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Ariel #2
Surfacing
SURFACING
BOOK TWO: The Ariel Series
A few weeks following the events that concluded DEEP, Book One: The Ariel Series, Captain Joel Riley is struggling to adjust to his new relationship with his medic, Sean, and when a face from Sean’s past sets out to destroy Joel and his ship, Joel faces an impossible decision: Sean or Ariel.
Sensing Joel’s dilemma, Sean makes the decision to leave. He does so knowing he must confront his past and the abuse he suffered. Subjected to the same trauma again, this time at the hands of his brother, he uses the strength Joel taught him to take his future into his own hands.
For Joel, life without Sean proves unbearable and he comes to the realization that he needs more than just his ship. He sets out to bring Sean back… whatever the cost.
BOOK TWO: The Ariel Series
A few weeks following the events that concluded DEEP, Book One: The Ariel Series, Captain Joel Riley is struggling to adjust to his new relationship with his medic, Sean, and when a face from Sean’s past sets out to destroy Joel and his ship, Joel faces an impossible decision: Sean or Ariel.
Sensing Joel’s dilemma, Sean makes the decision to leave. He does so knowing he must confront his past and the abuse he suffered. Subjected to the same trauma again, this time at the hands of his brother, he uses the strength Joel taught him to take his future into his own hands.
For Joel, life without Sean proves unbearable and he comes to the realization that he needs more than just his ship. He sets out to bring Sean back… whatever the cost.
135 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 19, 2016
3 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 30, 2018
More like 3.5 stars.
I liked that Joel's and Sean's relationship progressed but I found the whole Mason situation a little hard to believe.
I liked that Joel's and Sean's relationship progressed but I found the whole Mason situation a little hard to believe.
January 21, 2021
Aboard the Ariel again
This second novel takes place only a couple of weeks after the last one ended. I really enjoy reading a bout this crew along with Sean and Joel.
This second novel takes place only a couple of weeks after the last one ended. I really enjoy reading a bout this crew along with Sean and Joel.
August 19, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Surfacing is the direct sequel to Deep. This story picks up shortly after the events in Deep and, while the transition is seamless, you definitely need to read Deep first in order to fully understand the plot. Again Joel and Sean are the stars of the show and while there are events taking place that involve the rest of the crew, they’re never given our full attention. Overall, Surfacing lacked some of the punch that was so evident in Deep. I think this is because so much of the novella take place planet side and not in the ethereal chasm of oceanic space. As a result, Surfacing felt rather ordinary and predictable at times. That said, the scenes between Joel and Sean work well because as a couple they’re sweet and stupid and you have to adore them for it. They both possess a need to sacrifice themselves for the ones they love and while admirable, there are times you wish they would just talk to one another. But this aspect of their relationship feels real and believable. Despite moving quickly, there’s no feeling of insta-love and its easy to see their feelings for one another have been building for far longer than Joel and Sean were aware of. Despite the fact it’s a novella, Surfacing felt well rounded and complete and while the action was occasionally rushed, it didn’t undermine the overall structure of the story.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Surfacing is the direct sequel to Deep. This story picks up shortly after the events in Deep and, while the transition is seamless, you definitely need to read Deep first in order to fully understand the plot. Again Joel and Sean are the stars of the show and while there are events taking place that involve the rest of the crew, they’re never given our full attention. Overall, Surfacing lacked some of the punch that was so evident in Deep. I think this is because so much of the novella take place planet side and not in the ethereal chasm of oceanic space. As a result, Surfacing felt rather ordinary and predictable at times. That said, the scenes between Joel and Sean work well because as a couple they’re sweet and stupid and you have to adore them for it. They both possess a need to sacrifice themselves for the ones they love and while admirable, there are times you wish they would just talk to one another. But this aspect of their relationship feels real and believable. Despite moving quickly, there’s no feeling of insta-love and its easy to see their feelings for one another have been building for far longer than Joel and Sean were aware of. Despite the fact it’s a novella, Surfacing felt well rounded and complete and while the action was occasionally rushed, it didn’t undermine the overall structure of the story.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
September 10, 2016
Surfacing is the sequel to Deep and it would definitely be better if that is read before this. Surfacing is relatively stand alone but still, it assumes you know the characters. It picks up not long after Deep and the crew is ready to surface from the waters where they mine and salvage and take some shore leave while they monetize their cargo.
Joel, the captain and Sean, the doctor, are still in the early days of their relationship which is a bit of a bumpy one. Joel has always considered himself straight until Sean and Sean's past contains a ton of sexual abuse (including being sold by his father and older brother) and framed for certain crimes.
Just as they are ready to take the next step in their relationship when everything falls apart. As if one crew member close to Joel turning up with a problem pregnancy that she might lose wasn't enough, Sean's past catches up to him. His elder brother has found him and worse blames Sean for everything bad that has happened to him as a result of Sean's fleeing the family. He can make it all go away if he returns Sean back to his abusers.
Joel isn't about to let this happen but Sean's instincts are to protect Joel and the ship from his brother. The question is will he survive the consequences of those instincts?
I enjoyed this novella though I occasionally wonder if Sean has the patience of a saint as Joel is a prickly captain and they both have a habit of jumping to conclusions. The world building in this is very interesting, and different, especially with the deep sea nature of the ship. It is, however, on the dark side (which I am a fan of). Sean and Joel are interesting characters and I'm glad of the time I spent with them.
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for a review which in no way influenced this review.
Joel, the captain and Sean, the doctor, are still in the early days of their relationship which is a bit of a bumpy one. Joel has always considered himself straight until Sean and Sean's past contains a ton of sexual abuse (including being sold by his father and older brother) and framed for certain crimes.
Just as they are ready to take the next step in their relationship when everything falls apart. As if one crew member close to Joel turning up with a problem pregnancy that she might lose wasn't enough, Sean's past catches up to him. His elder brother has found him and worse blames Sean for everything bad that has happened to him as a result of Sean's fleeing the family. He can make it all go away if he returns Sean back to his abusers.
Joel isn't about to let this happen but Sean's instincts are to protect Joel and the ship from his brother. The question is will he survive the consequences of those instincts?
I enjoyed this novella though I occasionally wonder if Sean has the patience of a saint as Joel is a prickly captain and they both have a habit of jumping to conclusions. The world building in this is very interesting, and different, especially with the deep sea nature of the ship. It is, however, on the dark side (which I am a fan of). Sean and Joel are interesting characters and I'm glad of the time I spent with them.
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for a review which in no way influenced this review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2016
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***
This is the second book in the series, and they have to be read in order.
Sean and Joel are slowly adjusting to being together, even if they're not sure what it all implies in the long run. However, once they make it to the surface, and they're confronted with someone from Sean's past that he'd rather not ever see again, the decision of if they'll remain together or not, might be taken out of their hands for good.
I loved Sean as much as I did in Deep. He's such a great character, strong and selfless, despite all the bad things that happened to him before he got to the Ariel and some after. While I liked Joel, I have to admit I kind of wanted to slap him a bit during the first part of this book, I'm glad he got much better in the second half.
I loved seeing the rest of the Ariel's crew and I absolutely hated Sean's oldest brother. He was horrible and I was glad to see him get what was coming to him.
All in all, this was a fantastic sequel, as it provided closure from some of the things we'd learned in the first book and Sean and Joel's relationship as they finally admitted to their feelings for one another.
Rating: 4.5 Stars!!!
This is the second book in the series, and they have to be read in order.
Sean and Joel are slowly adjusting to being together, even if they're not sure what it all implies in the long run. However, once they make it to the surface, and they're confronted with someone from Sean's past that he'd rather not ever see again, the decision of if they'll remain together or not, might be taken out of their hands for good.
I loved Sean as much as I did in Deep. He's such a great character, strong and selfless, despite all the bad things that happened to him before he got to the Ariel and some after. While I liked Joel, I have to admit I kind of wanted to slap him a bit during the first part of this book, I'm glad he got much better in the second half.
I loved seeing the rest of the Ariel's crew and I absolutely hated Sean's oldest brother. He was horrible and I was glad to see him get what was coming to him.
All in all, this was a fantastic sequel, as it provided closure from some of the things we'd learned in the first book and Sean and Joel's relationship as they finally admitted to their feelings for one another.
Rating: 4.5 Stars!!!
August 25, 2016
5 stars without a doubt. Surfacing is book 2 of the Ariel series. It can be read as a stand alone, but it works better as part of the series. It's a continuation of the story of Ariel's Captain Joel Riley and his medic, Sean. In this installment, Sean and Joel have to face the arrival of Sean's tormentor, his older brother, and Joel's coming out.
The connection between Joel and Sean is palpable, real. The characters are very well developed and we get to see more of the crew. The story flows nicely, and it kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The world itself is unique and easily to understand, despite being pretty complex and I would love to see more of it. In conclusion, I can't wait for next book in the series and I'm praying that there will be more than 3 stories in the series!!!
The connection between Joel and Sean is palpable, real. The characters are very well developed and we get to see more of the crew. The story flows nicely, and it kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The world itself is unique and easily to understand, despite being pretty complex and I would love to see more of it. In conclusion, I can't wait for next book in the series and I'm praying that there will be more than 3 stories in the series!!!
August 8, 2016
Surfacing offers a wonderful return to the world of the Ariel. I loved seeing Sean and Joel's developing relationship, and there was plenty of drama and action along the way.
Disclaimer: I was involved in the production of this title.
Disclaimer: I was involved in the production of this title.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews