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R-D #1
Cloud Dust
I got out five years ago.
Untalented, they said.
In other words, they didn't know what to do with me, and murder usually leaves a mess.
I understood messes. Saw too many of them in my dreams. That's why I live where I do, still in their shadow but outside their walls. The conditions, of course, are that I have to move every five years, check in now and then and never, ever, talk about them to anyone.
It was time to move.
* * *
Cloud Dust is a secret, government program, in which ninety-five per cent of the volunteers are dead.
Meet the one who didn't volunteer.
Untalented, they said.
In other words, they didn't know what to do with me, and murder usually leaves a mess.
I understood messes. Saw too many of them in my dreams. That's why I live where I do, still in their shadow but outside their walls. The conditions, of course, are that I have to move every five years, check in now and then and never, ever, talk about them to anyone.
It was time to move.
* * *
Cloud Dust is a secret, government program, in which ninety-five per cent of the volunteers are dead.
Meet the one who didn't volunteer.
177 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2014
30 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Connie Suttle
76 books807 followersConnie Suttle lives in Oklahoma with her husband and three cats.
Connie holds an MFA in Fine Art (film production and animation) and taught courses at the university level before moving on to bookstore management. Nowadays, if she isn't writing or editing, she's dreaming up her next book.
Connie holds an MFA in Fine Art (film production and animation) and taught courses at the university level before moving on to bookstore management. Nowadays, if she isn't writing or editing, she's dreaming up her next book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 16, 2015
Are you fucking kidding me with the cliffhanger? Ugh. I'll probably get the next book, just to see what the hell is up with this plot.
SCRATCH THAT. I'd like to thank the intrepid reviewers in Amazon, and myself for being properly suspicious. Apparently, the ending to the second book ties in with several (if not all) of Suttle's other series and the reader is best served to have read them before book two of THIS series.
See, it's one thing to write all your books within a single universe. It's another thing entirely (and not a good thing) when they all end up tying in with each other. That's just greedy and assumes your readers actually want to read the multiple genres you write in. I'm not in the mood for intergalactic space dragons or whatever the fuck is in the end of R-D book 2.
No. Just no. I'm kind of upset that I also bought Finder, because now I'm worried that book is going to tie in to the rest as well.
Aw fuck. My hopes were just dashed on that score. That'll teach me to buy something after reading JUST the sample and not the reviews. Well, I'll just shuffle First Ordinance to the back of my to-read list and try something from an author that doesn't insist I buy ALL the books just to understand wtf is going on in one book.
SCRATCH THAT. I'd like to thank the intrepid reviewers in Amazon, and myself for being properly suspicious. Apparently, the ending to the second book ties in with several (if not all) of Suttle's other series and the reader is best served to have read them before book two of THIS series.
See, it's one thing to write all your books within a single universe. It's another thing entirely (and not a good thing) when they all end up tying in with each other. That's just greedy and assumes your readers actually want to read the multiple genres you write in. I'm not in the mood for intergalactic space dragons or whatever the fuck is in the end of R-D book 2.
No. Just no. I'm kind of upset that I also bought Finder, because now I'm worried that book is going to tie in to the rest as well.
Aw fuck. My hopes were just dashed on that score. That'll teach me to buy something after reading JUST the sample and not the reviews. Well, I'll just shuffle First Ordinance to the back of my to-read list and try something from an author that doesn't insist I buy ALL the books just to understand wtf is going on in one book.
June 2, 2014
This is a reasonable book, even an enjoyable book but it just can't stand up to Connie Suttle's previous works. I read several other books during the breaks I took from reading this one and I'm not currently checking dates for the rest of this series. It's a disappointment. (Contains mild spoilers)
If I didn't love her other books I probably wouldn't have finished this one. Either that or I'd have liked it better, I can't decide. It feels so very much the same as much of her previous writing. Main female character with past history of abuse and inability to cope with violence given gift of extreme foresight plus several other things and put into really dangerous situations. Which of course she battles through despite no experience and gets everyone to listen to her then throws a hissy fit if they don't. Big strong male love interest and big strong male father figure, both of whom get really angry with main woman and cause large emotional outburst. Suttle has done this storyline before and with characters who have a lot more going for them. Or maybe, characters who are less annoying. Corinne is too perfect in her work ethic. She's always doing this for others and suffering in silence and she even refuses to take her tablets without water and food! She doesn't complain except when she falls apart completely and it's made very clear that none of it is her fault and she's been thrust into the middle of it all unwillingly. I just wish I actually cared about it. She claims to be angry but she acts like someone terrified out of their mind or thinking like a child.
