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The Borders War #1
One Breath, One Bullet
Book 1 in The Borders War series
Face to face, and rifle to rifle. The time and location change, but never the circumstance. Merq Grayson and Armise Darcan are enemies—and neither will be considered successful until the other is dead.
It is the year 2558. A mere decade has passed since the signing of the treaty which ended the three hundred year long Borders War. In the midst of an uneasy peace, the world gathers for the first Olympic Games since the war began.
The rifle competition showcases the very soldiers who fought in the war, pitting former enemies against one another again. Continental States Peacemaker Merq Grayson will once again battle the Dark Ops officer from the People’s Republic of Singapore Armise Darcan, this time under the flag of their own uneasy truce. The relationship between Merq and Armise is one of violence, secrecy and a growing intimacy that could have them both branded as traitors.
About S.A McAuley
I sleep little, read a lot. Happiest in a foreign country. Twitchy when not mentally in motion. My name is Sam, not Sammy, definitely not Samantha. I’m a pretty dark/cynical/jaded person, but I hide that darkness well behind my obsession(s) for shiny objects. I’m the macabre wrapped in irresistible bubble wrap and a glittery pink bow, I suppose.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 30, 2013
14 people are currently reading
824 people want to read
About the author
S.A. McAuley
27 books246 followersSam is a wandering queer romance author who sleeps little and reads a lot. Happiest in a foreign country. Twitchy when not mentally in motion. Her name is Sam, not Sammy, definitely not Samantha. She’s a dark/cynical/jaded person, but hides that darkness well behind her obsession(s) with shiny objects.
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February 27, 2014
3.5 stars.***Review posted February 27, 2014
Year 2546…The Borders War had waged for three hundred years and had wiped four hundred million people from the planet.
At the end of One Breath One Bullet you’ll find an index that contains a timeline of the Borders War, a detailed list of the characters and most importantly a glossary. I honestly wish I had known about it and read that first because it would have facilitated my understanding of the plot and setting. While I’ve read and enjoyed dystopian books in the past, One Breath One Bullet was not always easy to grasp. This was some sort of “hardcore” dystopian for me and it took some getting used to. Regardless, it’s a good and interesting story and I already read the sequel. The third book is due out in March 2014.
I loved the main protagonists’ names. Merq Grayson and Armise Darcan do sound predatory, adventurous and mighty cool. I would have liked to get more background information about Merq and Armise, though, because it felt very impersonal. On the other hand, they live in an impersonal, cold and sparse world. Feelings are not welcome. In consequence, you shouldn’t expect anything romantic about their “relationship”. If anything, their encounters are rather violent, fierce and intense yet it suited their characters and environment. Also, I struggled a bit to adjust to the timeframe switches.
Merq and Armise have a complicated connection and that's putting it mildly…
It was as simple as undeniable attraction. As complicated as an instinctual tether that should have been too theoretical and hokey for either of us to believe in, but that neither of us seemed to be able to free ourselves from. It was as base as the primal force of having your release gripped with a firm, commanding hand that straddled the line of agony, urgency and necessity. As existential as our one desperate claim to freedom in a life that was predetermined, years in advance, by men in uniforms who would never see the real-life implications of the orders they gave.
Armise and I, in another world and another time, might have been inevitable. Inseparable. I just couldn't imagine what that would even entail.
One Breath One Bullet is more about the world building, the history of the Borders War, the ominous infochip and how Merq and Armise met; there’s hardly any relationship build-up. In this first book Merq and Armise are more foes than friends, let alone lovers. One of my friends said it reminded her of a post-apocalyptic Special Forces and I tend to agree with her. I admire Sam’s writing and One Breath One Bullet shows what a wide range of writing skills she has to offer.
Overall an intriguing read that provided an alternative (and scary) concept of our future world. I liked itbut I expect the sequel, Dominant Predator, to be better. I'm done with book 2 and it was better. If you’re a fan of somewhat dark and gritty dystopian stories, then I recommend you to give this series a try.
http://baba.booklikes.com
Year 2546…The Borders War had waged for three hundred years and had wiped four hundred million people from the planet.
At the end of One Breath One Bullet you’ll find an index that contains a timeline of the Borders War, a detailed list of the characters and most importantly a glossary. I honestly wish I had known about it and read that first because it would have facilitated my understanding of the plot and setting. While I’ve read and enjoyed dystopian books in the past, One Breath One Bullet was not always easy to grasp. This was some sort of “hardcore” dystopian for me and it took some getting used to. Regardless, it’s a good and interesting story and I already read the sequel. The third book is due out in March 2014.
I loved the main protagonists’ names. Merq Grayson and Armise Darcan do sound predatory, adventurous and mighty cool. I would have liked to get more background information about Merq and Armise, though, because it felt very impersonal. On the other hand, they live in an impersonal, cold and sparse world. Feelings are not welcome. In consequence, you shouldn’t expect anything romantic about their “relationship”. If anything, their encounters are rather violent, fierce and intense yet it suited their characters and environment. Also, I struggled a bit to adjust to the timeframe switches.
Merq and Armise have a complicated connection and that's putting it mildly…
It was as simple as undeniable attraction. As complicated as an instinctual tether that should have been too theoretical and hokey for either of us to believe in, but that neither of us seemed to be able to free ourselves from. It was as base as the primal force of having your release gripped with a firm, commanding hand that straddled the line of agony, urgency and necessity. As existential as our one desperate claim to freedom in a life that was predetermined, years in advance, by men in uniforms who would never see the real-life implications of the orders they gave.
Armise and I, in another world and another time, might have been inevitable. Inseparable. I just couldn't imagine what that would even entail.
One Breath One Bullet is more about the world building, the history of the Borders War, the ominous infochip and how Merq and Armise met; there’s hardly any relationship build-up. In this first book Merq and Armise are more foes than friends, let alone lovers. One of my friends said it reminded her of a post-apocalyptic Special Forces and I tend to agree with her. I admire Sam’s writing and One Breath One Bullet shows what a wide range of writing skills she has to offer.
Overall an intriguing read that provided an alternative (and scary) concept of our future world. I liked it
http://baba.booklikes.com
January 21, 2016
REREAD REVIEW 01/20/16
2nd Edition (additional 100 pgs of content)
4.5 stars
When I originally read this book, I felt lost among the world building for most of the pages. HOWEVER, I fell in love instantly with the two main characters Merq & Armise. And as I waited for the author to write the books that would continue, and ultimately finish, the series, she went and did something AMAZING. S.A. McAuley rewrote book 1! And the added content, and the reformulating of the story IS EPIC! It's so good. It moved from a good book in a great series to a GREAT BOOK in a great series.
I'd highly recommend those interested in political intrigue and military stories (told in our world's not too distant future), and if you like HOT men and an enemies-to-lovers trope...READ THIS BOOK...and then go on to book 2!
***************
ORIGINAL REVIEW - May 31, 2013
3.5 stars
Despite the fact I was lost for a good portion of the book, I LOVED IT! Ha!
"One Breath, One Bullet" is about a dystopian world at war and the power struggle of opposing factions. It has political intrigue, a futuristic setting, and 2 MC’s , enemies-to-lovers, figuring out their place in it all.
Merq is a soldier whose sole purpose is the mission…no matter what side it comes from. He’s mastered playing unaffected marksman, willing to die if the orders call for it. Armise is an opposing soldier, the enemy, and the two find they cannot stay away from each other…when they’re not trying to kill one another.
I am SO excited that this is but book 1 of a series! The world-building was outstanding. The back and forth between past and present caught me a little off guard and I wasn’t always sure what was going on. BUT, when I stopped worrying about drowning in unfamiliar details, I found that I actually was following along ok!
Merq and Armise made for a pair of fascinating MC’s. Both soldiers. Both tough. Both the best at what they do. Sexy as all get out! And the times they got together, the chemistry was ON FIRE. As we follow them through the years and watched their connection grow from enemies to…??? (even they’re trying to figure this out)…all I could think was that I WANT MORE!
The storyline left me wondering “who are the good guys?” and the glimpses into potential future plots points (Merq’s parents?) left me excited for what’s ahead. This is going to make a great series! This is my first S.A. McAuley book, and I am a fan!!!
If you like futuristic, dystopian, soldier-filled books…this one is highly recommended.
Full review at http://sidlove.wordpress.com/2013/06/...
June 3, 2013
4.5 ~ STARS ~ This is a powerful story, a raw and gritty tale that will have you captivated from beginning to end, it’s a novella at only 88 pages, but let me tell you, every single one of those pages counts. It’s an intelligent read, very cleverly composed by Sam McAuley, her writing is just excellent and had me totally absorbed in this war torn world 545 years into our future. I always judge a book on my reaction at the end, and if its one of those where I clutch my Kindle to my chest with a silly grin, jumping up and down… you know it’s going to be good, and I assure you I wouldn’t make a fool of myself for any other reason!!!
For me, One Breath, One Bullet feels like the foundation for a wonderful series, full of intrigue, with two very delicious, hot and droolworthy Alpha males, Merq and Armise who definitely had me in a puddle of lust!! plus a very skilfully crafted plot that weaves a tangled web of mystery throughout, slipping in clues and drip feeding information which spans 200 years, mainly concentrating on Merq’s life between the age of 18 and 35, and his association with Armise… but not only that it flips backwards and forwards in flashbacks… picking up more snippets to digest. And right about now, I can hear you saying… What?!? Confusing!?! Information overload!?! Ah ha… that’s where Ms. McAuley tricks us with her subterfuge, because really it is only as complicated as you wish to make it... and I say that in all honesty, and I will tell you why, because the information is like puzzle pieces, not making a whole lot of sense on their own, until you carefully slot them together and have the whole picture in front of you to peruse, and when you finally see it, it’s a real Oh. My. God… moment! I must admit, until that defining moment when it all became so clear, I was cursing Sam whilst I was reading, thinking, Why… is there no glossary or a timeline to refer to? How am I supposed to remember all this? Who are all these people? What is going on? But ha! she is not daft, at the end we are supplied with a complete glossary, timeline and character info, why not at the beginning? well, silly… if you had it at the beginning you would have the whole story laid out for you with spoilers galore!
The book is told completely from Merq’s point of view and it starts off at furious pace, with the action in the middle of a battlefield and Merq injured, the only man to come out alive. He is a soldier, his life is routine, structured, every action and thought has purpose and meaning, his mind constantly on alert, systematically analysing everything for deviations from the norm… for Merq, failure is never an option. He is a man alone in the world, no friends or family and zero on the distraction front, well apart from Armise who also happens to be on the opposite side, their common goal, they both want the info chip which is apparently the only copy of all the paper records in existence and each country want to get their hands on it. Merq and Armise also happen to be expert snipers and now with peace reigning these two will be in competition with each other for the first Olympic Games in 200 years and the opening ceremony, will involve a real bullet, first from a real gun!
Even though, a truce has now been called, these two men are still hardened soldiers and weapons in their own right, both totally committed to the cause… only they are enemies and there is a fierce hate and mistrust between them, a volatile relationship, full of anger and pent up sexual tension, and oh boy is it intense, something neither of them seemed able to control. There is however a silent treaty between them when they get together, a secret which if found out would have them branded as traitors… Yet both are willing to risk it, there is no love yet between Merq and Armise, just raw, hot, hard and angry sex… forbidden yet seductive! Did I mention it was HOT!!! Ha… and Merq has piercings… ahhhh swoon!
As we read this through Merqs eyes we learn more about him, but Armise is still a mystery, I just want to climb in his head and have a nosy at his thought process, especially at the end of this novella. Both men are stoically guarded, but in Merq, despite all the big bad ass, I am a soldier attitude, I had a sense of hope but also despair… glimpses of emotion that I am not sure even he recognises yet.
The world building is a little complex and I can’t say that I understand all of the warring factions just yet, but we have another 4 books to get through! ...So I can't wait!!! I love these two damaged souls… and Sam McAuley has characterised them perfectly, Merqs voice engaged me throughout his journey in a disposable society where the wealthy have and the poor have not and two enemies become lovers.
1 ~ One Breath, One Bullet ( The Borders War #1)
2 ~ Dominant Predator (The Borders War #2) No Date Yet
For me, One Breath, One Bullet feels like the foundation for a wonderful series, full of intrigue, with two very delicious, hot and droolworthy Alpha males, Merq and Armise who definitely had me in a puddle of lust!! plus a very skilfully crafted plot that weaves a tangled web of mystery throughout, slipping in clues and drip feeding information which spans 200 years, mainly concentrating on Merq’s life between the age of 18 and 35, and his association with Armise… but not only that it flips backwards and forwards in flashbacks… picking up more snippets to digest. And right about now, I can hear you saying… What?!? Confusing!?! Information overload!?! Ah ha… that’s where Ms. McAuley tricks us with her subterfuge, because really it is only as complicated as you wish to make it... and I say that in all honesty, and I will tell you why, because the information is like puzzle pieces, not making a whole lot of sense on their own, until you carefully slot them together and have the whole picture in front of you to peruse, and when you finally see it, it’s a real Oh. My. God… moment! I must admit, until that defining moment when it all became so clear, I was cursing Sam whilst I was reading, thinking, Why… is there no glossary or a timeline to refer to? How am I supposed to remember all this? Who are all these people? What is going on? But ha! she is not daft, at the end we are supplied with a complete glossary, timeline and character info, why not at the beginning? well, silly… if you had it at the beginning you would have the whole story laid out for you with spoilers galore!
The book is told completely from Merq’s point of view and it starts off at furious pace, with the action in the middle of a battlefield and Merq injured, the only man to come out alive. He is a soldier, his life is routine, structured, every action and thought has purpose and meaning, his mind constantly on alert, systematically analysing everything for deviations from the norm… for Merq, failure is never an option. He is a man alone in the world, no friends or family and zero on the distraction front, well apart from Armise who also happens to be on the opposite side, their common goal, they both want the info chip which is apparently the only copy of all the paper records in existence and each country want to get their hands on it. Merq and Armise also happen to be expert snipers and now with peace reigning these two will be in competition with each other for the first Olympic Games in 200 years and the opening ceremony, will involve a real bullet, first from a real gun!
Even though, a truce has now been called, these two men are still hardened soldiers and weapons in their own right, both totally committed to the cause… only they are enemies and there is a fierce hate and mistrust between them, a volatile relationship, full of anger and pent up sexual tension, and oh boy is it intense, something neither of them seemed able to control. There is however a silent treaty between them when they get together, a secret which if found out would have them branded as traitors… Yet both are willing to risk it, there is no love yet between Merq and Armise, just raw, hot, hard and angry sex… forbidden yet seductive! Did I mention it was HOT!!! Ha… and Merq has piercings… ahhhh swoon!
As we read this through Merqs eyes we learn more about him, but Armise is still a mystery, I just want to climb in his head and have a nosy at his thought process, especially at the end of this novella. Both men are stoically guarded, but in Merq, despite all the big bad ass, I am a soldier attitude, I had a sense of hope but also despair… glimpses of emotion that I am not sure even he recognises yet.
The world building is a little complex and I can’t say that I understand all of the warring factions just yet, but we have another 4 books to get through! ...So I can't wait!!! I love these two damaged souls… and Sam McAuley has characterised them perfectly, Merqs voice engaged me throughout his journey in a disposable society where the wealthy have and the poor have not and two enemies become lovers.
1 ~ One Breath, One Bullet ( The Borders War #1)
2 ~ Dominant Predator (The Borders War #2) No Date Yet
January 29, 2016
*Reread 1/24/2016.*
Just as good the second time around!
---
Original Review: 3/5/2014
Original rating: 4 stars
Merq Grayson, 35 years old, is the product of a fragmented world fueled by three centuries of war. He’s been trained to become the type of soldier/peacemaker needed to tip the scale in favor of the States. He not only meets these requirements – he lives by them. And if war was the sun that drives Merq’s existence, then his shadow is Armise Darcan. Four years his senior, Armise is a black ops working on the opposing side of the war. These two have danced around one another for near seventeen years, with a precarious relationship built upon lust and emotions that Merq Grayson will not admit to.
However, a lot can happen in a short time. And Merq will learn how he must proceed in a volatile world where his loyalties lie in a few select people. But most of all, Armise Darcan.
What can I say about this book? For one, the world building is excellent. The author never does a full out history lesson info-dump in the beginning. If anything, the world starts out vague (and confusing), but becomes more vivid as we live through Merq’s first-person POV. We learn not only about the type of world Merq lives in, but the history that led to three centuries of war. These events are shown to us readers, as opposed to being told. Because the story is very date-centric, there is a timeline at the end of the book to help bring it all together (though I will warn you that the timeline contain spoilers. Therefore, read it only after finishing the first book!).
This is also a very plotty type of story, where nothing is as it seems. Our characters (Merq and Armise) live beyond the two dimensional soldiers we think they are in the beginning, to become interesting characters I became invested in. It’s interesting to see how their relationship progressed in the many years these two have met, and especially to see where it goes from here on out.
There are also a couple flashback scenes in the book that delve into moments of Merq and Armise meeting in the past. Worry not if you hate reading flashbacks, for they are brief and do not take up the whole chapter as I thought they would (I’m not a fan of flashback stories myself!). For the most part, the story stays in the present, just how I like it! The pacing is well done, as there never seems to be a dull moment in the book. But what I enjoyed most is how these guys never just meet, butcollide.
And as for the ending? Intense.
Just as good the second time around!
---
Original Review: 3/5/2014
Original rating: 4 stars
Merq Grayson, 35 years old, is the product of a fragmented world fueled by three centuries of war. He’s been trained to become the type of soldier/peacemaker needed to tip the scale in favor of the States. He not only meets these requirements – he lives by them. And if war was the sun that drives Merq’s existence, then his shadow is Armise Darcan. Four years his senior, Armise is a black ops working on the opposing side of the war. These two have danced around one another for near seventeen years, with a precarious relationship built upon lust and emotions that Merq Grayson will not admit to.
However, a lot can happen in a short time. And Merq will learn how he must proceed in a volatile world where his loyalties lie in a few select people. But most of all, Armise Darcan.
What can I say about this book? For one, the world building is excellent. The author never does a full out history lesson info-dump in the beginning. If anything, the world starts out vague (and confusing), but becomes more vivid as we live through Merq’s first-person POV. We learn not only about the type of world Merq lives in, but the history that led to three centuries of war. These events are shown to us readers, as opposed to being told. Because the story is very date-centric, there is a timeline at the end of the book to help bring it all together (though I will warn you that the timeline contain spoilers. Therefore, read it only after finishing the first book!).
This is also a very plotty type of story, where nothing is as it seems. Our characters (Merq and Armise) live beyond the two dimensional soldiers we think they are in the beginning, to become interesting characters I became invested in. It’s interesting to see how their relationship progressed in the many years these two have met, and especially to see where it goes from here on out.
There are also a couple flashback scenes in the book that delve into moments of Merq and Armise meeting in the past. Worry not if you hate reading flashbacks, for they are brief and do not take up the whole chapter as I thought they would (I’m not a fan of flashback stories myself!). For the most part, the story stays in the present, just how I like it! The pacing is well done, as there never seems to be a dull moment in the book. But what I enjoyed most is how these guys never just meet, butcollide.
And as for the ending? Intense.
March 4, 2019
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Pleasantly Surprised⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
Continental States Peacemaker Merq Grayson (35) met Armise Darcan (39), a Dark Ops officer who fought for the People’s Republic of Singapore in the Borders War, when he was 18 years old (in Bogotá). For seventeen years, they've been enemies/nemesis, for thirteen of them, they found themselves unable to fight the attraction of sorts and ends up in the bed together. If caught, they'll both be branded as traitors. Now, three hundred years since the Borders War and a mere decade after the treaty, (now it's the year 2558) in an uneasy peace, a game of the Olympics has began. And both of the men are competing. Also, both is of course keeping big secrets and the Olympics will change it all. For the whole world.
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised at this book. It had action, mystery, badasses, enemies who are lovers and some ‘wait, what?’ moments. However, the book lacked ‘feelings’. I can feel the attraction between the characters some, but not much and I needed more on that. Though, if the series continues with both of them as main characters, things might be forgiven for the lack of emotions. 'Cause I do love slow-burns, but 17 years of slow-burn is a lot, so it better be better in the next book.
That said, I did like it somewhat. It wasn't perfect, far from it, and I sometimes got confused, but that might be because I'm sick while reading the book - and writing the review. So forgive me for not making any sense. Also, chapter one goes from Year 2546 to chapter two, ten years later from the end of chapter 1—Year 2558. Oh! And I also want to get to know the characters more. We didn't get to know them enough in this one. It felt like we only got to know the surface. Also, I want a bit of romance between the two sometime. Where they are actually lovers and sweet to each other. Hmmm....
Information, Characters, Leaders, Timeline:
Other Characters:
→ Neveed, Merq's Coach: he officially became Merq handler, his coach, eighteen years ago. He was the first man Merq had been with.
→ President Wensen Kersch, the leader of the Continental States. was the also the commander of the Revolution. That an underground movement existed, completely separate from the formalised power structure, was the inevitable result of the Borders War. Before Armise, Merq' longest-standing relationship of any kind had been with President Wensen Kersch. As a mentor and a father. More than his own.
→ The Premiere of Singapore, the leader Armise was sworn to protect.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Dystopian (M/M).
Series: - Series, Book One.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Armise Darcan.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Probably.
Would I recommend this book/series? -Sure.
Will I read this again in the future? - Probably not, but who knows.
Rating - 3 stars.
March 29, 2016
The mission always comes first! That’s the mantra of a soldier, a sniper, a Peacemaker like Merq Grayson. But, what when an opponent tests your resolve every time he gets in your way? And, to top it all off, it’s somebody you feel dangerously attracted by?
Merq and Armise are enemies in a war that already lasts nearly 300 years and bound to kill each other. And they try… oh hell, they try! Nevertheless, the chemistry between them is nearly palpable and sparks fly whenever they meet, even if they try to fight the feelings.
He had been intruding into my life too long. Dominating too many of my thoughts.
I knew I was flying way too fucking close to the sun. And I was going to be damn sure I didn’t get that close again.
Just like Icarus, entangling myself further with that risk – with Armise – would be my downfall.
Be warned: this book is not a romance, rather a far cry from it. It’s dark, gritty, sometimes even brutal and fast-paced. The twists and turns made me quite dizzy and more than once I was shocked and shaken to the core.
But from the moment their eyes met through the scope of a rifle, I was hooked! The emotions these two hot-as-hell Alpha males and the wonderful writing of the author evoked in me were so intense and yet, I have the feeling that this book is only the tip of the iceberg and I’m in on a hell of rollercoaster ride ‘til the end.
Merq and Armise are enemies in a war that already lasts nearly 300 years and bound to kill each other. And they try… oh hell, they try! Nevertheless, the chemistry between them is nearly palpable and sparks fly whenever they meet, even if they try to fight the feelings.
He had been intruding into my life too long. Dominating too many of my thoughts.
I knew I was flying way too fucking close to the sun. And I was going to be damn sure I didn’t get that close again.
Just like Icarus, entangling myself further with that risk – with Armise – would be my downfall.
Be warned: this book is not a romance, rather a far cry from it. It’s dark, gritty, sometimes even brutal and fast-paced. The twists and turns made me quite dizzy and more than once I was shocked and shaken to the core.
But from the moment their eyes met through the scope of a rifle, I was hooked! The emotions these two hot-as-hell Alpha males and the wonderful writing of the author evoked in me were so intense and yet, I have the feeling that this book is only the tip of the iceberg and I’m in on a hell of rollercoaster ride ‘til the end.
September 18, 2018
Awesome start to this series of 5 books. 4.5 stars, a huge 
and I can't wait for the next one!!
My expectations for this book and the series were high after reading 'An Immovable Solitude' also written by Sam...and I certainly wasn't disappointed. Sam's writing is superb, concise, crisp, and plot-driven with hardly any sex...which quite frankly when the story is as good as this is, you definitely don't miss!! This gripping tale focuses on the 1st Olympic Games to be held since the 300 year long Borders War ended in 2548. The world the series is set in is split into 5 regions....and the smell of intrigue, deception and double-dealing is rife in the heavily polluted air!!
Merq Grayson and Armise Darcan are enemies, one fights for the Continental States, the other for the People's Republic of Singapore...and yes, when you read the notes at the back of the book, you will understand why Singapore is a world power. Fate has brought them together on several occasions over the years, and as the book says 'their relationship is one of violence, secrecy and a growing intimacy that could have them both branded as traitors'.
There are lots of questions to be answered...but is everything as it seems?? Does Merq really fight for the Continental States?? Has Armise sworn his undying loyalty to the People's Republic of Singapore?? Why do their missions keep clashing and they end up fighting and then bedding each other?? Is the President of the Continental States really all that he appears.....all this and more will hopefully be revealed as the series goes on...I absolutely loved it!!
and I can't wait for the next one!!My expectations for this book and the series were high after reading 'An Immovable Solitude' also written by Sam...and I certainly wasn't disappointed. Sam's writing is superb, concise, crisp, and plot-driven with hardly any sex...which quite frankly when the story is as good as this is, you definitely don't miss!! This gripping tale focuses on the 1st Olympic Games to be held since the 300 year long Borders War ended in 2548. The world the series is set in is split into 5 regions....and the smell of intrigue, deception and double-dealing is rife in the heavily polluted air!!
Merq Grayson and Armise Darcan are enemies, one fights for the Continental States, the other for the People's Republic of Singapore...and yes, when you read the notes at the back of the book, you will understand why Singapore is a world power. Fate has brought them together on several occasions over the years, and as the book says 'their relationship is one of violence, secrecy and a growing intimacy that could have them both branded as traitors'.
There are lots of questions to be answered...but is everything as it seems?? Does Merq really fight for the Continental States?? Has Armise sworn his undying loyalty to the People's Republic of Singapore?? Why do their missions keep clashing and they end up fighting and then bedding each other?? Is the President of the Continental States really all that he appears.....all this and more will hopefully be revealed as the series goes on...I absolutely loved it!!
May 28, 2018
4.5 wow filled stars!
Damn. This book ended up being so much more than I thought it would be. It started out a little slow, especially because it had so much world building to do because it's 500 years in the future but a LOT has happened in this world, and it was confusing at times.
Like there are only 5 actual countries left (how, when, why?) and does that mean the geography is still the same as it is today in 500 years or has global warming made the land even smaller so the 5 countries makes more sense? I mean I know that's all probably part of the war, but I wonder if all these other countries were destroyed but their land is still used.
I had a hard time keeping up with which country was which, too, because there is a Continental States country, but also the American Federation....and i'm also wondering why Singapore is such a huge force in this world that it's still standing - maybe as more books go on it will get into that.
And this 300 year war - why has it gone on that long? I mean we start to get some answer, but it felt like we barely scratched the surface - and how did it take out half the world population? All these questions.
But as frustrating as that was at times, it just made this story all the more intriguing.
But the most intriguing part of the story was Merq and Armise. Like...what they have can barely be called a romance, barely be called a relationship - but in a way, that is what it is. Especially after what gets revealed in the end - which I was so not expecting! - and especially after we get a short POV chapter of Armise at the end. His motivations become so much clearer (although still what he's all about and where he came from and other stuff is still a mystery) when before it was as confusing to us as it was to Merq.
They're supposed to be enemies - and for a few years, they are - but then their crazy explosive and passionate chemistry can't be denied and they start a 12, 13 year love affair - or well, fuck affair. I mean there's 4 more books in this series so i HOPE it builds to love, but for this book it is barely romance. But they just can't stay away from each other, and Merq tries to stop several times, but he can't. He's always drawn back to Armise, he's like an addiction. But then as the years go on they both try less and less to stop - or well, Merq seems to be the only one who tries to stop it. Armise is the one who always comes to Merq, and Merq tells himself he won't give in, but of course he does anyway, and the sex is explosive.
I do love that there is a time or two after he fucks Armise senseless and then just leaves he has a feeling of emptiness or unease because - I think - he does feel more for Armise than just a fuck and he wants more and it feels wrong for him to treat it like just a fuck. But they're enemies, on opposing sides, and he shouldn't want to fuck Armise in the first place, so he tries to distance himself.
I don't want to give anything else away - just that the ending surprised me and it was NOT what I was expecting and it kind of turned the whole enemies-to-lovers trope on its head, giving it a new twist I didn't see coming but loved. Just read this, because it was SO GOOD.
Definitely will be continuing this series soon!
Damn. This book ended up being so much more than I thought it would be. It started out a little slow, especially because it had so much world building to do because it's 500 years in the future but a LOT has happened in this world, and it was confusing at times.
Like there are only 5 actual countries left (how, when, why?) and does that mean the geography is still the same as it is today in 500 years or has global warming made the land even smaller so the 5 countries makes more sense? I mean I know that's all probably part of the war, but I wonder if all these other countries were destroyed but their land is still used.
I had a hard time keeping up with which country was which, too, because there is a Continental States country, but also the American Federation....and i'm also wondering why Singapore is such a huge force in this world that it's still standing - maybe as more books go on it will get into that.
And this 300 year war - why has it gone on that long? I mean we start to get some answer, but it felt like we barely scratched the surface - and how did it take out half the world population? All these questions.
But as frustrating as that was at times, it just made this story all the more intriguing.
But the most intriguing part of the story was Merq and Armise. Like...what they have can barely be called a romance, barely be called a relationship - but in a way, that is what it is. Especially after what gets revealed in the end - which I was so not expecting! - and especially after we get a short POV chapter of Armise at the end. His motivations become so much clearer (although still what he's all about and where he came from and other stuff is still a mystery) when before it was as confusing to us as it was to Merq.
They're supposed to be enemies - and for a few years, they are - but then their crazy explosive and passionate chemistry can't be denied and they start a 12, 13 year love affair - or well, fuck affair. I mean there's 4 more books in this series so i HOPE it builds to love, but for this book it is barely romance. But they just can't stay away from each other, and Merq tries to stop several times, but he can't. He's always drawn back to Armise, he's like an addiction. But then as the years go on they both try less and less to stop - or well, Merq seems to be the only one who tries to stop it. Armise is the one who always comes to Merq, and Merq tells himself he won't give in, but of course he does anyway, and the sex is explosive.
I do love that there is a time or two after he fucks Armise senseless and then just leaves he has a feeling of emptiness or unease because - I think - he does feel more for Armise than just a fuck and he wants more and it feels wrong for him to treat it like just a fuck. But they're enemies, on opposing sides, and he shouldn't want to fuck Armise in the first place, so he tries to distance himself.
I don't want to give anything else away - just that the ending surprised me and it was NOT what I was expecting and it kind of turned the whole enemies-to-lovers trope on its head, giving it a new twist I didn't see coming but loved. Just read this, because it was SO GOOD.
Definitely will be continuing this series soon!
September 30, 2013
3.5 stars rounded up because this reminded me of a post-apocalyptic Special Forces.
This story is executed in a bit of an unconventional way. Non-linear timeline, bare bones characterisation of everyone but the narrator, major plot elements delivered in a dense, factual way ... It's the kind of story where you are thrown into the proverbial deep end and asked to swim or drown. It's up to you to take the challenge.
Just a side note: I've only read this and An Immovable Solitude by this author but I truly believe she can do great things on the page if she wants to. I would like to see a third-person POV story by her; I think it would help bring out her full writing potential.
This story is executed in a bit of an unconventional way. Non-linear timeline, bare bones characterisation of everyone but the narrator, major plot elements delivered in a dense, factual way ... It's the kind of story where you are thrown into the proverbial deep end and asked to swim or drown. It's up to you to take the challenge.
Just a side note: I've only read this and An Immovable Solitude by this author but I truly believe she can do great things on the page if she wants to. I would like to see a third-person POV story by her; I think it would help bring out her full writing potential.
maybe-i-ll-come-back-to-this
May 15, 2018On hold.
I got bored 45% into the book. It does gives me the SF vibe though.
Soo... maybe it's promising? *shrugs*
On hold for now though.
Blog : I like donuts
June 16, 2017
3.5 Stars
As I look back on what I just read, I'm a bit unsure of the details - the plot somewhat nebulous...
What I can tell you is that this reminded me a little of Special Forces - Soldiers, where the two MC's are seasoned, hardened military alpha men on opposite sides. They are sworn enemies in a war that has been going on for over 300 years. Despite the fact that they should hate each other, should have probably killed each other many times over - they keep coming back, keep hanging on to a "relationship" that has been brewing for the last 13 years!
This novella packs a punch with plenty of twists and turns, both politically and emotionally. These stoic soldiers have no room for feelings, let alone attachments. Do they dare? This definitely ends on a precipice… and I'm intrigued.
As I look back on what I just read, I'm a bit unsure of the details - the plot somewhat nebulous...
What I can tell you is that this reminded me a little of Special Forces - Soldiers, where the two MC's are seasoned, hardened military alpha men on opposite sides. They are sworn enemies in a war that has been going on for over 300 years. Despite the fact that they should hate each other, should have probably killed each other many times over - they keep coming back, keep hanging on to a "relationship" that has been brewing for the last 13 years!
This novella packs a punch with plenty of twists and turns, both politically and emotionally. These stoic soldiers have no room for feelings, let alone attachments. Do they dare? This definitely ends on a precipice… and I'm intrigued.
January 30, 2020
EDIT Dec 30, 2019: I haven't forgotten this story as I have so many over the years. Bumping it up to 4.5 stars.
July 22, 2016: Dark, gritty, futuristic military spec fic surrounding an unusual love story. Not for the faint of heart or those looking for a typical MM romance. Career soldiers and enemies become something more over the course of their brutal, covert careers. The politics were confusing and complicated at times, but watching Merq and Armise interact violently yet intimately over the years was fascinating.
November 12, 2014
Read the Index first. Or be lost.
Alright. Fun story of soldiers, allegiances, betrayals and chess. Problem is that the chess board is left infuriatingly undefined. I appreciate the lesson that the sides are irrelevant as soldiers do one thing--Serve.
I like the slide between Merq and Armise. I like sociopaths, so of course I LOVED Merq and Armise. Hello, wave completely emotionally dysfunctional alpha males who like to kill in front of me and YAY!
Please note: Literary sociopaths only
Now if the lack of delineation with the ground rules were difficult to navigate, yes I get that it is suppose to mimic the environment in which Merq and Armise operate, then the timeline jumping back and forth really didn't help matters. So, I highly recommend reading the Index first which has the explanation of the five nations, chronology of events, and the dictionary of terms. Would have made a whole lot more sense. I would have been less grumpy and aggravated.
Seriously, the book is getting demerits for obfuscation. I might have been close to rating this 5 stars with some clue who was who, at least explain Merq's (POV) understanding of the board. Blatantly blinding me makes me cranky. Cranky makes me star smash.
3.5 stars
[ETA--Crap! I just realized that one can't read the chronology before the story since it has spoilers. The publisher needs to put the five nations and terms at the beginning of the story and leave the timeline for the end.]
Recommended to alpha v. alpha lovers who like some Macchiavelli tossed in for fun.
Favorite quote:
Alright. Fun story of soldiers, allegiances, betrayals and chess. Problem is that the chess board is left infuriatingly undefined. I appreciate the lesson that the sides are irrelevant as soldiers do one thing--Serve.
"Loyalty to the country always. Loyalty to the government when it deserves it." - Mark Twain
I like the slide between Merq and Armise. I like sociopaths, so of course I LOVED Merq and Armise. Hello, wave completely emotionally dysfunctional alpha males who like to kill in front of me and YAY!
Please note: Literary sociopaths only
Now if the lack of delineation with the ground rules were difficult to navigate, yes I get that it is suppose to mimic the environment in which Merq and Armise operate, then the timeline jumping back and forth really didn't help matters. So, I highly recommend reading the Index first which has the explanation of the five nations, chronology of events, and the dictionary of terms. Would have made a whole lot more sense. I would have been less grumpy and aggravated.
Seriously, the book is getting demerits for obfuscation. I might have been close to rating this 5 stars with some clue who was who, at least explain Merq's (POV) understanding of the board. Blatantly blinding me makes me cranky. Cranky makes me star smash.
3.5 stars
[ETA--Crap! I just realized that one can't read the chronology before the story since it has spoilers. The publisher needs to put the five nations and terms at the beginning of the story and leave the timeline for the end.]
Recommended to alpha v. alpha lovers who like some Macchiavelli tossed in for fun.
Favorite quote:
Hope didn’t take hold in a void.
Want to read
June 3, 2013Limited time 82% discount at Amazon and at the publisher for only $0.99 :D
May 19, 2013
No spoilers.
An extremely good (sci-fi/fantasy/futuristic) storyline of a time 500+ years into our future, where you can kill people with sonic-rifles, which have the bonus of killing you on the inside, without all the mess of blood and gore and intestines that usually mark the nitty-gritty facts of war. You just fall dead to the ground. Clinical. And also unemotional. Yes, it would certainly be easier to kill someone, when you don't actually see the damage you are doing.
Main characters Merq and Armise are of course on opposite sides of the conflict, but I had great trouble following the different sides, and who was what on which side and why. There were states, and Presidents and Premieres and Prime Ministers, and god knows who belonged where. Then there were Revolutionaries and Oppositionists and Nationalists, and I don't know who revolutioned against which opposition or what nationalist haven.
Safe to say, I was confused. And 88 pages were simply not enough to clear my confusion.
Now, in her book, An Immovable Solitude, the author gets all the proverbial little ducks in a row, with all the emotions in place, before taking us on a long and crazy ride all over the planet. Here, not so much. It is hard and harsh, and then harder and harsher. Maybe this is what she was aiming for? But it made it really difficult for me to find anyone to root for. I could hardly connect with the MCs, they felt flat, except right at the end, when they started to come alive and think and talk. And that's when the book ends.
Perhaps a bit too much telling going on? Maybe it is simply too little dialogue to show what's happening?
This story was different, and as you've seen, I'm not sure I agree on the format; it is too short for a serious story and too wordy to be a concise short story. I find the world building to be a bit on the info-dumping side of things, and that kind of throws me out of the narrative, but all in all a believable world was created.
Too bad it finished right when it was getting interesting.
And that's when I remember that it is a series.
Now, why write your story into a series, if your first book is only 88 pages long? If the other two are anything like this one, that makes it A BOOK, in my opinion, ONE book. Not three. A series is what you do when you have too many words to fit in one book, and you're not finished telling your story when you're clocking in at 300+ pages. (Which is often the case with sci-fi/fantasy/futuristic novels, as the world building can take a lot of time and effort to handle convincingly).
I love this author, but I don't feel her true voice is coming alive in this work. The boys don't connect like her boys usually connect, not on an intellectual level, nor emotionally. They are too busy trying to tell me about a future world with data chips and surge-pills, tracker devices and whatnots to actually show me what they feel. Ms McAuley's finest voice is usually in the emotion of nature and human nature, in resonance. Unfortunately, I did not hear much of it here. Perhaps in the second and third installment of the series?
I'm gladly going to read the rest of this story (as once I'm invested in a pair, I want to know what happened) but I really feel there should simply have been more chapters to this book, not a new book coming out at a later date.
****
My opinion may vary from yours, but I always try to convey my most honest thoughts about a book and a story.
I was given a free ARC of this story, as a gift from the author, no strings attached. I did not promise to review it.
An extremely good (sci-fi/fantasy/futuristic) storyline of a time 500+ years into our future, where you can kill people with sonic-rifles, which have the bonus of killing you on the inside, without all the mess of blood and gore and intestines that usually mark the nitty-gritty facts of war. You just fall dead to the ground. Clinical. And also unemotional. Yes, it would certainly be easier to kill someone, when you don't actually see the damage you are doing.
Main characters Merq and Armise are of course on opposite sides of the conflict, but I had great trouble following the different sides, and who was what on which side and why. There were states, and Presidents and Premieres and Prime Ministers, and god knows who belonged where. Then there were Revolutionaries and Oppositionists and Nationalists, and I don't know who revolutioned against which opposition or what nationalist haven.
Safe to say, I was confused. And 88 pages were simply not enough to clear my confusion.
Now, in her book, An Immovable Solitude, the author gets all the proverbial little ducks in a row, with all the emotions in place, before taking us on a long and crazy ride all over the planet. Here, not so much. It is hard and harsh, and then harder and harsher. Maybe this is what she was aiming for? But it made it really difficult for me to find anyone to root for. I could hardly connect with the MCs, they felt flat, except right at the end, when they started to come alive and think and talk. And that's when the book ends.
Perhaps a bit too much telling going on? Maybe it is simply too little dialogue to show what's happening?
This story was different, and as you've seen, I'm not sure I agree on the format; it is too short for a serious story and too wordy to be a concise short story. I find the world building to be a bit on the info-dumping side of things, and that kind of throws me out of the narrative, but all in all a believable world was created.
Too bad it finished right when it was getting interesting.
And that's when I remember that it is a series.
Now, why write your story into a series, if your first book is only 88 pages long? If the other two are anything like this one, that makes it A BOOK, in my opinion, ONE book. Not three. A series is what you do when you have too many words to fit in one book, and you're not finished telling your story when you're clocking in at 300+ pages. (Which is often the case with sci-fi/fantasy/futuristic novels, as the world building can take a lot of time and effort to handle convincingly).
I love this author, but I don't feel her true voice is coming alive in this work. The boys don't connect like her boys usually connect, not on an intellectual level, nor emotionally. They are too busy trying to tell me about a future world with data chips and surge-pills, tracker devices and whatnots to actually show me what they feel. Ms McAuley's finest voice is usually in the emotion of nature and human nature, in resonance. Unfortunately, I did not hear much of it here. Perhaps in the second and third installment of the series?
I'm gladly going to read the rest of this story (as once I'm invested in a pair, I want to know what happened) but I really feel there should simply have been more chapters to this book, not a new book coming out at a later date.
****
My opinion may vary from yours, but I always try to convey my most honest thoughts about a book and a story.
I was given a free ARC of this story, as a gift from the author, no strings attached. I did not promise to review it.
April 3, 2014
3.5 Further review to come.
I wanted soooooo much to give this a 4 or higher because the writing was on-point. However, the timeline was ridiculously confusing and there was so much told to us without explanation that I realized had this been fleshed out more; it would have been a solid 4 or 5. World-bulding was great, characters great, and I'm definitely intrigued. I really want to know the whole back-history and present day history of these characters. I know this is to be a series, but I still felt it was too much story packed within this first clip. It felt a little derivative of Special Forces and Hunger Games, but not so much that it became distracting. Fans of both should like this. Still...a solid start.
I wanted soooooo much to give this a 4 or higher because the writing was on-point. However, the timeline was ridiculously confusing and there was so much told to us without explanation that I realized had this been fleshed out more; it would have been a solid 4 or 5. World-bulding was great, characters great, and I'm definitely intrigued. I really want to know the whole back-history and present day history of these characters. I know this is to be a series, but I still felt it was too much story packed within this first clip. It felt a little derivative of Special Forces and Hunger Games, but not so much that it became distracting. Fans of both should like this. Still...a solid start.
September 2, 2018
One thing I liked about the original version of this book is that it dropped you right in the middle of the action and expected you to keep up. It was a wild ride, while also being on the dark side because this world that Merq and Armise live in is total FUBAR. One thing I wasn't that enthusiastic about was the lack of world-building. How did Earth go from thousands of countries to just five? Where exactly are the borders? Why are they fighting for 300 years? Who are the leaders of the other three countries (since we know the leaders of two, but only meet one) and how are they elected or put in charge?
The second edition largely restructures the story. Whereas the first edition drops you in the middle of the action and pretty close to when the crap is going to hit the fan, with flashbacks here and there to fill in some background information, this edition is told chronologically. All those flashbacks are pulled out from the middle and end of the story and brought forward. There are a few extra chapters and an epilogue of sorts added to round out some of the things in regards to Merq's relationship with Armise, and to give us a little more information on the technology and what exactly it is that Merq is up to. One drawback to this is that we get a lot of repeated information. Some of the things we now learn near the middle of the book (which was originally the start of the first edition) come out of nowhere, when it should've been hinted at before. Then you have characters who are basically "reintroduced" even though we already met them in what is now the beginning of the story. As for all those questions I had originally? We do learn what the other countries are called and learn a teensy more about one of them, but not much else. But that's fine. There's still three more books in this series and plenty of time to flesh out this world.
As for Merq and Armise, I think the biggest thing this restructuring of the story does is highlight how extremely unhealthy their relationship is. Both of these men were picked at very young ages to be weapons for their respective countries. Armise has been an assassin since before he sprouted pubes, and Merq was raised with the knowledge that he was to fulfill one particular purpose in the Borders War and that after that his life would be forfeit. Neither of these men have any reason to hope in a better tomorrow - at least not one that they'll ever see for themselves - and they certainly know nothing of life beyond bloodshed and deceit and political maneuverings. They're fighting for opposing countries and are often given orders to kill each other. Their lives are not their own but are at the mercy of the whims of their governments.
Don't expect your ordinary M/M romance with this book. It's not there. Instead, you have two MCs who would just as easily kill each other if given enough incentive. Their relationship, such as it is, is more about defying their governments and the regimental control over their lives than it is about feelings for each other. There's lots of angry sex and power play (though not described in detail, for those squirmish about such things - which I can be), and lots of pensive brooding. So don't expect a feel-good ending or even an HFN. The best you can hope for is that both guys survive to see the next book.
I originally rated this four stars but am now rating it 3 stars. That's more to do with my own personal tastes changing over the last few years than anything else.
The second edition largely restructures the story. Whereas the first edition drops you in the middle of the action and pretty close to when the crap is going to hit the fan, with flashbacks here and there to fill in some background information, this edition is told chronologically. All those flashbacks are pulled out from the middle and end of the story and brought forward. There are a few extra chapters and an epilogue of sorts added to round out some of the things in regards to Merq's relationship with Armise, and to give us a little more information on the technology and what exactly it is that Merq is up to. One drawback to this is that we get a lot of repeated information. Some of the things we now learn near the middle of the book (which was originally the start of the first edition) come out of nowhere, when it should've been hinted at before. Then you have characters who are basically "reintroduced" even though we already met them in what is now the beginning of the story. As for all those questions I had originally? We do learn what the other countries are called and learn a teensy more about one of them, but not much else. But that's fine. There's still three more books in this series and plenty of time to flesh out this world.
As for Merq and Armise, I think the biggest thing this restructuring of the story does is highlight how extremely unhealthy their relationship is. Both of these men were picked at very young ages to be weapons for their respective countries. Armise has been an assassin since before he sprouted pubes, and Merq was raised with the knowledge that he was to fulfill one particular purpose in the Borders War and that after that his life would be forfeit. Neither of these men have any reason to hope in a better tomorrow - at least not one that they'll ever see for themselves - and they certainly know nothing of life beyond bloodshed and deceit and political maneuverings. They're fighting for opposing countries and are often given orders to kill each other. Their lives are not their own but are at the mercy of the whims of their governments.
Don't expect your ordinary M/M romance with this book. It's not there. Instead, you have two MCs who would just as easily kill each other if given enough incentive. Their relationship, such as it is, is more about defying their governments and the regimental control over their lives than it is about feelings for each other. There's lots of angry sex and power play (though not described in detail, for those squirmish about such things - which I can be), and lots of pensive brooding. So don't expect a feel-good ending or even an HFN. The best you can hope for is that both guys survive to see the next book.
I originally rated this four stars but am now rating it 3 stars. That's more to do with my own personal tastes changing over the last few years than anything else.
May 11, 2013
5 Stars - KAPOW!!
You could say S.A. McAuley has a way with words ... And my God but you’d be right! She has a way of weaving a story that just sucks me in, and holds me tight – right til the end! Leaving me begging for more! I loved her book “Immovable Solitude” and this new book, part of a brand new series, maintains her high standard of storytelling. If I tell you that there were parts that had me thinking about Special Forces and Rifter – then you know just how good it must be!
“Five countries, five leaders. Two warring causes. One bullet...”
The world building in “One Breath, One Bullet” is gradual and great! No huge infodump. But Sam rather casually mentions things as the story unfurls; and then at the very end ties everything up with a glossary of terms and a timescale of events … Do Not Jump Ahead! Read it at the end To me there is no huge difference to today, which as a “non-tech-person” I liked…. okay, so they have personal transporter chips and need air purifiers, but there is no big technological leap.
This is just a mini breakdown – the year is 2558, so 545 years in the future, and the world has been divided into just 5 countries – the People’s Republic of Singapore (PRS), the United Union, the Continental States (CS), the American Federation and the Dark Continental Republic. (Seriously… Sam, if you read this …. I want a map in the next book!!) Air needs to be purified and electrical storms are commonplace (I could almost feel the crackle through my kindle). All paperwork was destroyed in a massive Paper Purge, with everything being stored electronically …. only for targeted electromagnetic pulses to wipe everything out. By whom? And why? One infochip remains. It is Merq’s mission to find it, so that all the information stored on it can be used. Can you imagine a world with no data storage? Would civilisation remain as it was if all knowledge was lost? And without records is knowledge actually lost? Would it be like starting again? I found this aspect of the book fascinating! ...
Read Barb's full review at Live Your Life, Buy The Book
You could say S.A. McAuley has a way with words ... And my God but you’d be right! She has a way of weaving a story that just sucks me in, and holds me tight – right til the end! Leaving me begging for more! I loved her book “Immovable Solitude” and this new book, part of a brand new series, maintains her high standard of storytelling. If I tell you that there were parts that had me thinking about Special Forces and Rifter – then you know just how good it must be!
“Five countries, five leaders. Two warring causes. One bullet...”
The world building in “One Breath, One Bullet” is gradual and great! No huge infodump. But Sam rather casually mentions things as the story unfurls; and then at the very end ties everything up with a glossary of terms and a timescale of events … Do Not Jump Ahead! Read it at the end To me there is no huge difference to today, which as a “non-tech-person” I liked…. okay, so they have personal transporter chips and need air purifiers, but there is no big technological leap.
This is just a mini breakdown – the year is 2558, so 545 years in the future, and the world has been divided into just 5 countries – the People’s Republic of Singapore (PRS), the United Union, the Continental States (CS), the American Federation and the Dark Continental Republic. (Seriously… Sam, if you read this …. I want a map in the next book!!) Air needs to be purified and electrical storms are commonplace (I could almost feel the crackle through my kindle). All paperwork was destroyed in a massive Paper Purge, with everything being stored electronically …. only for targeted electromagnetic pulses to wipe everything out. By whom? And why? One infochip remains. It is Merq’s mission to find it, so that all the information stored on it can be used. Can you imagine a world with no data storage? Would civilisation remain as it was if all knowledge was lost? And without records is knowledge actually lost? Would it be like starting again? I found this aspect of the book fascinating! ...
Read Barb's full review at Live Your Life, Buy The Book
April 5, 2014
Reviewed for
I picked this series because I like angry sex/enemies to lovers/warriors/gladiators/military men. One Breath One Bullet has ALL that and it’s dystopian with a little cyberpunk! Win/win/win!
Ordinarily it annoys the bejesus out of me to have an author repeat things, but I actually appreciated it here. There are frequent time jumps and many acronyms which could easily have become overwhelming. Ms. McAuley did a great job of not always using the acronym, repeating the important things and delineating the time jumps. She also gives a time line as well as a list of characters at the end.
The world building is good. This being my first experience with this author I can tell she has an active imagination and this version of Earth is a living breathing entity in her mind. Her strengths lie in describing it in palpable detail from the locations to the scents. Quite engaging indeed. I loved the Olympics tie in with the 5 Olympic rings/5 Superpowers. There hasn’t been an Olympics in 300 years and this one sounded very gladiatoresque. Always a win in my book. The Olympic stadium even has an underground series of tunnels. RAWR!
As for Merq and Armise, I have this… fondness for big, muscle-y guys who are bottoms and/or submissive and Armise is “massive”. He’s about twice the size of Merq. He always puts up a good fight-another weakness of mine-and he always loses. Nothing I like better than a violent fight for dominance where the presumed loser wins. Maybe it’s a David and Goliath thing. Maybe it’s the unexpectedness of it all. Why ask why? The relationship between these two is the heartbeat of this installment and I suspect the entire series. The whole can I trust you? Why do I feel this way about my enemy? Why do I want him so badly? Why does he keep showing up and doing things that make me question him? thing is a great relationship and tension builder. The flashback retelling of the 13 years he and Armise have been crashing into one another facilitates the character development to a degree. Well, at least on Merq’s part. Merq doesn’t trust anyone but he is loyal, perhaps to a fault. His mantra proves that he is a soldier to his very core:
One breath.
Inhale.
Hesitation is my enemy.
Solitude my ally.
Death the only real victory.
Exhale.
Arsime is a bit of an enigma at this point, so I’m eager to get to the next installment and hopeful his motivations and characterization will be delved into a bit more.
What I had trouble with was the catalyst of the Border Wars; it seemed a bit flimsy. Maybe it will get fleshed out in the next installment and make more sense, but at this point I don’t get it. The characterizations need more substance than Merq having a lip piercing and being a bad ass soldier, though I cannot tell a lie the piercing holds promise. Also, the time jumps were well demarcated but nonetheless jarring which is why I’m wavering in the 3.5ish stars range.
I would like to thank Total-E-Bound for providing me with a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I picked this series because I like angry sex/enemies to lovers/warriors/gladiators/military men. One Breath One Bullet has ALL that and it’s dystopian with a little cyberpunk! Win/win/win!
Ordinarily it annoys the bejesus out of me to have an author repeat things, but I actually appreciated it here. There are frequent time jumps and many acronyms which could easily have become overwhelming. Ms. McAuley did a great job of not always using the acronym, repeating the important things and delineating the time jumps. She also gives a time line as well as a list of characters at the end.
The world building is good. This being my first experience with this author I can tell she has an active imagination and this version of Earth is a living breathing entity in her mind. Her strengths lie in describing it in palpable detail from the locations to the scents. Quite engaging indeed. I loved the Olympics tie in with the 5 Olympic rings/5 Superpowers. There hasn’t been an Olympics in 300 years and this one sounded very gladiatoresque. Always a win in my book. The Olympic stadium even has an underground series of tunnels. RAWR!
As for Merq and Armise, I have this… fondness for big, muscle-y guys who are bottoms and/or submissive and Armise is “massive”. He’s about twice the size of Merq. He always puts up a good fight-another weakness of mine-and he always loses. Nothing I like better than a violent fight for dominance where the presumed loser wins. Maybe it’s a David and Goliath thing. Maybe it’s the unexpectedness of it all. Why ask why? The relationship between these two is the heartbeat of this installment and I suspect the entire series. The whole can I trust you? Why do I feel this way about my enemy? Why do I want him so badly? Why does he keep showing up and doing things that make me question him? thing is a great relationship and tension builder. The flashback retelling of the 13 years he and Armise have been crashing into one another facilitates the character development to a degree. Well, at least on Merq’s part. Merq doesn’t trust anyone but he is loyal, perhaps to a fault. His mantra proves that he is a soldier to his very core:
One breath.
Inhale.
Hesitation is my enemy.
Solitude my ally.
Death the only real victory.
Exhale.
Arsime is a bit of an enigma at this point, so I’m eager to get to the next installment and hopeful his motivations and characterization will be delved into a bit more.
What I had trouble with was the catalyst of the Border Wars; it seemed a bit flimsy. Maybe it will get fleshed out in the next installment and make more sense, but at this point I don’t get it. The characterizations need more substance than Merq having a lip piercing and being a bad ass soldier, though I cannot tell a lie the piercing holds promise. Also, the time jumps were well demarcated but nonetheless jarring which is why I’m wavering in the 3.5ish stars range.
I would like to thank Total-E-Bound for providing me with a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 23, 2016
“You’re an idiot, you know that? I don’t have a side in this war because the only ass I care about saving is yours. Fuck my country and yours. They will continue fighting whether we live or die. But I can’t and won’t go on without you. Not anymore. How can I make that any fucking clearer?”
Holy shit! This book is incredible—it has everything I look for in a story—-hot Alpha warriors and a great original plot—cannot wait for next book
Re-read and even better second time--great characters
Holy shit! This book is incredible—it has everything I look for in a story—-hot Alpha warriors and a great original plot—cannot wait for next book
Re-read and even better second time--great characters
March 15, 2016
4.5 Stars
So the first thing you need to know about 'The Border War' series is that according to the author, add some scars and tattoos and this is what Armise looks like:
*For those of you who care that is model Franco Noriega.
So there is that.
But there is also a pretty great dystopian happening here as well. I love new worlds and one of the things that I actually enjoy most of all is that feeling of being dropped into the middle of a world I know nothing about and figuring it out as I go. This can be confusing and sometimes you can feel a little lost but I much prefer this method of world building over pages and pages and pages of explanations. One Breath One Bullet feels very much like a prequel, setting us up for what is to come. There are times where I was confused and hadn't a clue what was going on and it actually made me like it all the more. I loved the world building and the intrigue. Nobody is what they seem and I can already tell that there is so much more to come.
"Armise and I had met through the scope of our rifles and sometimes I wondered if that was also where we'd end."
I am very excited about what is to come from Merq and Armise. These two are going to cause mayhem I can tell. I also can't bloody wait!!
So the first thing you need to know about 'The Border War' series is that according to the author, add some scars and tattoos and this is what Armise looks like:
*For those of you who care that is model Franco Noriega.
So there is that.
But there is also a pretty great dystopian happening here as well. I love new worlds and one of the things that I actually enjoy most of all is that feeling of being dropped into the middle of a world I know nothing about and figuring it out as I go. This can be confusing and sometimes you can feel a little lost but I much prefer this method of world building over pages and pages and pages of explanations. One Breath One Bullet feels very much like a prequel, setting us up for what is to come. There are times where I was confused and hadn't a clue what was going on and it actually made me like it all the more. I loved the world building and the intrigue. Nobody is what they seem and I can already tell that there is so much more to come.
"Armise and I had met through the scope of our rifles and sometimes I wondered if that was also where we'd end."
I am very excited about what is to come from Merq and Armise. These two are going to cause mayhem I can tell. I also can't bloody wait!!
September 3, 2016
Meh, it was ok. As I mentioned in my update, I liked the world-building but the characters didn't do much for me. I thought they were one dimensional and had little depth. I did feel a slight spark in Armise and he does have me curious, but other than that I didn't feel any emotional tie to them.
What bothered me the most was that this book was repetitive and Merq's inner dialogue didn't fit the character's actions. The author kept telling us that these two men were mortal enemies and that Armise was a killer, but the scenes that were meant support this were brushed over and didn't have any substance to them. They were enemies for 13 years and we were inundated with language that tried to convey this but their actions fell flat. It felt like the author was trying too hard to evoke emotion in the characters.
For example:
Armise was the lightning strike in my storm. He appeared without warning—a violent burst, and brilliant flash, lighting up the night sky—then retreated in a cacophonous crash, leaving me dazed, unsteady and blinking back stars from my vision. He was unpredictable. Unstable. Deadly and hypnotic. And yet it was like I stood defiantly in the storm, rifle lifted towards the churning sky, and challenged him to strike me. As if I came alive in that moment of impact.
You would think these words would depict passion, violence, Armise as a deadly force, and an intense history, but instead the words felt hollow to me. I never got a sense that these men had a turbulent history. Yes, it was said over and over, but unfortunately I never felt it.
I heard the series got better and since I already have the second work, I'll probably read it but I hold very little hope that the author can turn this around for me.
February 27, 2014
Apart from feeling like I'd been dropped into the middle of a series that's been playing as long as Dallas, Dynasty, Coronation Street and the Soprano's all whacked together - this was alright!
I eventually found my feet in this strange and futuristic world of war but I still haven't got much of a clue about the political structure and true leadership but hey-ho; I'm reading it for the intriguing enemies to fucky buddy (at best) trope. These guys are not lovers and probably never will be. And that makes for some awesome angry sex! I can see why this is recommended to fans of Special Forces. The early relationship in SF dynamic is certainly comparable here...
The suspense was pretty damn palpable with Merq and Armise and, yeah ...I like them, what I know of them, which doesn't feel like too much at this point. Assassins, elite soldiers and fierce enemies in the eyes of the world. I loved their intensity and their interactions, the danger and the history that's revealed in flashback really worked for me.
But feeling distracted with my efforts to grasp whatever the hell was happening detracted a bit from my complete immersion in these characters; I'm not yet invested, but I am intrigued, certainly.
By the end I had a MUCH better understanding of games being played and who the players are. A word of warning though: CLIFFHANGER!! But the next book is available so onward I go. #feelingmildyexcited
April 25, 2019
Straight to my favorites shelf!
March 1, 2016
I've been in this book funk lately and nothing has been working for me. A friend (thx Lala) recommended this series and I'm SO glad she did. This was just what I was looking for. Different. Engaging. Sexy. This is a dystopian, enemies to lovers story (imagine if Special Forces and In the Company of Shadows had a love child). It follows Merq from the time he's 16 till he's 34 as the government molds him into a heartless, killing machine. The only crack in his armor is repeated run ins with enemy soldier Armise. (Armise is going into my book boyfriend harem. He's all that!) Things are violent and chaotic through most of the story but there are these touching scenes where just a bit a light starts shining in. I'm totally committed to finding out what happens between these two.
The world building was a bit confusing in places but the characters were so fascinating to me that I just went with it. When I got to the very end I realized there is a timeline and character list. It may be worth it to skim at least the timeline before actually starting the book.
The world building was a bit confusing in places but the characters were so fascinating to me that I just went with it. When I got to the very end I realized there is a timeline and character list. It may be worth it to skim at least the timeline before actually starting the book.
May 29, 2017
2.5 stars
Excellent premise but the execution wasn't up to par. Too many details and info dumped into the reader at an excrutiating pace and not in a straight line, make the plot hard to follow almost until the middle. And then, I couldn't like Merq; for a highly trained agent, he didn't seem very bright to me :( Plus, the writing is more pompous and melodramatic than I'd like for such a powerful storyline; I think a more clean, stark writing style would have suited it much better. Not sure I care enough to go on with the series.
Note: This review is for the old version, not the updated one.
Excellent premise but the execution wasn't up to par. Too many details and info dumped into the reader at an excrutiating pace and not in a straight line, make the plot hard to follow almost until the middle. And then, I couldn't like Merq; for a highly trained agent, he didn't seem very bright to me :( Plus, the writing is more pompous and melodramatic than I'd like for such a powerful storyline; I think a more clean, stark writing style would have suited it much better. Not sure I care enough to go on with the series.
Note: This review is for the old version, not the updated one.
January 7, 2016
Wowwwwww. This review is impossible to write. How can I possibly get across to you the utter brilliance of the world that S.A. McAuley has built here? Or the amazement and sometimes utter speechlessness I felt while reading? How can I possibly describe the complexity of the characters of Merq and Armise? And, by the end of the series, will I even truly understand what they have gone through in the name of political causes and country, and ultimately, for each other? I guess that last one will have to wait to be answered until I finish the final book – but, let me try to convey some of the passion and emotion rolling through me after reading the first two books of S.A. McAuley’s The Borders War series…
One of the marks of great storytelling is when the reader doesn’t know what’s coming. Throughout both One Breath, One Bullet and Dominant Predator I NEVER knew what was coming. Any understanding you think you have of the world, or politics, or even people, has to be thrown out the window, and you must completely immerse yourself in this new landscape. We begin in the year 2539, where a sixteen-year-old Merq Grayson is already deep into his training to become a Peacemaker (soldier) for the Continental States – one of only five remaining countries in the world. This is FIVE HUNDRED years beyond the world as we know it. There are five countries fighting for territory, and there is even more at stake in the political backdrop of the war – groups fighting for not just geographical boundaries, but for the right to promote and protect their very belief systems. And, at sixteen, Merq is not even the youngest soldier trainee; some begin much younger. In fact, we learn early on that Merq was literally born and groomed for his role in the war.
Told from Merq’s POV, as are all of the books in the series, One Breath, One Bullet is the beginning of the story of how Merq became a pawn in the Borders War, and in the political agenda of Continental States leader, President Wensen Kersch, and his constituents. During an assignment, Merq comes in contact with a black ops soldier from an opposing side; and from the first time he hears the man’s laugh, Merq can’t get him out of his mind. He learns that the other soldier is Armise Darcan, an assassin from Singapore who, as it turns out, is just as affected by Merq as Merq is by him. Through some very effective time jumps, and various flashes of their volatile meetings, McAuley conveys the developing relationship between Armise and Merq, and gets us to the final, explosive twenty percent of the book, where the events leading up to and at the Olympics change EVERYTHING for both men.
Dominant Predator picks up right where the heart-racing action of the first book left us. What happened at the Olympics has restarted the Borders War, and Armise has rocked Merq to the core by exposing some of his true self and feelings, adding to Merq’s confusion and stress over how he feels about his position in the revolution. The methods of fighting have changed, and Merq has been exposed to parts of the world, mainly the living conditions of the general populace, that have altered his perceptions considerably. The action in this book is still incredibly intense, but we also have a lot of time to really dig into both men’s psyches. Merq continues to question the wisdom of his relationship with Armise – he stated in the first book that he “wouldn’t allow someone else to be his fatal flaw,” and that is still a concern in his mind. I loved getting to know Merq even more, but my love for Armise absolutely exploded in this book. His growth as a character was incredible, and I found myself just sinking deeper and deeper into their story.
So much action. So much intrigue. So many heart-stopping situations and incredible characters. Neveed, Simion, Jegs, President Kersch…you’ll be fascinated by them all for different reasons. But, at the core of it all are Merq and Armise. Fighting for the cause, but perhaps even more so, for each other. I can’t describe how amazing they are – and, I can’t get enough of this story. Go grab these first two books while they are free and 99 cents respectively! Because believe me, you are going to want to read the rest of the series.
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
One of the marks of great storytelling is when the reader doesn’t know what’s coming. Throughout both One Breath, One Bullet and Dominant Predator I NEVER knew what was coming. Any understanding you think you have of the world, or politics, or even people, has to be thrown out the window, and you must completely immerse yourself in this new landscape. We begin in the year 2539, where a sixteen-year-old Merq Grayson is already deep into his training to become a Peacemaker (soldier) for the Continental States – one of only five remaining countries in the world. This is FIVE HUNDRED years beyond the world as we know it. There are five countries fighting for territory, and there is even more at stake in the political backdrop of the war – groups fighting for not just geographical boundaries, but for the right to promote and protect their very belief systems. And, at sixteen, Merq is not even the youngest soldier trainee; some begin much younger. In fact, we learn early on that Merq was literally born and groomed for his role in the war.
Told from Merq’s POV, as are all of the books in the series, One Breath, One Bullet is the beginning of the story of how Merq became a pawn in the Borders War, and in the political agenda of Continental States leader, President Wensen Kersch, and his constituents. During an assignment, Merq comes in contact with a black ops soldier from an opposing side; and from the first time he hears the man’s laugh, Merq can’t get him out of his mind. He learns that the other soldier is Armise Darcan, an assassin from Singapore who, as it turns out, is just as affected by Merq as Merq is by him. Through some very effective time jumps, and various flashes of their volatile meetings, McAuley conveys the developing relationship between Armise and Merq, and gets us to the final, explosive twenty percent of the book, where the events leading up to and at the Olympics change EVERYTHING for both men.
Dominant Predator picks up right where the heart-racing action of the first book left us. What happened at the Olympics has restarted the Borders War, and Armise has rocked Merq to the core by exposing some of his true self and feelings, adding to Merq’s confusion and stress over how he feels about his position in the revolution. The methods of fighting have changed, and Merq has been exposed to parts of the world, mainly the living conditions of the general populace, that have altered his perceptions considerably. The action in this book is still incredibly intense, but we also have a lot of time to really dig into both men’s psyches. Merq continues to question the wisdom of his relationship with Armise – he stated in the first book that he “wouldn’t allow someone else to be his fatal flaw,” and that is still a concern in his mind. I loved getting to know Merq even more, but my love for Armise absolutely exploded in this book. His growth as a character was incredible, and I found myself just sinking deeper and deeper into their story.
So much action. So much intrigue. So many heart-stopping situations and incredible characters. Neveed, Simion, Jegs, President Kersch…you’ll be fascinated by them all for different reasons. But, at the core of it all are Merq and Armise. Fighting for the cause, but perhaps even more so, for each other. I can’t describe how amazing they are – and, I can’t get enough of this story. Go grab these first two books while they are free and 99 cents respectively! Because believe me, you are going to want to read the rest of the series.
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
February 22, 2016
This book keep popping up on my feed thanks to my friend, Xing! :D And I decided to give this a shot. Man! Where the hell this book been hiding from me?!
This is straight out addicting. 5% through and I knew I won't be able to put this book down. The main characters are really engaging, the writing style and the prose is excellent, and the sci-fi approach is really really good, something I don't see or feel often on m/m sci-fi books.
Merq's and Armise's chemistry is off the charts! Seriously. I anticipated their every encounter and every meeting is always electrified. Yes, electrified. Very satisfying!
I have two minor problem though: (1) Would have like the world building way better if the author explored more on what a particular current country comprised of (Like what Continental America comprises of. Is just North America? Or Canada is now part of it?). (2) Merq's narration dwells so much time on his inner thoughts. Like a chapter goes with not much dialogue from other people. (This is totally just a me-problem)
But overall, I totally loved loved this book. So addicting.
If you love ICoS or war enemies turned caring for each other, you'll love this book!
This is straight out addicting. 5% through and I knew I won't be able to put this book down. The main characters are really engaging, the writing style and the prose is excellent, and the sci-fi approach is really really good, something I don't see or feel often on m/m sci-fi books.
Merq's and Armise's chemistry is off the charts! Seriously. I anticipated their every encounter and every meeting is always electrified. Yes, electrified. Very satisfying!
I have two minor problem though: (1) Would have like the world building way better if the author explored more on what a particular current country comprised of (Like what Continental America comprises of. Is just North America? Or Canada is now part of it?). (2) Merq's narration dwells so much time on his inner thoughts. Like a chapter goes with not much dialogue from other people. (This is totally just a me-problem)
But overall, I totally loved loved this book. So addicting.
If you love ICoS or war enemies turned caring for each other, you'll love this book!
March 30, 2017
Edit 24/01/17
I revisited this series over the last two days. I reread all five books because the Merq & Armise addiction hasn't subsided. This is one damn solid series. It is an effort sifting through the abundance of MM B graded books but worth it when there are these hidden gems to discover. This is more than just your typical alpha on alpha romance. The world building was tanglible and political manoeuvrings unpredictable. The plot was ace. It provided a perfect balance of political depth and slow burn romance to satisfy the reader looking for a substantial read.
This is another well written gem in the MM genre. The World building was vivid but not too intense which I appreciate. The chemistry between Armise and Merq was hypnotically tangible. Their restrained but also certain attraction was fixating and addictive to read. The dystopian platform provided an atmospheric backdrop for a supposedly doomed relationship where two enemies pitted against one another manage to navigate a dangerous attraction. Against insurmountable odds we glimpse hope on the horizon. I enjoyed this immensely! Onto book 2.
I revisited this series over the last two days. I reread all five books because the Merq & Armise addiction hasn't subsided. This is one damn solid series. It is an effort sifting through the abundance of MM B graded books but worth it when there are these hidden gems to discover. This is more than just your typical alpha on alpha romance. The world building was tanglible and political manoeuvrings unpredictable. The plot was ace. It provided a perfect balance of political depth and slow burn romance to satisfy the reader looking for a substantial read.
This is another well written gem in the MM genre. The World building was vivid but not too intense which I appreciate. The chemistry between Armise and Merq was hypnotically tangible. Their restrained but also certain attraction was fixating and addictive to read. The dystopian platform provided an atmospheric backdrop for a supposedly doomed relationship where two enemies pitted against one another manage to navigate a dangerous attraction. Against insurmountable odds we glimpse hope on the horizon. I enjoyed this immensely! Onto book 2.
June 10, 2013
This book grabs you and sucks you in right from the first page. Merq and Armise are enemy soldiers in a dark and brutal world and this is reflected in their relationship. They do terrible things to each other but they take it in their stride. The story is full of double-crossing, triple-crossing and quadruple-crossing but rather than being confusing this just makes the book exciting and filled with twists and turns. When I reached the end I was captivated and I need the next book right now!
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