May 2019 First In A Series BOTM - Aurora Rising, by Jay Kristoff

[Alaina]

From the internationally bestselling authors of THE ILLUMINAE FILES comes an epic new science fiction adventure.

The year is 2380, and the graduating cadets of Aurora Academy are being assigned their first missions. Star pupil Tyler Jones is ready to recruit the squad of his dreams, but his own boneheaded heroism sees him stuck with the dregs nobody else in the Academy would touch…

A cocky diplomat with a black belt in sarcasm
A sociopath scientist with a fondness for shooting her bunkmates
A smart-ass techwiz with the galaxy’s biggest chip on his shoulder
An alien warrior with anger management issues
A tomboy pilot who’s totally not into him, in case you were wondering

And Ty’s squad isn’t even his biggest problem—that’d be Aurora Jie-Lin O’Malley, the girl he’s just rescued from interdimensional space. Trapped in cryo-sleep for two centuries, Auri is a girl out of time and out of her depth. But she could be the catalyst that starts a war millions of years in the making, and Tyler’s squad of losers, discipline-cases and misfits might just be the last hope for the entire galaxy.

They're not the heroes we deserve. They're just the ones we could find. Nobody panic.

[Aly]

chapter 9 (view spoiler)[ The audiobook is so good so far. I love that they have a full cast and sound effects. I am also digging Auri and Cal together! (hide spoiler)]
chapter 18 (view spoiler)[ Awh, I feel bad that Cat told Tyler that she liked him and he shot her down. I'm not sure if he actually does care for her or not. And what is up with Auri? Going all catatonic and crazy powers she can't control, crazy! (hide spoiler)]
chapter 30(view spoiler)[ I feel like everyone has an unrequited crush lol. That party with the extinct monster was a fun scene. I really want Cal to tell Auri how he feels (hide spoiler)]
Finished (view spoiler)[ What?! Cat, no!!! That was so sad, ugh. I want the next book right now, can't wait! I'll just have to read this again lol. Loved it so much (hide spoiler)]

[Jenn]

So excited to have finally started
Chapter 8: (view spoiler)[ so far I'm enjoying the introductions to the characters. Obviously something is special about Auri I just can't figure out what! Tyler is adorable and he just wants to do good. (hide spoiler)]

[Jenn]

Chapter 15: (view spoiler)[ so I'm liking everyone except Cat. Something about her rubs me the wrong way. But I really want to know what's going on with Auri a and what she really is. She's throwing people with her mind, speaking different languages, painting while asleep. So much mystery! (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

Ch. 9 (view spoiler)[ So far this group is a hot mess. I do love most of them though I'm so confused about Auri and her powers! Like what is she, why can she do these strange things? I really love Fin, he's so adorable. Zila is very interesting, I'm so curious about her. (hide spoiler)]

Ch. 15 (view spoiler)[ I mostly feel confused about where this is going. I need more answers. I don't mind waiting for them, but I hope we will get answers by the end. I'm kinda starting to ship Auri and Kal too. But idk how Auri feels about anyone really. (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

Jenn wrote: "Chapter 15: [spoilers removed]"

I felt the same way about Cat until Part 3!

[Dr. Andy]

Up to part 3 (view spoiler)[ OMG my heart almost stopped, I really thought Cat was going to sell out the squad for Auri. I was so impressed when Scarlett and Kal ended up being under the GIA suits! Also, wtf is up with the creepy plant growth on the dead GIA agents, something is definitely not right here. (hide spoiler)]

Finished (view spoiler)[ Holy fuck I was right! I knew the Princeps was going to be Auri's dad. Also the whole hive mind thing is so creepy! I'm so sad that Cat was taken by the Ra'haam. I wonder if she can be saved. Zila's little speech to Tyler made me cry. (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

Ch 10: (view spoiler)[I feel like I'm flying through this audio - it is really enjoyable. loving the cast so far and I think Auri is my favorite too (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

Ch 15: (view spoiler)[YA KNOW I WASN'T GOING TO WRITE A COMMENT THIS EARLY.. BUT WHY ISN'T SNOW BLUE? IT SHOULD BE DAMMIT. (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

Alaina wrote: "Ch 15: [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ Maybe, just maybe, it isn't snow???? (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

Andrea wrote: "Alaina wrote: "Ch 15: [spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

...but I want it to be

[Alaina]

Ch 26: (view spoiler)[idk Kal… I think there could be love in violence.. (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

Finished: (view spoiler)[WHAT IN THE ACTUAL FUCK WAD MAN. NOT CAT AND OH SHIT THAT LITTLE LUKE I'M YOUR FATHER SHIT WAS REALLLLLLLL LIT. LOWKEYSOBUSYATWORKBYEEEE (hide spoiler)]

[Jenn]

Chapter 28: (view spoiler)[ oh Kal. I kinda love him. He's so awkward around everyone and doesn't know how to talk to Auri. I do have to say, I'm not a huge fan of the word "mate" and insta bonding for life though. That part was not my fave but I liked him talking to Auri. (hide spoiler)]

Finished: (view spoiler)[ so the ending definitely picked up and kind of went somewhere I didn't expect. I'm glad that Cat didnt betray them and it took her pretty much dying for me to think she's okay. Very interested in where this is going because plant people are creepy! (hide spoiler)]