The storyline itself is lots of short bursts of action with very little actually revealed in terms of overall plot. With a mystery style like this I like to try and figure things out as I go. I don't expect to get it before it's spelled out but I want to be able to have several guesses and say 'of course' when things are revealed. Much of this storyline feels random and the bad guys are so shadowy I still have no idea who they are and I've finished the book! Even having read Suttle's other books hasn't helped although I'm assuming this is in the same world as they are. Lots of emotional anxt and lack of actually talking about problems, because it seems that talking about what's wrong defers from the image of the perfect woman who must be everything to everyone at all times.
Okay, I went a little overboard with the ranting but it seems this book put me in a ranting mood. I'm not sure I'll be getting more of Connie Suttle's books and I do so hate giving up on an author.
If you are new to Connie Suttle I suggest going back and starting with Blood Wager. The rest will make more sense. And they are very good books.
Happy Reading
If I didn't love her other books I probably wouldn't have finished this one. Either that or I'd have liked it better, I can't decide. It feels so very much the same as much of her previous writing. Main female character with past history of abuse and inability to cope with violence given gift of extreme foresight plus several other things and put into really dangerous situations. Which of course she battles through despite no experience and gets everyone to listen to her then throws a hissy fit if they don't. Big strong male love interest and big strong male father figure, both of whom get really angry with main woman and cause large emotional outburst. Suttle has done this storyline before and with characters who have a lot more going for them. Or maybe, characters who are less annoying. Corinne is too perfect in her work ethic. She's always doing this for others and suffering in silence and she even refuses to take her tablets without water and food! She doesn't complain except when she falls apart completely and it's made very clear that none of it is her fault and she's been thrust into the middle of it all unwillingly. I just wish I actually cared about it. She claims to be angry but she acts like someone terrified out of their mind or thinking like a child.
The storyline itself is lots of short bursts of action with very little actually revealed in terms of overall plot. With a mystery style like this I like to try and figure things out as I go. I don't expect to get it before it's spelled out but I want to be able to have several guesses and say 'of course' when things are revealed. Much of this storyline feels random and the bad guys are so shadowy I still have no idea who they are and I've finished the book! Even having read Suttle's other books hasn't helped although I'm assuming this is in the same world as they are. Lots of emotional anxt and lack of actually talking about problems, because it seems that talking about what's wrong defers from the image of the perfect woman who must be everything to everyone at all times.
Okay, I went a little overboard with the ranting but it seems this book put me in a ranting mood. I'm not sure I'll be getting more of Connie Suttle's books and I do so hate giving up on an author.
If you are new to Connie Suttle I suggest going back and starting with Blood Wager. The rest will make more sense. And they are very good books.
Happy Reading
May 25, 2014
Wow
Ok, aside from the fact that I am a huge fan of Connie Suttle, I really loved and enjoyed the start of this new series. As always with any book from this author; the characters were fleshed out, the secondary characters were little puzzles that unfolded during the story, the premise was interesting, and the storyline and plot was engaging. I can't wait for more. The twists and turns we are taken on during this ride keep the story moving and reveal information to the reader. Another book to go on my favorites shelf.
Ok, aside from the fact that I am a huge fan of Connie Suttle, I really loved and enjoyed the start of this new series. As always with any book from this author; the characters were fleshed out, the secondary characters were little puzzles that unfolded during the story, the premise was interesting, and the storyline and plot was engaging. I can't wait for more. The twists and turns we are taken on during this ride keep the story moving and reveal information to the reader. Another book to go on my favorites shelf.
January 24, 2021
Simply wonderful. Ms Suttle's best book yet, I hope it is the beginning of a new series.
February 24, 2020
The story was fast paced and full of adventure. Cori and Ilya have fantastic gifts. I hope this story becomes a series, in a world where "gifted" individuals "work" for the government; who use them to their advantage without thought to how right or wrong doing so is. Lol I really like stories where the heroine is under estimated☺️
March 4, 2021
Oh wow
That was an exemplary journey. The plots and twists throughout kept one enthralled and page turning just to find what was happening next. Outstanding.
That was an exemplary journey. The plots and twists throughout kept one enthralled and page turning just to find what was happening next. Outstanding.
October 13, 2018
3.5 stars. Interesting story with reasonably well done primary characters. Might buy a sequel
February 27, 2017
4 Stars
Lots of twists and turns in this book. I liked that it kept me questioning everything.
Lots of twists and turns in this book. I liked that it kept me questioning everything.
June 19, 2014
I am constantly floored by Ms Suttle's imagination!! Innovative and riveting!!
What I liked: Cloud Dust is the beginning of a new series by one of my favorite authors. Ms Suttle is my go to author when I want to get completely lost in a book. All boundaries are erased and the worlds she writes about actually feel possible.
Corinne Watson is a government experiment without her permission. (I can't wait to find out how all of that came about). There are currently 6 (counting Corinne) in the program and each one has their own handler. Each member has their own area of expertise. Intuition, strength, stealth, etc. Corinne seemingly has no talents. Therein lies the story told from several character's point of view.
The attention to detail and the world building in Cloud Dust just blew my mind. I'm very glad Ms Suttle's stories are imagination or I would be scared to death of the future!
Each character is developed but developing. Make sense? There is so much more to learn about these characters and their back stories. Cloud Dust is a complete story but leaves you wanting more.
Again, one of the best edited self published books I've read.
What I didn't like: I wanted to know Corinne's whole back story, like now and I didn't want the book to end!!
How Ms Suttle can pack so much into what seems a short book (177 pages), is beyond me. Cloud Dust reads like a much longer book.
Cloud Dust is an e-book and is $4.99 at Amazon and B & N.
Note: Cloud Dust, RD #1, will be available here in ebook formats, including Kindle, Nook, iBooks, Kobo, and PDF, until June 5, 2014. During that time, Cloud Dust will also be available on amazon.com and bn.com. As of June 5, 2014, Cloud Dust will be available exclusively on amazon.com.
Recommend!!
What I liked: Cloud Dust is the beginning of a new series by one of my favorite authors. Ms Suttle is my go to author when I want to get completely lost in a book. All boundaries are erased and the worlds she writes about actually feel possible.
Corinne Watson is a government experiment without her permission. (I can't wait to find out how all of that came about). There are currently 6 (counting Corinne) in the program and each one has their own handler. Each member has their own area of expertise. Intuition, strength, stealth, etc. Corinne seemingly has no talents. Therein lies the story told from several character's point of view.
The attention to detail and the world building in Cloud Dust just blew my mind. I'm very glad Ms Suttle's stories are imagination or I would be scared to death of the future!
Each character is developed but developing. Make sense? There is so much more to learn about these characters and their back stories. Cloud Dust is a complete story but leaves you wanting more.
Again, one of the best edited self published books I've read.
What I didn't like: I wanted to know Corinne's whole back story, like now and I didn't want the book to end!!
How Ms Suttle can pack so much into what seems a short book (177 pages), is beyond me. Cloud Dust reads like a much longer book.
Cloud Dust is an e-book and is $4.99 at Amazon and B & N.
Note: Cloud Dust, RD #1, will be available here in ebook formats, including Kindle, Nook, iBooks, Kobo, and PDF, until June 5, 2014. During that time, Cloud Dust will also be available on amazon.com and bn.com. As of June 5, 2014, Cloud Dust will be available exclusively on amazon.com.
Recommend!!
April 15, 2019
Interesting sci-fi perspective for this series, that is later woven into Suttle's wider universes introduced in Blood Destiny series. Plot: there was a drug given to a bunch of people and it turned them into something else. In some cases it was truly a crazy change-think dinosaur-and in others it was more subtle- a human with a bit extra telepathy. Well, turns out that the government didn't know what it was messing with. Add some international intrigue, terrorism and treason, and you have a storyline that sometimes hits too close to home. Still surprises me on this nth re-read that this novel was written before any of the political events of 2016 and beyond came to light.
Characters: I like Corinne a lot, how snarky she is, but as with Suttle's other books and characters, their dialect and mannerism don't vary all that much. Aside from a few tweaks, Corinne is very similar to Lissa in the Blood Destiny series and other leading female characters who follow.
Technical: Pace is good, but editing is atrocious. So many run-on sentences and other punctuation and grammar issues.
Overall: A decent read that I return to every now and again because the characters and plot line is entertaining.
Characters: I like Corinne a lot, how snarky she is, but as with Suttle's other books and characters, their dialect and mannerism don't vary all that much. Aside from a few tweaks, Corinne is very similar to Lissa in the Blood Destiny series and other leading female characters who follow.
Technical: Pace is good, but editing is atrocious. So many run-on sentences and other punctuation and grammar issues.
Overall: A decent read that I return to every now and again because the characters and plot line is entertaining.
September 9, 2016
Good, gripping story. I do wish Connie would cut back a bit on the constantly-shifting first person POV, though. It's often disorienting, as I lose track of whose viewpoint I'm reading, which distracts from the story.
I do like that, so far at least, no mention has been made of Corinne having a history of domestic abuse. I hope that in this series we can have a strong heroine who doesn't include that baggage in her background. Corinne has quite enough with her PTSD and GAD (which are both presented believably).
I do like that, so far at least, no mention has been made of Corinne having a history of domestic abuse. I hope that in this series we can have a strong heroine who doesn't include that baggage in her background. Corinne has quite enough with her PTSD and GAD (which are both presented believably).
January 24, 2015
What a great book, super characters and great story. Connie Suttle has a way of drawing you into her characters lives and I love that. This one is a little different than the other series which I also loved, so it took me wondering about the strange direction it was going but I stayed with it and WOW. What a read. Thanks Connie great one and I read it in one day. Cloud invasion the next one
October 2, 2014
she hid her many lights under a bushel for five years but betrays her talents trying to save lives. she falls in love and is betrayed at every level...every level. a really good story about scientists run amuck...and the terrifying possible outcomes.
January 15, 2015
Unexpected new author.
I accidentally started with the second in this series, realized my mistake, and shifted to this one. I had been going to give a bad review on it, then realized my mistake. Had a great time. But I refuse to do spoilers!
I accidentally started with the second in this series, realized my mistake, and shifted to this one. I had been going to give a bad review on it, then realized my mistake. Had a great time. But I refuse to do spoilers!
November 24, 2015
Riveting from start to finish.
The concept of this book seemed chillingly possible, with science combined with genetic engineering to create the characters. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
The concept of this book seemed chillingly possible, with science combined with genetic engineering to create the characters. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 30, 2014
Do you feel "dejá vu" whenever you read a new series from Connie Suttle? Don't get me wrong I love her. But it's getting tirying. ..
June 29, 2014
Good read.
Holds your interest all the way through. I enjoyed finding this author. I will certainly look for more of her books!
Holds your interest all the way through. I enjoyed finding this author. I will certainly look for more of her books!
August 1, 2018
I absolutely love this book. Great storyline, couldn't wait to read what happens next. :)
May 17, 2025
CAN NOT Wait for the next book in this series.
12/5/2014
12/5/2014
July 21, 2020
10/10/2014
November 21, 2015
What a surprise!
Don't let the Barbie look of the cover fool you- this book is clever, the main characters are strong, and the humor integrates with the drama delightfully.
Don't let the Barbie look of the cover fool you- this book is clever, the main characters are strong, and the humor integrates with the drama delightfully.
January 24, 2017
Good characters, lots of clever character dialogue but too many characters with point of view and the end seemed to be left trailing off.
June 30, 2023
A bit fast paced but catching on.
Reading over Suttleverse base on her recommendation.
Reading over Suttleverse base on her recommendation.
July 1, 2025
I have read and enjoyed all of Connie Suttle's books more than once and plan to read them again. But this first book in the Cloud Dust series may be my favorite so far. Wow!
April 11, 2015
Loved!!!
November 25, 2015
Exciting, kept me captivated and reading way into the night.
February 16, 2018
Hooked!
Recently discovered Ms. Suttle through Rose Thorn books. I am reading her backlist and enjoying it very much. This book's premise is so intriguing, so well communicated that I could not put it down. So glad I found this author!
Recently discovered Ms. Suttle through Rose Thorn books. I am reading her backlist and enjoying it very much. This book's premise is so intriguing, so well communicated that I could not put it down. So glad I found this author!
April 27, 2017
good, I enjoy it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews