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The Divine Space Pirates #1
The Heights of Perdition
Falling in love was out of the question ... until it was the answer.
There is nothing Aeris St. Cloud wants more than to win her father's love and the acceptance of her family unit by joining the Military Academy at New Hope. But after she is captured by the fearsome space pirate, Captain Chainsword, Aerie is certain falling in love with her nation's arch enemy is the last possible way to earn their coveted esteem.
Driven by vengeance, Exton Shepherd never set out to save anyone. As he circles the war-torn world in his pirated starship, the Perdition, he only sees his father's ghost lurking around every corner and the looming darkness on the horizon. When Aerie unexpectedly tumbles into his life, he finds he cannot trust her, anymore than he can ignore her. But just like the raging war down on Earth, it's tempting to think he can ...
When the war ascends to the heights of the Perdition, Aerie's loyalty, and Exton's heart, are put to the test. But will love be enough to save them -- and others -- from certain destruction?
FROM THE AUTHOR:
The Heights of Perdition is the first book in the Divine Space Pirates trilogy, a futuristic romance series where family, faith, and freedom all take center stage. With religious and political themes, this is one book sure to entertain your mind as much as it stimulates your heart. Look for Book 2, The Breadth of Creation, as the story - and the war - continues on!
FROM THE BOOK:
“Tell me your name. It’s a good place to start, don’t you think?”
“I’ll never give you any information. How could I, knowing what I know about you?”
“Perhaps there’s more to me than you realize.”
“You’re a hateful monster! What else do I possibly need to know?”
Aerie regretted her outburst less than a second later. The captain immediately left his chair and came close to her. Instinctively, she pulled back, but the pad behind her did not allow her to go far.
As he drew near, she got a good look at his face; though no longer adorned with the pirate’s wig and beard, she could see he was still masked. The apathy, the cynicism, the playful whimsy—all of it hid a deep crevice of pain inside of him.
The sudden urge to reach out and touch him shot through her. It was quickly followed by alarm and self-disgust.
“From your comments, I would assume you have yet to learn a great many things,” he told her, his voice sharp.
“What do you mean by that?” she asked, boldly meeting his gaze.
“First, your name is no small matter," he said. "Destinies can be made and shaped by your name, though whether good or bad, it is up to you."
He turned away from her abruptly and began pacing by her bed. Aerie listened to his steps resonate with certainty and distinctness, like a military cadence, as she tried to breathe properly.
“Second,” he continued, glancing at her from over his shoulder, “Despite what you might think, I am not a monster; merely a man.”
“I hardly see the difference,” she retorted, still rattled by his presence.
“I would expect that, given your education with the URS. Over the past decade, your beloved Daddy Dictator has managed to ensure your education, rigorous as it is, consists of really only following instructions, repeating the lies they prefer to the truth, and ignoring any logic that would unravel them or undermine their authority.”
WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING:
5 STARS! ~ Reader's Favorite Review
Questions raised about government, religion, and human nature were peppered throughout the narrative, elevating The Heights of Perdition from a mere space fantasy to something much more thought-provoking. ~ Author Jess Jesinghaus
4th Place in Best RF Christian Sci-Fi & Fantasy for 2018
382 pages, ebook
Published October 10, 2016
About the author
C.S. Johnson
113 books633 followersC. S. Johnson is the award-winning, genre-hopping author of several novels, including sci-fi and fantasy adventures such as the Starlight Chronicles series, the Once Upon a Princess saga, the Divine Space Pirates trilogy, and more. With a gift for sarcasm and an apologetic heart, she currently lives in Atlanta with her family. Find out more at http://www.csjohnson.me.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
November 1, 2018
C S Johnson has created a world that was destroyed by a nuclear holocaust and it is easy to picture the devastation and the struggle of the people to survive.
The Heights of Perdition takes us from the Earth to Outer Space and back again.
It was easy to figure out where the story was going but I thoroughly enjoyed the journey.
The people of New Hope, which is formerly New York City, live underground. That alone is enough to creep me out. Above ground is desolate and barren. I do love that C S has saved one giant tree and Aeris sneaks out to spend time in it. She has an independent streak, so when it comes time for her to graduate and join the Military Academy, her lifelong dream, her father nixes that idea. She is crushed, but I too, think she is better suited doing something else. She has a green thumb and they are in dire need of someone with her skills.
I can’t imagine the life of the people Serious. No laughs. No fun. The leaders say jump, the people say, how hi. No free thinking allowed.
Exton Shepherd hijacked the Perdition because he felt he had no choice. It was his father’s invention and he was not about to let anyone misuse it. Him and his crew lived on the spaceship, but they still had to return to Earth for water. Their lives are full of all the things that make us human. All the emotions that entails. And they are allowed to show them.
When the two come together, we know what’s going to happen. But, for me, that’s okay. Just because I know how the story goes, doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy it. And I did.
All the things that make us human are exposed, the good and bad, the misuse of power, the demand to be obeyed, greed, and love and laughter.
The Heights of Perdition by C S Johnson is thought provoking and frightening. What would the world be like after nuclear war? C S Johnson gives us a glimpse of some possibilities. I would love to read more.
The only thing I hated was the cliffhanger…but the trilogy is complete and even comes in a boxed set. So…grab your copy now if you love science fiction or world ending stories.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Heights of Perdition by C S Johnson.
See more at fundinmental
The Heights of Perdition takes us from the Earth to Outer Space and back again.
It was easy to figure out where the story was going but I thoroughly enjoyed the journey.
The people of New Hope, which is formerly New York City, live underground. That alone is enough to creep me out. Above ground is desolate and barren. I do love that C S has saved one giant tree and Aeris sneaks out to spend time in it. She has an independent streak, so when it comes time for her to graduate and join the Military Academy, her lifelong dream, her father nixes that idea. She is crushed, but I too, think she is better suited doing something else. She has a green thumb and they are in dire need of someone with her skills.
I can’t imagine the life of the people Serious. No laughs. No fun. The leaders say jump, the people say, how hi. No free thinking allowed.
Exton Shepherd hijacked the Perdition because he felt he had no choice. It was his father’s invention and he was not about to let anyone misuse it. Him and his crew lived on the spaceship, but they still had to return to Earth for water. Their lives are full of all the things that make us human. All the emotions that entails. And they are allowed to show them.
When the two come together, we know what’s going to happen. But, for me, that’s okay. Just because I know how the story goes, doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy it. And I did.
All the things that make us human are exposed, the good and bad, the misuse of power, the demand to be obeyed, greed, and love and laughter.
The Heights of Perdition by C S Johnson is thought provoking and frightening. What would the world be like after nuclear war? C S Johnson gives us a glimpse of some possibilities. I would love to read more.
The only thing I hated was the cliffhanger…but the trilogy is complete and even comes in a boxed set. So…grab your copy now if you love science fiction or world ending stories.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Heights of Perdition by C S Johnson.
See more at fundinmental
April 19, 2020
*3 SCI-FI STARS*
This was an okay read.
The concept of a dystopian with space pirates had me intrigued, but he characters were a bit black and white, and the religion part didn't really fit into the rest of the story for me (might be more explained in the next books though).
However, the story itself was pretty captivating and well thought out, yet a bit predictable at times.
That cliffhanger though! I need to know how this continues!
Received a free copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
This was an okay read.
The concept of a dystopian with space pirates had me intrigued, but he characters were a bit black and white, and the religion part didn't really fit into the rest of the story for me (might be more explained in the next books though).
However, the story itself was pretty captivating and well thought out, yet a bit predictable at times.
That cliffhanger though! I need to know how this continues!
Received a free copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
January 4, 2018
Sci-fi dystopian with a touch of religion.
I received this title from the author's publicist and read it over two days. That's a good thing. Being a black kid from the ghetto I could certainly relate to disappointing a father by not being admitted into a great school, which is what Aeris experiences here. Accepting that and taking on a job life could actually turn out (at minimum) OK until Aeris is kidnapped by space pirates.
This was a cool read that I could definitely get into reading more of the series.
I received this title from the author's publicist and read it over two days. That's a good thing. Being a black kid from the ghetto I could certainly relate to disappointing a father by not being admitted into a great school, which is what Aeris experiences here. Accepting that and taking on a job life could actually turn out (at minimum) OK until Aeris is kidnapped by space pirates.
This was a cool read that I could definitely get into reading more of the series.
July 21, 2017
Check out this review, and many more, on my blog https://jessjesinghaus.wordpress.com
What might become of our civilization after world-wide nuclear war? How might government and humanity react? What would the fallout be? The Heights of Perdition, by C.S. Johnson gives us a possible glimpse.
Aerie St. Cloud is a dutiful student, if not a tad willful, but is eager to prove to her family unit and her government that she can be a strong member of the State military. Growing up under the strict tutelage of the State in the underground capital New Hope, Aerie knows she can never ask the questions that tumble through her head. Instead she must follow orders and become what everyone around her dictates. But when fate finds her inadvertently kidnapped by a notorious space pirate, Exton Shepherd, the opportunity to freely ask her multitude of questions and spread her wings is one she can't give up. Exton, meanwhile, must deal with the unexpected complications presented by the strange young woman and the way she affects his long-quiet heart.
The world created by C.S. Johnson is, eerily, one I had no difficulty picturing should nuclear world war occur. Questions raised about government, religion, and human nature were peppered throughout the narrative, elevating The Heights of Perdition from a mere space fantasy to something much more thought-provoking. The inner turmoil experienced by both Aerie and Exton were very understandable, and I particularly enjoyed their verbal sparring episodes. With themes of obedience, duty, revenge, forgiveness, love and redemption running throughout The Heights of Perdition took me on a roller coaster ride and left me eager for the second book in the series.
**Reviewed for Readers' Favorite**
What might become of our civilization after world-wide nuclear war? How might government and humanity react? What would the fallout be? The Heights of Perdition, by C.S. Johnson gives us a possible glimpse.
Aerie St. Cloud is a dutiful student, if not a tad willful, but is eager to prove to her family unit and her government that she can be a strong member of the State military. Growing up under the strict tutelage of the State in the underground capital New Hope, Aerie knows she can never ask the questions that tumble through her head. Instead she must follow orders and become what everyone around her dictates. But when fate finds her inadvertently kidnapped by a notorious space pirate, Exton Shepherd, the opportunity to freely ask her multitude of questions and spread her wings is one she can't give up. Exton, meanwhile, must deal with the unexpected complications presented by the strange young woman and the way she affects his long-quiet heart.
The world created by C.S. Johnson is, eerily, one I had no difficulty picturing should nuclear world war occur. Questions raised about government, religion, and human nature were peppered throughout the narrative, elevating The Heights of Perdition from a mere space fantasy to something much more thought-provoking. The inner turmoil experienced by both Aerie and Exton were very understandable, and I particularly enjoyed their verbal sparring episodes. With themes of obedience, duty, revenge, forgiveness, love and redemption running throughout The Heights of Perdition took me on a roller coaster ride and left me eager for the second book in the series.
**Reviewed for Readers' Favorite**
February 19, 2018
4.5
A gripping story of a revenge-driven space pirate captain who discovers he is attracted to the daughter of his enemy. I couldn’t put this down. This is compelling SF that is uncompromisingly Christian with the gospel well woven in.
A gripping story of a revenge-driven space pirate captain who discovers he is attracted to the daughter of his enemy. I couldn’t put this down. This is compelling SF that is uncompromisingly Christian with the gospel well woven in.
December 10, 2019
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
This is a great mix of Science Fiction and Romance.
The characters are enjoyable and although the story is predictable it keeps you totally engaged.
Certainly worth a read.
This is a great mix of Science Fiction and Romance.
The characters are enjoyable and although the story is predictable it keeps you totally engaged.
Certainly worth a read.
November 12, 2018
I would like to thank Booksgosocial for approving this title for me to read.
I love reading Sci-Fi books and sometimes I find it hard where to start when trying to discover a great read on the subject. I saw the cover of this book and read the description and I knew that I would thoroughly enjoy this. I’m very grateful that I had my request accepted and I did love reading this book!
Aerie is the daughter of a cruel General of the URS and they live in New Hope which is a post nuclear apocalyptic New York, the faction frowns upon anything to do with free will and change, even love is forbidden in this new world. It was hard to imagine just what people were truly like here, what people did besides train at the academy and do their assigned jobs. Even marriage and having children was considered an assigned job! What they did for past times and such was a mystery to me and I found it hard to believe there wasn’t more of an uproar against this lifestyle. Aerie was a breath of fresh air, a girl who was adamant what she wanted to do only for it to come crashing down on her.
I was immediately smitten with Moona, having a cat in this story definitely piqued my interest further as I love when main characters have a trusty companion such as an animal that they befriend. I was a little unsure about the origin of the Memory tree, perhaps it was simply an oversight on my part as I read but I found the book to be a little slow at the beginning and filled with information that I wasn’t really sure about.
Once Aerie and Moona was taken aboard the Perdition I felt the book really picked up, I loved the conversations between Aerie and Exton and I loved their love story and how it grew. Reading about the origin of the Perdition and how it and it’s crew defected from the URS was interesting to read about.
The ending however had such a good plot twist when it came to injecting Aerie with a memory loss serum along with the sudden reappearance of Aerie’s mother which I wasn’t expecting at all. I honestly can’t wait to read the second book and the third for that matter.
This was a brilliant Sci-Fi/Dystopian book that I would definitely recommend to people. I gave it four stars due to the slight slow writing at the beginning of the book and the fact I did get a little lost in some places when it came to the history of the two factions. Other than that I found this book very enjoyable, the writing style was on point mostly and the dialogue between characters was beautifully written. I read this book very quickly once it got going and it has left me craving more of this series. I had never heard of the author before but I will definitely be looking in to reading more of her novels.
I love reading Sci-Fi books and sometimes I find it hard where to start when trying to discover a great read on the subject. I saw the cover of this book and read the description and I knew that I would thoroughly enjoy this. I’m very grateful that I had my request accepted and I did love reading this book!
