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The Interscission Project #2
Azimuth
Edward has one chance to save a man he forgot he ever loved.
All he has to do is destroy the world.
The disastrous events of the Zenith mission behind them, Marty and Edward lead very different lives at either end of time.
Martin has been tapped to lead an elite military operation designed to curtail and ultimately eliminate the threat of time travelers. But Henry Bradford has other ideas, and seeks to entice him into taking up the role of captain of the rechristened starship Azimuth.
Almost a quarter century in the future, Edward lives a life of wealth and influence as the adopted son of Starfire’s CEO, Trevor Sutton. But the mystery of his birth father’s murder still weighs heavily on his mind, eclipsed only by the baffling appearance of Martin’s dogtags around his neck. The distance he will go for answers will determine the ultimate course of human history, as he is pitted head to head once more against the destructive agenda of the time traveler he knows only as Gifford.
All he has to do is destroy the world.
The disastrous events of the Zenith mission behind them, Marty and Edward lead very different lives at either end of time.
Martin has been tapped to lead an elite military operation designed to curtail and ultimately eliminate the threat of time travelers. But Henry Bradford has other ideas, and seeks to entice him into taking up the role of captain of the rechristened starship Azimuth.
Almost a quarter century in the future, Edward lives a life of wealth and influence as the adopted son of Starfire’s CEO, Trevor Sutton. But the mystery of his birth father’s murder still weighs heavily on his mind, eclipsed only by the baffling appearance of Martin’s dogtags around his neck. The distance he will go for answers will determine the ultimate course of human history, as he is pitted head to head once more against the destructive agenda of the time traveler he knows only as Gifford.
314 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2015
11 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
About the author
Arshad Ahsanuddin
67 books208 followersBy profession, I am a hematopathologist, a laboratory physician who specializes in diagnosis of diseases of blood, bone marrow, and lymph nodes, such as leukemia and lymphoma. In my off time, I write LGBT Fantasy and Scifi books. Yes, I realize the irony that I write about vampires. ;)
Note: I do not guarantee a happy ending to any individual book within each series.
Note: I do not guarantee a happy ending to any individual book within each series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
March 31, 2021
Reread March 2021: Audiobook = ... of course it's ***5 Stars*** 🤷♀️
***************************
Original review December 2016/January 2017:
"Life is a gamble. You never know what's going to happen tomorrow."
So true. And then imagine time travelers interfering... Some with only the best of intentions and some who just want to preserve their own interests. This might suddenly attribute a whole new meaning to the life as you know it.
What an amazing ride! This series gets better and better, although this is not quite an easy read. The story jumps between different timelines and it is sometimes a bit hard to keep track of the events and remember what led to them. I would suggest that you have a notepad on the side - or even better a chart and draw yourself a nice little graph. ;-) I wish I had followed my own advice and taken some notes. My poor old brain was sometimes a tad strained, but it doesn't keep me from giving this story 5 solid stars.
Normally, I love to read books with relaxation-material, just to help me unwind after a stressful day at work, but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy the hell out of books that make me think. And Azimuth is definitely such an exemplar.
I really wonder what kind of mastermind the author has to be to come up with such a complex story in the first place and at times I was more than just a little surprised that it all made sense at some point.
After a near-death experience at the end of Zenith being sent back into the future by his lover, it is Edward's turn now trying to save the life of his lover Martin. The only problem: he is already dead...
"Eddie, if you're seeing this message, then I have died before reaching the point in your life where you might have been able to recognize me."
Such a sentence affects me deeply everytime, be it in a movie or in a book and this time was no exception. I choked up quite a bit, because you can't do anything but fall for these guys. Hard. And that is one reason why I love this series so much. You get involved in their lives and in their feelings and you just want them to be happy.
And I'm not just talking about Marty and Edward here, but about every single side character. They really grew on me.
With the help of some friends and his sister, Edward resolves on going back in time by using the available technology of his timeline to prevent his lover from being murdered.
"Wishful thinking has its place," said Trevor. "It leaves us with enough hope to keep on living."
Also true. But where is the limit? Saving the love of your life is an honorable intention, but how far are you willing to go?
It not only affects your own life and the one of those you care deeply for. The interference in the timeline meddles with the future of everyone else, on more than just one level. Is it worth it? And what about the unknown variables, such as the enemy who doesn't care about the effects his actions have on others? Will he be able to put more obstacles in your way?
Well, you will get some answers in this book. Aaaaand.... more questions. Lots of more questions. But once again I won't tell you more about the plot, since I don't want to spoil it for you, I just want to make you curious. I hope it did work. ;-)
The story isn't told yet, so on to the next book!
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
***************************
Original review December 2016/January 2017:
"Life is a gamble. You never know what's going to happen tomorrow."
So true. And then imagine time travelers interfering... Some with only the best of intentions and some who just want to preserve their own interests. This might suddenly attribute a whole new meaning to the life as you know it.
What an amazing ride! This series gets better and better, although this is not quite an easy read. The story jumps between different timelines and it is sometimes a bit hard to keep track of the events and remember what led to them. I would suggest that you have a notepad on the side - or even better a chart and draw yourself a nice little graph. ;-) I wish I had followed my own advice and taken some notes. My poor old brain was sometimes a tad strained, but it doesn't keep me from giving this story 5 solid stars.
Normally, I love to read books with relaxation-material, just to help me unwind after a stressful day at work, but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy the hell out of books that make me think. And Azimuth is definitely such an exemplar.
I really wonder what kind of mastermind the author has to be to come up with such a complex story in the first place and at times I was more than just a little surprised that it all made sense at some point.
After a near-death experience at the end of Zenith being sent back into the future by his lover, it is Edward's turn now trying to save the life of his lover Martin. The only problem: he is already dead...
"Eddie, if you're seeing this message, then I have died before reaching the point in your life where you might have been able to recognize me."
Such a sentence affects me deeply everytime, be it in a movie or in a book and this time was no exception. I choked up quite a bit, because you can't do anything but fall for these guys. Hard. And that is one reason why I love this series so much. You get involved in their lives and in their feelings and you just want them to be happy.
And I'm not just talking about Marty and Edward here, but about every single side character. They really grew on me.
With the help of some friends and his sister, Edward resolves on going back in time by using the available technology of his timeline to prevent his lover from being murdered.
"Wishful thinking has its place," said Trevor. "It leaves us with enough hope to keep on living."
Also true. But where is the limit? Saving the love of your life is an honorable intention, but how far are you willing to go?
It not only affects your own life and the one of those you care deeply for. The interference in the timeline meddles with the future of everyone else, on more than just one level. Is it worth it? And what about the unknown variables, such as the enemy who doesn't care about the effects his actions have on others? Will he be able to put more obstacles in your way?
Well, you will get some answers in this book. Aaaaand.... more questions. Lots of more questions. But once again I won't tell you more about the plot, since I don't want to spoil it for you, I just want to make you curious. I hope it did work. ;-)
The story isn't told yet, so on to the next book!
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
November 2, 2018
4.5 Stars! What a series!
What would it be like if you could keep rewriting history to suit your own selfish purposes? This is what lies beneath this amazing series. Small corrections in time have unpredictable and unintended results, creating new iterations of a timeline. The old time line wiped away. Would you feel responsible for all the souls whose lives you cut simply because you went back in time to save the man you loved? What if those people included your parents (at least in this time line), the history, art, and technological advancements? Wiped away, because you have the power to change one thing in the past.
The first book built up this world. The second one delves more into the ethical parameters created by individuals and society. It’s truly an amazing ethical puzzle, because many of those people you wipe out by time traveling are still alive in other “iterations” or timelines.
This book had us jumping between the present we left in book one, and the life of Edward in his new iteration. Will he or won’t he remember Marty? Will he or won’t he save him knowing the cost he will have to pay?
Read it and find out. It’s sooooooo worth it!
What would it be like if you could keep rewriting history to suit your own selfish purposes? This is what lies beneath this amazing series. Small corrections in time have unpredictable and unintended results, creating new iterations of a timeline. The old time line wiped away. Would you feel responsible for all the souls whose lives you cut simply because you went back in time to save the man you loved? What if those people included your parents (at least in this time line), the history, art, and technological advancements? Wiped away, because you have the power to change one thing in the past.
The first book built up this world. The second one delves more into the ethical parameters created by individuals and society. It’s truly an amazing ethical puzzle, because many of those people you wipe out by time traveling are still alive in other “iterations” or timelines.
This book had us jumping between the present we left in book one, and the life of Edward in his new iteration. Will he or won’t he remember Marty? Will he or won’t he save him knowing the cost he will have to pay?
Read it and find out. It’s sooooooo worth it!
May 28, 2015
The talent of this author is beyond my imagining. There is so much going on in his stories, but it never feels overwhelming. His stories are so complex, so panoramic, and so beautifully written.
Azimuth is this author's latest and best creation so far. Read this series. You will not regret it.
Azimuth is this author's latest and best creation so far. Read this series. You will not regret it.
October 17, 2016
The author generously provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
I want to start by strongly urging potential readers of this book, to read book #1: Zenith before reading this second installment of the "Interscission Project" series There is a large cast of characters and their back stories are covered book #1. Also, if you read this book without reading book one, you'll be coming into the middle of a larger story that began in book #1 also.
The author, Arshad Ahsanuddin has an interesting and complex take on time travel that he introduced in book #1: Zenith, and continues to develop it here in this book: time travel and the effect that actions have on both the future and the manipulation of timelines to have a desired outcome--good and bad.
I like this different vision of the time-travel trope.
The usual time travel trope: someone travels into the past or the future and commits a series of faux pas, gaffes or behavior that doesn't fit the time.
This is more complex because the characters travel backward and forward in time to change the past present and future. The author pulls this off with ease with straight forward simple writing style.
In this installment, the villain's malevolent motivations are revealed.
There are a couple of things, though, that seemed illogical:
These three things left me scratching my head, but this was still a great, action-packed read and is a great series.
I want to start by strongly urging potential readers of this book, to read book #1: Zenith before reading this second installment of the "Interscission Project" series There is a large cast of characters and their back stories are covered book #1. Also, if you read this book without reading book one, you'll be coming into the middle of a larger story that began in book #1 also.
The author, Arshad Ahsanuddin has an interesting and complex take on time travel that he introduced in book #1: Zenith, and continues to develop it here in this book: time travel and the effect that actions have on both the future and the manipulation of timelines to have a desired outcome--good and bad.
I like this different vision of the time-travel trope.
The usual time travel trope: someone travels into the past or the future and commits a series of faux pas, gaffes or behavior that doesn't fit the time.
This is more complex because the characters travel backward and forward in time to change the past present and future. The author pulls this off with ease with straight forward simple writing style.
In this installment, the villain's malevolent motivations are revealed.
There are a couple of things, though, that seemed illogical:
These three things left me scratching my head, but this was still a great, action-packed read and is a great series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2016
This has a complex plot, & it would have been better if I could have read in one go, well written, but I definitely need to re read to pick up the intricacies with the different timelines
November 16, 2016
I really love this sci-fi series, I highly recommend it to everyone
December 31, 2019
Hear ye, hear ye! Now in audio narrated by Greg Tremblay!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Full reviewage of this fucking awesome book on Prism Book Alliance®
It bears repeating: ya know, if I weren’t such a wordy fucker, this would be my review: if I had a dick, I’d have the biggest sci-fi boner everrrrrrrr. Jussayin’.
Yup, that’s the long and short of it. Well, ok only the short but, holy shiznoly, where to begin with the long. I’m gonna give it a go because this book… this book! I never would have imagined enjoying this even more than, Zenith, book one – I mean, we’re talking a near guaranteed impossibility, folks – but I think I sorta kinda might have to say that YES. I. DID.
For as much as we learn in that first book, even more is piled at our literary feet here in Azimuth, whether we want it or not. The title refers to space-faring vessel, just like Zenith. That’s where the similarities end, in all ways. Connections between characters, including across Iterations (timelines), grow simultaneously clearer and more complex. Knowing more as things move along, I was experiencing stronger emotional investment in these people. This was especially true when witnessing the birth of a new Iteration —
Sidebar: Ok, I’m declaring today’s word of day to be ‘Iteration’. Mind you, there are many word o’ the day candidates in this story thanks to Ahsanuddin and his gorgeous writing.
— as these events aren’t happening in an emotional vacuum, despite being out in space. (I had to. Sorry, not sorry.) These people know the effects they’re having on the past, present, and future every time they attempt to time travel and change the outcome of this or that. Even more, they know they’re having an incredible impact and are unable to accurately measure or anticipate the ripples they cause in the timelines. Some care a great deal about the consequences of their actions, some care not one iota. All of them are clear in their motivations, though, and most of them are prepared to go to the extreme to force the end result they want or think is right or appears vital to their survival or the survival of those they love… or hate.
Intrigue! Masterful Machinations! Unforeseen Complications! Life and Death! Love!!
What would you do for love? For the love you feel and share with the one who, across Iterations, has managed to remember? To remember you, and how much they love you? Lawdy, this informs so many of the decisions, smart and not so much, these characters make. And it all takes place in spaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaace!
Martin, Charles, Edward, Knox, Sophia, Anette, Jacob —
Sidebar: another delish thing about this story is that, depending on which Iteration we’re in, some of the characters have different names, whether first or last, and their parentage, genetic or adopted, can change, too. SO. EFFING. COOL. The possibilities are endless, and yet Ahsanuddin manages to keep me firmly in the loop without feeling overwhelmed. The characters often think the same thoughts and ask the same questions I am while reading.
— Gifford (grrrr), Trevor, and many of the characters from book one are here. I picture them all as constantly moving pieces on a multi-level game of chess, their experiences and memories and destinies altered as they move around the boards. (Ya know, like that version they played on Star Trek: Next Gen.) Things become more weighted in importance as Iterations are born and, even more, they begin to blur and bleed into one another. It’s like when you fix one thing and two more things break because of the actions taken. This is happening, more and more the deeper we go into these timelines.
Course, all of these lead to more and more of the supposed rules to be broken, ignored, tossed into the garbage shoot, never to appear the same again, if ever. The feelings of rebellion, of spontaneity and unpredictability, they grow and spread, feeding the adrenaline as intentions and consequences bounce off of each other, creating chaos. Giddy. I’m giddy with the sci-fi joy of it all.
Shout out to Jacob and Knox… your story, oh lawdy, I think you stole the show from Martin and Edward. For a time anyway. ;)
I could go on and on for pages and pages about this story, the MASSIVE cool factor, the diverse-in-all-ways characters, twists and surprises, the beautiful writing, and the accessible way that complex scientific facts and theories are woven together in this spectacular book. I’m not going to, though, because that means I would delay you even longer in starting this series. Also, I’m sure you’re sick ‘n tired of all of my word type things here but you’re polite and don’t want to tell me to just shut up and let you read already.
So I’m telling myself: shut up, Andrea, let the awesome folks get to reading Zenith, and then Azimuth, and try to catch up with me… as I begin book three. ;)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Full reviewage of this fucking awesome book on Prism Book Alliance®
It bears repeating: ya know, if I weren’t such a wordy fucker, this would be my review: if I had a dick, I’d have the biggest sci-fi boner everrrrrrrr. Jussayin’.
Yup, that’s the long and short of it. Well, ok only the short but, holy shiznoly, where to begin with the long. I’m gonna give it a go because this book… this book! I never would have imagined enjoying this even more than, Zenith, book one – I mean, we’re talking a near guaranteed impossibility, folks – but I think I sorta kinda might have to say that YES. I. DID.
For as much as we learn in that first book, even more is piled at our literary feet here in Azimuth, whether we want it or not. The title refers to space-faring vessel, just like Zenith. That’s where the similarities end, in all ways. Connections between characters, including across Iterations (timelines), grow simultaneously clearer and more complex. Knowing more as things move along, I was experiencing stronger emotional investment in these people. This was especially true when witnessing the birth of a new Iteration —
Sidebar: Ok, I’m declaring today’s word of day to be ‘Iteration’. Mind you, there are many word o’ the day candidates in this story thanks to Ahsanuddin and his gorgeous writing.
— as these events aren’t happening in an emotional vacuum, despite being out in space. (I had to. Sorry, not sorry.) These people know the effects they’re having on the past, present, and future every time they attempt to time travel and change the outcome of this or that. Even more, they know they’re having an incredible impact and are unable to accurately measure or anticipate the ripples they cause in the timelines. Some care a great deal about the consequences of their actions, some care not one iota. All of them are clear in their motivations, though, and most of them are prepared to go to the extreme to force the end result they want or think is right or appears vital to their survival or the survival of those they love… or hate.
Intrigue! Masterful Machinations! Unforeseen Complications! Life and Death! Love!!
What would you do for love? For the love you feel and share with the one who, across Iterations, has managed to remember? To remember you, and how much they love you? Lawdy, this informs so many of the decisions, smart and not so much, these characters make. And it all takes place in spaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaace!
Martin, Charles, Edward, Knox, Sophia, Anette, Jacob —
Sidebar: another delish thing about this story is that, depending on which Iteration we’re in, some of the characters have different names, whether first or last, and their parentage, genetic or adopted, can change, too. SO. EFFING. COOL. The possibilities are endless, and yet Ahsanuddin manages to keep me firmly in the loop without feeling overwhelmed. The characters often think the same thoughts and ask the same questions I am while reading.
— Gifford (grrrr), Trevor, and many of the characters from book one are here. I picture them all as constantly moving pieces on a multi-level game of chess, their experiences and memories and destinies altered as they move around the boards. (Ya know, like that version they played on Star Trek: Next Gen.) Things become more weighted in importance as Iterations are born and, even more, they begin to blur and bleed into one another. It’s like when you fix one thing and two more things break because of the actions taken. This is happening, more and more the deeper we go into these timelines.
Course, all of these lead to more and more of the supposed rules to be broken, ignored, tossed into the garbage shoot, never to appear the same again, if ever. The feelings of rebellion, of spontaneity and unpredictability, they grow and spread, feeding the adrenaline as intentions and consequences bounce off of each other, creating chaos. Giddy. I’m giddy with the sci-fi joy of it all.
Shout out to Jacob and Knox… your story, oh lawdy, I think you stole the show from Martin and Edward. For a time anyway. ;)
I could go on and on for pages and pages about this story, the MASSIVE cool factor, the diverse-in-all-ways characters, twists and surprises, the beautiful writing, and the accessible way that complex scientific facts and theories are woven together in this spectacular book. I’m not going to, though, because that means I would delay you even longer in starting this series. Also, I’m sure you’re sick ‘n tired of all of my word type things here but you’re polite and don’t want to tell me to just shut up and let you read already.
So I’m telling myself: shut up, Andrea, let the awesome folks get to reading Zenith, and then Azimuth, and try to catch up with me… as I begin book three. ;)
September 26, 2016
My brain is tied in knots! With all the timelines, characters, and project/ship/colony names to keep straight, this is one mind-twisting story. But I sure enjoyed the challenge.
It’s very fast-paced and kept my interest even when I was frustrated by some confusion. The worldbuilding and science jargon are very surefooted and thorough. There are place- and timestamps throughout the book so you always know where and when you are. The hard part is remembering the events and relationships in that particular “Iteration”. Who knows what and when did they know it?
But I enjoy this kind of book that makes me work for it a little bit. While I didn’t exactly follow every moment, I eventually got the idea. I’d recommend going right on from book 1, though. I caused some problems for myself by waiting 7 weeks.
This is an exciting adventure with some romance to sweeten the pot. I loved losing myself in this well-developed world. Recommended for sci-fi fans.
It’s very fast-paced and kept my interest even when I was frustrated by some confusion. The worldbuilding and science jargon are very surefooted and thorough. There are place- and timestamps throughout the book so you always know where and when you are. The hard part is remembering the events and relationships in that particular “Iteration”. Who knows what and when did they know it?
But I enjoy this kind of book that makes me work for it a little bit. While I didn’t exactly follow every moment, I eventually got the idea. I’d recommend going right on from book 1, though. I caused some problems for myself by waiting 7 weeks.
This is an exciting adventure with some romance to sweeten the pot. I loved losing myself in this well-developed world. Recommended for sci-fi fans.
July 1, 2015
Probably spoilers for Zenith in this because the two stories are interconnected to the nth degree.
We are now several months after the end of the last book and Henry Bradford and company are preparing the Zenith, now renamed the Azimuth, for its several year mission. Charles Bradford has been working on the Azimuth while Martin Atkins has been with the navy working on a project to deal with time travel and end Gifford's use of it. Henry talks Martin back into captaining the Azimuth and one of the last things Martin does before he leaves is put into place an order for his former Navy team to do everything it can to make time travel an impossibility. Martin does this knowing that order will prevent Edward from ever coming back to him.
Edward wakes up in the future completely unhurt. In Zenith we learn that when he wakes up in the future his parents are not Charles and Jennifer but Jennifer and Trevor. Edward finds dog tags around his neck for a Martin Atkins, someone he doesn't know. He finds out that Martin and Edward's biological father Charles died before Edward and his sister were born. Needing to solve the mystery of the dog tags, Edward tracks down Martin's brother Jake and his partner/husband Thomas. Upon seeing Jake, Edward goes into spasms and all the memories from his previous time travel come back to him. Jake and Thomas help Edward get back to the past to save Martin because what Martin created has become more than what he planned and Jake and Thomas are willing to risk their time line to stop it.
And from there the story is a wild ride from Edward’s current time line to Marty’s time line to even Gifford’s time line and as they all shift and interconnect you never know how the activities in one time line will affect those in the other. The shifts were seamless and I never felt confused about where I was. There are plenty of POV shifts which are absolutely necessary with this ensemble cast and gives you the sense of urgency all the characters face. The stakes are huge, for the world and for everyone individually.
The nuts and bolts of the ship and how time travel works were well over my head as most sci fy is. But you don’t need to know how it works to understand what is happening and how it affects everyone. Though the time travel aspect did make my head spin a bit.
The story is a wonderful mix of adventure and relationship drama. It was hard not to get involved in each character version even when you knew that time line had to end.
I had a few niggles though with the ending.
Those two niggles aside, I loved it. What else is there to really say?
I received a copy of this story from the author free of charge in exchange for an honest review.
We are now several months after the end of the last book and Henry Bradford and company are preparing the Zenith, now renamed the Azimuth, for its several year mission. Charles Bradford has been working on the Azimuth while Martin Atkins has been with the navy working on a project to deal with time travel and end Gifford's use of it. Henry talks Martin back into captaining the Azimuth and one of the last things Martin does before he leaves is put into place an order for his former Navy team to do everything it can to make time travel an impossibility. Martin does this knowing that order will prevent Edward from ever coming back to him.
Edward wakes up in the future completely unhurt. In Zenith we learn that when he wakes up in the future his parents are not Charles and Jennifer but Jennifer and Trevor. Edward finds dog tags around his neck for a Martin Atkins, someone he doesn't know. He finds out that Martin and Edward's biological father Charles died before Edward and his sister were born. Needing to solve the mystery of the dog tags, Edward tracks down Martin's brother Jake and his partner/husband Thomas. Upon seeing Jake, Edward goes into spasms and all the memories from his previous time travel come back to him. Jake and Thomas help Edward get back to the past to save Martin because what Martin created has become more than what he planned and Jake and Thomas are willing to risk their time line to stop it.
And from there the story is a wild ride from Edward’s current time line to Marty’s time line to even Gifford’s time line and as they all shift and interconnect you never know how the activities in one time line will affect those in the other. The shifts were seamless and I never felt confused about where I was. There are plenty of POV shifts which are absolutely necessary with this ensemble cast and gives you the sense of urgency all the characters face. The stakes are huge, for the world and for everyone individually.
The nuts and bolts of the ship and how time travel works were well over my head as most sci fy is. But you don’t need to know how it works to understand what is happening and how it affects everyone. Though the time travel aspect did make my head spin a bit.
The story is a wonderful mix of adventure and relationship drama. It was hard not to get involved in each character version even when you knew that time line had to end.
I had a few niggles though with the ending.
Those two niggles aside, I loved it. What else is there to really say?
I received a copy of this story from the author free of charge in exchange for an honest review.
August 18, 2015
4.5 Heart Review by Dan
The thing I dislike about series reviews is the propensity of authors to put spoilers in their blurb on subsequent books that reveal plot twists from book one.
I specifically avoided the fact that Edward was a time traveler, but since the blurb gives it away, I’ll start by saying at the end of book one Edward goes back to his own time, but because of changes he and his sister made in the present time of the books, their future was changed. And Edward doesn’t remember Martin. Now they are trapped a quarter century apart in time.
When Edward awakens one morning to find mysterious dog tags hanging around his neck with the name Martin Atkins on them, he is confused. When he questions his parents, they are shocked at the name and clam up immediately. Who is Martin and why is Edward so drawn to the dog tags? When Edward finds out the truth, and the history of his last timeline comes back to him, he must voyage back in time to save Martin from the mysterious other time traveler, known only as Gifford. I really enjoyed the section in the middle of this book that tells us the story of Gifford, who he is, and why he is attempting to sabotage things in Martin’s present day timeline.
Again, I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by the book. Mr. Ahsanuddin did a great job with continuing the saga of Martin and Edward, along with Martin’s twin brother and his partner as well. The story was believable, the characters were well described and I fell into the story. I’ll admit that after being up all night last night reading book one, I spent most of the day today in between naps ;-) finishing up book two!
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
The thing I dislike about series reviews is the propensity of authors to put spoilers in their blurb on subsequent books that reveal plot twists from book one.
I specifically avoided the fact that Edward was a time traveler, but since the blurb gives it away, I’ll start by saying at the end of book one Edward goes back to his own time, but because of changes he and his sister made in the present time of the books, their future was changed. And Edward doesn’t remember Martin. Now they are trapped a quarter century apart in time.
When Edward awakens one morning to find mysterious dog tags hanging around his neck with the name Martin Atkins on them, he is confused. When he questions his parents, they are shocked at the name and clam up immediately. Who is Martin and why is Edward so drawn to the dog tags? When Edward finds out the truth, and the history of his last timeline comes back to him, he must voyage back in time to save Martin from the mysterious other time traveler, known only as Gifford. I really enjoyed the section in the middle of this book that tells us the story of Gifford, who he is, and why he is attempting to sabotage things in Martin’s present day timeline.
Again, I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by the book. Mr. Ahsanuddin did a great job with continuing the saga of Martin and Edward, along with Martin’s twin brother and his partner as well. The story was believable, the characters were well described and I fell into the story. I’ll admit that after being up all night last night reading book one, I spent most of the day today in between naps ;-) finishing up book two!
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
August 5, 2015
I am at a loss for words. Nothing can express how awesome, fantastic, mind blowing this series is.
WARNING.....YOU MUST READ THE BOOKS IN ORDER!
Okay, this book picks up right where the first ends. The future is drastically different for Edward now. He has no memory of traveling in the past but he knows something is different and the dog tags he wears around his neck is the biggest clue. Marty has been waiting for any clue of Edwards return. After months, he decides to continue with his mission to secure the world from the threat of time travelers.
Wow, this book a wild ride. Soo much happens. My emotions were all over the place. You get completely engrossed in the story, which is beautifully written. Mr. Ahsanuddin created a vivid, exciting world that is every science fiction fan's wet dream. Now I am stuck waiting for the next installment.
WARNING.....YOU MUST READ THE BOOKS IN ORDER!
Okay, this book picks up right where the first ends. The future is drastically different for Edward now. He has no memory of traveling in the past but he knows something is different and the dog tags he wears around his neck is the biggest clue. Marty has been waiting for any clue of Edwards return. After months, he decides to continue with his mission to secure the world from the threat of time travelers.
Wow, this book a wild ride. Soo much happens. My emotions were all over the place. You get completely engrossed in the story, which is beautifully written. Mr. Ahsanuddin created a vivid, exciting world that is every science fiction fan's wet dream. Now I am stuck waiting for the next installment.
December 14, 2016
Azimuth rides the same momentum established by its predecessor, Zenith. We still have a fast paced plot, alternating narration from multiple characters, and romance that plays secondary to the actual story. My only gripe is not having a enough Martin and Edward time together, but that's only to be expected with the setup of this entry.
December 12, 2016
Wow, that was a great progress of "The Interscission Project" series. The whole plot is very active and the story follows smoothly. Nicely done!
May 15, 2021
What a great series. Am going to read straight through. Clever, inventive, more twists and turns than that very famous cow 🐄🐄🐄 I sometimes refer to in my reviews, and don't forget to always look over your shoulder cos you never know from which direction your foe is approaching [future or past], and which iteration you're in at the time 😉.
Fantastic time travel series with the goodies trying to avoid wrecking too many timelines in order to rescue family and friends, stay one step ahead of a complete loony from the future AND also ahead of the huge planetary military entity which started off as a good idea, but eventually grew much too big for its boots and began to throw its weight about. 5 stars.
Fantastic time travel series with the goodies trying to avoid wrecking too many timelines in order to rescue family and friends, stay one step ahead of a complete loony from the future AND also ahead of the huge planetary military entity which started off as a good idea, but eventually grew much too big for its boots and began to throw its weight about. 5 stars.
July 16, 2015
This book was provided for free by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Wow this book has left me effectively speechless but I can’t quite figure out if the speechlessness is because of just how interesting and amazing this book is or the fact that I stayed up all night because I just couldn’t stop reading this book. It is spell-binding. This book is definitely a step up from the previous one.
It was faster paced with double the number of twists and turns. During the course of this book I had come to hate every character and then proceed to fall in love with them again.
Well, first of all Martin who wants to do something for the greater good even at the expense of himself but I never fell out of love with him I guess he is the only one that exception applies to because you just can’t help seeing the genuine goodness that emits from his very being.
Jacob and Thomas is the couple I am whole heartedly routing for. In fact after this iteration Jacob might be my more favourite twin.
The journey that Edward makes seemed kind of far-fetched I mean personally I don’t think that Edward and Marty could have been so close that it would warrant another Edward to make a journey through time just on vague memories. But somewhere near the end I think I understand that Edward was really just caught up in the romance of things and he didn’t make any calculations regarding the consequences of the jump.
Charles, Trevor and Jennifer are the quintessential love triangle whose destiny varies with every iteration. Can I just say that Jennifer might be the eye with everyone else just caught up in the storm?
I have come to love Trevor in this book, he is the guy you don’t get much of but when you do, you always catch him at the wrong time only, to later realize that his actions more than absolve him for his thoughts.
Annette and Sophia might just be becoming my favourites in this book. They seem to adapt to changes of cosmic proportions in the blink of an eye. Annette is full of spunk and I guess she is the only unknown variable in this equation.
Last but not the least my most favourite character in this series is Gifford. I want him to succeed so badly. I mean his story has got to be the most unexpected and taking everything into consideration, despite the technological upgrade his enemy has gotten he still manages to stay one-step ahead. And can I just put it out there that I will definitely not mind Gifford getting his happy ending. In fact at this point into this series I think I am more invested in Gifford’s story than anyone else’s because even though his motivation is to remove the very catalyst of his mother’s decision, I don’t know if the end he wants to achieve is something he really wants or if his compass now points to a completely different direction that where he set out to go.
I just can’t wait for the next one…
Wow this book has left me effectively speechless but I can’t quite figure out if the speechlessness is because of just how interesting and amazing this book is or the fact that I stayed up all night because I just couldn’t stop reading this book. It is spell-binding. This book is definitely a step up from the previous one.
It was faster paced with double the number of twists and turns. During the course of this book I had come to hate every character and then proceed to fall in love with them again.
Well, first of all Martin who wants to do something for the greater good even at the expense of himself but I never fell out of love with him I guess he is the only one that exception applies to because you just can’t help seeing the genuine goodness that emits from his very being.
Jacob and Thomas is the couple I am whole heartedly routing for. In fact after this iteration Jacob might be my more favourite twin.
The journey that Edward makes seemed kind of far-fetched I mean personally I don’t think that Edward and Marty could have been so close that it would warrant another Edward to make a journey through time just on vague memories. But somewhere near the end I think I understand that Edward was really just caught up in the romance of things and he didn’t make any calculations regarding the consequences of the jump.
Charles, Trevor and Jennifer are the quintessential love triangle whose destiny varies with every iteration. Can I just say that Jennifer might be the eye with everyone else just caught up in the storm?
I have come to love Trevor in this book, he is the guy you don’t get much of but when you do, you always catch him at the wrong time only, to later realize that his actions more than absolve him for his thoughts.
Annette and Sophia might just be becoming my favourites in this book. They seem to adapt to changes of cosmic proportions in the blink of an eye. Annette is full of spunk and I guess she is the only unknown variable in this equation.
Last but not the least my most favourite character in this series is Gifford. I want him to succeed so badly. I mean his story has got to be the most unexpected and taking everything into consideration, despite the technological upgrade his enemy has gotten he still manages to stay one-step ahead. And can I just put it out there that I will definitely not mind Gifford getting his happy ending. In fact at this point into this series I think I am more invested in Gifford’s story than anyone else’s because even though his motivation is to remove the very catalyst of his mother’s decision, I don’t know if the end he wants to achieve is something he really wants or if his compass now points to a completely different direction that where he set out to go.
I just can’t wait for the next one…
August 7, 2017
REVIEW OF AUDIOBOOK; AUGUST 5, 2017
Narrator: Jack Wallen Jr
Verdict:
Superb action and plot, though bear in mind Azimuth cannot be read on its own as it picks up immediately following Zenith. The switching from one timeline to another was hard for me to follow on audio so, again, I recommend that this series be read rather than listened to. I did, however start to pay attention to the Iteration datelines and that was the key. The book's blurb summarizes this sequel well, if you're looking for a brief overview.
Martin's relationship with Edward, cut short in Zenith, is concluded here. And done very satisfactorily - for those who like some romance in their books. Though I no longer read romance (as a genre) I still would like some romance in my books as long as it does not take centerstage. In this series, at least for these first two books, the romance is unmistakeable yet never distracts. It is even the main theme in the sequel yet the action thread remains strong and the author's eye is never taken off the action/thriller ball.
I am left with the same questions as the characters with regards to time travel - supposing TT is possible and all those ships and planes that vanished off the face of the earth were transported into the future and came back to tell us (those that went backwards got eaten by dinosaurs), to what extent do we change events, interfere with history, and control that? The repercussions are unending...so I'm just happy that Edward and Annette stopped where they did and...
...the Edward/Martin thread culminated in a super-hot sex scene worthy of an MM erotic romance label!
When I finished this, I decided to listen to the James Patterson-Howard Roughan collab, Murder Games and it was a mistake. My head was still full of Martin and Edward and I wasn't able to give Murder Games the attention it deserves (it is a rather engaging book). So looks like I'll have to return to the Interscission Project. Hopefully, Book 4 (Ascension) will be released this month.
The Narration: Jack Wallen Jr narrated the entire book in a regular male voice with no hint of the flaming queen.
Narrator: Jack Wallen Jr
Verdict:
Superb action and plot, though bear in mind Azimuth cannot be read on its own as it picks up immediately following Zenith. The switching from one timeline to another was hard for me to follow on audio so, again, I recommend that this series be read rather than listened to. I did, however start to pay attention to the Iteration datelines and that was the key. The book's blurb summarizes this sequel well, if you're looking for a brief overview.
Martin's relationship with Edward, cut short in Zenith, is concluded here. And done very satisfactorily - for those who like some romance in their books. Though I no longer read romance (as a genre) I still would like some romance in my books as long as it does not take centerstage. In this series, at least for these first two books, the romance is unmistakeable yet never distracts. It is even the main theme in the sequel yet the action thread remains strong and the author's eye is never taken off the action/thriller ball.
I am left with the same questions as the characters with regards to time travel - supposing TT is possible and all those ships and planes that vanished off the face of the earth were transported into the future and came back to tell us (those that went backwards got eaten by dinosaurs), to what extent do we change events, interfere with history, and control that? The repercussions are unending...so I'm just happy that Edward and Annette stopped where they did and...
...the Edward/Martin thread culminated in a super-hot sex scene worthy of an MM erotic romance label!When I finished this, I decided to listen to the James Patterson-Howard Roughan collab, Murder Games and it was a mistake. My head was still full of Martin and Edward and I wasn't able to give Murder Games the attention it deserves (it is a rather engaging book). So looks like I'll have to return to the Interscission Project. Hopefully, Book 4 (Ascension) will be released this month.
The Narration: Jack Wallen Jr narrated the entire book in a regular male voice with no hint of the flaming queen.
September 7, 2016
*I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
Azimuth is a brilliant continuation of the Interscission Project series. I highly recommend this book and series to anyone looking for a strong Sci-Fi adventure with some romance.
This is an engaging and intelligent story, very hard to put down. Along with the action and suspense, there is also a good balance of romance and emotional drama. As with the first book, the pacing and intrigue keep the story moving quickly. The plot kept me guessing, and it was hard to predict which way things would go. I love that!
There is a lot going on in this book in the present and in the future. But it's clear and easy to follow. There's one piece of the puzzle that confused me, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story at all.
Although this book contains some erotic sexual content I wouldn't recommend it for someone looking for a highly erotic story.
Azimuth concludes well and has good teasers for what's to come. I'm excited about continuing the story!
Azimuth is a brilliant continuation of the Interscission Project series. I highly recommend this book and series to anyone looking for a strong Sci-Fi adventure with some romance.
This is an engaging and intelligent story, very hard to put down. Along with the action and suspense, there is also a good balance of romance and emotional drama. As with the first book, the pacing and intrigue keep the story moving quickly. The plot kept me guessing, and it was hard to predict which way things would go. I love that!
There is a lot going on in this book in the present and in the future. But it's clear and easy to follow. There's one piece of the puzzle that confused me, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story at all.
Although this book contains some erotic sexual content I wouldn't recommend it for someone looking for a highly erotic story.
Azimuth concludes well and has good teasers for what's to come. I'm excited about continuing the story!
July 6, 2021
ReRead June 2021
You know, for possibly the first time rereading a book, my feelings haven't changed a bit. This series is such fun, think things are wrapped up surprisingly well at merely book two of the series - and wasn't in the best place upon finishing it this time around, either. I had a headache, so some of the science-y talk went right over my head, but I love the time travel aspect and think it's probably handled the best of any time travel story I've ever come across.
Original Review
There's so many things I want to say, but the fact is, I was in a bad mood when I finished this book thanks to outside influences (my sister, actually) and am still kind of upset while typing this. Anyway, still having a blast with this series, though I liked the first one just a bit more. Lovely, complicated time travel and the timeline at the back of the book is so nice. Very curious about the rest of the series considering that things seem to be wrapped up pretty well here. (Of course, time travel calls off all bets.)
You know, for possibly the first time rereading a book, my feelings haven't changed a bit. This series is such fun, think things are wrapped up surprisingly well at merely book two of the series - and wasn't in the best place upon finishing it this time around, either. I had a headache, so some of the science-y talk went right over my head, but I love the time travel aspect and think it's probably handled the best of any time travel story I've ever come across.
Original Review
There's so many things I want to say, but the fact is, I was in a bad mood when I finished this book thanks to outside influences (my sister, actually) and am still kind of upset while typing this. Anyway, still having a blast with this series, though I liked the first one just a bit more. Lovely, complicated time travel and the timeline at the back of the book is so nice. Very curious about the rest of the series considering that things seem to be wrapped up pretty well here. (Of course, time travel calls off all bets.)
December 13, 2015
Azimuth (Interscission Project #2) by Arshad Ahsanuddin: http://reviews-and-ramblings.dreamwid... 2015 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
May 31, 2016
This is the second book in a fantastic new series. Arshad Ahsanuddin is one of the best gay/m-m Sci-Fi writers I have read. I cannot wait for the next book.
February 27, 2017
I really don't understand how Arshad is not more widely read than he is. Every book of his I've ever read has been fantastic and Azimuth is no exception! The background scientific details enrich the quality of what is already a truly fantastic space opera/time travel storyline.
This book picks up right where the previous story left off. We are into a new iteration of the timeline Marty and Edward are separated by time and circumstance. Edward is no longer blind as they managed to change the events that lead to Edwards blinding in the previous iteration. But he has no memory of Marty or the love they shared. Only a set of ident tags appearing on his chest one morning have Edward looking for answers and what he finds will have him looking to change history yet again.
We finally get some answers to a lot of questions from the first book. I loved the way things were laid out and more pieces of the puzzle were revealed. The story built on itself wonderfully. The suspense built up as each side is working to achieve their goals. This is a great addition to the space opera genre.
While the romance takes a back burner in this book with our two main protagonists separated by the time travel, Marty and Edward's emotions were still so prevalent in the choices that they made. I really enjoyed watching them find their way back to each other. There are so many repercussions to the events in this story. I can't wait to find out what is going to happen next. Things thought to be endings here are clearly not over yet. Yay!
This book picks up right where the previous story left off. We are into a new iteration of the timeline Marty and Edward are separated by time and circumstance. Edward is no longer blind as they managed to change the events that lead to Edwards blinding in the previous iteration. But he has no memory of Marty or the love they shared. Only a set of ident tags appearing on his chest one morning have Edward looking for answers and what he finds will have him looking to change history yet again.
We finally get some answers to a lot of questions from the first book. I loved the way things were laid out and more pieces of the puzzle were revealed. The story built on itself wonderfully. The suspense built up as each side is working to achieve their goals. This is a great addition to the space opera genre.
While the romance takes a back burner in this book with our two main protagonists separated by the time travel, Marty and Edward's emotions were still so prevalent in the choices that they made. I really enjoyed watching them find their way back to each other. There are so many repercussions to the events in this story. I can't wait to find out what is going to happen next. Things thought to be endings here are clearly not over yet. Yay!
February 20, 2018
Again this book deserves more than 5 stars. I loved it. OMG I never saw who Gifford was coming, but it all makes sense now. There is so much going on in this latest installment. We get to see a lot of the future timeline after the ending from the first book and how it effects Edwards family. We also get to see Jake and Thomas together and the life they built. Jennifer, holy shit balls she sure turned into a cold hearted bitch in that timeline and I didn’t like her one bit. I can understand why but it was hard to see when you are used to her being one way and then she is another way. There are a lot of scenarios that we see of the future and that was very cool. I’m so glad that Edward was able to make it back to Martin. I’m really curious as to what will happen once the kids are born and they meet themselves. At some point I think that Jennifer and Charles will figure it out. I’m also not too sure about Edwards twin, she seems to have some type of hidden agenda and I don’t know if it is going to be good or bad. Off to the next one.
November 13, 2018
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Given that Azimuth is the second intalment of a series, this review assumes that the reader is already familiar with the first volume, events of which will not be considered spoilers. For my thoughts on said first volume, refer to Zenith.
In Azimuth, the issues that plagued the series from its inception become more glaring and even compounded by others even as the plot itself gains a greater sense of balance. Edward and Stella have accomplished what they set out to do by traveling back in time, namely saving their mother, but the antagonist Gifford is back to cause more havock. They are forced to jump to the future in order to save Edward's life who was lethally wounded at the end of Zenith and thus we have a source of conflict in Marty who is now separated from his lover, perhaps for good, and forced at the same time to fight time travel itself given how dangerous it is.
Throughout this volume the narrative is split across different time periods so that readers should refer to the timelines provided at the end in order to keep track of exactly what is happening and when. It goes from the more personal plight to the small group of characters and even the wider circle of the space exploration team to the destiny of manking as a whole. The greatest achievement of Azimuth is that it works the ins and outs of time travel into the fabric of the story proper.
The stakes become higher as Azimuth goes all out into time travel and its consequences. Unfortunately, the character interaction and reactions to the idea that events of the past can be changed and potential futures entirely wiped is very off. Plenty of characters take it so in stride and blandly accept what amounts to their own oblivion without as much as blinking. At other times characters overreact and fly into a rage when the situation does not at all require it. And even more, at times they will have amazing insight and realize exactly what is going on while at others they will repeatedly fail to make the most basic of connections. This in itself could be explained by different motivations or states of alertness or even emotional circumstances but it is presented in such a way as to make it all too plot convenient. The plot demands that A will immediately realize some implications, even when they do not concern A directly, while B who is greatly affected by these will entirely fail to even as much as guess.
Oddly enough, this mismatch does not result in a greater dramatic tension. Perhaps because virtually every single character gets over horrifying events in record time. A few lines of self-commiseration later and they are back to their usual selves or even worse, they are happy and in love and ready for some action even after losing everything they held dear a couple of hours prior.
With the cast not precisely expanded but with the focus now more evenly distributed across Marty/Edward; Jacob/Thomas; Charles/Jennifer and with the love triangles almost entirely solved, the difficulty the franchise has in shaping out hetero realtionships comes to the front. The Charles and Jennifer connection was never particularly well developed and this in a franchise that does not handle relations all that well but with another gay couple in the fray, namely Jacob/Thomas, it becomes obvious that heterosexual love pales in comparison to its homosexual counterparts. And does not seem to be intentional either, it is another case of the plot demanding that Charles is paired up with Jennifer in order to clear the way for Martin to hook up with Edward.
Perhaps the one relationship that is protrayed as organic and real is Jacob/Thomas, which is very welcome surprise.
Azimuth finally expands on the villain, Gifford, and unfortunately it leaves much to the desired. Gifford ends up bordering on cartoonish evil and his motivations are so trite as to be mind boggling. But perhaps even worse if the fact that he could very well have achieved the same effect with mininal effort that did not involve putting himself in such overwhelming danger. That the villain is a sociopath with no issues killing many for his self-interest is entirely believable but that he would put himself on the line when he need not do so, makes precious little sense.
Azimuth firmly seals what had already been hinted before regarding the protagonists' actions and those of the villain. Marty and co. are systematically exculpated despite being guilty of what amounts to almost the same things Gifford tried. Edward in particular seems mostly immune to caring about the consequences of his actions, only surfacing on very rare occasions to ponder them for two lines at the time, only to go back to being moody and all gushing over Marty.
This second instalment also pushes into many new developments but they remain very ill-defined. Mostly through dialogue we are introduced to a dystopia without actually know how it functions in regard to the world at large. We have no contact with the people who were affected by it nor do we have a sense of how their opinions and way of life differs from what we already know.
Overall, Azimuth is an improvement on its precessor when it comes to giving a wider perspective of events and how they relate to time travel and history. On the other hand, the way it often botches interpersonal relationships so entirely makes it deeply flawed and the constant techno-babble remains as steady as ever.
Given that Azimuth is the second intalment of a series, this review assumes that the reader is already familiar with the first volume, events of which will not be considered spoilers. For my thoughts on said first volume, refer to Zenith.
In Azimuth, the issues that plagued the series from its inception become more glaring and even compounded by others even as the plot itself gains a greater sense of balance. Edward and Stella have accomplished what they set out to do by traveling back in time, namely saving their mother, but the antagonist Gifford is back to cause more havock. They are forced to jump to the future in order to save Edward's life who was lethally wounded at the end of Zenith and thus we have a source of conflict in Marty who is now separated from his lover, perhaps for good, and forced at the same time to fight time travel itself given how dangerous it is.
Throughout this volume the narrative is split across different time periods so that readers should refer to the timelines provided at the end in order to keep track of exactly what is happening and when. It goes from the more personal plight to the small group of characters and even the wider circle of the space exploration team to the destiny of manking as a whole. The greatest achievement of Azimuth is that it works the ins and outs of time travel into the fabric of the story proper.
The stakes become higher as Azimuth goes all out into time travel and its consequences. Unfortunately, the character interaction and reactions to the idea that events of the past can be changed and potential futures entirely wiped is very off. Plenty of characters take it so in stride and blandly accept what amounts to their own oblivion without as much as blinking. At other times characters overreact and fly into a rage when the situation does not at all require it. And even more, at times they will have amazing insight and realize exactly what is going on while at others they will repeatedly fail to make the most basic of connections. This in itself could be explained by different motivations or states of alertness or even emotional circumstances but it is presented in such a way as to make it all too plot convenient. The plot demands that A will immediately realize some implications, even when they do not concern A directly, while B who is greatly affected by these will entirely fail to even as much as guess.
Oddly enough, this mismatch does not result in a greater dramatic tension. Perhaps because virtually every single character gets over horrifying events in record time. A few lines of self-commiseration later and they are back to their usual selves or even worse, they are happy and in love and ready for some action even after losing everything they held dear a couple of hours prior.
With the cast not precisely expanded but with the focus now more evenly distributed across Marty/Edward; Jacob/Thomas; Charles/Jennifer and with the love triangles almost entirely solved, the difficulty the franchise has in shaping out hetero realtionships comes to the front. The Charles and Jennifer connection was never particularly well developed and this in a franchise that does not handle relations all that well but with another gay couple in the fray, namely Jacob/Thomas, it becomes obvious that heterosexual love pales in comparison to its homosexual counterparts. And does not seem to be intentional either, it is another case of the plot demanding that Charles is paired up with Jennifer in order to clear the way for Martin to hook up with Edward.
Perhaps the one relationship that is protrayed as organic and real is Jacob/Thomas, which is very welcome surprise.
Azimuth finally expands on the villain, Gifford, and unfortunately it leaves much to the desired. Gifford ends up bordering on cartoonish evil and his motivations are so trite as to be mind boggling. But perhaps even worse if the fact that he could very well have achieved the same effect with mininal effort that did not involve putting himself in such overwhelming danger. That the villain is a sociopath with no issues killing many for his self-interest is entirely believable but that he would put himself on the line when he need not do so, makes precious little sense.
Azimuth firmly seals what had already been hinted before regarding the protagonists' actions and those of the villain. Marty and co. are systematically exculpated despite being guilty of what amounts to almost the same things Gifford tried. Edward in particular seems mostly immune to caring about the consequences of his actions, only surfacing on very rare occasions to ponder them for two lines at the time, only to go back to being moody and all gushing over Marty.
This second instalment also pushes into many new developments but they remain very ill-defined. Mostly through dialogue we are introduced to a dystopia without actually know how it functions in regard to the world at large. We have no contact with the people who were affected by it nor do we have a sense of how their opinions and way of life differs from what we already know.
Overall, Azimuth is an improvement on its precessor when it comes to giving a wider perspective of events and how they relate to time travel and history. On the other hand, the way it often botches interpersonal relationships so entirely makes it deeply flawed and the constant techno-babble remains as steady as ever.
May 28, 2017
Good sequel
There were times when i wasn't sure what was going on but I'm already very invested in these characters from the first book. Some great action scenes and i cried at Martin and Edwards scene at the end. Not as good as the first one but still a fun read.
There were times when i wasn't sure what was going on but I'm already very invested in these characters from the first book. Some great action scenes and i cried at Martin and Edwards scene at the end. Not as good as the first one but still a fun read.
July 31, 2015
I received my copy of this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review through the "Don't Buy My Love" event hosted by the M/M Romance Group on Goodreads.
If you have not read the first book in the series, Zenith, then you need to read that one first. You'll be lost without it.
Actually on that note, I recommend setting aside a nice long weekend so you can read these books back-to-back and not have work forcing you to stop :)
Azimuth is true science fiction. Yes it has some romantic elements, but the world-building and technological possibilities are the core of this story. Not just the science, but how the control of the developing technology can impact society.
This book picks up where Zenith left off. Edward is back in his original time, but having experienced a very different life than his original one. Martin's life has continued, but with a focus strictly on stopping Gifford (and other potential time-travel criminals). I liked Edward and Marty more in this book than the previous one.
I love Jacob and Knox. Honestly, I wish there were more scenes with them. The connection between them was so electric (even Marty's not so subtle meddling was amusing).
The Jennifer, Charles, and Trevor issue I still find annoying. I'm still trying to figure out what either Charles or Trevor saw in Jennifer (I really just didn't like her).
There is one more book left in this series and I'm looking forward to seeing where else Arshad takes us on this journey.
If you have not read the first book in the series, Zenith, then you need to read that one first. You'll be lost without it.
Actually on that note, I recommend setting aside a nice long weekend so you can read these books back-to-back and not have work forcing you to stop :)
Azimuth is true science fiction. Yes it has some romantic elements, but the world-building and technological possibilities are the core of this story. Not just the science, but how the control of the developing technology can impact society.
This book picks up where Zenith left off. Edward is back in his original time, but having experienced a very different life than his original one. Martin's life has continued, but with a focus strictly on stopping Gifford (and other potential time-travel criminals). I liked Edward and Marty more in this book than the previous one.
I love Jacob and Knox. Honestly, I wish there were more scenes with them. The connection between them was so electric (even Marty's not so subtle meddling was amusing).
The Jennifer, Charles, and Trevor issue I still find annoying. I'm still trying to figure out what either Charles or Trevor saw in Jennifer (I really just didn't like her).
There is one more book left in this series and I'm looking forward to seeing where else Arshad takes us on this journey.
July 17, 2015
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Like Zenith (Book 1), the story is told from multiple characters standpoint. If it isn't obvious, the books must be read in order since Azimuth continues from where Zenith ended. Edward is back in his new time line and living his life not remembering anything that happened with Marty. Finding Martin's dog tags sets him on a path that will help him regain his memories. In Martin's timeline, he isn't really dealing well with the loss of Edward but continues on with the work that must be done to stop time fold transportation and of course the embarkment of the Azimuth. Readers also get a chance to learn more about Gifford and the reason behind his campaign against the Zenith and Azimuth.
There was a lot of wonderful nuggets of information gleamed in this book that answered a lot of questions I had from book one. The author writing the story in parts made it more reader friendly when he switched focus from one character to another. My heart was practically beating with anticipation and excitement every time the author fed the readers information that was served to shock. Like Gifford's reveal of who his father was. I don't know if I'm looking forward to seeing what Annette plans to do with the issue concerning Hourglass.
Like Zenith (Book 1), the story is told from multiple characters standpoint. If it isn't obvious, the books must be read in order since Azimuth continues from where Zenith ended. Edward is back in his new time line and living his life not remembering anything that happened with Marty. Finding Martin's dog tags sets him on a path that will help him regain his memories. In Martin's timeline, he isn't really dealing well with the loss of Edward but continues on with the work that must be done to stop time fold transportation and of course the embarkment of the Azimuth. Readers also get a chance to learn more about Gifford and the reason behind his campaign against the Zenith and Azimuth.
There was a lot of wonderful nuggets of information gleamed in this book that answered a lot of questions I had from book one. The author writing the story in parts made it more reader friendly when he switched focus from one character to another. My heart was practically beating with anticipation and excitement every time the author fed the readers information that was served to shock. Like Gifford's reveal of who his father was. I don't know if I'm looking forward to seeing what Annette plans to do with the issue concerning Hourglass.
June 5, 2016
I received Azimuth, as well as Zenith (The Interscission Project: Book One), through the Goodreads Giveaway Program. These are the first books I will have read by this author.
The plot (which began with Zenith), involves space/time travel, teleporting and using a foldspace jump; which allows for events to be altered and parallel lives to exist. The scientific plots are well thought out and seem so plausible that you can envision yourself there, along side all the action!
The setting begins in the year 2202 (Interation Seven), but jumps back and forth from Iteration One (year 2177) to Interation Eight (year 2178). One of the most fascinating parts of the book, is the Timeline, with the different Interation triggers identified and the actions that take place over the years. References made back to the year 2138 and forward to 2220 add even more depth to the story.
This book continues with Edward and Marty, Jennifer and Charles, Trevor and Gifford, Annette and Cooper, Jacob and Thomas, as well as Admiral Dare and Henry Bradford. All have motives for taking the actions they do, in each Iteration; some selfish and some made in the name of love.
We have Rampart, floating space colonies, IA technology, The Confederation, movement through various solar systems and Hourglass, in addition to the future of the Starfire Technology Group. Nothing in the future is easy; in maintaining relationships, keeping spaceships intact, reversing actions taken in the past or in 'policing' space and time. Let alone dealing with relatives.
There is one good thing... we'll always have Paris...
I was happily surprised to learn there will be a third book in the series... 'Insurrection.' I'm not going to give any clues about it, since that would definitely be a spoiler... but I'll have to read it. Time is complex, now and in any future Iteration, and I need to see how Dr. Ahsanuddin envisions the continuation of this story line.
I love the series and wish the 'good guys' luck!
The plot (which began with Zenith), involves space/time travel, teleporting and using a foldspace jump; which allows for events to be altered and parallel lives to exist. The scientific plots are well thought out and seem so plausible that you can envision yourself there, along side all the action!
The setting begins in the year 2202 (Interation Seven), but jumps back and forth from Iteration One (year 2177) to Interation Eight (year 2178). One of the most fascinating parts of the book, is the Timeline, with the different Interation triggers identified and the actions that take place over the years. References made back to the year 2138 and forward to 2220 add even more depth to the story.
This book continues with Edward and Marty, Jennifer and Charles, Trevor and Gifford, Annette and Cooper, Jacob and Thomas, as well as Admiral Dare and Henry Bradford. All have motives for taking the actions they do, in each Iteration; some selfish and some made in the name of love.
We have Rampart, floating space colonies, IA technology, The Confederation, movement through various solar systems and Hourglass, in addition to the future of the Starfire Technology Group. Nothing in the future is easy; in maintaining relationships, keeping spaceships intact, reversing actions taken in the past or in 'policing' space and time. Let alone dealing with relatives.
There is one good thing... we'll always have Paris...
I was happily surprised to learn there will be a third book in the series... 'Insurrection.' I'm not going to give any clues about it, since that would definitely be a spoiler... but I'll have to read it. Time is complex, now and in any future Iteration, and I need to see how Dr. Ahsanuddin envisions the continuation of this story line.
I love the series and wish the 'good guys' luck!
November 30, 2015
I got this book for free in exchange for an honest review through the DBML program of the M/M Romance group at Goodreads.
First off let me say this is not normally the type of book I would read. Most Science Fiction type books tend to be to technical and hard for me to follow and for this reason I tend to avoid them at all cost. But, the description on this book pulled me in and boy am I glad it did. The author has a great style, while still containing technical descriptions they are set out in a way that is easily followed. The story is told from multiple view points which threw me at first but I quickly got into it and really enjoyed getting to know all the characters better. Would have liked more time spent with the couples, but I think this book is more Sci Fi plot with romance as secondary element. Author provides great world building and depth to all the characters, really felt connected to the characters and look forward to spending more time with them.
Overall great story with lots of twists to keep reader on the edge of their seats. Look forward to next in series.
First off let me say this is not normally the type of book I would read. Most Science Fiction type books tend to be to technical and hard for me to follow and for this reason I tend to avoid them at all cost. But, the description on this book pulled me in and boy am I glad it did. The author has a great style, while still containing technical descriptions they are set out in a way that is easily followed. The story is told from multiple view points which threw me at first but I quickly got into it and really enjoyed getting to know all the characters better. Would have liked more time spent with the couples, but I think this book is more Sci Fi plot with romance as secondary element. Author provides great world building and depth to all the characters, really felt connected to the characters and look forward to spending more time with them.
Overall great story with lots of twists to keep reader on the edge of their seats. Look forward to next in series.
July 4, 2015
For me it was a good decision to wait with the series until the second book got released. Not because of the characters: I had the same effect here as I did with Pact Arcanum and "recognized" them easily. No, it's the complexity of this world with all technical features and what the series is about as general idea that makes it seen as one big adventure. Just for that reason I wish part 3 of the triology would already have been released but I never like to make any author feeling pressured. But I'm looking forward to meet the characters and their world(s) again for sure.
July 11, 2015
great science fiction book, very nice male/male love story that goes along with it! A nice romantic love scene.
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