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Aggressor Queen #1
Carapace
Humans are not at the top of the food chain.
While a few brave humans are ready to fight to regain their freedom from their alien conquerors, the future of the human race falls on Khara, a woman who doesn't give a damn about their cause or freedom. It's aliens against humans and humans are losing the battle.
Or are they? Nestra – the alien Queen’s Shame Receptor – struggles with loyalty to her Queen.
As the humans plot revolution, the alien Queen’s madness creates a rift between infected and uninfected aliens. Will the forbidden friendship that develops between Khara and Nestra show them all a new way – coexistence? Or will the human race finally be eliminated once and for all?
This gritty alien invasion story is told from both human and alien points of view, a la C.J. Cherryh, and puts a new twist on the idea of “first contact.”
While a few brave humans are ready to fight to regain their freedom from their alien conquerors, the future of the human race falls on Khara, a woman who doesn't give a damn about their cause or freedom. It's aliens against humans and humans are losing the battle.
Or are they? Nestra – the alien Queen’s Shame Receptor – struggles with loyalty to her Queen.
As the humans plot revolution, the alien Queen’s madness creates a rift between infected and uninfected aliens. Will the forbidden friendship that develops between Khara and Nestra show them all a new way – coexistence? Or will the human race finally be eliminated once and for all?
This gritty alien invasion story is told from both human and alien points of view, a la C.J. Cherryh, and puts a new twist on the idea of “first contact.”
- GenresScience FictionDystopia
409 pages, ebook
Published June 30, 2017
47 people are currently reading
540 people want to read
About the author
Davyne DeSye
13 books126 followersDavyne is the author of Through the Eyes of the Opera Ghost, a retelling of the Phantom of the Opera from the Phantom's point of view, as well as the Phantom Rising Series – a trio of historical romances which continue the saga of the Phantom of the Opera. She has also authored the Aggressor Queen Series – a duo of alien invasion science fiction novels. She has also written a sweet paranormal ghost romance, Love Whispers Through the Veil, and an anthology of speculative fiction short stories, Soap Bubble Dreams and Other Distortions.
Davyne’s writing focuses on strong characterization, a sense of adventure, and emotional impact, reflecting her own passionate view on life. She draws from positive experiences in her life (going on safari, being in a television commercial, becoming a lifeguard) and more painful ones (being kidnapped as a child at knife-point [promptly rescued by Dad!], breaking her arms falling 60 feet off a cliff, breaking her neck at the senior prom) to realistically craft her characters, both good and evil.
Davyne grew up traveling the world with her diplomat parents, and has lived in Germany, Bolivia, Somalia, Afghanistan, Japan, and Korea. After several academic (including computer programming and fine art photography!) and career choices, she finally settled into the law and was an attorney for over twenty years, although writing has always been her first true love.
The list of things she loves is long and includes her family (she survived having five teenagers at one time!), Christmas, cooking, laughing, being an introvert (despite her propensity to arm-waving when excited about a topic), intriguing mouths, sneezing and – of course – reading. Her list of dislikes is relatively small: bigots, hypocrites and mean people. Oh, and lima beans.
She lives with her husband in their Colorado home and in Mexico.
Want to know more?
Interview With Author Davyne DeSye
Authors Talk: A Discussion with Davyne DeSye
Stay connected with Davyne by signing up for her email list. You'll receive a FREE short story just for signing up as well as exclusive updates on giveaways, new releases, cover reveals, sneak peeks, etc. HERE.
Visit Davyne at:
Her Webpage
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Facebook
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YouTube
Pinterest
Watch her book trailers:
Phantom Rising Series:
#1 - For Love of the Phantom
#2 - Skeletons in the Closet
#3 – Phantom Rising
Love Whispers Through the Veil
Carapace
Soap Bubble Dreams and Other Distortions
Davyne’s writing focuses on strong characterization, a sense of adventure, and emotional impact, reflecting her own passionate view on life. She draws from positive experiences in her life (going on safari, being in a television commercial, becoming a lifeguard) and more painful ones (being kidnapped as a child at knife-point [promptly rescued by Dad!], breaking her arms falling 60 feet off a cliff, breaking her neck at the senior prom) to realistically craft her characters, both good and evil.
Davyne grew up traveling the world with her diplomat parents, and has lived in Germany, Bolivia, Somalia, Afghanistan, Japan, and Korea. After several academic (including computer programming and fine art photography!) and career choices, she finally settled into the law and was an attorney for over twenty years, although writing has always been her first true love.
The list of things she loves is long and includes her family (she survived having five teenagers at one time!), Christmas, cooking, laughing, being an introvert (despite her propensity to arm-waving when excited about a topic), intriguing mouths, sneezing and – of course – reading. Her list of dislikes is relatively small: bigots, hypocrites and mean people. Oh, and lima beans.
She lives with her husband in their Colorado home and in Mexico.
Want to know more?
Interview With Author Davyne DeSye
Authors Talk: A Discussion with Davyne DeSye
Stay connected with Davyne by signing up for her email list. You'll receive a FREE short story just for signing up as well as exclusive updates on giveaways, new releases, cover reveals, sneak peeks, etc. HERE.
Visit Davyne at:
Her Webpage
BookBub
YouTube
Watch her book trailers:
Phantom Rising Series:
#1 - For Love of the Phantom
#2 - Skeletons in the Closet
#3 – Phantom Rising
Love Whispers Through the Veil
Carapace
Soap Bubble Dreams and Other Distortions
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 11, 2022
“Earth of my memory belonged to us — humans — and I can’t let go. I wish I could. Lord knows I’m trying.” — Khara
Suspenseful, thrilling, and at various points poignant and sensual, Carapace is a wonderful read for fans of Science Fiction who enjoy something fresh and unusual, overlaid onto the familiar SF premise of Alien invasion.
In Carapace, the conquering has been done, mankind eradicated on every continent except the one to which we are privy. Earth now belongs to creatures Samuel, leader of the Resistance, call ants. They are towering, insect-like creatures following a Queen who is well on her way to madness. Some humans, the “lucky” ones, have been claimed, becoming personal Bodyslaves to the invaders. They wear collars which light up at their master’s whim, beckoned to be used to extract the Sweetmead their captors must drink. But that palpi intrusion pales in comparison to other, more intimate intrusions. The description of this is so artfully done in a literary sense by the author that it "almost" takes the sting out of the more disgusting nature of the intrusion. Only patches releasing a strong drug allow some to withstand the grotesque invasions which provide a sensual thrill for the insects. Khara has been numbered among these for two years. She is lonely and isolated, lost but “safe” as long as she obeys.
"I throw myself into the passing stream of bodies. I want to race away, but the crowd has its own pace. I push my way down a street packed with humans and the taller, silent aliens. More aliens these days than ever. The rhythm as we press against each other in passing is the daytime song of the city. I pray for night." — Khara
Samuel, too, has been claimed, but by an alien who does not take advantage of his power in a sexual way. It allows Samuel the freedom to come and go as he pleases, and lead the human Resistance. Fatchk is part of the ant Resistance, realizing this is not the way it was supposed to be. By coordinating, they learn that Nestra, the kind and gentle Shame Receptor to the Queen, has begun to weaken the mad Tal, taking some of her power even as Nestra takes the madness into herself. These four make up the core of the swiftly moving and tremendously involving narrative, as the story is told from their viewpoints. It is not different viewpoints of the same events, of which I’m not a fan, but rather exciting and involving events which drive this terrific story forward, eventually intertwining the four, coalescing into a single, amazing read.
This is quite wonderful, shaded and fully realized yet laid out in a readable — almost deceptively so — narrative that contains moments of loss and sacrifice, love and betrayal, and in the end, hope for us all. The writer has some nice phrasing, a delicious turn of word. Her descriptive prose is marvelous, placing you in the mind and heart of each person involved. Her descriptions could have become repetitive or boring in describing the taking of the Sweetmead, or vulgar and repulsive when she shows us the emotional horror of other intrusions. It’s to the author’s credit that they don’t. While the reader gets enough to suggest what’s happening, it isn’t overly and grotesquely explicit. It is, in fact, the aftermath and damage these sessions have done to Khara’s soul, and that of the kind Shame receptor, Nestra, which give this Science Fiction novel its emotional depth, and heart. We understand why Khara wants nothing to do with Samuel and the Resistance at first, and empathize when she finally gives her heart to both a cause and a man. Her friendship with the kind and understanding Nestra is beautifully realized and touching. How they communicate, the ants sensing smells and color hues to perceive and give emotions, is marvelously done.
There is a heavy weight on the shoulders of Samuel, who more than once has to stand by for the greater good and watch, while those he’s sent into the undeclared war pay a terrible price. The supporting cast of characters — the playboy Brit, Bell, to young lovers Diane and Tanner, who gain surprising access to Nestra while they tend the Queen’s garden — are well drawn.
Like any war and resistance movement, there is excitement and betrayal, both professional and personal. The author makes us care about the players so that we are on the edge of our seat, wanting them to survive. There is some truly brutal — and heartbreaking — violence during the thrilling and very-much-in-doubt conclusion. Perhaps because it is bugs and humans, the brutality is somehow easier for the reader to take. This is, after all, a story of Science Fiction.
The narrative’s chapters are generally brief, so the reader never becomes so entrenched with a particular voice and viewpoint that the switch to another is jarring, even unwelcome -- which can often be the case if it isn't done correctly. In that respect there is a balance within the narrative which doesn't allow the complexity of what's going on to become confusing for the reader. I got a feel for this world early on, for example, and did not find it in the least confusing. By the second short section, told from the voice of one of the core four, I understood the framework of this world, and I was fully invested in the narrative.
There is emotion and depth in Carapace not always present in Science Fiction, and it is nicely balanced against intrigue and suspense until finally, we get the thrilling action we’ve been waiting for.
This is terrific stuff that I’d liken to early Harlan Ellison. If you enjoy a well-written Science Fiction story of Alien occupation, one with intrigue, emotion, action, and sensuality (though sometimes icky), Carapace has as satisfying an ending as you’re likely to run across in this sub-genre of Science Fiction. Carapace isn’t for everyone, but it is marvelous, and most definitely worth a read for fans.
Suspenseful, thrilling, and at various points poignant and sensual, Carapace is a wonderful read for fans of Science Fiction who enjoy something fresh and unusual, overlaid onto the familiar SF premise of Alien invasion.
In Carapace, the conquering has been done, mankind eradicated on every continent except the one to which we are privy. Earth now belongs to creatures Samuel, leader of the Resistance, call ants. They are towering, insect-like creatures following a Queen who is well on her way to madness. Some humans, the “lucky” ones, have been claimed, becoming personal Bodyslaves to the invaders. They wear collars which light up at their master’s whim, beckoned to be used to extract the Sweetmead their captors must drink. But that palpi intrusion pales in comparison to other, more intimate intrusions. The description of this is so artfully done in a literary sense by the author that it "almost" takes the sting out of the more disgusting nature of the intrusion. Only patches releasing a strong drug allow some to withstand the grotesque invasions which provide a sensual thrill for the insects. Khara has been numbered among these for two years. She is lonely and isolated, lost but “safe” as long as she obeys.
"I throw myself into the passing stream of bodies. I want to race away, but the crowd has its own pace. I push my way down a street packed with humans and the taller, silent aliens. More aliens these days than ever. The rhythm as we press against each other in passing is the daytime song of the city. I pray for night." — Khara
Samuel, too, has been claimed, but by an alien who does not take advantage of his power in a sexual way. It allows Samuel the freedom to come and go as he pleases, and lead the human Resistance. Fatchk is part of the ant Resistance, realizing this is not the way it was supposed to be. By coordinating, they learn that Nestra, the kind and gentle Shame Receptor to the Queen, has begun to weaken the mad Tal, taking some of her power even as Nestra takes the madness into herself. These four make up the core of the swiftly moving and tremendously involving narrative, as the story is told from their viewpoints. It is not different viewpoints of the same events, of which I’m not a fan, but rather exciting and involving events which drive this terrific story forward, eventually intertwining the four, coalescing into a single, amazing read.
This is quite wonderful, shaded and fully realized yet laid out in a readable — almost deceptively so — narrative that contains moments of loss and sacrifice, love and betrayal, and in the end, hope for us all. The writer has some nice phrasing, a delicious turn of word. Her descriptive prose is marvelous, placing you in the mind and heart of each person involved. Her descriptions could have become repetitive or boring in describing the taking of the Sweetmead, or vulgar and repulsive when she shows us the emotional horror of other intrusions. It’s to the author’s credit that they don’t. While the reader gets enough to suggest what’s happening, it isn’t overly and grotesquely explicit. It is, in fact, the aftermath and damage these sessions have done to Khara’s soul, and that of the kind Shame receptor, Nestra, which give this Science Fiction novel its emotional depth, and heart. We understand why Khara wants nothing to do with Samuel and the Resistance at first, and empathize when she finally gives her heart to both a cause and a man. Her friendship with the kind and understanding Nestra is beautifully realized and touching. How they communicate, the ants sensing smells and color hues to perceive and give emotions, is marvelously done.
There is a heavy weight on the shoulders of Samuel, who more than once has to stand by for the greater good and watch, while those he’s sent into the undeclared war pay a terrible price. The supporting cast of characters — the playboy Brit, Bell, to young lovers Diane and Tanner, who gain surprising access to Nestra while they tend the Queen’s garden — are well drawn.
Like any war and resistance movement, there is excitement and betrayal, both professional and personal. The author makes us care about the players so that we are on the edge of our seat, wanting them to survive. There is some truly brutal — and heartbreaking — violence during the thrilling and very-much-in-doubt conclusion. Perhaps because it is bugs and humans, the brutality is somehow easier for the reader to take. This is, after all, a story of Science Fiction.
The narrative’s chapters are generally brief, so the reader never becomes so entrenched with a particular voice and viewpoint that the switch to another is jarring, even unwelcome -- which can often be the case if it isn't done correctly. In that respect there is a balance within the narrative which doesn't allow the complexity of what's going on to become confusing for the reader. I got a feel for this world early on, for example, and did not find it in the least confusing. By the second short section, told from the voice of one of the core four, I understood the framework of this world, and I was fully invested in the narrative.
There is emotion and depth in Carapace not always present in Science Fiction, and it is nicely balanced against intrigue and suspense until finally, we get the thrilling action we’ve been waiting for.
This is terrific stuff that I’d liken to early Harlan Ellison. If you enjoy a well-written Science Fiction story of Alien occupation, one with intrigue, emotion, action, and sensuality (though sometimes icky), Carapace has as satisfying an ending as you’re likely to run across in this sub-genre of Science Fiction. Carapace isn’t for everyone, but it is marvelous, and most definitely worth a read for fans.
May 25, 2024
Carapace by Davyne DeSye is her excellent debut novel and first in a series of sci-fi stories where earth is invaded by alien ants from another planet. These are not the ants you find in your sugar bowl at home. They are larger than the largest man. The ants have eradicated most of humans on earth with the exception of a few million in an area the size of Chicago. The remaining humans are the slaves and “play things” of the aliens. However, a slave rebellion is brewing.
The author develops this story around her characters both human and insects and builds on the human rebellion theme as the “bad ants” plan their extinction of the human race. She weaves in all human good and bad behavior: love and sex, both human and insect, and avarice, greed and betrayal to an excellent surprise at the end.
As I read more of DeSye’s work, I am continually surprised by her superb story telling, creative and unforgettable characters and her versatility. Previously I read her “For the Love of the Phantom”, a continuation of the beloved Phantom of the Opera story, and a perfect example of her ability to adapt her stories into new areas.
I highly recommend Carapace and look forward to more from Ms DeSye.
The author develops this story around her characters both human and insects and builds on the human rebellion theme as the “bad ants” plan their extinction of the human race. She weaves in all human good and bad behavior: love and sex, both human and insect, and avarice, greed and betrayal to an excellent surprise at the end.
As I read more of DeSye’s work, I am continually surprised by her superb story telling, creative and unforgettable characters and her versatility. Previously I read her “For the Love of the Phantom”, a continuation of the beloved Phantom of the Opera story, and a perfect example of her ability to adapt her stories into new areas.
I highly recommend Carapace and look forward to more from Ms DeSye.
June 29, 2017
My rating 3.7
Carapace (Aggressor Queen, # 1) by Davyne DeSye is a science fiction novel located in the distal world of the future where the human race is enslaved by a superior Species of Ants. The human species is in the face of total extermination, all people in the world or have their Master Ants or are on the brink of hunger if they do not. Human life is worth less than the grain of dust. But in these toughest moments, the human species does not give up and creates resistance. But among the ants, there are those who are not for what their queen is doing and are trying to help the human race. The writer leads us into the world, full of difficult decisions in which the main character Samuel does not know whom to believe and to whom not. Samuel is the chief commander in the resistance and his decisions cost the lives of many members of the resistance. Although aware that the victims are inevitable, they often have no forgiveness for the deaths of their friends. But people trust him faithfully because he is the only one who can resist the aggressors. Samuel is attempting a resistance movement to include Kharu, a drug addict and a sexual slave, one of the Ants. Samuel believes that a warrior is hiding in Kharu and at all costs wants to engage in resistance. But some resistance members do not like his decision. But time has become less and less Queen Ants have become dangerous, the poison that circulates through her body increasingly frustrates the entire population of Ants. Because of its rage, the human race is getting closer to the exterminated but also to the ants who oppose it in any way. The only hope is rebellious. The book would be recommended to all lovers of science fiction and dystopia.
Carapace (Aggressor Queen, # 1) by Davyne DeSye is a science fiction novel located in the distal world of the future where the human race is enslaved by a superior Species of Ants. The human species is in the face of total extermination, all people in the world or have their Master Ants or are on the brink of hunger if they do not. Human life is worth less than the grain of dust. But in these toughest moments, the human species does not give up and creates resistance. But among the ants, there are those who are not for what their queen is doing and are trying to help the human race. The writer leads us into the world, full of difficult decisions in which the main character Samuel does not know whom to believe and to whom not. Samuel is the chief commander in the resistance and his decisions cost the lives of many members of the resistance. Although aware that the victims are inevitable, they often have no forgiveness for the deaths of their friends. But people trust him faithfully because he is the only one who can resist the aggressors. Samuel is attempting a resistance movement to include Kharu, a drug addict and a sexual slave, one of the Ants. Samuel believes that a warrior is hiding in Kharu and at all costs wants to engage in resistance. But some resistance members do not like his decision. But time has become less and less Queen Ants have become dangerous, the poison that circulates through her body increasingly frustrates the entire population of Ants. Because of its rage, the human race is getting closer to the exterminated but also to the ants who oppose it in any way. The only hope is rebellious. The book would be recommended to all lovers of science fiction and dystopia.
January 30, 2020
Earth has been invaded by an insect-like alien species that the humans call "ants". Humanity has been mostly exterminated, and the survivors live under brutal slavery. This is the story of the human resistance through the view point of the human leader Samuel and Khara, a horribly abused and drug-addicted slave.
The level of brutality as humans are raped, dismembered and murdered is difficult to read and quite visceral. The opening chapter that demonstrates Khara's existence as a body-slave to one of the higher-up ant aliens is one of the more confronting things I've read, particularly as she finds a sort of security in her repeated violation and drug use.
That being said, the desperate straits that the humans find themselves in makes for a terrific resistance story, particularly when the slightest hint of rebellion is punished by swift response from the physically superior aliens. What also brings it out is the wide variety of points of view in the narrative, including several of the alien characters.
This is an underappreciated gem that I recommend.
The level of brutality as humans are raped, dismembered and murdered is difficult to read and quite visceral. The opening chapter that demonstrates Khara's existence as a body-slave to one of the higher-up ant aliens is one of the more confronting things I've read, particularly as she finds a sort of security in her repeated violation and drug use.
That being said, the desperate straits that the humans find themselves in makes for a terrific resistance story, particularly when the slightest hint of rebellion is punished by swift response from the physically superior aliens. What also brings it out is the wide variety of points of view in the narrative, including several of the alien characters.
This is an underappreciated gem that I recommend.
August 15, 2017
Carapace, by Davyne DeSye, appears on the surface to be a typical science-fiction novel and, in this context, "typical" probably connotes "unoriginal". According to the somewhat too extensive and revealing description (perhaps the author should consider a "less-is-more" approach), the earth has been invaded by an alien race of beings that share many characteristics with ants – the name by which humans refer to the aliens. Most humans submit to their appalling fate, serving as little more than slaves to their masters. There are, however, some that try to organize a resistance. At the same time, the "ants" themselves are not unified, with unholy alliances formed and byzantine conspiracies plotted against the all-powerful Queen.
As I mentioned earlier, the story doesn't appear to be too original in its conception (we've had many great science-fiction stories involving an alien invasion). But what not even a lengthy description can reveal is the uniqueness the novel displays in terms of character building and, particularly, experience describing. There is something deeply synesthetic (in lieu of a better word) in the way the author renders the alien race as beings who, just like ordinary earth ants, can "see" emotions through flavors – each flavor/emotion containing its own "color", with subtle variations serving as exclamation points or for disambiguation (or the opposite, when the narrative demands it). In essence, the author has succeeded in rendering a new language for which it is difficult to find the exact equivalent – that in itself is a veritable achievement, as there is a significant aura of realism surrounding the alien beings. A bit like sign language, which can convey more complex (and simultaneous) meanings than linear word-after-word verbal interlocution, the alien beings' communication is intricate, multi-dimensional, and allows for much more nuanced meanings to be transmitted. Kudos to the author for this.
The plot progression is natural, containing a healthy dose of necessary stereotyping as a genre marking (both in terms of characters as well as plot happenings), though never becoming tedious. The descriptions are perfectly balanced between maintaining a good tempo and offering rich details of this dystopic world – it's worth mentioning that, for all their gory, disturbing details, scenes of torture and abuse are replete with meaning. As a result, the narrative emits a distinct feeling of maturity about it, offering clear justification and staying well away from merely voyeuristic descriptions.
And this, perhaps, is the narrative's strongest point: despite the action-packed scenes and the gripping suspense, there is a multitude of meanings to be found in the pages of the novel. Brian Aldiss has argued that science fiction is characteristically cast in the Gothic or post-Gothic mode, and DeSye's novel is a great example of this. Not only due to fear floating everywhere – quite literally; the ants can detect its flavor and its red color – but also due to a vast number of Gothic devices and tropes that, I speculate, the author might not even be consciously aware of (parenthetically, this is characteristic of Gothic fiction. When Dracula was published, contemporary critics mentioned a feeling of transgression the origin of which felt unknown, adding that they weren't sure Bram Stoker was sure, either). In more detail, off the top of my head, I can mention the following Gothic tropes proudly marching through the novel: 1) the Queen's quarters serve the function of a castle (she is the Queen after all), meaning as an ambiguous in-between area where alliances are formed and broken, and the past (the status quo) is in the process of being replaced by the future (it has to do with hierarchy and succession, I don’t want to reveal too much); 2) the themes of insanity, disease, contagion are all very, very typically Gothic, and ditto for succession and hierarchy I mentioned above; 3) taboo sexuality; 4) drug abuse and its associated trance experiences; 5) feminist/gender sensitivities; 6)patriarchy in general, particularly with a revolt of the masses against a (feudal?) ruler.
Pair those with the subtle metaphors pertaining to ecology, nationalism, and the essence of human nature (just to name three examples) and you have a narrative that, while on the surface is simple and easy enough for most people to follow, at the same time reveals a very complex system of interconnected meanings, that can trouble you for a long time. One of the best science-fiction works I’ve read lately. Very highly recommended!
As I mentioned earlier, the story doesn't appear to be too original in its conception (we've had many great science-fiction stories involving an alien invasion). But what not even a lengthy description can reveal is the uniqueness the novel displays in terms of character building and, particularly, experience describing. There is something deeply synesthetic (in lieu of a better word) in the way the author renders the alien race as beings who, just like ordinary earth ants, can "see" emotions through flavors – each flavor/emotion containing its own "color", with subtle variations serving as exclamation points or for disambiguation (or the opposite, when the narrative demands it). In essence, the author has succeeded in rendering a new language for which it is difficult to find the exact equivalent – that in itself is a veritable achievement, as there is a significant aura of realism surrounding the alien beings. A bit like sign language, which can convey more complex (and simultaneous) meanings than linear word-after-word verbal interlocution, the alien beings' communication is intricate, multi-dimensional, and allows for much more nuanced meanings to be transmitted. Kudos to the author for this.
The plot progression is natural, containing a healthy dose of necessary stereotyping as a genre marking (both in terms of characters as well as plot happenings), though never becoming tedious. The descriptions are perfectly balanced between maintaining a good tempo and offering rich details of this dystopic world – it's worth mentioning that, for all their gory, disturbing details, scenes of torture and abuse are replete with meaning. As a result, the narrative emits a distinct feeling of maturity about it, offering clear justification and staying well away from merely voyeuristic descriptions.
And this, perhaps, is the narrative's strongest point: despite the action-packed scenes and the gripping suspense, there is a multitude of meanings to be found in the pages of the novel. Brian Aldiss has argued that science fiction is characteristically cast in the Gothic or post-Gothic mode, and DeSye's novel is a great example of this. Not only due to fear floating everywhere – quite literally; the ants can detect its flavor and its red color – but also due to a vast number of Gothic devices and tropes that, I speculate, the author might not even be consciously aware of (parenthetically, this is characteristic of Gothic fiction. When Dracula was published, contemporary critics mentioned a feeling of transgression the origin of which felt unknown, adding that they weren't sure Bram Stoker was sure, either). In more detail, off the top of my head, I can mention the following Gothic tropes proudly marching through the novel: 1) the Queen's quarters serve the function of a castle (she is the Queen after all), meaning as an ambiguous in-between area where alliances are formed and broken, and the past (the status quo) is in the process of being replaced by the future (it has to do with hierarchy and succession, I don’t want to reveal too much); 2) the themes of insanity, disease, contagion are all very, very typically Gothic, and ditto for succession and hierarchy I mentioned above; 3) taboo sexuality; 4) drug abuse and its associated trance experiences; 5) feminist/gender sensitivities; 6)patriarchy in general, particularly with a revolt of the masses against a (feudal?) ruler.
Pair those with the subtle metaphors pertaining to ecology, nationalism, and the essence of human nature (just to name three examples) and you have a narrative that, while on the surface is simple and easy enough for most people to follow, at the same time reveals a very complex system of interconnected meanings, that can trouble you for a long time. One of the best science-fiction works I’ve read lately. Very highly recommended!
September 11, 2017
District 9 meets Mad Max!
It’s a dystopian world under what humans call the ‘Ant’ (not prawns) colonization. Only about 30 million humans survive.
It’s fast paced. Every chapter moves the plot along with different points of views. Basically, there are two plot lines. Samuel & Khara (humans with ant-masters) and Fatchk & Nestra (ants).
A revolution is brewing.The two plot lines converge when Fatchk contacts Samuel to help the rebel cause against Queen Tal.
By half of the book, Khara has cleaned up from her addiction to patches and is the strong female protagonist. Samuel was…frustrating, I have to admit. The couple gets together, but Samuel would rather believe his friend (the traitor!) rather than the woman who cleaned up and became stronger for him and for the cause. I was expecting Khara to give up everything and go back to her usual but she amazed me after the rejection by picking the pieces and still sets off to find the traitor and committing herself to the greater cause.
I love the world-building. The way the ants can communicate with not only sight and sound, but taste anger, smell fear, sense confusion.
“I taste your curiosity, I smell your fear,” I answer.
I enjoy the lapping tides of emotional current of the two . . . confidence, triumph, curiosity, and under it all like a deep underground spring, the velvety purple-blue passion ripples serenely.
Touch is the sense in which they communicate with humans, a sense that brings Khara and Nestra close. Interestingly, at the beginning, Khara flinches from touch while Nestra yearns for it. And they learn to ‘share’, communicate their feelings through each other.
The chapters with Nestra confused me the most. She is the Shame receptor. A chemical she absorbs from the Queen. Naturally and wrongly, I assumed the Queen feels remorse and shame. But then it doesn’t make sense as the Queen is cruel and delights in torturing humans. It’s only halfway through the book that we learn what Shame is. It is a sort of infection that the Queen and those close to her are afflicted with. It’s not explained –is the infection from ingesting human blood and parts or other- and it’s not important. Knowing what Shame is, something that Nestra can take away from the Queen at great cost to herself would have cleared up a lot of confusion to me. The process apparently prolongs the Queen’s life.
Carapace was perfect for me as it’s not too technical and not overly descriptive. A dystopian world with alien colonization by a different species, a little romance, and a bit of gore and suspense. It is a good pacing till the end as all points of view converge to the main story line of helping the rebel cause. The book ends with a gripping climax, including clipping toes and ant-fighting with pincers among others.
Can’t wait for Book 2 for the ‘other planets’!
It’s a dystopian world under what humans call the ‘Ant’ (not prawns) colonization. Only about 30 million humans survive.
It’s fast paced. Every chapter moves the plot along with different points of views. Basically, there are two plot lines. Samuel & Khara (humans with ant-masters) and Fatchk & Nestra (ants).
A revolution is brewing.The two plot lines converge when Fatchk contacts Samuel to help the rebel cause against Queen Tal.
By half of the book, Khara has cleaned up from her addiction to patches and is the strong female protagonist. Samuel was…frustrating, I have to admit. The couple gets together, but Samuel would rather believe his friend (the traitor!) rather than the woman who cleaned up and became stronger for him and for the cause. I was expecting Khara to give up everything and go back to her usual but she amazed me after the rejection by picking the pieces and still sets off to find the traitor and committing herself to the greater cause.
I love the world-building. The way the ants can communicate with not only sight and sound, but taste anger, smell fear, sense confusion.
“I taste your curiosity, I smell your fear,” I answer.
I enjoy the lapping tides of emotional current of the two . . . confidence, triumph, curiosity, and under it all like a deep underground spring, the velvety purple-blue passion ripples serenely.
Touch is the sense in which they communicate with humans, a sense that brings Khara and Nestra close. Interestingly, at the beginning, Khara flinches from touch while Nestra yearns for it. And they learn to ‘share’, communicate their feelings through each other.
The chapters with Nestra confused me the most. She is the Shame receptor. A chemical she absorbs from the Queen. Naturally and wrongly, I assumed the Queen feels remorse and shame. But then it doesn’t make sense as the Queen is cruel and delights in torturing humans. It’s only halfway through the book that we learn what Shame is. It is a sort of infection that the Queen and those close to her are afflicted with. It’s not explained –is the infection from ingesting human blood and parts or other- and it’s not important. Knowing what Shame is, something that Nestra can take away from the Queen at great cost to herself would have cleared up a lot of confusion to me. The process apparently prolongs the Queen’s life.
Carapace was perfect for me as it’s not too technical and not overly descriptive. A dystopian world with alien colonization by a different species, a little romance, and a bit of gore and suspense. It is a good pacing till the end as all points of view converge to the main story line of helping the rebel cause. The book ends with a gripping climax, including clipping toes and ant-fighting with pincers among others.
Can’t wait for Book 2 for the ‘other planets’!
May 22, 2017
Carapace is a creepy and disturbing novel describing life on Earth after an alien invasion. Ant-like aliens have taken over the planet and disposed of most humans. The ones left behind are kind of like pets to the aliens. They are used as feeding vessels in a gruesome way that you just have to read for yourself. It’s creepy. Each chapter is written from the POV of a different character. Sometimes a human. Sometimes an alien. The writing style takes a little getting used to but after a little while it becomes incredibly effective. I particularly liked reading the POV of the aliens and the way they use taste and smell to communicate. Or the way they refer to their alien body parts as if it’s not weird that they have antenna and pincers. That’s where the writing style really pulls you in and creeps you out. I often felt like I was dreaming the book rather than reading it. The world created in Carapace makes you really feel for the characters, or at least the human ones, as they struggle to detach themselves from their bodies and minds as the aliens abuse them. The author does a good job of letting you experience everything rather than just dishing out information that you need to know, which is sometimes necessary in science fiction. Overall, Carapace is a solid novel and I still feel the creepiness well after finishing the book.
June 19, 2017
I haven't read a sci fi book in a long time, but a friend recommended this one. It took me some pages to get into it and a bit to get used to the first person point of view that continued throughout the book. Here's what I liked: I actually loved the characters. I found myself hating the villains and routing for the heroes and heroines, humans and aliens. For me, it was a "page turner" because once I was engaged, I really did keep reading. The book moved and it reached a strong climax. I am a fan of shows like the Walking Dead so I'm used to apocalyptic story lines and strong, brutal story lines.
I did find the first person point of view a bit confusing at first until I really understood the characters and I like how the author maintained the continuity of the story line and one character took over the narrative from the previous one.
I do, however, just wish there had been some third person point of view. I am curious about the alien home planet and how they came to earth and how they took us over. I also think that the images could have been more vibrant if they could have been described by the author rather than restricted by the character's perspective.
I gave this book five stars because it really kept me engaged and interested in the characters and the plot through to the end. The only other "critical" comment I might make is that the end came fairly abruptly after the climax and seemed to tie everything up in a box with a bow.
Great job!
I did find the first person point of view a bit confusing at first until I really understood the characters and I like how the author maintained the continuity of the story line and one character took over the narrative from the previous one.
I do, however, just wish there had been some third person point of view. I am curious about the alien home planet and how they came to earth and how they took us over. I also think that the images could have been more vibrant if they could have been described by the author rather than restricted by the character's perspective.
I gave this book five stars because it really kept me engaged and interested in the characters and the plot through to the end. The only other "critical" comment I might make is that the end came fairly abruptly after the climax and seemed to tie everything up in a box with a bow.
Great job!
June 30, 2017
Carapace was intelligent, creative and suspenseful. The basic concept is one that has been utilised many times; that of aliens colonising the planet, but DeSye managed to take it and and transform it into something unique.
Readers may find the first person POV usage confusing, being as it switches between a multitude of characters, but it really worked for me. Though it mostly centered on Khara and Samuel, I liked knowing a little of what the other characters were feeling and experiencing. It provided more depth, in my opinion.
I also loved the description of the aliens' sensory experience, as they were able to perceive chemicals, producing rich 'tastes' and 'colours' for each interaction and emotion. It was beautiful, imaginative, and probably not easy to write as humans don't have that ability. I was really impressed by that.
Honestly I thought this would be a standalone, (it would still work really well) but I'm anticipating the next book. I had no complaints for this one, I just took a long time to read it due to being busy. Everything flowed well, varied use of words, not too cliche. I only wish we could've seen more in terms of the development of Samuel and Khara's relationship, it seemed very lust-fuelled.
Readers may find the first person POV usage confusing, being as it switches between a multitude of characters, but it really worked for me. Though it mostly centered on Khara and Samuel, I liked knowing a little of what the other characters were feeling and experiencing. It provided more depth, in my opinion.
I also loved the description of the aliens' sensory experience, as they were able to perceive chemicals, producing rich 'tastes' and 'colours' for each interaction and emotion. It was beautiful, imaginative, and probably not easy to write as humans don't have that ability. I was really impressed by that.
Honestly I thought this would be a standalone, (it would still work really well) but I'm anticipating the next book. I had no complaints for this one, I just took a long time to read it due to being busy. Everything flowed well, varied use of words, not too cliche. I only wish we could've seen more in terms of the development of Samuel and Khara's relationship, it seemed very lust-fuelled.
May 9, 2017
Let me start by saying, I haven't read a ton of sci-fi in my life. But wow, this book sucks you in from the first page and doesn't let you go until the last. And when it was over, I only wanted more. DeSye surrounds you in a world where humans are no longer at the top of the pecking order. In fact, we're getting close to extinction. Alien Ants have come to earth and are ruled by a crazy, blood-thirsty queen who's on a mission to rid the world of humans.
This story is told from the POV of multiple characters. And at first, I was weary of this as I was afraid it would be too much. But it absolutely was not! DeSye does it in such a brilliant way that you cannot wait to finish reading one character and scene just to get to the next because they're all different and perfectly timed. We get insight into the daily lives of not only the humans, but of the Ants too. We see the dirty, gritty world of human slaves, like Khara, who is forced to perform degrading acts for her master. She was an incredibly complex character and I found myself yelling and cheering for her at the same time. The brave revolutionaries (especially Samuel, whom I LOVED) and how they get from day to day despite great personal risk and betrayals. And then there is Nestra, the sweet, lonely Ant Shame Receptor of the Queen. Her relationship with Khara changes everything.
This story is full of action, suspense, love, sex, hope, courage and deceit. It really has it all and is written with tremendous detail and skill that I just wanted more! In fact, I did a little happy dance when I saw that this was the first in the series. This is an absolute MUST READ!
This story is told from the POV of multiple characters. And at first, I was weary of this as I was afraid it would be too much. But it absolutely was not! DeSye does it in such a brilliant way that you cannot wait to finish reading one character and scene just to get to the next because they're all different and perfectly timed. We get insight into the daily lives of not only the humans, but of the Ants too. We see the dirty, gritty world of human slaves, like Khara, who is forced to perform degrading acts for her master. She was an incredibly complex character and I found myself yelling and cheering for her at the same time. The brave revolutionaries (especially Samuel, whom I LOVED) and how they get from day to day despite great personal risk and betrayals. And then there is Nestra, the sweet, lonely Ant Shame Receptor of the Queen. Her relationship with Khara changes everything.
This story is full of action, suspense, love, sex, hope, courage and deceit. It really has it all and is written with tremendous detail and skill that I just wanted more! In fact, I did a little happy dance when I saw that this was the first in the series. This is an absolute MUST READ!
May 31, 2018
Davyne DeSye creates an upside-down world in her book “Carapace.” Alien ants, larger than humans, are now ruling what is left of the world. Led by a ruthless Queen, this mutant species of ants rules over subservient humans, using them for everything from bodily pleasures to running their factories.
The ants communicate by picking up on chemical releases from each other, but are unable to do the same with humans. Khara (female human) services one of the ant aliens and is frequently called to its side by a communications collar around her neck, which also serves to let others know her status. What her ruling alien does to and with Khara would never make it past censors to the movie screen.
Khara is a tough cookie, set on survival in what seems to be an un-survivable world. She manages to learn how the aliens communicate, a valuable and unique skill. Midway through the story, she links up with Samuel (male human) and discovers an uphill plot to overthrow the aliens. Their plan requires the support of uninfected aliens, and Nestra, the Queen’s alien receptor, comes to their aid. I stop here to not disclose what transpires.
I found the story fascinating. Much of the first half of the book was spent creating the upside-down world and getting the reader familiar with the alien-human interrelationships. I more enjoyed the second half of the novel where the plot to take back the world (what was left of it) from the alien invaders began to heat up.
In the beginning, it was hard for me to follow the writing of Ms. DeSye. There was much to assimilate in her new world—the names, the terms, the relationships, and the alternating first person chapters. But by the time I was halfway through the novel, the story flowed naturally, and I could actually visualize ants and humans interacting in the strangest of ways.
Given this book subtitled, “Aggressor Queen #1,” I am assuming readers of alien infused, sci-fi novels will be treated to another riveting dose from Davyne DeSye.
The ants communicate by picking up on chemical releases from each other, but are unable to do the same with humans. Khara (female human) services one of the ant aliens and is frequently called to its side by a communications collar around her neck, which also serves to let others know her status. What her ruling alien does to and with Khara would never make it past censors to the movie screen.
Khara is a tough cookie, set on survival in what seems to be an un-survivable world. She manages to learn how the aliens communicate, a valuable and unique skill. Midway through the story, she links up with Samuel (male human) and discovers an uphill plot to overthrow the aliens. Their plan requires the support of uninfected aliens, and Nestra, the Queen’s alien receptor, comes to their aid. I stop here to not disclose what transpires.
I found the story fascinating. Much of the first half of the book was spent creating the upside-down world and getting the reader familiar with the alien-human interrelationships. I more enjoyed the second half of the novel where the plot to take back the world (what was left of it) from the alien invaders began to heat up.
In the beginning, it was hard for me to follow the writing of Ms. DeSye. There was much to assimilate in her new world—the names, the terms, the relationships, and the alternating first person chapters. But by the time I was halfway through the novel, the story flowed naturally, and I could actually visualize ants and humans interacting in the strangest of ways.
Given this book subtitled, “Aggressor Queen #1,” I am assuming readers of alien infused, sci-fi novels will be treated to another riveting dose from Davyne DeSye.
December 23, 2017
I was absolutely blown away by this story. Everything I read for was perfectly balanced here: plot, pacing, characters, world-building. The plot was unique and totally didn’t go how I was expecting. As it thickened the depth of the story unfolded to reveal layers of betrayal and storylines that were artfully complex. One betrayal had me in tears in two different places! I absolutely won’t say with whom because that needs to be read slowly, with knuckles gripping the kindle. The pace was fast and intense. This all takes place in a bleak future world that was painted in a way that made it easy to visualize without being weighted down with detail.
I saved characters to talk about last because even though the other aspects were so well done, I am reader who tends to fall in love with a character driven story. This had that too, in spades. It had multiple perspectives, each with a voice of their own. Samuel and Khara while both extremely strong and brave, were different in many ways, that had them clashing quite a bit and made for some very intense moments in places where they needed to come together and yet… the dynamics between them was wonderful. What really shocked me was that my favorite character was actually one of the aliens. Nestra, star of the show. I loved every single thing about Nestra.
I think it says a lot about the story telling gift of the author that in such a hopeless dystopian, story there was still an urge in my heart and mind to hope for the best. This is a must read.
I saved characters to talk about last because even though the other aspects were so well done, I am reader who tends to fall in love with a character driven story. This had that too, in spades. It had multiple perspectives, each with a voice of their own. Samuel and Khara while both extremely strong and brave, were different in many ways, that had them clashing quite a bit and made for some very intense moments in places where they needed to come together and yet… the dynamics between them was wonderful. What really shocked me was that my favorite character was actually one of the aliens. Nestra, star of the show. I loved every single thing about Nestra.
I think it says a lot about the story telling gift of the author that in such a hopeless dystopian, story there was still an urge in my heart and mind to hope for the best. This is a must read.
March 18, 2022
Wow...a truly amazing book.
The world was really extraordinary as were the characters.
From the evil, sick ant queen to the heroic resistance I loved them all.
Hoping for a follow-on book someday soon.
The world was really extraordinary as were the characters.
From the evil, sick ant queen to the heroic resistance I loved them all.
Hoping for a follow-on book someday soon.
June 2, 2017
Sci-fi isn't a genre I often reach for, so I was a bit hesitant to start Carapace, but it was an enjoyable and exciting read from start to finish. Humans are a diminishing species on an invaded earth. Aliens, referred to as "ants", are the ones in control now, led by a deranged queen. The humans are leading an underground rebellion, but the stakes are high, and even small errors cost lives.
The book is told from many perspectives, offering insight to the human rebellion, the crazed queen, and ants on both sides of the conflict. Carapace has a little bit of everything: action, drama, romance, and—of course—a lot of sci-fi. Even readers who don't normally pick up sci-fi can find something to enjoy in this character-driven story.
That leads me into my favorite part of the story—it's characters. Flawed, organic, and relatable, they're the breath of this book.
The book is told from many perspectives, offering insight to the human rebellion, the crazed queen, and ants on both sides of the conflict. Carapace has a little bit of everything: action, drama, romance, and—of course—a lot of sci-fi. Even readers who don't normally pick up sci-fi can find something to enjoy in this character-driven story.
That leads me into my favorite part of the story—it's characters. Flawed, organic, and relatable, they're the breath of this book.
April 3, 2018
I was intrigued by the title and when I read the blurb and saw it was about aliens, I had to read it.
When I started it, I thought something was odd, but I couldn't figure it out. After a few chapters, I realized it was written in present tense. I am not a fan of it but by then I was so intrigued by the story that I put aside my preferences and continued. I am so glad I did. This was a fabulous story about ants like aliens who invaded Earth. They have humans as pets. Some masters are ok, others…not so much.
The story is about survival, about trust, in other human beings as well as aliens and to what extent one might go to save their planet and/or themselves.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves aliens.
When I started it, I thought something was odd, but I couldn't figure it out. After a few chapters, I realized it was written in present tense. I am not a fan of it but by then I was so intrigued by the story that I put aside my preferences and continued. I am so glad I did. This was a fabulous story about ants like aliens who invaded Earth. They have humans as pets. Some masters are ok, others…not so much.
The story is about survival, about trust, in other human beings as well as aliens and to what extent one might go to save their planet and/or themselves.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves aliens.
February 10, 2025
Enthralled
Carapace manages a dissonant yet somehow lyrical cadence that held me captivated from the very first page.
Told from the POV of multiple characters throughout, but centering mainly upon the leader of the human resistance, an unwilling human female, and an alien servant (of sorts) to the ‘ant’ queen. Each character’s POV felt distinct and true. Especially intriguing were those chapters told via the perspective of the insectile alien invaders, given their perception of everything around them via a unique blend of scents & colors. It was truly otherworldly.
I’ve long been a fan of Ms. DeSye’s Phantom Rising series, so came into her sci-fi foray with high hopes and was not disappointed.
Carapace manages a dissonant yet somehow lyrical cadence that held me captivated from the very first page.
Told from the POV of multiple characters throughout, but centering mainly upon the leader of the human resistance, an unwilling human female, and an alien servant (of sorts) to the ‘ant’ queen. Each character’s POV felt distinct and true. Especially intriguing were those chapters told via the perspective of the insectile alien invaders, given their perception of everything around them via a unique blend of scents & colors. It was truly otherworldly.
I’ve long been a fan of Ms. DeSye’s Phantom Rising series, so came into her sci-fi foray with high hopes and was not disappointed.
April 9, 2019
Interesting take on alien/human interaction
I won this book in an Amazon giveaway, as in general I like books that explore social dynamics within the freedom of a sci-fi backdrop. I enjoyed the read.
I tend to avoid books that dwell on sexual abuse, I read to focus on positive experiences. And I avoid books that lean towards male blaming. (Ant colonies like most social insects, are female with the sole exception being male drones that live only long enough to mate. If rape could exist among workers it would be female on female)
I brushed aside my personal bias, focusing on the story and the characters. And again, liked what I read though it’s predictable in its plot development. I recommend it to folks who enjoy this sub genre and read to escape life for a bit. I’ll keep my eye on the author for her other works, and appreciate that she and her publisher sponsored this giveaway.
I won this book in an Amazon giveaway, as in general I like books that explore social dynamics within the freedom of a sci-fi backdrop. I enjoyed the read.
I tend to avoid books that dwell on sexual abuse, I read to focus on positive experiences. And I avoid books that lean towards male blaming. (Ant colonies like most social insects, are female with the sole exception being male drones that live only long enough to mate. If rape could exist among workers it would be female on female)
I brushed aside my personal bias, focusing on the story and the characters. And again, liked what I read though it’s predictable in its plot development. I recommend it to folks who enjoy this sub genre and read to escape life for a bit. I’ll keep my eye on the author for her other works, and appreciate that she and her publisher sponsored this giveaway.
August 26, 2017
I AM A READER OF SIFI AND SOME FANTASY AND WHEN I BEGAN "CARAPACE" I WAS A LITTLE DISTURBED. THE BOOK BEGINS WITH SEEMING A LITTLE DARK, BUT AS I GOT INTO IT, IT QUICKLY IMPROVED AND THE PLOT WAS VERY WELL BROUGHT TOGETHER. THE WRITING WAS SUPER AND THE STORY HELD MY ATTENTION THROUGH THE VERY END.....AND I DIDN'T WANT IT TO END. IT IS ONE OF THOSE BOOKS THAT ONCE YOU GET INTO IT, YOU CANNOT PUT IT DOWN AND WHEN YOU COME TO THE CONCLUSION, YOU DON'T WANT IT TO END. I GUESS I WILL HAVE TO WAIT TO SEE IF THERE ARE MORE COMING DOWN THE PIKE. BEWARE MADAME DESYE !!! I WILL BE WATCHING FOR WHAT ELSE YOU CAN PUT OUT THERE.
March 4, 2018
If you like Sci-Fi but something that is really creepy and crawly, then this one is for you. Carapace (and I love the name) is set on earth after an alien insect invasion. It's a multiple first person POV style piece, written in the present tense, which ping-pongs between humans and insects. The writing (in my view) was impressive and flawless. It does seem that the author looked at each individual sentence and crafted them as skilfully as she could. I was impressed and green with envy.
"Fugue state. The protective mantra floats as colored sound, scented sound, as a singing, roiling coil of cystralline bursts of color - mutable, fluid, flowing etc etc" This kind of stuff reminded me of Brave New World and Soma.
The most impactful character (and I'm not alone here) was Khara. Her submission to her patches and the invasiveness of her ant master - well, it couldn't be more creepy! The strange intimacy of it all. The author did a great job or thinking the way an insect would (if that's at all possible). The clicking sounds, the snapping of mandibles, sucking out the sweatmead. How on earth did DeSye imagine that?
The reason I don't give this work 5 stars is that at times I felt there was one or two points of view too many. My individual tolerance of first-person writing is quite low to start with. Although the author did a great job of differentiating the tone between each character, it did take me a while to become invested in each. I also thought the plot format was quite straightforward and didn't match the prowess of the writing. Nevertheless, I'm nitpicking here. It is a good read and I'm surprised it's not in the shops. Easy 4 stars!
"Fugue state. The protective mantra floats as colored sound, scented sound, as a singing, roiling coil of cystralline bursts of color - mutable, fluid, flowing etc etc" This kind of stuff reminded me of Brave New World and Soma.
The most impactful character (and I'm not alone here) was Khara. Her submission to her patches and the invasiveness of her ant master - well, it couldn't be more creepy! The strange intimacy of it all. The author did a great job or thinking the way an insect would (if that's at all possible). The clicking sounds, the snapping of mandibles, sucking out the sweatmead. How on earth did DeSye imagine that?
The reason I don't give this work 5 stars is that at times I felt there was one or two points of view too many. My individual tolerance of first-person writing is quite low to start with. Although the author did a great job of differentiating the tone between each character, it did take me a while to become invested in each. I also thought the plot format was quite straightforward and didn't match the prowess of the writing. Nevertheless, I'm nitpicking here. It is a good read and I'm surprised it's not in the shops. Easy 4 stars!
January 15, 2018
This book follows a series of characters, both alien and human, through an alien occupation of earth. Each chapter is done first person point of view of each character. Some characters, we only get glimpses to further the story and some, we are with all the way so that we root for them.
I think Nestra was my favorite character. She is an ant alien, so technically, I shouldn't root for her at first. She is the Queen's shame receptor. There is a process where Queen Tal dumps things into her via a transfer process and no one else is allowed to interact with her. Nestra craves sharing, which is what the ants call contact and sharing emotions. She's lonely and isolated. She's viewed as weak by her people.
The human's see her as something different. Something to help them win the war and perhaps maybe a friend?
The rest of the characters are all likable as well. Khara, Samuel, and even some of the ants that are part of the rebellion. The way things are described, sensing and tasting emotions are a little surreal, almost like you're trying to read a Dali painting in a Sci-fi book
I think Nestra was my favorite character. She is an ant alien, so technically, I shouldn't root for her at first. She is the Queen's shame receptor. There is a process where Queen Tal dumps things into her via a transfer process and no one else is allowed to interact with her. Nestra craves sharing, which is what the ants call contact and sharing emotions. She's lonely and isolated. She's viewed as weak by her people.
The human's see her as something different. Something to help them win the war and perhaps maybe a friend?
The rest of the characters are all likable as well. Khara, Samuel, and even some of the ants that are part of the rebellion. The way things are described, sensing and tasting emotions are a little surreal, almost like you're trying to read a Dali painting in a Sci-fi book
October 22, 2017
Science fiction isn’t usually my preferred genre, but this novel was so good I couldn’t put it down! I thought this would be a predictable story of Earth conquering and uprising, but I was pleasantly surprised by the amazing world the author builds, and the journeys of all the characters. I really liked how the story is told from many different perspectives. We see the plot progress and experience the action right along with everyone. One of the most original works I have ever read. Very well done!
November 23, 2017
So this was a little jarring at first getting used the the dystopian life and world. I do have to say that the characters really stuck with me even from the begging, i wasn't sure how it would go i was uncomfortable with the situations but i find that good, as the writer really put me in the scene. I would recommend reading if you like SF and want a taste of something a bit different.
April 20, 2024
I loved this book it was very different from the usual sci fi books I read, the aliens were unique and interesting and Khara's awakening and awareness absolutely riveting, and who could dislike Nestra?! I was hooked from tbe start and finished this book in one sitting, and can't wait for the next instalment,
not-for-me
January 16, 2025DNF after the first page. Sometimes an opening line says enough:
I'm sure that intrigues some people. Not me, though. 🙃
It's a ninety-five degree afternoon as stifling as sex under a rhino.
I'm sure that intrigues some people. Not me, though. 🙃
February 11, 2021
Carapace
I enjoyed this book as much as I have all of Davyne DeSye's books I hope there will be more in this series. Can't wait to read them
I enjoyed this book as much as I have all of Davyne DeSye's books I hope there will be more in this series. Can't wait to read them
August 30, 2025
Unusual spellbinding
I really enjoyed reading this. Totally different, a new outlook on aliens. This is what sci-fi should be! Very impressed can't wait til the next one.
I really enjoyed reading this. Totally different, a new outlook on aliens. This is what sci-fi should be! Very impressed can't wait til the next one.
May 13, 2017
Unashamedly Experimental Sci-fi - but not Experiental.
‘I’m like a beloved dog to Tamerak: well-trained, worthy of affection. I imagine to myself Tamerak has come to rely upon me to some degree, but I never let these imaginings convince me I’m indispensable. As with a dog, if I appear rabid or otherwise unreliable, Tamerak will put me down.’
Humanity has been enslaved by insectoid aliens who use and abuse them. The ‘ants’ as the humans think of them choose individual humans to be their effective slaves and then can do with them as they like. But humanity still has those who are willing to take the risk and mount a resistance and even amongst the ‘ants’ there are those who are not happy with the way things are for them. An unlikely alliance of insect and human sets out to try and defeat the ruling Queen before she can unleash her planned final strike against humankind.
This is a good old-fashioned, human versus alien invaders story of the kind that has been a staple in science fiction since ‘War of the Worlds’. But there is nothing ‘staple’ about this story and whilst on the surface it seems to have all the usual requisites: hideous aliens who kill humans and brave humans fighting back, it takes off in some very atypical directions which it would enter spoiler territory to go into.
‘The waft of his colorful fear glazes over me and I draw my mandibles into a bloodthirsty leer as my antennae dance through the scent.’
The book has an air of the experimental about it. The choice of tense and person (present and multiple-first) is very unusual. The story itself is very good, tense and interesting with unexpected curve-balls of plot twists coming at odd angles. It moves along at a decent clip with lots of action and adventure and some interesting explorations of alien experiences. Those alien experiences, mostly revealed to us through Nestra, are very well thought out and seem to spin on some variety of telempathy.
There is a lot of time spent looking at the various different perspectives from those humans who are opposing the invaders, to those who collaborate and the aliens both friendly, like Nestra and even the evil Queen Tal. So the reader gets to glimpse the situation from all around. Our main focus though always comes back to Nestra and Khara, their friendship being the pivot around which events ultimately spin.
‘The sensations and feelings from Nestra change in an instant from happiness and comfort – with fluttery suggestions of resignation and sadness – to deepest fear.’
The thing I found most difficult about this book was that it is written first person from multiple perspectives, something I find really difficult to read and often became confused between whose head I was in at any given point and had to go back to the beginning of the chapter to check on more than one occasion. The key issue being that the inner voice of each individual is remarkably similar - even the aliens when they are not doing obviously alien things. They all seem to have the same kind of thought process and use the same kind of language in their inner-voice, thus making it even more difficult to figure who the reader is being at any given moment.
It would make more sense, if the author having chosen this approach, exploited the first person perspective to take the reader deeply and intimately into each scene, to let the reader live every moment with the character. But that never happens. The description used is always detached - as if spoken by a narrating voice. We are told what the individual is experiencing not allowed to experience what is happening to them. Even events of immense emotional impact, such as someone learning another is alive and not dead as they had thought, are barely registered except by externals.
This problem is then exacerbated by the fact the book is written in the present tense, which makes it even harder to understand why we are not allowed to feel what is happening and adds to the sense of utter detachment. It also makes it harder to place events in time in relation to each other, because it is all happening ‘now. But the ‘now’ beginning in one scene is not necessarily a moment after the last ‘now’ of the scene before - or even if it is, there is often no way of knowing that it is because of scene changes and character changes. I found that made it very hard to get any real sense of ‘when’ in the story as well as any sense of ‘who’.
This is a very brave piece of science-fiction, unashamedly experimental - but sadly, for me at least, a failed one as it was not able to become experiential for the reader. It deserves high praise for making the attempt and, if you are someone who revels in present tense, narrator-style first person, it might work very well for you.
‘I’m like a beloved dog to Tamerak: well-trained, worthy of affection. I imagine to myself Tamerak has come to rely upon me to some degree, but I never let these imaginings convince me I’m indispensable. As with a dog, if I appear rabid or otherwise unreliable, Tamerak will put me down.’
Humanity has been enslaved by insectoid aliens who use and abuse them. The ‘ants’ as the humans think of them choose individual humans to be their effective slaves and then can do with them as they like. But humanity still has those who are willing to take the risk and mount a resistance and even amongst the ‘ants’ there are those who are not happy with the way things are for them. An unlikely alliance of insect and human sets out to try and defeat the ruling Queen before she can unleash her planned final strike against humankind.
This is a good old-fashioned, human versus alien invaders story of the kind that has been a staple in science fiction since ‘War of the Worlds’. But there is nothing ‘staple’ about this story and whilst on the surface it seems to have all the usual requisites: hideous aliens who kill humans and brave humans fighting back, it takes off in some very atypical directions which it would enter spoiler territory to go into.
‘The waft of his colorful fear glazes over me and I draw my mandibles into a bloodthirsty leer as my antennae dance through the scent.’
The book has an air of the experimental about it. The choice of tense and person (present and multiple-first) is very unusual. The story itself is very good, tense and interesting with unexpected curve-balls of plot twists coming at odd angles. It moves along at a decent clip with lots of action and adventure and some interesting explorations of alien experiences. Those alien experiences, mostly revealed to us through Nestra, are very well thought out and seem to spin on some variety of telempathy.
There is a lot of time spent looking at the various different perspectives from those humans who are opposing the invaders, to those who collaborate and the aliens both friendly, like Nestra and even the evil Queen Tal. So the reader gets to glimpse the situation from all around. Our main focus though always comes back to Nestra and Khara, their friendship being the pivot around which events ultimately spin.
‘The sensations and feelings from Nestra change in an instant from happiness and comfort – with fluttery suggestions of resignation and sadness – to deepest fear.’
The thing I found most difficult about this book was that it is written first person from multiple perspectives, something I find really difficult to read and often became confused between whose head I was in at any given point and had to go back to the beginning of the chapter to check on more than one occasion. The key issue being that the inner voice of each individual is remarkably similar - even the aliens when they are not doing obviously alien things. They all seem to have the same kind of thought process and use the same kind of language in their inner-voice, thus making it even more difficult to figure who the reader is being at any given moment.
It would make more sense, if the author having chosen this approach, exploited the first person perspective to take the reader deeply and intimately into each scene, to let the reader live every moment with the character. But that never happens. The description used is always detached - as if spoken by a narrating voice. We are told what the individual is experiencing not allowed to experience what is happening to them. Even events of immense emotional impact, such as someone learning another is alive and not dead as they had thought, are barely registered except by externals.
This problem is then exacerbated by the fact the book is written in the present tense, which makes it even harder to understand why we are not allowed to feel what is happening and adds to the sense of utter detachment. It also makes it harder to place events in time in relation to each other, because it is all happening ‘now. But the ‘now’ beginning in one scene is not necessarily a moment after the last ‘now’ of the scene before - or even if it is, there is often no way of knowing that it is because of scene changes and character changes. I found that made it very hard to get any real sense of ‘when’ in the story as well as any sense of ‘who’.
This is a very brave piece of science-fiction, unashamedly experimental - but sadly, for me at least, a failed one as it was not able to become experiential for the reader. It deserves high praise for making the attempt and, if you are someone who revels in present tense, narrator-style first person, it might work very well for you.
March 24, 2018
Disclaimers: The synopsis section is ©Goodreads but the rest of the reviews are completely my words and of course the quote section is obviously from the book reviewed.
2.5⭐ DNF
Disclaimer:
I received this book from the author in return of an honest review...
I'm so terribly sad about the conclusion I've come to. I came into this with high hopes because the description sounded so intriguing and it has such great reviews, but within the first few chapters my expectations were dropped. Here's why...
1. It's very confusing. I usually can follow complex books easily but this was difficult for me. I can't keep up with all the immediate information being thrown out.
2. Too many characters were introduced right off the bat. The amount of characters escalated so fast and I couldn't remember who was who.
3. The language was so hard for me to understand. Words I couldn't comprehend were written and I'm not even sure they're real words, some of the times.
Main Review
The cover is GORGEOUS. Aside from that, this book just isn't for me. I don't typically read Science Fiction a whole lot, but this one caught my eye. I was super interested to read it in the beginning and as I started it, it was taking me all day to read only a few pages. I didn't have any interest in it because of the plot being so confusing. Quite a few characters were introduced very early on and I kept forgetting the relation with the others.
Too much was happening too fast. I keep trying to push myself to read more but it's not holding my attention. I so very badly, want to give it a full chance and just read it until the end but it doesn't hold my mind for that long. I am interested in Davyne DeSye's other books though, I'm hoping to explore other genres she's written. I didn't like the roles the 'aliens' played in this at all. If you're an extensive Science Fiction reader, than this might be something you'd be interested in.
I plan on gradually trying to finish it, it just may take a really long time. Maybe I will feel differently after it's finished, and I will update my review if that is the case. As of right now it's a DNF for me.
Davyne DeSye,
I greatly appreciate you sending me this, and I hope to read some of your other works. I like your style, but I didn't like the speed at which things occurred, and the confusing aspect of the SciFi. I think if I read your historical romance books, I might enjoy them better.
Thank you,
Ashlynn.
2.5⭐ DNF
Disclaimer:
I received this book from the author in return of an honest review...
I'm so terribly sad about the conclusion I've come to. I came into this with high hopes because the description sounded so intriguing and it has such great reviews, but within the first few chapters my expectations were dropped. Here's why...
1. It's very confusing. I usually can follow complex books easily but this was difficult for me. I can't keep up with all the immediate information being thrown out.
2. Too many characters were introduced right off the bat. The amount of characters escalated so fast and I couldn't remember who was who.
3. The language was so hard for me to understand. Words I couldn't comprehend were written and I'm not even sure they're real words, some of the times.
Main Review
The cover is GORGEOUS. Aside from that, this book just isn't for me. I don't typically read Science Fiction a whole lot, but this one caught my eye. I was super interested to read it in the beginning and as I started it, it was taking me all day to read only a few pages. I didn't have any interest in it because of the plot being so confusing. Quite a few characters were introduced very early on and I kept forgetting the relation with the others.
Too much was happening too fast. I keep trying to push myself to read more but it's not holding my attention. I so very badly, want to give it a full chance and just read it until the end but it doesn't hold my mind for that long. I am interested in Davyne DeSye's other books though, I'm hoping to explore other genres she's written. I didn't like the roles the 'aliens' played in this at all. If you're an extensive Science Fiction reader, than this might be something you'd be interested in.
I plan on gradually trying to finish it, it just may take a really long time. Maybe I will feel differently after it's finished, and I will update my review if that is the case. As of right now it's a DNF for me.
Davyne DeSye,
I greatly appreciate you sending me this, and I hope to read some of your other works. I like your style, but I didn't like the speed at which things occurred, and the confusing aspect of the SciFi. I think if I read your historical romance books, I might enjoy them better.
Thank you,
Ashlynn.
May 9, 2017
"It seems I can only obtain peace in the midst of abuse." Spoken by my favorite character Khara, who exists in a strange dystopia, filled with insectoid aliens affectionately referred to as "ants". The story is bizarre in a wonderful way, and doesn't follow typical sci-fi tropes. Truth is, I wasn't really sure if I would like the book based on the subject matter, but I was actually blown away.
Desye weaves the different characters together brilliantly, and the writing never gets bogged down. It is difficult to introduce a reader to a hundred new concepts at once, yet still manage to move the story along at a fantastically brisk pace. There is a reason that much sci-fi and fantasy is so damn long. Writer's in this genre tend to overly explain every minute detail, because honestly - they are very proud of their world. Desye doesn't do this, though there is no less loving craftsmanship in her words.
I am looking forward to reading the next book, and can't recommend this first one enough. Don't skip on this one.
Desye weaves the different characters together brilliantly, and the writing never gets bogged down. It is difficult to introduce a reader to a hundred new concepts at once, yet still manage to move the story along at a fantastically brisk pace. There is a reason that much sci-fi and fantasy is so damn long. Writer's in this genre tend to overly explain every minute detail, because honestly - they are very proud of their world. Desye doesn't do this, though there is no less loving craftsmanship in her words.
I am looking forward to reading the next book, and can't recommend this first one enough. Don't skip on this one.
April 3, 2019
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
This is a kindle e-book that I received through a Goodreads Giveaway and is the first book that I have read by this author. I had trouble getting into this book for about the first 80 pages or so. It kept switching back and forth between characters and just did not feel cohesive. I almost gave up on it, but I am glad that I did not. It certainly improved as the story came together and I thoroughly enjoyed the rest of the book.
This is a different look at life on earth after an alien invasion. It has suspense, love, betrayal, longing, violence, resistance, mental illness, action, and much more. It may be the multiple present-tense first person point of view style of writing that caused me to take a while to get into the book. The storyline was strong and the characters were either likeable or disturbing or both. The pace picked up after the first 80 pages or so and the story became extremely intriguing. All in all, it is a solid novel that is unique.
This is a kindle e-book that I received through a Goodreads Giveaway and is the first book that I have read by this author. I had trouble getting into this book for about the first 80 pages or so. It kept switching back and forth between characters and just did not feel cohesive. I almost gave up on it, but I am glad that I did not. It certainly improved as the story came together and I thoroughly enjoyed the rest of the book.
This is a different look at life on earth after an alien invasion. It has suspense, love, betrayal, longing, violence, resistance, mental illness, action, and much more. It may be the multiple present-tense first person point of view style of writing that caused me to take a while to get into the book. The storyline was strong and the characters were either likeable or disturbing or both. The pace picked up after the first 80 pages or so and the story became extremely intriguing. All in all, it is a solid novel that is unique.
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