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Dred Chronicles #2
Havoc
The Conglomerate’s most dangerous convicts have made the prison ship Perdition their home. And they will defend it…
Perdition is under siege. Mercenaries have boarded the station with orders to take control of the facility—and execute the prisoners. Their commander is offering full pardons to the first five inmates willing to help the mercs complete their mission.
Dresdemona “Dred” Devos hasn’t survived hard time just to surrender to the Conglomerate’s armored thugs. Leading a ragtag army of inmates, Dred and her champion, Jael, wage a bloody guerilla war of chaos and carnage against impossible odds. But no matter how dire the outlook, the Dread Queen never backs down…
Perdition is under siege. Mercenaries have boarded the station with orders to take control of the facility—and execute the prisoners. Their commander is offering full pardons to the first five inmates willing to help the mercs complete their mission.
Dresdemona “Dred” Devos hasn’t survived hard time just to surrender to the Conglomerate’s armored thugs. Leading a ragtag army of inmates, Dred and her champion, Jael, wage a bloody guerilla war of chaos and carnage against impossible odds. But no matter how dire the outlook, the Dread Queen never backs down…
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2014
55 people are currently reading
1765 people want to read
About the author
Ann Aguirre
81 books7,065 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 181 reviews
September 6, 2020
Perdition might be a hellhole, but she’d carved out a place, and she would defend it with her last breath.
If I could give this book 10 stars I would. This book was so freaking FANTASTIC!!!
After defeating two of the rulers of the six territories in Perdition, things should be easier for Dresdemona “Dred” Devos, but nothing is ever easy when you're a convict. When the prison is suddenly invaded by Mercenaries, sent by the Conglomerate to purge the facility of all the prisoners, things get a lot worse. And it sure doesn’t help when they offer full pardons for the first five prisoners who helps them in their mission.
But the Dread Queen, together with her champion, and her army of criminals won’t be easy prey. With smarts and determination they rage a war, using ambushes, raids and bloodshed to take down the enemy. Dred isn’t the feared Dread Queen for nothing and she never surrenders.
“I’d be lost without you, Jael.”
He kissed her hand, then pulled it away from his mouth, so he could tuck his face against her neck. “I should’ve realized I needed to go all the way to hell to find my soul.”
Dred is an awesome heroine! I’m so in love with this kickass and tough woman. She’s strong, smart and a survivor. And even though at times she’s so tired of being the Dread Queen, of ruling with an iron fist, she does not back down, she never lets on that she’s anything but the vicious and fair leader of Queensland. And her Psi ability is awesome, and I love what she can do with it. I love how Jael makes her remember who she was before prison, how he brings forth her gentler and vulnerable side just for him.
It’s you I’m fighting for, love. Not them.
Then there’s Jael, who became Dred’s champion in the first book. He isn’t human, but the result of an experiment and he’s basically indestructible. He’s so broken after years of being used for his powers, seen as nothing but a freak, until Dred came along. I love Jael, and how different he is with Dred and even with the other inmates in their territory. Never before did he understand the value of friendship until he landed in Perdition.
“Think you can leash me with sex, love?” His hand was gentle on her back.
“No,” she said gently. “Because you don’t need a leash. You need to trust me.”
He drew her into his arms, whispering, “Mary help me, I’d walk into a fire for you.”
And the romance between Dred and Jael just gets better and better. Neither are used to trusting anyone, to risking their hearts. Both try to deny what they are feeling, but the more time they spend together, the more they have each other’s backs, the more difficult it becomes to not give into their feelings. I just love their connection, how good both are becoming at reading the other, seeing what no one else does. It’s awesome how neither has been the same since Jael saved Dred by giving her his blood and I can’t wait to find out what this means for them.
There are no words to convey properly how utterly magnificent the plot in this book was! Ann Aguirre is a master at writing a fast pace and action packed sci-fi romance, and I loved it! I loved watching Dred and her men plan a war against the enemy, how the executed all their plans with violence and smarts. This book sucked me in from the first page, and it never let go. The ending was amazing, and I cannot wait to see what is going to happen next.
The secondary characters were amazing, and I am really loving Tam and Martine. And the two psychopaths - hot damn I did not see that crazy coming, and it was bloody fantastic! And it was so great that the aliens played a big part in this book.
This series just continues in strength, and the anticipation continues to build wondering whether Dred, Jael and their cohorts will be able to finally escape the hell that is Perdition. Highly recommended to all fans of sci-fi and if you’re a romance addict like me, you will love this book even more!
July 18, 2016
4.5 Stars
Ann Aguirre continues to rock my world with this second installment in the Dred Chronicles. And this book is an adrenaline filled ride that doesn’t let up from beginning to end. It picks up right where the last story left off, and sets up an entirely new enemy for the Dred Queen and her crew. It’s an external threat that only piles the danger on top of all other crazy killers already inside Perdition.
If you haven’t gathered already, this is a series that builds book to book. So don’t start here. There’s not much backstory on the page, and you’ll be missing out. Go back to Perdition; you’ll be glad you did.
So just when it looks like Jael and Dred have carved out something decent in their hellish prison, someone sends in mercenaries to wipe out the prisoners on the ship. They’re smart and well armed, and against lesser foes than the Dread Queen, they would be unstoppable. But as we know, Dred and her team are made of sterner stuff. So it’s all out war, as the mercs fight for their payday and the people of Queensland fight for their lives.
As action packed as book 1 was, this one is even more so. You can feel the relentlessness of the attacks on our characters. Sometimes, they feel like they are hanging on by a thread, but they rally. They drag themselves up and they fight on. Aguirre does such a fantastic job of making you feel their exhaustion, their desperation. She has such a way with fleshing out her characters. She makes them feel like real people. They’re flawed; they’re sometimes horrible and sometimes wonderful; and I care what happens to them.
The book doesn’t go easy –either on readers or on its characters. There is so much death. And betrayal. And hopelessness. But just when you think Aguirre has scooped all of your guts out with a melon-baller, there are rays of hope. There’s a chance that all might not be lost. And that’s where she gets you. In those moments where Jael feels love for the first time. When Dred lets herself lean on him; when she makes girlfriends. When we get an unexpected parting gift from a lost character. These small moments are the ones that fill you up and make you care through all of the bloodshed.
It’s really good stuff. You should read it. I’m off to glut myself on Breakout.
Rating: B+
Ann Aguirre continues to rock my world with this second installment in the Dred Chronicles. And this book is an adrenaline filled ride that doesn’t let up from beginning to end. It picks up right where the last story left off, and sets up an entirely new enemy for the Dred Queen and her crew. It’s an external threat that only piles the danger on top of all other crazy killers already inside Perdition.
If you haven’t gathered already, this is a series that builds book to book. So don’t start here. There’s not much backstory on the page, and you’ll be missing out. Go back to Perdition; you’ll be glad you did.
So just when it looks like Jael and Dred have carved out something decent in their hellish prison, someone sends in mercenaries to wipe out the prisoners on the ship. They’re smart and well armed, and against lesser foes than the Dread Queen, they would be unstoppable. But as we know, Dred and her team are made of sterner stuff. So it’s all out war, as the mercs fight for their payday and the people of Queensland fight for their lives.
As action packed as book 1 was, this one is even more so. You can feel the relentlessness of the attacks on our characters. Sometimes, they feel like they are hanging on by a thread, but they rally. They drag themselves up and they fight on. Aguirre does such a fantastic job of making you feel their exhaustion, their desperation. She has such a way with fleshing out her characters. She makes them feel like real people. They’re flawed; they’re sometimes horrible and sometimes wonderful; and I care what happens to them.
The book doesn’t go easy –either on readers or on its characters. There is so much death. And betrayal. And hopelessness. But just when you think Aguirre has scooped all of your guts out with a melon-baller, there are rays of hope. There’s a chance that all might not be lost. And that’s where she gets you. In those moments where Jael feels love for the first time. When Dred lets herself lean on him; when she makes girlfriends. When we get an unexpected parting gift from a lost character. These small moments are the ones that fill you up and make you care through all of the bloodshed.
It’s really good stuff. You should read it. I’m off to glut myself on Breakout.
Rating: B+
October 11, 2014
I loved it! Aguirre is writing really good sci fi. Review to come. Wow, now I have to wait a year. I want it now.
April 12, 2015
Wow! Where book 1 gave us a bleak look at life on the inside of Perdition, book 2 showed us the lengths the outside would go to reclaim what they saw as theirs.
As we learned from book 1, Dred and Jael aren't the type to lie down and hand over the keys to their kingdom. The skirmishes are brutal and bloody and the Queenslanders are fighting both the mercenaries and inmates from the other territories. There are losses. Many, many losses. Some of them irreplaceable.
But the Dread Queen soldiers on. Together with her inner circle, they push back against the mercs and hold their territory against the others.
But it's not pretty.
Jael's decision to save Dred when she was grievously wounded in book 1 has some interesting side effects. On top of that, watching him grapple with his new found emotions for Dred is pretty much heartbreaking. But then, Dred has some emotional issues on her end, as well. Both of them try SO HARD not to become attached because love or affection could be seen as a weakness in Perdition and it's easier to turn your back on something before it begins than to have it ripped out of your hands later.
The ending sets up book 3 nicely and with Dred's soldiers drastically whittled down, I have to wonder how things are going to play out in the final book. There aren't a whole lot of options left for the crew and they still have a big hurdle (or two) to get over before they can make good on Jael's idea of escape.
You know, I really can't wait to see how it all ends. Bloody and brutal would be my guess. Yassssss!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
As we learned from book 1, Dred and Jael aren't the type to lie down and hand over the keys to their kingdom. The skirmishes are brutal and bloody and the Queenslanders are fighting both the mercenaries and inmates from the other territories. There are losses. Many, many losses. Some of them irreplaceable.
But the Dread Queen soldiers on. Together with her inner circle, they push back against the mercs and hold their territory against the others.
But it's not pretty.
Jael's decision to save Dred when she was grievously wounded in book 1 has some interesting side effects. On top of that, watching him grapple with his new found emotions for Dred is pretty much heartbreaking. But then, Dred has some emotional issues on her end, as well. Both of them try SO HARD not to become attached because love or affection could be seen as a weakness in Perdition and it's easier to turn your back on something before it begins than to have it ripped out of your hands later.
The ending sets up book 3 nicely and with Dred's soldiers drastically whittled down, I have to wonder how things are going to play out in the final book. There aren't a whole lot of options left for the crew and they still have a big hurdle (or two) to get over before they can make good on Jael's idea of escape.
You know, I really can't wait to see how it all ends. Bloody and brutal would be my guess. Yassssss!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
September 2, 2014
I was glued to the pages, and did not want this book to end. ARG!!!! I waited a year for this and now have to wait another year for the conclusion. AWESOME book!!
September 26, 2014
Havoc is my best read of the month so far.
I like the way Ann Aguirre writes. There are no ‘wasted’ words, if you know what I mean. Everything she puts in the book turns out to be something bigger later on.
This series, Dred Chronicles, is a brilliant story. I’m amazed at how Aguirre can keep the story going in such a very small community. The action never ceases, the mysteries keep piling up, and the anticipation keeps on building. I like it that there is a touch of romance and some steamy affairs to keep it interesting, but what I like the most is how the author never gets carried away by the romance. These scenes are simple and short but sweet.
Dred’s character development is akin to remarkable. I like it that despite the air of arrogance and bravery she always carry around her to keep her people at bay, she knows how to acknowledge her weaknesses. I also like her leadership because she dives headfirst into danger to protect her people and her ‘kingdom’.
I didn’t notice that much development in Jael, except that he seems to be getting more ‘human’. Despite his history, in Havoc he seems to be feeling more emotions and less thinking of himself as the scientific experiment he is.
I find Tam the most mysterious character in this series. We are already two books down but this man remains a complete mystery. All the readers get is his life in Perdition, but nothing from the past. Might this be a big revelation? I am already thinking about a thousand conclusions who Tam might be and what he did to be sent in Perdition. He seems to be someone connected to a royal family, but I can’t be sure.
What I really like the most about this book is the battle of intelligence. We get not only a blood bath but also a clash of cleverness and intellect. Mercenaries were sent to wipe out the prisoners under the orders of the Conglomerate. Vost, the head of the black ops, is an outstanding leader. I think he’s as brilliant as Tam. So, we get both intellectual leaders and clever plans and strategies. I like what Aguirre did here, making both camps smart. It makes it difficult to guess what will come next because both teams seem to be winning.
The ending is very shocking, but at the same time, it is not. When you read the book, you will know what I mean. I knew what was going to happen because everything points in that direction, but it is shocking because I did not expect it. It gives the readers another wave of doubt and anticipation. It left me hanging, big time.
I recommend this book to those who like action-packed reads. Havoc is full of it, and no chapter is boring.
~ Zee
I like the way Ann Aguirre writes. There are no ‘wasted’ words, if you know what I mean. Everything she puts in the book turns out to be something bigger later on.
This series, Dred Chronicles, is a brilliant story. I’m amazed at how Aguirre can keep the story going in such a very small community. The action never ceases, the mysteries keep piling up, and the anticipation keeps on building. I like it that there is a touch of romance and some steamy affairs to keep it interesting, but what I like the most is how the author never gets carried away by the romance. These scenes are simple and short but sweet.
Dred’s character development is akin to remarkable. I like it that despite the air of arrogance and bravery she always carry around her to keep her people at bay, she knows how to acknowledge her weaknesses. I also like her leadership because she dives headfirst into danger to protect her people and her ‘kingdom’.
I didn’t notice that much development in Jael, except that he seems to be getting more ‘human’. Despite his history, in Havoc he seems to be feeling more emotions and less thinking of himself as the scientific experiment he is.
I find Tam the most mysterious character in this series. We are already two books down but this man remains a complete mystery. All the readers get is his life in Perdition, but nothing from the past. Might this be a big revelation? I am already thinking about a thousand conclusions who Tam might be and what he did to be sent in Perdition. He seems to be someone connected to a royal family, but I can’t be sure.
What I really like the most about this book is the battle of intelligence. We get not only a blood bath but also a clash of cleverness and intellect. Mercenaries were sent to wipe out the prisoners under the orders of the Conglomerate. Vost, the head of the black ops, is an outstanding leader. I think he’s as brilliant as Tam. So, we get both intellectual leaders and clever plans and strategies. I like what Aguirre did here, making both camps smart. It makes it difficult to guess what will come next because both teams seem to be winning.
The ending is very shocking, but at the same time, it is not. When you read the book, you will know what I mean. I knew what was going to happen because everything points in that direction, but it is shocking because I did not expect it. It gives the readers another wave of doubt and anticipation. It left me hanging, big time.
I recommend this book to those who like action-packed reads. Havoc is full of it, and no chapter is boring.
~ Zee
August 28, 2014
Why you should read it: For those of you who haven't yet, you need to read Perdition. It's action-packed, has such a strong amazing heroine and our hero, Jael (from another series), is just stunning in his evolution of loving himself and Dred. Havoc is just as adventurous and fantastic, but this time Dred and Jael are fighting outside mercenaries rather than just the other inmates. This twist throws both readers and Dred a curve ball as Dred struggles to maintain her hold against Silence, Mungo and now the mercenaries. I love Jael and Dred's relationship. It's so rare we have two alphas together, especially one as powerful as Dred. It's wonderful how Jael immediately steps in to the protector champion role without having to upstage Dred. I also love that in this book we get to see more of Tam (just who is he?). If you love action, steamy romance and strong heroines, you need to pick up this series. There's so much action, so much adventure, and more than that, it's great writing. Fingers crossed the Audible book comes out! (I haven't seen a pre-order.)
Head over to the HEA Blog to see more awesome recs!
http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyev...
***Watch out for RT's September issue
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It was awesome! I just bought Perdition audio format which I'll start after Wither!
November 19, 2014
Dang, that was good...I was hoping they would escape in this one!
But, non-stop action - is a close second.
We never found out what and where all of Ike's hidden booty is - they never followed the droid? We don't know what Dred and Jael have done to themselves with the blood sharing thing? How in the heck are they going to escape before they send more mercs?
This is a great story and I love the characters. Most authors struggle with a 2nd book - but this is well done!
But, non-stop action - is a close second.
We never found out what and where all of Ike's hidden booty is - they never followed the droid? We don't know what Dred and Jael have done to themselves with the blood sharing thing? How in the heck are they going to escape before they send more mercs?
This is a great story and I love the characters. Most authors struggle with a 2nd book - but this is well done!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2025
This is the second book in the series, and it was a little harder for me to rate and review than Perdition. I still really like Dred and Jael, and how they as individuals and their relationship is growing. And the politics and war on the ship were fascinating, as were the secondary characters. But it just didn’t quite give me the same kick in the gut that Perdition did, nor did it feel so intimate and involved. I think the influx of new characters in the form of the mercenary team, while likely necessary to the overall plot and goals of the individuals, changed the dynamics in a way that I was just not entirely ready for.
It is interesting, because since I read them back to back with no participation in the hype, I am not sure I had the same feelings as I would have, had I had to go through the interminable year long wait for this book and then another wait for the third book. It is all so near for me. But in essence, this really feels, for me, like it could and should have been an epic 1000+ page single book. Havoc just really felt like the middle of a single book to me. But I can understand that would have been a hard, if not impossible sell, even if that is how the author felt too.
I liked it very much, and it definitely made me impatient for the third book. So this is weird to say. It didn’t disappoint me, really, really didn’t disappoint me but I can’t rate it as high as I did the first one, since I base my rating on how likely I will be to read it. Perdition will absolutely get reread, in fact by the time this post actually goes live I will probably already have reread it. Havoc at this point will likely only get reread if I am doing a reread glomm on the series.
Yes, I am a strange reader, don’t let this review dissuade you if you are on the fence, because I highly recommend the series so far. I am just champing at the bit for the conclusion and kind of wishing I hadn’t become so impatient with waiting and had held out on reading until the weekend prior to the release of Breakout.
I am also ridiculously curious if Jael will get the opportunity to meet back up with Sirantha and Vel. I hope so, even though I doubt the series will require it.
In the end, this has pointed me to an editor I must follow, and Aguirre has the distinction of being the only author who has tempted me to look back into her YA/NA offerings. I haven’t done it, but I will admit to being tempted. And now I am just rambling because I am putting off finishing this review because then all I will be left with is how much I want that last book, dang it.
https://burnsthroughherbookshelf.word...
It is interesting, because since I read them back to back with no participation in the hype, I am not sure I had the same feelings as I would have, had I had to go through the interminable year long wait for this book and then another wait for the third book. It is all so near for me. But in essence, this really feels, for me, like it could and should have been an epic 1000+ page single book. Havoc just really felt like the middle of a single book to me. But I can understand that would have been a hard, if not impossible sell, even if that is how the author felt too.
I liked it very much, and it definitely made me impatient for the third book. So this is weird to say. It didn’t disappoint me, really, really didn’t disappoint me but I can’t rate it as high as I did the first one, since I base my rating on how likely I will be to read it. Perdition will absolutely get reread, in fact by the time this post actually goes live I will probably already have reread it. Havoc at this point will likely only get reread if I am doing a reread glomm on the series.
Yes, I am a strange reader, don’t let this review dissuade you if you are on the fence, because I highly recommend the series so far. I am just champing at the bit for the conclusion and kind of wishing I hadn’t become so impatient with waiting and had held out on reading until the weekend prior to the release of Breakout.
I am also ridiculously curious if Jael will get the opportunity to meet back up with Sirantha and Vel. I hope so, even though I doubt the series will require it.
In the end, this has pointed me to an editor I must follow, and Aguirre has the distinction of being the only author who has tempted me to look back into her YA/NA offerings. I haven’t done it, but I will admit to being tempted. And now I am just rambling because I am putting off finishing this review because then all I will be left with is how much I want that last book, dang it.
https://burnsthroughherbookshelf.word...
March 22, 2022
Havoc is a fast-paced thrilling read that deals with the fallout of the events of Perdition as well as a new threat to the Dread Queen and all of Perdition’s inhabitants.
Having recently survived the battle to defend Queensland from the other territories, Dresdemona “Dred” Devos could use a bit of a breather. But life on Perdition is never that simple. When a group of mercenaries board the ship to clear the facility, Dred and her allies are in the fight for their lives if they hope to survive the onslaught. But the Dread Queen never gives up no matter what the odds and the mercs are in for a rude awakening if they thought their job was going to be an easy one.
Havoc picks up shortly after the events of the first book, Perdition, and shows Dred dealing with an expanded territory while also facing a new threat from Silence and her minions after their truce went south. The addition of a mercenary team only compounds Dred’s problems as now she’s once again fighting on multiple fronts but with less men. Due to their home court advantage though, Dred and her allies manage to pull off some impressive feats against the mercs despite their lack of good equipment. Somehow this book manages to be more violent and bloody than the first book which I couldn’t imagine being possible. There were a few surprises throughout the book and I liked how the book ended, perfectly setting up for the final book in the series, Breakout.
Dred continues to be an amazing main character. Her determination to survive is incredible and this book definitely highlights how far she’s willing to go to survive. Jael continues to be interesting and I liked that we got to learn a bit more about his background in this book. Dred and Jael’s relationship is fantastic and I love the connection they’ve forged. As to the other characters, some of the minor characters from the first book had a larger role. The aliens in particular play a much larger role in this book whereas they were only briefly seen in the last one. Vost, the mercenary leader, is the most intriguing of the new characters. His motives for taking the job were pure, but his actions after arriving definitely make him questionable.
Havoc was a non-stop ride from start to finish and I found myself unable to put the book down as I needed to know what would happen. I highly recommend this series and I can’t wait to read the final book, Breakout, as soon as possible.
Having recently survived the battle to defend Queensland from the other territories, Dresdemona “Dred” Devos could use a bit of a breather. But life on Perdition is never that simple. When a group of mercenaries board the ship to clear the facility, Dred and her allies are in the fight for their lives if they hope to survive the onslaught. But the Dread Queen never gives up no matter what the odds and the mercs are in for a rude awakening if they thought their job was going to be an easy one.
Havoc picks up shortly after the events of the first book, Perdition, and shows Dred dealing with an expanded territory while also facing a new threat from Silence and her minions after their truce went south. The addition of a mercenary team only compounds Dred’s problems as now she’s once again fighting on multiple fronts but with less men. Due to their home court advantage though, Dred and her allies manage to pull off some impressive feats against the mercs despite their lack of good equipment. Somehow this book manages to be more violent and bloody than the first book which I couldn’t imagine being possible. There were a few surprises throughout the book and I liked how the book ended, perfectly setting up for the final book in the series, Breakout.
Dred continues to be an amazing main character. Her determination to survive is incredible and this book definitely highlights how far she’s willing to go to survive. Jael continues to be interesting and I liked that we got to learn a bit more about his background in this book. Dred and Jael’s relationship is fantastic and I love the connection they’ve forged. As to the other characters, some of the minor characters from the first book had a larger role. The aliens in particular play a much larger role in this book whereas they were only briefly seen in the last one. Vost, the mercenary leader, is the most intriguing of the new characters. His motives for taking the job were pure, but his actions after arriving definitely make him questionable.
Havoc was a non-stop ride from start to finish and I found myself unable to put the book down as I needed to know what would happen. I highly recommend this series and I can’t wait to read the final book, Breakout, as soon as possible.
September 5, 2014
Oh, the endless brilliance of Ann Aguirre...
Review to come.
Review to come.
January 14, 2025
I’m impressed with how this second book in the trilogy changed the stakes on the very first page. More characters I liked died.
July 30, 2014
Ah, I’m so glad to be back in the Conglomerate system with Ann Aguirre’s five dollar words and no held punches. I’ve missed it.
The scope is still small, as the prison ship Perdition continues to contain our lively group of misfit protagonists. They still have two opposing territories to worry about attacks from, Mungo’s cannibals and Silence’s tongueless assassins (and the alien faction that lives in the underbelly, but they’re not one for petty battles). Yet, the opening of the book is full of laser fire and a docking ship full of mercenaries armed to the teeth. It’s clear that this is a much larger threat to everyone aboard than the squabbles for territory and supplies.
The protagonist circle has widened out a bit, including many more of the characters on board. The aliens, as allies, are fleshed out some more. Jael has some feels about the local Ithorian. There are also more back stories to be had from existing characters, remaining varied and interesting yet all ending up in the same place.
Dred is maintaining her tenuous hold on her kingdom, her persona as the Dread Queen starting to wear on her. The crazy stunts she’s now required to pull off are assisted by Jael’s blood transfusion, imbibing her with some of his abilities. We’re still not sure of the extent that her mental gift reacts with the new strength and healing, but as it stands she seems to be becoming a berserker. Which, is AWESOME. Way better reason to black out than Anita Blakes, eh?
Jael is still Dred’s champion and lover, their bond growing ever tighter through everything they’ve been through. He’s having a lot of feelings, which is good. It means he’s settling down and not being such a ruthless dillhole.
Tam has a larger part to play in this book, leaving to scout with his new lover Martine at every opportunity. We’re still not sure where he came from or why he was sent to Perdition, but I’d really like to know. Out of everyone, he is the most mysterious.
New to the point of view ring is Vost, the mercenary leader hired to clean out Perdition of its residents in order for the ship to be reappointed and used as something else. Despite misgivings, ample squad death and a mutiny, he isn’t about to give up the huge chunk of cash waiting for him if he can pull off the mission.
The action in this book doesn’t stop. As with the last book, it starts from the very first page. Yet, this book goes above and beyond that which came before it. If they aren’t doing reconnaissance missions full of acrobatics and death, they’re having sexy downtime in their bunk. Even the discussions this time are riddled with excitement as characters reveal their sordid pasts.
Overall, I loved it. I love Ann Aguirre’s gritty science fiction universe as it taught me that sci fi can be about a lot more than stuffed shirt politics and epically large space battles. If any of you know any books in a similar vein to these novels and the Sirantha Jax ones, please tell me. I would love to read more sci-fi that doesn’t instantaneously dull me.
The scope is still small, as the prison ship Perdition continues to contain our lively group of misfit protagonists. They still have two opposing territories to worry about attacks from, Mungo’s cannibals and Silence’s tongueless assassins (and the alien faction that lives in the underbelly, but they’re not one for petty battles). Yet, the opening of the book is full of laser fire and a docking ship full of mercenaries armed to the teeth. It’s clear that this is a much larger threat to everyone aboard than the squabbles for territory and supplies.
The protagonist circle has widened out a bit, including many more of the characters on board. The aliens, as allies, are fleshed out some more. Jael has some feels about the local Ithorian. There are also more back stories to be had from existing characters, remaining varied and interesting yet all ending up in the same place.
Dred is maintaining her tenuous hold on her kingdom, her persona as the Dread Queen starting to wear on her. The crazy stunts she’s now required to pull off are assisted by Jael’s blood transfusion, imbibing her with some of his abilities. We’re still not sure of the extent that her mental gift reacts with the new strength and healing, but as it stands she seems to be becoming a berserker. Which, is AWESOME. Way better reason to black out than Anita Blakes, eh?
Jael is still Dred’s champion and lover, their bond growing ever tighter through everything they’ve been through. He’s having a lot of feelings, which is good. It means he’s settling down and not being such a ruthless dillhole.
Tam has a larger part to play in this book, leaving to scout with his new lover Martine at every opportunity. We’re still not sure where he came from or why he was sent to Perdition, but I’d really like to know. Out of everyone, he is the most mysterious.
New to the point of view ring is Vost, the mercenary leader hired to clean out Perdition of its residents in order for the ship to be reappointed and used as something else. Despite misgivings, ample squad death and a mutiny, he isn’t about to give up the huge chunk of cash waiting for him if he can pull off the mission.
The action in this book doesn’t stop. As with the last book, it starts from the very first page. Yet, this book goes above and beyond that which came before it. If they aren’t doing reconnaissance missions full of acrobatics and death, they’re having sexy downtime in their bunk. Even the discussions this time are riddled with excitement as characters reveal their sordid pasts.
Overall, I loved it. I love Ann Aguirre’s gritty science fiction universe as it taught me that sci fi can be about a lot more than stuffed shirt politics and epically large space battles. If any of you know any books in a similar vein to these novels and the Sirantha Jax ones, please tell me. I would love to read more sci-fi that doesn’t instantaneously dull me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2014
I thought Perdition was gory, but Havoc was equally as bad, if not more!
