Aurora Rising (The Aurora Cycle #1) by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman -- Restarting August 2nd 2023

[Emma☀️]

Finished (view spoiler)[I loved the plot development! I did not expect Cat to die. That was kind of heartbreaking. So yeah, I agree with you Sarah! But somehow, I think Cat will survive the plant possession thing.
I must admit, I really enjoyed this book despite the POVs and confusion. The plot and worldbuilding makes up for it. (hide spoiler)]

[Marie]

Finished! (view spoiler)[Wow, mystery finally solved! At least, kind of. @Sarah, I do wonder about how the Eshvaren made Auri into a trigger too... unless she's really not just 200 years old but has even more weird stuff going on with her. Like... being dormant or reborn or I don't know. XD

I agree with both of you, I really wish Zila would have gotten more pagetime or else not been made at all. It's really weird the way her character was handled.

I like Kal and Auri a bit better since they had a proper discussion about the Pull and how they are going to go from here, so that's good. Though it still irks me a bit that a lot of books have this "special" girl some guy falls in love with even though technically he shouldn't be able to. Like here, we have a mating bond even though she's human.

I did feel kind of sad that Cat was taken over, but it would have been more powerful if there would have been more character development before so I could actually understand her pain about loving someone and not being loved back, etc. Though we knew throughout the book she was in love with Tyler, it was never really... idk, shown in depth a whole lot?? Maybe it's just me?

Anyway! Maybe 3 stars for this book? I'm really torn, because on one hand I think the plot was really suspenseful and well done, but the characters really could have used more development.

One last thing (omg this is so long sorry) but I couldn't believe this sentence when Tyler went "flashing dimples that could explode ovaries at twenty paces." That is one of teh weirdest descriptions I have ever read. XD (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

@Emma: (view spoiler)[I agree! She didn't technically die, she just got "assimilated" (?), so maybe the squad will figure out some way to cure her of the Ra'haam in the next book(s). Somehow even though I didn't really love the book overall, I still find myself interested enough to want to continue the series. (hide spoiler)]

@Marie: (view spoiler)[I completely agree about Cat; her "death" was sad but it was just a surface-level sadness, if that makes sense? I didn't feel any real grief for her character because she was just so underdeveloped. And I really, really wish Zila had gotten more development.

I think I also would've given this book 3 stars if it weren't for the fact that I mentioned earlier, that the plot is really similar to those of some sci-fi video games I've played. Like, really really similar. Too similar.

The fixation with Tyler's dimples was weird. The first time they mentioned it in the book I was like "okay, so he's got nice dimples." But then they would not stop mentioning it literally any time anybody described Tyler. The "exploding ovaries" line made me roll my eyes. (hide spoiler)]

[Marie]

@Sarah (view spoiler)[I don't play video games so I can't comment, but that does sound like quite an unfortunate similarity... (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

@Marie: (view spoiler)[I talk about it a bit in my review! I'm sure it wasn't intentional, but I just couldn't help but compare the plots while I was reading ... especially when I personally think the characters in the video games were much more well-developed and memorable. (hide spoiler)]

[Jennifer]

Ch 9 - (view spoiler)[ ooo, it's gonna start getting good now! "The cargo you carry is more important than you know" - obviously Auri! I can't wait to find out why she is so important and how the Academy leader knew. Could she have the key to end the Starkiller or whatever his name is? Eek, I gotta keep reading. (hide spoiler)]
Ch 17 - (view spoiler)[ Whoa, I actually didn't see that one coming, or at least I didn't want to acknowledge it. I thought for sure that Tyler would end up with Auri, but I gotta admit, having it potentially be Kal is way more exciting. I also wasn't expecting this heist. (hide spoiler)]
Ch 28 - (view spoiler)[ Aw, poor Kal. Auri didn't even say anything! I hope she gives him a chance. I know he has this monster inside him an everything, but for some reason I want him to not be so lonely. (hide spoiler)]
Finished - (view spoiler)[ Ok, I liked it, but.....I almost feel like the authors tried to cram too many plots into the book - we've got the missing/hidden savior, the civil war of Kal's people, the heist, the swarm villain, etc. AND despite all the POVs, I think the characters could have been fleshed out a tiny bit more. We just got the basic outline of each of them and their motivations. Nevertheless, I did enjoy the book. I think maybe it is targeting a younger audience that wouldn't necessarily notice all those things?? If it wasn't for some bad language and the way Scarlett exudes sex, I'd even recommend it to my 8th grader. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah Elizabeth]

