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Atrophy #1
Atrophy
Winner of a 2015 Galaxy Award for science fiction romance!
Twelve years on the prison planet Erebus makes a man long for death. The worst part for Tannin Everette is that he was framed for murder. He's innocent. When the ship Imojenna lands for emergency repairs, Tannin risks everything to escape...only to find himself face to face with the captain's undeniably gorgeous sister.
Zahli Sherron isn't planning on turning Tannin in. In fact, she actually believes him. Sure, he's sexy as every kind of sin, but he's no criminal—so she hides him. But no one escapes from Erebus and lives to tell about it. With every day that passes, Zahli further risks the lives of the entire crew...even as she falls in love with a man she can never have for herself.
The Atrophy series is best enjoyed in order.
Reading Order:
Book #1 Atrophy
Book #2 Quantum
Twelve years on the prison planet Erebus makes a man long for death. The worst part for Tannin Everette is that he was framed for murder. He's innocent. When the ship Imojenna lands for emergency repairs, Tannin risks everything to escape...only to find himself face to face with the captain's undeniably gorgeous sister.
Zahli Sherron isn't planning on turning Tannin in. In fact, she actually believes him. Sure, he's sexy as every kind of sin, but he's no criminal—so she hides him. But no one escapes from Erebus and lives to tell about it. With every day that passes, Zahli further risks the lives of the entire crew...even as she falls in love with a man she can never have for herself.
The Atrophy series is best enjoyed in order.
Reading Order:
Book #1 Atrophy
Book #2 Quantum
329 pages, ebook
First published December 7, 2015
74 people are currently reading
460 people want to read
About the author
Jess Anastasi
26 books182 followersJess has been making up stories ever since she can remember. Though her messy handwriting made it hard for anyone else to read them, she wasn’t deterred and now she gets to make up stories for a living. She loves loud music, a good book on a rainy day, and probably spends too much time watching too many TV shows. Jess lives in regional Victoria, Australia. Find out more about Jess on her website www.jessanastasi.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
November 10, 2015
I received this book from Netgalley for my honest review.
I think that Atrophy is the beginning book in a promising series! While some things have been concluded, some others have been left wide open! :)
Also, I'm asking myself the why of the title... Nothing is atrophying here... maybe it has something to do with the next book/books...
Anyhow, the premise of the book is excellent and interesting: shape-shifting aliens! And they don't shapeshift into animals, but into humans! Great twist in shapeshifting! :)
What I found slightly irking is some of the behaviour of the main characters.
Tannin has spent 12 years on Erebus: a prison planet from where nobody has ever escaped. Erebus is supposedly hell on "earth", but Tannin escapes very easily in my opinion.
OK, he's a wizard-hacker and during the whole book he proves it repeatedly, but he just walked into Rian and Zahli's ship without anybody asking a single question...
Zahli is protraied like a tough girl, an I had high expectations when she deals with an officer who tries to rape her, but after that she morphes into some needy and often TSTL YA (and you all know how much I hate heroines like that!). When her brother Rian impose his rules, instead of fighting for what she wants in a strait way she goes after Tannin whithout thinking about consequences for him. To me she appeared very selfish and inconsiderate.
Their relationship is an insta-love/lust. Sometimes they cannot form a coherent thought for the all-consuming lust flowing in their bodies! They're reckless in their pursuing each other and do a lot of things thay shouldn't do! LOL
Rian... a tough-as-nails war hero, torured by these aliens and full of rage and want for revenge... He hates himself and everybody around... or is he? To me he was just a very confused, sometimes plain crazy, sometimes with a heavy PTSD.. a very disturbed person. He acts without thought of consequences (and here he resembles his siter): whan he catches Tannin and Zahli in a compromising (cough, cough) position, he threatens both of them and Zahli, very impulsively leaves the ship...
Obviously, things happening around all of them should have been an alarm bell about what will happen (i already knew it!), but nobody thinks of it! I don't want to spoil the book for you, so I'll not go on...
If you're able to ignore these slight flaws, the book is very interesting and the idea is worthy.
The action parts is exiting and all the other secondary characters are great and coherent with their own personalities.
As I said, there's a kind of cliffhanger and I'm looing forward to reading the next book and I hope it will be Rian and Ella's! :)
I think that Atrophy is the beginning book in a promising series! While some things have been concluded, some others have been left wide open! :)
Also, I'm asking myself the why of the title... Nothing is atrophying here... maybe it has something to do with the next book/books...
Anyhow, the premise of the book is excellent and interesting: shape-shifting aliens! And they don't shapeshift into animals, but into humans! Great twist in shapeshifting! :)
What I found slightly irking is some of the behaviour of the main characters.
Tannin has spent 12 years on Erebus: a prison planet from where nobody has ever escaped. Erebus is supposedly hell on "earth", but Tannin escapes very easily in my opinion.
OK, he's a wizard-hacker and during the whole book he proves it repeatedly, but he just walked into Rian and Zahli's ship without anybody asking a single question...
Zahli is protraied like a tough girl, an I had high expectations when she deals with an officer who tries to rape her, but after that she morphes into some needy and often TSTL YA (and you all know how much I hate heroines like that!). When her brother Rian impose his rules, instead of fighting for what she wants in a strait way she goes after Tannin whithout thinking about consequences for him. To me she appeared very selfish and inconsiderate.
Their relationship is an insta-love/lust. Sometimes they cannot form a coherent thought for the all-consuming lust flowing in their bodies! They're reckless in their pursuing each other and do a lot of things thay shouldn't do! LOL
Rian... a tough-as-nails war hero, torured by these aliens and full of rage and want for revenge... He hates himself and everybody around... or is he? To me he was just a very confused, sometimes plain crazy, sometimes with a heavy PTSD.. a very disturbed person. He acts without thought of consequences (and here he resembles his siter): whan he catches Tannin and Zahli in a compromising (cough, cough) position, he threatens both of them and Zahli, very impulsively leaves the ship...
Obviously, things happening around all of them should have been an alarm bell about what will happen (i already knew it!), but nobody thinks of it! I don't want to spoil the book for you, so I'll not go on...
If you're able to ignore these slight flaws, the book is very interesting and the idea is worthy.
The action parts is exiting and all the other secondary characters are great and coherent with their own personalities.
As I said, there's a kind of cliffhanger and I'm looing forward to reading the next book and I hope it will be Rian and Ella's! :)
May 17, 2017
B+, so 4.5 stars
When I saw this month’s prompt was to read Something Different, I knew pretty much exactly which genre and which book I was going to choose. Last year sometime, one of my fellow reviewers at AAR reviewed a Sci-Fi romance called Quantum, whcih was the second book in Jess Anastasi’s Atrophy series. I really liked the sound of it and it struck me that while I’m actually a fan of Sci-Fi in TV and film, I don’t read it – so I picked up the first book in the series, Atrophy for the May prompt.
I admit that I hadn’t realised, going in, that it’s part of a series in which there is an overarching story that runs through all the books (there are three so far). Still, it’s a thumping good read and I’m sufficiently invested in that particular plotline to want to read the other books - when I can find the time! I also liked that the book is very much an ensemble piece, with a handful of principal characters to start and a few new ones introduced along the way. There’s a romance with an HEA to be sure, but that’s not the primary focus of the story and I was perfectly okay with that; there’s plenty of action and the gradual emergence of a really intriguing plot, all of it skilfully woven together into a rip-roaring, enjoyable yarn.
Due to the latest in a string of mechanical failures, the cargo freighter Imojenna is forced to land on the prison planet, Erebus in order to pick up spare parts and make repairs. On duty when the ship applies for permission to land is Tannin Everette, one of the number of inmates who is allowed to work in the prison administration. Twelve years earlier, he was convicted of a murder he did not commit, and when the chance of escape presents itself, he takes it, planning to stow away aboard the Imojenna. He’s not without misgivings; the penalty if he gets caught will be heavy and he’ll be a fugitive for the rest of his life. But on balance, it’s a risk he’s willing to take.
Crew member – and captain’s sister - Zahli Sherron, is in the marketplace buying supplies for the next leg of the Imojenna’s journey when she is approached by an officer and taken into a deserted building. Knowing the officer for one with an unpleasant reputation where women are concerned, Tannin is immediately suspicious and follows the sounds of a struggle only to come upon the young woman kneeling on the officer’s body with her hands around the knife in his chest. Tannin helps Zahli escape – and she later returns the favour by sticking up for him when he is discovered aboard the ship. There’s an instant attraction thrumming between them, but her immensely scary brother makes it clear that Zahli is firmly off-limits; and ship’s captain Rian Sherron reminds Zahli that while she’s his sister, as a member of the crew the same rules apply to her as to everyone else – which includes the non-fraternization policy.
Tannin is a likeable character, a whizz-kid hacker who somehow managed to keep the authorities on Erebus from finding out about his mad hacking skillz. These make him very valuable to Rian, who has his own reasons for choosing to captain a rickety freighter instead of returning to the military where he could be hero-worshipped until the end of his days. I liked the way the author shows Tannin’s loyalties becoming more conflicted the more time he spends aboard the ship; he’s falling for Zahli and he owes her his freedom and his life, but Rian, once he’s realised that Tannin has useful skills, has allowed him to stay on board and in effect given him a home of sorts. Tannin wants to be with Zahli but owes Rian, too, and doesn’t want to repay the trust he is gradually being given by directly disobeying orders.
I didn’t warm to Zahli all that much, though. She’s supposed to be kick-ass and competent, but even she sometimes questions her position among the crew, seeing herself as someone who just deals with the finances and does the shopping. I suppose she’s the crew’s peacemaker, sometimes standing between them and Rian and frequently calling her brother on his shit the way no-one else can. The sibling relationship is quiet well done, but she’s rather a bland character on her own.
The romance between Zahli and Tannin works well-enough for all it’s based on insta-lust, but the thing which really captured my interest is the plotline that is clearly going to run through all the books concerning Rian, a former military officer with a reputation for bad-assery of the highest order. Three years before the end of the Assimilation war, he disappeared without trace and was presumed dead, and then, just as suddenly, he reappeared and single-handedly ended the war with one daring, completely mad and potentially suicidal act. But he returned a changed man, bitter, reckless and distanced, always careful not to let anyone see the bleak darkness inside him, the intense and barely-leashed rage that he battles daily to contain. Ever since his return, he has been set on achieving one goal – to hunt down the shape-shifting aliens who captured and tortured him and make them pay. His quest for revenge sees him sometimes making questionable decisions, ones which could have disastrous outcomes for him and his crew, but he makes them anyway, putting nothing ahead of his achieving his goal. One such decision is to accept another shipment of cargo from a known shady-dealer, which turns out to be a woman, more specifically, high-priestess Miriella from the planet Aryn. The Arynian priestesses are known to have powerful psychic abilities and it’s immediately clear to Rian she could be a valuable bargaining chip, weapon or both. But he’s wary of her; her telepathic abilities unsettle him and he keeps his distance, although there’s definitely a spark there which I really hope is going to be explored in future books.
Ms. Anastasi weaves a fast-paced, complex (but not unintelligible) and enthralling story with nary a dull moment as the Imojenna wends its way across the skies, evading pursuers, avoiding traps and generally making more enemies than friends along the way. The various crew members are engaging and have important parts to play; these are secondary roles, but they are all clearly defined as characters and all contribute to the overall feeling of camaraderie among this closely-knit bunch.
While there are a few things that didn’t quite work for me – there’s a situation near the end which is resolved in a way that feels like a bit of a cop-out, for instance – on the whole Atrophy is a terrific read and one I’d certainly recommend. The world-building is excellent and while there are quite a few characters and plotlines introduced, I was never confused as to who was whom or who was doing what. Lucky for me, there are two more books in the series (Quantum and Diffraction) available with a fourth book, Entropy, coming in 2018.
When I saw this month’s prompt was to read Something Different, I knew pretty much exactly which genre and which book I was going to choose. Last year sometime, one of my fellow reviewers at AAR reviewed a Sci-Fi romance called Quantum, whcih was the second book in Jess Anastasi’s Atrophy series. I really liked the sound of it and it struck me that while I’m actually a fan of Sci-Fi in TV and film, I don’t read it – so I picked up the first book in the series, Atrophy for the May prompt.
I admit that I hadn’t realised, going in, that it’s part of a series in which there is an overarching story that runs through all the books (there are three so far). Still, it’s a thumping good read and I’m sufficiently invested in that particular plotline to want to read the other books - when I can find the time! I also liked that the book is very much an ensemble piece, with a handful of principal characters to start and a few new ones introduced along the way. There’s a romance with an HEA to be sure, but that’s not the primary focus of the story and I was perfectly okay with that; there’s plenty of action and the gradual emergence of a really intriguing plot, all of it skilfully woven together into a rip-roaring, enjoyable yarn.
Due to the latest in a string of mechanical failures, the cargo freighter Imojenna is forced to land on the prison planet, Erebus in order to pick up spare parts and make repairs. On duty when the ship applies for permission to land is Tannin Everette, one of the number of inmates who is allowed to work in the prison administration. Twelve years earlier, he was convicted of a murder he did not commit, and when the chance of escape presents itself, he takes it, planning to stow away aboard the Imojenna. He’s not without misgivings; the penalty if he gets caught will be heavy and he’ll be a fugitive for the rest of his life. But on balance, it’s a risk he’s willing to take.
Crew member – and captain’s sister - Zahli Sherron, is in the marketplace buying supplies for the next leg of the Imojenna’s journey when she is approached by an officer and taken into a deserted building. Knowing the officer for one with an unpleasant reputation where women are concerned, Tannin is immediately suspicious and follows the sounds of a struggle only to come upon the young woman kneeling on the officer’s body with her hands around the knife in his chest. Tannin helps Zahli escape – and she later returns the favour by sticking up for him when he is discovered aboard the ship. There’s an instant attraction thrumming between them, but her immensely scary brother makes it clear that Zahli is firmly off-limits; and ship’s captain Rian Sherron reminds Zahli that while she’s his sister, as a member of the crew the same rules apply to her as to everyone else – which includes the non-fraternization policy.
Tannin is a likeable character, a whizz-kid hacker who somehow managed to keep the authorities on Erebus from finding out about his mad hacking skillz. These make him very valuable to Rian, who has his own reasons for choosing to captain a rickety freighter instead of returning to the military where he could be hero-worshipped until the end of his days. I liked the way the author shows Tannin’s loyalties becoming more conflicted the more time he spends aboard the ship; he’s falling for Zahli and he owes her his freedom and his life, but Rian, once he’s realised that Tannin has useful skills, has allowed him to stay on board and in effect given him a home of sorts. Tannin wants to be with Zahli but owes Rian, too, and doesn’t want to repay the trust he is gradually being given by directly disobeying orders.
I didn’t warm to Zahli all that much, though. She’s supposed to be kick-ass and competent, but even she sometimes questions her position among the crew, seeing herself as someone who just deals with the finances and does the shopping. I suppose she’s the crew’s peacemaker, sometimes standing between them and Rian and frequently calling her brother on his shit the way no-one else can. The sibling relationship is quiet well done, but she’s rather a bland character on her own.
The romance between Zahli and Tannin works well-enough for all it’s based on insta-lust, but the thing which really captured my interest is the plotline that is clearly going to run through all the books concerning Rian, a former military officer with a reputation for bad-assery of the highest order. Three years before the end of the Assimilation war, he disappeared without trace and was presumed dead, and then, just as suddenly, he reappeared and single-handedly ended the war with one daring, completely mad and potentially suicidal act. But he returned a changed man, bitter, reckless and distanced, always careful not to let anyone see the bleak darkness inside him, the intense and barely-leashed rage that he battles daily to contain. Ever since his return, he has been set on achieving one goal – to hunt down the shape-shifting aliens who captured and tortured him and make them pay. His quest for revenge sees him sometimes making questionable decisions, ones which could have disastrous outcomes for him and his crew, but he makes them anyway, putting nothing ahead of his achieving his goal. One such decision is to accept another shipment of cargo from a known shady-dealer, which turns out to be a woman, more specifically, high-priestess Miriella from the planet Aryn. The Arynian priestesses are known to have powerful psychic abilities and it’s immediately clear to Rian she could be a valuable bargaining chip, weapon or both. But he’s wary of her; her telepathic abilities unsettle him and he keeps his distance, although there’s definitely a spark there which I really hope is going to be explored in future books.
Ms. Anastasi weaves a fast-paced, complex (but not unintelligible) and enthralling story with nary a dull moment as the Imojenna wends its way across the skies, evading pursuers, avoiding traps and generally making more enemies than friends along the way. The various crew members are engaging and have important parts to play; these are secondary roles, but they are all clearly defined as characters and all contribute to the overall feeling of camaraderie among this closely-knit bunch.
While there are a few things that didn’t quite work for me – there’s a situation near the end which is resolved in a way that feels like a bit of a cop-out, for instance – on the whole Atrophy is a terrific read and one I’d certainly recommend. The world-building is excellent and while there are quite a few characters and plotlines introduced, I was never confused as to who was whom or who was doing what. Lucky for me, there are two more books in the series (Quantum and Diffraction) available with a fourth book, Entropy, coming in 2018.
January 25, 2020
Coming off the high of season two of the Expanse, I decided to jump into Atrophy which came highly recommended from one of my girls. I had tried it previously but I was in slump land and everything I tried to read was failing. This round, Atrophy worked.
The story begins on Planet Erebus from Tannin's POV. He's been a prisoner for 12 years. He's worked his way up to an administrative position and had become an accomplished tech analyst. Rian and his crew on the Imojenna land there one day and Tannin decides it's time to escape. Before he makes his getaway he becomes a witness to an officer mistreating Zahli and essentially becomes her partner in a coverup. Zahli is Rian's sister so when Tannin sneaks aboard Imojenna, he luckily runs into Zahli and between his skills and Zahli's relation, they're able to convince Rian to let him stay; at least til they get to the next planet and he can go on the run.
What started as just hiding and helping a fugitive escape turns into a bigger plot involving an Arynian priestess, Reidar infiltrating the government and trying to take down said Reidar while trying to figure out the bad guys from the good and keeping the crew on civil terms with one another. Tannin and Zahli have chemistry but Rian has ship rules that are a constant battle between them whether it's worth the risk to break them or not.
I struggled with how to review this for a bit mostly because the flow of the book was a bit obnoxious. It started with specifically focusing on Tannin and Zahli but then they became background, secondary characters because I felt like Rian and his story and quest for vengeance totally overshadowed their story. This made it incredibly hard to even like Rian because his character is so complex but it definitely should have been reserved for his own book with us getting glimpses from Zahli.
The chemistry, when it finally exploded, was super hot but again, it would go back to Rian and my happiness would dissolve because he would be a giant dick to Zahli. There are a ton of different plot points so it can be a little overwhelming to keep up but overall the story did work for me and I definitely plan to continue to read the next books in the series.
The story begins on Planet Erebus from Tannin's POV. He's been a prisoner for 12 years. He's worked his way up to an administrative position and had become an accomplished tech analyst. Rian and his crew on the Imojenna land there one day and Tannin decides it's time to escape. Before he makes his getaway he becomes a witness to an officer mistreating Zahli and essentially becomes her partner in a coverup. Zahli is Rian's sister so when Tannin sneaks aboard Imojenna, he luckily runs into Zahli and between his skills and Zahli's relation, they're able to convince Rian to let him stay; at least til they get to the next planet and he can go on the run.
What started as just hiding and helping a fugitive escape turns into a bigger plot involving an Arynian priestess, Reidar infiltrating the government and trying to take down said Reidar while trying to figure out the bad guys from the good and keeping the crew on civil terms with one another. Tannin and Zahli have chemistry but Rian has ship rules that are a constant battle between them whether it's worth the risk to break them or not.
I struggled with how to review this for a bit mostly because the flow of the book was a bit obnoxious. It started with specifically focusing on Tannin and Zahli but then they became background, secondary characters because I felt like Rian and his story and quest for vengeance totally overshadowed their story. This made it incredibly hard to even like Rian because his character is so complex but it definitely should have been reserved for his own book with us getting glimpses from Zahli.
The chemistry, when it finally exploded, was super hot but again, it would go back to Rian and my happiness would dissolve because he would be a giant dick to Zahli. There are a ton of different plot points so it can be a little overwhelming to keep up but overall the story did work for me and I definitely plan to continue to read the next books in the series.
December 17, 2015
This book is difficult to review, simply because it took me almost a month to finish it. It was very slow in the beginning, which forced me to put it down too many times to count. Not much happened until around 35% or so, and even that wasn't really mind blowing. I think if this had been told in first person, it would have been a whole lot better to read.
I could only grasp that Rian is an intolerable person to be around. He's arrogant and disrespectful at every turn. Tannin, for all his escape plans, just couldn't deny his attraction to Zahli. Zahli loves and respects her brother, but sometimes he makes her want to shoot him. I'm not sure of what Ella is. Only that she has powers and I can't recall the how because I spent too much time putting the book down.The world is very confusing at times. The whole system failed to make me want to know more.
I think that by me not really connecting to the story, it made me just over it all. What worked for me with this is the romance between Tannin and Zahli. Every time they were in each others presence, the story seemed to pick up pace. The sex scenes are good for the way the story is told, so it's not all that graphic. I liked Rian after Ella did her mojo on him. He was still an angry a-hole, but he spent too much time wanting that darkness back and I actually felt sorry for him.
All I kept picturing for this world is all the Riddick movies I've watched. The different planets and the tech just gave me that visual. If you love stories with a similar background, this one is for you. Just an okay read for .
Find all of my reviews over at Lekeisha The Booknerd
I could only grasp that Rian is an intolerable person to be around. He's arrogant and disrespectful at every turn. Tannin, for all his escape plans, just couldn't deny his attraction to Zahli. Zahli loves and respects her brother, but sometimes he makes her want to shoot him. I'm not sure of what Ella is. Only that she has powers and I can't recall the how because I spent too much time putting the book down.The world is very confusing at times. The whole system failed to make me want to know more.
I think that by me not really connecting to the story, it made me just over it all. What worked for me with this is the romance between Tannin and Zahli. Every time they were in each others presence, the story seemed to pick up pace. The sex scenes are good for the way the story is told, so it's not all that graphic. I liked Rian after Ella did her mojo on him. He was still an angry a-hole, but he spent too much time wanting that darkness back and I actually felt sorry for him.
All I kept picturing for this world is all the Riddick movies I've watched. The different planets and the tech just gave me that visual. If you love stories with a similar background, this one is for you. Just an okay read for .
Find all of my reviews over at Lekeisha The Booknerd
October 29, 2015
A malfunction gets an old, rickety ship onto a prison planet for emergency repairs, the last place any sane person wants to do. But Captain Rian Sherron isn't the sanest person around, so he does it, setting a chain of events in motion that ends up with a stowaway on board who not only finds a place as a tech hacker on board but also some steamy times with Rian's sister.
While Tannin and Zahli are well-conceived characters, I'm drawn to the compelling way Jess Anastasi portrays the hard, scarred and so-in-need-of-redemption Rian and the unwitting heat he generates with a priestess he tries to hard to keep away from.
But the book is so much more what than the blurb says; to say that it's a story featuring an escaped convict and a woman on a ship would be to shortchange it totally, because the Atrophy actually reads like the season opener of a series that is getting me moist with excitement. There's a motley crew to get to know, multiple conflicts waiting to unfold, shady & tortured pasts to uncover and loads of UST to strip away (Rian and Ella, please) - all of which remind me of Firefly on steroids set in the ever-faulty Millennium Falcon, full of cynical humour, spiffy dialogue and all kinds of made behaviour. The title of the book itself seems a fitting metaphor for the sheer amount of instability we're thrust into, describing inexorable decline of Rian and of the crumbling galaxy he and his crew inhabit, until Ms. Anastasi (w)rites those wrongs away.
*ARC by netgalley
(ever grateful, mind)
While Tannin and Zahli are well-conceived characters, I'm drawn to the compelling way Jess Anastasi portrays the hard, scarred and so-in-need-of-redemption Rian and the unwitting heat he generates with a priestess he tries to hard to keep away from.
But the book is so much more what than the blurb says; to say that it's a story featuring an escaped convict and a woman on a ship would be to shortchange it totally, because the Atrophy actually reads like the season opener of a series that is getting me moist with excitement. There's a motley crew to get to know, multiple conflicts waiting to unfold, shady & tortured pasts to uncover and loads of UST to strip away (Rian and Ella, please) - all of which remind me of Firefly on steroids set in the ever-faulty Millennium Falcon, full of cynical humour, spiffy dialogue and all kinds of made behaviour. The title of the book itself seems a fitting metaphor for the sheer amount of instability we're thrust into, describing inexorable decline of Rian and of the crumbling galaxy he and his crew inhabit, until Ms. Anastasi (w)rites those wrongs away.
*ARC by netgalley
(ever grateful, mind)
December 1, 2023
I really enjoyed THE LAST SKY and it had everything I look for in a sci-fi romance -- interesting world building, a misfit crew, forbidden love, and adventure all over the known galaxy.
I especially loved Tannin and Zahli and how they both wanted to be with each other so much even against Rian’s explicit orders. Tannin was so sweet with a little bit of geek thrown in and plenty of sexy swagger. Zahli was also awesome, tough and strong with a compassionate heart.
Though Tannin and Zahli are the main couple, there is really so much more going on in THE LAST SKY. It’s really about Zahli’s brother, Rian, and his revenge mission against the evil shape-shifting aliens, the Reidar. I’m not completely sold on Rian yet but I came to like him more as the book progressed. He has a lot of baggage and history that causes him to lash out but there were hints here and there that he's letting go of the pain.
The world building was really interesting but I wish we had gotten a little bit more about how Rian became a war hero during the Assimilation Wars. It's the reason behind his fearsome reputation and why so many people respect him but the reader never really learns what he did.
I enjoyed the crew of the Imojenna and each of them clearly has an interesting story to tell and I look forward to reading them.
Content Warning: attempted rape (doesn't get far); PTSD, references to past torture
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Favorite Quotes:
“Rian, where are you taking him?” Zahli caught up with them and followed on his other side.
“The brig.”
“You can’t, he’s injured.” One of the other women joined in the argument, presumably the ship’s doctor.
“I know he’s injured. I stabbed him.”
- - - - -
She crossed her arms and glared at him. “Yes, I’m beginning to notice your appalling tendency to throw yourself into the line of fire when you think I need protecting. You do realize I got along just fine before you came into my life?”
- - - - -
“Why do you tempt me when this can’t go anywhere, when we could get caught at any second?”
He slipped a hand to the back of her neck and tilted her head. “Because, no matter what I do, I can’t resist you.”
- - - - -
Where were they all going to end up this time? Knowing Rian, whatever he had in mind probably consisted of only two elements: extreme risk and excessive violence.
I especially loved Tannin and Zahli and how they both wanted to be with each other so much even against Rian’s explicit orders. Tannin was so sweet with a little bit of geek thrown in and plenty of sexy swagger. Zahli was also awesome, tough and strong with a compassionate heart.
Though Tannin and Zahli are the main couple, there is really so much more going on in THE LAST SKY. It’s really about Zahli’s brother, Rian, and his revenge mission against the evil shape-shifting aliens, the Reidar. I’m not completely sold on Rian yet but I came to like him more as the book progressed. He has a lot of baggage and history that causes him to lash out but there were hints here and there that he's letting go of the pain.
The world building was really interesting but I wish we had gotten a little bit more about how Rian became a war hero during the Assimilation Wars. It's the reason behind his fearsome reputation and why so many people respect him but the reader never really learns what he did.
I enjoyed the crew of the Imojenna and each of them clearly has an interesting story to tell and I look forward to reading them.
Content Warning: attempted rape (doesn't get far); PTSD, references to past torture
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Favorite Quotes:
“Rian, where are you taking him?” Zahli caught up with them and followed on his other side.
“The brig.”
“You can’t, he’s injured.” One of the other women joined in the argument, presumably the ship’s doctor.
“I know he’s injured. I stabbed him.”
- - - - -
She crossed her arms and glared at him. “Yes, I’m beginning to notice your appalling tendency to throw yourself into the line of fire when you think I need protecting. You do realize I got along just fine before you came into my life?”
- - - - -
“Why do you tempt me when this can’t go anywhere, when we could get caught at any second?”
He slipped a hand to the back of her neck and tilted her head. “Because, no matter what I do, I can’t resist you.”
- - - - -
Where were they all going to end up this time? Knowing Rian, whatever he had in mind probably consisted of only two elements: extreme risk and excessive violence.
December 8, 2015
This book had all the things. Literally, anything you could think of to place in an erotic space paranormal made its presence known in this book.
Aliens? Check.
Spaceships and different galaxies? Check.
Hot male prisoner that escaped from a planet with the help of a crazy space caption and his rebellious badass of a sister? Check, check and check.
Really, the list goes on. I surely can't say that this book lacked entertainment. It hopped from one thing to the next, making sure the reader was invested until the end.
With that said, I wanted to like the book more but just couldn't get there. The author has so much going on that, while it was pretty hard not to like most aspects of the book, it failed to completely draw me in as there was no emotional connection with the characters—all 59,238 of them. Okay, not really, but there were a bunch! I just would have liked to have seen two main characters, not two main characters with six other characters to focus on.
Other than that, this book was actually a great read. It was entertaining enough to keep me reading and there was no doubt that its content was original. You won't find a book like it! ~ Kelly, 3.5 stars
Aliens? Check.
Spaceships and different galaxies? Check.
Hot male prisoner that escaped from a planet with the help of a crazy space caption and his rebellious badass of a sister? Check, check and check.
Really, the list goes on. I surely can't say that this book lacked entertainment. It hopped from one thing to the next, making sure the reader was invested until the end.
With that said, I wanted to like the book more but just couldn't get there. The author has so much going on that, while it was pretty hard not to like most aspects of the book, it failed to completely draw me in as there was no emotional connection with the characters—all 59,238 of them. Okay, not really, but there were a bunch! I just would have liked to have seen two main characters, not two main characters with six other characters to focus on.
Other than that, this book was actually a great read. It was entertaining enough to keep me reading and there was no doubt that its content was original. You won't find a book like it! ~ Kelly, 3.5 stars
November 12, 2022
Series: Atrophy #1
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
I can’t believe I have put this book off for so long! This was a wonderful romance set in a very fascinating universe and I want to kick myself for not reading this soon. But at least now that I am coming to it so late, I can binge the series.
Tannin has spent twelve years wrongfully imprisoned on the prison planet Erebus. When the Imojenna lands on Erebus he uses it as a chance to escape and finds himself falling for the captain's sister. Zahli and Tannin have an instant attraction but due to ship rules, they are forbidden from having a relationship. They quickly realize that their feelings for each other are more important than the rules though.
Tannin and Zahli were wonderful characters. Tannin was a surprisingly sweet man who just wanted to have his freedom again. I loved how he was sweet and geeky, but also had a lot of confidence, especially when it came to defying Rian’s order to not be with his sister. Zahli was a wonderful and strong heroine. I loved how she was the heart of the Imojenna crew. I enjoyed Zahli and Tannin’s relationship from the very beginning, especially with all the mutual pining going on in the beginning.
On top of having a great couple, the story also focuses on Rian, Zahli’s brother, and his determination to get revenge against the shape-shifting aliens, the Reidar. While I am enjoying the premise of this story and world, I don’t exactly love Rian at the moment. He has a lot of baggage and is constantly lashing out at people because of it. I hope that after some of the events in this book he will become a better character. I did see his book is the last in the series so he has time to improve as a character.
The world building in this was very extensive and interesting. I found this world of humans populating the universe and not believing in aliens to be very interesting. I did expect more information on the Assimilation Wars and what Rian did during it to be discussed since it was mentioned so much, but hopefully that will be revealed in the next book. I was also surprised by the lack of confirmation of identities when it came to the Reidar. They didn’t really confirm their friends' identity with each new character introduced, which considering how dangerous the Reidar are supposed to be, it was surprising.
Overall, this was a very interesting world featuring a great romance. I am very interested in reading the next book now and seeing how the fight against the Reidar goes.
Trigger warnings: attempted rape; death; slavery; human experimentation; torture; severe injuries leading almost to death
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
I can’t believe I have put this book off for so long! This was a wonderful romance set in a very fascinating universe and I want to kick myself for not reading this soon. But at least now that I am coming to it so late, I can binge the series.
Tannin has spent twelve years wrongfully imprisoned on the prison planet Erebus. When the Imojenna lands on Erebus he uses it as a chance to escape and finds himself falling for the captain's sister. Zahli and Tannin have an instant attraction but due to ship rules, they are forbidden from having a relationship. They quickly realize that their feelings for each other are more important than the rules though.
Tannin and Zahli were wonderful characters. Tannin was a surprisingly sweet man who just wanted to have his freedom again. I loved how he was sweet and geeky, but also had a lot of confidence, especially when it came to defying Rian’s order to not be with his sister. Zahli was a wonderful and strong heroine. I loved how she was the heart of the Imojenna crew. I enjoyed Zahli and Tannin’s relationship from the very beginning, especially with all the mutual pining going on in the beginning.
On top of having a great couple, the story also focuses on Rian, Zahli’s brother, and his determination to get revenge against the shape-shifting aliens, the Reidar. While I am enjoying the premise of this story and world, I don’t exactly love Rian at the moment. He has a lot of baggage and is constantly lashing out at people because of it. I hope that after some of the events in this book he will become a better character. I did see his book is the last in the series so he has time to improve as a character.
The world building in this was very extensive and interesting. I found this world of humans populating the universe and not believing in aliens to be very interesting. I did expect more information on the Assimilation Wars and what Rian did during it to be discussed since it was mentioned so much, but hopefully that will be revealed in the next book. I was also surprised by the lack of confirmation of identities when it came to the Reidar. They didn’t really confirm their friends' identity with each new character introduced, which considering how dangerous the Reidar are supposed to be, it was surprising.
Overall, this was a very interesting world featuring a great romance. I am very interested in reading the next book now and seeing how the fight against the Reidar goes.
Trigger warnings: attempted rape; death; slavery; human experimentation; torture; severe injuries leading almost to death
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
April 4, 2022
Puedes encontrar esta reseña en español al final.
I have read this author before and liked her. I will read her again for sure, but this story is not working for me. For two simple reasons:
The first one is that the MCs can´t help acting like teenagers. As much as I try to convince myself that they are closer to thirty than twenty, the author does not support this statement with anything. The dialogues are juvenile, the interactions between the two insipid, the way they behave with the others borders on the ridiculous, but above all, the relationship between the heroine and her brother makes her seems like a child. It is impossible to take her seriously.
The second one is that I am much more interested in the heroine's brother romance. Which wouldn't be inconvenient if it weren't for the fact that he's going to meet his love interest throughout this story BUT his book is the FOURTH.
Nope.
Sigh.
Way to steal the MCs´ spotlight.
Dnf at 25%.
***
He leído anteriormente a esta autora y me ha gustado. La volveré a leer seguro, pero esta historia no está funcionando para mí. Por dos sencillas razones:
La primera es que los protagonistas no dejan de parecerme adolescentes. Por más que intento convencerme de que están más cerca de los treinta que de los veinte, la autora no apoya con nada esta afirmación. Los diálogos son juveniles, las interacciones entre ambos insípidas, la manera de comportarse con los demás raya en lo ridículo, pero sobre todo, la relación entre la prota y su hermano la hace parecer una cría. Es imposible tomársela en serio.
La segunda es que estoy mucho más interesada en el futuro romance del hermano. Que no sería inconveniente de no ser porque va a conocer a su interés amoroso a lo largo de esta historia PERO su libro es el CUARTO.
Nope.
Sigh.
Vaya ganas de robar protagonismo a la pareja protagonista. Valga la redundancia.
Lo dejo al 25%.
I have read this author before and liked her. I will read her again for sure, but this story is not working for me. For two simple reasons:
The first one is that the MCs can´t help acting like teenagers. As much as I try to convince myself that they are closer to thirty than twenty, the author does not support this statement with anything. The dialogues are juvenile, the interactions between the two insipid, the way they behave with the others borders on the ridiculous, but above all, the relationship between the heroine and her brother makes her seems like a child. It is impossible to take her seriously.
The second one is that I am much more interested in the heroine's brother romance. Which wouldn't be inconvenient if it weren't for the fact that he's going to meet his love interest throughout this story BUT his book is the FOURTH.
Nope.
Sigh.
Way to steal the MCs´ spotlight.
Dnf at 25%.
***
He leído anteriormente a esta autora y me ha gustado. La volveré a leer seguro, pero esta historia no está funcionando para mí. Por dos sencillas razones:
La primera es que los protagonistas no dejan de parecerme adolescentes. Por más que intento convencerme de que están más cerca de los treinta que de los veinte, la autora no apoya con nada esta afirmación. Los diálogos son juveniles, las interacciones entre ambos insípidas, la manera de comportarse con los demás raya en lo ridículo, pero sobre todo, la relación entre la prota y su hermano la hace parecer una cría. Es imposible tomársela en serio.
La segunda es que estoy mucho más interesada en el futuro romance del hermano. Que no sería inconveniente de no ser porque va a conocer a su interés amoroso a lo largo de esta historia PERO su libro es el CUARTO.
Nope.
Sigh.
Vaya ganas de robar protagonismo a la pareja protagonista. Valga la redundancia.
Lo dejo al 25%.
added-it
March 2, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/2/2021)! 🎁
March 9, 2021
ARC REVIEW
I'm always on the look for a new sci-fi romance to fall in love with. This is the book. I surprised myself with how much I enjoyed this book. The best way I can think to describe it, it's like a darker twisted version of Firefly meets Invasion of the Body Snatchers (both of which I loved). The characters, like with those in Firefly, are all unique and have their own little quirks that makes them charismatic and well just plain likeable. The storyline is captivating and full of mystery and conspiracy, the love story is an easy one, instalove, with an overprotective big brother standing in the way.
The Imojenna is a cargo ship, she is also falling apart. But Captain Rian Sherron uses her for his own reasons, if only the crew could keep it in one piece. At the beginning of the book she is falling apart and the stubborn AI is ready to dump the cargo hold to keep it on one piece. Their only solution is to land on the nearest planet and make repairs. Unfortunately said planet is Erebus a prison planet, fortunately Rian has connections being an ex-military and a War Hero.
Inmate Tannin Everette has spent the last twelve years of his life on the prison planet of Erebus for a crime that he didn't commit. Tannin learned early on he can have an easy life, well for an inmate at least, by volunteering to do all the menial admin tasks no one else wants to do. In doing this he was in the right place at the right time to overhear the plans for a cargo ship to land for repairs. Tannin sees his opportunity to escape and against all odds was able to escape the inescapable prison planet.
Zahli Sherron is the heart of the crew, little sister to Rian and the money manager she also finds them all their jobs. Zahli is also the first one to meet Tannin, he helps her escape the guard who tricked her and tried to rape her. Zahli in truth saves herself by killing the guard but escapes with Tannin's help. When later she finds him stowed away on board the ship she agrees to help him escape. Rian catches him and the only thing keeping him from turning the ship around and turning him in is the fact he likes the challenge and outwitting the system. As it turns out Tannin ends up being more helpful than any of them imagined. During Tannin's twelve years in Erebus and working in the admin building he because a genius computer wiz. Tannin and Zahli fall in love at first sight, but Rian's no fraternization rule gets in the way especially after Rian kind of threatens Tannin with his freedom if he messes around with Zahli.
The dilapidated ship and her crew are more than they seem. Tannin soon realizes that the cargo business is more of a cover for their real purpose which is to stop a shapeshifting alien race from taking over. I won't go to much more into because I don't want any spoilers but damn. Overall this was a really good book and I am really looking forward to more books especially Rian's.
I'm always on the look for a new sci-fi romance to fall in love with. This is the book. I surprised myself with how much I enjoyed this book. The best way I can think to describe it, it's like a darker twisted version of Firefly meets Invasion of the Body Snatchers (both of which I loved). The characters, like with those in Firefly, are all unique and have their own little quirks that makes them charismatic and well just plain likeable. The storyline is captivating and full of mystery and conspiracy, the love story is an easy one, instalove, with an overprotective big brother standing in the way.
The Imojenna is a cargo ship, she is also falling apart. But Captain Rian Sherron uses her for his own reasons, if only the crew could keep it in one piece. At the beginning of the book she is falling apart and the stubborn AI is ready to dump the cargo hold to keep it on one piece. Their only solution is to land on the nearest planet and make repairs. Unfortunately said planet is Erebus a prison planet, fortunately Rian has connections being an ex-military and a War Hero.
Inmate Tannin Everette has spent the last twelve years of his life on the prison planet of Erebus for a crime that he didn't commit. Tannin learned early on he can have an easy life, well for an inmate at least, by volunteering to do all the menial admin tasks no one else wants to do. In doing this he was in the right place at the right time to overhear the plans for a cargo ship to land for repairs. Tannin sees his opportunity to escape and against all odds was able to escape the inescapable prison planet.
Zahli Sherron is the heart of the crew, little sister to Rian and the money manager she also finds them all their jobs. Zahli is also the first one to meet Tannin, he helps her escape the guard who tricked her and tried to rape her. Zahli in truth saves herself by killing the guard but escapes with Tannin's help. When later she finds him stowed away on board the ship she agrees to help him escape. Rian catches him and the only thing keeping him from turning the ship around and turning him in is the fact he likes the challenge and outwitting the system. As it turns out Tannin ends up being more helpful than any of them imagined. During Tannin's twelve years in Erebus and working in the admin building he because a genius computer wiz. Tannin and Zahli fall in love at first sight, but Rian's no fraternization rule gets in the way especially after Rian kind of threatens Tannin with his freedom if he messes around with Zahli.
The dilapidated ship and her crew are more than they seem. Tannin soon realizes that the cargo business is more of a cover for their real purpose which is to stop a shapeshifting alien race from taking over. I won't go to much more into because I don't want any spoilers but damn. Overall this was a really good book and I am really looking forward to more books especially Rian's.
June 2, 2018
I read this book because it came up on some lists of best scifi romance. Call it another lesson in how far this subgenre has to go. So, rant-ish review ahead.
It started off fairly well, but when it got to the romantic conflict--the heroine's brother won't let her date the hero--it began to lose momentum. Ostensibly the hero doesn't want crew members fraternizing. In reality, he's a drunk jerk who won't let his sister, a grown ass woman, make her own decisions. It's always "Stay away from MY sister." Uh, you don't own her, and she's an adult. The hero comes off as weak because instead of standing up for their relationship, he slinks around bowing to the brother's wishes until the very end.
Character development of the two leads stops at "he is a master hacker" and "she is a nice girl." An unresolved secondary romance between the brother and a random space priestess who lands in the crew's lap takes a lot of space and energy away from the main romance. She has a confusing set of powers (telepathy AND magical healing AND control of the elements) that allegedly make her able to take care of herself but didn't help her when slavers kidnapped her or at any other point except when the author needed to make the brother mad at her for trying to help.
The plot and pacing were uneven. It starts off as a stowaway story but then veers into going to a black hole to hunt aliens only this crew believes in; the escape from prison, fleeing for life angle didn't need help from the aliens, who are evil and sneaky but somehow also flat and uninteresting.
I think I could have forgiven most of the flaws had the writing been better, but alas. The first quarter to third of the book seems to have had some editing. The rest is a mess. The author's word choices often make no sense. What the heck is "a rupture of steam," for example? At other points, she desperately needed a thesaurus. She constantly describes the heroine and all her attributes as "sexy." I read the word "sexy" so many times, I wanted to scream, "Get a synonym already!" The issues get worse the farther you read. Toward the end, I found a couple of places where a sentence just stopped with no punctuation and didn't read as complete, like loose ends from revisions that never got tidied.
Also, might I add that two characters deciding to immediately start having a large but unspecified number of children when they just met, don't lead a lifestyle conducive to raising small children, and haven't even discussed whether they both even want kids seems so unrealistic that I wondered if they'd gone space-mad by the end?
The author's note at the end was pretty interesting. Apparently the book got rejected several times because it was too romance or too hard scifi. With its total lack of real scientific grounding and the lack of relationship development, I am more inclined to think the rejections came because it wasn't enough of either.
It started off fairly well, but when it got to the romantic conflict--the heroine's brother won't let her date the hero--it began to lose momentum. Ostensibly the hero doesn't want crew members fraternizing. In reality, he's a drunk jerk who won't let his sister, a grown ass woman, make her own decisions. It's always "Stay away from MY sister." Uh, you don't own her, and she's an adult. The hero comes off as weak because instead of standing up for their relationship, he slinks around bowing to the brother's wishes until the very end.
Character development of the two leads stops at "he is a master hacker" and "she is a nice girl." An unresolved secondary romance between the brother and a random space priestess who lands in the crew's lap takes a lot of space and energy away from the main romance. She has a confusing set of powers (telepathy AND magical healing AND control of the elements) that allegedly make her able to take care of herself but didn't help her when slavers kidnapped her or at any other point except when the author needed to make the brother mad at her for trying to help.
The plot and pacing were uneven. It starts off as a stowaway story but then veers into going to a black hole to hunt aliens only this crew believes in; the escape from prison, fleeing for life angle didn't need help from the aliens, who are evil and sneaky but somehow also flat and uninteresting.
I think I could have forgiven most of the flaws had the writing been better, but alas. The first quarter to third of the book seems to have had some editing. The rest is a mess. The author's word choices often make no sense. What the heck is "a rupture of steam," for example? At other points, she desperately needed a thesaurus. She constantly describes the heroine and all her attributes as "sexy." I read the word "sexy" so many times, I wanted to scream, "Get a synonym already!" The issues get worse the farther you read. Toward the end, I found a couple of places where a sentence just stopped with no punctuation and didn't read as complete, like loose ends from revisions that never got tidied.
Also, might I add that two characters deciding to immediately start having a large but unspecified number of children when they just met, don't lead a lifestyle conducive to raising small children, and haven't even discussed whether they both even want kids seems so unrealistic that I wondered if they'd gone space-mad by the end?
The author's note at the end was pretty interesting. Apparently the book got rejected several times because it was too romance or too hard scifi. With its total lack of real scientific grounding and the lack of relationship development, I am more inclined to think the rejections came because it wasn't enough of either.
November 11, 2015
Risking everything, Tannin Everette plans to use the Imojenna’s emergency repair landing as his means to escape…only to come face to face with the captain’s gorgeous sister in this thrilling paranormal sci-fi romance.
Even though no one escapes Erebus and lives to tell about it, Zahli Sherron hides Tannin on the ship and the reader can’t help but get caught up in this space opera of a romance as Zahli risks the lives of the entire crew for a love that can never be. The chemistry is a smoldering heat that builds to scorching proportions throughout the story with some steamy sex scenes but in order to have any kind of relationship they will have to defy the Captain’s rules which causes quite a few emotional outbursts and heated clashes among the crew. The characters are strong, compelling and grab the reader’s attention from the very beginning while the steady to fast paced and smooth flowing plot thrills readers with lots of suspense, excitement and romance.
There is never a dull moment on the Imojenna as they continuously dodge assassins, deadly traps, and seem to attract more enemies than friends during every exciting encounter but the real danger is a threat that few no one knows about, one that the crew is determined to destroy no matter the cost which keeps the adrenaline pumping throughout the story with lots of excitement. The scenes are well written with vivid details that make it easy for reader to become absorbed in all the action and romance while the intriguing events draw the readers in and refuse to let go and unexpected twists keep readers guessing while adding spice to the story as well.
All of the Imojenna crew have strong personalities that spark interest, so together with their grumpy attitudes, I was completely fascinated by the exhilaration of their lives as they barely escape from or stay one step ahead of their many enemies and I can’t wait to find out what happens next on the Imojenna.
4 ½ STARS
Even though no one escapes Erebus and lives to tell about it, Zahli Sherron hides Tannin on the ship and the reader can’t help but get caught up in this space opera of a romance as Zahli risks the lives of the entire crew for a love that can never be. The chemistry is a smoldering heat that builds to scorching proportions throughout the story with some steamy sex scenes but in order to have any kind of relationship they will have to defy the Captain’s rules which causes quite a few emotional outbursts and heated clashes among the crew. The characters are strong, compelling and grab the reader’s attention from the very beginning while the steady to fast paced and smooth flowing plot thrills readers with lots of suspense, excitement and romance.
There is never a dull moment on the Imojenna as they continuously dodge assassins, deadly traps, and seem to attract more enemies than friends during every exciting encounter but the real danger is a threat that few no one knows about, one that the crew is determined to destroy no matter the cost which keeps the adrenaline pumping throughout the story with lots of excitement. The scenes are well written with vivid details that make it easy for reader to become absorbed in all the action and romance while the intriguing events draw the readers in and refuse to let go and unexpected twists keep readers guessing while adding spice to the story as well.
All of the Imojenna crew have strong personalities that spark interest, so together with their grumpy attitudes, I was completely fascinated by the exhilaration of their lives as they barely escape from or stay one step ahead of their many enemies and I can’t wait to find out what happens next on the Imojenna.
4 ½ STARS
January 19, 2017
I read the number two book (Quantum) in this series awhile ago and really liked it. Then a short time ago, the publisher asked if I'd like to read the third book (Diffraction) and do a review. And, of course, I said yes! I thought perhaps I should go back and read book number one so I would have the whole picture. Now I know how Mae gets involved!
Ms. Anastasia writes a pretty good sci-fi adventure. She throws in just enough of the love scene business to satisfy all but the really hardcore romantics. What I really like is that she has carried the "big picture" over into the other books to tie them together nicely. Book one has the Infamous Captain Rian Sheeron taking his crew off after the shape-shifting bad guys. These are the ones who tortured him and are now trying to take over the galaxy. But no one really believes Rian until they see one of these shape-shifting creatures die. That's when their true form is revealed, and it's kind of yucky!
This invasion and the Captain's pursuit of the shape-shifters is an ongoing theme in this series. It's a nice tie in. Each book is the story of the individual couple, but the series' theme plays in the background providing the link to the rest of the series. A nice technique and very well done in this case. Ms. Anastasia has a very nice writing style.
There were a few weaknesses when characters didn't act the way I felt they should have. Mostly Rian, the captain, and his sister, Zahli. They both had a couple of very childish, impulsive moments when they basically had temper tantrums and didn't consider the consequences to themselves or anyone else. These things aside, if you like some romance and a righteous cause thrown in with your sci-fi, this series might be one for you to try out. I find I'm really looking forward to book three!
I purchased this book from Amazon in Kindle format for full price. This is an honest review for which I am not being compensated. All opinions are fully my own.
~ Judi E. Easley
Ms. Anastasia writes a pretty good sci-fi adventure. She throws in just enough of the love scene business to satisfy all but the really hardcore romantics. What I really like is that she has carried the "big picture" over into the other books to tie them together nicely. Book one has the Infamous Captain Rian Sheeron taking his crew off after the shape-shifting bad guys. These are the ones who tortured him and are now trying to take over the galaxy. But no one really believes Rian until they see one of these shape-shifting creatures die. That's when their true form is revealed, and it's kind of yucky!
This invasion and the Captain's pursuit of the shape-shifters is an ongoing theme in this series. It's a nice tie in. Each book is the story of the individual couple, but the series' theme plays in the background providing the link to the rest of the series. A nice technique and very well done in this case. Ms. Anastasia has a very nice writing style.
There were a few weaknesses when characters didn't act the way I felt they should have. Mostly Rian, the captain, and his sister, Zahli. They both had a couple of very childish, impulsive moments when they basically had temper tantrums and didn't consider the consequences to themselves or anyone else. These things aside, if you like some romance and a righteous cause thrown in with your sci-fi, this series might be one for you to try out. I find I'm really looking forward to book three!
I purchased this book from Amazon in Kindle format for full price. This is an honest review for which I am not being compensated. All opinions are fully my own.
~ Judi E. Easley
November 30, 2015
**ARC provided by publisher for an honest review**
This was an OK book for me. I think I was way more excited to read it, but wasn't as excited as I started to read the book. I not sure what bugged me, but I couldn't really get into it. The main characters were OK to me, but I think I was more excited about Zahli's brother Rian. He was an interesting, troubled yet memorable character to me. I really hope he gets a book. Would I reread this book again? Most likely not. Would I recommend it? Sure. Plenty of early reviewers enjoyed it. I just wasn't completely sold on it.
This was an OK book for me. I think I was way more excited to read it, but wasn't as excited as I started to read the book. I not sure what bugged me, but I couldn't really get into it. The main characters were OK to me, but I think I was more excited about Zahli's brother Rian. He was an interesting, troubled yet memorable character to me. I really hope he gets a book. Would I reread this book again? Most likely not. Would I recommend it? Sure. Plenty of early reviewers enjoyed it. I just wasn't completely sold on it.
April 22, 2020
"Atrophy" is good science fiction with romantic elements. No, make that great science fiction with romantic elements.
Yes, there's some hot sex (not enough to cross the line to erotica, but enough to keep a girl's interest), but there's also a prison planet, a space junker in disguise, a mismatched crew of said space junker captained by a former war hero/assassin/alien kidnap victim who's barely hanging on to his need for vengeance. There's true love, and hate, and murder. There's even an enigmatic priestess who's also kidnapped and held for ransom, at some point.
Amazing book. I can quite understand why this book won the Galaxy Award for science fiction romance in 2105. It's really very, very good. More science fiction than romance, which always works for me.
I never did get the whole point to the title. Where's the atrophy? Is it referencing the chameleon aliens' bodies turning to melty mush when they die? Seems like such a small thing. . . . Maybe it's a lead in to the next in the series, which I swear I must hunt down. . . .
Yes, there's some hot sex (not enough to cross the line to erotica, but enough to keep a girl's interest), but there's also a prison planet, a space junker in disguise, a mismatched crew of said space junker captained by a former war hero/assassin/alien kidnap victim who's barely hanging on to his need for vengeance. There's true love, and hate, and murder. There's even an enigmatic priestess who's also kidnapped and held for ransom, at some point.
Amazing book. I can quite understand why this book won the Galaxy Award for science fiction romance in 2105. It's really very, very good. More science fiction than romance, which always works for me.
I never did get the whole point to the title. Where's the atrophy? Is it referencing the chameleon aliens' bodies turning to melty mush when they die? Seems like such a small thing. . . . Maybe it's a lead in to the next in the series, which I swear I must hunt down. . . .
April 2, 2016
Tannin was wrongly convicted of murder twelve years ago, and sent to the prison planet Erebus for his crime. Biding his time, he can't quite believe that the chance to escape has really arrived, in the form of a derilect ship landing on Erebus for repairs. When a chance encounter in a marketplace has him saving the life of Zahli, sister to the ship's formidable ex-war hero captain Rian, she returns the favour by enabling him to escape with their ship. But with enemies closing in on all sides, and his wanted man status, will Tannin get the life he deserves, and the woman to match or will his past catch up to him too soon?
I really enjoyed this story! I read a previous sci-fi romance book that this author wrote (Damage Control) and I actually thought when I picked this up that it would be somewhat linked to that, but it isn't. It's the start of a whole new series (and I can honestly say that I'm thrilled by that news!). It centers around the crew of the ship Imojenna, and we are introduced to several characters in this story who will make up the bulk of the series. This particular story is the romance between Tannin and Zahli. Both of their characters were very appealing to me. Tannin is super smart, a hacker extra-ordinaire (a talent that fortunately his prison wardens never caught onto). While we know that based on his prison experience he's had to do whatever is necessary to survive, he comes across as a good guy and someone who will be loyal to the end. He's definitely smitten with Zahli from the get go, and torn between his feelings for her, and his responsibilities to Rian, her brother, without whom he would have been kicked off the ship (and is constantly threatened by Rian that it is still a distinct possibility). Zahli comes across as a smart and friendly woman, one who has a deep affection for her scarred brother even if they are often at odds. As a crew mate on the ship, she has to follow his orders just like the rest of them, getting no quarter just because they are siblings. But at the same time, she knows he has her back, and vice versa. She knows that getting involved with Tannin is a mistake, and against the ship's fraternization policy, but she's never met someone she's so attracted to. The result is a semi-illicit affair, with some steamy scenes between them.
But while this romance is going on, there is a lot more action moving the story along. We get a fair portion of the story from Rian's point of view, a bitter and scarred man seeking revenge on the aliens who captured and tortured him during the last war. His goal now is to find and destroy them. With that in mind, he seeks more and more dangerous cargo shipment assignments, skirting the edges of the law and making decisions that aren't always in the best interests of his crew, but that will lead him to his end game. He's got lots of friends in high and low places to make that happen. On one of their assignments however, he ends up with more than he bargained for - transporting a kidnapped priestess. Mirella has psychic abilities that scare him, but draw him to her, much to his dismay. Their relationship of sorts is just getting off the ground in the story and very unresolved but definitely headed in an interesting direction. Other crew mates are also featured and I love where this story is headed and all the intricacies of the plot. The worldbuilding is great, not too complex as to be difficult to follow, but with an obviously well thought out setting and scenario for the story. Though we get a happy ending for Tannin and Zahli here, I'm definitely intrigued as to what will happen next for the crew of this ship! 5 stars for the start of a great new sci-fi romance series!
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
I really enjoyed this story! I read a previous sci-fi romance book that this author wrote (Damage Control) and I actually thought when I picked this up that it would be somewhat linked to that, but it isn't. It's the start of a whole new series (and I can honestly say that I'm thrilled by that news!). It centers around the crew of the ship Imojenna, and we are introduced to several characters in this story who will make up the bulk of the series. This particular story is the romance between Tannin and Zahli. Both of their characters were very appealing to me. Tannin is super smart, a hacker extra-ordinaire (a talent that fortunately his prison wardens never caught onto). While we know that based on his prison experience he's had to do whatever is necessary to survive, he comes across as a good guy and someone who will be loyal to the end. He's definitely smitten with Zahli from the get go, and torn between his feelings for her, and his responsibilities to Rian, her brother, without whom he would have been kicked off the ship (and is constantly threatened by Rian that it is still a distinct possibility). Zahli comes across as a smart and friendly woman, one who has a deep affection for her scarred brother even if they are often at odds. As a crew mate on the ship, she has to follow his orders just like the rest of them, getting no quarter just because they are siblings. But at the same time, she knows he has her back, and vice versa. She knows that getting involved with Tannin is a mistake, and against the ship's fraternization policy, but she's never met someone she's so attracted to. The result is a semi-illicit affair, with some steamy scenes between them.
But while this romance is going on, there is a lot more action moving the story along. We get a fair portion of the story from Rian's point of view, a bitter and scarred man seeking revenge on the aliens who captured and tortured him during the last war. His goal now is to find and destroy them. With that in mind, he seeks more and more dangerous cargo shipment assignments, skirting the edges of the law and making decisions that aren't always in the best interests of his crew, but that will lead him to his end game. He's got lots of friends in high and low places to make that happen. On one of their assignments however, he ends up with more than he bargained for - transporting a kidnapped priestess. Mirella has psychic abilities that scare him, but draw him to her, much to his dismay. Their relationship of sorts is just getting off the ground in the story and very unresolved but definitely headed in an interesting direction. Other crew mates are also featured and I love where this story is headed and all the intricacies of the plot. The worldbuilding is great, not too complex as to be difficult to follow, but with an obviously well thought out setting and scenario for the story. Though we get a happy ending for Tannin and Zahli here, I'm definitely intrigued as to what will happen next for the crew of this ship! 5 stars for the start of a great new sci-fi romance series!
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
December 1, 2015
I’ve always been a lover of sci-fi stories. Adventures of space travelers boldly going where no man (Or woman!) have gone before, discovering new planets, and all that jazz has always been a fun escape for me. Unfortunately, they all seem to be lacking one thing: Romance. Why, I have no clue. All that flying around in space together, colonizing new planets and what, people can’t connect and fall in love? Then I found author Jess Anastasi and read her Valiant Knox series. Yes! Followed up by Atrophy and I knew I finally found an author who could scratch the Sci-Fi romance itch. Snoopy dance time!
After reading the Atrophy and comparing it to the blurb I realized, there is so much missing. The blurb in a nutshell:
Tannin has been on prison planet for a crime he didn’t commit. When a ship lands on the planet needing repairs, he sees an opportunity to escape. He meets one of the female crew, who thinks he’s attractive and innocent, helps him escape and the live happily ever after. The end.
Let me tell you what is missing from that. The action, the intrigue, the suspense, and most of all, Rian!
When I first started reading I initially thought this is going to be a fluffy romance. Tannin helps rescue Zahli and in turn she helps him escape the prison planet. Mutual saving equals insta-love, HEAs, yada-yada-yada. However, in this case there was a added bonus of Rian and NOTHING is ever simple, or what it seems, with him in the mix. I’ll get back to him in a moment. Tannin and Zahli, great couple here. They’re both tough as nails with a vulnerable side – his coming from being in prison and hers from an overbearing brother. The build-up of there is romance is sweet and spicy as it weaves in and out of what’s going on around them. HEA? Of course, but there is one heck of a cliffy and then there is Rian.
So let’s put the romance on the back burner and let me get to, IMO, is the meat of this story. Rian and the Reiders. Rian is Zahli’s older brother who also happens to be a war hero. He is crazy, dark, and suicidal all served with a heavy dose of PTSD from having been a prisoner of the Reiders. Reiders are shapeshifting aliens and no one seems to believe aliens exist. WT??? You're traveling in space and you don't believe in aliens?! Whatever. Anyhoo... The Reiders had captured his ship and killing everybody aboard and tortured Rian. Now he has this vendetta going on to unmask them and destroy them and NOTHING will stand in his way. That's were all the crazy and psycho-ness of Rian comes into play. There's so many plot twists you don't see coming because of his actions and that's on top of the assortment of interesting secondary characters, which are part of Rian's crew (Think the movie Firefly) on the Imojenna. I know this is supposed to be Tannin and Zahli's story but for me, Rian and his hunting the Reider are the star of this book.
So a quick recap - Great book filled with action and suspense, outstanding characters and the best part, it's a sci-fi romance. The only thing that could make it even better is if Atrophy was a series. I read the book from cover to cover hoping to catch a hint if it was. Ms. Anastasi - if you’re reading this, PLEASE, pretty please make this a series!
I received this book from the JeepDiva for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.
Stars – 5, Flames - 3
After reading the Atrophy and comparing it to the blurb I realized, there is so much missing. The blurb in a nutshell:
Tannin has been on prison planet for a crime he didn’t commit. When a ship lands on the planet needing repairs, he sees an opportunity to escape. He meets one of the female crew, who thinks he’s attractive and innocent, helps him escape and the live happily ever after. The end.
Let me tell you what is missing from that. The action, the intrigue, the suspense, and most of all, Rian!
When I first started reading I initially thought this is going to be a fluffy romance. Tannin helps rescue Zahli and in turn she helps him escape the prison planet. Mutual saving equals insta-love, HEAs, yada-yada-yada. However, in this case there was a added bonus of Rian and NOTHING is ever simple, or what it seems, with him in the mix. I’ll get back to him in a moment. Tannin and Zahli, great couple here. They’re both tough as nails with a vulnerable side – his coming from being in prison and hers from an overbearing brother. The build-up of there is romance is sweet and spicy as it weaves in and out of what’s going on around them. HEA? Of course, but there is one heck of a cliffy and then there is Rian.
So let’s put the romance on the back burner and let me get to, IMO, is the meat of this story. Rian and the Reiders. Rian is Zahli’s older brother who also happens to be a war hero. He is crazy, dark, and suicidal all served with a heavy dose of PTSD from having been a prisoner of the Reiders. Reiders are shapeshifting aliens and no one seems to believe aliens exist. WT??? You're traveling in space and you don't believe in aliens?! Whatever. Anyhoo... The Reiders had captured his ship and killing everybody aboard and tortured Rian. Now he has this vendetta going on to unmask them and destroy them and NOTHING will stand in his way. That's were all the crazy and psycho-ness of Rian comes into play. There's so many plot twists you don't see coming because of his actions and that's on top of the assortment of interesting secondary characters, which are part of Rian's crew (Think the movie Firefly) on the Imojenna. I know this is supposed to be Tannin and Zahli's story but for me, Rian and his hunting the Reider are the star of this book.
So a quick recap - Great book filled with action and suspense, outstanding characters and the best part, it's a sci-fi romance. The only thing that could make it even better is if Atrophy was a series. I read the book from cover to cover hoping to catch a hint if it was. Ms. Anastasi - if you’re reading this, PLEASE, pretty please make this a series!
I received this book from the JeepDiva for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.
Stars – 5, Flames - 3
June 8, 2018
4.75 stars
It's way into the future and the human race is across the galaxy. On board the Imojenna, Zahli tries to keep her brother from going supanova, his dark past threatening to always engulf him. Meanwhile, Tannin stowaways from the prison planet Erebus, imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit. Adventure after adventure abounds, with the scorching attraction between Zahli and Tannin increasing. Throw in some aliens, and you've got a rollicking good sci-fi romance. I will definitely be reading the rest of this series!
Disclaimer: While I personally know the author, this does not have any affect on the star rating.
It's way into the future and the human race is across the galaxy. On board the Imojenna, Zahli tries to keep her brother from going supanova, his dark past threatening to always engulf him. Meanwhile, Tannin stowaways from the prison planet Erebus, imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit. Adventure after adventure abounds, with the scorching attraction between Zahli and Tannin increasing. Throw in some aliens, and you've got a rollicking good sci-fi romance. I will definitely be reading the rest of this series!
Disclaimer: While I personally know the author, this does not have any affect on the star rating.
October 25, 2021
3.5 stars, actually.
The end notes say this book was written over 10 years ago....and it shows a bit. It has a freshmen feel to it, and a somewhat underdeveloped sense of backstory, world, and science that comes through in odd parts of the dialogue.
There's also three main POVs: the main hero & heroine and then the heroine's captain brother Rian about halfway through. Usually a third POV signals a switch to a new romance, but not really in this case. It went on far too long to be a set up for the next book (and the next book doesn't seem to focus on Rian and the priestess anyway) and no priestess POV at all to signal another main romance. The main romance suffered a bit, as a result I believe.
Zahli is crew and sister of Captain Rian-- former military for the ruling space empire who was a hero for doing some unspecified thing and now runs a cargo delivery service as he searches the galaxy for the Reider- mysterious folk who had something to do with his transformation into a broody guy threatening violence all the time.
When their ship touches down on a prison planet, they pick up a stowaway, Tannin, who was framed and imprisoned. Zahli and Tannin become enamored. But they can't do anything about it because angry Rian has a "no fraternization" rule (sigh over weirdly imposed plot device).
So they tip toe around each other with fleeting touches and sighing looks and have lots of inner/outer dialogue about how Rian was going to rip limbs off or shoot Tannin. This is the delaying tactic...until suddenly it isn't. Then they kiss in public places and don't lock doors, etc. so their prior worry seems....underwhelming/silly.
The story focuses more on Tannin's hacking powers making him useful to Rian more than Tannin and Zahli finding understanding, love or acceptance in each other. In romance, I'm looking for the latter. And the science/world details weren't quite as interesting to me to make up for the lack.
Truthfully, the name "Reider" was so odd to me, and never explained, that I just couldn't take it seriously each time it came up in the story, so part of Rian's angst was diluted.
And sadly, the steamy bits were not to my taste, either. There was so much potential for Tannin to have angst and various desires born of his imprisonment, but all the steam was overwhelming passion that had them bypassing fun kissing stuff and got them down to business way too fast, in my opinion.
So not really my cup of tea. I can see how later series might be better if this author focused enough on the main relationship and gussied up the world-building, but this isn't enough to tempt me to follow the rest of the crew.
The end notes say this book was written over 10 years ago....and it shows a bit. It has a freshmen feel to it, and a somewhat underdeveloped sense of backstory, world, and science that comes through in odd parts of the dialogue.
There's also three main POVs: the main hero & heroine and then the heroine's captain brother Rian about halfway through. Usually a third POV signals a switch to a new romance, but not really in this case. It went on far too long to be a set up for the next book (and the next book doesn't seem to focus on Rian and the priestess anyway) and no priestess POV at all to signal another main romance. The main romance suffered a bit, as a result I believe.
Zahli is crew and sister of Captain Rian-- former military for the ruling space empire who was a hero for doing some unspecified thing and now runs a cargo delivery service as he searches the galaxy for the Reider- mysterious folk who had something to do with his transformation into a broody guy threatening violence all the time.
When their ship touches down on a prison planet, they pick up a stowaway, Tannin, who was framed and imprisoned. Zahli and Tannin become enamored. But they can't do anything about it because angry Rian has a "no fraternization" rule (sigh over weirdly imposed plot device).
So they tip toe around each other with fleeting touches and sighing looks and have lots of inner/outer dialogue about how Rian was going to rip limbs off or shoot Tannin. This is the delaying tactic...until suddenly it isn't. Then they kiss in public places and don't lock doors, etc. so their prior worry seems....underwhelming/silly.
The story focuses more on Tannin's hacking powers making him useful to Rian more than Tannin and Zahli finding understanding, love or acceptance in each other. In romance, I'm looking for the latter. And the science/world details weren't quite as interesting to me to make up for the lack.
Truthfully, the name "Reider" was so odd to me, and never explained, that I just couldn't take it seriously each time it came up in the story, so part of Rian's angst was diluted.
And sadly, the steamy bits were not to my taste, either. There was so much potential for Tannin to have angst and various desires born of his imprisonment, but all the steam was overwhelming passion that had them bypassing fun kissing stuff and got them down to business way too fast, in my opinion.
So not really my cup of tea. I can see how later series might be better if this author focused enough on the main relationship and gussied up the world-building, but this isn't enough to tempt me to follow the rest of the crew.
April 6, 2017
I am a sucker for all things Sci-Fi and always on the hunt for new authors so this was right up my alley! Thinks rag tag space rebels with more baggage than is healthy and add in sneaky alien invasions (a la Body Snatchers style) and you've got yourself a winner.
The Imojenna is a piece of space crap! It should have been junked years ago and is pretty much held together by hope! But former soldier, Captain Rian Sherron, has his own secretive reasons for holding onto the clunker. But when she decides she's had enough, Rian and the crew have to land on a prison planet to effect some crucial repairs. But when they crew stretch their legs dirt side Rian is unaware that he's leaving with more than a repaired ship!
Erebus is hell in space and Tannin has spent the last 12 years of his life incarcerated here. He is, unlike the other prisoner here, innocent and he's been plotting a way to escape. When he comes across Rians sister in a bit of sticky situation, he comes to her rescue. But now is his chance to escape and he is taking it. Even if it does put the crew of the Imojenna in a sticky spot!
Zahli knew being helped by an inamte on Erebus would bite her in the butt, she didn't expect this though. She and her brother are at loggerheads over the fate of Tannin and it doesn't help that he's bringing her girly bits online! But when their romance comes to light and Rian doesn't hesitate in picking his neck Tech Analyst over his sister, he doesn't realise that he may just have put a big old bullseye on her back!
I loved seeing the fledgling romance took root, hiding out from Rian and watching as the action, adventure and intrigue unfolds. Loves the backstory with the Reidar, which totally made my skin crawl! This space faring family of misfits has rocketed to the top of my love list!!!!
The Imojenna is a piece of space crap! It should have been junked years ago and is pretty much held together by hope! But former soldier, Captain Rian Sherron, has his own secretive reasons for holding onto the clunker. But when she decides she's had enough, Rian and the crew have to land on a prison planet to effect some crucial repairs. But when they crew stretch their legs dirt side Rian is unaware that he's leaving with more than a repaired ship!
Erebus is hell in space and Tannin has spent the last 12 years of his life incarcerated here. He is, unlike the other prisoner here, innocent and he's been plotting a way to escape. When he comes across Rians sister in a bit of sticky situation, he comes to her rescue. But now is his chance to escape and he is taking it. Even if it does put the crew of the Imojenna in a sticky spot!
Zahli knew being helped by an inamte on Erebus would bite her in the butt, she didn't expect this though. She and her brother are at loggerheads over the fate of Tannin and it doesn't help that he's bringing her girly bits online! But when their romance comes to light and Rian doesn't hesitate in picking his neck Tech Analyst over his sister, he doesn't realise that he may just have put a big old bullseye on her back!
I loved seeing the fledgling romance took root, hiding out from Rian and watching as the action, adventure and intrigue unfolds. Loves the backstory with the Reidar, which totally made my skin crawl! This space faring family of misfits has rocketed to the top of my love list!!!!
December 17, 2015
Zahli and the rest of the Imojenna crew are forced to land on Erebus to repair their ship and she can't wait to get off of it. It's Tannin's chance to escape the prison planet Erebus and he is taking it. Zahlia and Tannin's worlds collide in a story about love, loyalty and the fight against the aliens that are taking over their world.
I really liked both Zahli and Tannin and together they made a great team. They had a lot of issues to work out, but they had each others back when it was most important and their connection only grew as they got to know each other. The romance although important to the story, isn't in your face for the whole book as there are some other pretty big things going on.
The entire Imojenna crew helped keep things interesting. They each brought a little something to the storyline. The world of ATROPHY was interesting. I enjoyed the way that Anastasi brought it alive. The world and the problems that came along with it played a big role in the way the characters act and conduct their lives.
I'm not sure if ATROPHY will be part of a series, but there is a lot of story potential to work off of it and I hope to see a book featuring Zahli's brother Rian and Mirella. They have a LOT of sexual tension and I can see it exploding into something great. I would definitely read more.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked both Zahli and Tannin and together they made a great team. They had a lot of issues to work out, but they had each others back when it was most important and their connection only grew as they got to know each other. The romance although important to the story, isn't in your face for the whole book as there are some other pretty big things going on.
The entire Imojenna crew helped keep things interesting. They each brought a little something to the storyline. The world of ATROPHY was interesting. I enjoyed the way that Anastasi brought it alive. The world and the problems that came along with it played a big role in the way the characters act and conduct their lives.
I'm not sure if ATROPHY will be part of a series, but there is a lot of story potential to work off of it and I hope to see a book featuring Zahli's brother Rian and Mirella. They have a LOT of sexual tension and I can see it exploding into something great. I would definitely read more.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 16, 2015
Atrophy is part Science Fiction Romance and part Space Opera. Zahli and Tannin are attracted but there is a big problem. That problem is found in Zahli’s brother, Rian, who is the captain of the space ship Imojenna. The Space Opera part is the quest Rian is one. I found Rian the most complex character in the book. It is hard to put him in any category. Things have happened to Rian that make him difficult to understand or to get a focus on his personality. His reactions drive the story.
The plot has several different twists. It starts as a prison break and ends as a hunt for aliens. The development allowed each character to come more and more into focus. Don’t look for a solution to the alien part of the plot. Zahli and Tannin do get their HEA but that problem is almost part of the background. What the story really does is introduce a great cast of characters, built a complex world, highlight a very big problem, give some of the backstory, and set the hooks for future stories in this world.
I am looking forward to seeing much more of the Imojenna and her crew.
The plot has several different twists. It starts as a prison break and ends as a hunt for aliens. The development allowed each character to come more and more into focus. Don’t look for a solution to the alien part of the plot. Zahli and Tannin do get their HEA but that problem is almost part of the background. What the story really does is introduce a great cast of characters, built a complex world, highlight a very big problem, give some of the backstory, and set the hooks for future stories in this world.
I am looking forward to seeing much more of the Imojenna and her crew.
August 19, 2016
At first I was a little wary of getting this book but fans of Firefly and Serenity! this is the series for you. Any one who has ever craved for more of this space Western drama television series + movie will LOVE Atrophy. Rogue space bad boys, ass kicking women, mysterious and evolved beings and of course let's not forget shape shifting aliens. Everything your heart desires in an awesome series by Jess Anastasi. So buckle down for this adventure, because it is going to blow your socks off.
Tannin and Zahli are the perfect couple, so in sync with each other and OMG the circumstance under which the come together is crazy. But when destiny calls you better answer because then you'd just miss out on all the fun. I'm so curious about how Rian is going to end up. So many interesting characters. I hope Ms Anastasi can churn out the books as fast as I can read them because boy, am I hooked! Whoa what a trip.
Tannin and Zahli are the perfect couple, so in sync with each other and OMG the circumstance under which the come together is crazy. But when destiny calls you better answer because then you'd just miss out on all the fun. I'm so curious about how Rian is going to end up. So many interesting characters. I hope Ms Anastasi can churn out the books as fast as I can read them because boy, am I hooked! Whoa what a trip.
dnf
November 14, 2022Two main points I liked about this were the female lead's character as well as her brother's character and story. I also liked some of the action/suspense scenes. However, I dnf'd this around the 3/4 mark because I got tired of being on edge about whether the male lead will finally be discovered and recaptured by his former jailers, after so many evasion tactics. The quantity of evasions was too much for me. Also the side conflicts weren't developed enough for the 3/4 mark nor were they emotionally inducing enough (not even the romantic relationships aspect) to keep me invested in reaching the conclusion of the story.
October 17, 2018
I got about halfway before I couldn’t handle it anymore. The way her brother treats her and how she just lays down and takes it infuriates me to no end. No matter what anyone has been through they should at least have some human decency. I cannot stand over protective family. I thought she had at least some balls after she killed that guy but nope. She literally has no purpose on that ship. Why are you still there. The author tried to make this like a two for one romance but I was not having it. I could go on and on but it honestly isn’t worth it
November 29, 2015
Best science fiction romance book by Jess Anastasi that I have read. If you loved Joss Whedon's FireFly series or his Serenity movie, than this is a book that needs to be on your radar. Full review to come.
June 28, 2019
Until I'd come across this book, I didn't think science-fiction and romance could co-exist with one another without thinking about the YA dystopias like The Hunger Games or Maze Runner. Not saying that's a bad thing, but still, a science-fiction romance not too long ago seemed rare to me if not unimaginable. Then again, until I read Zeroboxer two years, sports taking place outside the planet Earth was a foreign concept to me as well, so if I can get through that, then why shouldn't I give Atrophy a chance? Well, apparently this book was first written in 2008 because science-fiction romance was basically nonexistent (am I getting that right?), so it was in publishing hell for the better part of a decade until it finally saw the light of day in 2015. Combine that with the sloppy editing and the fact that I typically don't read romances and the main male protagonist Tannin Everette symbolizes this book's odds perfectly: just like escaping from Erebus is for Tannin, this book has odds stacked heavily against it for me. This is profounded by a rather slow first chapter, so I needed the next few after for the book to even have a chance of keeping me on board.
Even with galaxies of bad editing, a plain supporting cast, and a slow beginning, I'm glad I stuck around because this book pushes an envelope that is worth taking a peek and giving a read to. The plain supporting cast is not a huge problem because I am aware that there are sequels to this book in which other members of the Imojenna get their chance to shine (Diffraction talks about Kira in the synopsis despite her being the crew's doctor here in Atrophy). Now, I didn't have a good first impression of Rian, but I later learn that despite being an over-protective brother and being an absolute asshole, his sense of humor lends him to some laugh-out-loud one-liners. Plus, there are reasons as to why Rian is the way he is, and even though he does need a good smack in the head or two, I see where Rian comes from and it gives me a level of appreciation for the guy. There does happen to be hints of dystopia once I learn who the Reidar are, aka Atrophy's villainous species, but they're not in-your-face like some other books I've read and movies I've watched. It's a subtle dystopia mixed in with the science-fiction romance, so if I ever get the chance to read the next book, I'll be onboard!
But what steals the show is what should steal the show: the romance between Zahli and Tannin. Typically I don't read romance because they either come off as cliched or leave me uncomfortable. I need the chemistry in the romance to really make me want to read more and in many romances I have come across, that never happened. But here in Atrophy, our two leading characters pull it off against all odds, and not only that, their obstacles including their crew's rule forbidding fraternizing, the fact that Tannin is a fugitive from his prison world Erebus, Rian being the overprotective captain as well as being Zahli's brother, and the ever-present threat of the Reidar hanging over the Imojenna's heads. Whenever I read the scenes with them both together, I'm left rooting for their connection to grow, and I find that them together creates a duo that is sexy, badass, and genuine. What's even better is that not only do they grow as a couple in the book, but they both actually hold their own by themselves as well, something that can only also be said for Rian so far. Tannin and Zahli not only work well in this book, but they are the ones who hold this entire story together. Without them, I don't think I could have ever found myself wanting to try science-fiction romance again. Kudos to Jess for taking the risk by going in the direction you have!
At the end, I actually wanted to give this 4 stars, but the grammar and sentence-structures were edited poorly throughout that I just couldn't. But the romance is great, the chemistry between the two leads are genuine, and despite a slow beginning, this was actually an entertaining read. This gets a strong 3/5, and out of 10 would be a 7. It really is a good book that you just have to be patient with once you start. Give it a few chapters and then decide if you want to stick with it or not.
Even with galaxies of bad editing, a plain supporting cast, and a slow beginning, I'm glad I stuck around because this book pushes an envelope that is worth taking a peek and giving a read to. The plain supporting cast is not a huge problem because I am aware that there are sequels to this book in which other members of the Imojenna get their chance to shine (Diffraction talks about Kira in the synopsis despite her being the crew's doctor here in Atrophy). Now, I didn't have a good first impression of Rian, but I later learn that despite being an over-protective brother and being an absolute asshole, his sense of humor lends him to some laugh-out-loud one-liners. Plus, there are reasons as to why Rian is the way he is, and even though he does need a good smack in the head or two, I see where Rian comes from and it gives me a level of appreciation for the guy. There does happen to be hints of dystopia once I learn who the Reidar are, aka Atrophy's villainous species, but they're not in-your-face like some other books I've read and movies I've watched. It's a subtle dystopia mixed in with the science-fiction romance, so if I ever get the chance to read the next book, I'll be onboard!
But what steals the show is what should steal the show: the romance between Zahli and Tannin. Typically I don't read romance because they either come off as cliched or leave me uncomfortable. I need the chemistry in the romance to really make me want to read more and in many romances I have come across, that never happened. But here in Atrophy, our two leading characters pull it off against all odds, and not only that, their obstacles including their crew's rule forbidding fraternizing, the fact that Tannin is a fugitive from his prison world Erebus, Rian being the overprotective captain as well as being Zahli's brother, and the ever-present threat of the Reidar hanging over the Imojenna's heads. Whenever I read the scenes with them both together, I'm left rooting for their connection to grow, and I find that them together creates a duo that is sexy, badass, and genuine. What's even better is that not only do they grow as a couple in the book, but they both actually hold their own by themselves as well, something that can only also be said for Rian so far. Tannin and Zahli not only work well in this book, but they are the ones who hold this entire story together. Without them, I don't think I could have ever found myself wanting to try science-fiction romance again. Kudos to Jess for taking the risk by going in the direction you have!
At the end, I actually wanted to give this 4 stars, but the grammar and sentence-structures were edited poorly throughout that I just couldn't. But the romance is great, the chemistry between the two leads are genuine, and despite a slow beginning, this was actually an entertaining read. This gets a strong 3/5, and out of 10 would be a 7. It really is a good book that you just have to be patient with once you start. Give it a few chapters and then decide if you want to stick with it or not.
May 31, 2025
Ok this FMC is just insufferable. She comes right out of the gate being too stupid to live. A man is forcefully dragging you away to an isolated location, and the best prediction you’ve got is that your brother has caused trouble? I’m not mad that she got dragged away. That shit happens. I’m annoyed to death that she didn’t have any sort of internal alarm system. No one is that stupid.
Then she does a murder and takes it straight to the stupid-secrets trope, which is one of my least favorite. If she doesn’t want to report it to authorities, she can at least explain to her brother WHY she wants to help a random inmate escape. Because helping a prisoner escape from a prison planet after a murder happens really is unbelievably stupid. And then she decides to keep the whole ‘the prison guards are meeting up with us’ thing a secret from our MMC.
And girl, he doesn’t want to spend time with you. He understands cause and effect. Can you not just leave him alone??
And the worst: she dismisses the consequences for other people from her actions as irrelevant. Multiple times the MMC is justifiably worried about her psychotic brother attacking him (he got stabbed the second they met). But our FMC is all ‘no biggie! He won’t actually hurt you’ like a selfish moron. Should she stand up for herself with her brother? Yes. But that’s her job and not the MMCs. Her brother is unstable and it’s incredibly unwise to instigate problems in that department. Realism vs idealism.
Not to mention the time she very adorably blackmails our MMC into doing dangerous hacking to get into her brother’s records. Never mind that it could get ALL of them stuck on the prison planet. You know who has a right to her brother’s records? Her brother. That’s the whole list. I’m not a fan of people feeling entitled to their loved one’s secrets. It’s not like she could reliably interpret them anyways. Because…
This girl has no purpose. She shops for groceries? She makes herself a complete pest. That’s it.
So DNF at 50%
Then she does a murder and takes it straight to the stupid-secrets trope, which is one of my least favorite. If she doesn’t want to report it to authorities, she can at least explain to her brother WHY she wants to help a random inmate escape. Because helping a prisoner escape from a prison planet after a murder happens really is unbelievably stupid. And then she decides to keep the whole ‘the prison guards are meeting up with us’ thing a secret from our MMC.
And girl, he doesn’t want to spend time with you. He understands cause and effect. Can you not just leave him alone??
And the worst: she dismisses the consequences for other people from her actions as irrelevant. Multiple times the MMC is justifiably worried about her psychotic brother attacking him (he got stabbed the second they met). But our FMC is all ‘no biggie! He won’t actually hurt you’ like a selfish moron. Should she stand up for herself with her brother? Yes. But that’s her job and not the MMCs. Her brother is unstable and it’s incredibly unwise to instigate problems in that department. Realism vs idealism.
Not to mention the time she very adorably blackmails our MMC into doing dangerous hacking to get into her brother’s records. Never mind that it could get ALL of them stuck on the prison planet. You know who has a right to her brother’s records? Her brother. That’s the whole list. I’m not a fan of people feeling entitled to their loved one’s secrets. It’s not like she could reliably interpret them anyways. Because…
This girl has no purpose. She shops for groceries? She makes herself a complete pest. That’s it.
So DNF at 50%
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