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Nomad Series #1
Ares
When they realised who he was…
…The Foundation wanted him back.
Will Terra betray the man who saved her?
For twenty years, Gryffin, a man who was given cybernetics as a child, hid. All the other children had died. Now, as the leader of the Nomad, he captains the largest pirate ship in the fleet. Everything changed when he spotted her on the rundown space station.
Terra was in trouble.
Was rescuing her a mistake?
Officer Terra Rush believed in her duty to the Foundation. The Sector needed to be prepared for colonization, and nothing could stop her from doing her job...except him. She will need to make a choice.
Follow her orders…
…or follow her heart.
The Foundation would stop at nothing to erase the last vestige of their project. The truth must never get out. They tried to transform human children into hybrid cyborgs - half human, half machine. If they had succeeded, the soldiers would be perfect killing machines.
Now they must get Gryffin - dead or alive.
You’ll love this epic first book in the Nomad Series, because when the lines between humans and technology blur, it is the beginning of a new age.
Get it now.
…The Foundation wanted him back.
Will Terra betray the man who saved her?
For twenty years, Gryffin, a man who was given cybernetics as a child, hid. All the other children had died. Now, as the leader of the Nomad, he captains the largest pirate ship in the fleet. Everything changed when he spotted her on the rundown space station.
Terra was in trouble.
Was rescuing her a mistake?
Officer Terra Rush believed in her duty to the Foundation. The Sector needed to be prepared for colonization, and nothing could stop her from doing her job...except him. She will need to make a choice.
Follow her orders…
…or follow her heart.
The Foundation would stop at nothing to erase the last vestige of their project. The truth must never get out. They tried to transform human children into hybrid cyborgs - half human, half machine. If they had succeeded, the soldiers would be perfect killing machines.
Now they must get Gryffin - dead or alive.
You’ll love this epic first book in the Nomad Series, because when the lines between humans and technology blur, it is the beginning of a new age.
Get it now.
524 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2015
12 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
K.A. Finn
22 books26 followersI’m an Irish author based in Meath. I love writing romance fiction featuring damaged, moody, book boyfriends searching for their happily ever after.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 6, 2018
Ares
Nomad, Book 1
By: K.A. Finn
Narrated by: Keith Michaelson
This is an audible book I requested and the review is voluntary.
I loved this book! Wow, I am hooked! I had listened to a later book but I needed to know the start and boy, it is amazing to know how all this started for Griffin. Wow. This is such a great sci-fi novel. Griff is taken as a 10 year old boy and experimented on and made into a cyborg. No one knows he is alive. All the others that is kidnapped and experimented on died, he is the only one that lived. Somehow he got away, his number is 35. It is so exciting. I don't want to say anything more about the book except that it is so exciting, lots of action, touch of romance, adventure, suspense, and a must read/listen.
The narrator was perfect! Wow, he does the women's voices so well, I was so surprised! Great job.
Nomad, Book 1
By: K.A. Finn
Narrated by: Keith Michaelson
This is an audible book I requested and the review is voluntary.
I loved this book! Wow, I am hooked! I had listened to a later book but I needed to know the start and boy, it is amazing to know how all this started for Griffin. Wow. This is such a great sci-fi novel. Griff is taken as a 10 year old boy and experimented on and made into a cyborg. No one knows he is alive. All the others that is kidnapped and experimented on died, he is the only one that lived. Somehow he got away, his number is 35. It is so exciting. I don't want to say anything more about the book except that it is so exciting, lots of action, touch of romance, adventure, suspense, and a must read/listen.
The narrator was perfect! Wow, he does the women's voices so well, I was so surprised! Great job.
December 16, 2015
My original Ares audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
Ares by K.A. Finn is the first book in a series called Nomad. Set in vicinity of a series of planets that the main government organization called the Foundation is trying to civilize, Griffin of the rebel group Nomad are insistent on keeping the colonies free of Foundation control and within Nomad protection. In addition to the Foundation trying to control these free planets, Griffin and the Nomad also have to contend with a rival rebel group called the Hunters. While he is the leader of the Nomad, Griffin must also fight himself for control of his own actions and feelings. Griffin is no ordinary man. He was kidnapped as a child and modified to be a cyborg: part human, part machine. Mind control implants in his head push him to extreme violence when Griffin is not in control of his mind. Right around the time that Griffin meets Foundation officer Terra Rush, everything in his life begins to spin out of control. Fighting himself and his feelings for Terra, he must find a way to keep the colonies under his protection and free from Foundation control.
This novel grew on me leaps and bounds and I was completely engrossed by the end. The plot is winding and there are a lot of moving parts, but they work together really well. The relationships between the characters are well thought out and not revealed until opportune moments with great effect. Some of these reveals/twists can be guessed, but others left my mouth hanging open! During the novel, however, some of the feelings between characters seem to grow intense abruptly. For example, the romance between Griffin and Terra is extremely abrupt – no reasoning, just deep love seemingly out of nowhere. While this definitely induces a few eye-rolls, once I was able to get past this, their romance was fun. I liked all of the characters and I understood their motivations for the actions that they take. They each have depth of experience guiding their actions. The end is exciting and there is a definite conclusion, while leaving so much more to be revealed as the story progresses in the next novels. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
The narration by Keith Michaelson was excellent. He really captures the tone of the characters. I liked the varied accents and the creepy voices left me cringing. He did an excellent job. The production quality was good as well. Something to keep in mind overall, the tense of the novel is in active. This took me off guard as apparently most of the books that I listen to either don’t use this tense or I don’t typically notice. It took me about an hour to put my finger on it, but it bothered me for a bit. However, I stopped noticing as the novel progressed and the plot became more complicated. I would recommend this novel to anyone who loves space based science fiction, outlaws, and fighting against the establishment.
Audiobook provided for review by the author.
Ares by K.A. Finn is the first book in a series called Nomad. Set in vicinity of a series of planets that the main government organization called the Foundation is trying to civilize, Griffin of the rebel group Nomad are insistent on keeping the colonies free of Foundation control and within Nomad protection. In addition to the Foundation trying to control these free planets, Griffin and the Nomad also have to contend with a rival rebel group called the Hunters. While he is the leader of the Nomad, Griffin must also fight himself for control of his own actions and feelings. Griffin is no ordinary man. He was kidnapped as a child and modified to be a cyborg: part human, part machine. Mind control implants in his head push him to extreme violence when Griffin is not in control of his mind. Right around the time that Griffin meets Foundation officer Terra Rush, everything in his life begins to spin out of control. Fighting himself and his feelings for Terra, he must find a way to keep the colonies under his protection and free from Foundation control.
This novel grew on me leaps and bounds and I was completely engrossed by the end. The plot is winding and there are a lot of moving parts, but they work together really well. The relationships between the characters are well thought out and not revealed until opportune moments with great effect. Some of these reveals/twists can be guessed, but others left my mouth hanging open! During the novel, however, some of the feelings between characters seem to grow intense abruptly. For example, the romance between Griffin and Terra is extremely abrupt – no reasoning, just deep love seemingly out of nowhere. While this definitely induces a few eye-rolls, once I was able to get past this, their romance was fun. I liked all of the characters and I understood their motivations for the actions that they take. They each have depth of experience guiding their actions. The end is exciting and there is a definite conclusion, while leaving so much more to be revealed as the story progresses in the next novels. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
The narration by Keith Michaelson was excellent. He really captures the tone of the characters. I liked the varied accents and the creepy voices left me cringing. He did an excellent job. The production quality was good as well. Something to keep in mind overall, the tense of the novel is in active. This took me off guard as apparently most of the books that I listen to either don’t use this tense or I don’t typically notice. It took me about an hour to put my finger on it, but it bothered me for a bit. However, I stopped noticing as the novel progressed and the plot became more complicated. I would recommend this novel to anyone who loves space based science fiction, outlaws, and fighting against the establishment.
Audiobook provided for review by the author.
August 8, 2015
So much to share after this amazing story! I need to collect my thoughts after this adventure with Gryffin, Terra, Roman, Chayse, Alena, and oh so many more. The ups and downs in their lives, the things they learn and see, along with how they come to where they are now.... I am completely taken with this story and loved it. Great space opera story!
****FULL REVIEW****
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com, at my request.
The Foundation Council is now more determined than every to take control of the colonies here, in a sector where criminals reside, and the location of a lost secret project that was to have been performed and destroyed. There are a few who are with the Foundation, and were involved in the secret project, who hope all evidence is destroyed and gone. No one's ever fought back against the Foundation. Captain Gryffin is protecting his villages as The Nomad has agreed to do. But it seems nothing will stop the powerful Foundation. But the illegal ship of Gryffin's will do their best. But by doing so, Gryffin, who hides his metal augmentation and implants, is recognized and the Foundation wants more than just the colonies. Those that created him, want their successful project back. And to create more.
So much to share on this enjoyable story! Where do I start?!?
Keith's voice is a low rumble that I enjoy. Keith is a wonderful fit for the many voices of Ares. There are many male voice, but there are females as well which he softens his voice to portray. At times he reminds me of Sam Elliot when doing Gryffin's voice. He is talented at the accent of some of the Foundation officers and Hunter crew. There are many characters here and Keith does well to differentiate their voices in slight changes of tones and softness to his voice. I really like the way Keith does the Scientist. lol. He switches through voices with ease as we listen. Nice. He does the gruff feel for Gryffin in the way a dangerous Captain would be. Keith is a wonderful pick for the story.
The cool thing about this audio... You know in the movies when you hear a voice and you know that voice, but you don't see the character physically? That happens here a few times and I found that I was holding my breath, waiting to see the character. Or in this case the solid definite name. It was that I knew but had to have that solid evidence to back me. And the impact that goes with that evidence. Just wow.
At first I re-listened to the beginning of the story. I was getting my people mixed up as we start with seeing Captain Gryffin then go to a view with Roman. I wasn't sure who these people were yet or who they are affiliated with. In re-listening I learned they are not together. Gryffin is captain of his own ship and Roman is captain of his ship that's part of the Foundation and there's a battle happening. Yet some are of the same crew and they are doing things that I wouldn't think those of the same crew would do. This is where things start for us, and we see that something is not right with a few people. But, at this early in the game, we never imagine the depth of how things are twisted.
A space opera through and through. So many lives connected and affected here. There are conspiracies and dark secrets in every organization. Deceptions and new allies. All collide here with Foundation Council wanting new colonies, Admirals and their own secret project, Someone on Ares twisting things against Gryffin, Gryffin struggling with his mechanical tech wanting to take complete control of him. The Foundation ship has her own stories and connections between the crew and other characters. There is a deep story here.
I think this science fiction story is one that all, male and female, can enjoy. There is lots of fighting and action that fit to the deep story and the secrets everyone holds. I love the important pieces we get constantly through this story. The information is worked in with each scene and so important. There are a few times I had to stop the audio and digest the impact of the important pieces at the end of the story. They are huge and mean so much! Well played. Well played. There's a loyalty of the ships, or questionable loyalty as well. But there is a love intertwined to the characters as well.
There seems to be an attraction, and potential love interest, from the first meeting of Gryffin and Terra. Well...maybe not at first meeting, but after she wakes up from the drug he gave her. He had reason. ;) lol. It's cool and I enjoyed their meeting. Terra also never seems to be dissuaded from looking or interacting, even yelling at, with Gryffin. Terra sees something else in him that no one else ever has. She's strong in her convictions and also a kind soul.
This is an emotional science fiction. I loved this story as it has so much I wanted and enjoyed. The characters become as emotionally invested as I did. The fear of what could happen, has happened, curiosity as to the hidden secrets, and love. There is a growing love that could pull deeper and help. There comes a point I feel my heart and stomach drop. What Gryffin has created for what's to come, it's not what you would expect but is exactly what Gryffin would do. I feel terrible for Gryffin now.
Gryffin...Now Gryffin is a very special character. What he's gone through in his life has created the man he is now. And is also why he fights with himself. He's man and part machine. This creates much pain and torment for his mind and body.
The ending had me hanging on every action. It moves fast with short sections from different views so we get the who battle in the moment. It's exciting and drawing!
My only complaint of the book, is the cover. The cover looks like it's a YA story, that the characters are young kids. But it's not. The characters are adults - Terra is 25, Gryffin is early 30's. But if that's it, I'm A-okay with that!
KA Finn has created an outstanding first book here! I'll be anxiously awaiting NEMESIS to come out. KA has set the bar high with this mesmerizing first book and I can't wait to see the crew again!
****FULL REVIEW****
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com, at my request.
The Foundation Council is now more determined than every to take control of the colonies here, in a sector where criminals reside, and the location of a lost secret project that was to have been performed and destroyed. There are a few who are with the Foundation, and were involved in the secret project, who hope all evidence is destroyed and gone. No one's ever fought back against the Foundation. Captain Gryffin is protecting his villages as The Nomad has agreed to do. But it seems nothing will stop the powerful Foundation. But the illegal ship of Gryffin's will do their best. But by doing so, Gryffin, who hides his metal augmentation and implants, is recognized and the Foundation wants more than just the colonies. Those that created him, want their successful project back. And to create more.
So much to share on this enjoyable story! Where do I start?!?
Keith's voice is a low rumble that I enjoy. Keith is a wonderful fit for the many voices of Ares. There are many male voice, but there are females as well which he softens his voice to portray. At times he reminds me of Sam Elliot when doing Gryffin's voice. He is talented at the accent of some of the Foundation officers and Hunter crew. There are many characters here and Keith does well to differentiate their voices in slight changes of tones and softness to his voice. I really like the way Keith does the Scientist. lol. He switches through voices with ease as we listen. Nice. He does the gruff feel for Gryffin in the way a dangerous Captain would be. Keith is a wonderful pick for the story.
The cool thing about this audio... You know in the movies when you hear a voice and you know that voice, but you don't see the character physically? That happens here a few times and I found that I was holding my breath, waiting to see the character. Or in this case the solid definite name. It was that I knew but had to have that solid evidence to back me. And the impact that goes with that evidence. Just wow.
At first I re-listened to the beginning of the story. I was getting my people mixed up as we start with seeing Captain Gryffin then go to a view with Roman. I wasn't sure who these people were yet or who they are affiliated with. In re-listening I learned they are not together. Gryffin is captain of his own ship and Roman is captain of his ship that's part of the Foundation and there's a battle happening. Yet some are of the same crew and they are doing things that I wouldn't think those of the same crew would do. This is where things start for us, and we see that something is not right with a few people. But, at this early in the game, we never imagine the depth of how things are twisted.
A space opera through and through. So many lives connected and affected here. There are conspiracies and dark secrets in every organization. Deceptions and new allies. All collide here with Foundation Council wanting new colonies, Admirals and their own secret project, Someone on Ares twisting things against Gryffin, Gryffin struggling with his mechanical tech wanting to take complete control of him. The Foundation ship has her own stories and connections between the crew and other characters. There is a deep story here.
I think this science fiction story is one that all, male and female, can enjoy. There is lots of fighting and action that fit to the deep story and the secrets everyone holds. I love the important pieces we get constantly through this story. The information is worked in with each scene and so important. There are a few times I had to stop the audio and digest the impact of the important pieces at the end of the story. They are huge and mean so much! Well played. Well played. There's a loyalty of the ships, or questionable loyalty as well. But there is a love intertwined to the characters as well.
There seems to be an attraction, and potential love interest, from the first meeting of Gryffin and Terra. Well...maybe not at first meeting, but after she wakes up from the drug he gave her. He had reason. ;) lol. It's cool and I enjoyed their meeting. Terra also never seems to be dissuaded from looking or interacting, even yelling at, with Gryffin. Terra sees something else in him that no one else ever has. She's strong in her convictions and also a kind soul.
This is an emotional science fiction. I loved this story as it has so much I wanted and enjoyed. The characters become as emotionally invested as I did. The fear of what could happen, has happened, curiosity as to the hidden secrets, and love. There is a growing love that could pull deeper and help. There comes a point I feel my heart and stomach drop. What Gryffin has created for what's to come, it's not what you would expect but is exactly what Gryffin would do. I feel terrible for Gryffin now.
Gryffin...Now Gryffin is a very special character. What he's gone through in his life has created the man he is now. And is also why he fights with himself. He's man and part machine. This creates much pain and torment for his mind and body.
The ending had me hanging on every action. It moves fast with short sections from different views so we get the who battle in the moment. It's exciting and drawing!
My only complaint of the book, is the cover. The cover looks like it's a YA story, that the characters are young kids. But it's not. The characters are adults - Terra is 25, Gryffin is early 30's. But if that's it, I'm A-okay with that!
KA Finn has created an outstanding first book here! I'll be anxiously awaiting NEMESIS to come out. KA has set the bar high with this mesmerizing first book and I can't wait to see the crew again!
May 25, 2015
I ignored my kids for a day to get to the end of Ares. The story is rich and full of unexpected twists and turns. Ares lingered in my mind. I still find myself thinking about the story even though it’s been weeks since reading it. I put the book down and kept saying “wow” in my head. I can honestly say ‘I didn’t see that coming’ with regards to the end.
I think of this story as Star Wars meets Beauty and the Beast, but darker. Some of the gore may not sit well with the sensitive reader, but these sections are small and easy to skip over if that’s not your thing. I found myself rooting for the seemingly unlovable main character, Gryffin, a murderer and a ruthless leader, is broken mechanically and emotionally. Politics, intrigue, romance and deceitful characters drive the story of man against himself. The difficult romance between Gryffin and Terra was probably my favorite facet of the story, but I’m a sucker for twisted romance.
KA Finn’s writing style is down to earth. I feel like I could sit down and have a chat with most of the characters, except perhaps Gryffin, but he’s not much of a talker anyway. I see that another reviewer have commented on the style, but it is written in present tense vs. past tense. My only difficulty following the writing came in a couple sections where the viewpoint shifts by paragraph. It’s only a couple sections, but a bit awkward to follow.
I highly recommend the book. I don’t give out many 5 star reviews, but I would give this at least a 4.5 for the story alone.
I think of this story as Star Wars meets Beauty and the Beast, but darker. Some of the gore may not sit well with the sensitive reader, but these sections are small and easy to skip over if that’s not your thing. I found myself rooting for the seemingly unlovable main character, Gryffin, a murderer and a ruthless leader, is broken mechanically and emotionally. Politics, intrigue, romance and deceitful characters drive the story of man against himself. The difficult romance between Gryffin and Terra was probably my favorite facet of the story, but I’m a sucker for twisted romance.
KA Finn’s writing style is down to earth. I feel like I could sit down and have a chat with most of the characters, except perhaps Gryffin, but he’s not much of a talker anyway. I see that another reviewer have commented on the style, but it is written in present tense vs. past tense. My only difficulty following the writing came in a couple sections where the viewpoint shifts by paragraph. It’s only a couple sections, but a bit awkward to follow.
I highly recommend the book. I don’t give out many 5 star reviews, but I would give this at least a 4.5 for the story alone.
August 25, 2015
I would actually give this 3 1/2 stars if I could. It started out really slow. There were a lot of things being introduced that I didn't understand. But, once all of the characters were revealed, things went from a 2 star read to a 5 star read. Halfway through the action kicked in. Griffin's (our main character) path and destiny was spelled out. Griffin was a very conflicted character. He's had implants put in against his will, and they are causing him to do things that he doesn't want to do. He is in charge of keeping his people safe and must destroy the faction trying to make him do just the opposite.
This book had a strong finish. I really am looking forward to the next book.
This book had a strong finish. I really am looking forward to the next book.
January 27, 2024
I loved this book. I like scifi and moody characters. Plus I really enjoy plot with my spice.
The characters are great. I’ve read 3 of this series so far and I’m still in love with the characters.
I read book one in one sitting on a quiet bank holiday Monday. Purely because I couldn’t put it down.
Highly recommend.
The characters are great. I’ve read 3 of this series so far and I’m still in love with the characters.
I read book one in one sitting on a quiet bank holiday Monday. Purely because I couldn’t put it down.
Highly recommend.
October 12, 2020
Disclaimer: I am appreciative to the publisher, BooksGoSocial, for providing a review copy of this book.
"Ares" is the first book in the Nomad space opera series by K.A. Finn. This books is a successful combination of several literary genre and concepts that results in a nicely readable space opera adventure. The rocky and steamy relationship between between the two main characters, Gryffin and Terra was straight out of a Harlequin romance. Other parts of the book adopt the best of the old west cowboy genre. Gryffin's character develops nicely through the book as we learn more about him, and he opens up. Terra's character is a very believable "girl next door" who happens to be a highly competent officer on a Foundation spaceship. Most of the characters are very understandable, and as the novel progresses, the many long standing relationships that are revealed between seemingly unrelated major characters make for an interesting and complicated situation.
"Ares" had everything one would expect in a space opera: a seemingly good but increasingly ominous "Foundation", Foundation admirals and captains of varying levels of decency and loyalty, rogue outlaw groups that initially seem like dangerous motorcycle gangs, who turn out to be quite moral, "old west" style colonies complete with gun battles, a sadistic mad scientist with a love for inflicting painful surgery, exploding spaceships, portals allowing faster-than-light-travel, and more.
After the first half of the book lays the foundation and firmly introduces the characters and scenario, the last half of the book was an exciting and enjoyable pleasure to read.
"Ares" is the first book in the Nomad space opera series by K.A. Finn. This books is a successful combination of several literary genre and concepts that results in a nicely readable space opera adventure. The rocky and steamy relationship between between the two main characters, Gryffin and Terra was straight out of a Harlequin romance. Other parts of the book adopt the best of the old west cowboy genre. Gryffin's character develops nicely through the book as we learn more about him, and he opens up. Terra's character is a very believable "girl next door" who happens to be a highly competent officer on a Foundation spaceship. Most of the characters are very understandable, and as the novel progresses, the many long standing relationships that are revealed between seemingly unrelated major characters make for an interesting and complicated situation.
"Ares" had everything one would expect in a space opera: a seemingly good but increasingly ominous "Foundation", Foundation admirals and captains of varying levels of decency and loyalty, rogue outlaw groups that initially seem like dangerous motorcycle gangs, who turn out to be quite moral, "old west" style colonies complete with gun battles, a sadistic mad scientist with a love for inflicting painful surgery, exploding spaceships, portals allowing faster-than-light-travel, and more.
After the first half of the book lays the foundation and firmly introduces the characters and scenario, the last half of the book was an exciting and enjoyable pleasure to read.
June 28, 2016
Gryffin is the human/cyborg captain of the Nomad ship Ares. Here in the Outer Sector, Nomad and the Foundation fight for domination over the scattered colonies. Lt. Terra Rush serves on a Foundation ship, following in her father’s foot steps. However, when she crosses paths with Gryffin, her loyalties become divided. Gryffin has spent the last 20 years attempting to suppress his human nature, but his feelings start to unfurl once he meets Terra.
So, basically, this is Sons of Anarchy in space. That doesn’t mean it’s bad, but it does mean it’s a little predictable. Gryffin and the Nomads are basically outlaws, and look the stereotypical part with long hair, leather clothes, piercings, tattoos, etc. They make individual agreements with the settlements, providing protection for a place to set down when needed and favorable trade arrangements. Gryffin is the heir to the Nomad leadership, having pushed for more trade and less pirating. When traveling around on the surface of a planet, the Nomads have black, sleek motorcycles. Then there’s the Foundation, which represents law and order for the story. When a colony aligns with them, the Foundation makes all the rules and the settlement abides. Even some of the character names in this book are the same to characters in the TV show: Terra (the main love interest) and Clay (Gryffin’s second in command).
Once I got beyond the bikers in space idea, I was really intrigued by first Gryffin but then also the politics surrounding him (much of which he is unaware of until the end of the book). Gryffin was abducted as a teenager and spent some years being transformed into a partial cyborg before he was able to escape. Now in his mid 30s, he has a successful life with the Nomad which gives him purpose. However, some implant in his head is making him freak out more and more often and his crew has the injuries to show for it. For some reason, Gryffin can’t read. We never find out why and it bothered me a bit that it was never really explained. He was old enough to have some basic reading skills by the time he was abducted, so did one of those implants give him a reading disorder? Anyway, while it’s a small thing, the author could easily have taken 2 sentences to easily explain it. Gryffin’s illiteracy, his anger management issues, and brute strength made me picture him like a Conan the Barbarian in space. Though Conan got more play; Ares doesn’t allow women on board, believing they are bad luck. Snort.
Terra Rush started off as an interesting character. Her father is dead and her captain, Ramon, was his good friend. She sees Ramon as an uncle or perhaps surrogate father and he sometimes treats her as a daughter, watching out for her. She’s the newest member to the ship but still has a fair bit of training under her belt. She can put up a decent fight, is a fair shot, and can improvise as needed. However, once she meets Gryffin, she turns into a klutz and is repeatedly tripping, running into people, or falling into pits. Hence, Gryffin has several opportunities to rescue her. For much of the book, she’s the love interest and spends her energy in trying to puzzle out Gryffin and provide him some comfort. The sex scenes are non-existent, having some heavy kissing, close the curtain and time passes, and then how Terra feels afterwards. I would have enjoyed a bit more detail, but that’s me.
So, basically, this is Sons of Anarchy in space. That doesn’t mean it’s bad, but it does mean it’s a little predictable. Gryffin and the Nomads are basically outlaws, and look the stereotypical part with long hair, leather clothes, piercings, tattoos, etc. They make individual agreements with the settlements, providing protection for a place to set down when needed and favorable trade arrangements. Gryffin is the heir to the Nomad leadership, having pushed for more trade and less pirating. When traveling around on the surface of a planet, the Nomads have black, sleek motorcycles. Then there’s the Foundation, which represents law and order for the story. When a colony aligns with them, the Foundation makes all the rules and the settlement abides. Even some of the character names in this book are the same to characters in the TV show: Terra (the main love interest) and Clay (Gryffin’s second in command).
Once I got beyond the bikers in space idea, I was really intrigued by first Gryffin but then also the politics surrounding him (much of which he is unaware of until the end of the book). Gryffin was abducted as a teenager and spent some years being transformed into a partial cyborg before he was able to escape. Now in his mid 30s, he has a successful life with the Nomad which gives him purpose. However, some implant in his head is making him freak out more and more often and his crew has the injuries to show for it. For some reason, Gryffin can’t read. We never find out why and it bothered me a bit that it was never really explained. He was old enough to have some basic reading skills by the time he was abducted, so did one of those implants give him a reading disorder? Anyway, while it’s a small thing, the author could easily have taken 2 sentences to easily explain it. Gryffin’s illiteracy, his anger management issues, and brute strength made me picture him like a Conan the Barbarian in space. Though Conan got more play; Ares doesn’t allow women on board, believing they are bad luck. Snort.
Terra Rush started off as an interesting character. Her father is dead and her captain, Ramon, was his good friend. She sees Ramon as an uncle or perhaps surrogate father and he sometimes treats her as a daughter, watching out for her. She’s the newest member to the ship but still has a fair bit of training under her belt. She can put up a decent fight, is a fair shot, and can improvise as needed. However, once she meets Gryffin, she turns into a klutz and is repeatedly tripping, running into people, or falling into pits. Hence, Gryffin has several opportunities to rescue her. For much of the book, she’s the love interest and spends her energy in trying to puzzle out Gryffin and provide him some comfort. The sex scenes are non-existent, having some heavy kissing, close the curtain and time passes, and then how Terra feels afterwards. I would have enjoyed a bit more detail, but that’s me.
January 13, 2016
Normally, I don’t have a hard time writing a blurb for a book. Sometimes I do just due to the spoiler nature of the way the book is written. With Ares, I’m having a had time because there is so much going on here, and so much to spoil, I don’t want to give too much away. So, do me a favor and read the blurb below for the description of the book.
Keith Michaelson has a great voice, the narration for this was pretty good. I found myself feeling like it was a little drawn out, but I don’t think that was Michaelson’s fault. He was slightly monotone and didn’t seem completely “into” the story as some narrators I’ve listened to, but other times he would. I can’t tell if it was just his “narrator” voice compared to voicing a character. I don’t think that would be a major turn off for most listeners, though. The quality of this audiobook was great, no issues at all.
I’ve never officially realized that I was listening/reading a “space opera” until this book. I knew going into it that it was given that sort of title. I have read other books that now looking back on them would fit a similar genre tag, but didn’t realize it then. Sometimes when a book gets tagged with a certain genre it will get pigeonholed into it and won’t come out or be accepted by readers of other genres.
This book was different. For me, I usually don’t like the oh we’re in space, and lets sprinkle in some love-type sci-fi. But Finn seems to do a good job with this. I am not a reader of new adult or anything similar to that, but I can say that the sexual/sensual scenes were left to ones imagination (which is nice for younger readers).
The book had a pretty good flow to it, only a few times did I find myself going… “wait, what?” due to the timeline jump between scenes. Even being a little longer than I would normally enjoy, I found myself listening to this late into the night trying to figure out what would happen next.
I think this book could have been condensed some, there were some scenes and parts of the book that just felt like they were there as filler, and while it didn’t take away from the story, a lot of people won’t sit through 16+ hours of an audio book due to it’s daunting size. While, I’m sure others out there prefer long stories (like Stephen King).
Overall, KA Finn has written a wonderfully crafted Space Opera with in-depth characters and a story that was both fun and interesting. I will be looking forward to the next book in this series.
Keith Michaelson has a great voice, the narration for this was pretty good. I found myself feeling like it was a little drawn out, but I don’t think that was Michaelson’s fault. He was slightly monotone and didn’t seem completely “into” the story as some narrators I’ve listened to, but other times he would. I can’t tell if it was just his “narrator” voice compared to voicing a character. I don’t think that would be a major turn off for most listeners, though. The quality of this audiobook was great, no issues at all.
I’ve never officially realized that I was listening/reading a “space opera” until this book. I knew going into it that it was given that sort of title. I have read other books that now looking back on them would fit a similar genre tag, but didn’t realize it then. Sometimes when a book gets tagged with a certain genre it will get pigeonholed into it and won’t come out or be accepted by readers of other genres.
This book was different. For me, I usually don’t like the oh we’re in space, and lets sprinkle in some love-type sci-fi. But Finn seems to do a good job with this. I am not a reader of new adult or anything similar to that, but I can say that the sexual/sensual scenes were left to ones imagination (which is nice for younger readers).
The book had a pretty good flow to it, only a few times did I find myself going… “wait, what?” due to the timeline jump between scenes. Even being a little longer than I would normally enjoy, I found myself listening to this late into the night trying to figure out what would happen next.
I think this book could have been condensed some, there were some scenes and parts of the book that just felt like they were there as filler, and while it didn’t take away from the story, a lot of people won’t sit through 16+ hours of an audio book due to it’s daunting size. While, I’m sure others out there prefer long stories (like Stephen King).
Overall, KA Finn has written a wonderfully crafted Space Opera with in-depth characters and a story that was both fun and interesting. I will be looking forward to the next book in this series.
June 3, 2016
This review is for the audio version of the book.
Don’t let the 16 hour run time deter you from listening to this book. It will keep you interested the entire time and it never feels like there are things added just to make the book longer.
Gryffin is a nomad, living out of his ship Ares in space far from earth. He is half human half machine as the result of horrific experiments done on children. He is a weapon and is feared and respected by many. The experiments were done at the hands of the Foundation which is an earth based militaristic government organization that attempts to control sectors and colonies in space. Terra is an officer for the foundation and is on assignment in an area of space very far from earth. Her captain is tasked with recruiting colonies to support the foundation so that more ships may come to the area. During a break on a space station, Gryffin saves Terra’s life which leads to major changes in both their lives.
The foundation believed all the subjects of the experiments died in an explosion and were surprised to learn that a man with implants aided one of their officers, this knowledge leads them on a witch hunt to track Gryffin down. I don’t want to say much more about that in fear of spoiling anything.
This book had me glued to my Audible app at every free moment I had. I actually looked forward to a car ride because it gave me more time to listen to the book. It is a very interesting and often frustrating story with many characters that keeps you very interested. Sometimes I had trouble remembering one character from another, especially when they shared the same first letter of their name. It just took me a second though to figure out who it was so it wasn’t a big problem for me. The point is, that there are a lot of characters in this book! There were some major surprises and twists that I did not see coming despite my attempts to guess the future.
The book ends leaving you wanting more and I have already downloaded book 2 because I don’t want to wait to find out what happens next.
The narrator did a great job! He was able to differentiate the characters very well and did some decent female voices along with a couple of accented voices. His Gryffin is very powerful and gruff, just as you expect him to be. This is my first time listening to a book narrated by Keith Michaelson and I was impressed.
I received this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Don’t let the 16 hour run time deter you from listening to this book. It will keep you interested the entire time and it never feels like there are things added just to make the book longer.
Gryffin is a nomad, living out of his ship Ares in space far from earth. He is half human half machine as the result of horrific experiments done on children. He is a weapon and is feared and respected by many. The experiments were done at the hands of the Foundation which is an earth based militaristic government organization that attempts to control sectors and colonies in space. Terra is an officer for the foundation and is on assignment in an area of space very far from earth. Her captain is tasked with recruiting colonies to support the foundation so that more ships may come to the area. During a break on a space station, Gryffin saves Terra’s life which leads to major changes in both their lives.
The foundation believed all the subjects of the experiments died in an explosion and were surprised to learn that a man with implants aided one of their officers, this knowledge leads them on a witch hunt to track Gryffin down. I don’t want to say much more about that in fear of spoiling anything.
This book had me glued to my Audible app at every free moment I had. I actually looked forward to a car ride because it gave me more time to listen to the book. It is a very interesting and often frustrating story with many characters that keeps you very interested. Sometimes I had trouble remembering one character from another, especially when they shared the same first letter of their name. It just took me a second though to figure out who it was so it wasn’t a big problem for me. The point is, that there are a lot of characters in this book! There were some major surprises and twists that I did not see coming despite my attempts to guess the future.
The book ends leaving you wanting more and I have already downloaded book 2 because I don’t want to wait to find out what happens next.
The narrator did a great job! He was able to differentiate the characters very well and did some decent female voices along with a couple of accented voices. His Gryffin is very powerful and gruff, just as you expect him to be. This is my first time listening to a book narrated by Keith Michaelson and I was impressed.
I received this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
June 11, 2016
Pro: Space Battles! Great chemistry between characters. World Building. Griffin. I'm a sucker for an angst y alpha male.
Meh: Timing between sections and within sections...some of the scenes seemed too quick, while others felt too drawn out for the actions. The speed of some of the surgeries and such. It seemed like a blink of the eye that the characters would be operated on and then just as quick moving around, etc. Seemed to push the boundaries of acceptable realism.
Cons: The actions of Terra, the heroine, seemed a bit to naive for an officer, and while that does reveal a cherished innocence, it was also annoying that some of her actions were ill thought out in the grand scheme of things. In other words, I really wanted to shake her and yell because she was being stupid about issues at times. The graphic inferences of the 'surgeries'. Some of the plot was a bit predictable.
It took about 40 or so minutes to really get hooked on the story, but after that I couldn't stop listening. While the plot did have some obvious predictability, and I have issues with the female lead's actions, overall this was a good beginning novel for what I hope to be a great series. I'm looking forward to devouring the next book!
I listened to the audio version of the book, and Mr. Michaelson's performance was well done. I enjoyed his rough gravelly voice for Griffin which gave me shivers in a very good way. He was able to create distinctive voices for all the main characters which I appreciate. The voicing he choose for the "Surgeon" really creeped me out. *shudder*
This book was gifted in exchange for an unbiased review via audiobook blast dot com.
Meh: Timing between sections and within sections...some of the scenes seemed too quick, while others felt too drawn out for the actions. The speed of some of the surgeries and such. It seemed like a blink of the eye that the characters would be operated on and then just as quick moving around, etc. Seemed to push the boundaries of acceptable realism.
Cons: The actions of Terra, the heroine, seemed a bit to naive for an officer, and while that does reveal a cherished innocence, it was also annoying that some of her actions were ill thought out in the grand scheme of things. In other words, I really wanted to shake her and yell because she was being stupid about issues at times. The graphic inferences of the 'surgeries'. Some of the plot was a bit predictable.
It took about 40 or so minutes to really get hooked on the story, but after that I couldn't stop listening. While the plot did have some obvious predictability, and I have issues with the female lead's actions, overall this was a good beginning novel for what I hope to be a great series. I'm looking forward to devouring the next book!
I listened to the audio version of the book, and Mr. Michaelson's performance was well done. I enjoyed his rough gravelly voice for Griffin which gave me shivers in a very good way. He was able to create distinctive voices for all the main characters which I appreciate. The voicing he choose for the "Surgeon" really creeped me out. *shudder*
This book was gifted in exchange for an unbiased review via audiobook blast dot com.
August 5, 2016
KA Finn has created a richly detailed and complex futuristic earth society.
Gryffin was kidnapped and subjected to horrific procedures as a child that turn him into a cyborg. Raid saved Gryffin and made him a Nomad and, eventually, captain over the entire Nomad band. His life was good...until he saved Terra. There is an undeniable connection between the two that neither can ignore.
But Terra is Foundation. Gryffin hates Foundation. And getting involved with Terra has brought him to the attention of the Foundation again. Add to this some convoluted family relationships and you have a very engrossing listen.
I was totally invested in this book. I loved Gryffin and was rooting for him the entire way. Milla, Chase, Roman, and Elena are all deeply drawn and believable characters. This is a long listen and I did not want my commute to stop so I could continue to listen. I listened at work which I don't normally allow myself to do.
Keith Michaelson IS Gryffin and yet also does an excellent job with all the other voices, too. It is amazing to listen to him. I will look for other listens from him and am now listening to Nemesis, the second book in the series.
I received this listen for free from Audiobook Boom! in exchange for an honest review.
Gryffin was kidnapped and subjected to horrific procedures as a child that turn him into a cyborg. Raid saved Gryffin and made him a Nomad and, eventually, captain over the entire Nomad band. His life was good...until he saved Terra. There is an undeniable connection between the two that neither can ignore.
But Terra is Foundation. Gryffin hates Foundation. And getting involved with Terra has brought him to the attention of the Foundation again. Add to this some convoluted family relationships and you have a very engrossing listen.
I was totally invested in this book. I loved Gryffin and was rooting for him the entire way. Milla, Chase, Roman, and Elena are all deeply drawn and believable characters. This is a long listen and I did not want my commute to stop so I could continue to listen. I listened at work which I don't normally allow myself to do.
Keith Michaelson IS Gryffin and yet also does an excellent job with all the other voices, too. It is amazing to listen to him. I will look for other listens from him and am now listening to Nemesis, the second book in the series.
I received this listen for free from Audiobook Boom! in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2016
Hybrid Cyborgs..
Gryffin, the male lead, is half human, half machine and a survivor of The Foundation's experimental project
Terra, the female lead, is an officer in the Foundation and has been lied to by them.
She meets Gryffin when she is in a dangerous situation, he saves her and has her rethinking everything that she has believed in so far because Gryffin is on the Foundation’s hit list.
Terra has awakened the human side in him and they decided to work together saving lives.
The story line was well developed with likable heroic characters.
This was an entertaining science fiction novel and an overall good read.
Keith Michaelson did well with the narration
Note:
"This audio book was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review."
July 29, 2015
Tessa is a slightly naive officer on a Foundation ship. Gryffin is a cyborg and the leader of a fleet of mercenary ships, the Nomad. The Nomad are committed to defending the independence of the colonies in their sector...the same colonies the Foundation is bent on conquering. Not the most promising start for a romance, is it? Add to that the fact that the Foundation isn't the benevolent government Tessa believes they are, and certain shadow elements are bent on capturing Gryffin for their own purposes, and you have a recipe for non-stop action!
This is the first novel in what is obviously a series, and it does have a cliffhanger ending. But if you like sci-fi romance with tortured cyborg heroes, then this is the book for you. Five stars, and I can't wait for the next book! :-)
This is the first novel in what is obviously a series, and it does have a cliffhanger ending. But if you like sci-fi romance with tortured cyborg heroes, then this is the book for you. Five stars, and I can't wait for the next book! :-)
April 20, 2016
Honestly, I didn't know if I would enjoy this book. I'm usually disappointed in serious sci-fi, but there were lots of good reviews on this book. Ultimately, I'm really glad I picked it up. It takes a bit to get into, but once you do it's so intense. I was grinding my teeth through most of the book, my heart pounding through most of it. The action scenes are wild. The torture scenes are sickening. If you're into thrillers, but not sci-fi as much, you will probably enjoy this.
I listened to the audio version and Keith Michaelson did a great job narrating. His reading was part of the reason I was always on edge. He did a great job.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
I listened to the audio version and Keith Michaelson did a great job narrating. His reading was part of the reason I was always on edge. He did a great job.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
December 6, 2015
Good Sci Fi book!I listened to the audiobook narrated by Keith Michaelson.He did a fine job.Griffin is a cyborg,part of an experiment by the 'Foundation' to create mechanized soldiers.He is considered mor killing machine than man,but he is actually a nice guy.He's been steering clear of the Foundation for years...until Terra crosses his path.She's from the Foundation and believes all they say...until she find's that they have lied to her.Will she discover the truth?Will they both make it through alive?
"I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast or MalarHouse
"I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast or MalarHouse
February 1, 2016
This particular book started out very slow for me with a lot of back story. Once the back story was partially filled in, the story took off somewhat. The story it self deals with cyborgs and the ever increasing need of the military (space military) to use them. The characters are full spectrum characters, with a lot of emotional baggage to get through, the plot is involved and interesting enough to keep you motivated, action is intense enough, and a little sex and romance is thrown in to balance out the mix. If the life of the series will be judged on this book alone, it should be a very competent and enjoyable series.
October 16, 2015
I'm not sure if this is a space opera, but if it is- apparently I am a fan of space opera! This was much better than I expected. I thought this would be more of a high tech space story rather than a love story set in space and on far away planets with high tech aspects. There are also some very, very dark elements. 'medical experiment-type darkness'. Definitely a worthwhile read. (Or listen. The narrator did a great job!)
This book was provided for free from the author, narrator and/or publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book was provided for free from the author, narrator and/or publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 20, 2016
This was a good listen. The writing could use a bit of polishing though. If you can get past all the "he said, she said" parts, the story is quite interesting. Half way through the book the writing gets better or perhaps I just stopped noticing because the narration was that fantastic. The book ends in a cliff hanger and you will definitely want to get the next book. "This audio book was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com."
July 16, 2015
I am a sci-fi and horror fan and I am a tough reader to please, so when I began reading I wasn't sure what to expect. I can say that this book exceeded all of my expectations, it is AMAZING. The story is pretty original, refreshing and very well put together. Characters are nicely developed and constant tension between Griffin and Terra was intriguing for me. I highly recommend the book and I can't wait for the next chapter!
March 12, 2017
Really enjoyed this adventure! Can't wait to get my hand on book 2, I need to know what happens next.
July 4, 2017
Oh, this was bad. :/
- I'd say the average sentence length was 10 words. There was little to no variation, so it wasn't as if you'd read a sentence with 10, then 4, then 8, then 2, then 10 -- you'd read seven similar sentences in a row. All 10. This makes the writing extremely choppy. It was like I was sitting shotgun on a 15 year old's maiden car voyage complete with jerky, fitful stops and starts. My goal is not to get nauseated, but enjoy the ride. The writing completely prevented that.
- Is it just me, or does anyone else find it hard to swallow present tense in anything other than fanfiction? It just was not working in this story. It felt amateur. Instead of feeling like I was immersed, I felt so removed. I was listening to someone narrate things as they happened and because it was in the moment, there was no perspective.
- I felt like this story automatically assumed I was an idiot. All of the character vibes I was meant to pick up on were pointless because five seconds later, everything would be explained to me. It went like this (all made up by me):
“He walked by her, back rigid and hands unnaturally stiff, and seemed to let out a breath when he made it to the door unharmed.”
Ooh, I wonder if he’s nervous? Or is he angry? Angry-nervous? He wasn’t this way around her before, so perhaps he’s—
“He was mad. He was mad that she doubted him, so his arms went stiff because that’s a sign someone’s mad.”
Oh. Okay. But how does SHE feel? Maybe she’s—
“She felt good about it.”
Good? What does good even mean? Was she—
“She felt good about him looking mad because she knew that’s what boys did when they struggled with emotion. She liked him mad. She thought she’d like to see him mad again.”
JFC.
Anyway, I didn't appreciate the hand-holding, and everything felt either juvenile or cliché. Look elsewhere for subtlety. Look elsewhere for well-rounded, dynamic characters. Look elsewhere for a smart read.
- I'd say the average sentence length was 10 words. There was little to no variation, so it wasn't as if you'd read a sentence with 10, then 4, then 8, then 2, then 10 -- you'd read seven similar sentences in a row. All 10. This makes the writing extremely choppy. It was like I was sitting shotgun on a 15 year old's maiden car voyage complete with jerky, fitful stops and starts. My goal is not to get nauseated, but enjoy the ride. The writing completely prevented that.
- Is it just me, or does anyone else find it hard to swallow present tense in anything other than fanfiction? It just was not working in this story. It felt amateur. Instead of feeling like I was immersed, I felt so removed. I was listening to someone narrate things as they happened and because it was in the moment, there was no perspective.
- I felt like this story automatically assumed I was an idiot. All of the character vibes I was meant to pick up on were pointless because five seconds later, everything would be explained to me. It went like this (all made up by me):
“He walked by her, back rigid and hands unnaturally stiff, and seemed to let out a breath when he made it to the door unharmed.”
Ooh, I wonder if he’s nervous? Or is he angry? Angry-nervous? He wasn’t this way around her before, so perhaps he’s—
“He was mad. He was mad that she doubted him, so his arms went stiff because that’s a sign someone’s mad.”
Oh. Okay. But how does SHE feel? Maybe she’s—
“She felt good about it.”
Good? What does good even mean? Was she—
“She felt good about him looking mad because she knew that’s what boys did when they struggled with emotion. She liked him mad. She thought she’d like to see him mad again.”
JFC.
Anyway, I didn't appreciate the hand-holding, and everything felt either juvenile or cliché. Look elsewhere for subtlety. Look elsewhere for well-rounded, dynamic characters. Look elsewhere for a smart read.
November 9, 2022
Ares is an action packed SF romance story with some unexpected twists. I really enjoyed it!
As the Foundation moves in to annex an outlaw sector, a fragile peace threatens to come apart at the seams. Junior Foundation officer Terra Rush gets more than she bargained for when attacked on a space station and saved by the cyborg leader of the Nomad organisation named Gryffin. Despite his terrifying implants, ferocious reputation and killer instincts, she finds herself besotted with her saviour.
A conspiracy at the very heart of the Foundation reveals a top secret weapons programme. Shadowy forces will do whatever it takes to capture Gryffin, even if it means all-out war against the Nomad.
Overall, this was a well written SF adventure. Really enjoyable action and plenty of plot twists.
As the Foundation moves in to annex an outlaw sector, a fragile peace threatens to come apart at the seams. Junior Foundation officer Terra Rush gets more than she bargained for when attacked on a space station and saved by the cyborg leader of the Nomad organisation named Gryffin. Despite his terrifying implants, ferocious reputation and killer instincts, she finds herself besotted with her saviour.
A conspiracy at the very heart of the Foundation reveals a top secret weapons programme. Shadowy forces will do whatever it takes to capture Gryffin, even if it means all-out war against the Nomad.
Overall, this was a well written SF adventure. Really enjoyable action and plenty of plot twists.
July 27, 2017
Great story, fabulous characters, good amount of action, no exhaustive descriptions (thank you!!). It's a tale of outer space but not about weird green aliens. My heart ached repeatedly for Gryffin. He is experimented on and treated as non-human (though he is about half). Those who operated on him without thought of the human pain he would feel were monsters! Love the bit of romance cuz doesn't everyone deserve love? Loved that the ending was not completely heart-breaking. Looking forward to what comes next.
January 18, 2021
It's a tale of outer space but not about weird green aliens. My heart ached repeatedly for Gryffin. He is experimented on and treated as non-human (though he is about half). Those who operated on him without thought of the human pain he would feel were monsters! Love the bit of romance
June 13, 2016
Great sci fi read, except that it was about 100 pgs too long. It started way too slow, and with a bit too much minute detail, but overall a good concept. I like the strong female characters. I do feel, however that 2 women in a book full of males is hardly equal.
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