but I can also tell this is the hardcore foundation for the rest of the series. I do hope that in the next few books the plot pins down a path goal more. There were times I was wondering what the overall means to the end was for our characters.

The character depth was well written and I grew to love all of the characters and their quirks. The crew was more than just partners, they were a true family, and this first step into the series made that plain to see. There is a decent bit of flashback and I did get somewhat overwhelmed at times with the technical aspects and history but more so because I wanted the action and not the politics. That is more of a personal preference. There are a few additions of side character POVs that I personally could have done without. Max, for example, came in so late to the game that I had no time to appreciate his place in the pages. Don’t get me wrong, why he is in the book makes sense, but I feel his POV could’ve been removed and the plot wouldn’t have hurt.

This was a fast paced read for me. I adored the characters, relished the action and am hoping there is a second installment with the promise of more Mudar (alien species)! If you’re a fan of this genre and need to cuddle up with enjoyable characters, I recommend adding this one to your shelves (or kindle). Thank you to Angry Robot Books for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All thoughts are solely my own. ...more

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Sep 12, 2020 Dean Osborne rated it it was amazing

Shelves: science-fiction

A heart stopping, edge of your seat exploration of the human psyche... IN SPACE!

Hot diggity dog that was a good journey and I’m gonna say I really, REALLY hope we get to see more of this universe and its inhabitants. I need to know more! Ginger, if you read this and Angry Robot doesn’t pull the trigger on a follow up be it a prequel, sequel or even a brief history then you need to call me and let me know more 😅

Okay so now I have that out of my system here we go...

We join the crew of the Loshad A heart stopping, edge of your seat exploration of the human psyche... IN SPACE!

Hot diggity dog that was a good journey and I’m gonna say I really, REALLY hope we get to see more of this universe and its inhabitants. I need to know more! Ginger, if you read this and Angry Robot doesn’t pull the trigger on a follow up be it a prequel, sequel or even a brief history then you need to call me and let me know more 😅

Okay so now I have that out of my system here we go...

We join the crew of the Loshad as they are docked in a spaceport looking for their next job when they unknowingly happen across a new crew mate. They are readying for a salvage trip that ultimately turns upside down and inside out and they find themselves thrust into the midst of a coverup/conspiracy that challenges everything they have ever known about their place in the universe.

It is very clear to see that Ginger Smith is tackling several social justice subjects, one of which is human rights, in her debut. This is handle nicely and works well within the story arc. In fact, the central arc is all about this and I really like this and I enjoy it when authors challenge their readers to think differently and grow as a person. For me this makes a book all that more engaging as a reader.

“I think that most people are good, if given a chance. But some people are not. Some people are very, very bad. And then there are others, like Max, who are just misguided, I guess. We have to help the misguided ones see what is right.”

Ginger Smith has created a unique cast of characters in The Rush’s Edge, my favourite being Hal. A hot headed, gun toting vat (Vanguard Assault Troop) that is kept on the straight and narrow and looked after by his Captain and good friend Tyce, the glue that holds the crew together using his calm temper and rational thinking which compensates for Hal’s aggression.

“I am the fist of the ACAS. In war I am strength. I bring justice of the coalition to it’s enemies. Victory is mine. I will gladly fight to the death. I do not surrender to exhaustion or fear. I am steadfast and tenacious in the face of adversity. I am inexorable. I am the ACAS.”

As I have already stated I want... no I need to know more about this universe and its inhabitants. There is mention of a war between civilisations that really intrigued me and I think it would be great to get a chance to explore this more. Another tick in the box is although we see the same type of mechanics used in other sci-fi Smith uses and adapts them in a way that makes them feel fresh and interesting. Artificial intelligence and genetically modified soldiers to name a couple.

One thing I want to mention because it is a big part of the story is romance. I’m not not usually a fan of romance in the books I read as I normally find it as a distraction from the story arc and often find that it fits unnaturally within the story itself. The moments of love and intimacy are normally weirdly placed or happen at a time that seems weird. The often used ‘let’s express our love prior to the final battle’ trope is something I often find quite boring. However, Ginger Smith has changed that for me at least in The Rush’s Edge. Ginger has injected romance into this story seamlessly and it adds to the overall effect of the book.

As for recommending The Rush’s Edge, I would highly recommend to lovers of easy going sci-fi or those looking at picking up their first sci-fi. It’s also a bonus if you like a little romance. Just like my review on The Aggressive by Gem Jackson, that can be found on Bookvagabond.com, I would like to add that The Rush’s Edge is not overwhelming with its acronyms like a lot of science fiction, forcing you to flip back to the glossary to refresh you memory, and you don’t need to be clued up on all the tidbits of space travel. Smith gives those new to the genre a nice springboard to further their journey into the ion pulse engine, laser rifle, inertia drive worlds that we hardened fans love so much. ...more

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Nov 08, 2020 Maryam rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: 2020-releases

Review first published here: https://thecurioussffreader.wordpress...

Hal Cullen, a genetically engineered ex-soldier, is now working on a scavenging ship under the command of his best friend and former CO, Tyce. Hal wasn’t engineered to live long, just to kill efficiently.

Vivi, a hacker, is in need of a new beginning. She’s homeless after being dumped by her abusive ex-boyfriend after messing up one of his jobs. She is saved by Hal and Tyce when two guys try to kidnap her in a bar and she decide Review first published here: https://thecurioussffreader.wordpress...

Hal Cullen, a genetically engineered ex-soldier, is now working on a scavenging ship under the command of his best friend and former CO, Tyce. Hal wasn’t engineered to live long, just to kill efficiently.

Vivi, a hacker, is in need of a new beginning. She’s homeless after being dumped by her abusive ex-boyfriend after messing up one of his jobs. She is saved by Hal and Tyce when two guys try to kidnap her in a bar and she decides to join their crew. However, she doesn’t expect her first mission to involve dealing with evil corporations, rebels and aliens.

I love Star Wars and I’m sucker for stories about rebels fighting against evil corporations and governments. I also love reading about characters who appears a bit rough around the edges but that are actually softies trying their best to care for their people. On paper, The Rush’s Edge sounded exactly like something I would enjoy and I was very excited to read it.

Sadly, I don’t think it lived up to its potential. The basic bones of a fun and exciting story were there but the execution feel flat for me. The writing was very mediocre and some words were repeated so much that I picked up on them after a few chapters and English isn’t even my first language…

The book is called The Rush’s Edge, I usually like when authors make references to the title of their books in their stories. However, the references to the title were so obvious that it became annoying. I did a quick word search in the eARC I read and, here are some stats:

“Rush” was used 50 times
“Edge” was mentioned 63 times
“OK” was used 203 times mostly in sentences such as “Are you OK?” “I’m OK” and “it’s OK”
Mind you, the book could have gone through another round of edits before its release so, I might be overly picky for nothing. However, it annoyed me enough that I thought it was important to mention.

As for the characters and the plot well, they weren’t bad but they weren’t particularly good either. The relationships between the characters were very surface-level. Tyce and Hal are supposed to have an amazing bromance but I didn’t believe in it. The same goes for the romance between Hal and Vivi. I didn’t care for the major insta-love between them. Yes, you can have immediate attraction to someone but, the instant feelings and the over-protectiveness of the male character towards Vivi were unsettling (if not completely creepy). The argument that he is an ex-soldier engineered to protect his crew no matter what could be made but, it still didn’t sit right with me. I also really, really didn’t like the fact that Vivi kept on justifying Hal’s violent behaviors as “he would never hurt me, I trust him, he can be violent to other people but he would never hurt me”. I know this is fiction but I don’t want to read about a romantic people between someone with violent tendencies who is also over-bearing to his partner.

If you are looking for a very straightforward science fiction adventure that you can read with your brain cells turned off, you will probably enjoy it. However, if you are looking for an original story with interesting and complex characters, I wouldn’t recommend The Rush’s Edge. It’s a debut so I hope Ginger Smith’s writing will improve in her next works.

⭐⭐

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. My thanks to Angry Robot for providing me with a review copy. ...more

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Nov 08, 2020 Jerry rated it it was amazing

I typically read non fiction and biography as I feel that real life is so much stranger than fiction. That said however, I have read a good deal of science fiction and fantasy and do like a good old fashioned action-adventure story. I was offered an advanced reader copy of The Rush's Edge so I put down a book I was reading and decided to give it a go. Wow! I am sure glad that I did.

For an engaging space opera it checks all the boxes. Smith's world building is excellent and, like Star Wars and o ...more

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Nov 13, 2020 Will rated it liked it

Shelves: 2020, reviewed, dystopian, spaceships, scifi, net-galley, arc

3.2 / 5 ✪

https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com...

Halvor Cullen was not born but made—grown in a tank until the age of twelve, then trained to fight and kill and die for those that made him, the ACAS. After his seven years of mandatory military service, Hal washed out, as all VATs do. For there he was expected to continue fighting and kill up until he bit it, while trying to fill the void within, mostly with drugs. Instead Hal joined up with his old CO, taking off to salvage the edge of the galax ...more

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Mar 28, 2021 Sarah rated it it was amazing

I'm not too much of a sci-fi or space opera person, but I really enjoyed this book. The core characters and their relationships are compelling and complicated. I'm a sucker for found families and sure enough, this book sucked me in right away. Not to mention reawakening my teenaged shipper heart! Ha. I'd love to read a sequel and see more adventures from this lovable gang. ...more

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Nov 09, 2020 Sacha rated it liked it · review of another edition

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in return for an honest review.

The beginning of this book as absolutely attention grabbing. I was easily able to become absorbed in the world as it was interesting and well fleshed out. There are nats (natural born humans) and vats (vat born/grown humans that have been augmented). Set in space, interesting characters, and a mystery? This book was right up my alley...until it wasn't.

It's not that I didn't like this book. I liked th ...more

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Nov 27, 2020 LordOfDorkness rated it really liked it

A casual fun space adventure.

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Jul 21, 2020 Mary Baltzell rated it it was amazing

I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review and my honest review is this book is a great read! The main character Hal is a solider that is past his prime just trying live a normal life after the military but there's a catch he's a Vat. Vat's were created by the military to be super soldiers so living a normal life is almost impossible for Hal. The story starts out with a damsel in distress but don't worry she doesn't stay that way. Her new found friends help her grow to become so much mo ...more

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Aug 26, 2020 Maxine Robinson rated it it was amazing

Found family, adventures, battles, shitty governments, engineered soldiers, slow burn romance...
Fuck yes!!!!

Sci-fi full of adventure, found family and a nice little romance in the background. Hell yes. Can I just say LOVE, LOVE, LOVE and be done because otherwise my review will be flailing and fangirling over my most very favourite male friendship ever. I'm not sure if the author was aiming for a crying reader, but there were some pure, sweet, wonderful moments of friendship that brought me to ...more

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Sep 01, 2020 Dawn rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley

"The Rush's Edge" feels like it's non-stop action, but what got me, really got me, was the human element in this story. It's deeply compelling, and very hard not to care about the characters. The story is intriguing, and I'm hoping there will be more to come. I can't fault the writing either, which is warm and easy to read.

My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advance copy to review. This review is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion. ...more

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Aug 27, 2020 Amanda Bridgeman rated it it was amazing

I was lucky enough to read an advanced copy of this book. It’s an enjoyable sci-fi saga with equal doses of action, thrills and heart. Perfect for fans of Battlestar Galactica, The Expanse and Firefly. 4.5 stars.

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Aug 27, 2020 Paul rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Excellent scifi with a good premise and execution. The author has a good imagination and put it to good use here. This one made me think a little.

I really appreciate the ARC for review!!

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Nov 09, 2020 Sarah rated it really liked it · review of another edition

ACAS, the Armed Forced of the Coalition of Allied Systems, fill their ranks by growing their own soldiers in laboratories. Known as Vats, these lab-born men and women implanted with technology before they are ‘born’ and programmed for complete loyalty to ACAS, bravery and dedication to the cause. With heightened aggression, vat-soldiers are always spoiling for a fight and burn out before they reach forty.
Halvor Cullen is an ex-vat ACAS soldier explores the Edge with two other ex ACAS soldiers, ACAS, the Armed Forced of the Coalition of Allied Systems, fill their ranks by growing their own soldiers in laboratories. Known as Vats, these lab-born men and women implanted with technology before they are ‘born’ and programmed for complete loyalty to ACAS, bravery and dedication to the cause. With heightened aggression, vat-soldiers are always spoiling for a fight and burn out before they reach forty.
Halvor Cullen is an ex-vat ACAS soldier explores the Edge with two other ex ACAS soldiers, his former CO, Tyce, and medic Beryl. Along with tecker, Vivi, they manage Hal’s addiction to adrenaline and aggression-focused nature by salvaging crashed ships. When a mission brings them into conflict with ACAS, they are saved by a group of ex-vat soldiers. They offer Hal the chance to fight back against those who rejected him. Accepting their offer leads Hal to question the nature of the tech implanted in his body and the real reason vats don’t live very long.
The Rush’s Edge is set after a great war against an AI force called Mudar where the vat-born soldiers were instrumental in the humans’ victory. Hal has served his time and doing the best he can to keep his aggression under control. Hal is a likeable character. While he might go from calm to fight in the blink of an eye, he is fiercely protective of his crew.
The bond between Tyce, Beryl, and Hal is tinged with sadness. They want to keep their friend alive as long as they can, and their world is overshadowed by the knowledge that Hal has about five years of life left. Yet, despite that undertone of sadness, there is acceptance and determination to do everything they can to fill those years with experiences and friendship. This determination increases when Vivi joins the crew and romance blossoms, something Hal would never have considered for himself before.
I feel The Rush’s Edge is a scene-setting novel. Smith builds the conflict between ACAS and the planets on the Edge of ACAS space at a good pace, weaving in the history and prejudice, so we care about the characters and feel their injustices, particularly the vats. The story centres on how Hal and other vats have been mistreated by ACAS made for a purpose then rejected after eight years of service. They are looked down on by nats, people born the traditional way. The vats serve, but they are not appreciated. Towards the end of the book, we discover there may be a way to change the early death sentence of the vats and to punish ACAS. As this hasn’t happened by the last page, I believe there is more to come, which makes me happy.
Reading like Firefly, The Rush’s Edge with fast, moving along at a breathless pace, going from event to event, and it’s lots of fun. An explosive debut from Ginger Smith and I can’t wait for the next instalment. ...more

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Nov 08, 2020 Lisa rated it really liked it

Shelves: sci-fi, netgalley, arc-reads

Halvor Cullen (Hal) is a genetically engineered soldier, referred to as a “vat.” His former commanding officer, Tyce Bernon, is a “nat,” or natural born person. Ty is now Hal’s captain on the Loshad, and they make their living as salvagers. Hal isn’t one to back down from a fight, and the book opens with him jumping in to rescue a woman from a couple of guys who are up to no good. The woman, Vivi, is a tecker, and as their ship doesn’t currently have one, Ty offers her a job as part of his crew. Halvor Cullen (Hal) is a genetically engineered soldier, referred to as a “vat.” His former commanding officer, Tyce Bernon, is a “nat,” or natural born person. Ty is now Hal’s captain on the Loshad, and they make their living as salvagers. Hal isn’t one to back down from a fight, and the book opens with him jumping in to rescue a woman from a couple of guys who are up to no good. The woman, Vivi, is a tecker, and as their ship doesn’t currently have one, Ty offers her a job as part of his crew.

Ms. Smith does a good job of writing an entertaining story. There are a lot of pretty standard sci-fi elements here – alien lifeforms considered to be evil, a scrappy crew of misfits, an ominously looming government trying to squash a rebellion. But they work well together, and the use of those standard elements makes this a story that’s very approachable for the less seasoned sci-fi reader.

The story also isn’t afraid to touch on heavy subjects. For instance, the treatment of vats – they’re considered to be basically expendable once they’ve completed their military service. They’re also programmed by the military to experience the titular “rush,” which basically puts them into combat mode and makes them very aggressive. A lot of nats don’t trust them, don’t like them, don’t want them around. But Ty doesn’t see Hal as “just” a vat. Hal is his best friend, and he will fight for Hal’s well-being, even when it means saving Hal from himself. There’s also the Mudar, the feared aliens who supposedly came intent on destroying humanity. There is more to them than what our heroes initially know, and once they’ve made contact with a Mudar, they realize that just because the government condemns an entire species as evil doesn’t make it so.

This was a fun read. There’s a touch of romance, lots of action, and tech toys aplenty on board the Loshad. Good guys versus bad guys. An epic quest is hinted at as the story closes, and I hope this means Ms. Smith will revisit this universe. My only question: who was actually trying to kidnap Vivi at the beginning of the story? If that question was satisfactorily answered, I missed it.

If you’re a regular sci-fi reader, The Rush’s Edge is delightful. If you’re new to the genre and want to give it a try, The Rush’s Edge is a good place to start. Either way, read with confidence!

Disclaimer: I received an advance reader copy of this book from NetGalley and Angry Robot. All opinions here are mine, and I don’t say nice things about books that I don’t actually like. ...more

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Aug 11, 2021 Judith Trail rated it really liked it

This is a great summer read: a fast-paced space opera with sympathetic characters and conflict between an evil governmental authority and a growing band of rebels, as well as a thought-provoking look at how naturally born humans ("nats") treat and think about genetically enhanced, laboratory grown humans ("vats"), created to fight wars. One thing seems to be a constant: humans look for the things that make us "different" from others as opposed to looking for the similarities, and then use those ...more

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May 13, 2021 Deborah Ross rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Is there such a thing as romantic military science fiction? If not, Ginger Smith is inventing the field. In this dystopic, far-flung star empire, human soldiers are too costly to waste in battle, so technologically enhanced vat-grown troops have become the era’s cannon fodder. With accelerated growth, limited life expectancy, and nearly unbreakable psychological conditioning, they’re considered expendable during their term of service and disposable afterward. One such retired vat soldier, Hal, h ...more

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Nov 10, 2020 Jennifer Hill rated it really liked it

‘The Rush’s Edge tells the story of Hal and his friends who are fighting for freedom against the ACAS who are now after them.

Hal is an ex-VAT and is looking for a place to belong, but all the VATs know is how to fight. Brought up to fight for the ACAS, he now has to fight against those trained him and will stop at nothing to stop them from getting their freedom.

‘The Rush’s Edge’ is full of complex characters with some great storylines, character development and plenty of sci-fi action and a litt ...more

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Dec 15, 2020 Angela Yearty rated it it was amazing

This is an excellent book for readers of any genre. There is a great combination of sci-fi, action, and drama. The Rush's Edge has well developed characters. It shows how nats (human-born individuals) and vats (genetically-engineered soldiers) can become friends despite all odds. Ty and Hal have a very strong bond and sense of brotherhood that any soldier can respect. The relationship between Vivi and Hal grows over time. Trust is an important aspect of the relationships of all the crew members. ...more

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May 26, 2021 Joeyc337 rated it it was amazing

This was a fun read that was knocked out pretty quickly. The story never had any lulls or moments when I just felt like saying, "Get on with it already!" I liked the characters and enjoyed the "found family" elements. You hear about the bonds formed in hardship and the trauma of war and I feel like this honors that.

Overall the story left me wanting more and I hope we get to delve further into this universe and learn more about the many forces we are introduced to in this book. I really want to ...more

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Aug 29, 2021 ikwi rated it it was amazing

I really enjoyed this book. Space opera with a ragtag crew that feels like family, supersoldiers, nanites, sentient AI, evil government, and a beautiful love story. Experiences of retired vets and what rights a government has (or shouldn't have) over those who fight its wars are questions central to the main conflict. The writing is engaging and the story well paced, and there are some cool worldbuilding elements (vats vs nats, the titular rush, etc.). There is plenty of story left for serializa ...more

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Nov 21, 2020 Sara Alhalwachi rated it did not like it

Shelves: sci-fi

I was so excited to get this book and I completely forgot to do some inspectional reading before ordering it.

The story has a good premise but the narration style is dry and feels ham-fisted. I found the characters boring, which is a shame because there's so much potential in developing them throughout the story. We keep hearing the same thing over and over about Hal's fights and anger issues. His love for Vivi is kinda cheesy and too predictable. There's a lot of potential in developing Vivi's c ...more

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About Ginger Smith

Ginger Smith

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Ginger Smith has worked as a record store employee, freelance writer, bookstore assistant manager and high school teacher of English. In the past, she has played in many tabletop RPG groups and even run several of her own. She collects vintage toys, sci-fi novels and comic books, as well as mid-century furniture. She currently lives in the southern USA with her husband and two cats, spending her f ...more

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