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The Neumarian Chronicles #0.5
Weighted
The Great War of 2185 is over, but my nightmare has just begun. I am being held captive in the Queen’s ship awaiting interrogation. My only possible ally is the princess, but I’m unsure if she is really my friend or a trap set by the Queen to fool me into sharing the secret of my gift. A gift I keep hidden even from myself. It swirls inside my body begging for release, but it is the one thing the Queen can never discover. Will I have the strength to keep the secret? I’ll know the answer soon. If the stories are true about the interrogators, I’ll either be dead or a traitor to my people by morning.
31 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2012
21 people are currently reading
621 people want to read
About the author
Ciara Knight
118 books804 followersCiara Knight is a USA Today bestselling and Maggie Award-winning author of heartwarming romance.
Her popular sweet romance series, Sweetwater County (rated for all audiences and enjoyed by over a million readers), is a small-town romance full of family trials, friendly competition, and community love.
Her popular sweet romance series, Sweetwater County (rated for all audiences and enjoyed by over a million readers), is a small-town romance full of family trials, friendly competition, and community love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
June 1, 2012
Its hard to review this book without sounding strange. I don't usually like first person, I don't anything care for futuristic or scyfy(ish), but I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED Weighted. It drew me in and I did not take a break until I'd devoured the entire story. Then I read it again. In my humble opinion, the best of Ms Ciara' Knight's writing ever. If you read this novella, you will barely stand waiting for the first in the Neumarian chronicles. Bravo! Ciara Knight, Well done!
July 19, 2012
I've been reading quite a few novellas and novelettes as of late, and I have to say Weighted took the cake. It was ultra-gripping from beginning to end; I couldn't peel my eyes from the page.
A girl has been captured by the Queen's men and taken to their ship. The Queen is terribly evil and uses various forms of torture to get information out of her - namely, to betray her people by divulging what her "gift" (superpower) is. She finds an unlikely ally in the princess and must endure all the Queen's torture and try her best to keep her secret. That might be easier if she could only remember what her gift is...
The story is 36-ish pages long, so I can't give a (too) lengthy review, but overall, Weighted is a part gorrific (that's gory + terrific, see what I did there?!), part escape thriller that ends with a total cliffhanger. The prequel raises a lot of questions about the girl and her people, the Queen and her purpose and the fate of the princess and the rhyming man, so basically, it accomplishes its goal of introducing this world and making readers (including me!) impatient to get our hands on Book 1 of the series.
Highly recommended as long as you can handle a bit of gore including multiple drillings to the head and cutting. There are no graphic descriptions, just small mentions, so it shouldn't be a problem for most people.
The only two problems I had reading it:
Bendar, the riddling guy is unique but I got kind of annoyed with his rhyme-talk. I never really liked Dr. Suess.
Alternating between two different fonts is quite unnecessary. Not at all easy on the eyes. Then again, I'm on a laptop and I have no idea how it would look on a Kindle or a Nook.
A girl has been captured by the Queen's men and taken to their ship. The Queen is terribly evil and uses various forms of torture to get information out of her - namely, to betray her people by divulging what her "gift" (superpower) is. She finds an unlikely ally in the princess and must endure all the Queen's torture and try her best to keep her secret. That might be easier if she could only remember what her gift is...
The story is 36-ish pages long, so I can't give a (too) lengthy review, but overall, Weighted is a part gorrific (that's gory + terrific, see what I did there?!), part escape thriller that ends with a total cliffhanger. The prequel raises a lot of questions about the girl and her people, the Queen and her purpose and the fate of the princess and the rhyming man, so basically, it accomplishes its goal of introducing this world and making readers (including me!) impatient to get our hands on Book 1 of the series.
Highly recommended as long as you can handle a bit of gore including multiple drillings to the head and cutting. There are no graphic descriptions, just small mentions, so it shouldn't be a problem for most people.
The only two problems I had reading it:
Bendar, the riddling guy is unique but I got kind of annoyed with his rhyme-talk. I never really liked Dr. Suess.
Alternating between two different fonts is quite unnecessary. Not at all easy on the eyes. Then again, I'm on a laptop and I have no idea how it would look on a Kindle or a Nook.
September 13, 2012
I read the blurb for this book and was hooked so when Ciara offered 5 ARC's to read I jumped at it. I read it and was hooked. I had to know what Raeth’s gift was! Why does she have to keep it a secret? What does the Queen want with her? This story kept me hooked from the beginning and I had to finish it to find out how it turned out. I loved the attention to detail the author showed in this story. She played off of all of your senses which just helps pull you in all the more. I can’t wait until I get to read the rest of the series. I am curious about the entire race of Neumarians and I hope to hear more about her brother in the series. The princess and the Queen are complete opposites and they go well together in the story. I won't say anymore so that I do not give it away.
I say you must get this as soon as you can and then you can find out to if Raeth dies or does she become a traitor? I give this novella 5 stars and I say keep up the great work Ciara. I can’t wait for the next one!!!
I say you must get this as soon as you can and then you can find out to if Raeth dies or does she become a traitor? I give this novella 5 stars and I say keep up the great work Ciara. I can’t wait for the next one!!!
August 27, 2012
Author Ciara Knight gifted me a Kindle copy of Weighted that I won in a giveaway form Anagha @ BookSpark. I was interested in reading the book, which is 31 pages long, and I finished it in one sitting.
The synopsis itself caught my attention, since the story is set in 2185. Raeth is a Neumarian and possesses a power that the Queen believes will annihilate the human population. Hence, she is captured and tortured. Some of the scenes were quite cruel, but I think that makes it more real. I liked both, Princess Semara and Bendar, who seemed genuinely nice people and help Raeth. I did feel bad for Raeth for everything that she's been through. I hope we get to see more about her family and her life before the Great War in the coming books.
Overall, Weighted was an interesting and good read, though I wish it was longer! But then again, it is a novella, and I am waiting to read the first book in The Neumarian Chronicles. I love the word "Neumarian", by the way!
The synopsis itself caught my attention, since the story is set in 2185. Raeth is a Neumarian and possesses a power that the Queen believes will annihilate the human population. Hence, she is captured and tortured. Some of the scenes were quite cruel, but I think that makes it more real. I liked both, Princess Semara and Bendar, who seemed genuinely nice people and help Raeth. I did feel bad for Raeth for everything that she's been through. I hope we get to see more about her family and her life before the Great War in the coming books.
Overall, Weighted was an interesting and good read, though I wish it was longer! But then again, it is a novella, and I am waiting to read the first book in The Neumarian Chronicles. I love the word "Neumarian", by the way!
June 8, 2012
I had the honor of reading a YA ARC called Weighted by Ciara Knight. Here's my humble review.
Wonderful short story and intro into the Neumarian Chronicles. Tension is ramped up on page one with the 'tick/tock' of the second hand struggling to reach the twelve. Interspersing the sounds of the clock with descriptions of Raeth's (a young girl and our protag) rising anxiety was an excellent way to stretch the tension. The goals of every character are evident even though the story takes place in the first person. Conflict is obvious between the two species. Details really stand out; how Raeth viewed the ship, her captors and even the ambient smells of each room she was taken to. Thankfully, the end isn't really the end, but the begining of the Chronicles. I can't wait to read more.
Raven's Review
August 7, 2012
First off look at that COVER!! Knight does it again with this little teaser of The Neumerian Chronicles!! I just wanted to keep reading but sadly will have to wait impatiently for Book One to come out!! This is a very interesting story of War and struggles within families. Weighted starts with a bang and ends with one... leaving you wondering, questioning and wanting more!! I definitely recommend checking this book out and any other books by Ciara Knight!!
Disclosure: I received one copy of the book from the Author for review purposes only. I was not compensated to write a positive or favorable review. This is Keeping Up With The Rheinlander's personal opinion.
Disclosure: I received one copy of the book from the Author for review purposes only. I was not compensated to write a positive or favorable review. This is Keeping Up With The Rheinlander's personal opinion.
December 30, 2012
I jumped at the chance to be a beta reader of Weighted by Ciara Knight, and I loved, loved, loved the strong, female protaganists, the scary villains, the excellent prose writing that intertwined character development, description, and action vibrantly!!! I can't wait to buy a copy, and read the next installment!
November 23, 2014
I knew that I had to read Weighted when I came across it on Goodreads. Actually, the cover was what attracted me first, it’s completely stunning. However, once I read the summary, I knew that it was my type of the book, and I needed to read it, to see what happens, right after reading the summary. I was happy when I emailed author about ARC copy, glad she was able to provide me with copy, for review. Thank you Ciara, for providing me with opportunity of reading an early copy. I had enjoyed every aspect of this novella. It got me curious and excited for Neumarian Chronicles. I want to know what happens with the characters next, especially the way this story ended, I’m eager for more.
Weighted, is a Prequel to Neumarian Chronicles.
GOODREADS SUMMARY
The Great War of 2185 is over, but my nightmare has just begun. I am being held captive in the Queen’s ship awaiting interrogation. My only possible ally is the princess, but I’m unsure if she is really my friend or a trap set by the Queen to fool me into sharing the secret of my gift. A gift I keep hidden even from myself. It swirls inside my body begging for release, but it is the one thing the Queen can never discover. Will I have the strength to keep the secret? I’ll know the answer soon. If the stories are true about the interrogators, I’ll either be dead or a traitor to my people by morning
This is first ARC I received, so it’s pretty exciting for me. What I enjoyed about this novella, was the way it was written, it was unique and unlike any other book that I read before. It was fascinating for me to read. Ciara captured my attention right from the beginning of the book. I wanted to see what would happen to Raeth next. I was hoping that she would find some way to escape; actually I was hoping that Princess Semara would find a way to help her. The emotions, the descriptions in Weighted were beautifully written, filled with a lot of images. While reading it, I found myself imagining everything that was going on, what Raeth was going through. It made me cringe every time that she was tortured.
My favorite part in Weighted was the bond between Raeth and Princess Semara. I found it interesting that she found interest in her, that she wanted to help her. I was happy that at least Raeth had someone there to help her, to be her friend. The way she took care of her after she was tortured, made me smile. Even though she knew that the Queen would hit her, she still helped her. I did wonder what would happen, if she was able to help her more than she did, if an actual friendship would form between two of them.
I loved fact that some part of Novella was from Princess Samara’s Point of view, I felt like I got to know her more than before. I even felt sorry for her. I knew she got hit but I didn’t know how much till her version. I felt angry towards the Queen, for treating her own daughter that way. I just wish there was some way that she could stood up to her. The ending, that was amazing, it actually made me eager for the book to come out. Ciara Knight did an amazing job and I can’t wait for the series to come out.
Weighted, is a Prequel to Neumarian Chronicles.
GOODREADS SUMMARY
The Great War of 2185 is over, but my nightmare has just begun. I am being held captive in the Queen’s ship awaiting interrogation. My only possible ally is the princess, but I’m unsure if she is really my friend or a trap set by the Queen to fool me into sharing the secret of my gift. A gift I keep hidden even from myself. It swirls inside my body begging for release, but it is the one thing the Queen can never discover. Will I have the strength to keep the secret? I’ll know the answer soon. If the stories are true about the interrogators, I’ll either be dead or a traitor to my people by morning
This is first ARC I received, so it’s pretty exciting for me. What I enjoyed about this novella, was the way it was written, it was unique and unlike any other book that I read before. It was fascinating for me to read. Ciara captured my attention right from the beginning of the book. I wanted to see what would happen to Raeth next. I was hoping that she would find some way to escape; actually I was hoping that Princess Semara would find a way to help her. The emotions, the descriptions in Weighted were beautifully written, filled with a lot of images. While reading it, I found myself imagining everything that was going on, what Raeth was going through. It made me cringe every time that she was tortured.
My favorite part in Weighted was the bond between Raeth and Princess Semara. I found it interesting that she found interest in her, that she wanted to help her. I was happy that at least Raeth had someone there to help her, to be her friend. The way she took care of her after she was tortured, made me smile. Even though she knew that the Queen would hit her, she still helped her. I did wonder what would happen, if she was able to help her more than she did, if an actual friendship would form between two of them.
I loved fact that some part of Novella was from Princess Samara’s Point of view, I felt like I got to know her more than before. I even felt sorry for her. I knew she got hit but I didn’t know how much till her version. I felt angry towards the Queen, for treating her own daughter that way. I just wish there was some way that she could stood up to her. The ending, that was amazing, it actually made me eager for the book to come out. Ciara Knight did an amazing job and I can’t wait for the series to come out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2017
3.5/5 stars.
This is a short story prequel to a series of steampunk novels coming out in 2013 called The Neumarian Chronicles. From this story, I can gather some aspects of the world building and that there are two types of people against one another, Slags and Neumarians. I don't know why they fought a war or why they hate each other so much, but what happens to the protagonist, Raeth, happens because of these feuding societies.
Raeth is a Neumarian and seems to be around 12-years-old. She has some sort of ability that she needs to keep hidden from the Slags who captured her in order to find out what it is. The Slags are people with bionic body parts—cyborgs, basically. That is so cool, but they are the bad guys and they are very not cool, not even towards each other. The Queen is execution-happy and everybody smacks everybody's faces all the time. Raeth suffers torture and near death at the hands of the Queen of the Slags who is completely evil and one-dimensional, but successfully strikes fear in you.
Although, a lot of the story is confusing, it still has elements I usually am drawn to: cyborgs, a mad scientist (Raeth gets tortured by a man in a gray coat at the behest of the evil Queen), sci-fi technology and even a fantasy element in Raeth's supernatural ability. It's quite an intense read for all it's worth and really gets your appetite whetted for the future subsequent novels.
*I received a copy of this title from the author in exchange for my honest review.
This is a short story prequel to a series of steampunk novels coming out in 2013 called The Neumarian Chronicles. From this story, I can gather some aspects of the world building and that there are two types of people against one another, Slags and Neumarians. I don't know why they fought a war or why they hate each other so much, but what happens to the protagonist, Raeth, happens because of these feuding societies.
Raeth is a Neumarian and seems to be around 12-years-old. She has some sort of ability that she needs to keep hidden from the Slags who captured her in order to find out what it is. The Slags are people with bionic body parts—cyborgs, basically. That is so cool, but they are the bad guys and they are very not cool, not even towards each other. The Queen is execution-happy and everybody smacks everybody's faces all the time. Raeth suffers torture and near death at the hands of the Queen of the Slags who is completely evil and one-dimensional, but successfully strikes fear in you.
Although, a lot of the story is confusing, it still has elements I usually am drawn to: cyborgs, a mad scientist (Raeth gets tortured by a man in a gray coat at the behest of the evil Queen), sci-fi technology and even a fantasy element in Raeth's supernatural ability. It's quite an intense read for all it's worth and really gets your appetite whetted for the future subsequent novels.
*I received a copy of this title from the author in exchange for my honest review.
December 30, 2012
Since this is a novelette, it's kind of hard to say a lot about this book without ruining it.
Though I knew the book was going to be intense from the blurb, man was it a bit more dark than I was expecting. Knight definitely has a way with her descriptions. There were multiple times I cringed at what was happening to characters. So you know, warning if you can't stomach a little light gore filled details while reading.
I loved how the story also played with with other senses. Knight including the the sounds of a clock definitely added to the suspense and isolation of the setting.
This was a perfect introduction into a series I can't wait to read more about. Ciara Knight was able to flawlessly mix genres and make it work. For a short story, this book definitely creeps and stays in your thoughts long after reading. If you're looking to get a taste into a new series, Weighted is a great sampler to get started with.
Book Soundtrack:
Jen Titus - O Death
Inu - Far From Safe
Living Things - Terror Visions
Though I knew the book was going to be intense from the blurb, man was it a bit more dark than I was expecting. Knight definitely has a way with her descriptions. There were multiple times I cringed at what was happening to characters. So you know, warning if you can't stomach a little light gore filled details while reading.
I loved how the story also played with with other senses. Knight including the the sounds of a clock definitely added to the suspense and isolation of the setting.
This was a perfect introduction into a series I can't wait to read more about. Ciara Knight was able to flawlessly mix genres and make it work. For a short story, this book definitely creeps and stays in your thoughts long after reading. If you're looking to get a taste into a new series, Weighted is a great sampler to get started with.
Book Soundtrack:
Jen Titus - O Death
Inu - Far From Safe
Living Things - Terror Visions
August 21, 2012
Wow, what a stunning beginning to another incredible series by Ciara Knight. Once again, Ciara does not disappoint. This prequel novellete is an introduction to the world of the Nuemarians. They are a race of people fighting for their lives against a vicious queen who fears their extraordinary abilities. The story is fast-paced and full of suspense. The writing is intelligent and fresh. Ciara's alterate reality is frightening and relatable. Her characters will stay with you long after you have finished this story.
This is not just a story for sci/fi or post-apacolyptic junkies. This is a story for anyone who loves a good story. It is about loyalty and friendship. It is about one young girl facing her fears and finding the strenght within herself to protect her people and another young girl rebelling against the savagery of her people and her own mother.
This is a story not to be missed. I can not wait for the next installment of The Nuemarian Chronicles!
This is not just a story for sci/fi or post-apacolyptic junkies. This is a story for anyone who loves a good story. It is about loyalty and friendship. It is about one young girl facing her fears and finding the strenght within herself to protect her people and another young girl rebelling against the savagery of her people and her own mother.
This is a story not to be missed. I can not wait for the next installment of The Nuemarian Chronicles!
August 23, 2012
This book is only a thirty one page prequel to what I am sure will be an amazing series. I entered a two hour contest to win this book and i am glad i did. I truly felt like I was reading a full length novel and by the time I was done I was left wanting more.
Weighted is amazing! It's got alot to offer in alot of different areas. It has paranormal, dystopian, fantasy, and steampunk aspects that all fit together very well.
I am really loving the way this story flows. The characters are very quickly introduced (it is a short story) but they are really well defined. I can picture every character in vivid detail and love what I envision.
If this thirty one page story is just a setting up to a series of books then I am one hundred percent invested and can not wait to dive into these books but add them to my library so I can read them over and over.
I can say with great certainty that this series will be one of my all time favorites!
Weighted is amazing! It's got alot to offer in alot of different areas. It has paranormal, dystopian, fantasy, and steampunk aspects that all fit together very well.
I am really loving the way this story flows. The characters are very quickly introduced (it is a short story) but they are really well defined. I can picture every character in vivid detail and love what I envision.
If this thirty one page story is just a setting up to a series of books then I am one hundred percent invested and can not wait to dive into these books but add them to my library so I can read them over and over.
I can say with great certainty that this series will be one of my all time favorites!
December 5, 2012
Definitely an original idea. I'm curious to see where this goes with the start of the series. The characters introduced are interesting and I know there's some depth to them. I look forward to seeing how they develop throughout the series. The writing is good, though I felt the conflict introduced was made unnecessarily difficult. It was almost as if it was drawn out to make sure some goal was reached. The interrogation scenes could have been shortened to give readers more of a look at the world we're being introduced to. Also, the Queen seems a formidable foe. I'm curious about these cyborgs called Slags. Why do they like have mechanical body parts? All very intriguing.
January 28, 2013
After reading this prequel novella, I can't wait to read the rest of The Neumarian Chronicles! I was immediately drawn into this story from the beginning, and horrified at what happened to the narrator Raeth Arteres. Knight makes the reader care about Raeth right from the start, and also introduces a host of supporting characters who I'm sure will have play a big role in the upcoming Chronicles. The hints about what had already happened to Raeth in the time leading up to Weighted made me very curious, and the story ended with a cliffhanger that left me dying to know what happens next.
Weighted is a dark tale that promises great things to come.
Weighted is a dark tale that promises great things to come.
September 10, 2012
The characters in the book are great i read the book just now and then wow .Tick Tock is what she hears and what happen in the book the Tick Tock gets louder and louder She going to be killed or maimed she did not know yet Who is it the Princess Raeth. The Queen wants her leg
for her self she metal want to be normal again. What happen in the book will surprise you the Queen want power but she can not get unless kill the princess and then her daughter not going to
let her is she
You will like the book and then this is one of the first one i read and will be reading more of them soon
for her self she metal want to be normal again. What happen in the book will surprise you the Queen want power but she can not get unless kill the princess and then her daughter not going to
let her is she
You will like the book and then this is one of the first one i read and will be reading more of them soon
August 6, 2012
Reviewed for Confessions from Romaholics
To See Review at Confessions from Romaholics
Although young Raeth Arteres was hidden by her brother, the Queen of Earth caught her and collared her like a dog. The queen is a bitter woman who wants to enslave all the Neumarians and loves to torture them if they rebel. She knows that they are planning something against her and she has decided to discover all about it.
But young Raeth is not about to give up. Although she is still a child, although they take her leg and are using some kind of neuro-alterer, she never told the Neumarians’ secret … about their power.
Darkness swirls deep inside, brewing a storm. I can’t remember what it will do if I release it. Is it a gift, as my brother told me, or a curse, as the Queen believes?
She finds a friend in Princess Semara, yet she can’t be saved. In the end, the Princess could only help Raeth find her end in her land. Yet she is saved, all because her brother pays a huge price. To save her, to give her life, he has sucked dry the life of their friends.
We are all monsters. Not just the Queen. The only difference is that we don’t want to rule or enslave others.
OMG!!! I loved this prequel novelette to The Neumarian Chronicles. If the first book of the series is as good as this one, I can’t wait to get my hands on it. This short story is heartbreaking, shocking and so real that it is impossible to stay impassive while reading it. I totally loved it and I really, really want to know more. 5 couples
To See Review at Confessions from Romaholics
Although young Raeth Arteres was hidden by her brother, the Queen of Earth caught her and collared her like a dog. The queen is a bitter woman who wants to enslave all the Neumarians and loves to torture them if they rebel. She knows that they are planning something against her and she has decided to discover all about it.
But young Raeth is not about to give up. Although she is still a child, although they take her leg and are using some kind of neuro-alterer, she never told the Neumarians’ secret … about their power.
Darkness swirls deep inside, brewing a storm. I can’t remember what it will do if I release it. Is it a gift, as my brother told me, or a curse, as the Queen believes?
She finds a friend in Princess Semara, yet she can’t be saved. In the end, the Princess could only help Raeth find her end in her land. Yet she is saved, all because her brother pays a huge price. To save her, to give her life, he has sucked dry the life of their friends.
We are all monsters. Not just the Queen. The only difference is that we don’t want to rule or enslave others.
OMG!!! I loved this prequel novelette to The Neumarian Chronicles. If the first book of the series is as good as this one, I can’t wait to get my hands on it. This short story is heartbreaking, shocking and so real that it is impossible to stay impassive while reading it. I totally loved it and I really, really want to know more. 5 couples
December 31, 2012
Raeth Arteres is at the mercy of the cruel interrogators aboard the Queen's ship. There's information they want, but she cannot talk or it might mean the destruction of all her people. The Queen won't let Raeth go into the arms of her parents in the land of the dead, though. Whatever it takes to make Raeth talk, they will find a way. Raeth's only hope is Princess Semara, but is she truly an ally or is she pretending to be to learn Raeth's secrets?
I was immediately hooked with the first paragraph. This steampunk novella thrummed with tension and kept it tight from beginning to end. I couldn't stop reading. Though Raeth is narrating the story, she's a mystery even to herself, and I was enthralled by her people's plight and her strange gift. For such a short story, I became emotionally invested quickly and ached for Raeth's escape. Semara also fascinated me. She and Raeth are two unlikely friends. If they are friends at all!
A veil of dread covered everything. The setting was frightening and exotic. The writing was brilliant. Such amazing detail! Why was this book sitting on my TBR list for so long? I highly recommend Weighted to everyone. Bravo, Ciara!
I was immediately hooked with the first paragraph. This steampunk novella thrummed with tension and kept it tight from beginning to end. I couldn't stop reading. Though Raeth is narrating the story, she's a mystery even to herself, and I was enthralled by her people's plight and her strange gift. For such a short story, I became emotionally invested quickly and ached for Raeth's escape. Semara also fascinated me. She and Raeth are two unlikely friends. If they are friends at all!
A veil of dread covered everything. The setting was frightening and exotic. The writing was brilliant. Such amazing detail! Why was this book sitting on my TBR list for so long? I highly recommend Weighted to everyone. Bravo, Ciara!
October 1, 2012
The artistic cover is what first drew me to this novelette, a prequel to the Neumarian Chronicles. It begins with a Neumarian being held captive and tortured as part of an information gathering mission. A wicked queen requires her servants to inflict gruesome and painful torture upon the main character and her brother.
The hellish scenes, complete with screws groaning and squealing in protest, along with cyborg body parts being appended to the main character are a taste of what’s to come in the upcoming book, Escapement. Ms. Knight’s vividly descriptive, striking scenes leave one with a sense of disquiet and fear.
Although the issues the characters face aren’t entirely clear in this prequel, the tragedy entwined with the memory of the Great War and its legacy is something not easily dismissed or forgotten by the reader.
For fans of cyborg fiction and steampunk, this is a new series to keep an eye on. Escapement will be released early 2013. Until then, we’ll have to be content with the appetizer, Weighted.
The hellish scenes, complete with screws groaning and squealing in protest, along with cyborg body parts being appended to the main character are a taste of what’s to come in the upcoming book, Escapement. Ms. Knight’s vividly descriptive, striking scenes leave one with a sense of disquiet and fear.
Although the issues the characters face aren’t entirely clear in this prequel, the tragedy entwined with the memory of the Great War and its legacy is something not easily dismissed or forgotten by the reader.
For fans of cyborg fiction and steampunk, this is a new series to keep an eye on. Escapement will be released early 2013. Until then, we’ll have to be content with the appetizer, Weighted.
September 18, 2012
Genre: Funky blend of dystopian, sci-fi and steampunk(not sure yet if this will be a YA series or not) ... Total Awesomesauce!!!
My Review:
One word: intense! More than a bit scary but not "horror" dark (this reviewer doesn't do the real dark stuff). For such a short glimpse into the world of the Neumarian Chronicles, this book is a power punch of freaking amazingness .... okay, maybe not a word, but you get the idea. I loved everything about this book. It's suspenseful. It's mysterious. It's creative. It has the most likable and hate-worthy characters... and we have barely met them! 42 pages and I've not stopped thinking about them since I finished this two days ago. So my only complaint is that book 1, Escapement, isn't out yet. It's kind of cruel to leave me hanging like this. I want more!!!
Cover Art:
Wowie-wow-wow!!! Love, love, love this cover! Likely my favorite cover of 2012 to date!
My Review:
One word: intense! More than a bit scary but not "horror" dark (this reviewer doesn't do the real dark stuff). For such a short glimpse into the world of the Neumarian Chronicles, this book is a power punch of freaking amazingness .... okay, maybe not a word, but you get the idea. I loved everything about this book. It's suspenseful. It's mysterious. It's creative. It has the most likable and hate-worthy characters... and we have barely met them! 42 pages and I've not stopped thinking about them since I finished this two days ago. So my only complaint is that book 1, Escapement, isn't out yet. It's kind of cruel to leave me hanging like this. I want more!!!
Cover Art:
Wowie-wow-wow!!! Love, love, love this cover! Likely my favorite cover of 2012 to date!
May 11, 2013
This is an intense, dark, edgy dystopian story, set in 2185, that tells of a 12 year old Neumarian girl who is a slave aboard a Slag airship. I'm not sure why the Neumarians and Slags are at war. The young girl is subjected to unimaginable torture, as the Queen tries to discover her secret power, that can wipe out the human population.
I'm a sucker for beautiful covers, and this book has a stunning and timeless picture. The clock depicted on the cover, is used effectively in the opening of the story, where the "tick-tock" sound is interspersed with the young girl's anxiety. It has an aural significance, which sucks the reader into the moment, and heightens the tension.
There are well-defined characters, and I wondered about the personality of the cruel and merciless Queen as opposed to her gentle and sympathetic daughter. The writing flows quite smoothly. I enjoyed this story, and I'm looking forward to the follow up story.
I'm a sucker for beautiful covers, and this book has a stunning and timeless picture. The clock depicted on the cover, is used effectively in the opening of the story, where the "tick-tock" sound is interspersed with the young girl's anxiety. It has an aural significance, which sucks the reader into the moment, and heightens the tension.
There are well-defined characters, and I wondered about the personality of the cruel and merciless Queen as opposed to her gentle and sympathetic daughter. The writing flows quite smoothly. I enjoyed this story, and I'm looking forward to the follow up story.
October 21, 2012
This is the third of Ciara books that I have read and I have to say I was so very disappointed! She is such a great writer and to read this book and realize at the end that it was a short story just about crushed me! I thought I would have days of reading enjoyment only to find out my eyes goobled up this wonderful story quickly.
What? Give me more! As I kept trying to click past the last page on my eReader. Ugh! A real great story with great characters. Steampunk Sci-Fi! I believe Ms. Knight has found her calling. Cant wait to see the "Full Length" Novels with the rest of the story.
Five stars and if I could give her a pat on the back and a hug I would. Keep and the wonderful writing.
What? Give me more! As I kept trying to click past the last page on my eReader. Ugh! A real great story with great characters. Steampunk Sci-Fi! I believe Ms. Knight has found her calling. Cant wait to see the "Full Length" Novels with the rest of the story.
Five stars and if I could give her a pat on the back and a hug I would. Keep and the wonderful writing.
October 24, 2014
This story grabbed me right from the start and could not put it down until I finished it. Now, I have to read the rest. It gave the reader just enough information about the characters, the war, and the gifts that you want to know more about all of that. Also, the ending gives you a great reason to find out what happens next. It definitely has that moral of good vs evil, but is far less graphic than a lot of stuff on TV, so suitable of young adults.
This book has a very interesting concept, both the layout and the story. It reads quickly and it is definitely erotic but tastefully done. I was disappointed by the ending because it left me wanting something like maybe more closure. But a very good read.
This book has a very interesting concept, both the layout and the story. It reads quickly and it is definitely erotic but tastefully done. I was disappointed by the ending because it left me wanting something like maybe more closure. But a very good read.
January 5, 2013
Raeth is a young Neumarian woman aboard a Slag ship. The Slags torture her because of a hidden power she has. The queen of the Slags is especially brutal, but Raeth may have one person on her side. The queen’s daughter, Semara, shows compassion and seems to want to help Raeth escape, but can she really be trusted? Maybe Semara just wants to earn Raeth’s trust in order to discover her power. The story is fast-paced and engaging. I was pulled into the future world that took place after the Great War and felt much sympathy for Raeth—the torture scenes are grisly, but her strong nature is undeniable.
May 11, 2014
This prequel novella is one intense, fast read with high tension. There is so much packed into so few pages. I have Escapement on my kindle and am jumping into it next. I had to get caught up before reading and reviewing PENDULUM. Holy moly, I am so glad I picked this up!
I'm not quite certain on the differences between the Neumarians and the Slags other than that the slags have body modifications. There are hints of power and corruption throughout this short novella and I can't wait to explore more! If the rest of the novels are anything like this novella, you won't be able to put it down until you're finished!
I'm not quite certain on the differences between the Neumarians and the Slags other than that the slags have body modifications. There are hints of power and corruption throughout this short novella and I can't wait to explore more! If the rest of the novels are anything like this novella, you won't be able to put it down until you're finished!
March 27, 2014
Really liked this book. This is the first steam punk book that I have read and i am finding it refreshing to read something a little different. The poor girl in this book has to suffer some pretty harsh things but she finds a friend in a very unlikely place. The idea of replacing body parts with mechanical parts is fascinating. I am looking forward to reading the next book Escapement to find out what happens next. This author has gotten me hooked on this series and I NEED to find out what happens to these characters.
March 23, 2014
Weighted is the beginning of the Neumarian Chronicles. We meet Raeth, who is a prisoner on a ship. The Queen is determined to extract necessary information from her through any means necessary, especially torturous means. She knows that Raeth has power but is not sure what. The Queen's daughter, however, is against mistreating Raeth and actually befriends and tries to help her. This novella is a great beginning to this series. It grabbed my attention right away and I couldn't stop reading. This is a great sci-fi/YA/dystopian read. I can't wait to devour the rest of the series!
September 7, 2012
Ciara Knight has outdone herself with Weighted. With great characters facing unimaginable situations in a bleak landscape, the novella sets the stage for what promises to be a great series.
I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Raeth and Ryder Arteres, Princess Semara, and Bendar. And I equally enjoyed from afar the evil portrayed by the Queen, the interrogator, and other.
The Neumarian Chronicles are destined to be a hit!
I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Raeth and Ryder Arteres, Princess Semara, and Bendar. And I equally enjoyed from afar the evil portrayed by the Queen, the interrogator, and other.
The Neumarian Chronicles are destined to be a hit!
September 12, 2016
My review from amazon.com dated 4/27/2013
Title: Quick Short Story
Definitely held me during the story but mostly because I wanted to know more about the world they were in. I understand that she are her family are more like "pure" humans and her enemy is more machine but I would have loved to know some history on how everything came about. It was interesting but not enough for me to pay for the next book [I got this one when it was free].
Title: Quick Short Story
Definitely held me during the story but mostly because I wanted to know more about the world they were in. I understand that she are her family are more like "pure" humans and her enemy is more machine but I would have loved to know some history on how everything came about. It was interesting but not enough for me to pay for the next book [I got this one when it was free].
March 3, 2013
This is a short story, but oh so developed and well written. If you like Science Fiction, or fantasy, this is a story you will enjoy. The characters were solid and individual. The author had me right there, on that ship, on the sand...I really liked this story and look forward to reading the series. I highly recommend this short story.
March 17, 2014
This is a great ready by Ciara Knight... Claustrophobic...just a teeny tiny bit...This is a story about Raeth who is held captive and tortured by a cruel Queen. She finds a friend in an unlikely source. Will she tell the secrets of her people that will destroy her family? Will she survive the torture? You'll have to read to find out!
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