Aerie is the daughter of a cruel General of the URS and they live in New Hope which is a post nuclear apocalyptic New York, the faction frowns upon anything to do with free will and change, even love is forbidden in this new world. It was hard to imagine just what people were truly like here, what people did besides train at the academy and do their assigned jobs. Even marriage and having children was considered an assigned job! What they did for past times and such was a mystery to me and I found it hard to believe there wasn’t more of an uproar against this lifestyle. Aerie was a breath of fresh air, a girl who was adamant what she wanted to do only for it to come crashing down on her.
I was immediately smitten with Moona, having a cat in this story definitely piqued my interest further as I love when main characters have a trusty companion such as an animal that they befriend. I was a little unsure about the origin of the Memory tree, perhaps it was simply an oversight on my part as I read but I found the book to be a little slow at the beginning and filled with information that I wasn’t really sure about.
Once Aerie and Moona was taken aboard the Perdition I felt the book really picked up, I loved the conversations between Aerie and Exton and I loved their love story and how it grew. Reading about the origin of the Perdition and how it and it’s crew defected from the URS was interesting to read about.
The ending however had such a good plot twist when it came to injecting Aerie with a memory loss serum along with the sudden reappearance of Aerie’s mother which I wasn’t expecting at all. I honestly can’t wait to read the second book and the third for that matter.
This was a brilliant Sci-Fi/Dystopian book that I would definitely recommend to people. I gave it four stars due to the slight slow writing at the beginning of the book and the fact I did get a little lost in some places when it came to the history of the two factions. Other than that I found this book very enjoyable, the writing style was on point mostly and the dialogue between characters was beautifully written. I read this book very quickly once it got going and it has left me craving more of this series. I had never heard of the author before but I will definitely be looking in to reading more of her novels.
October 30, 2018
publisher synopsis: There is nothing Aeris St. Cloud wants more than to win her father's love and the acceptance of her family unit by joining the Military Academy at New Hope. But after she is captured by the fearsome space pirate, Captain Chainsword, Aerie is certain falling in love with her nation's arch enemy is the last possible way to earn their coveted esteem.
Driven by vengeance, Exton Shepherd never set out to save anyone. As he circles the war-torn world in his pirated starship, the Perdition, he only sees his father's ghost lurking around every corner and the looming darkness on the horizon. When Aerie unexpectedly tumbles into his life, he finds he cannot trust her, anymore than he can ignore her. But just like the raging war down on Earth, it's tempting to think he can ...
When the war ascends to the heights of the Perdition, Aerie's loyalty, and Exton's heart, are put to the test. But will love be enough to save them - and others - from certain destruction?
Wonderfully written! This book is about two people that are incomplete and yet when they come together there is a balance. And yet, it is not meant to be. I got to the last page and wanted to yell "no!!". Can't wait for book two.
I loved reading this book. I'll be adding it to my favorite shelf as it was one I couldn't put down and I know I will read it again and again.
I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley.
Driven by vengeance, Exton Shepherd never set out to save anyone. As he circles the war-torn world in his pirated starship, the Perdition, he only sees his father's ghost lurking around every corner and the looming darkness on the horizon. When Aerie unexpectedly tumbles into his life, he finds he cannot trust her, anymore than he can ignore her. But just like the raging war down on Earth, it's tempting to think he can ...
When the war ascends to the heights of the Perdition, Aerie's loyalty, and Exton's heart, are put to the test. But will love be enough to save them - and others - from certain destruction?
Wonderfully written! This book is about two people that are incomplete and yet when they come together there is a balance. And yet, it is not meant to be. I got to the last page and wanted to yell "no!!". Can't wait for book two.
I loved reading this book. I'll be adding it to my favorite shelf as it was one I couldn't put down and I know I will read it again and again.
I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley.
May 8, 2019
This was a fun twist on political takeovers, space pirates, Christian romance, and scifi adventure. It has something for everyone and the Christian side of it isn't in your face but a thread that is entwined in the story. It took a little time for me to understand what was going on and really get into the story but I think that's a bit normal for the first book in a series. Beware that this book leaves off on a cliffhanger so now I am waiting for the next one to come out.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
August 24, 2019
What happens when you find out that everything you believed in, is a lie? Not only that, but your world’s worst enemy is someone you come to admire and eventually love! Find out in this first book of an exciting new series.
August 16, 2019
I very much enjoyed this story. It's a great beginning to the series about surviving in space when you are not allowed to live on earth where you have to live underground. I was gifted an audible copy of the book. The man & woman narraters are very good changing their voices for the main characters. Audio books make it so much easier to get through books. Starting the next book right away.
April 2, 2019
What really stands out to me about this story was the complexity of the characters. Aerie is a loyal citizen of the repressive URS who can't understand why her independent thinking and energetic responses keep getting her in trouble--can't they see she's eager to do her part? Exton captains a ship full of refugees that's playing a vital role in keeping what's left of the world safe, but all he really wants is revenge--no matter what anyone else says. I can't say I fell in love with either one of them on first sight, but I definitely felt invested in their lives and kept wanting to find out more about them and how they were going to change. Even the controlling General St. Cloud had depths beneath the surface that I still don't understand.
The romance was definitely very fast, but it was a bit refreshing to have them admit their feelings without too much trouble instead of spending half the book trying to deny their obvious attraction. Their kisses, while not extremely descriptive, did get uncomfortably passionate (for me) at times. And I have to drop about half a star for one scene where Exton lies down next to Aerie on a bed where she's already asleep. Even though nothing happened, that's unnecessary and not okay.
There was definitely a spiritual thread to the book, and I'm hoping it continue to mature in the future books; in this one, it was prevalent in the background but didn't really seem to affect the main characters. I'm definitely hoping they will find God for themselves as the story progresses.
The writing was a bit rough in places (missing words, double negatives that changed the meaning of sentences, etc.), and I sometimes felt like certain explanations moved a bit too quickly for me to follow the logic. (Not that they weren't logical; I just didn't always make the jump from cause to consequence.) But the settings were definitely captivating, and the characters were intriguing.
*Updated 4/2/19*--I originally rated this 3.5, but after having to not finish the second book, I think I was too lenient about the scene in this that originally knocked my rating down a little. I gave it a pass because it felt spur-of-the-moment and not thought out, but after a scene in the second where they share a bed willingly even though they're still unmarried, I'm not at all comfortable with letting that rating stand. I'm revising it to two stars because I did finish and enjoy it at the time, but I won't be reading it again, and I don't recommend the series.
Content--talk of warfare, missiles, murders, etc.; some fighting and wounds described (not graphic); kissing and potentially compromising situations (see above); talk about marriage as a "career", cohabitation, etc. in a society that has devalued love; veiled hints about the possibility of people going "beyond kissing" (in reference to a minor character); brief mention of suicidal thoughts; several uses of "butt"; use of a "ghost" persona as a disguise
The romance was definitely very fast, but it was a bit refreshing to have them admit their feelings without too much trouble instead of spending half the book trying to deny their obvious attraction. Their kisses, while not extremely descriptive, did get uncomfortably passionate (for me) at times. And I have to drop about half a star for one scene where Exton lies down next to Aerie on a bed where she's already asleep. Even though nothing happened, that's unnecessary and not okay.
There was definitely a spiritual thread to the book, and I'm hoping it continue to mature in the future books; in this one, it was prevalent in the background but didn't really seem to affect the main characters. I'm definitely hoping they will find God for themselves as the story progresses.
The writing was a bit rough in places (missing words, double negatives that changed the meaning of sentences, etc.), and I sometimes felt like certain explanations moved a bit too quickly for me to follow the logic. (Not that they weren't logical; I just didn't always make the jump from cause to consequence.) But the settings were definitely captivating, and the characters were intriguing.
*Updated 4/2/19*--I originally rated this 3.5, but after having to not finish the second book, I think I was too lenient about the scene in this that originally knocked my rating down a little. I gave it a pass because it felt spur-of-the-moment and not thought out, but after a scene in the second where they share a bed willingly even though they're still unmarried, I'm not at all comfortable with letting that rating stand. I'm revising it to two stars because I did finish and enjoy it at the time, but I won't be reading it again, and I don't recommend the series.
Content--talk of warfare, missiles, murders, etc.; some fighting and wounds described (not graphic); kissing and potentially compromising situations (see above); talk about marriage as a "career", cohabitation, etc. in a society that has devalued love; veiled hints about the possibility of people going "beyond kissing" (in reference to a minor character); brief mention of suicidal thoughts; several uses of "butt"; use of a "ghost" persona as a disguise
October 18, 2018
I received a copy of this book via the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Post-nuclear war society. Dictators. Pirates. Revenge. Romance. SPACE!!! Y’all this book is fantastic 😀 The Heights of Perdition by C.S. Johnson is the first book in her The Divine Space Pirates series. It is unputdownable (is that a word?). I could not read it fast enough. If you enjoy dystopias and science fiction, I highly recommend it.
Aeris and Captain Chainsword
Aeris, or Aerie, St. Cloud is a graduating comrade of the State government and daughter to the general (second-in-command). Willful and at times considered disobedient, Aerie wants nothing more than to be a part of the military to show her father and unit (family) that she can do it. However her father disagrees as does the other generals. She is placed in a job and told that she can reapply in a year. Then she’s kidnapped inadvertently by the infamous ghost of Captain Chainsword and her life is turned upside down. I like Aerie. She’s got spunk. Despite learning that her truth isn’t exactly true, Aerie perseveres and honestly thrives. I loved reading her character’s growth. It was believable, raw, and honest.
Captain Chainsword isn’t really a ghost. He’s Exton Shepherd, a former comrade of the State who was disillusioned and left. Now he works with the rebels trying to build a better world, but he’s also hell-bent on revenge for his father’s death. I won’t say too much about the why and how as it plays a large role in the plot. I love Exton! He sees himself as damaged and without a heart, but he feels so much for his crew, the people he saves, even the stowaway he took when he was after a tree. It says a lot about his character how he treats Aerie when he first finds her, even knowing she works with his enemy.
The Perdition
The space ship itself needs mentioning 😀 The setting on the Perdition is fantastic. Every detail is laid out by Johnson and I felt like I was there. It kind of reminds me of the Star Ship Enterprise….I know different universe but still. It’s massive with many levels and plays a vital role in this book.
My Final Thoughts
Overall I really enjoyed The Heights of Perdition. Aerie’s plight and her white lie wind up driving the plot. My heart broke for her as she learned about Exton and his crew, his father, and the real mission behind the Perdition. And Exton….he just makes my heart ache. Oh and the cliffhanger?!?! Let’s just say I’m glad that the series is already finished 😉 I highly recommend this series for anyone that enjoys science fiction and dystopias with a touch of romance.
Post-nuclear war society. Dictators. Pirates. Revenge. Romance. SPACE!!! Y’all this book is fantastic 😀 The Heights of Perdition by C.S. Johnson is the first book in her The Divine Space Pirates series. It is unputdownable (is that a word?). I could not read it fast enough. If you enjoy dystopias and science fiction, I highly recommend it.
Aeris and Captain Chainsword
Aeris, or Aerie, St. Cloud is a graduating comrade of the State government and daughter to the general (second-in-command). Willful and at times considered disobedient, Aerie wants nothing more than to be a part of the military to show her father and unit (family) that she can do it. However her father disagrees as does the other generals. She is placed in a job and told that she can reapply in a year. Then she’s kidnapped inadvertently by the infamous ghost of Captain Chainsword and her life is turned upside down. I like Aerie. She’s got spunk. Despite learning that her truth isn’t exactly true, Aerie perseveres and honestly thrives. I loved reading her character’s growth. It was believable, raw, and honest.
Captain Chainsword isn’t really a ghost. He’s Exton Shepherd, a former comrade of the State who was disillusioned and left. Now he works with the rebels trying to build a better world, but he’s also hell-bent on revenge for his father’s death. I won’t say too much about the why and how as it plays a large role in the plot. I love Exton! He sees himself as damaged and without a heart, but he feels so much for his crew, the people he saves, even the stowaway he took when he was after a tree. It says a lot about his character how he treats Aerie when he first finds her, even knowing she works with his enemy.
The Perdition
The space ship itself needs mentioning 😀 The setting on the Perdition is fantastic. Every detail is laid out by Johnson and I felt like I was there. It kind of reminds me of the Star Ship Enterprise….I know different universe but still. It’s massive with many levels and plays a vital role in this book.
My Final Thoughts
Overall I really enjoyed The Heights of Perdition. Aerie’s plight and her white lie wind up driving the plot. My heart broke for her as she learned about Exton and his crew, his father, and the real mission behind the Perdition. And Exton….he just makes my heart ache. Oh and the cliffhanger?!?! Let’s just say I’m glad that the series is already finished 😉 I highly recommend this series for anyone that enjoys science fiction and dystopias with a touch of romance.
September 11, 2020
The Heights of Perdition is the first book in The Divine Space Pirates Trilogy. The Christian message comes through strong in this romantic science-fiction adventure series. The story is character-driven with well-thought-out dialogue. There's plenty of clean chemistry to keep the romantics happy. I own the book and have read it once and also listened to it on Audible. The narrator Scott Senff does all the male voices and Andrea Senff the female voices. Her different characters are more easily recognizable than his. Both speak clearly and are easy to listen to. I also heard them narrate the second book and they did a good really good job on that one. There were a few glitches in both, like with part of a sentence being repeated. It has a cliff-hanger ending, so be prepared.
January 3, 2018
I read this novel on my Kindle before I had a Goodreads account and was just reminded it of it, coming across a new book by C.S. In this dystopian tale (set in the future), Aerie St. Cloud desperately wants love and affection from her family especially her dad, and as she fights for it, she is kidnapped and taken aboard a purloined ship, Perdition. While on board she falls for the captain, obviously using him to replace her dad.
This was a cool book to read. I'd read more of C.S.
This was a cool book to read. I'd read more of C.S.
April 16, 2018
I really enjoyed this story from CSJ. Good depth of character from protagonists, antagonists, and various side characters, and it satisfied my standards of sci-fi/dystopian literature. Admittedly, I think my favorite "character" was the Biovid. It held so much future hope for individuals and people as a whole... significant in so many ways! Nicely done, will definitely read the rest in the series!
November 16, 2018
Amazing and so thrilling
February 1, 2018
I absolutely loved The Heights of Perdition! Aerie and Exton’s storyline and relationship had me hooked from the very start. This book had just the right amount of romance, action and drama which kept me reading into early hours of the morning. The ending left me shocked and excited and very eager to read the next book in the series! Love, love, love it!
April 27, 2017
The Heights of Peredition was an enjoyable read, though I would have liked to see more detailed world building in a few spots. The characters were solid and well defined, though I wish they had taken the romance a bit more slowly.
February 4, 2018
I really enjoyed this book! Aerie is a character I can relate to, personality wise - but I'm not as confident! I really enjoyed the premise of the novel- it was exciting, interesting and fresh., ans the ending was unexpected yet so sad! Eagerly awaiting book 2!!!
P.S Moona is adorable! <3
P.S Moona is adorable! <3
November 14, 2017
This book was beautiful and heartwarming. I enjoyed it very much. 5 stars!
April 11, 2018
Good love story set in Earth's future. Good characters, good story line, fun to read and find out what happens next. Good job, Ms. Johnson.
February 6, 2019
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Actual rating is 4.5, but it deserves the bump up!
Thought and Plot
Kidnapped by space pirates??? World destroyed by nuclear war??? Do tell me more!
Aerie St. Cloud only wants to win her father’s love (her father is a high ranking general). But it’s hard when you don’t get to go a top school. Aerie wants to join the Military Academy at New Hope in hopes that this will help her win the acceptance of her family unit. But her father puts the brakes on her dream because he thinks she would be better suited for another life and in New Hope you are not allowed to question.
New Hope is an underground city where New York was originally located. The ground above is now desolate. BUT one tree was saved and Aerie sometimes sneaks out to spend some time with said tree, which I thought was precious. Aerie seems to have a knack for growing things. She is also willful and full of questions. But, again, you don’t ask question in New Hope. You follow the orders you are given. Don’t laugh, don’t smile. Don’t even think about having fun. If the leaders tell you to jump, you jump, and the only question you dare to ask is, how high?
But things change drastically for Aerie when she is kidnapped by pirates. By THE pirate, Captain Chainsword, or Exton Shepherd. Exton is the son of the man who made the ship Perdition a reality. But when he learns what is planned for the Perdition, he steals it and started his pirate life. Aboard the stolen ship Perdition people are allowed to laugh, allowed to have fun, allowed to smile, and allowed to ask questions. Mostly importantly (well, to me as a reader), they are allowed to fall in love. Aerie almost immediately starts asking questions.
Exton thinks of himself as heartless and damaged, but his actions prove him wrong. He cares for his crew. He’s kind to the people he rescues. Most importantly, he’s kind to Aerie, even though she is the daughter of his enemy. He may be driven by the need for vengeance, but the man has a heart.
Exton is the arch enemy of her home and her father, but how can she pass up the opportunity to asks all the questions that fly through her head? Worse, she starts falling for him and him for her. There is no honor in falling in love with your people’s enemy and no respect will be earned for it. But how can she help it when he helps her to grow into something more human than she was ever allowed to be back in New Hope?
So while it was obvious from the start these two are going to be love birds, the story really does get going once Aerie is aboard the Perdition. The author weaves in some many elements of human nature. Greed, kindness, love, laughter, oppression…they’re all in there.
In Conclusion
This book is pretty obvious on the romance front, but who the heck cares if you know most of what is going to happen when it’s so well written and you have wonderful characters like Exton and Aerie???
I’m going to be honest, I’m probably going to go buy the box set for myself. That should say something right there!
Actual rating is 4.5, but it deserves the bump up!
Thought and Plot
Kidnapped by space pirates??? World destroyed by nuclear war??? Do tell me more!
Aerie St. Cloud only wants to win her father’s love (her father is a high ranking general). But it’s hard when you don’t get to go a top school. Aerie wants to join the Military Academy at New Hope in hopes that this will help her win the acceptance of her family unit. But her father puts the brakes on her dream because he thinks she would be better suited for another life and in New Hope you are not allowed to question.
New Hope is an underground city where New York was originally located. The ground above is now desolate. BUT one tree was saved and Aerie sometimes sneaks out to spend some time with said tree, which I thought was precious. Aerie seems to have a knack for growing things. She is also willful and full of questions. But, again, you don’t ask question in New Hope. You follow the orders you are given. Don’t laugh, don’t smile. Don’t even think about having fun. If the leaders tell you to jump, you jump, and the only question you dare to ask is, how high?
But things change drastically for Aerie when she is kidnapped by pirates. By THE pirate, Captain Chainsword, or Exton Shepherd. Exton is the son of the man who made the ship Perdition a reality. But when he learns what is planned for the Perdition, he steals it and started his pirate life. Aboard the stolen ship Perdition people are allowed to laugh, allowed to have fun, allowed to smile, and allowed to ask questions. Mostly importantly (well, to me as a reader), they are allowed to fall in love. Aerie almost immediately starts asking questions.
Exton thinks of himself as heartless and damaged, but his actions prove him wrong. He cares for his crew. He’s kind to the people he rescues. Most importantly, he’s kind to Aerie, even though she is the daughter of his enemy. He may be driven by the need for vengeance, but the man has a heart.
Exton is the arch enemy of her home and her father, but how can she pass up the opportunity to asks all the questions that fly through her head? Worse, she starts falling for him and him for her. There is no honor in falling in love with your people’s enemy and no respect will be earned for it. But how can she help it when he helps her to grow into something more human than she was ever allowed to be back in New Hope?
So while it was obvious from the start these two are going to be love birds, the story really does get going once Aerie is aboard the Perdition. The author weaves in some many elements of human nature. Greed, kindness, love, laughter, oppression…they’re all in there.
In Conclusion
This book is pretty obvious on the romance front, but who the heck cares if you know most of what is going to happen when it’s so well written and you have wonderful characters like Exton and Aerie???
I’m going to be honest, I’m probably going to go buy the box set for myself. That should say something right there!
January 4, 2019
The was my first C.S. Johnson’s book. This is the first book in the Divine Space Pirates Series. This is a good Christian Sci-Fi story, with a complex world, well described. Unfortunately, the story ends with a cliffhanger. The duet narration is well done. Scott and Andrea Senff have a great voice, easy to understand. I received this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
January 13, 2020
I love scifi so this book would have been up my street.
However, I couldn't really get into the book. I don't mind religion being used in books if it is excuted well. I thought it was too black and white and not a lot of complexity in the characters. I don't mind predictability in a plot if the characters are done well.
This book is not for me but others might like it.
However, I couldn't really get into the book. I don't mind religion being used in books if it is excuted well. I thought it was too black and white and not a lot of complexity in the characters. I don't mind predictability in a plot if the characters are done well.
This book is not for me but others might like it.
August 14, 2019
I liked the characters, they were well rounded and wholesome. The world building was satisfactory and showed the differences in living in space and planet side. I am really not into the Romance side of sci-fi and Divine Space Pirates is really not my cup of tea.
August 15, 2019
I enjoyed reading this book, the first in the trilogy. Fast moving from the very beginning, I look forward to reading the other books and to see how the storyline continues to develops.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 24, 2020
This book is a great space opera with romance and charm. I love the characters and enjoyed the interaction and chemistry between them. I found the book difficult to put down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 24, 2019
The Heights of Perdition was my sixth highly enjoyable read/listen from author C.S. Johnson. Narrator Scott Senff adds greatly to the listening enjoyment with the wide variety of entertaining voices & inflections. I was given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it and look forward to The Breadth of Creation, Book 2. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
October 4, 2019
I love C.S. Johnson novels and am always up to reading another one. The Heights of Perdition is a wonderful mix of Sci-Fi, Romance and Christian genres! That’s one thing I really love about C.S. Johnson’s writing. She is able to excel in multiple genres and it is always fun to see what her next adventure will be.
This world has been destroyed by a nuclear holocaust. I was taken right into this novel. The descriptions were wonderfully vivid and it was easy to be transported into the devastation. I love that we are taken from a devestated Earth to outer space and then back again. This was such an adventure and I read it very quickly!
This novel raised some interesting questions about government, religion and human nature. I was expecting a brilliant story, and was given that. But, I was also give a thought-provoking novel about what would happen should nuclear war actually occur. I am really eager for the second book.
I highly recommend The Heights of Perdition! It’s more than just a space fantasy and I think many people will enjoy this one!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour with R&R Book Tours. All opinions are my own.*
Find this review and more on my blog: https://www.jessicabelmont.wordpress.com
This world has been destroyed by a nuclear holocaust. I was taken right into this novel. The descriptions were wonderfully vivid and it was easy to be transported into the devastation. I love that we are taken from a devestated Earth to outer space and then back again. This was such an adventure and I read it very quickly!
This novel raised some interesting questions about government, religion and human nature. I was expecting a brilliant story, and was given that. But, I was also give a thought-provoking novel about what would happen should nuclear war actually occur. I am really eager for the second book.
I highly recommend The Heights of Perdition! It’s more than just a space fantasy and I think many people will enjoy this one!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour with R&R Book Tours. All opinions are my own.*
Find this review and more on my blog: https://www.jessicabelmont.wordpress.com
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