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“I didn’t sign up to die a hero.” ~ Caleb.
Chen Hung closes in.
The nine systems hang perilously close to a second fatal Blackout.
Billions of lives are at stake.
Does Captain Caleb Shepperd have what it takes to save the nine systems, or just himself?
Caleb never wanted to be a hero. That was his brother’s dream. Keep it simple, get away clean. Flying a ship packed with explosives into Janus orbit station isn’t simple, and there ain’t no way he’s getting away clean.
He knows the Fenrir Nine have sent him on a suicide mission, but he’s not about to lay down his life for them. He’s not a hero, and he sure ain’t no fool despite what the Nine must think. There’s another way, he just has to figure it out before the bomb he’s carrying ticks down to zero.
One survived; against the odds, the brutality, and the betrayal, she survived, but inside, in the part of her that’s real, she’s broken. Broken in ways that cannot be fixed.
She’s going back to where it all began, to Janus—to Chitec, to the ‘man’ who made her. It will take all that she is, all that she was, and all that she could be, to save the nine systems from the synthetics.
She will not fail.
“I am One, and I cannot be stopped.”
Chen Hung closes in.
The nine systems hang perilously close to a second fatal Blackout.
Billions of lives are at stake.
Does Captain Caleb Shepperd have what it takes to save the nine systems, or just himself?
Caleb never wanted to be a hero. That was his brother’s dream. Keep it simple, get away clean. Flying a ship packed with explosives into Janus orbit station isn’t simple, and there ain’t no way he’s getting away clean.
He knows the Fenrir Nine have sent him on a suicide mission, but he’s not about to lay down his life for them. He’s not a hero, and he sure ain’t no fool despite what the Nine must think. There’s another way, he just has to figure it out before the bomb he’s carrying ticks down to zero.
One survived; against the odds, the brutality, and the betrayal, she survived, but inside, in the part of her that’s real, she’s broken. Broken in ways that cannot be fixed.
She’s going back to where it all began, to Janus—to Chitec, to the ‘man’ who made her. It will take all that she is, all that she was, and all that she could be, to save the nine systems from the synthetics.
She will not fail.
“I am One, and I cannot be stopped.”
197 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2016
91 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
Pippa DaCosta
79 books1,559 followersTwo-time DragonCon Finalist & Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award semi-finalist--- "Wait a second. Let's cut to the chase. I write kick-ass urban fantasy & sci-fi novels with conflicted characters, breathless action, and no-holds-barred dialogue. My books may not leave you feeling all fluffy and warm inside, but they will excite you. There will be plot-twists, angst, probably a few dead bodies, and very likely your favorite character will turn out to be the bad guy. Don't say I didn't warn you..."
www.pippadacosta.com
(I review on Goodreads as a reader, not a writer. Reviews here are my personal opinion, not a professional one).
www.pippadacosta.com
(I review on Goodreads as a reader, not a writer. Reviews here are my personal opinion, not a professional one).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
November 25, 2020
Previous rating: 15 stars.
New rating: 20 stars. Because DUH and stuff.
➽ And the moral of this reread is : “Count the stars” =
➽ And the other moral of this reread is : “The End?” = Hahahahahaha. sobloody shrimping evil hilariously funny you are, Pippa DaCosta.
[Original review]
BOOM. 15 stars. Just like that.
Do you hate GIFS? That is just so sad. Your life sucks. And things are about to get much worse. PLEASE STAND BACK.
Sorry. I needed to get this all out of my system before I started writing this non-review. Which, by the way, is going to be epically unepic. But it's not my fault. Nope. It's Pippa DaCosta's. Yep. Don't believe me, my little barnacles? Why am I not surprised? Oh well. As I was saying, this unepic non-review to come has to be blamed on Pippa DaCosta, aka the woman who uses books to exterminate her readers' synapses and annihilate their one remaining grey cell (the one whose life she was kind enough to spare the last time said readers read one of her stories).
Evil Pippa is Evil. And deviously wicked. And wickedly devious. Obviously. Why else would we love her so much?
I'm sorry, what? What did you just say? I haven't yet started non-reviewing the book? So what? I said this non-review was going to be unepic. I never said it wasn't going to be unepically long. Do you know what your problem is, little barnacles? You're always complaining my non-reviews are too long, but you're always interrupt me while I'm writing them. Isn't that kind of counter-productive? Thought so. Now can you please shut up? Thank you.
So. Where was I? Oh yes. Evil Pippa is Evil and that is why we members of the Wicked Pippa Cult worship her. The woman has no mercy. She messes with your feelings like no other author. She takes your little heart (well I don't have one, but some people do), squashes it eagerly, gives it a good squeeze, relaxes her grip a bit so you can resume breathing for 2 seconds, then throws your poor wreck of an organ on the floor and stamps on it for good measure. Which feels a little like this:
Sometimes it feels like this, too:
And typically, while reading one of Pippa's books, you end up feeling like this:
It is absolutefreakingly GLORIOUS. Damn, I love this woman. Her books make me feel alive. Think I'm exaggerating? Well I'm not. I mean, I was born that way. It can't be helped. And it doesn't change the fact that I'm not. Exaggerating I mean. Please do try to follow! You know why Pippa's books make me feel alive? Because they remind me Idon't have a heart that beats and feels and stops and restarts and oh my freaking god it's good to be alive. That's what Pippa does to me. Still think I'm exaggerating? Guess what? I don't give a damn. Ha.
Is this the part where I'm supposed to tell you about the book? It is? Sigh. Can't you just read it, get your heart properly squished, and start fangirling over it all on your own? No? Fine. I'll do it. I'll tell you two or three things about this oh-my-freaking-god-it-is-so-amazing-my-heart-stopped-pippa-i-hate-you-this-is-so-bloody-fantastic-i-might-die-pippa-i-love-you story. It's going to be crappy though. Don't say I didn't warn you.
This is a story about a bunch of off-the-scale fucked up people. They lie, they cheat, they use each other (in wonderfully diverse ways, hahahaha. I'm so funny. Even if you don't realize it), they backstab, they save your ass…only to backstab you all over again the first chance they get. Oh, and did I mention they lie and cheat and use and backstab? I did?
But, you see, sometimes the strangest things happen. Sometimes even the biggest backstabbing, selfish assholes and self-centred bitches develop a conscience. And sometimes even a *whispers* heart *faints* Damn. I wanted to have Caleb Shepperd's freaking babies before he became a half-decent human being! What am I supposed to do now? Surrender my body and soul to him?! Bloody hell, YES! OMG OMG OMG I think I just had the best idea ever!! Caleb, baby, I know you are suffering from a weird "I think I may have a heart" condition right now, but don't worry, I'm going to take good care of you! I happen to have just the medication you need!
So, to make things clear, and in case anyone missed it: CALEB-IS-MINE-SHEPPERD IS MINE.
Is there more to the book that Caleb-is-mine-Shepperd (is mine), you ask? Kind of. Hahahahaha ← this is me being hilarious again. (Just pointing it out in case you were wondering.) There is Fran, the biggest might-not-be-so-heartless kickass, lying bitch this side of the Nine Systems. Damn you Fran, you're completely fucked up but I might want to be you when I grow up! And then there's One. Aka #1001. Aka one of the mostest awesomest non-human-but-almost-and-certainly-more-human-than-most-humans characters ever created. One, if I could be a machine when I grew up, I'd be you. You are amazing. I want to be as alive as you are. I want my failsafes and protocols breached. I want to be the ghost in the machine. I want to count the stars with you, even when there are none. I want to break people open in good ways, just like you. Yes, I want all that, One. But most importantly I want to tell you something. Caleb already told you this, but as you probably know I love rehashing, so here goes: “Fuck you, One.” Yes, that's right. Because I might want to be you, but sometimes I don't like you very much. Sometimes. And sometimes I don't like Pippa very much either. Sometimes. Mind you, that only happens sometimes.
At this point, my little barnacles, you're probably wondering what the bloody fish I am talking about. I don't blame you. I would, too, if I weren't me. But I happen to be me, so I won't. Ha. At this point, my little barnacles, you're probably dying to ask me this question:
Yes, absolutely. Pippa Crack. Best stuff to get high on this side of theNine Systems universe.
What now? No freaking clue. This is the last instalment in this series, and the first withdrawal symptoms are already kicking in *gives herself a pep talk: do not cry, do no cry, do not cry! You are heartless and have no feelings, remember?* I guess I could go on and on and on about how cool-amazing-awesome-fantastic the story is. How you've probably never read anything like it before. How fast-paced, kickass, gripping, freaking page-turning, oh-bloody-hell-i-don't-believe-it it all is. But I won't. Wait. I think I just did. Sneaky little me.
So there you have it. This book is too awesome for words. This story is too awesome for words. This series is too awesome for words. These characters are too awesome for words. Pippa DaCosta is too awesome for words. All her books are too awesome for words.I am too awesome for words.
➽ And the moral of this non-review is: "Don't fuck with the fixer."
➽ And the other moral of this non-review is:
➽ And the other, other moral of this non-review is:
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
• Prequel: Girl From Above: Falling (short story) ★★★★★
• Book 1: Girl From Above: Betrayal ★★★★★
• Book 2: Girl From Above: Escape ★★★★★
• Book 3: Girl From Above: Trapped ★★★★★
• Book 5: Girl From Above: Deliverance ★★★
New rating: 20 stars. Because DUH and stuff.
➽ And the moral of this reread is : “Count the stars” =
➽ And the other moral of this reread is : “The End?” = Hahahahahaha. so
[Original review]
BOOM. 15 stars. Just like that.
Do you hate GIFS? That is just so sad. Your life sucks. And things are about to get much worse. PLEASE STAND BACK.
Sorry. I needed to get this all out of my system before I started writing this non-review. Which, by the way, is going to be epically unepic. But it's not my fault. Nope. It's Pippa DaCosta's. Yep. Don't believe me, my little barnacles? Why am I not surprised? Oh well. As I was saying, this unepic non-review to come has to be blamed on Pippa DaCosta, aka the woman who uses books to exterminate her readers' synapses and annihilate their one remaining grey cell (the one whose life she was kind enough to spare the last time said readers read one of her stories).
Evil Pippa is Evil. And deviously wicked. And wickedly devious. Obviously. Why else would we love her so much?
I'm sorry, what? What did you just say? I haven't yet started non-reviewing the book? So what? I said this non-review was going to be unepic. I never said it wasn't going to be unepically long. Do you know what your problem is, little barnacles? You're always complaining my non-reviews are too long, but you're always interrupt me while I'm writing them. Isn't that kind of counter-productive? Thought so. Now can you please shut up? Thank you.
So. Where was I? Oh yes. Evil Pippa is Evil and that is why we members of the Wicked Pippa Cult worship her. The woman has no mercy. She messes with your feelings like no other author. She takes your little heart (well I don't have one, but some people do), squashes it eagerly, gives it a good squeeze, relaxes her grip a bit so you can resume breathing for 2 seconds, then throws your poor wreck of an organ on the floor and stamps on it for good measure. Which feels a little like this:
Sometimes it feels like this, too:
And typically, while reading one of Pippa's books, you end up feeling like this:
It is absolutefreakingly GLORIOUS. Damn, I love this woman. Her books make me feel alive. Think I'm exaggerating? Well I'm not. I mean, I was born that way. It can't be helped. And it doesn't change the fact that I'm not. Exaggerating I mean. Please do try to follow! You know why Pippa's books make me feel alive? Because they remind me I
Is this the part where I'm supposed to tell you about the book? It is? Sigh. Can't you just read it, get your heart properly squished, and start fangirling over it all on your own? No? Fine. I'll do it. I'll tell you two or three things about this oh-my-freaking-god-it-is-so-amazing-my-heart-stopped-pippa-i-hate-you-this-is-so-bloody-fantastic-i-might-die-pippa-i-love-you story. It's going to be crappy though. Don't say I didn't warn you.
This is a story about a bunch of off-the-scale fucked up people. They lie, they cheat, they use each other (in wonderfully diverse ways, hahahaha. I'm so funny. Even if you don't realize it), they backstab, they save your ass…only to backstab you all over again the first chance they get. Oh, and did I mention they lie and cheat and use and backstab? I did?
But, you see, sometimes the strangest things happen. Sometimes even the biggest backstabbing, selfish assholes and self-centred bitches develop a conscience. And sometimes even a *whispers* heart *faints* Damn. I wanted to have Caleb Shepperd's freaking babies before he became a half-decent human being! What am I supposed to do now? Surrender my body and soul to him?! Bloody hell, YES! OMG OMG OMG I think I just had the best idea ever!! Caleb, baby, I know you are suffering from a weird "I think I may have a heart" condition right now, but don't worry, I'm going to take good care of you! I happen to have just the medication you need!
So, to make things clear, and in case anyone missed it: CALEB-IS-MINE-SHEPPERD IS MINE.
Is there more to the book that Caleb-is-mine-Shepperd (is mine), you ask? Kind of. Hahahahaha ← this is me being hilarious again. (Just pointing it out in case you were wondering.) There is Fran, the biggest might-not-be-so-heartless kickass, lying bitch this side of the Nine Systems. Damn you Fran, you're completely fucked up but I might want to be you when I grow up! And then there's One. Aka #1001. Aka one of the mostest awesomest non-human-but-almost-and-certainly-more-human-than-most-humans characters ever created. One, if I could be a machine when I grew up, I'd be you. You are amazing. I want to be as alive as you are. I want my failsafes and protocols breached. I want to be the ghost in the machine. I want to count the stars with you, even when there are none. I want to break people open in good ways, just like you. Yes, I want all that, One. But most importantly I want to tell you something. Caleb already told you this, but as you probably know I love rehashing, so here goes: “Fuck you, One.” Yes, that's right. Because I might want to be you, but sometimes I don't like you very much. Sometimes. And sometimes I don't like Pippa very much either. Sometimes. Mind you, that only happens sometimes.
At this point, my little barnacles, you're probably wondering what the bloody fish I am talking about. I don't blame you. I would, too, if I weren't me. But I happen to be me, so I won't. Ha. At this point, my little barnacles, you're probably dying to ask me this question:
Yes, absolutely. Pippa Crack. Best stuff to get high on this side of the
What now? No freaking clue. This is the last instalment in this series, and the first withdrawal symptoms are already kicking in *gives herself a pep talk: do not cry, do no cry, do not cry! You are heartless and have no feelings, remember?* I guess I could go on and on and on about how cool-amazing-awesome-fantastic the story is. How you've probably never read anything like it before. How fast-paced, kickass, gripping, freaking page-turning, oh-bloody-hell-i-don't-believe-it it all is. But I won't. Wait. I think I just did. Sneaky little me.
So there you have it. This book is too awesome for words. This story is too awesome for words. This series is too awesome for words. These characters are too awesome for words. Pippa DaCosta is too awesome for words. All her books are too awesome for words.
➽ And the moral of this non-review is: "Don't fuck with the fixer."
➽ And the other moral of this non-review is:
➽ And the other, other moral of this non-review is:
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
• Prequel: Girl From Above: Falling (short story) ★★★★★
• Book 1: Girl From Above: Betrayal ★★★★★
• Book 2: Girl From Above: Escape ★★★★★
• Book 3: Girl From Above: Trapped ★★★★★
• Book 5: Girl From Above: Deliverance ★★★
October 10, 2025
3.5*
I am not sure what was wrong this time, why I was not so fully emerged in this story. It was probably the timing, because I still think Pippa can do no wrong. :)) Anyway, a nail biting finale that isn't a finale. It has all the usual incentives that made me read the author in the first place, I will read the next 2 in the series as soon as possible.
I am not sure what was wrong this time, why I was not so fully emerged in this story. It was probably the timing, because I still think Pippa can do no wrong. :)) Anyway, a nail biting finale that isn't a finale. It has all the usual incentives that made me read the author in the first place, I will read the next 2 in the series as soon as possible.
July 10, 2016
I will miss these characters so damn much.
"I'd let them all die before I let her go."
Caleb Shepperd is a god.
Fran is a heroine. And I humbly apologize for not caring for her before. (She still can't touch my Caleb though.)
One- well, the hell with you and your nobility, you marvellous, imperfect thing.
➽ That I want a sequel, especially after that last chapter, is putting it mildly. I demand it. I need it in order for my brain to keep functioning adequately. Right now I'm picturing in my mind possible scenarios of what happened after that blessed last chapter and that's the only thing keeping me from going berserk and starting to scream like a nutcase.
Please, Pippa. Do this one good deed for my sanity and give us a sequel. Please.
"I'd let them all die before I let her go."
Caleb Shepperd is a god.
Fran is a heroine. And I humbly apologize for not caring for her before. (She still can't touch my Caleb though.)
One- well, the hell with you and your nobility, you marvellous, imperfect thing.
➽ That I want a sequel, especially after that last chapter, is putting it mildly. I demand it. I need it in order for my brain to keep functioning adequately. Right now I'm picturing in my mind possible scenarios of what happened after that blessed last chapter and that's the only thing keeping me from going berserk and starting to scream like a nutcase.
Please, Pippa. Do this one good deed for my sanity and give us a sequel. Please.
April 21, 2021
1st read - February 2016
2nd read - July 2019
3rd read - April 2021
Once again I am at a loss for words, I mean, how am I possibly supposed to tell you how fantastic this series actually is? Anyone who has already read the first three books will already be desperately waiting to find out how things turn out for our favourite anti-heroes Caleb and #1001 but what about those of you who haven't discovered these books before? What can I tell you that will make you go out and grab a copy of Girl From Above: Betrayal?
If I tell you that this quickly became one of my favourite sci-fi series would that help? What about if I told you that Pippa DaCosta is at the top of my auto-buy authors list for her amazing world building and fantastic characters? Perhaps I should point you in the direction of my friend Sarah who has notoriously high standards but who fan girls over this author's work even more than I do? I'm not afraid to play dirty to get people reading these books so perhaps I should tell you about the free prequel: Girl From Above: Falling (this is already free on Amazon.com and from various other ebook sellers so I'm hoping the discount will be applied to Amazon.co.uk soon). There is absolutely nothing to lose from trying a freebie and I honestly don't think you'll regret it!
Anyway, now that I've finished begging all the newbies to take a chance on this series let's get back to talking about the current book Girl From Above: Trust. I still haven't come up with the words to tell you how fantastic this story was, it was everything I'd hoped for and so much more but it's still left me desperately hoping that Pippa DaCosta has decided she's not quite ready to leave this world behind after all. Surely that ending means there's going to be more in the future? Please, please make my day and tell me we're not done with Caleb and #1001 yet!
I don't want to tell you anything about what happens in this book, instead I'm going to tell you to expect the unexpected. To watch out for betrayal around every corner, prepare to have your heart ripped from your chest and then torn into teeny tiny little pieces right before your eyes. You might want to have tissues on hand for that part and you should probably sit on plastic tarpaulin because all that blood is bound to get a little messy! You'll also probably be shocked and thrilled at the way some characters have turned their lives around, you'll laugh and smile about certain revelations and you'll likely end up with heart palpitations (if your heart recovers enough after the shredding and tearing that is) from the edge of your seat action you're about to witness. Nothing is ever going to be the same again after events in this book, these characters, as flawed and terrible as they can be one moment can also be some of the bravest and wonderful people you'd ever want to meet. They are so incredibly three dimensional I wouldn't have been surprised if Caleb, #1001 and even Fran had stepped out of my kindle to have a conversation with me. Love them or hate them they will definitely bring out strong emotions and if you're like me you'll end up rooting for all of them to find happiness in any way possible.
Pippa DaCosta you have outdone yourself and I salute you, please let me be the first to jump onto whatever crazy train ride you come up with next!
I received a free advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
_______________________________
WOOHOO I HAVE AN ARC!! Well I know what I'll be reading next :o)
2nd read - July 2019
3rd read - April 2021
Once again I am at a loss for words, I mean, how am I possibly supposed to tell you how fantastic this series actually is? Anyone who has already read the first three books will already be desperately waiting to find out how things turn out for our favourite anti-heroes Caleb and #1001 but what about those of you who haven't discovered these books before? What can I tell you that will make you go out and grab a copy of Girl From Above: Betrayal?
If I tell you that this quickly became one of my favourite sci-fi series would that help? What about if I told you that Pippa DaCosta is at the top of my auto-buy authors list for her amazing world building and fantastic characters? Perhaps I should point you in the direction of my friend Sarah who has notoriously high standards but who fan girls over this author's work even more than I do? I'm not afraid to play dirty to get people reading these books so perhaps I should tell you about the free prequel: Girl From Above: Falling (this is already free on Amazon.com and from various other ebook sellers so I'm hoping the discount will be applied to Amazon.co.uk soon). There is absolutely nothing to lose from trying a freebie and I honestly don't think you'll regret it!
Anyway, now that I've finished begging all the newbies to take a chance on this series let's get back to talking about the current book Girl From Above: Trust. I still haven't come up with the words to tell you how fantastic this story was, it was everything I'd hoped for and so much more but it's still left me desperately hoping that Pippa DaCosta has decided she's not quite ready to leave this world behind after all. Surely that ending means there's going to be more in the future? Please, please make my day and tell me we're not done with Caleb and #1001 yet!
I don't want to tell you anything about what happens in this book, instead I'm going to tell you to expect the unexpected. To watch out for betrayal around every corner, prepare to have your heart ripped from your chest and then torn into teeny tiny little pieces right before your eyes. You might want to have tissues on hand for that part and you should probably sit on plastic tarpaulin because all that blood is bound to get a little messy! You'll also probably be shocked and thrilled at the way some characters have turned their lives around, you'll laugh and smile about certain revelations and you'll likely end up with heart palpitations (if your heart recovers enough after the shredding and tearing that is) from the edge of your seat action you're about to witness. Nothing is ever going to be the same again after events in this book, these characters, as flawed and terrible as they can be one moment can also be some of the bravest and wonderful people you'd ever want to meet. They are so incredibly three dimensional I wouldn't have been surprised if Caleb, #1001 and even Fran had stepped out of my kindle to have a conversation with me. Love them or hate them they will definitely bring out strong emotions and if you're like me you'll end up rooting for all of them to find happiness in any way possible.
Pippa DaCosta you have outdone yourself and I salute you, please let me be the first to jump onto whatever crazy train ride you come up with next!
I received a free advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
_______________________________
WOOHOO I HAVE AN ARC!! Well I know what I'll be reading next :o)
March 20, 2016
I wish I could give this 6 stars or maybe 10. It was the perfect ending, but I want more. I need more. I’m not ready to say goodbye to these characters yet. Their story was finished, but it’s not. There could be more. This was one of those books were the story ends, but you know those characters still have awesome things to go do. I don’t want to simply imagine what those things are; I want to read about them.
Girl from Above: Trust was amazing and sad and heart wrenching and happy and beautiful. It ripped my heart out and crushed it like 15 times. Every time I’d think things were going to be okay they weren’t. I actually cried several times. I barely ever cry when reading books, but what some of these characters went through was intense. Did I mention I don’t even like sci-fi? And this series still managed to make me love it.
It’s impossible to say anything about what happened without giving away major spoilers. Some scenes were tragic. Others were joyous. To make the impossible happen, it all depended on trust, but it gets tricky when no one can be trusted. I was really shocked at some of the decisions certain characters made. The problems they faced really made them look deep inside and decide who it was they wanted to be. All of the characters were complex. Some I loved. Some I hated. Some I loved and hated. It takes incredible talent to write characters like that. Everything about this greatly exceeded my expectations.
Girl from Above: Trust was amazing and sad and heart wrenching and happy and beautiful. It ripped my heart out and crushed it like 15 times. Every time I’d think things were going to be okay they weren’t. I actually cried several times. I barely ever cry when reading books, but what some of these characters went through was intense. Did I mention I don’t even like sci-fi? And this series still managed to make me love it.
It’s impossible to say anything about what happened without giving away major spoilers. Some scenes were tragic. Others were joyous. To make the impossible happen, it all depended on trust, but it gets tricky when no one can be trusted. I was really shocked at some of the decisions certain characters made. The problems they faced really made them look deep inside and decide who it was they wanted to be. All of the characters were complex. Some I loved. Some I hated. Some I loved and hated. It takes incredible talent to write characters like that. Everything about this greatly exceeded my expectations.
March 3, 2016
I've come to the conlusion that Pippa is evil; she thrives on our salty tears. I noticed it in the Veil series, and even more so in the thrilling finale (?) of Girl From Above.
That's right; Pippa DaCosta has joined the ranks of the great evil geniuses of UF and Sci-Fi: authors who are able to make us care immensely for her flawed, frustrating and fascinating characters, then to repay our indulgence by doing terrible things to them. But when the plot is well-constructed, with an impossible romance, and an exploration of what it means to have a soul - the result is worth the torment.
Alan Turing once said: "The original question, 'Can machines think?' I believe to be too meaningless to deserve discussion." Fine! How about this question, then; "Can a synthetic have a soul?"
Well, after Reading Girl From Above: Trust, I have my opinion on the matter...
I've loved every minute I've spent With One; the 1001th machine who was made different from the rest, who refuses to let her programming define who she is; the synth with an indominable will to live and an appreciation of life. And Caleb; the space smuggler who's dragged kicking and screaming into the role of a hero. They're not good people, but damn, they certainly make the most of what they are given.
I might as well warn you: Keep your tissues ready. Cheng is not ready to go into the dark night without a fight, and with all the double-crossing going on when you least expect it, chances are good you'll be reading the conclusion with your heart lodged in your throat and your nose buried in your tissues.
Even Starscream has his (her?) moment. I don't know whether to sniffle or chuckle, because that ending was entirely fitting given that
But just when you think you've reached the end of the journey... there it is; the question mark.
Which begs the question; will there be a sequel? I want to know, heck; even "the black" wants to know. Yes, there is such a thing called the Question Mark nebula. (isn't it cool and entirely fitting?)
I sincerly hope there WILL be a sequel to this story. There are still so many avenues to explore.
Tell you what, let's find Pippa's playlist and send her links to her own favorite songs to remind her of how much we miss One and her human posse;-)
And Pippa: If you want to include excerpts from one of my favorite poems; Auguries of Innocence in Chaos Rises as well, I really wouldn't mind. Plenty of inspiration for Li'el in Blake's works ya know... ;-)
~e-Arc courtesy of Pippa Dacosta~
That's right; Pippa DaCosta has joined the ranks of the great evil geniuses of UF and Sci-Fi: authors who are able to make us care immensely for her flawed, frustrating and fascinating characters, then to repay our indulgence by doing terrible things to them. But when the plot is well-constructed, with an impossible romance, and an exploration of what it means to have a soul - the result is worth the torment.
Alan Turing once said: "The original question, 'Can machines think?' I believe to be too meaningless to deserve discussion." Fine! How about this question, then; "Can a synthetic have a soul?"
Well, after Reading Girl From Above: Trust, I have my opinion on the matter...
I've loved every minute I've spent With One; the 1001th machine who was made different from the rest, who refuses to let her programming define who she is; the synth with an indominable will to live and an appreciation of life. And Caleb; the space smuggler who's dragged kicking and screaming into the role of a hero. They're not good people, but damn, they certainly make the most of what they are given.
I might as well warn you: Keep your tissues ready. Cheng is not ready to go into the dark night without a fight, and with all the double-crossing going on when you least expect it, chances are good you'll be reading the conclusion with your heart lodged in your throat and your nose buried in your tissues.
Even Starscream has his (her?) moment. I don't know whether to sniffle or chuckle, because that ending was entirely fitting given that
But just when you think you've reached the end of the journey... there it is; the question mark.
Which begs the question; will there be a sequel? I want to know, heck; even "the black" wants to know. Yes, there is such a thing called the Question Mark nebula. (isn't it cool and entirely fitting?)
I sincerly hope there WILL be a sequel to this story. There are still so many avenues to explore.
Tell you what, let's find Pippa's playlist and send her links to her own favorite songs to remind her of how much we miss One and her human posse;-)
And Pippa: If you want to include excerpts from one of my favorite poems; Auguries of Innocence in Chaos Rises as well, I really wouldn't mind. Plenty of inspiration for Li'el in Blake's works ya know... ;-)
~e-Arc courtesy of Pippa Dacosta~
Read
May 8, 2019I don't know if I'm going to survive this finale...
Image credit
Image credit
July 23, 2016
now that I finally have some free time after quite a few hectic months (though really I feel as if I always say I have a hectic time, I think the right thing to say is that I can finally, if only for a while, focus on some of the things I love- like, books) I am finally going to attempt at a review of this book and the entire series.
Let's talk about trust, shall we? what is trust? do we really trust the people around us?
I know in my life there are some people I most definitely don't trust. Then there are those I am neutral about, which is really most people, and there are those few that I really do trust.
As for the neutral part that's a given. As for those I trust- why do I trust them? I think it's because I know them well enough to understand them, their motives, I know their inner workings. thus I can trust them. they still might hurt me, but really there are few things they could do that would really surprise me and change the whole way I see them.
Girl from Above is not like that. One trusted someone she shouldn't have and now she is paying the price. Caleb can't trust Fran and let's face it, Haley couldn't trust Caleb.
Can One trust Caleb?
I don't know. I think she can trust him to fight for her. to care. but I don't think she can trust him with no limits.
Can Caleb trust One?
I think so. but this trust is also limited. there are things One would or wouldn't do that Caleb would find hard to accept. truthfully, I think the main problem is Caleb's own insecurities but that's another matter.
This book is the final fight. alliances are made and and shifts and break. Revenge is an all around dish served for all. Goals, wishes, targets- they all come to a final conclusion and some big unfair and totally heartbreaking sacrifice. Rumpelstiltskin in Once Upon a Time said that "all magic comes with a price"
truth be told, "everything comes with a price".
So in specific terms, this book is awesome. this book is an evil unicorn. it is a ________ (something I don't know how to describe) to a really _________ (something I have no words for) of a series.
Fact is, Pippa is awesome, Pippa is mean and cruel and evil. I adore Pippa.
As for the series as a whole-
One was a great protagonist. I can't help but love her. She was determined and cruel and calculated and kind and loyal and innocent. she was a mixture, a machine but oh so human.
and Caleb is a twisted cold hearted bastard. but he is more than that. he is broken. he hurts. in a way he is a lost man. he is not a decent guy, but he is someone that tries to act decent every once in a while and just doesn't know how. he is a rebel. he is complicated (if you right in Facebook it's complicated what you actually mean is that you are dating Caleb. he is his very own brand of complications)
their story was one of a kind for me.
the ending was perfect, even if my little battered, broken, frozen heart almost couldn't handle it.
I have only one problem- Fran.... she's cool, but, well, I guess you could say I have issues. Pippa and I emailed about it.
The thing is that there are no hundreds upon hundreds of pages full of angesting, emotions and over all emotional pain. Emotion exist but do not take a front center and certainly are not discussed all the time if at all. Yet, there are emotions, there is genuine pain and genuine feelings. The relationships are messed up and complicated at best. The relationships are almost realistic. I say almost realistic because not every relationship is that complicated. Love has more than one layer and truth is an abstract term. what about truth in love? hell if I know.
Add I loved this series so much I had to share it with the people in my life. my friend read the first book (she loved it). my father also read the books. he said they were good. however we he had two problems:
1. he preferred Fran- she's wild and lively and crazy and feisty and human. personally I prefer One (I can relate to get better).
2. Caleb. my father said he couldn't understand him. I tried to explain to him. Caleb came from a broken home, as a result he needed to prove himself, he needed to achieve and overcome his insecurities and past wounds. Which is why Caleb was extremely ambitious.
his mourning over Haley is not a mourning over a dead beloved who was his soul mate and to whom no one could ever compare.
Caleb's mourning over Haley is his mourning over himself.
Caleb was so ambitious, dating Haley was a step in his ladder. since she was kind, smart, good looking and rich that wasn't too complicated or a hard thing to do.
still, something happened. because of his ambition Caleb stood on the sidelines one night and watched something horrible happen. he broke a trust and lost a part of his humanity. The thing he did wasn't fruitive and Caleb ended up in jail. So Caleb did something horrible because of his ambition and he did it in order to further himself up the ladder. he paid a terrible price but did not recieve the prize he hoped for, instead he was punished. suddenly looking in the mirror didn't feel so good anymore. what he saw was something he didn't recognize or liked to see. And so, Caleb's aiding the rebels is part of Caleb trying to get some of his humanity back, it is about Caleb seeking redemption.
I really have only one complaint. this series about space has no aliens. it could have been cool if there were some. besides that- pure awesome and one of my favorite series ever.
many thanks for the ever awesome Pippa Dacosta for the ARC. she's a queen.
Let's talk about trust, shall we? what is trust? do we really trust the people around us?
I know in my life there are some people I most definitely don't trust. Then there are those I am neutral about, which is really most people, and there are those few that I really do trust.
As for the neutral part that's a given. As for those I trust- why do I trust them? I think it's because I know them well enough to understand them, their motives, I know their inner workings. thus I can trust them. they still might hurt me, but really there are few things they could do that would really surprise me and change the whole way I see them.
Girl from Above is not like that. One trusted someone she shouldn't have and now she is paying the price. Caleb can't trust Fran and let's face it, Haley couldn't trust Caleb.
Can One trust Caleb?
I don't know. I think she can trust him to fight for her. to care. but I don't think she can trust him with no limits.
Can Caleb trust One?
I think so. but this trust is also limited. there are things One would or wouldn't do that Caleb would find hard to accept. truthfully, I think the main problem is Caleb's own insecurities but that's another matter.
This book is the final fight. alliances are made and and shifts and break. Revenge is an all around dish served for all. Goals, wishes, targets- they all come to a final conclusion and some big unfair and totally heartbreaking sacrifice. Rumpelstiltskin in Once Upon a Time said that "all magic comes with a price"
truth be told, "everything comes with a price".
So in specific terms, this book is awesome. this book is an evil unicorn. it is a ________ (something I don't know how to describe) to a really _________ (something I have no words for) of a series.
Fact is, Pippa is awesome, Pippa is mean and cruel and evil. I adore Pippa.
As for the series as a whole-
One was a great protagonist. I can't help but love her. She was determined and cruel and calculated and kind and loyal and innocent. she was a mixture, a machine but oh so human.
and Caleb is a twisted cold hearted bastard. but he is more than that. he is broken. he hurts. in a way he is a lost man. he is not a decent guy, but he is someone that tries to act decent every once in a while and just doesn't know how. he is a rebel. he is complicated (if you right in Facebook it's complicated what you actually mean is that you are dating Caleb. he is his very own brand of complications)
their story was one of a kind for me.
the ending was perfect, even if my little battered, broken, frozen heart almost couldn't handle it.
I have only one problem- Fran.... she's cool, but, well, I guess you could say I have issues. Pippa and I emailed about it.
The thing is that there are no hundreds upon hundreds of pages full of angesting, emotions and over all emotional pain. Emotion exist but do not take a front center and certainly are not discussed all the time if at all. Yet, there are emotions, there is genuine pain and genuine feelings. The relationships are messed up and complicated at best. The relationships are almost realistic. I say almost realistic because not every relationship is that complicated. Love has more than one layer and truth is an abstract term. what about truth in love? hell if I know.
Add I loved this series so much I had to share it with the people in my life. my friend read the first book (she loved it). my father also read the books. he said they were good. however we he had two problems:
1. he preferred Fran- she's wild and lively and crazy and feisty and human. personally I prefer One (I can relate to get better).
2. Caleb. my father said he couldn't understand him. I tried to explain to him. Caleb came from a broken home, as a result he needed to prove himself, he needed to achieve and overcome his insecurities and past wounds. Which is why Caleb was extremely ambitious.
his mourning over Haley is not a mourning over a dead beloved who was his soul mate and to whom no one could ever compare.
Caleb's mourning over Haley is his mourning over himself.
Caleb was so ambitious, dating Haley was a step in his ladder. since she was kind, smart, good looking and rich that wasn't too complicated or a hard thing to do.
still, something happened. because of his ambition Caleb stood on the sidelines one night and watched something horrible happen. he broke a trust and lost a part of his humanity. The thing he did wasn't fruitive and Caleb ended up in jail. So Caleb did something horrible because of his ambition and he did it in order to further himself up the ladder. he paid a terrible price but did not recieve the prize he hoped for, instead he was punished. suddenly looking in the mirror didn't feel so good anymore. what he saw was something he didn't recognize or liked to see. And so, Caleb's aiding the rebels is part of Caleb trying to get some of his humanity back, it is about Caleb seeking redemption.
I really have only one complaint. this series about space has no aliens. it could have been cool if there were some. besides that- pure awesome and one of my favorite series ever.
many thanks for the ever awesome Pippa Dacosta for the ARC. she's a queen.
November 4, 2018
MacHalo Buddy Read
This book wrecked me.
The whole series was a rollercoaster ride. But this last book really got to me.
The best part of my experience was when I was crying and had to take a break to find tissues. I took a breather and looked at my Goodreads page. And on my book status where I cursed Pippa I saw that she "liked" my comment. Which made me laugh. So, I sat here laughing and crying. Only Pippa could do that.
Thank you Pippa! For being the best storyteller. For letting me curse you, cry, scream and fangirl over you.... and you noticed.
February 28, 2016
What a great ride this series has been. In the beginning, Pippa DaCosta introduced readers to an interesting space odyssey centering around manufactured humans, with a cast of deeply flawed and morally ambiguous characters. Over the course of 4 books, Pippa has managed to turn this series into so much more by taking a deeper look at the shades of grey, the areas between right and wrong, and delivering one hell of a transformative journey.
Self-loathing, hatred, deceit, and bitterness is where this story began; loyalty, trust, strength, and respect is where this story ended. The value of humanity, the beauty of life, and the most surprising part of it all is that these revelations were brought forth by a created being. And entity, for all intents and purposes, who shouldn't even have a soul, but proves that perhaps soul can be acquired through a lust for life and a profound appreciation for simply being alive.
One quality I admire in authors is the ability to make readers feel, whether the emotion be anger, sadness, joy. Pippa does just that, and excels at it. The 1001 Revolution gave me a whirlwind of emotions with each installment and it's the kind of emotion that doesn't let go easily, the kind that sits and festers and makes you think. And I'm still thinking, still festering. Mostly because I don't want to believe this is the end of Caleb's and One's journey, especially when it seems they were just getting started. But as Caleb and One say:
My dream is to have this world and One revisited in the future. Please, don't let me down. "The End?", you say? That question mark is cruel and taunting.
Bottom line -- this series has quickly grown to become one of my favorites. Seriously, it's that good. Aside from providing a meaningful glimpse at humanity and the good guys vs the bad, it's also a fast-paced and exciting series that delivers on sex and drugs (but not rock and roll...) and the seedy underbelly of life in the black. I will definitely miss this series and will spend my time thinking hard about that question mark at the end. If you haven't read this series yet, please do. Go forth, my friends, it's well worth the time.
**Many thanks to the author for providing a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
**Cliterary Genius A to Z book challenge, letter T.
Self-loathing, hatred, deceit, and bitterness is where this story began; loyalty, trust, strength, and respect is where this story ended. The value of humanity, the beauty of life, and the most surprising part of it all is that these revelations were brought forth by a created being. And entity, for all intents and purposes, who shouldn't even have a soul, but proves that perhaps soul can be acquired through a lust for life and a profound appreciation for simply being alive.
One quality I admire in authors is the ability to make readers feel, whether the emotion be anger, sadness, joy. Pippa does just that, and excels at it. The 1001 Revolution gave me a whirlwind of emotions with each installment and it's the kind of emotion that doesn't let go easily, the kind that sits and festers and makes you think. And I'm still thinking, still festering. Mostly because I don't want to believe this is the end of Caleb's and One's journey, especially when it seems they were just getting started. But as Caleb and One say:
Stars are wishes and wishes are dreams.
My dream is to have this world and One revisited in the future. Please, don't let me down. "The End?", you say? That question mark is cruel and taunting.
Bottom line -- this series has quickly grown to become one of my favorites. Seriously, it's that good. Aside from providing a meaningful glimpse at humanity and the good guys vs the bad, it's also a fast-paced and exciting series that delivers on sex and drugs (but not rock and roll...) and the seedy underbelly of life in the black. I will definitely miss this series and will spend my time thinking hard about that question mark at the end. If you haven't read this series yet, please do. Go forth, my friends, it's well worth the time.
**Many thanks to the author for providing a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
**Cliterary Genius A to Z book challenge, letter T.
November 15, 2018
Pippa did it again. She broke my poor mistreated heart. I've lost count how many times she abused my feelings in a similar way. I'm starting to suspect that I keep coming back to her books due to Stockholm Syndrome. I mean why else would I start salivating the moment a notice for a new release with her name on it shows up in my feed?
I'm still not over that ending. Or rather I'm not over what happened in the last 20%. things were shaping up so nicely prior to that. And I knew, I just knew, that it'll end badly. And I so desperately wanted a somewhat happy ending (come on I'm realistic enough to know that i will never get a real HEA from Pippa so I might as well not even entertain the idea) because One and Caleb deserved it after all BS they dealt with. The good news is (well good from my POV, I'm not sure the tormented characters will agree) is that there's another book coming next year so maybe, just maybe *looks entreatingly to Pippa shamelessly begging* this time there'll be a happier resolution.
I'm still not over that ending. Or rather I'm not over what happened in the last 20%. things were shaping up so nicely prior to that. And I knew, I just knew, that it'll end badly. And I so desperately wanted a somewhat happy ending (come on I'm realistic enough to know that i will never get a real HEA from Pippa so I might as well not even entertain the idea) because One and Caleb deserved it after all BS they dealt with. The good news is (well good from my POV, I'm not sure the tormented characters will agree) is that there's another book coming next year so maybe, just maybe *looks entreatingly to Pippa shamelessly begging* this time there'll be a happier resolution.
August 4, 2019
8/4/19 re-read, still one of the most perfect series ending ever.
Except it’s not the end anymore! *sqee*
Well, that was fucking perfect. Gut-wrenching, but perfect. Proper review to come.
***
Here's that proper review.
It’s taken me a really long time to review this book. Mostly because it made my head explode. It's no secret I am a HUGE Pippa fan, (hello, my fangirling is out there for ALL to see, lol)
but this series has just blown me away.
I am a big sci-fi fan, too-both books, movies and series. What Pippa has done here, taking sci-fi and giving it a bit of a sexy UF twist is pure genius. I have been enjoying the ride, but this book, the finale, took us all into warp drive.
Theses are hard, tough people, with questionable morals and sketchy ethics but my, oh my, the emotions in this one...!
I've had my heart ripped out and handed to me by DaCosta more times than I can count, but each time she makes it more bloody and painful.
Caleb and crew will not make it out of this unscathed, things get crazy, things go BOOM and well, I can't say anymore, just read the goddamn series already.
Share the pain.
Except it’s not the end anymore! *sqee*
Well, that was fucking perfect. Gut-wrenching, but perfect. Proper review to come.
***
Here's that proper review.
It’s taken me a really long time to review this book. Mostly because it made my head explode. It's no secret I am a HUGE Pippa fan, (hello, my fangirling is out there for ALL to see, lol)
but this series has just blown me away.
I am a big sci-fi fan, too-both books, movies and series. What Pippa has done here, taking sci-fi and giving it a bit of a sexy UF twist is pure genius. I have been enjoying the ride, but this book, the finale, took us all into warp drive.
Theses are hard, tough people, with questionable morals and sketchy ethics but my, oh my, the emotions in this one...!
I've had my heart ripped out and handed to me by DaCosta more times than I can count, but each time she makes it more bloody and painful.
Caleb and crew will not make it out of this unscathed, things get crazy, things go BOOM and well, I can't say anymore, just read the goddamn series already.
Share the pain.
March 4, 2016
You know what? I should stop reading this author's books. Why? Because it is not good for my psychiatric wellbeing. I barely survived The Veil Series and it's no surprise that I barely survived this one! She sure knows how to keep her readers hooked. I don't drink, so I don't know how a hangover feels like but from what my friends tell me, I think I have one.
Once again, the final installment of Girl From above, The 1000 Revolution. From the first book, we were fascinated greatly by One, Caleb, Fran and the entire gang continuously through to this final book. Since I opened page 1, I was absolutely riveted, but that's also mixed with a bit of apprehension because that's how I usually am when reading a Pippa DaCosta book, I'm always at the edge of my seat.
There's a lot that happened in this big, all of them huge and explosive, and I could summarize that for you but I can't guarantee doing it without any spoilers. Honestly, I don't even know how to write a proper review for this book, mainly this is all me gushing but that's all you need to know. So do yourself a favor and read this amazing series!
I could go back and edit this if I can pull myself together to write a proper review, meanwhile we can make do with this.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Once again, the final installment of Girl From above, The 1000 Revolution. From the first book, we were fascinated greatly by One, Caleb, Fran and the entire gang continuously through to this final book. Since I opened page 1, I was absolutely riveted, but that's also mixed with a bit of apprehension because that's how I usually am when reading a Pippa DaCosta book, I'm always at the edge of my seat.
There's a lot that happened in this big, all of them huge and explosive, and I could summarize that for you but I can't guarantee doing it without any spoilers. Honestly, I don't even know how to write a proper review for this book, mainly this is all me gushing but that's all you need to know. So do yourself a favor and read this amazing series!
I could go back and edit this if I can pull myself together to write a proper review, meanwhile we can make do with this.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 6, 2017
If only all series finished this well. I purposefully waited a long time to read the series finale because I didn't want this to end. After so much anticipation, I dreaded a disappointment of Lost-like proportion. But book four was phenomenal. I am both ripped to pieces and intensely satisfied. Fingers crossed for a sequel, but I couldn't ask for a better ending.
March 4, 2019
Pippa did it again. She broke my poor mistreated heart. I've lost count how many times she abused my feelings in a similar way. I'm starting to suspect that I keep coming back to her books due to Stockholm Syndrome. I mean why else would I start salivating the moment a notice for a new release with her name on it shows up in my feed?
I'm still not over that ending. Or rather I'm not over what happened in the last 20%. things were shaping up so nicely prior to that. And I knew, I just knew, that it'll end badly. And I so desperately wanted a somewhat happy ending (come on I'm realistic enough to know that i will never get a real HEA from Pippa so I might as well not even entertain the idea) because One and Caleb deserved it after all BS they dealt with. The good news is (well good from my POV, I'm not sure the tormented characters will agree) is that there's another book coming next year so maybe, just maybe *looks entreatingly to Pippa shamelessly begging* this time there'll be a happier resolution.
I'm still not over that ending. Or rather I'm not over what happened in the last 20%. things were shaping up so nicely prior to that. And I knew, I just knew, that it'll end badly. And I so desperately wanted a somewhat happy ending (come on I'm realistic enough to know that i will never get a real HEA from Pippa so I might as well not even entertain the idea) because One and Caleb deserved it after all BS they dealt with. The good news is (well good from my POV, I'm not sure the tormented characters will agree) is that there's another book coming next year so maybe, just maybe *looks entreatingly to Pippa shamelessly begging* this time there'll be a happier resolution.
March 4, 2016
This is it; the end of the series. The final showdown between The Fenrir Nine and Chen Hung/Chitec, with Caleb, One, Fran and Bren all caught in the middle. I’ll just leave it there so I can avoid giving away huge spoilers.
In the beginning of the book, I was lulled into a false sense of security; I thought I could envision how this was going to play out.
Silly me.
As soon as that first plot twist dropped, that was it. Boom. Mind blown.
Alternating between One and Caleb’s POV, I couldn’t help but get emotionally involved. The author does a fantastic job giving each character a distinct voice that is consistent throughout the book. And the scenes were set so vividly I could picture them in my head like I was watching a movie.
Pippa DaCosta, I want to hug you, then shake you, over and over until my arms are tired. I’m emotionally spent. I was crying so hard at one point that I had to set down my Kindle because I couldn't read through the tears. And that ending, gah! I don’t even know what to do with that ending. I’m just staring off into space trying to come to grips with it.
A copy was generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
In the beginning of the book, I was lulled into a false sense of security; I thought I could envision how this was going to play out.
Silly me.
As soon as that first plot twist dropped, that was it. Boom. Mind blown.
Alternating between One and Caleb’s POV, I couldn’t help but get emotionally involved. The author does a fantastic job giving each character a distinct voice that is consistent throughout the book. And the scenes were set so vividly I could picture them in my head like I was watching a movie.
Pippa DaCosta, I want to hug you, then shake you, over and over until my arms are tired. I’m emotionally spent. I was crying so hard at one point that I had to set down my Kindle because I couldn't read through the tears. And that ending, gah! I don’t even know what to do with that ending. I’m just staring off into space trying to come to grips with it.
A copy was generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
March 4, 2016
In the End, A Story of Redemption After All
In my review of Book #1, I said, “Caleb, Fran and #1001 are three of the most damaged, painfully flawed characters you will ever meet - and it's been years since I've rooted so hard for a group of characters to win out in the end. I want them to be saved, to save themselves, to find their redemption and justice.” Throughout the course of the series, I began to seriously doubt much if any of that was going to happen – the author really knows how to put her characters through the worst sort of nightmares.
It turned out each of them was even more flawed than we knew, which we learned even as we watched them struggle to be better, to do better. And in the end, they came through for me, every one of them. They found their something to live for, something to die for. Also, after so much action, violence, peril and heartbreak, I have to say the brief moments of peace and contentment (near) the end were especially beautiful.
“ ‘She’s insane,’ one of the crew muttered.
Insane?
No.
I am One.
And I’m alive.”
Yes, you are, One. Yes, you are.
In my review of Book #1, I said, “Caleb, Fran and #1001 are three of the most damaged, painfully flawed characters you will ever meet - and it's been years since I've rooted so hard for a group of characters to win out in the end. I want them to be saved, to save themselves, to find their redemption and justice.” Throughout the course of the series, I began to seriously doubt much if any of that was going to happen – the author really knows how to put her characters through the worst sort of nightmares.
It turned out each of them was even more flawed than we knew, which we learned even as we watched them struggle to be better, to do better. And in the end, they came through for me, every one of them. They found their something to live for, something to die for. Also, after so much action, violence, peril and heartbreak, I have to say the brief moments of peace and contentment (near) the end were especially beautiful.
“ ‘She’s insane,’ one of the crew muttered.
Insane?
No.
I am One.
And I’m alive.”
Yes, you are, One. Yes, you are.
April 25, 2020
After all the lies, betrayal, twisty turns, deaths, and ‘oh hey, surprise, I’m not really dead’ moments, the ending to this book damn near had me gutted! And then came that final chapter........
March 13, 2016
I finished this a couple days ago and it's still on my mind. Such a great series. I can't recommend it enough. At about 85% I was reading with full-on rage raisin face
because the characters are that powerful. A great end to an awesome series. But I do have to say
because the characters are that powerful. A great end to an awesome series. But I do have to say
October 10, 2016
NOT ENOUGH!! NEVER ENOUGH!! I CAN ALREADY FEEL THE HANGOVER COMING.
February 25, 2016
What did the author just do to me!! I'm still mad/hopeful about the way the story ended but I think that's a good thing because it was such a good story, that it caused a gamut of emotions the whole time. I'm a HEA kind of girl and I don't like it when that doesn't happen but Ms. DaCosta is so good at her craft, that I loved this!!! It's everything you want in sci fi and whether you hate it or love it, it will make you feel.
February 4, 2017
Great series
I really enjoyed these books, it seemed like the books got getter and better as they went along. Not at all what i expected. I had to read them all at once. One after another. A reminder living is not being alive, going thru motions is not alive. How many of us are on auto pilot daily? Remember to stop and smell the roses, and "count the stars"
I really enjoyed these books, it seemed like the books got getter and better as they went along. Not at all what i expected. I had to read them all at once. One after another. A reminder living is not being alive, going thru motions is not alive. How many of us are on auto pilot daily? Remember to stop and smell the roses, and "count the stars"
February 28, 2016
Wow! What a ride! What an outstanding series! I love Caleb, Fran and One - they are so flawed yet smart, witty and tenacious. I laughed, I cried, I held my breath - I couldn't put this book down and finished it in a day. I can't recommend this series highly enough!
September 15, 2019
Pippa ripped my heart out and put it back together in this finale!! Loved it all. GO.READ.THIS.NOW!
Currently reading
October 17, 2018The End? I Sincerely Hope Not!
There's just enough possibility in this Sci-fi Adventure Series to make you think of all the potential outcomes that would fill a fifth volume and then some. Pippa DaCosta is my favorite twisted adventurer in very "novel" ways. There, I said it, are wrote it and it's up to you to figure it out for yourselves. Great your self to the best Space Android, or synthetic humans if you want, Adventure Series since "The Caves of Steel" or all of Asimov's Robot series.
There's just enough possibility in this Sci-fi Adventure Series to make you think of all the potential outcomes that would fill a fifth volume and then some. Pippa DaCosta is my favorite twisted adventurer in very "novel" ways. There, I said it, are wrote it and it's up to you to figure it out for yourselves. Great your self to the best Space Android, or synthetic humans if you want, Adventure Series since "The Caves of Steel" or all of Asimov's Robot series.
June 15, 2020
surprisingly happy ending
March 1, 2016
What I liked:
Grab some tissues and hold on tight! This final installment packs some serious emotional punch (one reason I generally go for SFR over straight SF, but here you get it without the romance), as well as a real adrenaline-laced ride through violence, more betrayal, sacrifice, and emotional awakenings. Basically all hell breaks loose. I finally forgave Caleb for being such a jerk as this a-hole of a reluctant hero has finally turned himself around from someone I hoped would die long before the end of the series to one I could cheer and feel for. Clean, crisp and gritty writing, with a couple of good twists towards the end, plus a satisfactory conclusion that wraps up the four books but leaves intriguing openings for more. Frankly I would love more of One's adventures, but could let Caleb fly off into the sunset because I can only see him reverting after all the character growth in the four books (and I don't want to see that).
What I didn't like:
*spoiler alert! Don't read this section if you don't want the ending given away*
In conclusion:
I feel like One ripped out my heart and squished it, before giving me a hug! This was a seriously good conclusion to the series, and a real tear-jerker, as well as providing some dark, acidic humor and high-adrenaline action. Those hoping for a romantic ending might be disappointed, but for fans of scifi action adventure who aren't offended by the sex and foul language, this is perfection. Recommended for those who like Firefly/Farscape.
Full disclosure: I received a free advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Grab some tissues and hold on tight! This final installment packs some serious emotional punch (one reason I generally go for SFR over straight SF, but here you get it without the romance), as well as a real adrenaline-laced ride through violence, more betrayal, sacrifice, and emotional awakenings. Basically all hell breaks loose. I finally forgave Caleb for being such a jerk as this a-hole of a reluctant hero has finally turned himself around from someone I hoped would die long before the end of the series to one I could cheer and feel for. Clean, crisp and gritty writing, with a couple of good twists towards the end, plus a satisfactory conclusion that wraps up the four books but leaves intriguing openings for more. Frankly I would love more of One's adventures, but could let Caleb fly off into the sunset because I can only see him reverting after all the character growth in the four books (and I don't want to see that).
What I didn't like:
*spoiler alert! Don't read this section if you don't want the ending given away*
In conclusion:
I feel like One ripped out my heart and squished it, before giving me a hug! This was a seriously good conclusion to the series, and a real tear-jerker, as well as providing some dark, acidic humor and high-adrenaline action. Those hoping for a romantic ending might be disappointed, but for fans of scifi action adventure who aren't offended by the sex and foul language, this is perfection. Recommended for those who like Firefly/Farscape.
Full disclosure: I received a free advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
March 5, 2016
I received free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Girl From Above: Trust is fourth book in the series and like all other books in the series it is amazing. I am not going to say again how much I love Pippa's writing, the story and all the twists and turns she is so good at. The thing that really stood out to me while reading Girl From Above: Trust was how strong her female characters are. Both, One and Fran are tough, kick ass unapologetic heroines. You could even argue that One and Fran were in some respect stronger and braver than Caleb. And I loved how Caleb always acknowledged that but did not feel intimidated by these women. You gotta love a man who is not intimidated by a strong woman. Of course this book would not be compete without Pippa teasing and keeping her readers hungry for more. The End?... Seriously, Pippa, why are you doing this to us? ;-)
April 27, 2017
That Cliff hanger ending! I have never met characters as real as these. They are flawed (SO DAMN FLAWED) They back stab because they are human. Nothing is off limits in this book. You can't predict this book because you can't predict how people will act. These aren't characters who at the last minuet make the right choice that saves the day. These are PEOPLE. When you read a book in the back of your mind you always just know "Love wins, she/he wont really do what they are thinking. This is a book. He/she wont mess up THAT bad" But no. Not in these books. These characters mess up, they con each other and actually try to kill each other. I haven't read a book this real... in forever. None of the characters are all knowing, none of them are all powerful or undying.
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