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Chaos Station #5
Phase Shift
Zander and Felix’s relationship has always pushed boundaries—personal and professional alike—but their love and commitment is stronger than ever. So strong that Zander’s ready to ask commitment-shy Felix the question of a lifetime when he’s interrupted. The Chaos is being hacked, and crucial, top secret information about the project that created Zander—and his fellow super soldiers—has been leaked.
Neither man could have expected the enormity of what’s discovered at the end of the data trail: an entire colony of super soldiers run by the very doctor who changed Zander’s life forever. And now she needs them both—Zander to train her new crop of soldiers, and Felix’s new crystalline arm to stabilize their body chemistry.
With help from the unlikeliest of allies, Zander, Felix and the Chaos crew must destroy the project and all its ill-gotten information. But when the team is split up and Felix is MIA after a dangerous run, galactic disaster is a very real possibility…and Zander may have missed his chance to ask for forever.
Book Five of Chaos Station
Neither man could have expected the enormity of what’s discovered at the end of the data trail: an entire colony of super soldiers run by the very doctor who changed Zander’s life forever. And now she needs them both—Zander to train her new crop of soldiers, and Felix’s new crystalline arm to stabilize their body chemistry.
With help from the unlikeliest of allies, Zander, Felix and the Chaos crew must destroy the project and all its ill-gotten information. But when the team is split up and Felix is MIA after a dangerous run, galactic disaster is a very real possibility…and Zander may have missed his chance to ask for forever.
Book Five of Chaos Station
207 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 2, 2016
12 people are currently reading
242 people want to read
About the author
Jenn Burke
30 books527 followersJenn Burke has loved out-of-this-world romance since she was a preteen reading about heroes and heroines kicking butt and falling in love. Now that she’s an author, she couldn’t be happier to bring adventure, romance, and sexy times to her readers.
Jenn is the author of a number of paranormal and science fiction romance titles, including the critically acclaimed Chaos Station science fiction romance series (authored with Kelly Jensen) and her newest series, Ashes & Dust, a spin-off of her fan-favorite Not Dead Yet series.
She’s been called a pocket-sized and puntastic Canadian on social media, and she’ll happily own that label. Jenn lives just outside of Ottawa, Ontario, with her husband and two kids, plus two dogs named after video game characters…because her geekiness knows no bounds.
Jenn is represented by Deidre Knight of the Knight Agency.
Jenn is the author of a number of paranormal and science fiction romance titles, including the critically acclaimed Chaos Station science fiction romance series (authored with Kelly Jensen) and her newest series, Ashes & Dust, a spin-off of her fan-favorite Not Dead Yet series.
She’s been called a pocket-sized and puntastic Canadian on social media, and she’ll happily own that label. Jenn lives just outside of Ottawa, Ontario, with her husband and two kids, plus two dogs named after video game characters…because her geekiness knows no bounds.
Jenn is represented by Deidre Knight of the Knight Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
September 16, 2017
Rating: five sentimental, grateful stars out of five
I will miss this series very much. It came into my reading life exactly when I needed it. As endings to books go, and as endings to series go, I can't find fault or register a complaint.
There's a pearl-clutcher for yinz.
Probably my favorite scene in the whole Chaos Station universe takes place in this book: Zed and Flick are trudging across the fifty-centigrade surface of Leonis 83b after tracing some vile malefactors' flight path back to it. There they discover an illegal, unregistered human colony sweltering in the revolting heat. Having lost their transportation off planet in a crash landing, they need to locate some form of beacon to get a signal to their compadres on the Chaos. This is not going to stop Zed from continuing a conversation he's been planning to have with his beloved for a while now: Zed wants to get married. Flick is, politely phrased, ambivalent. He has all sorts of reasons. All of which Zed has answers to, eg:
This made me laugh and cry. How perfect, like the whole idea of not being *able* to marry is so firmly dead that it's a feeble excuse of an excuse not to marry. If there's a 23rd century, I hope like hell that's how it'll feel to the people in it.
I'm glad the end of the series was so fully satisfying. It made me smile through the misty-eyed "I always cry at weddings" sentimentality. And I loved the entire experience of reading a good SF series that had people like me as its main characters.
Goodreads user Simone made this JPEG of Zed's thoughts at the end of the book that sums this entire series up beautifully:
I will miss this series very much. It came into my reading life exactly when I needed it. As endings to books go, and as endings to series go, I can't find fault or register a complaint.
There's a pearl-clutcher for yinz.
Probably my favorite scene in the whole Chaos Station universe takes place in this book: Zed and Flick are trudging across the fifty-centigrade surface of Leonis 83b after tracing some vile malefactors' flight path back to it. There they discover an illegal, unregistered human colony sweltering in the revolting heat. Having lost their transportation off planet in a crash landing, they need to locate some form of beacon to get a signal to their compadres on the Chaos. This is not going to stop Zed from continuing a conversation he's been planning to have with his beloved for a while now: Zed wants to get married. Flick is, politely phrased, ambivalent. He has all sorts of reasons. All of which Zed has answers to, eg:
“Men have been allowed to marry other men since the fucking twenty-first century, Flick,” Zed growled.
This made me laugh and cry. How perfect, like the whole idea of not being *able* to marry is so firmly dead that it's a feeble excuse of an excuse not to marry. If there's a 23rd century, I hope like hell that's how it'll feel to the people in it.
I'm glad the end of the series was so fully satisfying. It made me smile through the misty-eyed "I always cry at weddings" sentimentality. And I loved the entire experience of reading a good SF series that had people like me as its main characters.
Goodreads user Simone made this JPEG of Zed's thoughts at the end of the book that sums this entire series up beautifully:
July 10, 2016
I've read this whole series 3 times now. It's prob one of my faves ever. Zed & Fix FTW. Never skimmed in any of the 5 books and they're all long, with great world building and each storyline was fun and action filled without detracting from the romance or boring me away from the next book. *swoons over this series* 5 stars for the whole series, 5 for the HEA, 5 for each book. Win.
May 15, 2020
A great finish to an awesome sci-fi series *if it has to be done* 🥺 and one of the most well-deserved HEAs ever. 🥰 I'm not gonna lie, there were a few honest to God heartfail moments in this one but I'm completely happy with the way everything worked out. This is a truly wonderful bunch of book-people and I will miss them.
August 1, 2016
Forever...
Whew... But it was a long way. A very hard and sometimes very painful way.
I knew it! I just knew that both men would make me suffer during this last book in this series. Again!!! But I loved the beginning, the end and everything in between.
What began with a moment that made me smile like a fool, turned right away into chaos. (Pun intended. ;-)) I won't go into detail, because I don't want to reveal too much of the content, so if you want to know more you just have to read it yourselves. ;-)
Ending stuck on a foreign planet, Zed and Felix have to deal with new opponents, Zed's old nemesis, but also new allies. It was a thrilling ride almost right from the beginning and had me on the verge of a nervous meltdown more than once. There were some creepy scenes in this book, not to say very creepy scenes (I will give you a hint: tentacles. Yes, tentacles! Lots of it, actually. Or like Felix said “Tentacle things with personal space issues.”), but also moments that were as heart-melting and heart-breaking as in the previous books. Of course, the mutual promise from Inversion Point, not to die on each other again, didn't last very long, so there were lots of occasions that put me through the emotional wringer.
Near the end the suspense was so palpable, I couldn't sit still anymore and had to grab my Kindle and to read walking up and down my living room. Zed is forced to make a tough decision which goes against everything he believes in. everything he stands for, against his will to do the right thing. And it all ends with a bang. Literally!
The ending itself was really swoonworthy and just perfect. All I could have hoped for and even more.
“I think you're amazing,” Zed murmured against Flick's lips. He pressed kisses along Flick's jaw, paired with tiny nibbles. “I think you're the strongest man I know.”
Flick made a noise of protest, but Zed placed two fingers against his lips. Flick had giving him a ring. No, he'd made him a ring, with the symbol that meant so much to both of them. A soliton, a never-ending wave. A sign of infinity.
So, if you love books about friendship, about tolerance, acceptance and an amazing, heart-breaking love story, all of it wrapped up in an outstanding worldbuilding with great characters (and I loved all of them, each and every crew member), who make you laugh, cry and suffer all along the line, give this series a try. You won't regret it.
December 12, 2024
Such a good end to the series! I really enjoyed every single book in this series. Sad its over. Thank you Sarah for telling me about this series & reading with me!
December 13, 2024
This has been such a fun series! Thoroughly enjoyed it and sad to see it come to an end. So much sci-fi goodness. This instalment was my least favourite in terms of plot execution but still good. Have loved Zed and Flick and the Chaos crew. Awesome series to buddy read with, thanks Jamie!
August 2, 2016
In this last book of the series, Zander and Felix have battled through fear and pain and loss and nightmares, separation and reunion, to become a solid couple, although not yet entirely on the same page. But they're not done with adventures. Just as Zander thinks they're ready to settle down, their life is interrupted by a hacking threat to their ship and their fellow crew, which leads back to the very project that created Zander's fellow supersoldiers, and which is now a growing threat.
This story has a lot of physical adventure, as well as emotional bells being rung. For the first time here, I thought we hit just a little too much "OMG I thought you were dead" for the series, and yet the writing is so skillful it pulled me in and I raced through the story with bated breath to the wonderful, satisfying end.
This series is definitely on my re-read list. It has deep emotion and angst that is rarely manufactured or avoidable. It has humor and banter, and great characters, both primary and secondary. It has real plots, imaginative world building, plausible story arcs, and smooth writing. If that mix appeals to you, give this one a try - start with book one, and read through in order. It's a hell of a trip. *be aware there are also series related free short stories available on the website.*
4 stars for this book, for a bit of melodrama, but a solid 5 star series taken as a whole.
This story has a lot of physical adventure, as well as emotional bells being rung. For the first time here, I thought we hit just a little too much "OMG I thought you were dead" for the series, and yet the writing is so skillful it pulled me in and I raced through the story with bated breath to the wonderful, satisfying end.
This series is definitely on my re-read list. It has deep emotion and angst that is rarely manufactured or avoidable. It has humor and banter, and great characters, both primary and secondary. It has real plots, imaginative world building, plausible story arcs, and smooth writing. If that mix appeals to you, give this one a try - start with book one, and read through in order. It's a hell of a trip. *be aware there are also series related free short stories available on the website.*
4 stars for this book, for a bit of melodrama, but a solid 5 star series taken as a whole.
May 2, 2016
I'm going to miss these two!
In this final book of the Chaos Station series, we find Zed and Felix enjoying some down time. The different species of the universe seem to be at peace, the Guardians are content, and the crew of the Chaos isn't fighting for their lives. That is until Zed and Felix's romantic night is interrupted by a hacker who steals everything on Project Dreamweaver.
Chasing the hacker to an outlying planet beyond civilization's control, Zed and Felix must put an end to the remnants of the illegal super soldier program.
'Phase Shift' takes readers in a new direction, away from the AEF and its repeated attempts to subdue Zed and the Chaos. There are no new species or the terrifying stin. The book could have easily been dull without those extra plot points, but instead it was a heart-pounding joyride.
In this final book, Zed and Felix are really put to the test, marooned on a planet with hostiles, and forced to survive with minimal technology. While we get less politics this time, I'd say there're more good old-fashioned action scenes. Throw in the Guardians, who we finally see without the mask of benevolence, and I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next.
While Zed and Felix try to evade the planet's residents, they also grapple with their own relationship problems. The romance in this series has always been a bit of roller-coaster. Zed's super soldier status has put him at death's door multiple times, and Felix has never been able to let himself believe that he deserves anything good.
In 'Phase Shift', the two finally address the issues they'd been keeping bottled up. However at no point was I worried that they would let the negatives drown out what they'd built so far. Felix and Zed have been a forever-and-ever kind of deal from the first book, and they worked at it throughout the series. I loved seeing Felix finally accept that he was more than an orphaned station brat, and that Zed was there to stay.
And the final chapter just put a bow on top of everything. It was romantic a HEA, but one that fit our MCs.
'Phase Shift' is an excellent end to this series, with the entertaining plot and sweet romance I've come to expect. I'd highly recommend the Chaos Station series for readers looking for good MM science fiction.
"Then you came back to me and it was like someone had switched a light on. I hadn’t even realized I’d been sitting in the dark."
In this final book of the Chaos Station series, we find Zed and Felix enjoying some down time. The different species of the universe seem to be at peace, the Guardians are content, and the crew of the Chaos isn't fighting for their lives. That is until Zed and Felix's romantic night is interrupted by a hacker who steals everything on Project Dreamweaver.
Chasing the hacker to an outlying planet beyond civilization's control, Zed and Felix must put an end to the remnants of the illegal super soldier program.
'Phase Shift' takes readers in a new direction, away from the AEF and its repeated attempts to subdue Zed and the Chaos. There are no new species or the terrifying stin. The book could have easily been dull without those extra plot points, but instead it was a heart-pounding joyride.
In this final book, Zed and Felix are really put to the test, marooned on a planet with hostiles, and forced to survive with minimal technology. While we get less politics this time, I'd say there're more good old-fashioned action scenes. Throw in the Guardians, who we finally see without the mask of benevolence, and I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next.
While Zed and Felix try to evade the planet's residents, they also grapple with their own relationship problems. The romance in this series has always been a bit of roller-coaster. Zed's super soldier status has put him at death's door multiple times, and Felix has never been able to let himself believe that he deserves anything good.
In 'Phase Shift', the two finally address the issues they'd been keeping bottled up. However at no point was I worried that they would let the negatives drown out what they'd built so far. Felix and Zed have been a forever-and-ever kind of deal from the first book, and they worked at it throughout the series. I loved seeing Felix finally accept that he was more than an orphaned station brat, and that Zed was there to stay.
And the final chapter just put a bow on top of everything. It was romantic a HEA, but one that fit our MCs.
'Phase Shift' is an excellent end to this series, with the entertaining plot and sweet romance I've come to expect. I'd highly recommend the Chaos Station series for readers looking for good MM science fiction.
March 8, 2017
4.5 STARS
That was a great finish to a great Sci-Fi/Thriller series. To publish five excellent books for one series within a year or so is also an amazing feat too. They might have come out fast but I assure you that that are not churned out like a sausage factory, feeling rushed or slapped together. Each book is well thought out and to me, each one stands strong on its own merits.
The Chaos Station series is also quite emotional, yet keeps a perfect balance of humour which can have you laughing one moment and on the verge of tears the next. I don't like the fact that some people think it's a rip off of Firefly anymore, I can see why some might think that after book one, I myself could see why people thought that. Maybe even after book two, but then it was like nope, no way, this is not a space western and by the end there is no doubt that this series stands strong to itself with its own identity. Sure some fundamental and basic ideals of sci-fi pop up in most books within this genre and they do here too but its minimalistic in nature and this is its own series and a bloody good one at that.
Its fast paced action and adventures are well written, with awesome characters and great storylines. I loved the fact that the series had a defined central storyline which was dark and kept popping in and out of their lives to keep haunting them but there was always another adventure going down too, so there were sub-plot's within sub-plots and that kept it fresh.
I know that Felix and Zander were the MC's but I loved each character on board the Chaos and their diverse, strong loyalty grew and it was like watching a family by the end and it ended just at the right time too. The series was ended really well which is something I'm usually unhappy about but this was perfect. I can't remember if it was Jenn or Kelly in the notes that said we'll miss our boys but it's time to leave them alone so they can go live their lives and (not verbatim, lol) I couldn't agree more. Thanks for a wild ride, I loved each and every second of it.
That was a great finish to a great Sci-Fi/Thriller series. To publish five excellent books for one series within a year or so is also an amazing feat too. They might have come out fast but I assure you that that are not churned out like a sausage factory, feeling rushed or slapped together. Each book is well thought out and to me, each one stands strong on its own merits.
The Chaos Station series is also quite emotional, yet keeps a perfect balance of humour which can have you laughing one moment and on the verge of tears the next. I don't like the fact that some people think it's a rip off of Firefly anymore, I can see why some might think that after book one, I myself could see why people thought that. Maybe even after book two, but then it was like nope, no way, this is not a space western and by the end there is no doubt that this series stands strong to itself with its own identity. Sure some fundamental and basic ideals of sci-fi pop up in most books within this genre and they do here too but its minimalistic in nature and this is its own series and a bloody good one at that.
Its fast paced action and adventures are well written, with awesome characters and great storylines. I loved the fact that the series had a defined central storyline which was dark and kept popping in and out of their lives to keep haunting them but there was always another adventure going down too, so there were sub-plot's within sub-plots and that kept it fresh.
I know that Felix and Zander were the MC's but I loved each character on board the Chaos and their diverse, strong loyalty grew and it was like watching a family by the end and it ended just at the right time too. The series was ended really well which is something I'm usually unhappy about but this was perfect. I can't remember if it was Jenn or Kelly in the notes that said we'll miss our boys but it's time to leave them alone so they can go live their lives and (not verbatim, lol) I couldn't agree more. Thanks for a wild ride, I loved each and every second of it.
April 3, 2019
4 Stars
Review:
After writing reviews for four other books, I'm not sure what I can say that I haven't said numerous times already. The characters in this series were so realistic and developed, and the world-building was absolutely incredible with all the details and thought and backstory that went into it. I also loved the friendships and Zander's family relationships, and the romance between Zander and Felix was rocky but ultimately adorable.
One difference in this book as opposed to the others though was that there was less relationship drama. I actually loved all the drama and struggles between the two men in the other books, and they still had the issue of marriage to argue about in this one, but, since this was the last in the series, it was nice to see them finally working together as partners and no longer doubting the others' feelings or whether they were right for each other.
I have to admit that this book did lose my interest a bit during the more engineering/military-heavy parts, like the bomb-building and plan-creating and whatnot, but it still wasn't like it was hard sci-fi, so it was just a minor thing.
Overall, this was a solid final book that tied up any possible loose ends there might've been and altogether a great series with a rich world (or rather, universe) and lovable characters I'm going to miss!
Recommended For:
Fans of Books 1-4 in Jenn Burke & Kelly Jensen's Chaos Station Series. Anyone who likes M/M romance, angsty/struggle-filled relationships, books set in space, realistically flawed characters, and imperfect but sweet relationships among lovers, friends, and family.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
After writing reviews for four other books, I'm not sure what I can say that I haven't said numerous times already. The characters in this series were so realistic and developed, and the world-building was absolutely incredible with all the details and thought and backstory that went into it. I also loved the friendships and Zander's family relationships, and the romance between Zander and Felix was rocky but ultimately adorable.
One difference in this book as opposed to the others though was that there was less relationship drama. I actually loved all the drama and struggles between the two men in the other books, and they still had the issue of marriage to argue about in this one, but, since this was the last in the series, it was nice to see them finally working together as partners and no longer doubting the others' feelings or whether they were right for each other.
I have to admit that this book did lose my interest a bit during the more engineering/military-heavy parts, like the bomb-building and plan-creating and whatnot, but it still wasn't like it was hard sci-fi, so it was just a minor thing.
Overall, this was a solid final book that tied up any possible loose ends there might've been and altogether a great series with a rich world (or rather, universe) and lovable characters I'm going to miss!
Recommended For:
Fans of Books 1-4 in Jenn Burke & Kelly Jensen's Chaos Station Series. Anyone who likes M/M romance, angsty/struggle-filled relationships, books set in space, realistically flawed characters, and imperfect but sweet relationships among lovers, friends, and family.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
February 13, 2017
4.5 stars
December 27, 2016
Beautiful ending. I'm going to miss these two........
The final book in the Chaos Station series was just as good as the previous four. The crew is doing their regular runs when they find they are being hacked. This leads to an immediate crisis and the group gets separated. Zed and Felix end up stranded on a planet no one knows exists while the rest of the crew tries to find them. The things they find on the planet are shocking and might be the last straw for both guys.
This story was an action adventure from beginning to end. I couldn't read fast enough to find out what was going to happen. I wasn't sure how the authors were going to wrap up the series but it all comes together really well and I really liked the ending. Zed and Felix have come full circle by the end and there were some really sweet and romantic scenes mixed in with the action ones.
This series ended up being one of my favorite series of the year. Each book was equally good and I loved the journey the authors took the characters and the readers on. This is a definite recommend from me.
The final book in the Chaos Station series was just as good as the previous four. The crew is doing their regular runs when they find they are being hacked. This leads to an immediate crisis and the group gets separated. Zed and Felix end up stranded on a planet no one knows exists while the rest of the crew tries to find them. The things they find on the planet are shocking and might be the last straw for both guys.
This story was an action adventure from beginning to end. I couldn't read fast enough to find out what was going to happen. I wasn't sure how the authors were going to wrap up the series but it all comes together really well and I really liked the ending. Zed and Felix have come full circle by the end and there were some really sweet and romantic scenes mixed in with the action ones.
This series ended up being one of my favorite series of the year. Each book was equally good and I loved the journey the authors took the characters and the readers on. This is a definite recommend from me.
February 4, 2020
*4,5 stars*
Zed and Felix are one of the best couples I’ve come across.
The depth of their connection in this final instalment is simply breath-taking.
And the way they back each other up and get each other through the most difficult situations makes for awesome reading. I love what the authors have done here!
Although the overall plot is excellent, there’s maybe a touch too much of ‘recon action’ for me. I also found some developments concerning the Guardians surprising and maybe a bit contradictory.
Still, this is a fabulous read, with the best bits for me definitely Zed and Felix’s ongoing ‘discussions’ about marriage. I loved where they ended up eventually.
What a blast of a series!
If you are in any way inclined towards sci-fi, this is a must!
If you have never read sci-fi, but liked Star Trek, give this a go!
If you hate sci-fi, this might revise your opinion!
Highly recommended!
Zed and Felix are one of the best couples I’ve come across.
The depth of their connection in this final instalment is simply breath-taking.
And the way they back each other up and get each other through the most difficult situations makes for awesome reading. I love what the authors have done here!
Although the overall plot is excellent, there’s maybe a touch too much of ‘recon action’ for me. I also found some developments concerning the Guardians surprising and maybe a bit contradictory.
Still, this is a fabulous read, with the best bits for me definitely Zed and Felix’s ongoing ‘discussions’ about marriage. I loved where they ended up eventually.
What a blast of a series!
If you are in any way inclined towards sci-fi, this is a must!
If you have never read sci-fi, but liked Star Trek, give this a go!
If you hate sci-fi, this might revise your opinion!
Highly recommended!
May 31, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
So this is it. Phase Shift represents the last in the Chaos Station series. And I can’t tell you how sad that makes me. I’ve enjoyed these books right from the start and they’ve never lost an ounce of steam. I give the authors real credit for knowing when and how to end their series and they’re definitely going out strong. Zander and Felix make a rare couple whose relationship continues to evolve and grow and never remains stagnant. At the start of Phase Shift, they remain as committed to one another as ever but Zander is suddenly pressing to make things official. As a result, Felix is forced to face another of his ghosts and while we as readers never doubt their ability to work things out, these growing pains feel completely realistic. It helps to add yet another layer of complexity to their relationship. Both men are deeply wounded and dynamically complex and the authors do an excellent job of showing that it’s hard work and love that keep them together. Felix and Zander have never been guaranteed a happy ending, their lives are simply too volatile for that. But having come so far with the couple, we can’t help wishing that they might finally find a measure of peace.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
So this is it. Phase Shift represents the last in the Chaos Station series. And I can’t tell you how sad that makes me. I’ve enjoyed these books right from the start and they’ve never lost an ounce of steam. I give the authors real credit for knowing when and how to end their series and they’re definitely going out strong. Zander and Felix make a rare couple whose relationship continues to evolve and grow and never remains stagnant. At the start of Phase Shift, they remain as committed to one another as ever but Zander is suddenly pressing to make things official. As a result, Felix is forced to face another of his ghosts and while we as readers never doubt their ability to work things out, these growing pains feel completely realistic. It helps to add yet another layer of complexity to their relationship. Both men are deeply wounded and dynamically complex and the authors do an excellent job of showing that it’s hard work and love that keep them together. Felix and Zander have never been guaranteed a happy ending, their lives are simply too volatile for that. But having come so far with the couple, we can’t help wishing that they might finally find a measure of peace.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
December 7, 2024
A / 5 stars
Phase Shift is the thrilling final instalment in Jenn Burke and Kelly Jensen’s fantastic Chaos Station sci-fi romance series, and it’s a terrific last hurrah for Zed, Felix and the crew. But of course, there’s no way any swan song featuring these characters isn’t going to put them – and us - through the wringer, and Zed and Felix’s agreement (made in Inversion Point ) that “This nearly dying shit has got to stop” is sorely tested.
When the book opens, the different species of the universe – even the stin – appear to be peacefully co-existing, the Guardians are quiet, and the crew of the Chaos aren’t running for their lives. Win! So Zed has taken the opportunity to plan a romantic dinner for himself and Felix, intent on asking a very important question – which is promptly derailed when their friend Marnie interrupts their evening with the news that the Chaos is being hacked. A furious and seriously affronted Felix (how dare anyone fuck with him like this?!) rushes out to find out what’s happening and stop it if he can, and Zed heads out into the busy station docks while Felix works. A quick call to Elias, Nessa and Qek has them all on the trail of the hacker, who is making their way towards the marketplace. But just when they think they’ve got whoever it is cornered – they disappear, phase shifting the way Zed is able to do. Which is impossible. All the other subjects of Project Dreamweaver are dead and Zed is the only human live able to mimic the stin’s phase-shifting abilities. So who – or what - the hell were they just chasing?
Returning to the ship, the crew discovers that the hacker targeted their medical logs and downloaded everything they had on file about Project Dreamweaver. When Felix, Marnie and Ryan trace the packets of data to somewhere out near resonance space, things begin to fall into place. The only reason for anyone to be out there would be to get hold of a crystal shard, a piece of the resonance, which is needed in order to create fully functional and stable super soldiers. The planet Leonis Bb is in a barely mapped area of space, making it an ideal secret location for another experimental program. But who could be behind it? While Elias, Nessa and Qek take the Chaos to Petrel Station to warn Marnie and Ryan that they might need to make themselves scarce, Zed and Felix borrow one of the ships from the Anatolius Corporation’s fleet and head off to Leonis Bb – supposedly an uninhabited planet - to see what they can find out.
Phase Shift is a rollicking, action-packed old-skool sci-fi adventure that keeps the adreniline pumping and the reader eagerly turning pages, desperate to find out what happens next. After a crash landing that leaves Zed with a broken wrist and a concussion, our heroes are stranded on an inhospitable planet with few supplies, limited technology and no way to send a distress signal. When they discover that this supposedly uncolonised planet is home to a rag-taggle band of illegal colonists living off the grid it’s not too much of a surprise – but what they hadn’t expected to find there is their worst nightmare, revived. Dr. Carlisle Preston, the lead medical specialist for Project Dreamweaver, has re-started the super soldier program and is already experimenting on the colonists, but she needs one more ingredient to ensure their stablity – a crystal shard from the resonance - and someone to train her newest lab-rats. And the ideal solutions to both those problems have just crashed (literally) on her doorstep. But there’s a bigger threat out there in the form of the mysterious Guardians, who have an agenda all their own and who will do whatever it takes to ensure they get what they want.
The authors have done an incredible job of keeping the momentum going from book to book while also having each one be (more or less) a standalone story AND maintaining the quality of the plotting and storytelling throughout. Each book in the series is a fabulously entertaining read and the development of the central romance between Zed and Felix has been spectacular. The reader has known since the beginning that they’re a forever deal, although it’s taken Felix, especially, a while to really believe in it, to believe that he deserves good things and that Zed isn’t going anywhere. By the end of Inversion Point it seemed they were finally on the same page, ready to make a life together and face whatever it threw at them, but there’s one hurdle still to be faced; Zed wants to get married, and commitment shy Felix is, not to put too fine a point on it, not keen. But crash-landing on an unknown planet, being taken prisoner by a mad scientist, and having to make a locator/beacon out of a piece of string and two paper clips (or whatever the twenty-third century equivalent is!) aren’t going to deter Zed from continuing the conversation he’d planned to start back on the Chaos, and in between all the running for their lives and blowing shit up, there’s still time for some quieter, more intimate moments and some emotional gut-punches.
All the Chaos Station books incorporate a just about perfect blend of action, romance, intrugue and humour. The plots and story-arcs are brilliant and well-executed, the worldbuilding is strong and imaginative, and the deep emotions and angst are never manufactured, deriving organically from who these people are and how their experiences have informed their beliefs and actions.
If I have a criticism it’s that the late-book ‘death’ is perhaps just one too many, but it’s so skilfully done, I was completely sucked in (and honestly, didn’t care!)
As in the other titles in the series, this reissued edition includes a short story from the Always and Forever collection, this one entitled, simply, Honeymoon. Zed and Felix have tied the knot and opted to go on a space cruise for their honeymoon – which is perhaps not the best choice for two men for whom ‘downtime’ is an almost unknown concept!
Phase Shift brings this outstanding sci-fi romance to a close and brings Zed and Felix their very well-deserved HEA. Some series go downhill over time, but this one absolutely doesn’t – each story has been a rollercoaster ride of thrills, spills and emotional peaks and troughs, and I’ve loved every minute of the time I’ve spent with these characters and in this universe. Thank you Jenn and Kelly – it’s been a blast!
Phase Shift is the thrilling final instalment in Jenn Burke and Kelly Jensen’s fantastic Chaos Station sci-fi romance series, and it’s a terrific last hurrah for Zed, Felix and the crew. But of course, there’s no way any swan song featuring these characters isn’t going to put them – and us - through the wringer, and Zed and Felix’s agreement (made in Inversion Point ) that “This nearly dying shit has got to stop” is sorely tested.
When the book opens, the different species of the universe – even the stin – appear to be peacefully co-existing, the Guardians are quiet, and the crew of the Chaos aren’t running for their lives. Win! So Zed has taken the opportunity to plan a romantic dinner for himself and Felix, intent on asking a very important question – which is promptly derailed when their friend Marnie interrupts their evening with the news that the Chaos is being hacked. A furious and seriously affronted Felix (how dare anyone fuck with him like this?!) rushes out to find out what’s happening and stop it if he can, and Zed heads out into the busy station docks while Felix works. A quick call to Elias, Nessa and Qek has them all on the trail of the hacker, who is making their way towards the marketplace. But just when they think they’ve got whoever it is cornered – they disappear, phase shifting the way Zed is able to do. Which is impossible. All the other subjects of Project Dreamweaver are dead and Zed is the only human live able to mimic the stin’s phase-shifting abilities. So who – or what - the hell were they just chasing?
Returning to the ship, the crew discovers that the hacker targeted their medical logs and downloaded everything they had on file about Project Dreamweaver. When Felix, Marnie and Ryan trace the packets of data to somewhere out near resonance space, things begin to fall into place. The only reason for anyone to be out there would be to get hold of a crystal shard, a piece of the resonance, which is needed in order to create fully functional and stable super soldiers. The planet Leonis Bb is in a barely mapped area of space, making it an ideal secret location for another experimental program. But who could be behind it? While Elias, Nessa and Qek take the Chaos to Petrel Station to warn Marnie and Ryan that they might need to make themselves scarce, Zed and Felix borrow one of the ships from the Anatolius Corporation’s fleet and head off to Leonis Bb – supposedly an uninhabited planet - to see what they can find out.
Phase Shift is a rollicking, action-packed old-skool sci-fi adventure that keeps the adreniline pumping and the reader eagerly turning pages, desperate to find out what happens next. After a crash landing that leaves Zed with a broken wrist and a concussion, our heroes are stranded on an inhospitable planet with few supplies, limited technology and no way to send a distress signal. When they discover that this supposedly uncolonised planet is home to a rag-taggle band of illegal colonists living off the grid it’s not too much of a surprise – but what they hadn’t expected to find there is their worst nightmare, revived. Dr. Carlisle Preston, the lead medical specialist for Project Dreamweaver, has re-started the super soldier program and is already experimenting on the colonists, but she needs one more ingredient to ensure their stablity – a crystal shard from the resonance - and someone to train her newest lab-rats. And the ideal solutions to both those problems have just crashed (literally) on her doorstep. But there’s a bigger threat out there in the form of the mysterious Guardians, who have an agenda all their own and who will do whatever it takes to ensure they get what they want.
The authors have done an incredible job of keeping the momentum going from book to book while also having each one be (more or less) a standalone story AND maintaining the quality of the plotting and storytelling throughout. Each book in the series is a fabulously entertaining read and the development of the central romance between Zed and Felix has been spectacular. The reader has known since the beginning that they’re a forever deal, although it’s taken Felix, especially, a while to really believe in it, to believe that he deserves good things and that Zed isn’t going anywhere. By the end of Inversion Point it seemed they were finally on the same page, ready to make a life together and face whatever it threw at them, but there’s one hurdle still to be faced; Zed wants to get married, and commitment shy Felix is, not to put too fine a point on it, not keen. But crash-landing on an unknown planet, being taken prisoner by a mad scientist, and having to make a locator/beacon out of a piece of string and two paper clips (or whatever the twenty-third century equivalent is!) aren’t going to deter Zed from continuing the conversation he’d planned to start back on the Chaos, and in between all the running for their lives and blowing shit up, there’s still time for some quieter, more intimate moments and some emotional gut-punches.
All the Chaos Station books incorporate a just about perfect blend of action, romance, intrugue and humour. The plots and story-arcs are brilliant and well-executed, the worldbuilding is strong and imaginative, and the deep emotions and angst are never manufactured, deriving organically from who these people are and how their experiences have informed their beliefs and actions.
If I have a criticism it’s that the late-book ‘death’ is perhaps just one too many, but it’s so skilfully done, I was completely sucked in (and honestly, didn’t care!)
As in the other titles in the series, this reissued edition includes a short story from the Always and Forever collection, this one entitled, simply, Honeymoon. Zed and Felix have tied the knot and opted to go on a space cruise for their honeymoon – which is perhaps not the best choice for two men for whom ‘downtime’ is an almost unknown concept!
Phase Shift brings this outstanding sci-fi romance to a close and brings Zed and Felix their very well-deserved HEA. Some series go downhill over time, but this one absolutely doesn’t – each story has been a rollercoaster ride of thrills, spills and emotional peaks and troughs, and I’ve loved every minute of the time I’ve spent with these characters and in this universe. Thank you Jenn and Kelly – it’s been a blast!
December 9, 2024
(4/5)
Well, I'll be honest: I'm perhaps a little disappointed.
I feel like the finale should have been bigger. It wasn't boring or anything, but compared to the last two books in this series, this one was a little less... exciting maybe. The plot just felt so rushed and superficial. I was expecting a lot more of everything based on the blurb. It just didn't deliver what was promised, I guess. And I'm definitely sad about that.
It's honestly not that bad as I still enjoyed the book, but for a finale I was expecting a bit more. Although the romance was definitely through the roof. We didn't get that before.
Well, I'll be honest: I'm perhaps a little disappointed.
I feel like the finale should have been bigger. It wasn't boring or anything, but compared to the last two books in this series, this one was a little less... exciting maybe. The plot just felt so rushed and superficial. I was expecting a lot more of everything based on the blurb. It just didn't deliver what was promised, I guess. And I'm definitely sad about that.
God, he was so tired.
Tired of hurting and being hurt. Tired of running and chasing. Of trying to be everything to his everything. Of just being. Of being alone, separated from the only man who could make sense of his life.
It's honestly not that bad as I still enjoyed the book, but for a finale I was expecting a bit more. Although the romance was definitely through the roof. We didn't get that before.
January 31, 2019
✮4.5 Stars✮
💗
August 13, 2023
The ending came and went all too quickly 😪😔 After all that drama for 5 books I would have loved a lengthy epilogue about them just being happy.
May 2, 2016
My Review:
Whew...the last book in the series. Just typing that and the tears start flowing. I've fallen in love with Zed and Flick and I'm still not sure I'm ready to let them go, but the good news is...I can continue to reread their story over and over again. Because I have loved this entire series and this final book did NOT disappoint.
This book started out with an argument...Zed wants to get married. Flick doesn't see the need...he's already fully, completely committed...why do they need something more? It's just a piece a paper. But unlike Flick, Zed grew up with ceremony and tradition as a normal thing in his world. He wants to stand up in front of his friends and family and tell them all that he belongs to Flick. They disagree, and then life gets crazy once again when someone hacks into their ship's files...breaking into the Dreamweaver Project files. Anyone messing with that experimental, deadly program that almost killed Zed is dangerous. They can't let them get away without discovering what the hackers are doing with that information. And the adventure begins from there...
This is another dangerous, adrenaline filled adventure that takes the Chaos and its crew to the extremes of their limits. It was so good. There were moments when I laughed (Elias's line, "Yay" was one of the best lines in the ENTIRE series) and of course, I cried...more than once. Zed and Flick never asked to be the saviors of the galaxy, but once again, that becomes their mission. My heart broke for Zed when he's trying to deal with the Guardians, who don't understand the idea of gray areas.
If anyone deserves a break, these two do. But I love with their plan for the future (no spoilers...just know that I love how the authors wrapped everything up so perfectly.)
In this final book, there were a lot of scenes that featured the entire crew and I loved that. I also liked the final moments between Zed and Brennan...who has been one of my favorite characters from his very first scene on the page. While I hate that the series is ending, the authors did an amazing job tying it all up perfectly. The book was romantic and sweet and stress-inducing and emotional. I stretched out reading it over three days just because I wasn't ready to let go. But when I hit the end, I smiled, because I was satisfied with where the characters went with their plans for the future. I love them so much and only want them to be happy...together...with many, many, many more sexy times between them.
When I started this series, I was excited about a male/male science fiction series. While I like reading sci fi, I honestly don't pick it up very often. This series is the exception to that rule. In fact, as the series has grown, this has become one of my top three series loves of all time (for those of you taking note...my other two favorites are Suzanne Brockmann's Troubleshooter series and Sherilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter series). When I started writing this review I went back and looked at all my review for the five books. Not a single one of them rated lower than A...two of them received A+ ratings. That NEVER happens for me to love books across a series that consistently.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Links to my reviews for the entire series:
1. Chaos Station
2. Lonely Shore
3. Skip Trace
4. Inversion Point
5. Phase Shift (you just read this review)
Note: I honestly think this is the first time in my reading history where every single book in the series received an A or A+ rating...all 5-stars. Yes, this series is that outstanding.
Whew...the last book in the series. Just typing that and the tears start flowing. I've fallen in love with Zed and Flick and I'm still not sure I'm ready to let them go, but the good news is...I can continue to reread their story over and over again. Because I have loved this entire series and this final book did NOT disappoint.
This book started out with an argument...Zed wants to get married. Flick doesn't see the need...he's already fully, completely committed...why do they need something more? It's just a piece a paper. But unlike Flick, Zed grew up with ceremony and tradition as a normal thing in his world. He wants to stand up in front of his friends and family and tell them all that he belongs to Flick. They disagree, and then life gets crazy once again when someone hacks into their ship's files...breaking into the Dreamweaver Project files. Anyone messing with that experimental, deadly program that almost killed Zed is dangerous. They can't let them get away without discovering what the hackers are doing with that information. And the adventure begins from there...
This is another dangerous, adrenaline filled adventure that takes the Chaos and its crew to the extremes of their limits. It was so good. There were moments when I laughed (Elias's line, "Yay" was one of the best lines in the ENTIRE series) and of course, I cried...more than once. Zed and Flick never asked to be the saviors of the galaxy, but once again, that becomes their mission. My heart broke for Zed when he's trying to deal with the Guardians, who don't understand the idea of gray areas.
If anyone deserves a break, these two do. But I love with their plan for the future (no spoilers...just know that I love how the authors wrapped everything up so perfectly.)
In this final book, there were a lot of scenes that featured the entire crew and I loved that. I also liked the final moments between Zed and Brennan...who has been one of my favorite characters from his very first scene on the page. While I hate that the series is ending, the authors did an amazing job tying it all up perfectly. The book was romantic and sweet and stress-inducing and emotional. I stretched out reading it over three days just because I wasn't ready to let go. But when I hit the end, I smiled, because I was satisfied with where the characters went with their plans for the future. I love them so much and only want them to be happy...together...with many, many, many more sexy times between them.
When I started this series, I was excited about a male/male science fiction series. While I like reading sci fi, I honestly don't pick it up very often. This series is the exception to that rule. In fact, as the series has grown, this has become one of my top three series loves of all time (for those of you taking note...my other two favorites are Suzanne Brockmann's Troubleshooter series and Sherilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter series). When I started writing this review I went back and looked at all my review for the five books. Not a single one of them rated lower than A...two of them received A+ ratings. That NEVER happens for me to love books across a series that consistently.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Links to my reviews for the entire series:
1. Chaos Station
2. Lonely Shore
3. Skip Trace
4. Inversion Point
5. Phase Shift (you just read this review)
Note: I honestly think this is the first time in my reading history where every single book in the series received an A or A+ rating...all 5-stars. Yes, this series is that outstanding.
April 6, 2016
First I have to say that I am really saddened that this is the last book in the series. Maybe there might be a novella showing the wedding maybe or them settling down in their new lives together. I still wanted to know more about the Guardians but I guess I never will, but that's okay. I wished they would have told Zed more of what would have happened if they had let them live but I guess that is just the way they are. You do as I say when I say it without any explanations. I do like the fact that the project is finally dead. The crew is an amazing cast of characters. I love their interactions and I laughed at their banter. This was truly a great wrap up to an amazing series. I will definitely be re-reading this series in the future.
Arc rec'd by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Arc rec'd by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 4, 2023
Eh. 2.5 rounded up
I seem to be in the minority here, but I was unimpressed by this series. Possibly I expected too much, but the world building is just... not good, the characters lack depth, and the relationship just did not feel balanced for me in a way that tends to be the kiss of death for me personally. Once again, this book is all about Zander, and even when Felix raises legitimate reasons why he doesn't personally feel the need to get married, of course he changes his tune because what Zander wants, Zander gets.
I probably expected too much from this series, having recently read quite a lot of excellent non-romance sci-fi, but I couldn't ignore the issues here.
I seem to be in the minority here, but I was unimpressed by this series. Possibly I expected too much, but the world building is just... not good, the characters lack depth, and the relationship just did not feel balanced for me in a way that tends to be the kiss of death for me personally. Once again, this book is all about Zander, and even when Felix raises legitimate reasons why he doesn't personally feel the need to get married, of course he changes his tune because what Zander wants, Zander gets.
I probably expected too much from this series, having recently read quite a lot of excellent non-romance sci-fi, but I couldn't ignore the issues here.
May 4, 2016
This is going to be a difficult review to write because Phase Shift is the last in the Chaos Station series, which I have read and reviewed from the beginning. Over the course of five books I have gotten to know Zed, Flick, and the rest of the Chaos crew as if they were family. I’ve cried with them, laughed with them, and enjoyed reading about their adventures. But, as with all good things, it is time for it to come to an end. So I consider this review to be my send-off to the series, an homage, if you will.
Having survived death and near-death experiences together after being reunited when they both thought the other was dead, Zed is ready to pop the questions to Flick. Of course, Flick, being himself, he’s commitment-shy, and this being them, nothing goes off without a hitch. In this case, the Chaos is hacked and important data is stolen. Before Zed can ask Flick to marry him. This sets in motion a series of events that will push the two to their limits and put them in their most dangerous situation since the human-stin war. What’s out there? Well, Preston has managed to duplicate the Dreamweaver project, and more humans can Zone and phase shift like Zed. And that’s problematic. So much so that even the Guardians feel they must step in. What follows is a mission the two must run together, and seemingly alone, where not only their lives but the lives of everyone in the universe—human, stin, ashushk, and resonance alike—are in serious jeopardy.
There really was not a single bad book in this series, and each one builds up the tension to this one. The first reunites Zed and Flick and rekindles their love for each other. The subsequent books show the challenges their love will face if they decide to stay together. This final book puts them on the ultimate test and, as I said, the most dangerous mission. Stuck on Leonis Bb, an uninhabited planet, they must survive all sorts of things—weird tentacle creatures, a sunken ship, and scorching temperatures—with barely anything to survive on. And when they find out they aren’t alone? Well, that’s when all hell breaks loose.
Flick and Zed truly are at their most human in these moments, despite their unique situations. Readers will see more of Flick’s family history and why some things don’t seem as important to him. Likewise, the same can be said of Zed. How is it that two people who seem to be such opposites are drawn to each other?
Of course, the rest of the crew is just as important. Elias, Nessa, and Qek have their own battles to fight, and the three grow as a crew without Zed and Flick with them. Qek, as usual, steals the show between the three, and I adore her even more.
As for the mysterious Guardians, they are the only alien species to show up in this book, which is a little disappointing because I enjoyed learning about the resonance and had hoped for more with them since they only have one book. The Guardians, though… well, readers finally have some answers. Not everything is revealed about them, though, but I was pleasantly surprised by the ending of the book. Maybe I should have expected it, but I didn’t. Neither, it seems, did Zed.
I’m truly going to miss this series and the characters. I would happily read another five books featuring the Chaos and her crew, following them into the next chapter of their lives. I can even think of some fun—and adorable—stories that they could use…ahem. I’m sure they know what I’m talking about.
If you’re interested in this series, you really must read from the beginning. Each book lays the groundwork for the following installments, and the world-building is just phenomenal. If you’re a fan of science fiction, believe me, you will not regret the series. Even if you aren’t a fan but you love romance, you should still read this because Flick and Zed have one of the most wonderful relationships I’ve ever read on a page, and I honestly shed tears over how beautiful their love and trust for each other was.
For now, goodbye to the Chaos and her crew. Even if short stories or spin-offs aren’t produced, I know I’ll be revisiting this series. Thank you to Jenn Burke and Kelly Jensen for taking us on such a wonderful ride.
Reviewed by Jennifer for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
Having survived death and near-death experiences together after being reunited when they both thought the other was dead, Zed is ready to pop the questions to Flick. Of course, Flick, being himself, he’s commitment-shy, and this being them, nothing goes off without a hitch. In this case, the Chaos is hacked and important data is stolen. Before Zed can ask Flick to marry him. This sets in motion a series of events that will push the two to their limits and put them in their most dangerous situation since the human-stin war. What’s out there? Well, Preston has managed to duplicate the Dreamweaver project, and more humans can Zone and phase shift like Zed. And that’s problematic. So much so that even the Guardians feel they must step in. What follows is a mission the two must run together, and seemingly alone, where not only their lives but the lives of everyone in the universe—human, stin, ashushk, and resonance alike—are in serious jeopardy.
There really was not a single bad book in this series, and each one builds up the tension to this one. The first reunites Zed and Flick and rekindles their love for each other. The subsequent books show the challenges their love will face if they decide to stay together. This final book puts them on the ultimate test and, as I said, the most dangerous mission. Stuck on Leonis Bb, an uninhabited planet, they must survive all sorts of things—weird tentacle creatures, a sunken ship, and scorching temperatures—with barely anything to survive on. And when they find out they aren’t alone? Well, that’s when all hell breaks loose.
Flick and Zed truly are at their most human in these moments, despite their unique situations. Readers will see more of Flick’s family history and why some things don’t seem as important to him. Likewise, the same can be said of Zed. How is it that two people who seem to be such opposites are drawn to each other?
Of course, the rest of the crew is just as important. Elias, Nessa, and Qek have their own battles to fight, and the three grow as a crew without Zed and Flick with them. Qek, as usual, steals the show between the three, and I adore her even more.
As for the mysterious Guardians, they are the only alien species to show up in this book, which is a little disappointing because I enjoyed learning about the resonance and had hoped for more with them since they only have one book. The Guardians, though… well, readers finally have some answers. Not everything is revealed about them, though, but I was pleasantly surprised by the ending of the book. Maybe I should have expected it, but I didn’t. Neither, it seems, did Zed.
I’m truly going to miss this series and the characters. I would happily read another five books featuring the Chaos and her crew, following them into the next chapter of their lives. I can even think of some fun—and adorable—stories that they could use…ahem. I’m sure they know what I’m talking about.
If you’re interested in this series, you really must read from the beginning. Each book lays the groundwork for the following installments, and the world-building is just phenomenal. If you’re a fan of science fiction, believe me, you will not regret the series. Even if you aren’t a fan but you love romance, you should still read this because Flick and Zed have one of the most wonderful relationships I’ve ever read on a page, and I honestly shed tears over how beautiful their love and trust for each other was.
For now, goodbye to the Chaos and her crew. Even if short stories or spin-offs aren’t produced, I know I’ll be revisiting this series. Thank you to Jenn Burke and Kelly Jensen for taking us on such a wonderful ride.
Reviewed by Jennifer for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
June 3, 2016
https://justloveromance.wordpress.com...
So, I was both looking forward to and dreading reading this fifth and reportedly final installment in the Chaos Station series. Looking forward to it because the other four books have been a helluva ride and I have loved every moment between Zander Anatolius and Felix Ingesson and the rest of the Chaos crew. And dreading it because I wasn’t sure I could handle any more trauma the authors were going to inflict on poor Felix (seriously, that guy has been through the wringer!). In the end, though, Zed and Flick have always been strong enough to rise above everything that’s been thrown their way and this time was no different.
Phase Shift finds Zander wanting to take his and Felix’s relationship to the next level. Zander is craving a little stability in his life and is dreaming of a future where he and Felix are not only bonded in marriage, but perhaps raising a family of their own. When a planned proposal goes sideways, both men along with the Chaos’ crew, must work to find out who has been hacking into the Chaos’ systems and downloading information about Zander and the top-secret project that turned him into a super soldier. When a reconnaissance mission strands Felix and Zander on a hostile moon, the men must rely on each other to stay alive in order to stop a former enemy from using the super soldier information to create an army that has the potential to destroy the galaxy.
We get lots and lots of Felix and Zed time in Phase Shift, something I think all fans will appreciate seeing as events in previous books have always seemed to conspire to keep them apart. We also get all the trademark humour that has been evident throughout the series, especially in the scenes featuring the other members of the Chaos Crew, captain Elias, ship’s doctor Nessa and the ever delightful Ashushk, Qek. The family-like dynamic between them is always both humorous and heartfelt allowing us to not only see the lighter side of human behaviour and language, thanks to Qek and her continued efforts at mastering english idioms, but also the deeper and emotional side, as evidenced by the crew’s ability to be there and comfort each other when it’s been needed the most. This book also has all the action, danger and excitement we’ve come to expect plus we get another appearance from the mysterious Guardians, who are not intent on being quite so benign this time around, something that causes deep conflict between them, Zed and the other members of the crew.
This book was a great finale to a wonderful series. It captured me from the first paragraph and didn’t let up until the last words. And the ending….*sigh*…let’s just say you’ll be happy even though you’re saying goodbye to some really wonderful characters. 5 stars
**I received an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review**
So, I was both looking forward to and dreading reading this fifth and reportedly final installment in the Chaos Station series. Looking forward to it because the other four books have been a helluva ride and I have loved every moment between Zander Anatolius and Felix Ingesson and the rest of the Chaos crew. And dreading it because I wasn’t sure I could handle any more trauma the authors were going to inflict on poor Felix (seriously, that guy has been through the wringer!). In the end, though, Zed and Flick have always been strong enough to rise above everything that’s been thrown their way and this time was no different.
Phase Shift finds Zander wanting to take his and Felix’s relationship to the next level. Zander is craving a little stability in his life and is dreaming of a future where he and Felix are not only bonded in marriage, but perhaps raising a family of their own. When a planned proposal goes sideways, both men along with the Chaos’ crew, must work to find out who has been hacking into the Chaos’ systems and downloading information about Zander and the top-secret project that turned him into a super soldier. When a reconnaissance mission strands Felix and Zander on a hostile moon, the men must rely on each other to stay alive in order to stop a former enemy from using the super soldier information to create an army that has the potential to destroy the galaxy.
We get lots and lots of Felix and Zed time in Phase Shift, something I think all fans will appreciate seeing as events in previous books have always seemed to conspire to keep them apart. We also get all the trademark humour that has been evident throughout the series, especially in the scenes featuring the other members of the Chaos Crew, captain Elias, ship’s doctor Nessa and the ever delightful Ashushk, Qek. The family-like dynamic between them is always both humorous and heartfelt allowing us to not only see the lighter side of human behaviour and language, thanks to Qek and her continued efforts at mastering english idioms, but also the deeper and emotional side, as evidenced by the crew’s ability to be there and comfort each other when it’s been needed the most. This book also has all the action, danger and excitement we’ve come to expect plus we get another appearance from the mysterious Guardians, who are not intent on being quite so benign this time around, something that causes deep conflict between them, Zed and the other members of the crew.
This book was a great finale to a wonderful series. It captured me from the first paragraph and didn’t let up until the last words. And the ending….*sigh*…let’s just say you’ll be happy even though you’re saying goodbye to some really wonderful characters. 5 stars
**I received an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review**
April 26, 2018
It's me, not you? I don't know. Lately I've been reading/rereading mainstream Sci-fi...Scalzi, Kloos, Hamilton, Webb, Campbell, Heinlein...maybe my expectations were simply too high? The romance was lovely. The sci-fi? Far too tepid and simplistic for this reader.
September 23, 2017
Phase Shift (Chaos Station #5)
Jenn Burke and Kelly Jensen
Carina Press, 2016
Five stars
I want this series to end. Not because I don’t love it, but because I want to stop worrying about Felix and Zander. I want them to be happy.
Of course, in their weird twisted way, they have been happy since the moment they met in book one (Chaos Station), and Zed realized that his beloved Flick was not, in fact dead. But it’s been one hell of a romance: flying their rattletrap corvette around the galaxy, delivering goods and fighting unpleasant space folks. Both men have been trying to shed the scars—the figurative ones—left by the stin-human war. They’ve come a long way in every sense of the word. They’ve been supported and embraced by Flick’s co-captain Elias, their pilot, the disarmingly lovable ashushk Qek, the intense and gifted Nessa, the little ship’s doctor. Along the way they’ve added allies and engaged Zed’s rich and powerful (yet loving) family. It has been as astonishing adventure in a world created with skill and rich realness.
But now Zed and Flick find that the Chaos has been hacked, and all the files pertaining to the Dreamweaver project have been taken to an uncharted part of the galaxy. Zed has a terrible feeling he knows what’s going on, and they discover something worse than they could have imagined.
This is it. This is their assault on Mount Doom, their Waterloo, their Death Star. Burke and Jensen’s wonderful writing and fantastic characters go all out to make this page-turning story unforgettable and emotionally wrenching. All the elements that have been built into the previous books weave together in this culminating confrontation between good and evil, and the fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance.
I’ll never live to see these books made into a movie. But no matter; they’ll be with me for a long, long time.
Jenn Burke and Kelly Jensen
Carina Press, 2016
Five stars
I want this series to end. Not because I don’t love it, but because I want to stop worrying about Felix and Zander. I want them to be happy.
Of course, in their weird twisted way, they have been happy since the moment they met in book one (Chaos Station), and Zed realized that his beloved Flick was not, in fact dead. But it’s been one hell of a romance: flying their rattletrap corvette around the galaxy, delivering goods and fighting unpleasant space folks. Both men have been trying to shed the scars—the figurative ones—left by the stin-human war. They’ve come a long way in every sense of the word. They’ve been supported and embraced by Flick’s co-captain Elias, their pilot, the disarmingly lovable ashushk Qek, the intense and gifted Nessa, the little ship’s doctor. Along the way they’ve added allies and engaged Zed’s rich and powerful (yet loving) family. It has been as astonishing adventure in a world created with skill and rich realness.
But now Zed and Flick find that the Chaos has been hacked, and all the files pertaining to the Dreamweaver project have been taken to an uncharted part of the galaxy. Zed has a terrible feeling he knows what’s going on, and they discover something worse than they could have imagined.
This is it. This is their assault on Mount Doom, their Waterloo, their Death Star. Burke and Jensen’s wonderful writing and fantastic characters go all out to make this page-turning story unforgettable and emotionally wrenching. All the elements that have been built into the previous books weave together in this culminating confrontation between good and evil, and the fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance.
I’ll never live to see these books made into a movie. But no matter; they’ll be with me for a long, long time.
January 12, 2018
3.5 stars
My advice to anyone planning to read this book is this: DO NOT READ THE BLURB.
It gives away basically EVERY major plot point. It even mentions something that happens 85% into the story and it’s also misleading, because it makes it sound like that episode influences the rest of the plot, which isn’t really possible, since the plot at that point is essentially over and resolved.
It colored my reading experience and not in a good way: I kept expecting that something to happen, until it did and the book was over. Talk about stealing the element of surprise.
That aside, I really enjoyed the last chapter in Zed and Felix’s journey. They’ve come a long way from the first book, Felix in particular did a lot of growing, and I appreciated how they’ve learned to deal with different opinions and to compromise when planning the rest of their life together.
My advice to anyone planning to read this book is this: DO NOT READ THE BLURB.
It gives away basically EVERY major plot point. It even mentions something that happens 85% into the story and it’s also misleading, because it makes it sound like that episode influences the rest of the plot, which isn’t really possible, since the plot at that point is essentially over and resolved.
It colored my reading experience and not in a good way: I kept expecting that something to happen, until it did and the book was over. Talk about stealing the element of surprise.
That aside, I really enjoyed the last chapter in Zed and Felix’s journey. They’ve come a long way from the first book, Felix in particular did a lot of growing, and I appreciated how they’ve learned to deal with different opinions and to compromise when planning the rest of their life together.
April 26, 2018
Rating: 3.5
While good, I must say this was not my favorite in the series. I still loved all the characters, but I think the story itself just didn’t interest me as much. I think part of the problem was that the whole super soldier scenario has been done to death in both books and movies. So that aspect of the book didn’t really hold my interest. I also felt a little let down by the ending. It was okay and ended on a HEA, but it just didn’t feel satisfying. There was a big question that was left unanswered and made the whole series feel incomplete.
Overall, the series was wonderful, and I did enjoy reading this installment. I just wish the author had ended it a bit differently.
While good, I must say this was not my favorite in the series. I still loved all the characters, but I think the story itself just didn’t interest me as much. I think part of the problem was that the whole super soldier scenario has been done to death in both books and movies. So that aspect of the book didn’t really hold my interest. I also felt a little let down by the ending. It was okay and ended on a HEA, but it just didn’t feel satisfying. There was a big question that was left unanswered and made the whole series feel incomplete.
Overall, the series was wonderful, and I did enjoy reading this installment. I just wish the author had ended it a bit differently.
December 20, 2018
Nice wrap-up to the series.
Read
August 18, 2020I'm done. Sadly not just with this book, but the whole series.
It was great and an absolut recommendation.
It was great and an absolut recommendation.
April 19, 2022
Zed and Fix made me cry again. Just like usual. I was content with the ending of the previous book, but this one definitely wraps up everything beautifully.
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