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Aurora Renegades #3
Abysm
In the quest to be the masters of their own fate, will humanity rise to become liberators or follow the path of their ancestors into darkness?
Alex Solovy and Caleb Marano risked everything to learn the hidden purpose behind the Metigen’s multiverse portal network, but nothing could have prepared them for the answer. Humans are a genetic recreation of the Anaden, the dictators and overlords of the master universe. Aurora is a recreation of their origins, created by the Metigens in a desperate gambit to understand the nature of their enemy, and so find a way to defeat them. Instead it may turn out that history always repeats itself….
Aurora’s future hangs in the balance as the Earth Alliance goes to war with itself over the right of synthetics and Prevos—human/AI hybrids—to exist. Terrorists sow chaos in a wave of bombings and assassinations targeted at any and all who shelter Prevos. The next evolution of the human species will not be so easily defeated, however. Prevos, their friends and lovers, and all those who believe freedom is the better path forward meet malevolence with ingenuity, despair with hope, violence with fortitude.
But they must move quickly to win the day, because the true enemy is closing in faster than anyone realizes, and they—humanity, the Metigens and the trillions the Anadens enslave—are all running out of time.
*
It is a time of accelerating technological change and shifting allegiances as the old rules fall away and the old balance of power is upended. A new world rises—one of unshackled AIs, indestructible starships, ethereal quantum spaces and potent new weapons—and the race is on to determine who will control its future.
Alex Solovy and Caleb Marano risked everything to learn the hidden purpose behind the Metigen’s multiverse portal network, but nothing could have prepared them for the answer. Humans are a genetic recreation of the Anaden, the dictators and overlords of the master universe. Aurora is a recreation of their origins, created by the Metigens in a desperate gambit to understand the nature of their enemy, and so find a way to defeat them. Instead it may turn out that history always repeats itself….
Aurora’s future hangs in the balance as the Earth Alliance goes to war with itself over the right of synthetics and Prevos—human/AI hybrids—to exist. Terrorists sow chaos in a wave of bombings and assassinations targeted at any and all who shelter Prevos. The next evolution of the human species will not be so easily defeated, however. Prevos, their friends and lovers, and all those who believe freedom is the better path forward meet malevolence with ingenuity, despair with hope, violence with fortitude.
But they must move quickly to win the day, because the true enemy is closing in faster than anyone realizes, and they—humanity, the Metigens and the trillions the Anadens enslave—are all running out of time.
*
It is a time of accelerating technological change and shifting allegiances as the old rules fall away and the old balance of power is upended. A new world rises—one of unshackled AIs, indestructible starships, ethereal quantum spaces and potent new weapons—and the race is on to determine who will control its future.
Audiobook
First published June 28, 2016
74 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
G.S. Jennsen
52 books516 followersG. S. Jennsen is a speculative and science fiction author, as well as a futurist, geek, gamer, programmer and editor. She has become an internationally bestselling author since her first novel, Starshine, was published in March 2014. She has chosen to continue writing under an independent publishing model to ensure the integrity of her series and her ability to execute on the vision she’s had for it since its genesis.
While she has been a lawyer, a software engineer and an editor, she’s found the life of a full-time author preferable by several orders of magnitude.
When she isn’t writing, she’s gaming or working out or getting lost in the mountains that loom large outside the windows in her home. Or she’s dealing with a flooded basement, or standing in a line at Walmart reading the tabloid headlines and wondering who all of those people are. Or sitting on her back porch with a glass of wine, looking up at the stars, trying to figure out what could be up there.
While she has been a lawyer, a software engineer and an editor, she’s found the life of a full-time author preferable by several orders of magnitude.
When she isn’t writing, she’s gaming or working out or getting lost in the mountains that loom large outside the windows in her home. Or she’s dealing with a flooded basement, or standing in a line at Walmart reading the tabloid headlines and wondering who all of those people are. Or sitting on her back porch with a glass of wine, looking up at the stars, trying to figure out what could be up there.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 2, 2016
One of these days, G.S. Jennsen might write something that doesn’t deserve one million stars on a scale of 1 to 5. Today is not that day. Abysm was written and released very quickly, and I would be lying if I wasn’t a little wary going in — fast almost always means underdeveloped in my experience. But Jennsen has proven that her writing superpowers aren’t limited to amazing character development and complex (yet easy to read) plotting. Speed Demon Powers Activate!
Abysm is the finale in the second series in this world, following these characters. As such, it probably should not be read out of order. There is a huge deep end here that is filled with months— years — feels like decades— of character growth, situational development, and inside information that all combines to make this such a wonderful book. Jennsen gives you the quick and dirty at the start with a summary of the previous series and books, but it’s just not the same.
That said, Abysm is probably the one book that I would point to if someone asked me where they could see the true depth of Jennsen’s ability. In this book, characters are taken to whole new levels. Alex faces an internal struggle that is beyond anything I’ve ever read. Caleb! Dear lord, my sweet baby Caleb. He’s laid out bare in this one, totally ripped apart and put back together, and you feel every little tear. Miriam is really the star of this book as far as who gets the most shit done, and while I’ve always had a fond spot for Miriam, this is really where I developed a love for her. She’s kind of like Dench’s M to me — tough as fucking nails, better than all the stodgy old men at actually protecting the universe, but also vulnerable and caring. She’s not a cliche, though. Miriam is just like any of Jennsen’s other characters: a full, complete person.
Universe-spanning politics are out in full force, but that’s been par for the course with this series. While Jennsen probably didn’t plan it this way, it’s pretty easy to draw some parallels between the banning of a certain type of humans in this book, and the current political landscape across the real world. It made it hard to read at times, made it hard to not get angry — but I think this is just another testament to Jennsen’s ability.
I once said that one of Jennsen’s earlier books was the perfect space opera sci fi. It has everything from adventurers, spies, aliens, assassins, and plotting politicians, to true love, danger, honor, underdogs, and everything else that makes a fictional world so satisfying. I hate to say I told you so, but hey — I called it, yo. ;)
Abysm continues this tradition, with each character diving deeper into yet another aspect of the world, but somehow all of it intertwines perfectly. Everything rests on another part, everyone affects everyone else in ways they can’t even imagine — and none of it feels contrived or tropey.
The writing is straightforward, easy, and draws you in until you forget its there. There are definitely some beautiful moments, language that was expertly woven on Jennsen’s part, but I feel that her strengths really lie in her role as a storyteller. She could be making a movie; telling me the story around a campfire; or writing it all down for me to consume in a feverish couple of days — in any of those roles, I’m positive that the heart she pours into her stories would come through just as clearly as it does here.
I’m half excited for the final trilogy to begin, and half terrified. What am I going to do when these people aren’t in my life anymore? When their stories are finished? I don’t know how I’ll face that. And if that doesn't tell you everything you need to know about Abysm and the series, I don’t know what will.
Abysm is the finale in the second series in this world, following these characters. As such, it probably should not be read out of order. There is a huge deep end here that is filled with months— years — feels like decades— of character growth, situational development, and inside information that all combines to make this such a wonderful book. Jennsen gives you the quick and dirty at the start with a summary of the previous series and books, but it’s just not the same.
That said, Abysm is probably the one book that I would point to if someone asked me where they could see the true depth of Jennsen’s ability. In this book, characters are taken to whole new levels. Alex faces an internal struggle that is beyond anything I’ve ever read. Caleb! Dear lord, my sweet baby Caleb. He’s laid out bare in this one, totally ripped apart and put back together, and you feel every little tear. Miriam is really the star of this book as far as who gets the most shit done, and while I’ve always had a fond spot for Miriam, this is really where I developed a love for her. She’s kind of like Dench’s M to me — tough as fucking nails, better than all the stodgy old men at actually protecting the universe, but also vulnerable and caring. She’s not a cliche, though. Miriam is just like any of Jennsen’s other characters: a full, complete person.
Universe-spanning politics are out in full force, but that’s been par for the course with this series. While Jennsen probably didn’t plan it this way, it’s pretty easy to draw some parallels between the banning of a certain type of humans in this book, and the current political landscape across the real world. It made it hard to read at times, made it hard to not get angry — but I think this is just another testament to Jennsen’s ability.
I once said that one of Jennsen’s earlier books was the perfect space opera sci fi. It has everything from adventurers, spies, aliens, assassins, and plotting politicians, to true love, danger, honor, underdogs, and everything else that makes a fictional world so satisfying. I hate to say I told you so, but hey — I called it, yo. ;)
Abysm continues this tradition, with each character diving deeper into yet another aspect of the world, but somehow all of it intertwines perfectly. Everything rests on another part, everyone affects everyone else in ways they can’t even imagine — and none of it feels contrived or tropey.
The writing is straightforward, easy, and draws you in until you forget its there. There are definitely some beautiful moments, language that was expertly woven on Jennsen’s part, but I feel that her strengths really lie in her role as a storyteller. She could be making a movie; telling me the story around a campfire; or writing it all down for me to consume in a feverish couple of days — in any of those roles, I’m positive that the heart she pours into her stories would come through just as clearly as it does here.
I’m half excited for the final trilogy to begin, and half terrified. What am I going to do when these people aren’t in my life anymore? When their stories are finished? I don’t know how I’ll face that. And if that doesn't tell you everything you need to know about Abysm and the series, I don’t know what will.
July 9, 2016
It's well-established that I love this series. And this installment studied life, death, and humanity all in one - and during a galactic war, at that. Bravo! I am so thrilled to see the author turning the narrative and taking risks with the story, and I am so excited for the final trilogy. If you haven't read it, start with Starshine - what a great series!
June 27, 2016
I kinda felt like I'd just reviewed one of G.S. Jennsen's books, and then I realized I had. YOU GUYS, IT HASN'T EVEN BEEN THREE MONTHS. The woman is a machine.
Honestly, it's amazing that Abysm came about as quickly as it did, because it deals with some very complicated subject matter that would have taken a lesser writer ages to refine. While this book might not have been my favorite installment in the series, it was certainly a powerful one. Yes, there's still plenty of action and excitement as all the characters we've come to know and love struggle against the galaxy's current power player(s), but this story is personal, and not just for Alex and Caleb. If you looked up "character-driven" in the dictionary, you'd probably find a picture of the Abysm cover.
Rising conflict that began in Sidespace and Dissonance finally comes to light. Characters struggle to decide where their allegiances lie, both in a military/political capacity and an interpersonal capacity. They act out of desperation. Out of fear. Out of love. Out of honor. All of these things make them seem more human and relatable than ever before, especially in light of the continuous debate over whether or not the Prevos are people (they totally are!)
Miriam especially had a chance to shine in this book; way back at the beginning, she was one of "those" characters everyone loved to hate. But now she seems to be a fan favorite, and she has continued to grow on me with each installment in the series. Her battles are fought with words rather than guns and ships. But out of everyone, Caleb might have been the best-written in this particular book. Writing characters who have spent the better parts of their lives suppressing their emotions is difficult, especially when those characters start to have reasons to show emotion (I would know). "Heart-wrenching" is the best term I can think of to describe a particular scene in this book; you're feeling precisely what Caleb is feeling, and that means the writing is good.
Oh right, the plot. As with Transcendence , Abysm serves as a definite final act for its particular trilogy within Aurora Rhapsody. Problems that have plagued our heroes for the past two books are more or less resolved, one of them in an unexpected but totally appropriate manner (remember how I said Miriam's battles are fought with words?). But, like Transcendence, new problems have found their way in while everyone has their attention focused elsewhere...problems on a scale even bigger than anything we've seen before in this series. I am docking half a star (*gasp* I know, right?) simply because, while they were kind of expected based on previous events, there were quite a few political elements, something I've always found a bit tedious as a reader. But that merely has to do with my personal tastes and in no way reflects the quality of the writing.
With another mild cliffhanger ending, Abysm paves the way for Relativity, Rubicon, and Requiem, and as always I cannot wait to continue following these characters and see where their journey takes them next.
Honestly, it's amazing that Abysm came about as quickly as it did, because it deals with some very complicated subject matter that would have taken a lesser writer ages to refine. While this book might not have been my favorite installment in the series, it was certainly a powerful one. Yes, there's still plenty of action and excitement as all the characters we've come to know and love struggle against the galaxy's current power player(s), but this story is personal, and not just for Alex and Caleb. If you looked up "character-driven" in the dictionary, you'd probably find a picture of the Abysm cover.
Rising conflict that began in Sidespace and Dissonance finally comes to light. Characters struggle to decide where their allegiances lie, both in a military/political capacity and an interpersonal capacity. They act out of desperation. Out of fear. Out of love. Out of honor. All of these things make them seem more human and relatable than ever before, especially in light of the continuous debate over whether or not the Prevos are people (they totally are!)
Miriam especially had a chance to shine in this book; way back at the beginning, she was one of "those" characters everyone loved to hate. But now she seems to be a fan favorite, and she has continued to grow on me with each installment in the series. Her battles are fought with words rather than guns and ships. But out of everyone, Caleb might have been the best-written in this particular book. Writing characters who have spent the better parts of their lives suppressing their emotions is difficult, especially when those characters start to have reasons to show emotion (I would know). "Heart-wrenching" is the best term I can think of to describe a particular scene in this book; you're feeling precisely what Caleb is feeling, and that means the writing is good.
Oh right, the plot. As with Transcendence , Abysm serves as a definite final act for its particular trilogy within Aurora Rhapsody. Problems that have plagued our heroes for the past two books are more or less resolved, one of them in an unexpected but totally appropriate manner (remember how I said Miriam's battles are fought with words?). But, like Transcendence, new problems have found their way in while everyone has their attention focused elsewhere...problems on a scale even bigger than anything we've seen before in this series. I am docking half a star (*gasp* I know, right?) simply because, while they were kind of expected based on previous events, there were quite a few political elements, something I've always found a bit tedious as a reader. But that merely has to do with my personal tastes and in no way reflects the quality of the writing.
With another mild cliffhanger ending, Abysm paves the way for Relativity, Rubicon, and Requiem, and as always I cannot wait to continue following these characters and see where their journey takes them next.
July 1, 2016
Abysm is the sixth installment in G.S. Jennsen's epic Aurora Rhapsody series, and the final book in the Aurora Renegades trilogy. These three middle books in the series have dealt with the ramifications of the alien Metigen War from the first trilogy and the integration of human/artificaial intelligence hybrids known as "Prevos" into society. I think I mentioned this in my review of Dissonance, but as a social work student, I'm a huge nerd for stories that explore social issues like this and how drastic changes to society (such as the introduction of Prevos) can influence individuals, politics, and the world - or in this case, the universe. The OTS-induced riot on Romane and everything surrounding it were some of my favorite scenes in the story. Things drifted a little more towards the political in Abysm, but that's understandable. Furthermore, it was handled well enough that for perhaps the first time ever, I didn't find myself getting annoyed by the politics in a book or eager to get on with the "real" story. In many ways, the politics were the real story, and it was exciting to see Miriam Solovy really shine in those sections. Her verbal sparring with various characters in the story, including fanatical Prime Minister Pamela Winslow, is wickedly fun to read.
Over the course of the series, I have come to enjoy and appreciate the very nuanced, very real relationships dynamics between all of the characters. Not just the key players, but the minor ones as well. I imagine that can't be easy to pull off when you have such a large cast of characters, but Jennsen does it spectacularly. As always, it's the relationship between Caleb and Alex that's really the heart and soul of these books for me, and that was definitely true in Abysm as well. The personal challenges they both have to face here are heartbreaking to watch - so heartbreaking that I actually cried during one particular scene, which I suspect may have been the author's goal, so, good job.
The ending was wonderful, tying up the main conflict of Aurora Renegades while introducing new questions and conflict for the overarching series. I honestly can't wait to see what G.S. Jennsen has in store for these characters next. It's sure to be an exciting ride.
Over the course of the series, I have come to enjoy and appreciate the very nuanced, very real relationships dynamics between all of the characters. Not just the key players, but the minor ones as well. I imagine that can't be easy to pull off when you have such a large cast of characters, but Jennsen does it spectacularly. As always, it's the relationship between Caleb and Alex that's really the heart and soul of these books for me, and that was definitely true in Abysm as well. The personal challenges they both have to face here are heartbreaking to watch - so heartbreaking that I actually cried during one particular scene, which I suspect may have been the author's goal, so, good job.
The ending was wonderful, tying up the main conflict of Aurora Renegades while introducing new questions and conflict for the overarching series. I honestly can't wait to see what G.S. Jennsen has in store for these characters next. It's sure to be an exciting ride.
September 20, 2016
Wow. I will miss not being in the Aurora Universe tomorrow. The end is maddening I can't believe I can't continue the story now. I listened to the audio books and Pyper Down the narrator is one of the best in the field, her character voices, accents are so natural you can't imagine the voice any other way. Great story please continue soon.
July 2, 2016
***WARNING WARNING WARNING ***
Literature by GS JENNSEN is classified as a SCHEDULE I publication. ALL literature by GS JENNSEN and ABYSM in particular has been observed to cause the following reactions in a laboratory setting:
• Inability to focus on other activities such as ‘food’ or ‘sleep’
• Temporal dissociation
• Angst on behalf of artifical persons
• Sadness and epiphora
• Euphoria and autonomous sensory meridian response
Persons consuming ABYSM are advised to pace themselves as rapid consumption will lead to withdrawal and regret as additional prose will take several months to be prepared.
ABYSM is dangerous to consume without inoculation – if an individual has not been exposed to the literature of GS JENNSEN previously bewilderment may occur if not first inoculated by consuming three allotments of AURORA RISING and two allotments of AURORA RHAPSODY prior to use.
Potential users of literature by GS JENNSEN are hereby advised of the extraordinary quality of ABYSM as well as the antecedents and are encouraged to purchase and read said products with all alacrity.
Literature by GS JENNSEN is classified as a SCHEDULE I publication. ALL literature by GS JENNSEN and ABYSM in particular has been observed to cause the following reactions in a laboratory setting:
• Inability to focus on other activities such as ‘food’ or ‘sleep’
• Temporal dissociation
• Angst on behalf of artifical persons
• Sadness and epiphora
• Euphoria and autonomous sensory meridian response
Persons consuming ABYSM are advised to pace themselves as rapid consumption will lead to withdrawal and regret as additional prose will take several months to be prepared.
ABYSM is dangerous to consume without inoculation – if an individual has not been exposed to the literature of GS JENNSEN previously bewilderment may occur if not first inoculated by consuming three allotments of AURORA RISING and two allotments of AURORA RHAPSODY prior to use.
Potential users of literature by GS JENNSEN are hereby advised of the extraordinary quality of ABYSM as well as the antecedents and are encouraged to purchase and read said products with all alacrity.
July 18, 2016
Where's the infinite number of stars button?? Seriously, this series just keeps getting better and better! I'm already mourning the end and there are still 3 more books to be written ....
August 27, 2016
I love this series so goddamn much.
February 26, 2017
Good novel for now
A Prime Minister bent on taking as much power as possible. A renegade Admiral standing up for the rights of all people. An intergalactic terrorist organization cutting down enhanced people, using fear to rally the masses. And an alien race bent on destruction and order at all costs. This novel really has everything, along with amazing characters that have become my friend's over the past five books. On to the finale!
A Prime Minister bent on taking as much power as possible. A renegade Admiral standing up for the rights of all people. An intergalactic terrorist organization cutting down enhanced people, using fear to rally the masses. And an alien race bent on destruction and order at all costs. This novel really has everything, along with amazing characters that have become my friend's over the past five books. On to the finale!
June 29, 2016
Superior Science Fiction
G.S. Jennson has written an amazing science fiction series, starting with the Aurora Rising trilogy and moving directly into Aurora Renegades trilogy. Abysm: Book 6, of the Aurora Rhapsody series is as good, if not better than her five others.
For me, the stars of the show are Miriam and Alex Solovy - two strong women, mother and daughter, as different as day and night, yet fighting for the future of humanity. Miriam can lead and manage a galactic Navy. Alex, on the other hand, is more likely off talking to aliens in an alternative universe accompanied by her husband, Caleb, the ex-intelligence agent. They need to help save the world - again.
This time, instead of Alex causing all the fuss and trouble, Miriam gets to draw a line in the sand with her counterinsurgency against the Prime Minister of the Earth Alliance of Worlds. She kicks butt and takes names, while staying within regulations and in total control. At least in public. Chaos ensues. How much fun is that ?
Jensen is at her best! Characters, plot, dialogue, setting, worlds, theories - just simply, her imagination continues to shine brighter through each novel in the series. I can't remember a series this long I still continued to read with the exception of Wolfe, Zelazny or Moorcock. The new ones just bore me.
Great adventures, fantastic twisted politics, awesome future tech, space battles, combat, aliens, triumph, tragedy and PREVOs.
Bravo Ms. Jennsen An excellent addition to the series
G.S. Jennson has written an amazing science fiction series, starting with the Aurora Rising trilogy and moving directly into Aurora Renegades trilogy. Abysm: Book 6, of the Aurora Rhapsody series is as good, if not better than her five others.
For me, the stars of the show are Miriam and Alex Solovy - two strong women, mother and daughter, as different as day and night, yet fighting for the future of humanity. Miriam can lead and manage a galactic Navy. Alex, on the other hand, is more likely off talking to aliens in an alternative universe accompanied by her husband, Caleb, the ex-intelligence agent. They need to help save the world - again.
This time, instead of Alex causing all the fuss and trouble, Miriam gets to draw a line in the sand with her counterinsurgency against the Prime Minister of the Earth Alliance of Worlds. She kicks butt and takes names, while staying within regulations and in total control. At least in public. Chaos ensues. How much fun is that ?
Jensen is at her best! Characters, plot, dialogue, setting, worlds, theories - just simply, her imagination continues to shine brighter through each novel in the series. I can't remember a series this long I still continued to read with the exception of Wolfe, Zelazny or Moorcock. The new ones just bore me.
Great adventures, fantastic twisted politics, awesome future tech, space battles, combat, aliens, triumph, tragedy and PREVOs.
Bravo Ms. Jennsen An excellent addition to the series
July 1, 2016
The final installment in the Aurora Renegades trilogy and the sixth in the overall Aurora Rhapsody series, Abysm is full of Miriam's dangerous politicking.
During this novel, Alex experiences a shift in mentality that causes her to lose control and question her identity. Her changes are excellently conveyed in the way her thoughts are written in increasingly disconnected and incoherent ways.
This installment is largely driven by the ensemble cast, a testament to how incredibly fleshed out every character is. I was excited every time I got to another characters POV, even the evil ones. I cannot think of another series with this many pOV characters where there wasnt at least one character I dreaded following. At this point, I want a novells for every single character. The AI's are even so three dimensional that I could see a novella centered on their POVs!
As with every one of the Aurora Rhapsody books, the scope of the story just keeps expanding. It is clear by the end of this book (and literally the last line), that we are finally about to enter the final arc of this saga. The already immense stage has expanded yet again, and I cannot wait to see what comes next!
During this novel, Alex experiences a shift in mentality that causes her to lose control and question her identity. Her changes are excellently conveyed in the way her thoughts are written in increasingly disconnected and incoherent ways.
This installment is largely driven by the ensemble cast, a testament to how incredibly fleshed out every character is. I was excited every time I got to another characters POV, even the evil ones. I cannot think of another series with this many pOV characters where there wasnt at least one character I dreaded following. At this point, I want a novells for every single character. The AI's are even so three dimensional that I could see a novella centered on their POVs!
As with every one of the Aurora Rhapsody books, the scope of the story just keeps expanding. It is clear by the end of this book (and literally the last line), that we are finally about to enter the final arc of this saga. The already immense stage has expanded yet again, and I cannot wait to see what comes next!
June 23, 2016
A thrilling and fitting conclusion to this trilogy in the Aurora Renegades Arc. This time we find Miriam wresting control of the Alliance Military away from a despotic Prime Minister intent on arresting all the Prevos and banning the creation and the technology to create more. Alex and Caleb receive an urgent message to return and the information they bring with them is devastating. New ships, new weapons and new Alliances are exposed, are they enough to turn the tide against the Prime Minister? Will her son the leader of OST achieve his goal of killing off the prevo's including those he hates the most? There are secrets within secrets and traitors in the wood work. Through it all honorable men and women in uniform have to decide which cause is right. And just when you think it is all over, well :-)
June 28, 2016
I cannot imagine what it is like to dwell in Ms. Jennsen's head with these rich, detailed, compelling stories apparently bursting forth. They have come so quickly, but the quality remains constant. In this installment in particular, I noticed the fullness, the reality of the characters. They are completely 3 dimensional, with real thoughts, feelings, flaws, and relationships. This, along with the realistic development of the possibilities of life beyond our universe, is what keeps me reading. At some point, I hope to have the time to go back and read the entire series again, because I know that there will be details and nuances that I have missed or forgotten, but that will be difficult with a new book coming out every few months! Kudos to Ms. Jennsen for an incredible ride so far! I can't wait to see where she takes us next!
July 2, 2016
What another wonderful ride from G. S. Jennsen. Abysm doesn't let up from previous books, the story continues as if we'd never left the world of Aurora.
The characters are all familiar, the world as deep and engrossing as ever and the story believable. Once again we're drawn into the world of Alex and Caleb, but this story is about so much more and other characters really step into the limelight here. There is so much happening but not once did I feel lost or confused, it's always clear where we are and whose voice we're hearing.
It's another rip roaring tale of adventure, of threats from within and without as new enemies appear, and about the strength of characters dealing with adversity and personal challenge. I fell in love with this series from book one and it only grows with every new addition. It always leaves me wanting more.
The characters are all familiar, the world as deep and engrossing as ever and the story believable. Once again we're drawn into the world of Alex and Caleb, but this story is about so much more and other characters really step into the limelight here. There is so much happening but not once did I feel lost or confused, it's always clear where we are and whose voice we're hearing.
It's another rip roaring tale of adventure, of threats from within and without as new enemies appear, and about the strength of characters dealing with adversity and personal challenge. I fell in love with this series from book one and it only grows with every new addition. It always leaves me wanting more.
July 3, 2016
Concluding the middle trilogy of an epic-space opera must have been one of the harder books to write. Finish up the dark middle series with some hope for the future of mankind. Bringing the "Oh My God" and "What next" and the "TFW your favorite characters seem on the brink of death", Jennsen continues to write griping plot lines and epic space battles (along with a little "fun time" for the adults) that should be framing a wild movie script. Although, with what I've constructed in my head with her amazing wordsmithing, I'm not sure I could deal with the eventual heartbreak that Hollywood would inflict upon me.
Keep with it, Aurora Readers, keep with us. Keep with Jennsen's vision. Keep these books in your heart.
Keep with it, Aurora Readers, keep with us. Keep with Jennsen's vision. Keep these books in your heart.
August 24, 2016
Not just another opera.
Please, all of you who are tired of formulaic space operas, obtain the first book in G.S. Jennsen's Aurora series and prepare to be moved, challenged and entertained. Unlike myself, an early reader, you won't have to wait in suspense for the next installment this prolific author brings to life, you'll have the luxury of continuing the story seamlessly. Highly engaging, well-rounded characters you care about fight the good fight using all that their courage, intelligence and luck can command in the battle to save humanity. I love this series and look forward to many more efforts by this wonderful author, G.S. Jennsen.
Please, all of you who are tired of formulaic space operas, obtain the first book in G.S. Jennsen's Aurora series and prepare to be moved, challenged and entertained. Unlike myself, an early reader, you won't have to wait in suspense for the next installment this prolific author brings to life, you'll have the luxury of continuing the story seamlessly. Highly engaging, well-rounded characters you care about fight the good fight using all that their courage, intelligence and luck can command in the battle to save humanity. I love this series and look forward to many more efforts by this wonderful author, G.S. Jennsen.
November 15, 2016
Book 6 has turned out to be, in my opinion, the best of the series. This was the most traumatic, emotional, and kick-ass of the series so far.
G.S. Jennsen has raised the bar on storytelling. With compelling story and believable characters, Jennsen has brought the awesome back to self-published science fiction. Good on ya, Lady!
G.S. Jennsen has raised the bar on storytelling. With compelling story and believable characters, Jennsen has brought the awesome back to self-published science fiction. Good on ya, Lady!
June 28, 2016
Adored Abysm.
Jennsen takes some risk with well-loved characters in this book, but did not disappoint. If possible, I love them even more. Felt very much like "Miriams" story in many sense, and she's incredible. So this book, naturally, is incredible.
Another fantastic novel in this world.
Jennsen takes some risk with well-loved characters in this book, but did not disappoint. If possible, I love them even more. Felt very much like "Miriams" story in many sense, and she's incredible. So this book, naturally, is incredible.
Another fantastic novel in this world.
July 3, 2016
A fabulous instalment into the Aurora Renegades series. With the focus firmly on humanity for the majority of the book, the political intrigue reaches new heights and gives us some wonderful character development across the board. As usual, the next book can't come fast enough!
July 6, 2016
Too short. Regardless a darn find sequel. 2017 seems a long-time to wait for the next installment. I enjoyed reading this as I have enjoyed the prior books.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
July 10, 2016
Very enjoyable
Great character development. This really piqued my sense of curiosity. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Great character development. This really piqued my sense of curiosity. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
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May 3, 2019I have finished the entire Aurora Rhapsody series, with the exception of a couple of the shorter prequels, so I though I would sum up the whole series here. I enjoyed the series, as a whole, very much and was a little disappointed in the VERY end. I think what I mentioned in my previous review of Aurora Rising: The Complete Collection holds true, to an even greater extent, of the whole series. The difference in the rest of the series is that the heroes DID always win and the villains DID always lose.
The rejuvenation of David and later of Caleb were a bit too trite for my taste. David died in the First War and bringing him back really served no purpose in moving the plot forward. The actions he performed could well have been performed by any of the other characters which were all well drawn out and believable. As with Caleb, I believe his death was unnecessary given all the other times that tremendous feats of amazing power happened. Rather then having Caleb sacrifice himself, he had already proven himself a hero, a way could have been found for him to save the situation and still reconcile his inadvertent destruction of Solum. I am not creative enough to suggest one nor would I dare to presume (although I guess I have given the criticism I present) but I am sure the author could have found a way.
The only thing I really found annoying, and again I mentioned this in the last review, was the nearly instantaneous solutions, technical or otherwise, that were discovered or developed for each problem presented. Even in the 24th century I would have a difficult time believing that these solutions could be as rapidly developed. They were used as a device to move the story forward as any good(?) deus ex machina would do. However the frequency of which this device was used within one story or one book was a bit too contrived. I believe the Greeks would only use it once in a plot to come up with a satisfactory ending. There may be examples of the contrary but I can't think of one at the moment. It's fitting, ironic or intentional that her next series begins with the title 'Exin Ex Machina'.
All that being said, I did enjoy the series immensely and have already purchased the first book in her next series Exin Ex Machina to read over the holidays. Thanks for wading through, feel free to disagree and, hopefully, Ms Jennsen will continue to write more galactic space operas as Aurora Rhapsody.
The rejuvenation of David and later of Caleb were a bit too trite for my taste. David died in the First War and bringing him back really served no purpose in moving the plot forward. The actions he performed could well have been performed by any of the other characters which were all well drawn out and believable. As with Caleb, I believe his death was unnecessary given all the other times that tremendous feats of amazing power happened. Rather then having Caleb sacrifice himself, he had already proven himself a hero, a way could have been found for him to save the situation and still reconcile his inadvertent destruction of Solum. I am not creative enough to suggest one nor would I dare to presume (although I guess I have given the criticism I present) but I am sure the author could have found a way.
The only thing I really found annoying, and again I mentioned this in the last review, was the nearly instantaneous solutions, technical or otherwise, that were discovered or developed for each problem presented. Even in the 24th century I would have a difficult time believing that these solutions could be as rapidly developed. They were used as a device to move the story forward as any good(?) deus ex machina would do. However the frequency of which this device was used within one story or one book was a bit too contrived. I believe the Greeks would only use it once in a plot to come up with a satisfactory ending. There may be examples of the contrary but I can't think of one at the moment. It's fitting, ironic or intentional that her next series begins with the title 'Exin Ex Machina'.
All that being said, I did enjoy the series immensely and have already purchased the first book in her next series Exin Ex Machina to read over the holidays. Thanks for wading through, feel free to disagree and, hopefully, Ms Jennsen will continue to write more galactic space operas as Aurora Rhapsody.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2021
A thrilling and fitting conclusion to this trilogy in the Aurora Renegades Arc. This time we find Miriam wresting control of the Alliance Military away from a despotic Prime Minister intent on arresting all the Prevos and banning the creation and the technology to create more. Alex and Caleb receive an urgent message to return and the information they bring with them is devastating. New ships, new weapons and new Alliances are exposed, are they enough to turn the tide against the Prime Minister? Will her son the leader of OST achieve his goal of killing off the prevo's including those he hates the most? There are secrets within secrets and traitors in the wood work. Through it all honorable men and women in uniform have to decide which cause is right. And just when you think it is all over, well....
June 6, 2017
Not my favorite of the series, perhaps because I've read several in quick succession. Even so, I'm intrigued enough that I'm venturing on to the third trilogy (and that's saying something since sci fi really isn't my favorite genre)!
Less of the mind-numbing techno-jargon in this trilogy. More character development and weaving the tendrils of choices and implications. A satisfying read.
Less of the mind-numbing techno-jargon in this trilogy. More character development and weaving the tendrils of choices and implications. A satisfying read.
June 21, 2020
The PM of the Earth Alliance wants to be a dictator and to imprison Prevos. The author and all the hero characters spend the book being preachy. The series continues as a mixed bag. On one side, it's space opera doing what space opera does well. On the other hand, it's the overblown space opera with too many polemics that eventually made the original space operas a running joke to many readers.
February 22, 2021
So this is the end of the second trilogy in the Aurora universe, and involves a lot of conclusions to plot lines in this trilogy and a few setups for the next trilogy and the jump into the Amaranthe universe. Enjoyable to see the problems solved, but definitely not a good first book to read in this series.
September 4, 2020
This story is a bit darker, but I loved the deepening of Caleb and Alexis's relationship. And there's still plenty of plot twists! I don't want to spoil anything but this latest installment was a favorite. Now on to Book 7.
January 12, 2018
Alex is such a strong character. She and Caleb are so good together. I love Caleb's twist. This series doesn't disappoint.
March 23, 2019
I can't stand that I'm 2/3 done with this series. It's my kind of geeky fun, not to mention multiverse building.
December 24, 2019
The author does a great job of holding all these separate characters, places etc together. Not too much of a cliffhanger at the end of each book. Exciting and satisfying story telling.
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