Despite the violence, treachery, deaths and bloodshed, this story was no less engaging though. The writing was brilliant. The plot was action-packed, and the characters were unique and memorable, some with an air of mystery.
Much like the last book, this story was dark, and the situation on Perdition was getting worse and more dire. The Conglomerate has sent a ship full of mercenaries to Perdition to "clean house". But of course, the convicts on Perdition would never give up without a fight. After all, they had nothing to lose...
On a brighter note, the protagonist, Dred (a.k.a. the Dread Queen) who ruled over the Queensland area within Perdition, was slowly developing an unusual relationship with Jael (the "Bred" human with superhuman powers and regenerative abilities). Their feelings towards each other were mutual and genuine, and it was truly a surprise that a bond as such could develop amongst the convicts on Perdition, when everything was up for game, literally.
This book was really intense, and wouldn't be for the light-of-heart. I would have liked to see some progress towards escapement, but it would appear that jail-break wouldn't happen until the next installment.
Overall, I'd give this book 4 stars and I would be anxiously waiting for next book.
Despite the violence, treachery, deaths and bloodshed, this story was no less engaging though. The writing was brilliant. The plot was action-packed, and the characters were unique and memorable, some with an air of mystery.
Much like the last book, this story was dark, and the situation on Perdition was getting worse and more dire. The Conglomerate has sent a ship full of mercenaries to Perdition to "clean house". But of course, the convicts on Perdition would never give up without a fight. After all, they had nothing to lose...
On a brighter note, the protagonist, Dred (a.k.a. the Dread Queen) who ruled over the Queensland area within Perdition, was slowly developing an unusual relationship with Jael (the "Bred" human with superhuman powers and regenerative abilities). Their feelings towards each other were mutual and genuine, and it was truly a surprise that a bond as such could develop amongst the convicts on Perdition, when everything was up for game, literally.
This book was really intense, and wouldn't be for the light-of-heart. I would have liked to see some progress towards escapement, but it would appear that jail-break wouldn't happen until the next installment.
Overall, I'd give this book 4 stars and I would be anxiously waiting for next book.
June 17, 2016
HAVOC felt like filler plot and cannon inconsistencies. Dred's Psi abilities seemed to be on full display in book 1 (where she makes a show of closing her eyes and reading guilty parties), but in this book she both has previously unmentioned projection abilities and claims she must keep all Psi vilifies strictly hidden or her followers would kill her. The filler plot complaint stems from long battles between factions and merc, all without anyone getting out of this damn prison. Book 3 is probably going to be non stop running away from Silence while trying to build a ship from scratch, and I'll be real pissed if that's the case.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2021
I'm impressed. Dred and Jael both became more human. Good for them.
The introduction of the mercs was a nice touch. I did think this book would wrap up a little quicker, dragged out a bit. But overall Aguirre always comes up with the goods, even if they're mostly dead and traumatised.
The biggest thing I miss, the deep dive into the culture that the Sirantha Jax series offered. This is a more..... shallow version and a lot more dark and ugly. Meeting a different need for readers.
Solid 3.5 stars
The introduction of the mercs was a nice touch. I did think this book would wrap up a little quicker, dragged out a bit. But overall Aguirre always comes up with the goods, even if they're mostly dead and traumatised.
The biggest thing I miss, the deep dive into the culture that the Sirantha Jax series offered. This is a more..... shallow version and a lot more dark and ugly. Meeting a different need for readers.
Solid 3.5 stars
September 7, 2014
3.5 stars. Havoc was good, but I didn't enjoy it quite as much as Perdition. There's constant fighting with both the other factions, as well as a new enemy in the form of a band of mercenaries sent to clean out the prison. But Havoc wasn't as fast-paced or engrossing as I expected.
Regardless, it was still a decent follow-up, with strong characters and an ending that should lead to a very interesting conclusion in book 3.
Regardless, it was still a decent follow-up, with strong characters and an ending that should lead to a very interesting conclusion in book 3.
November 21, 2014
An interesting followup to Perdition. I know it's space jail, but I still found the constant fighting a little tiresome after a while. I would have liked a little bit more variety to the scenes. That said, I liked reading more about these characters again, and I do look forward to reading the conclusion of the series when it's available.
September 9, 2014
The book sated my hunger for more books of this series. It was a bloody affair running through the whole of the story. It showed what the people can be capable of when they don't have anything to loose. Tam stays a mistery to me. I am still not sure who he really is and what perpose drives him.
December 23, 2014
I've been reading this book forever--finally finished--it's ok--just ok
May 2, 2016
Havoc is an absolutely epic, must read! http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/reviews/...
September 18, 2017
hmm, I think my interest in this story waned a bit since book 1, not because the story is worse, but that it's more of the same. That said, this is a solid sci fi space opera that is quite enjoyable, if you need less romance and more gritty sci fi survival, you'll probably like this!
March 31, 2021
A bloody good time, literally!
March 1, 2024
Solid follow-up to the first, with the same exciting chaos vibes and well-plotted especially in the first two thirds, although the body count and constant fighting especially near the end made it hard to get and stay invested.
April 3, 2017
Love this series -- stories are action packed.
December 23, 2014
I jumped onto the wagon of the Dred Chronicles on the second book, so I missed the chance to get to know the characters and how they had bonded or killed each other in Perdition, the prison-ship for the worst kind of criminals that gives the name to the first book.
Despite that, I quickly became amazed at the sheer quality of the survival strategies of the convicts as they have to face not only the danger from fellow factions within the prison, but the invasion of high-tech mercenaries sent to wipe them out for good.
The author does an admirable job with the gritty atmosphere, the psychological nuances and alliances among the main characters, and the fight scenes full of clever tactics adapted to the impossible odds of uniting murderers and psychopaths in defending a forlorn prison against professional soldiers.
Actually, there is room for everything: action, carnage, triumph, loyalty, loss, retribution, love. While I was astounded by the clever thinking that went into the world-building and the battle planning, I truly enjoyed myself with the complex relationships that arise from the bloody mayhem of hundreds of criminals hurdled together in a cruel confinement.
Most of the outcome of alliances and betrayals had occurred in Perdition, but Havoc allows the readers to delve deep into the aftermath of all that chaos. Loyalties are put to the test as much as the goddess-like status of the Dread Queen. I loved to see her staggering power into action while in the more sensitive side of things, she's fighting her softer emotions for Jael, a special kind of man who's as afraid as she is to trust someone with his life and his heart, especially after a black life and in a black hole as Perdition.
Snappy dialogues and insurmountable odds make for an entertaining, adrenaline-powered read. At times, it seemed a bid dense due to what felt like repetitive scenes, though the dynamics of prison life on the edge are so well-portrayed that I lost myself in their hard reality quite often. Also, as the siege of the station progresses, the ambushes and tactics and gruesome deaths become more and more creative.
The cast of characters is quite interesting. Aliens and humans, convicts and mercenaries, they're brutal but also full of longings and a twisted code of honour, even dreams, though some of them are just madmen and cannibals.
The writing style is attuned to the hard theme. It's clever, fast, creative and full of personality. I loved that the prison was open for both men and women, and some of the women were the toughest and smartest fighters you can meet.
To be honest, this is a griping story about the price of survival and the length people go to in order to get their goals. I truly admire the author's capacity for military strategy, psychological dynamics, deep human nature and beautifully sad deaths.
Havoc ends with blasting violence and huge sacrifice that only serves to open up the appetite for the next adventure in the Dred Chronicles.
Reseña en Torre de Babel en español http://torretadebabel.blogspot.com
Despite that, I quickly became amazed at the sheer quality of the survival strategies of the convicts as they have to face not only the danger from fellow factions within the prison, but the invasion of high-tech mercenaries sent to wipe them out for good.
The author does an admirable job with the gritty atmosphere, the psychological nuances and alliances among the main characters, and the fight scenes full of clever tactics adapted to the impossible odds of uniting murderers and psychopaths in defending a forlorn prison against professional soldiers.
Actually, there is room for everything: action, carnage, triumph, loyalty, loss, retribution, love. While I was astounded by the clever thinking that went into the world-building and the battle planning, I truly enjoyed myself with the complex relationships that arise from the bloody mayhem of hundreds of criminals hurdled together in a cruel confinement.
Most of the outcome of alliances and betrayals had occurred in Perdition, but Havoc allows the readers to delve deep into the aftermath of all that chaos. Loyalties are put to the test as much as the goddess-like status of the Dread Queen. I loved to see her staggering power into action while in the more sensitive side of things, she's fighting her softer emotions for Jael, a special kind of man who's as afraid as she is to trust someone with his life and his heart, especially after a black life and in a black hole as Perdition.
Snappy dialogues and insurmountable odds make for an entertaining, adrenaline-powered read. At times, it seemed a bid dense due to what felt like repetitive scenes, though the dynamics of prison life on the edge are so well-portrayed that I lost myself in their hard reality quite often. Also, as the siege of the station progresses, the ambushes and tactics and gruesome deaths become more and more creative.
The cast of characters is quite interesting. Aliens and humans, convicts and mercenaries, they're brutal but also full of longings and a twisted code of honour, even dreams, though some of them are just madmen and cannibals.
The writing style is attuned to the hard theme. It's clever, fast, creative and full of personality. I loved that the prison was open for both men and women, and some of the women were the toughest and smartest fighters you can meet.
To be honest, this is a griping story about the price of survival and the length people go to in order to get their goals. I truly admire the author's capacity for military strategy, psychological dynamics, deep human nature and beautifully sad deaths.
Havoc ends with blasting violence and huge sacrifice that only serves to open up the appetite for the next adventure in the Dred Chronicles.
Reseña en Torre de Babel en español http://torretadebabel.blogspot.com
May 5, 2015
Things could hardly get any worse… but they’re about to. The arrival of a mercenary group, fully armed and ready to clear Perdition of all their inhabitants sends the facility into chaos. And worse. The merc commander is offering full pardons to the last five standing if they help them kill the other convicts. This is the scenery Dred needs to fight. But, with new enemies from the outside and old threats within, Dred cannot know for sure in who to trust. And Jael… Though he as proven enough of his loyalty, he seems to be eroding her defenses. And now it’s not the time to show her humanity.
If the first volume of this series had a lot of good things to discover, Havoc takes all that and launches it to a new level. New enemies, intrigue on the inside, action and tension colliding with a somewhat unwanted flash of affection growing between the main characters… There’s always something happening in this story, and that is what makes it so addictive. The different forces involved in the conflict provide with more than enough material to a series of intense battles, intriguing conspiracies and an increasing need for action that expands from the basic need of self-preservation to a stronger reason to act.
But if the intense rhythm of events is more than enough to satisfy the reader, there is, however, a lot more to discover. And much of it – but not all – comes from Dred and Jael and their strangely enthralling relationship. Both of them are broken and ready to be betrayed… again. And, somehow, everything about them pulls them together. Even more interesting, the author develops their relationship with just about the right measures of tension, sensuality, friendship and deep affection. And that’s what makes it so natural. There’s passion growing between them, but they’re still in the middle of the war, which means there are many other things to consider. And by overcoming all their difficulties, these characters become stronger – and so does their relationship.
Also adding to the addictive nature of this story is the fact that other relationships are being built. The story is not all about Jael and Dred but also about their allies and enemies. And there are other characters emerging, revealing themselves and even leading some of the most impressive moments of the story. Also, by gaining a larger relevance, characters like Martine and Calypso set the base for a different set of relationships. Friendship, partnership, a certain level of devotion… They are part of Queensland as well and thus they contribute to make for a bigger adventure.
All this sums up in another great book, intense and addictive, with memorable characters doing their best in an impressively dangerous scenario. A book where action and emotion – and precisely the right touch of humor – merge into a perfectly balanced story, that promises even more for the final book. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
If the first volume of this series had a lot of good things to discover, Havoc takes all that and launches it to a new level. New enemies, intrigue on the inside, action and tension colliding with a somewhat unwanted flash of affection growing between the main characters… There’s always something happening in this story, and that is what makes it so addictive. The different forces involved in the conflict provide with more than enough material to a series of intense battles, intriguing conspiracies and an increasing need for action that expands from the basic need of self-preservation to a stronger reason to act.
But if the intense rhythm of events is more than enough to satisfy the reader, there is, however, a lot more to discover. And much of it – but not all – comes from Dred and Jael and their strangely enthralling relationship. Both of them are broken and ready to be betrayed… again. And, somehow, everything about them pulls them together. Even more interesting, the author develops their relationship with just about the right measures of tension, sensuality, friendship and deep affection. And that’s what makes it so natural. There’s passion growing between them, but they’re still in the middle of the war, which means there are many other things to consider. And by overcoming all their difficulties, these characters become stronger – and so does their relationship.
Also adding to the addictive nature of this story is the fact that other relationships are being built. The story is not all about Jael and Dred but also about their allies and enemies. And there are other characters emerging, revealing themselves and even leading some of the most impressive moments of the story. Also, by gaining a larger relevance, characters like Martine and Calypso set the base for a different set of relationships. Friendship, partnership, a certain level of devotion… They are part of Queensland as well and thus they contribute to make for a bigger adventure.
All this sums up in another great book, intense and addictive, with memorable characters doing their best in an impressively dangerous scenario. A book where action and emotion – and precisely the right touch of humor – merge into a perfectly balanced story, that promises even more for the final book. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
November 5, 2015
The third book in the series, BREAKOUT, recently released and it kind of kicked my butt into gear because it made me realize just how behind I was. I meant to get the first two books in the series and read them all one weekend but I ended up finding them at the library, just sitting there, waiting for me to get them. So I did.
And when I got home, I promptly jumped into reading book one.
Or, at least, what I thought was book one.
Only I would be stupid enough to start this book, book two in the series, thinking it was the first. I feel like I should mention this because now it has affected my reading experience and it’ll help better explain some of the things I will be talking about in the rest of this review.
So… That being said, HAVOC is book two in the series (Get it straight, Annie!) and this continues Dred’s saga. This isn’t a series that you can read out of order, as depicted in my recent mishap of mistaking this as book one. Aguirre doesn’t do any recap at all so I would suggest reading the books back to back. With the amount of details and worldbuilding here, it’s nice to stay within the same world to avoid confusion. Since the last book recently came out, you’re able to do this easily.
I want to skip over the plot of this book because I think it’s better if you experience it yourself. But it’s also because I need to rave about Aguirre’s characterization. I feel like I repeat myself in every review but Aguirre does such a great job with Dred and Jael’s characters. As an avid reader, I “meet” new characters every day but after the course of their books, I don’t often find myself thinking about them after.
With Dred and Jael though, they get into your head like no other. The way Aguirre is able to add layer upon layer to her characters is astounding. And the fact that they are living in a world that is so different to ours should make them less relatable, but Aguirre takes everyday issues and puts them into her books so that our own beliefs and ethics all come into play. Suddenly Dred and Jael are just regular people like this, trying to survive.
If you already can’t tell by this long, rambling review, I loved this book and will be no doubt jumping straight into book three. I cannot wait to find out how Dred and her friends will conquer over Silence’s tongueless assassins!
Reviewed by Ann
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September 7, 2015
The third book in the series, BREAKOUT, recently released and it kind of kicked my butt into gear because it made me realize just how behind I was. I meant to get the first two books in the series and read them all one weekend but I ended up finding them at the library, just sitting there, waiting for me to get them. So I did.
And when I got home, I promptly jumped into reading book one.
Or, at least, what I thought was book one.
Only I would be stupid enough to start this book, book two in the series, thinking it was the first. I feel like I should mention this because now it has affected my reading experience and it’ll help better explain some of the things I will be talking about in the rest of this review.
So… That being said, HAVOC is book two in the series (Get it straight, Annie!) and this continues Dred’s saga. This isn’t a series that you can read out of order, as depicted in my recent mishap of mistaking this as book one. Aguirre doesn’t do any recap at all so I would suggest reading the books back to back. With the amount of details and worldbuilding here, it’s nice to stay within the same world to avoid confusion. Since the last book recently came out, you’re able to do this easily.
I want to skip over the plot of this book because I think it’s better if you experience it yourself. But it’s also because I need to rave about Aguirre’s characterization. I feel like I repeat myself in every review but Aguirre does such a great job with Dred and Jael’s characters. As an avid reader, I “meet” new characters every day but after the course of their books, I don’t often find myself thinking about them after.
With Dred and Jael though, they get into your head like no other. The way Aguirre is able to add layer upon layer to her characters is astounding. And the fact that they are living in a world that is so different to ours should make them less relatable, but Aguirre takes everyday issues and puts them into her books so that our own beliefs and ethics all come into play. Suddenly Dred and Jael are just regular people like this, trying to survive.
If you already can’t tell by this long, rambling review, I loved this book and will be no doubt jumping straight into book three. I cannot wait to find out how Dred and her friends will conquer over Silence’s tongueless assassins!
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