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Strategy #1
Pawn: The Strategy Series, Book 1
Seventeen-year-old Rogue has always classified herself as socially awkward, preferring video games over a trip to the mall. When she wakes up in a forest, she finds that life as she knew it has changed forever, and she cannot remember how. In fact, she can't remember the last six months at all. As she navigates this new world she soon discovers a talent for combat and survival she'd never had before. A handy ability in a world where humans compete in a game governed by rules she can't remember.
Ronin, a talented 19-year-old, was wrenched from his Midwest home and forced to compete with a Skaki set. Despite the set's repeated losses, Ronin has proven himself a powerful player, his sights set on surviving each match - no matter the cost. When a new pawn is added to his set to replace one they lost, Ronin begins to break out of the shell he built around himself and reexamines what he and the other humans have become.
Ronin, a talented 19-year-old, was wrenched from his Midwest home and forced to compete with a Skaki set. Despite the set's repeated losses, Ronin has proven himself a powerful player, his sights set on surviving each match - no matter the cost. When a new pawn is added to his set to replace one they lost, Ronin begins to break out of the shell he built around himself and reexamines what he and the other humans have become.
Audible Audio
First published August 1, 2015
21 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Ahern
6 books22 followersJ.C. Ahern was born on March 3, 1988. She has a dual degree in Creative Writing and Nursing. From a young age she watched her older siblings play video games and as she got older, she became hooked. Between classes, papers, and writing the Strategy Series, she still plays her favorite adventure games. With the next evolution of video gaming–virtual reality–right around the corner, she can’t help but see a million creative avenues opening by simply asking–what if?
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 2, 2015
This book was first introduced to me as a submission through a local writing critique group. Having been given the first chapter for review, I was immediately dragged into a world both familiar and unfamiliar.
One of my favorite aspects of Pawn was that it doesn't take place in our far off future. It takes place in our immediate tomorrow making it easy to get swept away with Rogue, as she discovers quickly that life as she knew it has changed, and changed drastically. I felt her frustration and distance from this new world as she realizes that her memory of the last six months is gone--leaving her without explanation as to how she'd arrived in this new and dangerous reality.
Throughout the book, I loved her courage and determination and her ability to let petty things go. She is an underdog in an unlikely position to fight for her fellow underdogs.
Ronin was a great shift in perspective, giving me a startling view of the six months missing from Rogue's point of view. Through his eyes, you see the dangers of the new world, both in and out of the game. And also how quickly much of our basic humanity was lost when players were assigned positions in the game. There were many times I wanted to shake Ronin, and the infamous Queen Bee, and just yell at them "why are you doing this?"
With references to video games, virtual realities, and action/battle scenes galore, Pawn was a fast and entertaining read. I can't wait to find out what happens next.
One of my favorite aspects of Pawn was that it doesn't take place in our far off future. It takes place in our immediate tomorrow making it easy to get swept away with Rogue, as she discovers quickly that life as she knew it has changed, and changed drastically. I felt her frustration and distance from this new world as she realizes that her memory of the last six months is gone--leaving her without explanation as to how she'd arrived in this new and dangerous reality.
Throughout the book, I loved her courage and determination and her ability to let petty things go. She is an underdog in an unlikely position to fight for her fellow underdogs.
Ronin was a great shift in perspective, giving me a startling view of the six months missing from Rogue's point of view. Through his eyes, you see the dangers of the new world, both in and out of the game. And also how quickly much of our basic humanity was lost when players were assigned positions in the game. There were many times I wanted to shake Ronin, and the infamous Queen Bee, and just yell at them "why are you doing this?"
With references to video games, virtual realities, and action/battle scenes galore, Pawn was a fast and entertaining read. I can't wait to find out what happens next.
February 24, 2025
**Please keep in mind this review is for the audio version.
UGHHH WHAT??? Where the heck did J.C. Ahern come from? I'm going to be honest, this book was published in 2015 and with 39 ratings and 9 reviews my expectations were definitely tempered. I was hoping it would be decent, but it's freaking EXCELLENT!
I'm talking well written, action packed, engaging, get an audible award for 8 hours of straight listening excellent. There's no doubt about it, J.C. Ahern CAN WRITE!
I finished this book in less then 24 hours... and at first I was like:
and then I'm like:
Which is about when I started a mad dash to buy the second book on audible as quickly as I could.
Yeah, Yeah, I know i'm gushing like crazy, but Pawn is just really, really good. I've read over 200 books this year and this random book by an unknown indie author EASILY makes my top 10.
Pawn reminded me of a mix between Ready Player One, The Hunger Games, and Ender's Game. I actually think i'm going to need to listen to it again with my 13 year old son, because its exactly the type of story that will hold his attention and that's not at all easy to do, especially when the main character is female. There was a lot of action, and the pacing was fantastic. Five minutes into the book I was interested, and 30 minutes in Pawn had my full attention.
The production value and narration were fantastic. Both Patricia Santomasso and Sean Patrick Hopkins were total pro's. I was actually went though all the other book's Patricia Santomasso had narrated looking for my next read she impressed me so much (well after I finished Royals). I admit that I definitely tend to prefer female narrators, but I was really impressed by Sean Patrick Hopkins female voices.
Look, I know there are a lot of great books/audiobooks out there, but do yourself a favor and skip Pawn to the top of your list. You can thank me later.. Oh.. and make sure you have the second book (Royals) waiting. You won't want to wait to start it.
UGHHH WHAT??? Where the heck did J.C. Ahern come from? I'm going to be honest, this book was published in 2015 and with 39 ratings and 9 reviews my expectations were definitely tempered. I was hoping it would be decent, but it's freaking EXCELLENT!
I'm talking well written, action packed, engaging, get an audible award for 8 hours of straight listening excellent. There's no doubt about it, J.C. Ahern CAN WRITE!
I finished this book in less then 24 hours... and at first I was like:
and then I'm like:
Which is about when I started a mad dash to buy the second book on audible as quickly as I could.
Yeah, Yeah, I know i'm gushing like crazy, but Pawn is just really, really good. I've read over 200 books this year and this random book by an unknown indie author EASILY makes my top 10.
Pawn reminded me of a mix between Ready Player One, The Hunger Games, and Ender's Game. I actually think i'm going to need to listen to it again with my 13 year old son, because its exactly the type of story that will hold his attention and that's not at all easy to do, especially when the main character is female. There was a lot of action, and the pacing was fantastic. Five minutes into the book I was interested, and 30 minutes in Pawn had my full attention.
The production value and narration were fantastic. Both Patricia Santomasso and Sean Patrick Hopkins were total pro's. I was actually went though all the other book's Patricia Santomasso had narrated looking for my next read she impressed me so much (well after I finished Royals). I admit that I definitely tend to prefer female narrators, but I was really impressed by Sean Patrick Hopkins female voices.
Look, I know there are a lot of great books/audiobooks out there, but do yourself a favor and skip Pawn to the top of your list. You can thank me later.. Oh.. and make sure you have the second book (Royals) waiting. You won't want to wait to start it.
November 11, 2015
I was fortunate to be able to read this before it was released. I'm usually not one for sci-fi. I really enjoyed the characters and the world that the author has built. I can't wait to read the next book from this great new author.
May 8, 2016
This is a great book! The main characters Rogue and Ronin, are well thought out and engaging. I also love their interactions with each other. The action scenes are excellent! I found it highly entertaining. The world is well thought out and interesting. You'll have so much fun with this book!
December 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. it was like hunger games meets spy kids game over. All while aliens have taken over earth.
May 18, 2016
This story had every element a good story should have. An exciting plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s an abundance of well illustrated scenes that really make you feel like you are right there in the story, and that's something I really look for in a good book.
This captivating and commendable work had me immersed from the beginning. The story flows from scene to scene with ease, and the author shows exceptional ability when it comes to storytelling. There are twists and turns in this page turner that will take the reader on a gripping journey!
It’s one of those stories that come along once in awhile that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader!
This is definitely a recommended read. It’s an impressive sci-fi fantasy tale that gets off to a great start and lends itself to unlimited potential for future installments. I’ll certainly be looking forward to reading more from J. C. Ahern in the future!
This captivating and commendable work had me immersed from the beginning. The story flows from scene to scene with ease, and the author shows exceptional ability when it comes to storytelling. There are twists and turns in this page turner that will take the reader on a gripping journey!
It’s one of those stories that come along once in awhile that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader!
This is definitely a recommended read. It’s an impressive sci-fi fantasy tale that gets off to a great start and lends itself to unlimited potential for future installments. I’ll certainly be looking forward to reading more from J. C. Ahern in the future!
August 31, 2019
Highly recommend it! :D
Pawn is definitely one of those books that I am sure I will end up reading several times. It is engaging, thrilling, and unique. The story has a plot that is a game that is part video game and part chess. The plot followers Rogue as she tries to survive in this world. Author J.C. Ahern has a talent for writing fight scenes that are engaging, intense, and fun to read. The scenes are integral to the story and don’t have unnecessary violence in them. The other things that I thought was done really well in this book were the dialogue. The interactions between the characters felt natural and fit with the intensity of the situations they were in. The interactions between Ronin and Rogue were especially fun, and their arguments and banter often allowed for a lightness that the intense plot didn’t always have. A well-written and gripping story.
Pawn is definitely one of those books that I am sure I will end up reading several times. It is engaging, thrilling, and unique. The story has a plot that is a game that is part video game and part chess. The plot followers Rogue as she tries to survive in this world. Author J.C. Ahern has a talent for writing fight scenes that are engaging, intense, and fun to read. The scenes are integral to the story and don’t have unnecessary violence in them. The other things that I thought was done really well in this book were the dialogue. The interactions between the characters felt natural and fit with the intensity of the situations they were in. The interactions between Ronin and Rogue were especially fun, and their arguments and banter often allowed for a lightness that the intense plot didn’t always have. A well-written and gripping story.
April 4, 2020
When I first started this book, I thought to myself, "Oh, no...this is one of those weird gamey books". And I almost put it down without giving it a real chance. I am so happy I kept going. This was a very original and well written book. The author really makes you care about each character. Also, this audiobook has two narrators, and they both did excellent jobs. It always makes it easier when listening to have two narrators. It lets the reader know that the point of view is changing, which is not always easy when the book isn't right in front of you. I would love to listen to next book in this series.
This book was given to me at my request. I am providing a voluntary and honest review.
(#Audiobookworm)
This book was given to me at my request. I am providing a voluntary and honest review.
(#Audiobookworm)
June 25, 2020
An intriguing cross between reality and the virtual world--much like The Matrix or Ready Player One.
I enjoyed the story and the premise, and it was an easy, fun read. The author has created a richworld which slowly unfolds as the main character regains her memories and figures out how to not only play the game but master it.
I enjoyed the story and the premise, and it was an easy, fun read. The author has created a richworld which slowly unfolds as the main character regains her memories and figures out how to not only play the game but master it.
May 21, 2019
Good start
I like the way it's written, but I would like viewpoint spacing or markings. Especially towards the last chapter. It does feel like 2 book though fyi. Also it has little blurbs at the start of chapters that make me feel like this is similar to Challenger's Rise series.
I like the way it's written, but I would like viewpoint spacing or markings. Especially towards the last chapter. It does feel like 2 book though fyi. Also it has little blurbs at the start of chapters that make me feel like this is similar to Challenger's Rise series.
July 9, 2019
So so good, i started this on a whim because. It seems like most YA books are alike and often times I DNF them but this one was sooooo good.
November 12, 2015
Rogue wakes up in a world unlike any other and has to immediately start fighting for her life. She is trapped in a virtual gaming world with two teams battling against one another. Forced to play a game without knowing the rules, Rogue has to quickly decipher who she can trust and who the real enemies are, all while trying to remember her own name!
Ronin meets Rogue early on and has no idea what to think. He's never met anyone like her before. She's fearless, competitive, strong headed, witty and caring all at the same time. As a key player on her team, Ronin has to help fill in the gaps of the game. Ronin and Rogue quickly find themselves thrown into matches together and teaming up to succeed in this twisted game.
Definitely a fun quick read with a unique plot! Lots of action too! Loved getting to know the characters and cannot wait to read more of their stories in the sequel!
Ronin meets Rogue early on and has no idea what to think. He's never met anyone like her before. She's fearless, competitive, strong headed, witty and caring all at the same time. As a key player on her team, Ronin has to help fill in the gaps of the game. Ronin and Rogue quickly find themselves thrown into matches together and teaming up to succeed in this twisted game.
Definitely a fun quick read with a unique plot! Lots of action too! Loved getting to know the characters and cannot wait to read more of their stories in the sequel!
April 29, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. The central characters and their dynamics were really interesting, and I enjoyed the world she created. If you're a fan of dystopian sci-fi and/or video games, I'd definitely recommend it. I had fun trying to figure out what Rogue was planning before she put her plans fully into action, and I'm excited to see where the series goes next.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews