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Aurora #4
Aurora: Centralis
The beginning, and end, of everything ...
After the dramatic events of the past few missions, Captain Saul Harris and Corporal Carrie Welles have found themselves on a path they never expected to be on. Carrie, more vulnerable than she's ever been, is placed under immense pressure as she becomes the most valuable asset to the UNF. Meanwhile, Harris works with the Aurora crew to keep the UNF at bay and shield her from their nemesis, Sharley, who wants her now more than anything. As events unfold, Carrie comes face to face with the truth of her father's past, while Harris is forced to confront the truth of his ancestor's. The revelations leave them reeling in shock, but not as much as when the explosive truth behind UNFASP is finally revealed.
Harris and Carrie struggle with the difficult decisions they have to make, while the Aurora team endures their toughest challenge yet. Once again they come face to face with their enemies in a showdown that will rock them to their very core and change them all forever.
For the Aurora team, Centralis, is the beginning, and end, of everything …
- GenresScience Fiction
Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2015
2 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Bridgeman
28 books107 followersAmanda is a Scribe Award winner, a two-time Tin Duck Award winner, an Aurealis and Ditmar Awards finalist and author of several science fiction and thriller novels. Her works include sci-fi mystery SALVATION series, consisting of THE SUBJUGATE and THE SENSATION (published by Angry Robot Books, UK), which is being developed for TV by Aquarius Films and Anonymous Content (True Detective, Mr Robot, The Alienist).
THE SUBJUGATE is also currently being studied at two German universities (Düsseldorf and Cologne) as part of a program on Australian speculative fiction, in conjunction with the Centre for Australian Studies.
Born in the seaside/country town of Geraldton, Western Australia, she moved to Perth (Western Australia) to study film & television/creative writing at Murdoch University, earning her a BA in Communication Studies. Perth has been her home ever since, aside from a nineteen-month stint in London (England) where she dabbled in Film & TV ‘Extra’ work.
Amanda is a versatile writer who enjoys working across different genres and creative formats, be it novels, screenplays, short stories, etc, and creating both original and tie-in work.
Her Scribe Award winning novel PANDEMIC: PATIENT ZERO is the first novel set in the award-winning Pandemic tabletop board game universe.
She has written short stories for Marvel (X-Men) and Black Library (Warhammer 40k) anthologies.
Her new novel, Sound of Light, set in the Marvel X-Men universe and featuring mutant Dazzler, is out now!
THE SUBJUGATE is also currently being studied at two German universities (Düsseldorf and Cologne) as part of a program on Australian speculative fiction, in conjunction with the Centre for Australian Studies.
Born in the seaside/country town of Geraldton, Western Australia, she moved to Perth (Western Australia) to study film & television/creative writing at Murdoch University, earning her a BA in Communication Studies. Perth has been her home ever since, aside from a nineteen-month stint in London (England) where she dabbled in Film & TV ‘Extra’ work.
Amanda is a versatile writer who enjoys working across different genres and creative formats, be it novels, screenplays, short stories, etc, and creating both original and tie-in work.
Her Scribe Award winning novel PANDEMIC: PATIENT ZERO is the first novel set in the award-winning Pandemic tabletop board game universe.
She has written short stories for Marvel (X-Men) and Black Library (Warhammer 40k) anthologies.
Her new novel, Sound of Light, set in the Marvel X-Men universe and featuring mutant Dazzler, is out now!
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 12, 2015
This is the fourth book in Perth author Amanda Bridgeman's Aurora sci-fi/fantasy series, featuring main characters Carrie Welles, Doc Walker, James McKinley and Captain Saul Harris. It's a series that really needs to be read in order, so if you haven't experienced the Aurora world yet, start with book 1, Aurora: Darwin.
I'm invested in the series and I'm a fan of what Amanda Bridgeman has created here.
That said, there were parts of Centralis that I think could have been sharpened. There is so much foreshadowing, mostly to do with many pages dedicated to Captain Harris' dreams and what he might learn from his deceased relatives and what is written in the 'purple' book.
Second to that, the first half of the book is fairly much taken with the wait for Corporal Welles pregnancy to run to term. I understand that a pregnancy has a timeframe all of its own and short of beginning a chapter with 'Nine months later' - the author has to account for the time that runs. That said, I really think this segment of the book could have been tightened severely, and none of the tension would have been lost.
Now, all that said, I admit to skimming through some of the front half of the book, and through the dream scenes, and I don't think I lost anything because of doing this. I admire the way the author writes, and I very much enjoy the characters and the way this series continues to unfold.
The second half of the book cracks along at a much better pace as we learn more about the impending threat to Earth, as old enemies return, and as Captain Harris confronts the truth of his dreams and his 'gut instincts' and embraces his psychic/supernatural side.
I don't think Centralis will move Meridian out of my 'favourite' book of the series, but I definitely enjoyed visiting with the characters again and I'm looking forward to reading the fifth book, Aurora: Eden, which is out now.
I read this book as part of the Goodreads September 2015 challenge. This is Australian Author, sci-fi category.
I'm invested in the series and I'm a fan of what Amanda Bridgeman has created here.
That said, there were parts of Centralis that I think could have been sharpened. There is so much foreshadowing, mostly to do with many pages dedicated to Captain Harris' dreams and what he might learn from his deceased relatives and what is written in the 'purple' book.
Second to that, the first half of the book is fairly much taken with the wait for Corporal Welles pregnancy to run to term. I understand that a pregnancy has a timeframe all of its own and short of beginning a chapter with 'Nine months later' - the author has to account for the time that runs. That said, I really think this segment of the book could have been tightened severely, and none of the tension would have been lost.
Now, all that said, I admit to skimming through some of the front half of the book, and through the dream scenes, and I don't think I lost anything because of doing this. I admire the way the author writes, and I very much enjoy the characters and the way this series continues to unfold.
The second half of the book cracks along at a much better pace as we learn more about the impending threat to Earth, as old enemies return, and as Captain Harris confronts the truth of his dreams and his 'gut instincts' and embraces his psychic/supernatural side.
I don't think Centralis will move Meridian out of my 'favourite' book of the series, but I definitely enjoyed visiting with the characters again and I'm looking forward to reading the fifth book, Aurora: Eden, which is out now.
I read this book as part of the Goodreads September 2015 challenge. This is Australian Author, sci-fi category.
April 12, 2015
Originally published at West Coast Book Reviews.
You know *that* book where you can just let go because you know it will both melt your heart and jam it up in your throat? Those books where you have such feels you can't see the words on the page when the only thing that matters is to continue reading?
This is one of those books.
Aurora: Centralis is fourth in Amanda Bridgeman's amazing Sci-Fi series. I enjoy the series' near-Earth story including both Earth-based action and 'local' space action including Mars and the Moon. Placing things in familiar yet futuristic places makes this story feel close to home.
For me, Centralis kept me delightfully off balance. After reading all four in a few weeks, getting to know the characters from the previous books and keeping the plot fresh helped me dive right in to this one.
I really liked how Welles' and Harris' stories run together and through each other in a way that keeps the tension high. Even during breaks in the action I felt suspense biding its time. Harris and Welles both diverge and converge and many secondary characters stand out, bringing so much depth to the main storyline.
Welles continues to face everything but she's not infallible and when she stumbles, it's real and understandable. For Harris, exploring his own gifts, we get to see him expand as a person. His own self discovery doesn't take away from his role as captain and the leader I've grown to respect.
No spoilers from me. Just to say I haven't felt so wrung out at the end of a book as I have with this one in a very long time. For me, it's one of those series that will stand out as a game changer when I think about my reading experiences.
Just plain fantastic.
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review and requested it because I couldn't wait! I'll still buy my own on March 26th.
You know *that* book where you can just let go because you know it will both melt your heart and jam it up in your throat? Those books where you have such feels you can't see the words on the page when the only thing that matters is to continue reading?
This is one of those books.
Aurora: Centralis is fourth in Amanda Bridgeman's amazing Sci-Fi series. I enjoy the series' near-Earth story including both Earth-based action and 'local' space action including Mars and the Moon. Placing things in familiar yet futuristic places makes this story feel close to home.
For me, Centralis kept me delightfully off balance. After reading all four in a few weeks, getting to know the characters from the previous books and keeping the plot fresh helped me dive right in to this one.
I really liked how Welles' and Harris' stories run together and through each other in a way that keeps the tension high. Even during breaks in the action I felt suspense biding its time. Harris and Welles both diverge and converge and many secondary characters stand out, bringing so much depth to the main storyline.
Welles continues to face everything but she's not infallible and when she stumbles, it's real and understandable. For Harris, exploring his own gifts, we get to see him expand as a person. His own self discovery doesn't take away from his role as captain and the leader I've grown to respect.
No spoilers from me. Just to say I haven't felt so wrung out at the end of a book as I have with this one in a very long time. For me, it's one of those series that will stand out as a game changer when I think about my reading experiences.
Just plain fantastic.
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review and requested it because I couldn't wait! I'll still buy my own on March 26th.
March 17, 2015
Could the UNF have a legitimate need for an army of jumbo soldiers? If so, something big must be on the horizon, something that is sure to change the landscape of the Aurora series...
The fourth installment in the Aurora series provides glimpses into the far reaching plots that expand and threaten this unique universe that author Amanda Bridgeman has so deftly crafted over four books. Yet, despite these tantalizing teases, it's the heartache and uncertainty surrounding the Aurora's members that is this books driving force.
Corporal Welles is carrying Jumbo twins. A pregnancy that has far reaching implications for the crew of the Aurora and the broader UNF. Impregnated by the brilliantly corrupted scientist Sharley whilst unconscious, this experiment in growing jumbos from the womb could lead to the creation of a generation of super soldiers.
Now safe and under NOK 4 level security Welles and her immediate family may not be easily accessible to Sharley and his crew of jumbos but she and those she cares for the most can never truly be safe - until Sharley is out of the picture, permanently.
As I've touched upon in my previous reviews of the first three books in the Aurora series, these books are character centric science fiction focusing on the human aspect of space travel and how those not so clear but ever present dangers affect them, and CENTRALIS is no different. This time round the character dynamic is heightened by the impending arrival of Welles' twins - of which there are two fathers, thanks to Sharley's mad methods, both close allies and friends of Welles.
While CENTRALIS isn't all about action and theatrics with much of the content coming in the crews 'downtime' or what passes for downtime in the UNF, the action is brutally efficient when it hits, and oh does it.
Fans of the Aurora series will no doubt enjoy CENTRALIS - form me, it was the glimpse into the future which provided a real highlight and sense of purpose to the jumbo experiment.
This review first appeared on my blog: http://justaguythatlikes2read.blogspo...
The fourth installment in the Aurora series provides glimpses into the far reaching plots that expand and threaten this unique universe that author Amanda Bridgeman has so deftly crafted over four books. Yet, despite these tantalizing teases, it's the heartache and uncertainty surrounding the Aurora's members that is this books driving force.
Corporal Welles is carrying Jumbo twins. A pregnancy that has far reaching implications for the crew of the Aurora and the broader UNF. Impregnated by the brilliantly corrupted scientist Sharley whilst unconscious, this experiment in growing jumbos from the womb could lead to the creation of a generation of super soldiers.
Now safe and under NOK 4 level security Welles and her immediate family may not be easily accessible to Sharley and his crew of jumbos but she and those she cares for the most can never truly be safe - until Sharley is out of the picture, permanently.
As I've touched upon in my previous reviews of the first three books in the Aurora series, these books are character centric science fiction focusing on the human aspect of space travel and how those not so clear but ever present dangers affect them, and CENTRALIS is no different. This time round the character dynamic is heightened by the impending arrival of Welles' twins - of which there are two fathers, thanks to Sharley's mad methods, both close allies and friends of Welles.
While CENTRALIS isn't all about action and theatrics with much of the content coming in the crews 'downtime' or what passes for downtime in the UNF, the action is brutally efficient when it hits, and oh does it.
Fans of the Aurora series will no doubt enjoy CENTRALIS - form me, it was the glimpse into the future which provided a real highlight and sense of purpose to the jumbo experiment.
This review first appeared on my blog: http://justaguythatlikes2read.blogspo...
March 23, 2015
Aurora: Centralis by Amanda Bridgeman
I've reviewed the previous books in this series here:
Aurora: Darwin
Aurora: Pegasus
Aurora: Meridian
I was not about to pass up NetGalley's offer for the latest in the Aurora series.
Carrie's situation has become even more dangerous, and Sharley wants her back. Not only is Carrie of major importance to his project, but he has an obsessive interest in her personally. The Aurora crew must protect her against attempts by Sharley to recapture her, and Carrie must endure endless medical observation.
Saul's dreams and the role he is to play become more evident. But boy, has he been slow in reading the purple book. I wanted to swat him, put him in a corner with the book in his hands, and refuse to let him leave until he finished.
McKinley is unhappy with the situation. What situation? That would be a spoiler, unless you read the previous book. He finds himself unwillingly tied to circumstances that he didn't initiate and with which he is truly uncomfortable.
Doc is loyal and true. Loves Carrie. Steps up to the plate over and over.
The reasons behind the initial plan to create Jumbo soldiers is revealed. And there will be another book after this one that will follow that concept.
I do love the characters, but found this installment frequently slow. From what I can tell, however, the next book should pick up the pace again. Minus a favorite character.
NetGalley/Momentum Books
Science Fiction. March 26, 2015. Print length: 617 pages. (I knew this one seemed much longer! Even though I love long books, this one could have/should have been edited to cut some of the slower parts.)
I've reviewed the previous books in this series here:
Aurora: Darwin
Aurora: Pegasus
Aurora: Meridian
I was not about to pass up NetGalley's offer for the latest in the Aurora series.
Carrie's situation has become even more dangerous, and Sharley wants her back. Not only is Carrie of major importance to his project, but he has an obsessive interest in her personally. The Aurora crew must protect her against attempts by Sharley to recapture her, and Carrie must endure endless medical observation.
Saul's dreams and the role he is to play become more evident. But boy, has he been slow in reading the purple book. I wanted to swat him, put him in a corner with the book in his hands, and refuse to let him leave until he finished.
McKinley is unhappy with the situation. What situation? That would be a spoiler, unless you read the previous book. He finds himself unwillingly tied to circumstances that he didn't initiate and with which he is truly uncomfortable.
Doc is loyal and true. Loves Carrie. Steps up to the plate over and over.
The reasons behind the initial plan to create Jumbo soldiers is revealed. And there will be another book after this one that will follow that concept.
I do love the characters, but found this installment frequently slow. From what I can tell, however, the next book should pick up the pace again. Minus a favorite character.
NetGalley/Momentum Books
Science Fiction. March 26, 2015. Print length: 617 pages. (I knew this one seemed much longer! Even though I love long books, this one could have/should have been edited to cut some of the slower parts.)
February 12, 2017
Aurora: Centralisq
Book four in the Aurora series. This is a story set in the future. Colonies have been established throughout the solar system. Earth, is slowly been drained of its natural resources. Another alien species has made contact with us. The general population does not know, but aliens are coming. Will they come in peace, or an invading force? A new soldier has been developed with greatly increased fighting abilities. But there creator is a psychotic egomaniac. He will stop at nothing to further enhance there fighting capabilities. His soldiers have become his personal assassin's to anyone who challenges him. This is a gripping story of betrayal, bravery and profound sadness . This is a truly fantastic novel ! I highly recommend!!
Book four in the Aurora series. This is a story set in the future. Colonies have been established throughout the solar system. Earth, is slowly been drained of its natural resources. Another alien species has made contact with us. The general population does not know, but aliens are coming. Will they come in peace, or an invading force? A new soldier has been developed with greatly increased fighting abilities. But there creator is a psychotic egomaniac. He will stop at nothing to further enhance there fighting capabilities. His soldiers have become his personal assassin's to anyone who challenges him. This is a gripping story of betrayal, bravery and profound sadness . This is a truly fantastic novel ! I highly recommend!!
April 1, 2015
After anxiously awaiting for nearly a year for the latest instalment of Aurora, I was definitely not disappointed. Whilst it took a while to build up I found the first half a little slow but boy did the second half make up for it.
Rarely will a book bring me to tears, but I found myself grabbing the Kleenex with conflicting emotions of sadness and elation at the same time that left me rather bereft and thoroughly emotionally drained.
Another fantastic chapter to a great story that once again leaves me wanting more and more.
I am now contemplating the long wait till the next chapter hits the market with a degree of anxiousness that may take a while to settle down.
Well done and thank you Amanda
Rarely will a book bring me to tears, but I found myself grabbing the Kleenex with conflicting emotions of sadness and elation at the same time that left me rather bereft and thoroughly emotionally drained.
Another fantastic chapter to a great story that once again leaves me wanting more and more.
I am now contemplating the long wait till the next chapter hits the market with a degree of anxiousness that may take a while to settle down.
Well done and thank you Amanda
April 1, 2015
Great...just great!! Must-read!
This debut authors books continue to amaze and surprise me. Auroras provocative, compelling and sometimes heartbreaking story line continues to leave its way through your mind and your heart from book to book . It just keeps getting better . I have to say though I was very very upset when I lost one of my favorite characters. Though painful to read I couldn't put it down. From tragedy to triumph to redemption , this series is worth much more than the author is charging . Keep this author as one of your favorites .
This debut authors books continue to amaze and surprise me. Auroras provocative, compelling and sometimes heartbreaking story line continues to leave its way through your mind and your heart from book to book . It just keeps getting better . I have to say though I was very very upset when I lost one of my favorite characters. Though painful to read I couldn't put it down. From tragedy to triumph to redemption , this series is worth much more than the author is charging . Keep this author as one of your favorites .
March 29, 2015
This is an awesome book. Can't wait until the next one in the series comes out.
Read
March 14, 2024I have really enjoyed this series so far. The concept is a little unreal, but that SCIFI for you
December 28, 2015
Disclaimer: I was provided with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This review contains spoilers for previous books.
At the end of Aurora: Meridian, Corporal Carrie Welles discovers she has been unknowingly impregnated with fraternal twins by an evil scientist. I admit I was a bit sceptical about how this would play out, feeling it was beginning to veer a bit into the territory of melodrama. However, I feel Aurora: Centralis handles its material deftly.
Centralis marks the halfway point for the Aurora series, being the fourth of eight expected books. As such, it is a transitional book and suffers a little bit from middle book sag. It's a bit of slow, with lots of waiting around. Those expecting a lot of action will be disappointed. While there is some, the focus is mostly on the characters as they deal with their changing lives and relationships. I found this gave it a stronger space-opera feel. Centralis widens the scope of the series; more time passes than throughout the other books and we begin to see the bigger picture, the bigger threat. The stakes become higher.
Prior to this book, the plot threads involving the private lives of Captain Harris and Corporal Welles remained fairly separate; now, they begin to weave together. I enjoyed seeing this convergence. Until now, their intimacy has been more one of soldiers risking their lives for each other while nevertheless maintaining the appropriate distance as soldier and commander. In Centralis, they begin to see each other more as human beings... though perhaps not quite yet as friends.
I did have a couple of issues with the story, though these are difficult to discuss without giving too much away. I was rather disappointed in the treatment of Lieutenant McKinley. I felt his attitude was treated as misguided and something that must inevitably change. Only one person actually respected his wishes and that person had no power over the situation.
There were also some messages regarding children and parenthood I'm not entirely sure I was comfortable with.
On the whole, I found it an interesting set-up to the second half of the series. The ending packed quite an emotional punch and I'm keen to see how things play out from here.
This review first appeared on Earl Grey Editing.
At the end of Aurora: Meridian, Corporal Carrie Welles discovers she has been unknowingly impregnated with fraternal twins by an evil scientist. I admit I was a bit sceptical about how this would play out, feeling it was beginning to veer a bit into the territory of melodrama. However, I feel Aurora: Centralis handles its material deftly.
Centralis marks the halfway point for the Aurora series, being the fourth of eight expected books. As such, it is a transitional book and suffers a little bit from middle book sag. It's a bit of slow, with lots of waiting around. Those expecting a lot of action will be disappointed. While there is some, the focus is mostly on the characters as they deal with their changing lives and relationships. I found this gave it a stronger space-opera feel. Centralis widens the scope of the series; more time passes than throughout the other books and we begin to see the bigger picture, the bigger threat. The stakes become higher.
Prior to this book, the plot threads involving the private lives of Captain Harris and Corporal Welles remained fairly separate; now, they begin to weave together. I enjoyed seeing this convergence. Until now, their intimacy has been more one of soldiers risking their lives for each other while nevertheless maintaining the appropriate distance as soldier and commander. In Centralis, they begin to see each other more as human beings... though perhaps not quite yet as friends.
I did have a couple of issues with the story, though these are difficult to discuss without giving too much away. I was rather disappointed in the treatment of Lieutenant McKinley. I felt his attitude was treated as misguided and something that must inevitably change. Only one person actually respected his wishes and that person had no power over the situation.
There were also some messages regarding children and parenthood I'm not entirely sure I was comfortable with.
On the whole, I found it an interesting set-up to the second half of the series. The ending packed quite an emotional punch and I'm keen to see how things play out from here.
This review first appeared on Earl Grey Editing.
June 17, 2015
“Aurora: Centralis” eBook was published in 2015 and was written by Amanda Bridgeman (http://amandabridgeman.com.au). Ms. Bridgeman has published four novels in her ‘Aurora’ series, this being the fourth.
I obtained a galley of this novel for review through https://www.netgalley.com. I would categorize this novel as ‘R’ as there are many instances of Violence and Mature Language. This Science Fiction novel is set in a far future where Earth has colonies on both the Moon and Mars, as well as some space stations united nation. It is the story of the crew of the United National Forces (UNF) vessel Aurora.
The primary characters are Corporal Carrie Welles and Saul Harris, Captain of the Aurora. [Spoilers ahead for the first 3 novels] The crew of the Aurora are on Earth after rescuing Welles and other crew members from Professor Sharley. Welles and two crew mates have been transformed into Jumbos - humans transformed by a virus into super-humans. And Welles finds that she is pregnant with Jumbo twins, having been inseminated while in captivity.
Now the crew battles to preserve Welles’ choice to have the babies, as well as protecting her from Sharley and his henchmen who want to take the babies. The crew also discovers a deep secret that lies at the root of the UNFASP (Jumbo) program. Meanwhile, Harris faces secrets of his past that he had not been willing to face.
All in all this is a pretty good story. It was a little on the long side at over 13 hours, but I enjoyed it. It was a little hard to pick up the story at first since it follows three previous novels in the series, but once into it a ways that did not seem to be a problem. I give this novel a 4.4 (rounded down to a 4) out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at http://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
I obtained a galley of this novel for review through https://www.netgalley.com. I would categorize this novel as ‘R’ as there are many instances of Violence and Mature Language. This Science Fiction novel is set in a far future where Earth has colonies on both the Moon and Mars, as well as some space stations united nation. It is the story of the crew of the United National Forces (UNF) vessel Aurora.
The primary characters are Corporal Carrie Welles and Saul Harris, Captain of the Aurora. [Spoilers ahead for the first 3 novels] The crew of the Aurora are on Earth after rescuing Welles and other crew members from Professor Sharley. Welles and two crew mates have been transformed into Jumbos - humans transformed by a virus into super-humans. And Welles finds that she is pregnant with Jumbo twins, having been inseminated while in captivity.
Now the crew battles to preserve Welles’ choice to have the babies, as well as protecting her from Sharley and his henchmen who want to take the babies. The crew also discovers a deep secret that lies at the root of the UNFASP (Jumbo) program. Meanwhile, Harris faces secrets of his past that he had not been willing to face.
All in all this is a pretty good story. It was a little on the long side at over 13 hours, but I enjoyed it. It was a little hard to pick up the story at first since it follows three previous novels in the series, but once into it a ways that did not seem to be a problem. I give this novel a 4.4 (rounded down to a 4) out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at http://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews