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Dred Chronicles #3
Breakout
All hell is breaking loose in the edge-of-your-seat follow-up to Havoc and Perdition from New York Times bestselling author Ann Aguirre…
The prison ship Perdition has become a post-battle charnel house with only a handful of Dred’s soldiers still standing and now being hunted by Silence’s trained tongueless assassins. Forging an uneasy alliance with mercenary commander Vost—who is their only chance at escape—the Dread Queen will do whatever it takes to end her life sentence on Perdition and keep the survivors alive long enough to cobble together a transport capable of getting them off station.
If Dred and her crew can win the deadly game of cat and mouse, the payoff is not only life but freedom—a prize sweeter than their wildest dreams. Yet the sadistic Silence would rather destroy Perdition than let a single soul slip from her grasp…
The prison ship Perdition has become a post-battle charnel house with only a handful of Dred’s soldiers still standing and now being hunted by Silence’s trained tongueless assassins. Forging an uneasy alliance with mercenary commander Vost—who is their only chance at escape—the Dread Queen will do whatever it takes to end her life sentence on Perdition and keep the survivors alive long enough to cobble together a transport capable of getting them off station.
If Dred and her crew can win the deadly game of cat and mouse, the payoff is not only life but freedom—a prize sweeter than their wildest dreams. Yet the sadistic Silence would rather destroy Perdition than let a single soul slip from her grasp…
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2015
54 people are currently reading
1741 people want to read
About the author
Ann Aguirre
81 books7,066 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Ann Aguirre has been a clown, a clerk, a savior of stray kittens, and a voice actress, not necessarily in that order. She grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now she lives in Mexico with her family. She writes all kinds of genre fiction, but she has an eternal soft spot for a happily ever after.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
November 6, 2015
Let me just tell it to you straight: If you loved the Sirantha Jax series and haven’t read this series, you need to. I’m absolutely kicking myself because I didn’t read this one sooner. With BREAKOUT being the last book in the series, I can probably admit that despite the fact that I loved the Sirantha Jax series, the Dred Chronicles just might be my favorite of the two.
The Dred Chronicles is a trilogy so it’s quite impressive what Aguirre is able to accomplish is such a few short books. Each book feels so big and epic that you would expect it to be longer. However, I find that each book is tightly written, hitting all the emotional highs and lows that real war feels like and gives just the right amount of romance and heartbreak to keep me engaged.
There’s an overall dark and gloomy tone to this series. It’s almost harrowing but that’s what I love about it. These group of characters have nothing but their own skills to try and survive this battle with Silence and it really feels like a life and death situation. It makes the stakes even higher, the risks even more dangerous and I found that I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.
Another thing that I absolutely loved about this series is the characters. Wow. Just wow. Dred and Jael are two unbelievable well written characters. Their strengths and weaknesses play off each other and I was glad that Aguirre took the time to really explore that in this book. A large part of the first book is dedicated to Jael’s backstory. Some readers thought it was an info dump but I didn’t see it that way at all. I liked how Aguirre revealed the bits and pieces of what made Jael the man he is today. So if you didn’t love him already, I think you’ll fall in love with him in this book.
But wait, I’m not done gushing! I still have to talk about the writing. In one word it’s GRIPPING! The dialogue, the descriptions, the action sequences….is there anything that Aguirre cannot do well? I’m so impressed with this series. If you’re looking for an epic sci fi journey that also packs an emotional punch, you definitely need to check this series out. After reading the Dred Chronicles, I don’t think I could ever forget about Dred and Jael’s characters.
November 29, 2015
Dear 'The Wait',
I don't like you. Could you please go away? I think I speak for everyone when I say that I am very, very sick of you.
Sincerely,
Just another fangirl dying because this book is coming out in August
I don't like you. Could you please go away? I think I speak for everyone when I say that I am very, very sick of you.
Sincerely,
Just another fangirl dying because this book is coming out in August
August 24, 2015
3.5 Stars
Originally posted at The Bookaholic Cat
Breakout is the third and last book in the Dred Chronicles series by Ann Aguirre.
Breakout starts just after the events in Havoc, second book in the series. Dred and her people are forced to ally with the mercenary commander Vost and the few mercenaries he has left alive. They know if they want to escape they need to work together, not only to build the escaping ship, but also to overcome Silence and her killers. The biggest problem is Dred doesn’t trust Vost, but she knows he’s her only way out of Perdition.
I remember years back when I discovered Ann Aguirre and her Sirantha Jax series. I also remembered how much I loved those books and how sad I was to see the series came to an end. I couldn’t have been more thrilled when I heard Aguirre was writing a new series in the same world of Sirantha Jax. I also remember how much I enjoyed the first two books in the Dred Chronicles series. Saying I was excited about reading this next and last book in this series is an understatement, but sadly, maybe I had too great expectations. I’m not saying Breakout wasn’t good, because that was not the case; it was only not as good as I was expecting it to be. My problem was with the pace of the story. On the first part, many things happened, but at the same time nothing really happened and the last third of the story felt more like a long epilogue.
Also, the first part felt more like an info dump. We learned about Jael and his origins and about Silence’s. Many “opportune” things happened to be able to tell their stories. Although I was happy to learn about their past, the way they were brought to the story and the repercussions they had in the long run were a bit too convenient for my taste.
One thing I really liked about Breakout were the relationships between the characters. They all have come a long way and now that the pressure was lessened it was easier to see them blooming into a small little family. I don’t want to say much not to give spoilers away. I will only say, it was nice to see a softer side of Dred and of Jael.
Aguirre ties all the loose ends nicely and gives her characters a well-deserved HEA. Maybe it was a bit too much of a HEA, but it was nice too see how things panned out for them at the end. I also liked the little cameos of certain characters from the Sirantha Jax series.
Although not my favorite in the series, Breakout is a good addition and a good conclusion to a great series. Breakout is also a must read to fans of this series and fans of Ann Aguirre’s books.
Breakout doesn’t work as a standalone; it should be read as part this a series.
Originally posted at The Bookaholic Cat
Breakout is the third and last book in the Dred Chronicles series by Ann Aguirre.
Breakout starts just after the events in Havoc, second book in the series. Dred and her people are forced to ally with the mercenary commander Vost and the few mercenaries he has left alive. They know if they want to escape they need to work together, not only to build the escaping ship, but also to overcome Silence and her killers. The biggest problem is Dred doesn’t trust Vost, but she knows he’s her only way out of Perdition.
I remember years back when I discovered Ann Aguirre and her Sirantha Jax series. I also remembered how much I loved those books and how sad I was to see the series came to an end. I couldn’t have been more thrilled when I heard Aguirre was writing a new series in the same world of Sirantha Jax. I also remember how much I enjoyed the first two books in the Dred Chronicles series. Saying I was excited about reading this next and last book in this series is an understatement, but sadly, maybe I had too great expectations. I’m not saying Breakout wasn’t good, because that was not the case; it was only not as good as I was expecting it to be. My problem was with the pace of the story. On the first part, many things happened, but at the same time nothing really happened and the last third of the story felt more like a long epilogue.
Also, the first part felt more like an info dump. We learned about Jael and his origins and about Silence’s. Many “opportune” things happened to be able to tell their stories. Although I was happy to learn about their past, the way they were brought to the story and the repercussions they had in the long run were a bit too convenient for my taste.
One thing I really liked about Breakout were the relationships between the characters. They all have come a long way and now that the pressure was lessened it was easier to see them blooming into a small little family. I don’t want to say much not to give spoilers away. I will only say, it was nice to see a softer side of Dred and of Jael.
Aguirre ties all the loose ends nicely and gives her characters a well-deserved HEA. Maybe it was a bit too much of a HEA, but it was nice too see how things panned out for them at the end. I also liked the little cameos of certain characters from the Sirantha Jax series.
Although not my favorite in the series, Breakout is a good addition and a good conclusion to a great series. Breakout is also a must read to fans of this series and fans of Ann Aguirre’s books.
Breakout doesn’t work as a standalone; it should be read as part this a series.
September 20, 2025
It is finally here! After Perdition and Havoc, the conclusion is finally here! Can you tell I am excited?
Seriously, look at that cover and that blurb, and my love for the other books in this series. I so wish I could have taken the day off work to read this, but alas, that wasn't an option and I had to wait. This is the sort of book that really irks me about Tuesday release days. Seriously, Saturdays or Sundays would suit me much better.
But back to the book. There may be spoilers for at least the previous books, so stop here if you haven't read them yet. I'll try not to spoil anything since this is worth the ride, but no promises.
The intrepid band of murderers have just made an unholy alliance with the remaining mercenaries who were sent to kill them all. That unfortunately leaves Silence and her acolytes to deal with, no easy task, and then things go from bad to worse.
Seriously, the hard hits just keep coming at our crew, and the plot twists strike like lightening out of no where. It is a rush and I kept finding myself leaning forward like somehow my forward momentum would push me thorough it faster. It was literally painful to see what some of the characters went through, and to get into some of their back stories. Literally painful, heartbreaking even, and I am telling you again, Aguirre has some sort of magic to make the readers care so about murderers. And character growth enough to make you weep. Not too long ago I was reading a post about genre fiction vs literary fiction, and if you can read this series and not see how the characters grow, how their ideals change, and if you can't feel the emotions just pouring off the page, then I sincerely doubt your ability to actually read or to learn anything from any sort of fiction. It isn't highbrow, I doubt anyone but me (well and other science fiction fans) would consider it "literary" whatever the hell that means. But it is the kind of thing that puts you right there and makes you question yourself. What if? What if that were me, what if I were in that position. I'll take my social commentary, political criticism, and focus on an individual to explore parts of the human condition, wrapped up in a shiny and gritty (yes I think it can be both) science fiction package thank you very much. Moments of emotional truth indeed.
Something else that was pleasing was an additional minor tie-ins to the Sirantha Jax series. Since I have read those I can't gauge the impact on someone who hasn't read them, but for me it made one of the characters just that little bit more poignant. I can imagine that if you haven't read the other series it would seem bland, but since it is a very small part of this story, don't feel you have to read that series, though I sincerely recommend it.
The first three quarters of the story were full of adrenaline fueled action that further honed our main characters. The last quarter was almost like an extended epilogue. I can imagine that some people might find that slightly irksome, but personally, I couldn't have been more thrilled. If there was one complaint that I had about the Sirantha Jax series it was that the series cut off when the main action was resolved. I understand that Aguirre purposefully set it up to let Sirantha live the rest of her life off page, but it was a bit disappointing for me at least. I like the slow down and the look inside the calm, it feels like the book version of aftercare, and I missed it. But Breakout provided it spades, and I found that infinitely more satisfying than more action packed adventure. Things were neatly tied and comfortable by the end of it. Not everyone got happy endings, but I think everyone got the right endings.
In the end, for me, there was only one wrong note. A cameo that kind of made me cringe slightly, because the timeline of the story made me unhappy with how other events must have shaped up, so it was unsatisfying rather than the boon I was sure it was meant to be. Honestly though, that is just sour grapes on my part. And it made me realize how much I honestly like, respect and prefer Jael and Dred than them, so at least that clarified it for me. If that seems overly cryptic, well you'll just have to read both series to see what I mean.
Despite that one false note though, I was completely satisfied. I unreservedly recommend this series to science fiction fans, particularly ones who like the gritty and emotional with a heaping helping of romance and ones who enjoy the after care of an emotionally gripping story. I am giving this entry 5 stars and suggesting reading this series all at once like one epic book, I think it is more satisfying that way then splitting it out and thinking of each book as a separate thing, because Havoc FEELS like the middle of a book. And since the flavor of each of the books is different due to changes in the characters, this isn't likely to burn you out like gloms of some series tend to.
Cross-posted https://burnsthroughherbookshelf.word...
Seriously, look at that cover and that blurb, and my love for the other books in this series. I so wish I could have taken the day off work to read this, but alas, that wasn't an option and I had to wait. This is the sort of book that really irks me about Tuesday release days. Seriously, Saturdays or Sundays would suit me much better.
But back to the book. There may be spoilers for at least the previous books, so stop here if you haven't read them yet. I'll try not to spoil anything since this is worth the ride, but no promises.
The intrepid band of murderers have just made an unholy alliance with the remaining mercenaries who were sent to kill them all. That unfortunately leaves Silence and her acolytes to deal with, no easy task, and then things go from bad to worse.
Seriously, the hard hits just keep coming at our crew, and the plot twists strike like lightening out of no where. It is a rush and I kept finding myself leaning forward like somehow my forward momentum would push me thorough it faster. It was literally painful to see what some of the characters went through, and to get into some of their back stories. Literally painful, heartbreaking even, and I am telling you again, Aguirre has some sort of magic to make the readers care so about murderers. And character growth enough to make you weep. Not too long ago I was reading a post about genre fiction vs literary fiction, and if you can read this series and not see how the characters grow, how their ideals change, and if you can't feel the emotions just pouring off the page, then I sincerely doubt your ability to actually read or to learn anything from any sort of fiction. It isn't highbrow, I doubt anyone but me (well and other science fiction fans) would consider it "literary" whatever the hell that means. But it is the kind of thing that puts you right there and makes you question yourself. What if? What if that were me, what if I were in that position. I'll take my social commentary, political criticism, and focus on an individual to explore parts of the human condition, wrapped up in a shiny and gritty (yes I think it can be both) science fiction package thank you very much. Moments of emotional truth indeed.
Something else that was pleasing was an additional minor tie-ins to the Sirantha Jax series. Since I have read those I can't gauge the impact on someone who hasn't read them, but for me it made one of the characters just that little bit more poignant. I can imagine that if you haven't read the other series it would seem bland, but since it is a very small part of this story, don't feel you have to read that series, though I sincerely recommend it.
The first three quarters of the story were full of adrenaline fueled action that further honed our main characters. The last quarter was almost like an extended epilogue. I can imagine that some people might find that slightly irksome, but personally, I couldn't have been more thrilled. If there was one complaint that I had about the Sirantha Jax series it was that the series cut off when the main action was resolved. I understand that Aguirre purposefully set it up to let Sirantha live the rest of her life off page, but it was a bit disappointing for me at least. I like the slow down and the look inside the calm, it feels like the book version of aftercare, and I missed it. But Breakout provided it spades, and I found that infinitely more satisfying than more action packed adventure. Things were neatly tied and comfortable by the end of it. Not everyone got happy endings, but I think everyone got the right endings.
In the end, for me, there was only one wrong note. A cameo that kind of made me cringe slightly, because the timeline of the story made me unhappy with how other events must have shaped up, so it was unsatisfying rather than the boon I was sure it was meant to be. Honestly though, that is just sour grapes on my part. And it made me realize how much I honestly like, respect and prefer Jael and Dred than them, so at least that clarified it for me. If that seems overly cryptic, well you'll just have to read both series to see what I mean.
Despite that one false note though, I was completely satisfied. I unreservedly recommend this series to science fiction fans, particularly ones who like the gritty and emotional with a heaping helping of romance and ones who enjoy the after care of an emotionally gripping story. I am giving this entry 5 stars and suggesting reading this series all at once like one epic book, I think it is more satisfying that way then splitting it out and thinking of each book as a separate thing, because Havoc FEELS like the middle of a book. And since the flavor of each of the books is different due to changes in the characters, this isn't likely to burn you out like gloms of some series tend to.
Cross-posted https://burnsthroughherbookshelf.word...
July 30, 2016
This book gave me absolutely everything I wanted. That’s no small feat, considering it wraps up the second series of books set in a world I have loved from the word “go.” It’s sci-fi fantasy, with just the right amount of romance to hit my sweet spot. The characters are richly drawn, with depth and nuance. They are heroic and vulnerable, fallible and fierce. The worldbuilding is fascinating and really second to none. The plot is interesting; the pacing is perfect. And the ending satisfied me in every way.
The title of the book really says it all. This is all about Dred and her gang’s Breakout from Perdition. And it’s a herculean task. After all, this is a prison ship designed to hold its prisoners indefinitely. They’re cut off. They have no supplies. They’re in a hostile environment, facing the risk of betrayal from Vost and his mercenaries, death at the hand of Silence and her minions, and that’s not even touching on the plague carrying mutant rodents. Basically, every step could lead to freedom or unmitigated disaster. And Ann Aguirre makes you feel it.
There are really only a handful of survivors left from Queensland. But Dred refuses to give up hope. She soldiers on, holding on to the last vestiges of the Dread Queen to carry her friends to the other side of this last battle. It’s impossible not to love and respect her for it, especially as she slowly lets that persona slip away. We see more and more of the real Dred, and she’s so awesome, especially as we see her through Jael’s eyes. I love how he loves her. To him, she may as well as hung the moon. Because she sees worth in him. To her, he is a man instead of a thing. And for the first time, he really starts to believe that too. He starts to be the kind of man he never dreamed possible.
The relationship between Dred and Jael is so great. I believed in them 100%. I believed that these two would live and die for one another. And they prove it over and over again.
So many things I loved here, like the fact we get a backstory for Silence. It’s kind of obvious from the moment Aguirre starts to lay the foundation, but it didn’t detract from it at all. It didn’t make her any less creepy, but it introduces a layer of tragedy to her –and her descent into madness. I loved that the book doesn’t end with the team flying away from Perdition. The story takes us far beyond that. It takes me where I want to go. It shows me what their lives become. I love how this feels not just like an ending to this trilogy, but for the entire Grimspace world. It shows us what became of other characters from the original series –not enough to overshadow this story, but just the right amount to produce the feels for longtime fans.
If you haven’t read this series –or the Sirantha Jax books—I can’t recommend them highly enough. I’m sad there are no more left to read, but I couldn’t be happier with the way they went out. Very, very good.
Rating: A
The title of the book really says it all. This is all about Dred and her gang’s Breakout from Perdition. And it’s a herculean task. After all, this is a prison ship designed to hold its prisoners indefinitely. They’re cut off. They have no supplies. They’re in a hostile environment, facing the risk of betrayal from Vost and his mercenaries, death at the hand of Silence and her minions, and that’s not even touching on the plague carrying mutant rodents. Basically, every step could lead to freedom or unmitigated disaster. And Ann Aguirre makes you feel it.
There are really only a handful of survivors left from Queensland. But Dred refuses to give up hope. She soldiers on, holding on to the last vestiges of the Dread Queen to carry her friends to the other side of this last battle. It’s impossible not to love and respect her for it, especially as she slowly lets that persona slip away. We see more and more of the real Dred, and she’s so awesome, especially as we see her through Jael’s eyes. I love how he loves her. To him, she may as well as hung the moon. Because she sees worth in him. To her, he is a man instead of a thing. And for the first time, he really starts to believe that too. He starts to be the kind of man he never dreamed possible.
The relationship between Dred and Jael is so great. I believed in them 100%. I believed that these two would live and die for one another. And they prove it over and over again.
So many things I loved here, like the fact we get a backstory for Silence. It’s kind of obvious from the moment Aguirre starts to lay the foundation, but it didn’t detract from it at all. It didn’t make her any less creepy, but it introduces a layer of tragedy to her –and her descent into madness. I loved that the book doesn’t end with the team flying away from Perdition. The story takes us far beyond that. It takes me where I want to go. It shows me what their lives become. I love how this feels not just like an ending to this trilogy, but for the entire Grimspace world. It shows us what became of other characters from the original series –not enough to overshadow this story, but just the right amount to produce the feels for longtime fans.
If you haven’t read this series –or the Sirantha Jax books—I can’t recommend them highly enough. I’m sad there are no more left to read, but I couldn’t be happier with the way they went out. Very, very good.
Rating: A
September 1, 2015
The bare facts of the ending are satisfying enough, but this has the most awkward pacing I've come across in a long time.
After finishing up, I can't help but feel this trilogy might have been better condensed into two books. Perdition was one of my favorite books in the last few years. Havoc was more episodic, with some encounters that were awkward asides. And then this book mostly ends three quarters of the way through, with an overlong wrap-up that comes off like padding.
My biggest problem with the last two-thirds of the Dred Chronicles is that the author seems too kind to her characters. I know that sounds like a strange thing to say about a series so full of death and pain, but I'll explain in the spoiler-filled set of spoiler tags below:
After finishing up, I can't help but feel this trilogy might have been better condensed into two books. Perdition was one of my favorite books in the last few years. Havoc was more episodic, with some encounters that were awkward asides. And then this book mostly ends three quarters of the way through, with an overlong wrap-up that comes off like padding.
My biggest problem with the last two-thirds of the Dred Chronicles is that the author seems too kind to her characters. I know that sounds like a strange thing to say about a series so full of death and pain, but I'll explain in the spoiler-filled set of spoiler tags below:
July 10, 2015
Breakout is the epic conclusion to Ann Aguirre's Dred Chronicles trilogy. The book kept me up at night; I didn't want to stop could not stop reading. The story of Dred, Jael, Tam, Martine, Calypso and Keelah's final battles on the prison ship Perdition and their struggles to flee it was one of fear, sadness, determination and hope.
As this is the finale, there are sure to be spoilers for those who haven't reached this point in Dred's story. So, I'm spoiler blocking some of my review. I highly recommend this trilogy to all who enjoy space opera science fiction with fierce characters. For fans of Ann's Sirantha Jax series, this is a must-read.
The entire book was an edge-of-your-seat ride; tense and stressful as Dred and crew's battles and losses, failures and successes, tears and laughter become your own. As the I got closer to the end of the book, I kept waiting for their story to end, for the remaining pages to be filled with praise for Ann's other books. Yet, I was rewarded with more and more of these characters' stories - all the way to an ending that was quite unexpected, but very, very rewarding.
Ann provides a new mystery in the middle of the book. Although it took Dred and Jael awhile to solve it, it was rather easy for the reader to figure out. Whether this was intentional on the author's part or not, I loved having the opportunity to learn more about a character who, up to this point, seemed like just another damaged prisoner.
Thank you to Penguin Group/Ace and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Quotes taken from the pre-published copy and may be altered or omitted from the final copy.
As this is the finale, there are sure to be spoilers for those who haven't reached this point in Dred's story. So, I'm spoiler blocking some of my review. I highly recommend this trilogy to all who enjoy space opera science fiction with fierce characters. For fans of Ann's Sirantha Jax series, this is a must-read.
The entire book was an edge-of-your-seat ride; tense and stressful as Dred and crew's battles and losses, failures and successes, tears and laughter become your own. As the I got closer to the end of the book, I kept waiting for their story to end, for the remaining pages to be filled with praise for Ann's other books. Yet, I was rewarded with more and more of these characters' stories - all the way to an ending that was quite unexpected, but very, very rewarding.
"You have no will of your own, you're a thing."Equally rewarding was the insight into Jael's, Bred #JL489, past. Those who have read Ann's Sirantha Jax series knew a little about him coming into this trilogy. Yet, much of his life prior to his time with Jax remained a mystery. After all he's endured to get to this point, he deserves to be happy.
"You're not a person. You're something I made. A monster."
Ann provides a new mystery in the middle of the book. Although it took Dred and Jael awhile to solve it, it was rather easy for the reader to figure out. Whether this was intentional on the author's part or not, I loved having the opportunity to learn more about a character who, up to this point, seemed like just another damaged prisoner.
Sometimes you had to walk all the way through hell to find your way.
Thank you to Penguin Group/Ace and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Quotes taken from the pre-published copy and may be altered or omitted from the final copy.
September 6, 2020
What a brilliant ending to a fantastic series!
This place’ll hurt you worse before it’s done, grind you up and spit you out.After the carnage and violent battle at the end of the last book, Dred only has a handful of her people left in her territory, and Silence’s stealth and mute assassins are hunting Dred and her people. The only way to defeat Silence is to form a reluctant alliance with the last three men left of the mercenary team hired to annihilate the prisoners. Which could mean their freedom off Perdition, if Dred can manage to keep everyone alive and all of them can work together to make a transport capable of getting them off the prison.
But Death’s handmaiden, Silence, has no problem killing everyone, including destroying Perdition, to ensure that Death gets all the souls he wants.
“If you didn’t know,” she said softly. “I’d want to die if you did.”
I have loved Dred since the first book, and she was just as awesome as always. She’s tough, kickass with her chains and fight skills, and above all else she’s a survivor, who never admits defeat. I love how much she cares about her friends, and how determined she is to always keep her word, to do what is right. Her only vulnerability is her feelings for Jael, but never does she let her fears keep her from loving him, from being there for him.
There would be bad dreams waiting, more fuel for the nightmarish flames. But none of that mattered . . . because Dred loved him.
And he’d gladly walk through the fires of hell if she was waiting on the other side.
I adore Jael. With every book we learn more about him and his brutal past. And each time my heart breaks for how lonely, how violent his past has been, and it makes me so happy that finally he learned the value of friends, of loving someone. His love for Dred is so beautiful, and I love that she is everything to him, that he would risk everything to keep her safe.
“You might think this is a strange warning, but there will always be danger if you stay with me. Anyone finds out what I am, I’ll be rounded up again. I’m never, ever free because I carry the crime of my creation with me.”
“Ah,” she said. “Well, if they try to take you, then I’ll do whatever it takes to stop them.”
“Whatever?” he breathed. “There you go again with such violent talk. What should I do? It’s turning me on something fierce.”
I have loved the romance between Dred and Jael since the first book, and I really loved how tender and sweet it was in this book. They had so many close calls in this book, and I love how it just proved how much they really loved each other. Both have their demons, but being together gives their live meaning.
Ann Aguirre is a master at writing gripping adventure and action, and this book had it in spades. Her ability to write characters that you fall in love with, how she makes you rejoice in their triumphs and grieve with their losses is amazing. There were so many things that happened in this book, so many hidden plots and secrets revealed, that I was captivated from the first page until the last.
This has been an intense and action-packed ride from the first book right until this last one. THIS IS SCI-FI AT ITS BEST, with the added benefit of a glorious romance. I CAN’T RECOMMEND IT ENOUGH. Read it.
February 24, 2017
The Sirantha Jax series by Ann Aguirre is one of my favorite odysseys of all time. It left an indelible imprint on my reading life. So when the author started the Dred Chronicles, I was beyond excited. I’ve tore through the first two books, savoring the stories and waited with great anticipation for the final book in the trilogy. This book is everything I wanted it to be and then some.
We return to Perdition, a prison outpost located in the outer edges of the galaxy. Perdition houses the worst of the worst criminals. The prisoners are beyond warehousing, they are incarcerated and then forgotten. They have created factions along with social and political norms. As in most prisons, there is a informal hierarchy and each inmate must choose a faction for protection and survival. The conglomerate has sent a troop of mercenaries to take back the prison by any means necessary. Now the prisoners are not only fighting each other but are now facing a single-minded, deadly special ops force. Situations change and alliances are re-formed. At the end of Havoc, there only a few people left and it is race to get off the outpost.
The action and suspense is wound very tight. In the confines of the prison, there is a sense of claustrophobia. There is no place to escape to. As a reader, you can feel the walls closing in. Tension spikes as survivors are running out of time. Silence’s deadly crew stalks them. This is an exciting page-turner with finger-nail biting stress.
I had a certain amount of dread (no pun intended) when reading this book. Ann Aguirre can be unpredictable. She is not shy about unexpectedly killing off her characters. I’m the kind of reader that gets emotionally invested and thus, fear for their lives. You can always expect the unexpected. It is what makes Ann Aguirre such a great storyteller and this story so compelling. (On a side note, there is a happy ending.)
The Epilogue is my favorite part. Throughout the Dred Chronicles, the narrative is told mainly from Dresdemona’s point-of-view. Her strong character - her struggles, her justifications, her redemption - is a highlight of the series. However, for Sirantha Jax fans, the epilogue is about Jael. It brings his story full circle to a very satisfying end. And here’s a shout out to my friends at Girls, Guns & Grimoires on Goodreads. There is a game changer for Team March and Team Vel. Make sure to read this series!
IN A NUTSHELL:
Breakout is another successful and satisfying ending to a highly suspenseful science fiction trilogy. Consider it a cross between the movies,The Longest Yard and Aliens, with a large dose of romance. Could it be any better? I don’t think so!
Originally posted at Love Affair with an e-Reader
We return to Perdition, a prison outpost located in the outer edges of the galaxy. Perdition houses the worst of the worst criminals. The prisoners are beyond warehousing, they are incarcerated and then forgotten. They have created factions along with social and political norms. As in most prisons, there is a informal hierarchy and each inmate must choose a faction for protection and survival. The conglomerate has sent a troop of mercenaries to take back the prison by any means necessary. Now the prisoners are not only fighting each other but are now facing a single-minded, deadly special ops force. Situations change and alliances are re-formed. At the end of Havoc, there only a few people left and it is race to get off the outpost.
The action and suspense is wound very tight. In the confines of the prison, there is a sense of claustrophobia. There is no place to escape to. As a reader, you can feel the walls closing in. Tension spikes as survivors are running out of time. Silence’s deadly crew stalks them. This is an exciting page-turner with finger-nail biting stress.
I had a certain amount of dread (no pun intended) when reading this book. Ann Aguirre can be unpredictable. She is not shy about unexpectedly killing off her characters. I’m the kind of reader that gets emotionally invested and thus, fear for their lives. You can always expect the unexpected. It is what makes Ann Aguirre such a great storyteller and this story so compelling. (On a side note, there is a happy ending.)
The Epilogue is my favorite part. Throughout the Dred Chronicles, the narrative is told mainly from Dresdemona’s point-of-view. Her strong character - her struggles, her justifications, her redemption - is a highlight of the series. However, for Sirantha Jax fans, the epilogue is about Jael. It brings his story full circle to a very satisfying end. And here’s a shout out to my friends at Girls, Guns & Grimoires on Goodreads. There is a game changer for Team March and Team Vel. Make sure to read this series!
IN A NUTSHELL:
Breakout is another successful and satisfying ending to a highly suspenseful science fiction trilogy. Consider it a cross between the movies,The Longest Yard and Aliens, with a large dose of romance. Could it be any better? I don’t think so!
Originally posted at Love Affair with an e-Reader
August 31, 2015
i'm not really sure why i don't like ann aguirre's books more than i do. on paper, they have everything that i'd want in a book: "strong female characters" who are more than just strong female characters, really interesting secondary worlds, brutal violence and real consequences to the heroes' actions or inactions. she is a competent writer, in that her books are very readable.
but i just don't enjoy them the way i should; something about them leaves me cold. i think that part of it is that her prose is very workmanlike. it's readable, but that's it. her style just doesn't grab me; it's spare in a way that makes sense for the world, but i don't think her voice really changes enough from each book/series. i also dislike the way she writes romances. they're very... over the top in a way that i do not enjoy. some people might like the "I WILL DIE FOR YOU!!!" and the angst of broken people who find each other, but they always seem very co-dependent to me and not in a good way. dred/jael is a little better than march/jax (god, i hate march) but still has that shade to it.
as for this book itself, the first half was non-stop action and the second half was a very extended epilogue. on the one hand, it was deserved: aguirre has certainly put these characters through hell during the three books that we've known them, and they've worked for their happy ever afters. on the other hand, i ended up skimming because i was bored. i don't think this is really a spoiler since the book is called breakout, but i was only really interested in seeing how they'd get off of perdition; everything else, eh.
i am sorry i don't connect more with these books, because there is a lot to like, and a lot of worth. i think it says something about aguirre that i keep reading her books even though she is a consistent three to two star writer for me.
but i just don't enjoy them the way i should; something about them leaves me cold. i think that part of it is that her prose is very workmanlike. it's readable, but that's it. her style just doesn't grab me; it's spare in a way that makes sense for the world, but i don't think her voice really changes enough from each book/series. i also dislike the way she writes romances. they're very... over the top in a way that i do not enjoy. some people might like the "I WILL DIE FOR YOU!!!" and the angst of broken people who find each other, but they always seem very co-dependent to me and not in a good way. dred/jael is a little better than march/jax (god, i hate march) but still has that shade to it.
as for this book itself, the first half was non-stop action and the second half was a very extended epilogue. on the one hand, it was deserved: aguirre has certainly put these characters through hell during the three books that we've known them, and they've worked for their happy ever afters. on the other hand, i ended up skimming because i was bored. i don't think this is really a spoiler since the book is called breakout, but i was only really interested in seeing how they'd get off of perdition; everything else, eh.
i am sorry i don't connect more with these books, because there is a lot to like, and a lot of worth. i think it says something about aguirre that i keep reading her books even though she is a consistent three to two star writer for me.
April 12, 2022
Breakout picks up right where Havoc left off and the author keeps you guessing until the very end.
With systems failing all over prison ship Perdition, Dred and her remaining allies have little time to escape the ship before life support fails. To facilitate their escape, Dred teams up with mercenary commander Vost as he holds the keys to their escape. But with Silence’s assassins hunting them, it’s a race to build a transport ship capable of getting them off station before the assassins catch them. With freedom so close, Dred and her allies will do whatever it takes to escape Perdition once and for all.
The plot in Breakout is very fast-paced and we follow the characters both before and after their escape from Perdition. The scenes where the characters face off against Silence and her assassins are action-packed and full of tension as it quickly becomes clear that not everyone will survive. The escape plot takes up most of the book and I will say the pacing suffers a bit after the switch to after their escape. Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed watching everything get set up for how the character’s lives would look after Perdition, but those scenes were so incredibly different from the rest of the story that they almost felt like a different book entirely. Overall though I was happy with the final book in the series. There was action, suspense, and some twists I didn’t see coming.
As a character Dred has gone through quite the transformation throughout the series. She starts off wholly embracing her Dread Queen persona and by this book she’s able to slowly let go of it. I liked getting to see a different side to Dred and I thought her growth was fantastic. Dred and Jael’s relationship continues to be wonderful and I love how much these two have come to care about each other. There was a point in this book where Jael was in danger and Dred was ready to burn everything to the ground to save him and I loved it. One thing I really liked about this book was that we got a lot of background on some of the characters. Jael’s in particular was quite captivating and heartbreaking at the same time. Silence’s background was probably the most interesting and there was quite a bit there I didn’t expect.
Overall The Dred Chronicles is a fantastic sci-fi series with an engaging plot, interesting world, and an amazing group of characters. I highly recommend this series and I will definitely be checking out the Sirantha Jax series at some point in the future.
With systems failing all over prison ship Perdition, Dred and her remaining allies have little time to escape the ship before life support fails. To facilitate their escape, Dred teams up with mercenary commander Vost as he holds the keys to their escape. But with Silence’s assassins hunting them, it’s a race to build a transport ship capable of getting them off station before the assassins catch them. With freedom so close, Dred and her allies will do whatever it takes to escape Perdition once and for all.
The plot in Breakout is very fast-paced and we follow the characters both before and after their escape from Perdition. The scenes where the characters face off against Silence and her assassins are action-packed and full of tension as it quickly becomes clear that not everyone will survive. The escape plot takes up most of the book and I will say the pacing suffers a bit after the switch to after their escape. Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed watching everything get set up for how the character’s lives would look after Perdition, but those scenes were so incredibly different from the rest of the story that they almost felt like a different book entirely. Overall though I was happy with the final book in the series. There was action, suspense, and some twists I didn’t see coming.
As a character Dred has gone through quite the transformation throughout the series. She starts off wholly embracing her Dread Queen persona and by this book she’s able to slowly let go of it. I liked getting to see a different side to Dred and I thought her growth was fantastic. Dred and Jael’s relationship continues to be wonderful and I love how much these two have come to care about each other. There was a point in this book where Jael was in danger and Dred was ready to burn everything to the ground to save him and I loved it. One thing I really liked about this book was that we got a lot of background on some of the characters. Jael’s in particular was quite captivating and heartbreaking at the same time. Silence’s background was probably the most interesting and there was quite a bit there I didn’t expect.
Overall The Dred Chronicles is a fantastic sci-fi series with an engaging plot, interesting world, and an amazing group of characters. I highly recommend this series and I will definitely be checking out the Sirantha Jax series at some point in the future.
August 19, 2015
The final book in the Dred trilogy, it was obvious there was a lot of backstory I'd missed, but after a steep curve I was mostly on board.
Dred, an empathic vigilante imprisoned for killing other killers, is now roaming the prison ship Perdition with a handful of mercenaries and allied soldiers, teaming up against Silence, a madwoman with her own death cult of assassins.
Sound intriguing? Did I mention rodents of unusual size, aliens, minions, building an escape shuttle from junk and a touch of romance?
Through Dred's relationship with Jael, his history is revealed; it's a terrible history and one which he fears may never leave him, but she has brought him past faceless killer to a man who can still trust, still love, still hope for a happy ending. Maybe they can all hope.
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Dred, an empathic vigilante imprisoned for killing other killers, is now roaming the prison ship Perdition with a handful of mercenaries and allied soldiers, teaming up against Silence, a madwoman with her own death cult of assassins.
Sound intriguing? Did I mention rodents of unusual size, aliens, minions, building an escape shuttle from junk and a touch of romance?
Through Dred's relationship with Jael, his history is revealed; it's a terrible history and one which he fears may never leave him, but she has brought him past faceless killer to a man who can still trust, still love, still hope for a happy ending. Maybe they can all hope.
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 6, 2015
This was an interesting book. The first half or so was the brutalness of Perdition, of everyone trying to survive, to trust unlikely allies to do what it takes to get out of this horrible prison. Then there is what they learned about an enemy. Those facts actually made me sorry for Silence, made me wonder had events not happened how great of a person she could have become.
I actually liked the last quarter of the book. The start of a new life. I really liked that the 5 that had been together for so long stayed together, that they did what they could to build a new life and thrive. Even better was how they were able to get the better of those that put them on Perdition in the first place. I've never been so happy for a HEA.
I actually liked the last quarter of the book. The start of a new life. I really liked that the 5 that had been together for so long stayed together, that they did what they could to build a new life and thrive. Even better was how they were able to get the better of those that put them on Perdition in the first place. I've never been so happy for a HEA.
August 27, 2015
It was good, but... well, the ending was a bit anti-climactic. I guess I just wanted more... vanquishing of your enemies, and/or something like that.
I'm glad that they ended up where they ended up, and I'm even happier that they are healing and seem to be better adjusted than I'd ever believed possible, but... it was so incredibly neat and clean. I felt like I spent the last 20% waiting for a shoe to fall.
*shrug*
I'm glad that they ended up where they ended up, and I'm even happier that they are healing and seem to be better adjusted than I'd ever believed possible, but... it was so incredibly neat and clean. I felt like I spent the last 20% waiting for a shoe to fall.
*shrug*
October 30, 2017
*actual rating 4.5 stars, but since GR is still being GR's then it's 5 cuz got no complaints...bout story*
Yasssss! I'm done! I've finally read Dred Chronicles!
As always with books like this - how come I didn't read it earlier? But no worries, better late than never! And I did thoroughly like it. Even feel like Ann Aguirre could have explored it some more with these characters & setting, thou I'm still satisfied with this finale for Perdition's convicts.
But I have to say - nearly wasn't (satisfied, that is). And that <--- has nothing to do with the plot itself or anything. Wondering what nearly had me go nuts before I even began the book? The bloody acknowledgments! Acknowledgments! First time for everything, indeed.
*warning: following few paragraphs are not related to the book itself, but it's info bomb, which got dropped on clueless little me, so beware, and if it bores you to death, skip over with one eye*
Here I was, happy to finally get my hands on Breakout and as usual I skim an eye over the stuff and there at the last paragraph for acknowledgments Aguirre casually mentions that -hey, actually I originally wanted to make it an open ending and leave you wondering what happened to your beloved characters, whether they live or die is up to you- so basically what she says is: I left them dying in space without flat out saying it but then realised I'd die in riots by my readers so decided to change it to a more conclusive one.
....wut? NO! the f*censored* *censored*???
That one single paragraph nearly ruined the whole book for me. And I hadn't even read it! *runs off crying*
I've got no problem with open ended endings...if they fit the story and are well done.
I've got no problems with stories where main leads die and it's basically a tragedy, either - if it fits the story and is well done.
Therefore, dear authors, if you ever read this, please note that it's fine by me if you change your mind, after all, the stories are your creations. You can tell it however you wish and I'll be happy whether it ends openly, conclusively, happily or tragically (well, not really, but you get the gist). Have the finale as you see fit. BUT. DO NOT. TELL ME THAT IT WAS SUPPOSED TO END this way or that way BEFORE I EVEN READ THE DAMN BOOK!!!!!!
Like, seriously, people, have some - I don't know, senses? Mercy? Something?
It's fine if while you're writing the book you discuss how it goes along with you readers and they know smt's changed or the whole plot's changed, but not everyone read the books as they were released and followed your blog or whatever!
So there you have your average reader who's somehow come upon the series and knows not a damn thing about it (that's me, in case you wondered) and happily reads it all up...and before the final book it says right there, that hey, this is not actually the original ending, changed it.
...The fuck? Was that really necessary to be told right before I read the finale? Was it? I'd be fine with that info after I've read the story, you know, there's this thing called "afterword" as well. And if you mentioned it...you better include it! Was it included? 'course not!
*somewhere along here the aforementioned not book related frustration starts to come to a conclusion*
Just 4 sentences and they nearly ruined whole book for me. Without it I would've just read the story and been ok. Now in every situation where they might die I was like - are they gonna die now? Can't happen yet, there'e still enough pages left. Are they gonna get stranded in space now? nah, too many pages left. Is that how it's gonna blow up?
So. Damn. Annoying. I was annoyed at myself. That's a whole new level I've reached. Sure, I would've wondered the same things without the totally unnecessary acknowledgment info bomb, but only towards the end of the book. Naturally. Not before even the middle of the book. And not all the time.
*I guess this is where the info bomb rant ends ;p *
I'm sincerely hoping I wasn't the only one who got kicked in the guts by that info bomb (thou I probably am, heh) but it did screw with my reading now & then.
Luckily (thou Aguirre has now some minus points from me) in the end, she did pull off the story of Jael, Dred & co just fine.
It started off all murderous and a killing spree-ish with Dred as the main lead & Jael as the 2nd main lead with some interesting supporting characters (that's Tam) in Perdition.
Then in Havoc it all became even more gruesome & bloody while Dred & Jael became equals and support chars grew by twofold and were pretty awesome.
Finally, it all ends in Breakout where Jael has come to the front with Dread being the 2nd lead as well as his equal. And the still pretty awesome support chars of Tam, Martina and others.
Still some killing sprees with future in sight.
If you think everything ends once you've gained freedom you're so wrong. Life then happens. And that's what happened with Breakout as well. Doesn't matter who's the lead then, support char or main char, so long as the story is told.
And at first I was like - this sure ain't as killing spree-ish anymore...(well, the majority of background characters were offed in previous book & beginning of this one ;p) but that was the whole point. The finale, so to say, where it lead as we got to know more about the characters was this.
So once I put my brain to use few minutes later, that was a really well done ending. Life. That really is just as life is. Nothing remains constant. Change happens. And Dred Chronicles with Jael & Dred really did go it's course.
Conlusion?
Yasssss! I'm done! I've finally read Dred Chronicles!
As always with books like this - how come I didn't read it earlier? But no worries, better late than never! And I did thoroughly like it. Even feel like Ann Aguirre could have explored it some more with these characters & setting, thou I'm still satisfied with this finale for Perdition's convicts.
But I have to say - nearly wasn't (satisfied, that is). And that <--- has nothing to do with the plot itself or anything. Wondering what nearly had me go nuts before I even began the book? The bloody acknowledgments! Acknowledgments! First time for everything, indeed.
*warning: following few paragraphs are not related to the book itself, but it's info bomb, which got dropped on clueless little me, so beware, and if it bores you to death, skip over with one eye*
Here I was, happy to finally get my hands on Breakout and as usual I skim an eye over the stuff and there at the last paragraph for acknowledgments Aguirre casually mentions that -hey, actually I originally wanted to make it an open ending and leave you wondering what happened to your beloved characters, whether they live or die is up to you- so basically what she says is: I left them dying in space without flat out saying it but then realised I'd die in riots by my readers so decided to change it to a more conclusive one.
....wut? NO! the f*censored* *censored*???
That one single paragraph nearly ruined the whole book for me. And I hadn't even read it! *runs off crying*
I've got no problem with open ended endings...if they fit the story and are well done.
I've got no problems with stories where main leads die and it's basically a tragedy, either - if it fits the story and is well done.
Therefore, dear authors, if you ever read this, please note that it's fine by me if you change your mind, after all, the stories are your creations. You can tell it however you wish and I'll be happy whether it ends openly, conclusively, happily or tragically (well, not really, but you get the gist). Have the finale as you see fit. BUT. DO NOT. TELL ME THAT IT WAS SUPPOSED TO END this way or that way BEFORE I EVEN READ THE DAMN BOOK!!!!!!
Like, seriously, people, have some - I don't know, senses? Mercy? Something?
It's fine if while you're writing the book you discuss how it goes along with you readers and they know smt's changed or the whole plot's changed, but not everyone read the books as they were released and followed your blog or whatever!
So there you have your average reader who's somehow come upon the series and knows not a damn thing about it (that's me, in case you wondered) and happily reads it all up...and before the final book it says right there, that hey, this is not actually the original ending, changed it.
...The fuck? Was that really necessary to be told right before I read the finale? Was it? I'd be fine with that info after I've read the story, you know, there's this thing called "afterword" as well. And if you mentioned it...you better include it! Was it included? 'course not!
*somewhere along here the aforementioned not book related frustration starts to come to a conclusion*
Just 4 sentences and they nearly ruined whole book for me. Without it I would've just read the story and been ok. Now in every situation where they might die I was like - are they gonna die now? Can't happen yet, there'e still enough pages left. Are they gonna get stranded in space now? nah, too many pages left. Is that how it's gonna blow up?
So. Damn. Annoying. I was annoyed at myself. That's a whole new level I've reached. Sure, I would've wondered the same things without the totally unnecessary acknowledgment info bomb, but only towards the end of the book. Naturally. Not before even the middle of the book. And not all the time.
*I guess this is where the info bomb rant ends ;p *
I'm sincerely hoping I wasn't the only one who got kicked in the guts by that info bomb (thou I probably am, heh) but it did screw with my reading now & then.
Luckily (thou Aguirre has now some minus points from me) in the end, she did pull off the story of Jael, Dred & co just fine.
It started off all murderous and a killing spree-ish with Dred as the main lead & Jael as the 2nd main lead with some interesting supporting characters (that's Tam) in Perdition.
Then in Havoc it all became even more gruesome & bloody while Dred & Jael became equals and support chars grew by twofold and were pretty awesome.
Finally, it all ends in Breakout where Jael has come to the front with Dread being the 2nd lead as well as his equal. And the still pretty awesome support chars of Tam, Martina and others.
Still some killing sprees with future in sight.
If you think everything ends once you've gained freedom you're so wrong. Life then happens. And that's what happened with Breakout as well. Doesn't matter who's the lead then, support char or main char, so long as the story is told.
And at first I was like - this sure ain't as killing spree-ish anymore...(well, the majority of background characters were offed in previous book & beginning of this one ;p) but that was the whole point. The finale, so to say, where it lead as we got to know more about the characters was this.
So once I put my brain to use few minutes later, that was a really well done ending. Life. That really is just as life is. Nothing remains constant. Change happens. And Dred Chronicles with Jael & Dred really did go it's course.
Conlusion?
July 27, 2016
An amazing and satisfying ending to the trilogy. Loved it!
January 25, 2025
There was some pretty graphic torture in this one. Plenty more people tragically died. But I did love the hea for our final group.
January 24, 2024
I love these maniacs so very, very much, and I'm glad they got their happy ending.
August 19, 2024
Very satisfying conclusion to an exciting series. Breakout picks up pretty much right where book 2, Havoc, ended and, in keeping with the rest of the series, is pretty much action-packed all the way through. Our heroes (Can you refer to a group of murderous convicts as heroes? In this series, yes, yes you can.) are in dire peril from page one and the tension barely lets up *at all* until at least 3/4 of the way through the book. That last 1/4 is largely epilogue-ish and that is completely okay with me. Readers *needed* that well-paced resolution and closure after going through so much physical and emotional trauma with these characters. And these characters. I love them. People: She made me love hardened killers. What else is there to say about how great this series is? If you've already read Perdition and Havoc, I can't imagine any reason you wouldn't be picking up Breakout and, like me, devouring it as soon as possible. But for anyone who hasn't started the series yet ... if you're into action-packed (violent) Space Opera with thought-provoking subtext on human nature and peppered with dark humor and unexpected turns ... The Dred Chronicles will satisfy.
October 4, 2015
I really enjoyed this final book in the Dred Chronicles series. The pacing was nonstop, but with lots of character development (and backstories!) in between. While some readers didn't like the protracted ending, I thought it was fitting, and left me happy that this series ending on a high note.
August 2, 2015
rcv review copy from publisher june 30.
Expected release date book: August 25th 2015 by Ace
Review to come!
Expected release date book: August 25th 2015 by Ace
Review to come!
August 30, 2015
Prison Break!
May 3, 2016
The Dred Chronicles is a sexy, dark sci fi that defines the word epic! http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/reviews/...
June 25, 2017
I would give this series ten stars if I could. It's the best sci-fi romance I've ever read till date. I love romances set in prison so this was right up my alley. The story and pacing were prefect, especially in the last two books. Kudos to Aguirre for not making it unnecessarily complex and keeping it tightly plotted.
The characters take the spotlight, it was easy to get invested in them because they are so interesting. Aguirre writes fantastic creepy villains and morally grey characters. More than anything, she's a master of the show-don't-tell rule, and so the characters, the romance, everything feels believable.
The main characters are awesome. What I absolutely loved was that the author doesn't gloss over the terrible things they'd done that landed them in prison, and the actions they had to take to survive, but still manage to be endearing. Jael and Dred have been through so much shit together, I loved the happy ending they (and everyone else) received.
The heroine, Dred is such a badass. She has the perfect blend of strength and vulnerability, a truly strong heroine who knows when to push and when to pull back. You can really tell the difference by comparing Dred with the standard ~strong independent heroine~ whose only strength is over the top aggression and snark *cough*Kate Daniels*cough*
I can't finish this review without fangirling over Jael.
He has now replaced Jack (from Exit Strategy) as my favourite hero of all time. That moment when
The romance between them is so beautiful. It's slow burn (as it has to be since they are both hardened killers locked away in prison) and it melts my heart how they slowly come to trust each other as time goes. These are two really damaged individuals haunted by their past, finding solace and comfort in each other.
All in all, I'm so glad I stumbled onto this series. This was an absolute gem and worth many re-reads.
The characters take the spotlight, it was easy to get invested in them because they are so interesting. Aguirre writes fantastic creepy villains and morally grey characters. More than anything, she's a master of the show-don't-tell rule, and so the characters, the romance, everything feels believable.
The main characters are awesome. What I absolutely loved was that the author doesn't gloss over the terrible things they'd done that landed them in prison, and the actions they had to take to survive, but still manage to be endearing. Jael and Dred have been through so much shit together, I loved the happy ending they (and everyone else) received.
The heroine, Dred is such a badass. She has the perfect blend of strength and vulnerability, a truly strong heroine who knows when to push and when to pull back. You can really tell the difference by comparing Dred with the standard ~strong independent heroine~ whose only strength is over the top aggression and snark *cough*Kate Daniels*cough*
I can't finish this review without fangirling over Jael.
He has now replaced Jack (from Exit Strategy) as my favourite hero of all time. That moment when
The romance between them is so beautiful. It's slow burn (as it has to be since they are both hardened killers locked away in prison) and it melts my heart how they slowly come to trust each other as time goes. These are two really damaged individuals haunted by their past, finding solace and comfort in each other.
“You want to tell me about it?”
His voice came out in a rasp. “The last job I did before retiring as a merc, there was this little girl in middle of the hot zone. I was supposed to clear a path for my unit, and there she was. Both sides unleashed on us, and I ran. Landed on her. I took the hit, hurt like hell.”
“Did you save her?” Dred asked softly.
“That’s the shit of it, love. I didn’t. When I rolled over, I had a big-ass hole in my back and blood all over her. The blast went all the way through. She died anyway. I got into salvage work after that.”
She didn’t say anything. Maybe she could tell he felt like a big exposed nerve, and no words would do. She has that bloody Psi whatever-it-is. First time I’ve ever been glad somebody could rummage in my feelings. Instead, she lay beside him in silence until he felt like he could stand being touched, then he wrapped his arms around her and didn’t let go.
All in all, I'm so glad I stumbled onto this series. This was an absolute gem and worth many re-reads.
June 30, 2023
Overall, the series was very entertaining. A great addition to lovers of scifi! There is romance, but it's not steamy. I'd say 🌶🌶 at most. But it's still a good read.
I love the ending for Jael and Dred and their ragtag family. This book had less of the pointless internal dialogue, more action, and more vocal endearments.
The storyline was immaculate, I love everyone's story.
I love the ending for Jael and Dred and their ragtag family. This book had less of the pointless internal dialogue, more action, and more vocal endearments.
The storyline was immaculate, I love everyone's story.
November 20, 2020
3.5 stars
September 25, 2016
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: In the game of thrones you win or you die…well, you get the drift!
Opening Sentence: Chaos reigned in Queensland, and Dred was too tired to come down with an iron fist.
The Review:
Dred, Jael and the others are back, minus quite a few. They are down to limited numbers after losing ground and are facing losing all of her hard won territory. They are working with Vost, the mercenary commander, who lost all his men except for two. They can only hope to hold out long enough to build a ship and leave Perdition. Soon, they realize it isn’t just the Silence hunting them, things have mutated in the dark and it’s an all out game of survival.
Will Dred be able to keep what remains of her crew together long enough for them to escape? Even if they escape, will they be able to make it to another planet or be rescued? Or will hope be the most dangerous adversary of them all?
I wish I can say that I loved this series from the start, and yes, I did go and read the first two books before this one. However, either my mood or trying to keep from being overwhelmed with everything on my reading plate led me to skim them for the most part, and I feel like I lost out a bit. I enjoyed most of the other books I have read by Aguirre, and when I settled in for this one I found it no different. I had no major issues falling into the story despite not giving Perdition or Havoc the attention they probably deserved. I do think overall some things would have been a lot clearer had I paid more attention. That being said, don’t start with this book, go and read Perdition if you haven’t read any of them.
I did enjoy it and I found that I really loved Dred, she is such a bad ass and despite or in spite of being a criminal she is like the best, honestly. You could tell that her people loved her, those that made it this far. Jael as her love interest (swoon) and even though I am not entirely sure what a Bred is, he suited her to a T. They were like, ahh words fail me. He is completely indestructible and he was able to share his gift with her. So that made them literally the power couple to beat. Not only could they kick major butt, they could take huge amount of pain and trauma. The things they survived in Breakout is mind blowing.
A great finish to a good series. Ann Aguirre always delivers and with such variety! I think she covers just about every genre out there!
Notable Scene:
“Jael’s words filled Dred with a deep and incandescent joy, so out of keeping with this place.
She dropped her voice low, just in case anyone else was awake. “I’ve never said it before. But I love you, too.”
She didn’t mention how difficult the last five days had been taking care of him such basic facilities. Tam and Keelah had scrubbed sheets and helped her change the bedding, often more than once a day. At one point none of other beds had sheets or blankets because they were all stained with blood or vomit–that or hanging up to dry.
I thought I might lose you… that Silence brought you too close to death.”
FTC Advisory: Ace/Penguin provided me with a copy of Breakout. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: In the game of thrones you win or you die…well, you get the drift!
Opening Sentence: Chaos reigned in Queensland, and Dred was too tired to come down with an iron fist.
The Review:
Dred, Jael and the others are back, minus quite a few. They are down to limited numbers after losing ground and are facing losing all of her hard won territory. They are working with Vost, the mercenary commander, who lost all his men except for two. They can only hope to hold out long enough to build a ship and leave Perdition. Soon, they realize it isn’t just the Silence hunting them, things have mutated in the dark and it’s an all out game of survival.
Will Dred be able to keep what remains of her crew together long enough for them to escape? Even if they escape, will they be able to make it to another planet or be rescued? Or will hope be the most dangerous adversary of them all?
I wish I can say that I loved this series from the start, and yes, I did go and read the first two books before this one. However, either my mood or trying to keep from being overwhelmed with everything on my reading plate led me to skim them for the most part, and I feel like I lost out a bit. I enjoyed most of the other books I have read by Aguirre, and when I settled in for this one I found it no different. I had no major issues falling into the story despite not giving Perdition or Havoc the attention they probably deserved. I do think overall some things would have been a lot clearer had I paid more attention. That being said, don’t start with this book, go and read Perdition if you haven’t read any of them.
I did enjoy it and I found that I really loved Dred, she is such a bad ass and despite or in spite of being a criminal she is like the best, honestly. You could tell that her people loved her, those that made it this far. Jael as her love interest (swoon) and even though I am not entirely sure what a Bred is, he suited her to a T. They were like, ahh words fail me. He is completely indestructible and he was able to share his gift with her. So that made them literally the power couple to beat. Not only could they kick major butt, they could take huge amount of pain and trauma. The things they survived in Breakout is mind blowing.
A great finish to a good series. Ann Aguirre always delivers and with such variety! I think she covers just about every genre out there!
Notable Scene:
“Jael’s words filled Dred with a deep and incandescent joy, so out of keeping with this place.
She dropped her voice low, just in case anyone else was awake. “I’ve never said it before. But I love you, too.”
She didn’t mention how difficult the last five days had been taking care of him such basic facilities. Tam and Keelah had scrubbed sheets and helped her change the bedding, often more than once a day. At one point none of other beds had sheets or blankets because they were all stained with blood or vomit–that or hanging up to dry.
I thought I might lose you… that Silence brought you too close to death.”
FTC Advisory: Ace/Penguin provided me with a copy of Breakout. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
November 6, 2015
Let me just tell it to you straight: If you loved the Sirantha Jax series and haven’t read this series, you need to. I’m absolutely kicking myself because I didn’t read this one sooner. With BREAKOUT being the last book in the series, I can probably admit that despite the fact that I loved the Sirantha Jax series, the Dred Chronicles just might be my favorite of the two.
The Dred Chronicles is a trilogy so it’s quite impressive what Aguirre is able to accomplish is such a few short books. Each book feels so big and epic that you would expect it to be longer. However, I find that each book is tightly written, hitting all the emotional highs and lows that real war feels like and gives just the right amount of romance and heartbreak to keep me engaged.
There’s an overall dark and gloomy tone to this series. It’s almost harrowing but that’s what I love about it. These group of characters have nothing but their own skills to try and survive this battle with Silence and it really feels like a life and death situation. It makes the stakes even higher, the risks even more dangerous and I found that I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.
Another thing that I absolutely loved about this series is the characters. Wow. Just wow. Dred and Jael are two unbelievable well written characters. Their strengths and weaknesses play off each other and I was glad that Aguirre took the time to really explore that in this book. A large part of the first book is dedicated to Jael’s backstory. Some readers thought it was an info dump but I didn’t see it that way at all. I liked how Aguirre revealed the bits and pieces of what made Jael the man he is today. So if you didn’t love him already, I think you’ll fall in love with him in this book.
But wait, I’m not done gushing! I still have to talk about the writing. In one word it’s GRIPPING! The dialogue, the descriptions, the action sequences….is there anything that Aguirre cannot do well? I’m so impressed with this series. If you’re looking for an epic sci fi journey that also packs an emotional punch, you definitely need to check this series out. After reading the Dred Chronicles, I don’t think I could ever forget about Dred and Jael’s characters.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Annie
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August 20, 2015
I love Ann Aguirre’s work. She always manages to take me on an amazing adventure alongside quirky, memorable characters. The Dred Chronicles were no different, and I sit here in awe at how she managed to incorporate a tender love story amidst bloodly battles on a space station prison. And you know what? It totally worked, providing a stellar balance of action and romance. All I can say is, I thoroughly enjoyed this series and sincerely hope it’s not the last story she tells from this universe.
I think it’s important to note that Havoc, book 2 in this series, is one of the best books I’ve ever read. It was action-packed, fast-paced, and heart-wrenching, topped off with great characters, cool aliens, freaky enemies, and a killer setting (seriously – the overall atmosphere was unlike anything I’ve ever read – it was awesome!). Breakout had all of those same elements but, while I still appreciate it as a series ender, I’m sad to say I didn’t like it quite as much (but definitely think it’s still worth the read!!!). And my reasoning comes down to pacing:
The first half of the book, where I felt the most intensity and emotional investment, was kind of rushed. There were several major events illustrated by only a few paragraphs, and I don’t think either my brain or my emotions had enough time to process everything. Simultaneously, the end half of the book, where I felt the story had reached its climax and was already in its resolution phase, was unproportionately drawn out. Personally, I would’ve loved to see the pacing distribution more heavily weighted towards the front, but that’s just me.
All that said though, I still loved this series as a whole and consider Aguirre one of my favorite authors. Although this is a spinoff of her Sirantha Jax series, I think it stands solidly on its own (but you should still totally read about Jax if you can because her story is amazing). Space opera fans, hold onto your seats because The Dred Chronicles are nothing if not a wild ride!
Thank you Penguin Group Berkeley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW, NetGalley, and Ann Aguirre for the chance to read and review an early copy of Breakout!
Via The Obsessive Bookseller at www.nikihawkes.com
I think it’s important to note that Havoc, book 2 in this series, is one of the best books I’ve ever read. It was action-packed, fast-paced, and heart-wrenching, topped off with great characters, cool aliens, freaky enemies, and a killer setting (seriously – the overall atmosphere was unlike anything I’ve ever read – it was awesome!). Breakout had all of those same elements but, while I still appreciate it as a series ender, I’m sad to say I didn’t like it quite as much (but definitely think it’s still worth the read!!!). And my reasoning comes down to pacing:
The first half of the book, where I felt the most intensity and emotional investment, was kind of rushed. There were several major events illustrated by only a few paragraphs, and I don’t think either my brain or my emotions had enough time to process everything. Simultaneously, the end half of the book, where I felt the story had reached its climax and was already in its resolution phase, was unproportionately drawn out. Personally, I would’ve loved to see the pacing distribution more heavily weighted towards the front, but that’s just me.
All that said though, I still loved this series as a whole and consider Aguirre one of my favorite authors. Although this is a spinoff of her Sirantha Jax series, I think it stands solidly on its own (but you should still totally read about Jax if you can because her story is amazing). Space opera fans, hold onto your seats because The Dred Chronicles are nothing if not a wild ride!
Thank you Penguin Group Berkeley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW, NetGalley, and Ann Aguirre for the chance to read and review an early copy of Breakout!
Via The Obsessive Bookseller at www.nikihawkes.com
June 14, 2017
Love this author -- wish this wasn't the end of this series!
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