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Tacenda
Can a unique partnership discover who is stealing the minds of children?
Life isn’t easy when you don’t own yourself, not all humans are aware that other species exist, and your ship is semi-sentient. Kerris and Arucken are an interspecies messenger team, tasked with aiding communication across the galaxy. Haunted by the grief of her sister's murder and stranded, Kerris must discover who is stealing the minds of children.
Life isn’t easy when you don’t own yourself, not all humans are aware that other species exist, and your ship is semi-sentient. Kerris and Arucken are an interspecies messenger team, tasked with aiding communication across the galaxy. Haunted by the grief of her sister's murder and stranded, Kerris must discover who is stealing the minds of children.
- GenresScience Fiction
209 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 27, 2016
47 people want to read
About the author
Christine Jayne Vann
8 books55 followersChristine Jayne Vann was born in the Outer Hebrides and is a multi-genre author.
Christine works as a web developer, and lives in Oxfordshire with her family, hedgehog and various squirrels. She runs the exotic pet resource website Crittery, and also enjoys geocaching.
Christine works as a web developer, and lives in Oxfordshire with her family, hedgehog and various squirrels. She runs the exotic pet resource website Crittery, and also enjoys geocaching.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 15, 2016
An excellent and thoughtful science fiction story featuring aliens living alongside humans and in particular an inter-race couple travelling through space as messengers. Despite their many differences, the author creates a relationship and a world in which I was able to immerse myself and never question the possibility of such a world existing. I could relate to the emotions of all the characters, which is what made the story so believable. It was easy to draw comparisons between the challenges our main characters faced, being from different races and their relationship not accepted by many, with the problems we face in the world today.
The science fiction elements reveal the author has an imaginative mind and the pace of the story accelerates throughout the book to an exciting climax. Highly recommended!
The science fiction elements reveal the author has an imaginative mind and the pace of the story accelerates throughout the book to an exciting climax. Highly recommended!
April 5, 2016
When I read a sci-fi story, to me the most important factor is how realistically the author managed to create a world, in which the story takes place. “Tacenda” did not disappoint. The whole concept of two different species co-existing, working together, and to some point being in a certain relationship, was brilliant. It was very interesting to see the events through two different minds, Kerris the human, and Arucken the nestling, who have quite a different way of thinking, and yet they manage to be quite a wonderful team. Also, the challenging task that they have to complete – to find out who’s kidnapping the colonists’ children and damaging their minds – seems to bring them even closer together.
I very much enjoyed this compelling story, which takes place in a world so vividly described that you get a feeling that you can feel and see everything through your own eyes. The plot moved at a nice pace, and the ending hints at the continuation of the story, and if it’s the case, I’ll be very much looking forward to it. Five stars.
I very much enjoyed this compelling story, which takes place in a world so vividly described that you get a feeling that you can feel and see everything through your own eyes. The plot moved at a nice pace, and the ending hints at the continuation of the story, and if it’s the case, I’ll be very much looking forward to it. Five stars.
June 21, 2016
Recommend this highly imaginative book to Sci-Fi fans.
I did take a while to "get into" the read. This was because the world building was very impressive and imaginative, I only read a handful of Sci-Fi books each year and there was a delay with the story "proper" getting going. But once it did - what a story!
Central to the book is an inter-planetary relationship between a human Kerris and a nestling Aruken. With very little dialogue between the two the author built a an interesting relationship based on a mutual understanding of how each other felt and thought. When they become stranded on a planet where the children's minds are being used by sea creatures we really see the strengths of both characters as they attempt to negotiate a settlement. As with all good Sci-Fi the fantastic situations have thought provoking parallels with more mundane earthly issues.
I absolutely loved the spaceship Octavia who had her own personality, especially the idea that when annoyed she could do little things to annoy her crew.
A unique read with some great characters.
I did take a while to "get into" the read. This was because the world building was very impressive and imaginative, I only read a handful of Sci-Fi books each year and there was a delay with the story "proper" getting going. But once it did - what a story!
Central to the book is an inter-planetary relationship between a human Kerris and a nestling Aruken. With very little dialogue between the two the author built a an interesting relationship based on a mutual understanding of how each other felt and thought. When they become stranded on a planet where the children's minds are being used by sea creatures we really see the strengths of both characters as they attempt to negotiate a settlement. As with all good Sci-Fi the fantastic situations have thought provoking parallels with more mundane earthly issues.
I absolutely loved the spaceship Octavia who had her own personality, especially the idea that when annoyed she could do little things to annoy her crew.
A unique read with some great characters.
April 25, 2016
The concept here is most unusual, unique in fact. Lots to commend particularly as I say the concept as it is one of the most original ideas, I have come across in some time. I struggled a bit at the beginning, because I always have to work a bit harder when I read Science fiction to get my head right more than anything else. However once I persevered the journey was worth it. If you are a Sci-Fi fan this most certainly one for you, and maybe even if you are not. A genuinely clever book with great characterisation withy a good spin on the co-existence of different life forms, an entertaining, plot with enough mystery to keep you engaged and a note to the author, I really liked the cover. Overall an enjoyable book and a worthwhile read. Pick it up and see for yourself.
May 12, 2016
This is a fascinating concept with a team of a human and inhuman bonded by binding agreements to work as a unit to the interests of those in charge of peace and stability. Both Kerris, the human girl and Arucken, the non-human carry their own burdens of grief from past happenings but they are able to both offer comfort and understanding to each other where possible. The life they have given up for their team unit is shown by the bond the non-human, Arucken, develops with a human child.
What the team face, under less than fair circumstances, is a first contact situation where not all is as it first appeared. How they work through various circumstances is like watching a delicate and intricate dance. This is a book to be savored. Highly recommended to all sci fi lovers.
What the team face, under less than fair circumstances, is a first contact situation where not all is as it first appeared. How they work through various circumstances is like watching a delicate and intricate dance. This is a book to be savored. Highly recommended to all sci fi lovers.
February 16, 2017
It's an interesting plot, but the writing is lacking. There's so much telling rather than showing, including describing conversations instead of writing out the dialogue, which just doesn't work.
January 29, 2017
Who is stealing the minds of children?
The blurb of Tacenda really intrigued me and being someone who enjoys a good Sci-Fi I had high expectations for this book. Initially, I must admit, I struggled to become engaged with the story. I thought that somehow I had missed the first book in the series, turns out I did! This book needs a Book 2 written in the description!
I persevered through the opening chapters, and I am so glad I did for the story was very original in the telling. I adored the characterisation of Kerris and Arucken, I liked the idea of the telepathic abilities between the pair, and both were likeable characters who I came to care about.
There were many fresh ideas in this book, and it was a refreshing read — many of the Sci-Fi books that I have read recently has been the same Star-Trek type story, this one isn't.
All in all a good read and one that is worth pursuing past the opening chapters.
The blurb of Tacenda really intrigued me and being someone who enjoys a good Sci-Fi I had high expectations for this book. Initially, I must admit, I struggled to become engaged with the story. I thought that somehow I had missed the first book in the series, turns out I did! This book needs a Book 2 written in the description!
I persevered through the opening chapters, and I am so glad I did for the story was very original in the telling. I adored the characterisation of Kerris and Arucken, I liked the idea of the telepathic abilities between the pair, and both were likeable characters who I came to care about.
There were many fresh ideas in this book, and it was a refreshing read — many of the Sci-Fi books that I have read recently has been the same Star-Trek type story, this one isn't.
All in all a good read and one that is worth pursuing past the opening chapters.
April 24, 2016
What a weird and wonderful world has Christine created in Tacenda. Colourful and alien but still a world full of characters we can relate to. To use the old cliché men are from mars and woman from Venus; I think this is illustrated here in the relationship between Kerris a human female and Arucken a nestling male. The two have been paired by the Nestling race and work as messengers, delivering goods and information intergalactic. The pairing is viewed sceptically and at times hostilely by both races. For Kerris and Arucken the bond works and the two are very closely connected telepathically. I found their relationship beautiful and it relates closely to the old cliché; you can love and trust someone completely, without fully knowing or understanding them. The story line will appeal to readers of most genres; there is enough intrigue and intergalactic politics to keep you hooked. Kerris is an interesting strong female character. She has gone her own way; committing her life to an alien race and exploring space. She struggles with the loss of her sister; murdered by space pirates, while hiding all of it from her parents. When the pair gets stranded with a group of colonists under attack, she shows she is an excellent diplomate with a lot of courage and tact. I do hope to read more of Kerris and Arucken and the ending of the book was left temptingly open. There is also a lot of humour to lighten the tone; some of it provided by Octavia the space ship, which has a mind of its own. I liked the comment about them getting Octavia to a refuelling station as running out of fuel was not only embarrassing but could lead to a fine. Why did we never see the Star ship Enterprise pull up to a petrol pump? I like a science fiction writer that keeps the tone realistic while creating a completely alien world; it helps the reader connect to the characters and in Talenda Christine has succeeded admirably.
February 27, 2016
When I’m looking for books to read, the cover, the blurb, or the title can attract me. Tacenda got me with the cover and the blurb. Read on for my thoughts!
Synopsis (from the author): Can a unique partnership discover who is stealing the minds of children? Life isn’t easy when you don’t own yourself, not all humans are aware that other species exist, and your ship is semi-sentient. Kerris and Arucken are an interspecies messenger team, tasked with aiding communication across the galaxy. Haunted by the grief of her sister's murder and stranded, Kerris must discover who is stealing the minds of children.
What I liked: The concept of the book amazed me! The idea of the alien/human partnership and the mental connection between Kerris and Arucken was cool! I liked their ship, a hybrid in itself. Add in the sibling rivalry with Arucken’s sister, hinting at familial conflict, the deception about Kerris’ sister’s death, and the elements are there for a great story. I enjoyed Lily, and the interaction with the other species that stole the children’s minds was interesting. All told, Tacenda is an excellent story.
What I didn’t like: As much as I enjoyed the story, the book has some technical issues. The grammatical errors pulled me out of the story, and I found a few formatting errors, too, that interrupted the flow of the book.
Overall impression: For me, this could be a 4.5 star read, but the issues mentioned above knock it back. I did enjoy the story, and I connected easily with the characters. Tacenda is a good sci-fi novel that is worth a look!
My rating: 3.5 Stars (rounded to 4 Stars)
Synopsis (from the author): Can a unique partnership discover who is stealing the minds of children? Life isn’t easy when you don’t own yourself, not all humans are aware that other species exist, and your ship is semi-sentient. Kerris and Arucken are an interspecies messenger team, tasked with aiding communication across the galaxy. Haunted by the grief of her sister's murder and stranded, Kerris must discover who is stealing the minds of children.
What I liked: The concept of the book amazed me! The idea of the alien/human partnership and the mental connection between Kerris and Arucken was cool! I liked their ship, a hybrid in itself. Add in the sibling rivalry with Arucken’s sister, hinting at familial conflict, the deception about Kerris’ sister’s death, and the elements are there for a great story. I enjoyed Lily, and the interaction with the other species that stole the children’s minds was interesting. All told, Tacenda is an excellent story.
What I didn’t like: As much as I enjoyed the story, the book has some technical issues. The grammatical errors pulled me out of the story, and I found a few formatting errors, too, that interrupted the flow of the book.
Overall impression: For me, this could be a 4.5 star read, but the issues mentioned above knock it back. I did enjoy the story, and I connected easily with the characters. Tacenda is a good sci-fi novel that is worth a look!
My rating: 3.5 Stars (rounded to 4 Stars)
August 25, 2016
I don't read as much science fiction these days as I'd like to, or indeed as I did when I was younger, so when I see what looks like a good one I'll usually grab it and devour it. As an author, I've always been in awe of science fiction authors who can create whole new worlds and future technologies in their heads and put it to paper, so I was really looking forward to Tacenda by Christine Jayne Vann.
As is often the case, for me anyway, I was a little bit lost at the beginning trying to get my head around some of the concept's and terminologies Vann introduced me to in her particular world. No matter, though, once I got to the meat and guts of the story it was a simple ,tale of survival, guts, and determination on a far-flung frontier, this one just happening to be on a planet in a far away galaxy.
I found many of the story's characters intriguing. The whole idea of matching a human with another alien species as part of the way of keeping peace throughout the galaxies was a great idea. I especially liked the idea of many of the older humans back on earth being kept in the dark as to the existence of aliens elsewhere in the Universe. They continued to live their lives blissfully unaware of what their children were up to.
This was a book with plenty of action, adventure, and fascinating characters. It was clear there was more to come from this writer in these worlds and with these characters. I am especially keen to see more details of the nestling's society brought to the fore in future books. A very good read for me and it made me want for more, so a solid four stars to Tacenda and Christine Jayne Vann.
As is often the case, for me anyway, I was a little bit lost at the beginning trying to get my head around some of the concept's and terminologies Vann introduced me to in her particular world. No matter, though, once I got to the meat and guts of the story it was a simple ,tale of survival, guts, and determination on a far-flung frontier, this one just happening to be on a planet in a far away galaxy.
I found many of the story's characters intriguing. The whole idea of matching a human with another alien species as part of the way of keeping peace throughout the galaxies was a great idea. I especially liked the idea of many of the older humans back on earth being kept in the dark as to the existence of aliens elsewhere in the Universe. They continued to live their lives blissfully unaware of what their children were up to.
This was a book with plenty of action, adventure, and fascinating characters. It was clear there was more to come from this writer in these worlds and with these characters. I am especially keen to see more details of the nestling's society brought to the fore in future books. A very good read for me and it made me want for more, so a solid four stars to Tacenda and Christine Jayne Vann.
April 28, 2016
Tacenda by Christine Vann is a brilliant example of a first contact science fiction. The plot revolves around the two main characters Arucken, a nestling, and Kerris, a human partnered into his service. Life as a cross-species team is never easy, especially when so few humans seemed to successfully accept the pairing. Their latest orders send them to Maylith Tara with a delivery of fresh seedlings from the seedport, and a message. But the delivery of this message opens a whole new problem. Something has happened to the children of the newest colony, they are wild, aggressive, and no longer able to recognise or communicate with their parents. It seems their request for aid has gone unheard, fortunately it's a plight Arucken and Kerris cannot ignore.
I found this book to be an enjoyable read, it was written in a style which would appeal to both adults and young adults. The author's writing flows easily, generating tension where needed. One of the things I enjoyed most were the few short chapters which were written from Lily's perspective. They were written in a completely different style and really added to the overall reading experience.
The author, despite the main story occurring on Maylith Tara, excellently provides a scope and vastness to their universe. I am a bit of a Trekie, and within the plot I saw many of the things I enjoy so much about the series, and I don't just refer to advanced technology. It is a compelling and interesting read that expertly combines integration of humans and aliens, along with all the struggles that would accompany such thing.
I found this book to be an enjoyable read, it was written in a style which would appeal to both adults and young adults. The author's writing flows easily, generating tension where needed. One of the things I enjoyed most were the few short chapters which were written from Lily's perspective. They were written in a completely different style and really added to the overall reading experience.
The author, despite the main story occurring on Maylith Tara, excellently provides a scope and vastness to their universe. I am a bit of a Trekie, and within the plot I saw many of the things I enjoy so much about the series, and I don't just refer to advanced technology. It is a compelling and interesting read that expertly combines integration of humans and aliens, along with all the struggles that would accompany such thing.
January 23, 2016
Kerris and Arucken are an experimental human and nestling messenger team. They find themselves stranded on a new colony, where someone, or something, is steeling the minds of children. The pair must discover who is threatening the colonists lives, save the children and return safely to their semi-salient ship.
This is an enjoyable and interesting story with very likeable characters. The world the author creates captures your imagination and the unique relationship that Kerris and Arucken have leaves you wanting to know more. Their relationship is complex, they are a couple but not intimate. Whether it's even possible for their two species to have a sexual relationship remains to be seen, but the potential for one seems to hover at the edges of their growing relationship. The interspecies racism in the book can be viewed as a reflection of the prejudices that exists in today's multicultural societies and the derision Kerris and Arucken face is similar to that faced by many cross cultural couples. Even though these reflections are present, they do not monopolize the storyline, but instead add a subtle depth to this easy to read story. The book does leave some ends untied at the finish, which leads me to suspect there will be a second novel. I enjoyed this book and will look forward to reading more about this inventive world in the future. I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is an enjoyable and interesting story with very likeable characters. The world the author creates captures your imagination and the unique relationship that Kerris and Arucken have leaves you wanting to know more. Their relationship is complex, they are a couple but not intimate. Whether it's even possible for their two species to have a sexual relationship remains to be seen, but the potential for one seems to hover at the edges of their growing relationship. The interspecies racism in the book can be viewed as a reflection of the prejudices that exists in today's multicultural societies and the derision Kerris and Arucken face is similar to that faced by many cross cultural couples. Even though these reflections are present, they do not monopolize the storyline, but instead add a subtle depth to this easy to read story. The book does leave some ends untied at the finish, which leads me to suspect there will be a second novel. I enjoyed this book and will look forward to reading more about this inventive world in the future. I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2016
I have to admit, I don't read as much Science Fiction as I probably should. I chose Tacenda because the notion of someone stealing the minds of children caught my attention. A space-mystery. There is so much more to this book. It is chock-full of unique and original ideas.
Kerris and Arucken are a human and nestling team whose minds are linked telepathically. Their task - to find out who or what is responsible for the changes to the children. Both carry some emotional baggage from the past. Their relationship strengthens throughout the book, although not in a romantic way. Vann doesn't address the issue of whether or not these two can have a deeper and more intimate relationship than they already do. I am hoping for a second novel to answer that question.
Did I mention Octavia the space ship with a mind of its own? Yeah! That's a thing!
It took me a while to get into the story. I found that, once I accepted the author's almost mechanical writing, I settled in and began to enjoy it. If anything, Vann's style added to the atmosphere being created.
I am looking forward to reading more by this author!
Kerris and Arucken are a human and nestling team whose minds are linked telepathically. Their task - to find out who or what is responsible for the changes to the children. Both carry some emotional baggage from the past. Their relationship strengthens throughout the book, although not in a romantic way. Vann doesn't address the issue of whether or not these two can have a deeper and more intimate relationship than they already do. I am hoping for a second novel to answer that question.
Did I mention Octavia the space ship with a mind of its own? Yeah! That's a thing!
It took me a while to get into the story. I found that, once I accepted the author's almost mechanical writing, I settled in and began to enjoy it. If anything, Vann's style added to the atmosphere being created.
I am looking forward to reading more by this author!
February 8, 2016
In this sci-fi novel, Kerris and Arucken travel through the universe delivering messages and plant life for colonists to start life on various planets. Their first stop in this series brings with it more than they bargained for. Creatures from the sea have been abducting the colonists' children. When the children are returned, they can no longer properly communicate with the adults. The colonists ask the messengers to help, and what they discover is not what anyone expected. Not only that, but Kerris is hell-bent on finding those responsible for the death of her twin sister.
The world the author has created is well-developed with its planets, politics, and peoples--essential elements for sci-fi. Kerris and Arucken are different species, one human and one nestling. Their partnership is an experiment, but one that seems to work.
I enjoyed this well-told story. You'll fall in love with Lily, the little orphan girl who lives among the colonists.
The world the author has created is well-developed with its planets, politics, and peoples--essential elements for sci-fi. Kerris and Arucken are different species, one human and one nestling. Their partnership is an experiment, but one that seems to work.
I enjoyed this well-told story. You'll fall in love with Lily, the little orphan girl who lives among the colonists.
April 9, 2016
I'm not usually one for sci-fi book but the blurb on this one caught my eye and I decided to give it ago. The story follow Kerris and Arucken, one human, one nestling, who work as couriers for the interspecies government. One day they are sent on what they believe to be a normal delivery and encounter a colony where the children are being taken. Their job is to find out who and what is taking the children and how to make it safe for the colony. The story starts off a little slow, but once you get into the right mindset of who is who and all that is going on, it moves along at a faster pace. The fact that Kerris and Arucken are an unusual pairing adds to the conflict of the story. It is well written and an interesting premise of live outside the small sphere of Earth. I really enjoyed it and would be interested in a sequel, should the author plan to continue the story. Overall, a good read and one I would recommend to sci-fi fans.
October 11, 2016
Superb story, well told and imagined.
This is an interesting sci-fi story of a human-alien partnership on the hybrid spaceship 'Octavia' and their work at the frontier where danger is ever present. Kerris and Arucken are the partners. The world is richly constructed and easy to envisage although I struggled to grasp all of the unfamiliar (to me) new terminology. Not enough to put me off. The human and alien characters are well drawn and it is easy to empathise with their emotions and believe in them. 'Octavia' is also good fun. The story develops into a 'first contact' situation and this is written very well. The pair arrive at the frontier with a routine delivery and discover a mystery. With skills worthy of experienced ambassadors, the pair try to understand and resolve the mystery. They need to bring their different qualities together and I enjoyed how this was done. Highly recommended.
This is an interesting sci-fi story of a human-alien partnership on the hybrid spaceship 'Octavia' and their work at the frontier where danger is ever present. Kerris and Arucken are the partners. The world is richly constructed and easy to envisage although I struggled to grasp all of the unfamiliar (to me) new terminology. Not enough to put me off. The human and alien characters are well drawn and it is easy to empathise with their emotions and believe in them. 'Octavia' is also good fun. The story develops into a 'first contact' situation and this is written very well. The pair arrive at the frontier with a routine delivery and discover a mystery. With skills worthy of experienced ambassadors, the pair try to understand and resolve the mystery. They need to bring their different qualities together and I enjoyed how this was done. Highly recommended.
December 14, 2016
I was really lost in the first half of chapter one. Possibly I was too tired when I initially picked up the book, or possibly this writer can process a lot more information in a limited space than this reader can. But the second half of the chapter was easier to follow and intrigued me. It involved a perilous journey through an asteroid belt with the pilot fighting with a sentient ship for control. The idea of a sentient ship having a mind of its own that could go against the crew’s desires fascinated me, so based on that I read on.
It turns out this book is filled with a lot of cool ideas. I do think the author’s writing style is a bit more challenging than most, but possibly worth your while if you enjoy big-idea sci-fi that has something unique to say. What’s more, that comment applies to a lot of famously successful sci-fi writers. So just twist your thinking cap on tighter than normal and have fun with it.
It turns out this book is filled with a lot of cool ideas. I do think the author’s writing style is a bit more challenging than most, but possibly worth your while if you enjoy big-idea sci-fi that has something unique to say. What’s more, that comment applies to a lot of famously successful sci-fi writers. So just twist your thinking cap on tighter than normal and have fun with it.
September 11, 2016
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Interspecies messengers, a human-nestling pair Kerris and Arucken unexpectedly have to deal with the mystery of children’s minds stealing.
It took a while for me to get into the story because of the complex, unusual setting. However, as I began to understand who the characters are and how things are in the unique world of this story, the reading was getting easier as well. The extraordinary world building including human-nestling pairing team and ‘smart’ space ship and the thoughtful relationship building between humans and other species are unquestioningly realistic. The author just makes such a unique world is possible to exist. The political twists and a little mystery kept me turning the pages.
Overall, this book is a must read for sci-fi fans.
Interspecies messengers, a human-nestling pair Kerris and Arucken unexpectedly have to deal with the mystery of children’s minds stealing.
It took a while for me to get into the story because of the complex, unusual setting. However, as I began to understand who the characters are and how things are in the unique world of this story, the reading was getting easier as well. The extraordinary world building including human-nestling pairing team and ‘smart’ space ship and the thoughtful relationship building between humans and other species are unquestioningly realistic. The author just makes such a unique world is possible to exist. The political twists and a little mystery kept me turning the pages.
Overall, this book is a must read for sci-fi fans.
December 16, 2016
A unique premise that held my attention with characters that were accessible and compelling. I was swept into the story through the author’s brilliant descriptions and vibrant landscape and enjoyed discovering their world. Being a Star Trek snob, I am always hyper-critical of other Sci-Fi stories, but I did not feel this one lacked any measure of creativity.
The relationship between Kerris and Arucken reminded me somewhat of the smoldering unspoken attraction shared by X-Files Moulder and Scully, and it promises much as the series continues…or at least I hope, because the inter-species chemistry is certainly intriguing and evident.
I confess, I did stumble a few times over grammatical quandaries, but they did not detract my attention from the story or the connection I began to feel with it’s characters. Overall an enjoyable read and a tale I find myself hoping continues.
The relationship between Kerris and Arucken reminded me somewhat of the smoldering unspoken attraction shared by X-Files Moulder and Scully, and it promises much as the series continues…or at least I hope, because the inter-species chemistry is certainly intriguing and evident.
I confess, I did stumble a few times over grammatical quandaries, but they did not detract my attention from the story or the connection I began to feel with it’s characters. Overall an enjoyable read and a tale I find myself hoping continues.
August 30, 2016
I loved this book! I'm not a huge sci-fi fan but the author's world building is skilled and beautifully descriptive. Kerris and Arucken are a paired partnership - human and nestling. They work together and share a life aboard their sentient hibrid ship - Octavia. While their paring is not of a romantic nature they share a strong emotional bond.
Reeling from the death of her twin sister Kerri's swears to avenge her whilst still keeping up the pretence to her parents that her sister is still alive. A routine delivery to a frontier settlement turns to danger when they find themselves in the middle of an attack from the strange indigenous creatures living in the sea.
A brilliant concept and cleverly executed story. Christine Jayne Vann is one to watch out for.
Reeling from the death of her twin sister Kerri's swears to avenge her whilst still keeping up the pretence to her parents that her sister is still alive. A routine delivery to a frontier settlement turns to danger when they find themselves in the middle of an attack from the strange indigenous creatures living in the sea.
A brilliant concept and cleverly executed story. Christine Jayne Vann is one to watch out for.
May 3, 2016
A very imaginative excursion into another world that took me a while to get familiar with. Once I was on board, the story flowed and what really worked for me was the well-drawn, three-dimensional characters and especially Kerris and Arucken who are so different in more ways than the obvious that I hoped their experimental coupling would succeed and thrive. There's a mystery to be solved, children have been going missing, and just like the reader, Kerris and Arucken have to navigate the new world and figure out what's what. The ending wasn't firmly closed off so I suspect there will be new stories coming...
June 6, 2016
Let me start by saying I am not necessarily a big sci-fi fan and the start of this novel had me a bit confused, but as I understood the world and its characters, it became more enjoyable. It really is a unique and imaginative world and the plot and story became better and better as I continued reading. I found it fascinating how the different species worked together to solve problems and overcome issues, using and knowing their strengths and weaknesses to the best of their abilities. There were a few grammatical errors, but nothing to extreme that took away from the read...
Overall, a 4.5
Overall, a 4.5
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews