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Antius Ascending #0.5A
Transgression
There is nothing that can drive a man like the need to be acknowledged. There is nothing as dangerous as the desire to be appreciated, if not loved. There is nothing as complicated as family.
Before there was Antius, before there were mind-altering drugs, and before there was Corinne Cole, there was Nathan Burke and his colossal Transgression.
Transgression delivers the must-read story of the fall of civilization through the eyes of Sovereign's most-hated villain. It is the first of three short prequels to the bestselling Antius Ascending Series and is best enjoyed as a sequel.
Before there was Antius, before there were mind-altering drugs, and before there was Corinne Cole, there was Nathan Burke and his colossal Transgression.
Transgression delivers the must-read story of the fall of civilization through the eyes of Sovereign's most-hated villain. It is the first of three short prequels to the bestselling Antius Ascending Series and is best enjoyed as a sequel.
26 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
2 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
E.R. Arroyo
10 books161 followersE.R. Arroyo is a YA author and plot structure junkie. She writes across multiple genres, both contemporary and speculative, her heroines tend to have attitudes, and she lives for dialogue. In addition to her published novels, she’s participated in two anthologies and co-founded a Facebook group championing the dystopian genre. E.R. is a musician, wife, and mom, and she’s a passionate student of neurodivergence.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 21, 2015
Since I loved Sovereign and The Offering, I knew I had to jump at the chance to read Transgression, the first in a series of short stories in the Sovereign series. I knew this would be from the point of view of a supporting character, and when I found out it would be none other than the villain, Nathan Burke, I had mixed feelings. Often, the story of the villain is an attempt to get the reader to feel sympathy with the villain, to connect with him on some level. This is not that story.
No, this story is extremely honest about Burke's character. Yes, there were moments that I was empathetic toward him and toward his situations. But this isn't a story that is meant to sugarcoat a villain so he's "not such a bad guy", this is a gritty look into how Burke's mind works, what his motivations are, what makes him tick.
I was completely engrossed in this story. I loved being able to experience the inner workings of the series' madman. Also, this story takes place before the events in Sovereign, so it is a great chance to learn a bit about the world before Sovereign. I was definitely impressed with both the world building of the "before" (especially when done so well in such a short vehicle) and the character development of Nathan Burke. This is an absolute must read for any fan of the Sovereign series!
(Copy provided for review)
No, this story is extremely honest about Burke's character. Yes, there were moments that I was empathetic toward him and toward his situations. But this isn't a story that is meant to sugarcoat a villain so he's "not such a bad guy", this is a gritty look into how Burke's mind works, what his motivations are, what makes him tick.
I was completely engrossed in this story. I loved being able to experience the inner workings of the series' madman. Also, this story takes place before the events in Sovereign, so it is a great chance to learn a bit about the world before Sovereign. I was definitely impressed with both the world building of the "before" (especially when done so well in such a short vehicle) and the character development of Nathan Burke. This is an absolute must read for any fan of the Sovereign series!
(Copy provided for review)
July 28, 2014
FIVE STARS AND THEN SOME! I loved the Sovereign Series and all of the rich, complex characters, not just the main characters, but the supporting characters and even the ones you love to hate. I've been dying to know the backstory to some of the supporting characters, so I was so excited when I heard that author ER Arroyo was writing a trio of short stories to answer these burning character questions of mine. Transgression is the perfect companion to the Sovereign Series; it is the missing piece I've been searching for in this literary puzzle.
Who would have thought that a story about nasty Nathan Burke would be so intriguing? I was completely captivated by his story which is set in the hours right before the apocalyptic curtain opens and ends with his entrance into his new bunkered world. A glimpse into the developing tyrannical madness of Nathan's mind is evident in this short story and I felt myself feeling sympathy for him one moment, kind of liking him another and finally returning to my original disgust. He is truly mad and his insanity is cleverly revealed by Arroyo's masterful writing.
It is an amazing thing when a talented author produces great work, but when the author's writing grows and develops into genius, masterful work, well that's just the icing on the cake. Transgression is one of those books I'll never forget and I simply cannot wait to read the next short story (I'm hoping it's Titus' story). I highly recommend the Sovereign Series to all of my friends and I know you'll enjoy it as much as I do.
Who would have thought that a story about nasty Nathan Burke would be so intriguing? I was completely captivated by his story which is set in the hours right before the apocalyptic curtain opens and ends with his entrance into his new bunkered world. A glimpse into the developing tyrannical madness of Nathan's mind is evident in this short story and I felt myself feeling sympathy for him one moment, kind of liking him another and finally returning to my original disgust. He is truly mad and his insanity is cleverly revealed by Arroyo's masterful writing.
It is an amazing thing when a talented author produces great work, but when the author's writing grows and develops into genius, masterful work, well that's just the icing on the cake. Transgression is one of those books I'll never forget and I simply cannot wait to read the next short story (I'm hoping it's Titus' story). I highly recommend the Sovereign Series to all of my friends and I know you'll enjoy it as much as I do.
August 15, 2014
As it states, this is a short story at 25 pages, but oh, does it pack a punch. I was breathless, eating up each page to see what was going to happen next. The reader learns a bit about Nathan, before the war. He's a jerk, but we get to see the side of him that is dying for his fathers attention. We learn how just by trying to make his father proud, he ends the world as we know it. We also get to see him try to make a wrong, right, while in the middle of a living hell.
In 25 pages, my emotions ran from one end of the scale to the other and back and forth. I felt disgust, sympathy, anger, pain, fear and much more. For an author to do this with a short story, that author has mastered the art of storytelling. I bet her campfire stories keep even the forest creatures too scared to rest! The suspense, the doom, the ending, oh my!
This is a must read for those just starting this series and for those that have read Sovereign and The Offering. Both groups will be wanting more. I recommend this for anyone who likes the post-apocalyptic genre.
In 25 pages, my emotions ran from one end of the scale to the other and back and forth. I felt disgust, sympathy, anger, pain, fear and much more. For an author to do this with a short story, that author has mastered the art of storytelling. I bet her campfire stories keep even the forest creatures too scared to rest! The suspense, the doom, the ending, oh my!
This is a must read for those just starting this series and for those that have read Sovereign and The Offering. Both groups will be wanting more. I recommend this for anyone who likes the post-apocalyptic genre.
September 3, 2014
This is the short story, which I didn't know when I started reading and when I finished it after half an hour, I thought my app is not working or I downloaded half the book, lol. But got to know about it being short story.
I totally got hooked and I'm so looking forward to read the books in the series!!! It ended really early for me like five minutes,lol.
A must read!
I totally got hooked and I'm so looking forward to read the books in the series!!! It ended really early for me like five minutes,lol.
A must read!
August 11, 2014
This short story from The Sovereign Series is an eye opener. It was interesting to get into the mind of a character to see how he ticks! If you loved The Sovereign and The Offering (Of course you did!), you will definitely enjoy this short story revealing the depths of a character you love to hate.
July 17, 2017
Sovereign: Transgression
This story picks up momentum and zips downhill faster and faster. Then bam! You are left wanting more. This is a very tantalizing intro.
This story picks up momentum and zips downhill faster and faster. Then bam! You are left wanting more. This is a very tantalizing intro.
August 15, 2014
Earlier this year I had the privilege of reading Sovereign and The Offering, the two books that make up the Sovereign Series proper. Last month I was lucky enough to get to read Transgression, the prequel that promised to tell me just how everything happened. So I sat down, excited to get more background on the world, ready to cheer for familiar names, even as I prepared to boo and stomp for the usual suspects.
Oh wow was I not prepared for this one.
It takes a talented writer to turn a point of view so perfectly on its head while keeping so true to the story and the characterizations that were established, that the reader expects. Reluctant sympathy and compassion were pulled from me through the sheer skillfulness of how the history of the series was explained, described. Experienced. I cannot say I decided to like anyone I had already developed a dislike for- but I can definitely say I understand. And that is so much more powerful.
Well played, Arroyo. Well played.
There is nothing as brutal, as dangerous, as the desire to be loved. There will never be anything as complicated as family. In Transgression we get to see it all come tumbling down, shuddering in horror and from the terrible, tangible, humanity that started it all.
Read it after you have read Sovereign and The Offering. It may be a prequel, but it packs a beautiful punch as a postscript.
Oh wow was I not prepared for this one.
It takes a talented writer to turn a point of view so perfectly on its head while keeping so true to the story and the characterizations that were established, that the reader expects. Reluctant sympathy and compassion were pulled from me through the sheer skillfulness of how the history of the series was explained, described. Experienced. I cannot say I decided to like anyone I had already developed a dislike for- but I can definitely say I understand. And that is so much more powerful.
Well played, Arroyo. Well played.
There is nothing as brutal, as dangerous, as the desire to be loved. There will never be anything as complicated as family. In Transgression we get to see it all come tumbling down, shuddering in horror and from the terrible, tangible, humanity that started it all.
Read it after you have read Sovereign and The Offering. It may be a prequel, but it packs a beautiful punch as a postscript.
May 19, 2015
This was an interesting look at our antagonist from the other books. I finished it in about a half hour and I really like short stories because that's all I have time for these days.
Arroyo did a great job creating someone who I disliked, but also wanted to know more about. Burke is such an interesting person and I found myself wanting to know more about his dad too, both powerful in their own way, but one leading a light path, and the other dark. One of the most fascinating things about Nathan Burke is his mysterious draw to women. It's talked about in the first book and becomes even more thought provoking in Transgression. Here we get to see how he is almost obsessive about the barista he hardly knows. The fact that he goes to extreme lengths for her when he doesn't really care for her or anyone else is intriguing.
Arroyo did a great job creating someone who I disliked, but also wanted to know more about. Burke is such an interesting person and I found myself wanting to know more about his dad too, both powerful in their own way, but one leading a light path, and the other dark. One of the most fascinating things about Nathan Burke is his mysterious draw to women. It's talked about in the first book and becomes even more thought provoking in Transgression. Here we get to see how he is almost obsessive about the barista he hardly knows. The fact that he goes to extreme lengths for her when he doesn't really care for her or anyone else is intriguing.
January 3, 2016
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
I have read the first two books in the series & really enjoyed this short story.It gives you glimpses of some of the events & emotions of a few characters
in the time before antius.I can honestly say that this was a very well written story.If you have enjoyed the first two books then i highly recommend reading
this one.For me a great story always leaves me wishing I could read more about the characters.The Transgression has left me looking forward to the next
installment.
I have read the first two books in the series & really enjoyed this short story.It gives you glimpses of some of the events & emotions of a few characters
in the time before antius.I can honestly say that this was a very well written story.If you have enjoyed the first two books then i highly recommend reading
this one.For me a great story always leaves me wishing I could read more about the characters.The Transgression has left me looking forward to the next
installment.
August 15, 2014
I loved this book, through the eyes of Nathan Burke. Knowing where his personality comes from is great insight into the Sovereign series. It in no way changed my opinion of him, but it did allow me to know him better.
E.R. Arroyo is a fantastic writer. Her writing style is enjoyable to read and the way she details her characters and scenes makes you feel like you're a part of the story.
If you haven't read this series yet, get to it! You won't be disappointed!!
E.R. Arroyo is a fantastic writer. Her writing style is enjoyable to read and the way she details her characters and scenes makes you feel like you're a part of the story.
If you haven't read this series yet, get to it! You won't be disappointed!!
September 26, 2014
This is a very short story ( I need more) about the day the world changed and Nathan.
Do I like Nathan no, I don't think I ever will but, but there's more to him then meets the eye.
A man that want desperately wants to be loved by his father, who want his father to be proud of him.
I can't wait to see who's story will be next.
I like the writers work, she has a way of making the characters work. Can't wait to read the next book.
Do I like Nathan no, I don't think I ever will but, but there's more to him then meets the eye.
A man that want desperately wants to be loved by his father, who want his father to be proud of him.
I can't wait to see who's story will be next.
I like the writers work, she has a way of making the characters work. Can't wait to read the next book.
October 15, 2014
This is my favorite of the Sovereign series. In just a few short pages, the amount of characterization put into Nathan, is so dang good, that it totally explains and gives insights to the other books that I didn't realize I wanted and needed to know. I loved it. It was so well written. I hope there's more to come.
November 26, 2014
I so wish this novella was longer! finally we get to read more about Nathan and how he came to be the mean dude he is and its so short!
This novella was thoroughly enjoyable! I love E.R. Arroyo's writing!
This novella was thoroughly enjoyable! I love E.R. Arroyo's writing!
January 8, 2016
Sovereign: Transgression
I read this short story first, and I am glad that I did. It gives a look into a very important character in the upcoming books. This is a history lesson in the series that it's not immediately appreciated, but will be once you have read the first book.
I read this short story first, and I am glad that I did. It gives a look into a very important character in the upcoming books. This is a history lesson in the series that it's not immediately appreciated, but will be once you have read the first book.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews