The Sound of Truth

Juxtapose City #6

by Tricia Owens

Some truths are terrible. Some can break even the strongest connections.

A joint mission between JC1 and JC2 can only lead to trouble for Lieutenant Black and his team. Convinced JC1 is running surveillance on them, Black and his men close ranks as they go undercover at a nightclub where a psypath gang is trafficking psypaths into the Silent City. For Calyx Starr, this is an opportunity to escape to the psypath haven and leave the abuse he's suffered in Juxtapose City behind. For Black, it’s his nightmare: the clashing of the psypath world with the future he has been working diligently to attain. When the mission goes horribly wrong and Calyx is faced with a terrible truth, is his love for Black strong enough to keep them together, or is the pull of life among his own kind too powerful for the empath resist?

Don't miss any of the Juxtapose City series books:
1: Fearless Leader
2: In the Blink of an Eye
3: The Battle for Black
4: The Ultimate Team
5: My Lover, My Enemy
6: The Sound of Truth

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Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Science Fiction, LGBT, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Dystopia

236 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 13, 2015

About the author

I write urban fantasy, paranormal romance, m/m fiction and menage fiction, with probably more genres to come! Please visit my website and sign up for my newsletter so you'll be kept apprised of my frequent new releases:

Website: http://www.triciaowensbooks.com/

Reviews

[Julia (bookish.jka) · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHAT.THE.HELL.

Can't stop - on to book 7😱

[Simone - on indefinite hiatus - · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd give this book more than 5 stars, if I could! It's absolutely brilliant!

The whole series is one of my favorites and it's getting better and better! For me, The Sound of Truth is the best book in the series so far. The storyline is completely thought-out and well written.

What I love about the series and this book in particular - besides Black and Calyx -, is, that Tricia Owens is able to surprise me. Completely! I'd have never expected the truth behind Black's secret. Never! It left me speechless and wanting more. I can hardly wait to read Book 7!!!

[Jenni Lea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking back over this series I can't help but be amazed at the talent this author has. Every book that I've read so far, Every Damn Book has blown me away. The intricacies, the expertly woven storylines, the subtlety, the depth of each and every character - all this has led me to realize that Tricia Owens is a creative genius who has been hidden from me for too long. How did I not know about this author before?

This book held me in its thrall. I'm still reeling over everything that happened. While the biggest truth in the book didn't surprise me as I've had my suspicions about this for a while now, I was left flabbergasted at my own reactions to the reveal. Owens's ability to get me to do a complete 180 from just a paragraph or two shows just how truly, fabulously talented she really is.

It was brilliant. Jaw droppingly gorgeous. Fantastic. I am astounded. I am spellbound. I cannot recommend this series enough. READ IT!!

[JustJen "Miss Conduct" · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe it's possible, but things heat up even more as this story progresses. We are given enough information and answers to keep from being completely crazy with impatience, and enough of everything else with regards to the various relationships at play to keep turning the pages. This is a pretty intricate world with secrets, instability and intrigue. I can't get started on the next one fast enough.

[Bluebelle-the-Inquisitive (Catherine) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book with caution. There are no warnings as to the true content. The Juxtapose City series contains multiple incidents of dubious consent, murder, drug use, torture. Welcome to the party for The Sound of Truth attempted suicide, inscest. Basically it's all the worst of humanity almost all of it in first person. Now I will return to my usual format...

"The first time I sensed him...his shields were only up half-way. He hadn't been spending any time around psypaths—he'd been living with normals, so he'd been slacking off with the shields. I sensed him and it was like wading through black tar. A lot of dark stuff. A lot. I'm sure you've seen it since you've been in his head." — Calyx Starr (Did we know why Calyx called Black Darkness? This is why)

TL:DR I really liked this as an instalment. So much happens, the world kind of tilts on its axis in the best possible way. The books antagonists such as they are Junxion and Jax are both a lot to handle and fantastic. It's poised well for Shattered Alliance.

Wait what... well... that's a thing now isn't it? And I am not okay. I think a lot of this review is going to end up under a spoiler review because I will need this out for my system. It already interrupted my sleep for one night. Let's not tempt it again. Because yeah it's like that my friends. If you haven't been playing along at home I am possibly too emotionally invested in Black, Calyx, their relationship and their little found family (messed up as it can be).

This is quite a twisty plot for such a short book. The antagonists in theory are psypathic twins Junxion and Jax. Human traffickers and Bliss dealers. Jax is a low-level empath. (Interestingly "The whore is no longer a whore. Calyx Starr is an empath like me. Just as strong as I am, I think."— I never realised or forgot Calyx was low level). Junxion is something we have never seen before, his psypath type is both interesting and vaguely important to the canon (such as it is for those playing along). They have this kinky incesty thing going on, that I think is intended as a bit of a what-if for Black and Calyx. Look In the realm of JC it really isn't much. I quite like them to be honest. Jax in particular. He's endearing even in his manipulation. Their reflection of Black and Calyx is done well, it's not overdone. To add to the psypath twins JC1 are floating around being more morally grey than JC2. The members of both JC teams get POV sections, the whole book starts with Andrew Sundhill's POV which is offputting. There are always questions as to where it is going next

There is so much foreboding in The Sound of Truth. What could be read as throwaway lines between the three couples that just give me a sense of dread. Three couples because thank all things good in Juxtapose City Jake and Parker sorted their shit out and are now quite happy together. Jake looks at Parker and sees the stars, Parker looks at Jake and sees everything he doesn't feel he deserves. They are so good for each other. Do I think they can stick the landing? Hells no. This is JC and JC is not that kind this is why we have Bee and Haney. And Bee and Haney continue to be their adorable selves but Haney, Haney is in serious danger given some of what Bee was thinking. Parker is a powerful pawn in a way. Yes, he's deadly in his own way put those who control him have power in the psypath community through his knowledge and those who care for him. Beyond that It also has so brilliant quotes and lines.

All right I need to say this now, away from the plot and as a general comment on the series. Consent is a seriously weird thing in the Juxtapose City series. It wasn't until now really that I understood how weird and where the lines were being drawn. It is well known by this point that Calyx is an ex-whore, sex was his trade, how he got what he needed, how he stayed alive. He's never been shy at showing his interest in Black, of saying he wanted in Black's pants. Black is not skittish per se but a survivor, he fears what getting close to people will mean for him, for them in a way. That comes from his time with Starwood, his childhood abuse both sexual and psychological. Their similarities and shared past are bourne out in a single exchange between Them and Calyx (square brackets are my change, formatted according to the book not my normal format)

"(He was returning the favor. You of all people should be familiar with the ugly side of sexual relations, Calyx Starr. [Black] was a beautiful boy. Bliss made him malleable and weak. What happens to a boy like that at the hands of men who've paid for the privilege of being with him?)
Calyx flinched. Memories he'd sooner forget rushed through his mind.
(You were a beautiful boy on the streets, too. You have since made a vow to never submit to another man again unless it's on your terms. That night seven years ago, [Black] made the same vow.)"

Their histories of sex as work and pain lead them to play by different rules. Calyx listens to Black's body rather than his words. Black says no, a lot. Calyx perseveres knowing, without his empathy (or Black's telepathy) that Black want/needs it. And he knows Black's true limits. Knows that they can't go all the way without Black initiating. But dirty talk and clever tongue? That is more than far enough. But that is between them and them alone, if anyone else tries that with either of them it really won't work. Black only wants to be owned by Calyx. And Calyx belongs to Black has since day dot. The lines in the consent are drawn from the body not the word, in most relationships that is awful and a reason to not read (consent, verbal consent is important people and men can be raped too) but for these two it is perfection. Yes, there is definitely sexual assault in other relationships but not here, never here.

Okay, so a massive spoiler dump coming up.
What the fuck... Just what the fuck. I feel like I've been lied to for 4 /5 books. I didn't even suspect that Black wasn't Phoenix or that he was Genesis until this book. This exchange alone sparked all kinds of warning bells, though there were others later. "—you're not Alex Black. You're the only reason we let your friends up here. We are pleased to meet you—"
"Don't," Black cut in. "Don't say that name."
"Hiding," Junxion spoke up, his green eyes clearing of the haze that had filmed them for the last five minutes. "You're still hiding. How interesting." But oh man all the support in the previous books, all the reasons to question that assumption that we had been given the truth. The others that knew because only they could, in ways only they could. Even his name. Black. Phoenix would make more sense as fire or light. But Black makes so much sense as a rebirth from Genesis. Even the use of the Darkness nickname is so soft especially given the second line from Genesis that They give Calyx. And God said, 'Let there be light'; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness.. But that said there are some lines that really help contextualise others.  One of my fave quotes for Black has always been "I want you to break me,"[...]"I want you to push me farther than anyone else has before,"[...]"I want you to break me...hurt me..."[...]"Destroy me, Starr." (from The Battle for Black) knowing Black is Genesis makes this hurt more. Who does Black want Calyx to destroy Black or Genesis? I kind of feel like Starr has the power over him to do either. Calyx Starr owns him.
• Silent City is stunning. I did not expect that at all. Pity I don't know if we'll ever get to see it again.
• Reading that whole section outside the Silent City caused me so much more pain than I expected. Black going full Genesis and mentally attacking Junxion is a lot. But so is reading Jax realising what has happened to his twin. Oh man, he was so accepting of that though. Like the person he was closest to is now comatose(?) and he's more than willing to help Calyx get Black to safety. I know Black/Genesis is important to the psypath cause, the reveal of his identity to Calyx is more than a little triggering for him (and everyone knew it), and he really didn't mean to do what he did but that is still a lot of forgiveness.
• "I can't love that man, but I can love the person you've become since then, sweetheart." Trembling lips touched his temple. "You gave me the opportunity to be someone else. I'm giving you the same chance. As long as you remain Black, I'll stay by your side." — (Calyx) Okay just kill me. This line is pure joy. Calyx couldn't love Genesis, it's unlikely many (aside from Parker & Phoenix could) but this is perfection as a demonstration of love and loyalty.
• JFC Black killed Calyx's mother. And okay. And eventually by the end of the conversation with Them Calyx is okay with it.
• "Jake considered himself something of an expert when it came to Black-watching, and while the younger man's reactions usually fell under the categories of Professional or Professional & Pissed, Jake had begun to sort Black's responses into a third category: Trying To Be Professional But Failing Because of Calyx. — (Jake) & "I'm like your fucking conscience, Darkness, which is a real riot considering I don't have one of my own. But I'm yours and whether we like it or not I'm the one who's going to keep you from going off the deep end, one way or the other." — (Calyx) oh wow these twin lines are fantastic. As soon as I read Jake's line I wrote a note on my kindle about Calyx being Black's conscience. But that Calyx line was just a gut punch because Calyx contradicts it so many times in the book.
• "You're not the Genesis I need to kill to avenge my sister. Whatever you did to him, he's gone now."
"He's not gone." Black frowned. "He's been reincarnated. Phoenix plays the role now." — (Mneumonia and Black) I really like this idea. It's accurate too. But to have it written is even better.
• I almost screamed at my kindle when I read that epilogue. JC2 is now under Genesis/Phoenix control, and I suspect a member of JC1 as well. Parker has family who can be used as leverage. Everyone is in danger if Genesis/Phoenix gets cornered and decides to burn his bridges. Interestingly Andrew feels a little conflicted about his task to hunt down Black and JC2. Does he really care for Black signs are pointing to it. But I really want to not like him.

Thank you to anyone who reads this whole review I know it's a hot mess.

"If this is becoming personal," Bee began.
"Of course it's personal," Black snapped irritably. "How could it not be? Half of this team is made up of psypaths. This mission is about killing psypaths. I'm doing my best to avoid as many casualties as I can and if that means its personal, then so be it." — Bee & Black

A representative gif:

[Crochetamommy · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!! I have completely binged read this series... I completely love it.. the plot, the characters, the dark feel of it, and the length of the books!!!

I always love a good police/military/fighting book, and this doesnt let me down. I also love the unknown and mental abllities, and this doesnt let me down...

There have been a few typos, but they have been easily over looked due to how much in love with this series i am!!!! (mainly in the beginning books)

I do recommend this as a read that is a must, and i will most likely re-read at some point soon!! :)

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow! this one is extra special. I love being in each characters head that way you're getting everyone's emotions and feelings. I really like that instead of just getting one characters thoughts.
this one is crazy...finally Starr and Black are together in every sense of the word and it's magic. love it.
fast paced and the big reveal is devastating....I was shocked...didn't expect that. Now they've got to hunker down and kick some ass. I hate waiting for the next book....I want it now now now
Didn't want this one to end at all!

[Sidonie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning

Just when you think the denouement is coming another spanner is thrown into the works. I find the pitting of normals and the police force against the psypaths to be a though provoking reading experience. I love Starr!!!!!! I want a few people to get a well deserved comeuppance so I hope to see that soon. I never want this series to end. Black is also very very sexy. The author has done a masterful job of combining the mundane with the fantastic.

[Diane Dannenfeldt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series - I had a feeling who Black really was. I love him & Calyx together. I don't think Andrew is going to do what he is actually been told to do. I hate Dickerson & just wish he would die. There is no way he can ever be redeemed.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't see that coming! A well written, suspenseful series you won't want to put down!

[Tionne · Rating 5 out of 5]

YAYYY :D

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm hooked on this series

Must read trigger warning before buying. This series just keeps getting better and better! Griddy, dark, sexy, seedy, and non stop action and intrigue! I loved this book the best (so far). We finally find out the big dark secret Black's been so afraid of Starr finding out about. I'll admit, I didn't see it coming until this book. That's a testament to what a good writer Tricia Owen's is.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

wow. there are so many different sides and secrets .... don't know how to keep track
love Black and Calyx together

[Cheryl Joy Szalkowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 6

Wow what a series. Owens is a wonderful Author. She is very entertaining and informative fun to read. I recommend this book to family and friends.Happy reading.

[Mati · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was amazing, probably the best from this series. I expected that something had to do with who killed his mother but I didn't expected what I read :O.... I loved it!!!

[Lynn P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense

This series of books is so intense! I get so wrapped up in them waiting to see what happens to the team next. Also hate that Captain Dickhead.

[Sandra Walker]

JC1 & JC2

What a mess exchanging identities and they have no idea what's really going on. Hopefully my boys will clean this mess up. An old friend turning against you makes it more like Sy Fi thriller.

[Aethena Drake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another intense read with some secrets revealed. The author does a great job of offering up secrets slowly. The story held my attention very well.

Although Black seems like he should be the main character, most of the story is from Calyx's perspective. The reader rarely gets insight into Black's thought process. This is necessary to keep his secrets, but it does keep the reader distanced from the character. I would really like to know Black a bit better.

This book covered some very dark subject. All of the previous books have covered some emotionally intense subject matter, and this book flows down an even darker path. Read with caution if you have mental health triggers.

Overall, this was an engaging read, and I have already started on the next book.

[Francis J Mallalieu · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Climax?

This series has had so many anticipated outcomes that kept you on the edge, it was time for climax! The two JC teams are faced off against each other. This book brings to a head a couple of the story lines. But how many of them reach their climax? This is another well written book in this great series. Cannot wait for the next book.

[joani · Rating 5 out of 5]

The truth comes out but

Only some...now we have to wait for the next book for the conclusion to this tragic turn of events. They can't really believe this is Black's doing!! The Captain of all people should know better...uhh...I hate cliffhanger's!!!!!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book in this series! I was so happy that Calyx finally got to top Black! It was so hot and romantic. I loved the twist, too, and how Calyx dealt with it. Wonderful series!

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this series but I don't know I felt at the end of this book there should have been more. Maybe another one is coming out to close the gap up not sure that's just my opinion

[Peche Esse · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - some parts were rushed and / or the timing wasn't quite right. A lot twist was too forced. But ... I'm still reading.