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Date changed. Restarting August 15th 2019. Happy Reading ☺

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[Maddie]

Totally joining in!

[Tiera]

I totally want to crash this as well. Just picked it up off Audible!

[Tiera]

I'm going to have to start this early I need these Letters lol.

[Maddie]

XD Sure thing Tiera. I'm starting this on the 12th.

[Tiera]

Chapter 3: (view spoiler)[ Do you know.... de way? Sorry couldn't help myself lol. (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 10: (view spoiler)[ Took me a minute to get all of these POVs and these characters in their respective corners. I'm getting the hang of it now. (hide spoiler)]
Part 2: (view spoiler)[ Dang this audio is freaking superb! Sound effects, accents, different narrators.. Its like I'm listening to a movie! Really above and beyond. (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 20: (view spoiler)[ Dang these kids are in a heap of a mess! I wish I knew what the heck was going on and why everyone is after Rory. (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 29 (view spoiler)[ Its obvious we are headed to this Octavia? now sure I'm spelling it right because I'm strictly audio.. Why did we need this trigger tho and what is it a trigger for? (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 31 (view spoiler)[ Rori and Cal (Kal?) (audio so I don't know how to spell their names. They are adorable.. I feel like if I ship them my heart is going to end up broken I don't see this book ending well for Rori. Its obvious that the author meant for them to be together but I haven't felt that much chemistry or intensity between them yet. But I don't feel like it was forgotten, I feel more like the author is choosing to make this story revolve around the scyfi/fantasy plot more so than any romance. (hide spoiler)]
Finished: (view spoiler)[ Aww my heart is so broken for Cat! So... did not see a hive mind fungus as our bad guy... nope that totally blind sided me. I could really feel the hopelessness at the end with the characters. How are a group of kids already down their Ace supposed to do anything about this?!

This was a great listen Its not very often that I would rather listen to a book than read it but I think this is one of those exceptions. They really went all out on it and I'm super impressed! I can't wait to see where this goes. (hide spoiler)]

[Rachael]

Starting now!

Really excited cause I absolutely loved the Illuminae Files

[Maddie]

I'm starting over the weekend too, but won't be updating as I'm not taking my laptop to my parents' with me.

[Rachael]

Tiera wrote: Chapter 10: [spoilers removed]

I know what you mean! I've been having a hard time keeping them all straight but it's starting to come together.. Not much to say yet just trying to wrap my head around this world

[Maddie]

Still haven't started XD

[Rachael]

Through chapter 14 - This one isn't gripping me like Illuminae Files did but still interesting... More alien than sci-fi it seems.. Also a lot of politics

[Rachael]

Through chapter 16 - I have no idea what’s going on but Scarlet is my fave

[Rachael]

@Tiera - If you like this audiobook you should 100% listen to The Illuminae Files.. The audiobook is soooooo good

[Rachael]

All done... I was pretty shocked when things came together in the end cause that was not where I thought it was going.. Unfortunately this was just too Alien focused for me and I never fully understood the different species. I don't have any pictures in my head of the characters.. I'm not sure if I just missed the details or what.. It was just too far out for me.

[Ashleigh]

16% - (view spoiler)[I read that this book is Six of Crows in space, and sign me the fuck up!

I like the idea of ragtag misfits having to team up, and this seems like one of these situations.

Aurora's situation is interesting. She's been in cryosleep (or whatever it's called, I'm not a sci-fi fan so I barely know the terminology), for over 200 hundred years. Everyone she knew is dead. Humanity (or Terran) has made so many discoveries since she was last 'awake'. It must be weird AF to wake up 200 years in the future. Interested to explore her story a bit more. Especially since the records of her father have vanished. What's going on with that??

(hide spoiler)]

[Ashleigh]

49% - (view spoiler)[So much happening haha. What's going with Aurora? Obviously something happened on the ship she was on and that's why she's the way she is, and the Legion is trying to cover it up. Or someone is controlling her or something? I don't know.

But the team are outlaws now. Crazy shit be going down. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashleigh]

64% - (view spoiler)[Sooooo.. I wouldn't be opposed to Tyler and Kal becoming a thing.. But I kinda want Tyler and Cat, and Kal and Aurora.

Cat really likes Tyler, no matter what she says. I feel bad for her after finding out they slept together and he was like yeah, we can't do this again and she had to go along with him. But she's clearly not over him. Cmon Tyler, even Aurora can tell she likes you, what are you playing at???

I'm also liking the flirtation between Fin and Scarlett. I think they might be my favourite two characters in this book..

(hide spoiler)]

[Ashleigh]

Finished - (view spoiler)[Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.

I guessed that Princeps would be Auri's dad. Or at least that someone in the GIA would be her dad.

I need the next book. I need answers. Why does Jay Kristoff does this to me every time?????????????

(hide spoiler)]

[Sarah Elizabeth]

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Date changed. Restarting April 20th 2020. Happy Reading ☺

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[Aly]

Reading now! Love this book

[Sarah A]

I am starting this one now!

[Aly]

end of part 1 (view spoiler)[ I love the squad's dynamic. They are sarcastic and funny and argue, but work together well. Poor Auri, waking up to find that everyone you know is dead. And she's having visions and can use telekinesis which is awesome but scary.

Tyler is funny and I love being in his head the most. He's a good leader and his speeches are so dramatic lol (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

End of part 2 (view spoiler)[ I die every time Auri calls Kal "Elrond" lol! Things are getting so crazy! I feel bad for Cat that Tyler told her what they did was a mistake and can't be together, but she was wrong to make a deal with those guys. Especially after Auri saved Cat and Ty.

Fin is hilarious and the whole thing with multiple mothers and cousins and everything else was funny. (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

ch 30 (view spoiler)[ Awh, I totally ship Kal and Auri! The idea that they find their soulmate is awesome and I hope they get another chance to talk soon.
I'm very excited for them to check out the hidden planet! (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

finished (view spoiler)[ Ah that ending! They had to leave Cat to be consumed by the flower/hive mind thing! So sad :( I hope next book they'll find a way to defeat it and they'll get Cat back.
And, how is Auri's dad still alive? I wonder if they kill the plant thing if he'll stay alive or die since it's been 200 years?

What a great story and I'm so excited for the next book! (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah A]

chapter 4: (view spoiler)[ So Zila sums up the 1st 4 chapter in one word.....subotimal. I am liking this so far. (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Sarah wrote: "chapter 4: [spoilers removed]"

Haha she's great

[Katie]

Hi guys! I'm going to join you! I really need to re-read this one before the next book comes out! :) :)

Chapter 5- (view spoiler)[ This is re-read for me, so I do remember certain things, but not enough to be able to go onto the next book without a re-read. I remember there being so many character points of view to keep track of (I struggled the first time through this with so many characters), but I loved the way these characters have been introduced so far! Every chapter we meet someone new, and the way they are introduced doesn't seem forced...it feels like they are part of the story. I am enjoying the start of this! (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Katie wrote: "Hi guys! I'm going to join you! I really need to re-read this one before the next book comes out! :) :)

Chapter 5- [spoilers removed]"

Yeah it incorporates characters really well!

[Sarah A]

End of part 1: (view spoiler)[ What is going on with Aurora? I hope they all get an answer soon, as to what is going on. (hide spoiler)]

[Katie]

Aly wrote: "end of part 1 I love the squad's dynamic. They are sarcastic and funny and argue, but work together well. Poor Auri, waking up to find that everyone you know is dead. And she's having visions and ..."

Aly, I also LOVE the team dynamics!!!

End of part 1- (view spoiler)[ That was a great escape!! I had forgotten all about that scene! I’m not loving the 1st person narrative as much this time through it, but I can still tell the characters apart. Especially Auri’s point of view. However, there were a few moments I had to remind myself who’s point of view I was reading when I read Scarlet’s and Finian’s chapters. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah A]

Katie wrote: "Hi guys! I'm going to join you! I really need to re-read this one before the next book comes out! :) :)

Chapter 5- [spoilers removed]"

I agree, I really liked the way the characters were introduced.

[Sarah A]

Chapter 15: (view spoiler)[ I am really not liking so many different POV. I am having trouble keeping them all straight.

So why is Auri the only one who is a wanted fugitive and not all of them? (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Katie wrote: "Aly wrote: "end of part 1 I love the squad's dynamic. They are sarcastic and funny and argue, but work together well. Poor Auri, waking up to find that everyone you know is dead. And she's having v..."

Ah I get that. For me, listening to the audio with different narrators helped me keep things straight

[Sarah A]

Aly wrote: "Katie wrote: "Aly wrote: "end of part 1 I love the squad's dynamic. They are sarcastic and funny and argue, but work together well. Poor Auri, waking up to find that everyone you know is dead. And ..."

I was wondering if the audio was like the Illuminae series with a full cast. That is good to know that it is.

[Sarah A]

End of Part 2: (view spoiler)[ So I am really wondering what that Trigger will do. I am also glad that the 2 main characters aren't love interest in this book. I hope Kal tells Auri of them being mates. (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Sarah wrote: "End of Part 2: [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ Yes, I'm glad it wasn't Tyler and Auri either. That was a nice change (hide spoiler)]

[Katie]

I agree Aly and Sarah!! (view spoiler)[ I love that Kal and Aurora have something connecting them!!!!! (hide spoiler)]

Hope you guys are enjoying it!

[Katie]

Chapter 26- (view spoiler)[ Yes!!! Kal told Auri about the bond! Loved it!! (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah A]

Katie wrote: "Chapter 26- [spoilers removed]"

I was so happy about this.

[Sarah A]

Finished: (view spoiler)[ No Cat! I hope they are able to some how get her back because she and Tyler need each other.

Her dad is the bad guy (or part of him is) I didn't see that coming. This book all together wasn't bad but after just reading Illuminae I was hoping for more. (hide spoiler)]

[Katie]

Aly wrote: "finished Ah that ending! They had to leave Cat to be consumed by the flower/hive mind thing! So sad :( I hope next book they'll find a way to defeat it and they'll get Cat back.
And, how is Auri'..."

5 Stars!! Aly, so glad you liked it! I actually enjoyed it more this time through than the first time I read it!!!! (view spoiler)[ I did remember what happend to Cat at the end of the book, so this time through, I felt more for her and Tyler. I didn't pick up on how much they loved each other the first time through. (hide spoiler)] So glad to be reading the next book with you very soon!

[Katie]

Sarah wrote: "Finished: "


I'm glad you enjoyed it Sarah! I think we'll be setting up a buddy read for the next one when it comes out if you want to join us!

Finished- (view spoiler)[ I completely forgot that Auri's dad was the princeps (or whatever it's called). I loved Kal's protectiveness of Auri towards the end of the book, and I can't wait to get more answers! The ending BLEW up with so many unknowns and I can't WAIT to find out more!! I really enjoyed this more the 2nd time through it! (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah A]

@ Katie I would love to read the second book but my library isn't opening until June 1st and I am 1st in line on the hold! So I will have to wait until June to read it unless they get it in as an ebook.