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Cerys: Valkyrie Earth
When humans are perfect, the future of humanity relies on one imperfect woman.
Cerys Skye is an outcast, a fighter, and the last person anyone expects to be recruited into the United Planet's Space Force Academy.
There, she enters a world of genetically modified humans and discovers the system harbours a cyber-evil that threatens humanity. She is sent on a treacherous mission where her imperfections might be crucial for success, but will her newfound allies and her unshakeable courage be enough?
When loyalties are tested, Cerys discovers even the most unlikely people can be the bravest of heroes, and that love can be as dangerous as war.
Cerys Skye is an outcast, a fighter, and the last person anyone expects to be recruited into the United Planet's Space Force Academy.
There, she enters a world of genetically modified humans and discovers the system harbours a cyber-evil that threatens humanity. She is sent on a treacherous mission where her imperfections might be crucial for success, but will her newfound allies and her unshakeable courage be enough?
When loyalties are tested, Cerys discovers even the most unlikely people can be the bravest of heroes, and that love can be as dangerous as war.
357 pages, Paperback
Published August 12, 2023
58 people are currently reading
1262 people want to read
About the author
Merrin Slade
4 books30 followersMerrin Slade is a science fiction author who takes readers on stellar journeys into alternate future universes.
Book two, ‘Cerys, Earth Orbit’ will be published in 2024.
Connect online:
Merrinslade@gmail.com
instagram.com/merrinslade
tiktok.com/@merrinslade
merrinslade.com
Book two, ‘Cerys, Earth Orbit’ will be published in 2024.
Connect online:
Merrinslade@gmail.com
instagram.com/merrinslade
tiktok.com/@merrinslade
merrinslade.com
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 29, 2023
One of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Why? It’s a fascinating multilayered world, a kick ass heroine, clever technology, a plot which twists and turns and a fantastic romance.
The book follows the story of Cerys, a girl from a futuristic society in her late teens/early 20s where society is divided up into the super rich and powerful where children are artificially designed and people are kept alive for hundreds of years. Then there’s the rest of humanity who are a poor underclass. These people survive in the so called ’Refuge’.
The books starts with Cerys and her sister eking out an existence in the Refuge. Cerys supports her sister by prize fighting in a spectacularly deadly futuristic arena. But it’s a ticking clock before she’s dead so when she’s suddenly recruited by the Space Force it’s a lucky escape. Seeing a chance to pull herself and her sister out of poverty, she seizes it with both hands and the action accelerates.
The book is multi-faceted, with the reader getting pulled into many of Cerys’s struggles; including leaving her sister behind to provide for her and learning to deal with her prejudices against the so-called elite (as they importantly also need to do with her). I found the sister very frustrating (is wanting to kill her too much?) but still empathised. This was actually the case for many of the characters, as the writer gradually helps you to understand the perspective of even the so-called “bad guys”.
And on the so-called bad guys, I have to say that despite his many flaws, Blackstone was one of the writers best addictions to the novel. I won’t spoil anything here but his character arc was fantastic and I thought - along with Max - added a good laugh to the whole story.
The creation of Cerys’s rag-tag Space Force crew was also masterfully done, and had grown on me so much that by the end of the novel you get an almost LOTR/Harry Potter type happiness on seeing them all reunited to vanquish the bad guys.
Jak (“sigh”) was a great character for the romantic side of things. There were a few steamy scenes mixed in and classic romantic elements, but it was also refreshing to see him really trying to support the female lead in her career, even if it meant sometimes harsh advice was required.
I should note however if you’re looking for a Mary Sue type perfect lead, you won’t find it here. Cerys is undeniably likeable, dragging the reader in with her quick wit and intelligence but does have her flaws. Her temper runs hot and we see this being eventually acknowledged by her (after events featuring a certain Blackstone but I won’t spoil!) and worked to improve it throughout the remainder of the novel.
So just to put it all together - if you’re after a book which ticks all boxes and don’t mind a few frustrating (yet realistic - siblings anyone?) side characters then absolutely give this a read. Can’t wait to read part two of the trilogy.
The book follows the story of Cerys, a girl from a futuristic society in her late teens/early 20s where society is divided up into the super rich and powerful where children are artificially designed and people are kept alive for hundreds of years. Then there’s the rest of humanity who are a poor underclass. These people survive in the so called ’Refuge’.
The books starts with Cerys and her sister eking out an existence in the Refuge. Cerys supports her sister by prize fighting in a spectacularly deadly futuristic arena. But it’s a ticking clock before she’s dead so when she’s suddenly recruited by the Space Force it’s a lucky escape. Seeing a chance to pull herself and her sister out of poverty, she seizes it with both hands and the action accelerates.
The book is multi-faceted, with the reader getting pulled into many of Cerys’s struggles; including leaving her sister behind to provide for her and learning to deal with her prejudices against the so-called elite (as they importantly also need to do with her). I found the sister very frustrating (is wanting to kill her too much?) but still empathised. This was actually the case for many of the characters, as the writer gradually helps you to understand the perspective of even the so-called “bad guys”.
And on the so-called bad guys, I have to say that despite his many flaws, Blackstone was one of the writers best addictions to the novel. I won’t spoil anything here but his character arc was fantastic and I thought - along with Max - added a good laugh to the whole story.
The creation of Cerys’s rag-tag Space Force crew was also masterfully done, and had grown on me so much that by the end of the novel you get an almost LOTR/Harry Potter type happiness on seeing them all reunited to vanquish the bad guys.
Jak (“sigh”) was a great character for the romantic side of things. There were a few steamy scenes mixed in and classic romantic elements, but it was also refreshing to see him really trying to support the female lead in her career, even if it meant sometimes harsh advice was required.
I should note however if you’re looking for a Mary Sue type perfect lead, you won’t find it here. Cerys is undeniably likeable, dragging the reader in with her quick wit and intelligence but does have her flaws. Her temper runs hot and we see this being eventually acknowledged by her (after events featuring a certain Blackstone but I won’t spoil!) and worked to improve it throughout the remainder of the novel.
So just to put it all together - if you’re after a book which ticks all boxes and don’t mind a few frustrating (yet realistic - siblings anyone?) side characters then absolutely give this a read. Can’t wait to read part two of the trilogy.
August 25, 2023
Cerys: Valkyrie Earth is a thrilling and just all around awesome read.
It takes place in a futuristic version of Earth where humans are genetically modified to be perfect. Those who aren’t modified, are considered to be sub-human and feral and are forced to live in squalor in sequestered cities.
The main character, Cerys, is one of these unaltered humans. She’s this world’s version of a gladiator and fights to earn enough money for herself and her younger sister to survive.
The story really gets started when Cerys makes it into the Space Force Academy, something that rarely happens for unaltered humans. Wanting a better future for both herself and her sister, Cerys leaves everything she knows behind and starts her Space Force training.
This book is action-packed, and just so so smart. The world building was phenomenal – entertaining and well thought out. There’s so much to talk about that I haven’t even gotten into the slow burn romance story line that’s happening in the background, but you’ll love that too!
This is a must read for you if you like the action in Ilona Andrews’ Kate Daniels series, or the complexity of the Karen Marie Moning Fever series.
Thank you to Merrin Slade and Net Galley for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It takes place in a futuristic version of Earth where humans are genetically modified to be perfect. Those who aren’t modified, are considered to be sub-human and feral and are forced to live in squalor in sequestered cities.
The main character, Cerys, is one of these unaltered humans. She’s this world’s version of a gladiator and fights to earn enough money for herself and her younger sister to survive.
The story really gets started when Cerys makes it into the Space Force Academy, something that rarely happens for unaltered humans. Wanting a better future for both herself and her sister, Cerys leaves everything she knows behind and starts her Space Force training.
This book is action-packed, and just so so smart. The world building was phenomenal – entertaining and well thought out. There’s so much to talk about that I haven’t even gotten into the slow burn romance story line that’s happening in the background, but you’ll love that too!
This is a must read for you if you like the action in Ilona Andrews’ Kate Daniels series, or the complexity of the Karen Marie Moning Fever series.
Thank you to Merrin Slade and Net Galley for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 26, 2023
Cerys: Valkyrie Earth is a totally amazing read.
Thoroughly enjoyed the brilliant characters and unique plot.
Can't wait for the second book!!
Thoroughly enjoyed the brilliant characters and unique plot.
Can't wait for the second book!!
August 16, 2024
Fun and Engaging Space Saga
I had a good time reading this engaging world, which managed to be unique while also touching on familiar issues such as discrimination and inequality. The protagonist, Cerys, is far from perfect - a distinct disadvantage where many are molded to genetic perfection. But we see not only the distain for the non genetically modified "Wild Types" like Cerys but also the pressures of being perfect in a society that demands nothing less.
While cheesy at times, it was largely satisfying, especially considering it is the first of a series. I will say the climax and denoument felt very rushed, but that's likely because there's more to play out in the next installment.
I had a good time reading this engaging world, which managed to be unique while also touching on familiar issues such as discrimination and inequality. The protagonist, Cerys, is far from perfect - a distinct disadvantage where many are molded to genetic perfection. But we see not only the distain for the non genetically modified "Wild Types" like Cerys but also the pressures of being perfect in a society that demands nothing less.
While cheesy at times, it was largely satisfying, especially considering it is the first of a series. I will say the climax and denoument felt very rushed, but that's likely because there's more to play out in the next installment.
February 18, 2024
They were discriminatory and racist, but she didn’t let any of those issues stop her from becoming a Space Force cadet. Cerys refused to let bitterness take control of her, not even when everyone seemed to be against her. She was a Valkyrie, intelligent, and kind. She wasted no time on others who didn’t like or appreciate her. The constant ridiculing and hatred came to an end after the fatal battle with a fellow team member. Releasing all her pent-up frustrations and hurt through her anger was not the Valkyrie way.
Her team Bravo, the best in the academy, was sent on a death-defying mission, with betrayal tugging fast at their heels. It was an exhilarating, action-filled, intriguing, captivating, exciting, and enjoyable read.
Her team Bravo, the best in the academy, was sent on a death-defying mission, with betrayal tugging fast at their heels. It was an exhilarating, action-filled, intriguing, captivating, exciting, and enjoyable read.
August 31, 2023
Fantastic story. ‘Cerys’ is a sensational blend of dazzling scifi, romance and heart-stopping adventure. From the get-go, I was launched into a technologically advanced, alternate future world brimming with of intrigue and danger. Cerys is a kick ass heroine who constantly battles the odds. Surviving in the underclass, she safeguards her rebellious sister. But destiny takes an unexpected twist when the Space Force unexpectedly recruits her. Then it’s non-stop action, she’s has to fit in, and survival is paramount. Admist a sea of genetically enhanced super humans, the odds are stacked against her as she navigates treachery and intrigue of the Space Force. She falls for Jak, a Space Force soldier, and their slow burning fuse ignites the pages. This is a fantastic read that will resonate with lovers of New Adult fantasy and scifi. Can’t wait for the next book!
December 9, 2023
So much action I couldn't put the book down
It's very hard for me to give a detailed review without giving too many spoilers away. It's well written and characters feel like family. I loved every minute of this book.
It's very hard for me to give a detailed review without giving too many spoilers away. It's well written and characters feel like family. I loved every minute of this book.
February 8, 2024
Okay this is my first review on goodreads *gasp* but I felt like this book needed it! As an avid book reader and someone who adores the sci-fi romance genre, Cerys: Valkyrie Earth was exactly what I was hoping for, and deserves way more hype. I loved the world building and character development and the FMC absolutely kicks ass. It’s got YA vibes for sure, which I don’t normally like to read, but it was such an engaging story that it’s going down as one of my favourites of the year and I am begging the author to please make it a series! If you love a strong female heroine, a little bit of steam, and side characters that you grow to absolutely love, all while set in space…..you need this book on your TBR.
October 22, 2023
This scifi debut from Merrin Slade was an exciting read from start to finish. I love fish out of water stories especially where the protagonist faces adversary from people who they eventually manage to win over. This didn't disappoint.
Cerys Skye is an outcast, a 'feral' in world of genetically enhanced humans, but through sheer skill and determination its those very qualities of being a feral that could save the day.
First - the authors worldbuilding skills are fantastic, having put me as the reader right in the heart of this futuristic world the story carried me along to the end.
Second - the author creates strong characters (heroes and heroines) with a strong bond between them - not just in the romance but between the friends and allies she forms along the way.
The story and characters had a feel of some of the great dystopian sci-fi universes created over the last ten years. I'm hoping the author builds on this for more stories set in this universe.
A must read for those who love 'The hunger games' and 'Maze Runner' series.
Cerys Skye is an outcast, a 'feral' in world of genetically enhanced humans, but through sheer skill and determination its those very qualities of being a feral that could save the day.
First - the authors worldbuilding skills are fantastic, having put me as the reader right in the heart of this futuristic world the story carried me along to the end.
Second - the author creates strong characters (heroes and heroines) with a strong bond between them - not just in the romance but between the friends and allies she forms along the way.
The story and characters had a feel of some of the great dystopian sci-fi universes created over the last ten years. I'm hoping the author builds on this for more stories set in this universe.
A must read for those who love 'The hunger games' and 'Maze Runner' series.
Read
August 26, 2023Cerys: Valkyrie Earth is a totally amazing read.
Thoroughly enjoyed the brilliant characters and unique plot.
Can't wait for the second book!!
Thoroughly enjoyed the brilliant characters and unique plot.
Can't wait for the second book!!
December 1, 2024
Right in my genre wheelhouse! Dystopian science fiction with concisely and well developed character and world building. My thanks to Goodreads Giveaway for the ebook.
August 25, 2023
Rating: 2.3/5
Review: This may have been one of the best novels I have read in a long time that was ruined by cliched' YA romance.
Cerys is a Valkyrie who fights to the death in a Feral Refuge. Check. She is tougher than a buffalo's taint and smarter than a swift kick to the privates. She cares for her genius sister and hopes to save enough to leave. So she does, leaving little sister to morph into a rebel in just a matter of months. Riiiight.
Anyhoo, what once was a hardened fighter, with a heart of gold, joins Space Farce and quickly becomes a love-addled hot mess. She has the emotional robustness of a 12 yo evidenced by tantrums over easily worked out situations. She is also a sniffer as she swoons over Jak (Kai), the hunky space man's arm pits. "He smelled of pine wood and leather" etc., etc. She is constantly having tingles race down her back/neck/spine and blushes in various areas. See, Cerys just was not built with depth or complexity.
The other really tiresome series of interactions were the constant derogatory "Feral" comments. Yes, we get it. The priviledged do not like her or her kind. I have an idea. Make the antagonism subtle and the threats almost surreal as to make Cerys question her bias. I mean I have questions surrounding how a really good writer falls into the lowest form of writing. Am I being Gaslighted? Also, make the love boat more like a skiff where she is true to her nature as a gladiator and can take hunky well muscled pine secreting leather boy or leave him (Kai).
This author is obviously talented. Take that wonderful brain you like to tell everyone you have and stop borrowing on a patterned genre. Make up your own romantic interchanges. Build characters that do not rely on the juvenile and build some character depth. I am all for YA/Romance if you make it unique as to rise above all the constant shjt that gets trotted out.
Review: This may have been one of the best novels I have read in a long time that was ruined by cliched' YA romance.
Cerys is a Valkyrie who fights to the death in a Feral Refuge. Check. She is tougher than a buffalo's taint and smarter than a swift kick to the privates. She cares for her genius sister and hopes to save enough to leave. So she does, leaving little sister to morph into a rebel in just a matter of months. Riiiight.
Anyhoo, what once was a hardened fighter, with a heart of gold, joins Space Farce and quickly becomes a love-addled hot mess. She has the emotional robustness of a 12 yo evidenced by tantrums over easily worked out situations. She is also a sniffer as she swoons over Jak (Kai), the hunky space man's arm pits. "He smelled of pine wood and leather" etc., etc. She is constantly having tingles race down her back/neck/spine and blushes in various areas. See, Cerys just was not built with depth or complexity.
The other really tiresome series of interactions were the constant derogatory "Feral" comments. Yes, we get it. The priviledged do not like her or her kind. I have an idea. Make the antagonism subtle and the threats almost surreal as to make Cerys question her bias. I mean I have questions surrounding how a really good writer falls into the lowest form of writing. Am I being Gaslighted? Also, make the love boat more like a skiff where she is true to her nature as a gladiator and can take hunky well muscled pine secreting leather boy or leave him (Kai).
This author is obviously talented. Take that wonderful brain you like to tell everyone you have and stop borrowing on a patterned genre. Make up your own romantic interchanges. Build characters that do not rely on the juvenile and build some character depth. I am all for YA/Romance if you make it unique as to rise above all the constant shjt that gets trotted out.
January 24, 2024
It’s tough to be expected to be perfect. It’s even tougher to be imperfect and have a job as a fighter just to support you and your sibling. It’s tough to have a ratty sibling too.
Slade paints a really good picture of a sci-fi world here. The technology, the varied and separated cultures, the haves and have nots, the smart and the not so smart, and the perfect and not so perfect or so it seems. It wasn’t a world I liked everything in, but I will admit, it was a possible picture.
There’s a little bit of varied genre here for everyone. Lots of action, suspense, anger, and even a little humor. There’s romance too, a little more sensual/spicy than I might like (made me blush) but it isn’t a big part of the story. There was also a lot of forceful, angry behavior in this story, but although I might not have liked that I can’t say it didn’t fit the storyline.
As is stated in the synopsis, this can definitely be read as a stand-alone. It appears to me that this is a debut book for Merrin Slade.
Hope we’ll see book #2.
Slade paints a really good picture of a sci-fi world here. The technology, the varied and separated cultures, the haves and have nots, the smart and the not so smart, and the perfect and not so perfect or so it seems. It wasn’t a world I liked everything in, but I will admit, it was a possible picture.
There’s a little bit of varied genre here for everyone. Lots of action, suspense, anger, and even a little humor. There’s romance too, a little more sensual/spicy than I might like (made me blush) but it isn’t a big part of the story. There was also a lot of forceful, angry behavior in this story, but although I might not have liked that I can’t say it didn’t fit the storyline.
As is stated in the synopsis, this can definitely be read as a stand-alone. It appears to me that this is a debut book for Merrin Slade.
Hope we’ll see book #2.
August 18, 2025
Let me start with saying, that I liked this quite a lot, which surprised me, after the initial impression. The first couple of pages were a bit of a drag and I wasn’t quite getting into the story. But I am glad I stuck with it. Once our title heroine, Cerys, is past the arena, it quickly gets better, and I got drawn in.
At its core, this is a typical, tropy “outsider gets into a school setting where she is having to proce herself, overcoming prejudice, winning over the crowd and yes, falling in love too. With saving her sister, her kin & the planet as a cherry on top. And Cerys does this marvelously.
Merrin Slate managed to write a fun novel out of a bunch of old, much used tropes, where the world building is interesting and the heroine, yes is a boss babe, but never feels contrived or annoying (past the arena ^^). The cast of side characters is "likeable" as well, the good and the bad.
Definitely a reading recommendation if you like Sci-Fi, academy settings, outsider underdogs, found family and a bit - yes really just a bit, not the main point of the story - of romance.
At its core, this is a typical, tropy “outsider gets into a school setting where she is having to proce herself, overcoming prejudice, winning over the crowd and yes, falling in love too. With saving her sister, her kin & the planet as a cherry on top. And Cerys does this marvelously.
Merrin Slate managed to write a fun novel out of a bunch of old, much used tropes, where the world building is interesting and the heroine, yes is a boss babe, but never feels contrived or annoying (past the arena ^^). The cast of side characters is "likeable" as well, the good and the bad.
Definitely a reading recommendation if you like Sci-Fi, academy settings, outsider underdogs, found family and a bit - yes really just a bit, not the main point of the story - of romance.
January 17, 2026
I enjoyed the premise of the story even though some of the details not as much. I disliked the fact that the academy seemed to be primarily run by robots or AI. There were parts that almost felt like a Harry Potter type scenario but I had a hard time feeling connected to any of the characters. The pace of the story was good with enough action. For me it just a bit too superficial. It might resonate better with a younger audience than myself.
August 31, 2023
Fantastic story. ‘Cerys’ is a sensational blend of dazzling scifi, romance and heart-stopping adventure. From the get-go, I was launched into a technologically advanced, alternate future world brimming with of intrigue and danger. Cerys is a kick ass heroine who constantly battles the odds. Surviving in the underclass, she safeguards her rebellious sister. But destiny takes an unexpected twist when the Space Force unexpectedly recruits her. Then it’s non-stop action, she’s has to fit in, and survival is paramount. Admist a sea of genetically enhanced super humans, the odds are stacked against her as she navigates treachery and intrigue of the Space Force. She falls for Jak, a Space Force soldier, and their slow burning fuse ignites the pages. This is a fantastic read that will resonate with lovers of New Adult fantasy and scifi. Can’t wait for the next book!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews