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Aurora #1
Aurora: Darwin
A distress signal on the edge of inhabited space. Two very different soldiers with one common goal – survival.
When a distress signal is received from a black-ops space station on the edge of inhabited space, Captain Saul Harris of the UNF Aurora is called in from leave to respond. But the mission is not what it seems - three new recruits have been added to the Aurora crew and information is thin on the ground.
For Corporal Carrie Welles, one of the Aurora' s new recruits, her first mission in space seems like a dream come true. Determined to achieve the success of her father before her, and suddenly thrust into a terrifying mission, she must work with her new captain and the strained Aurora crew to make it home alive.
When the Aurora arrives at the station Harris and Welles soon find themselves caught up in a desperate fight for survival. Station Darwin is not what they expected. The lights are off, but somebody is home...
When a distress signal is received from a black-ops space station on the edge of inhabited space, Captain Saul Harris of the UNF Aurora is called in from leave to respond. But the mission is not what it seems - three new recruits have been added to the Aurora crew and information is thin on the ground.
For Corporal Carrie Welles, one of the Aurora' s new recruits, her first mission in space seems like a dream come true. Determined to achieve the success of her father before her, and suddenly thrust into a terrifying mission, she must work with her new captain and the strained Aurora crew to make it home alive.
When the Aurora arrives at the station Harris and Welles soon find themselves caught up in a desperate fight for survival. Station Darwin is not what they expected. The lights are off, but somebody is home...
534 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
184 people are currently reading
650 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Bridgeman
28 books107 followersAmanda is a Scribe Award winner, a two-time Tin Duck Award winner, an Aurealis and Ditmar Awards finalist and author of several science fiction and thriller novels. Her works include sci-fi mystery SALVATION series, consisting of THE SUBJUGATE and THE SENSATION (published by Angry Robot Books, UK), which is being developed for TV by Aquarius Films and Anonymous Content (True Detective, Mr Robot, The Alienist).
THE SUBJUGATE is also currently being studied at two German universities (Düsseldorf and Cologne) as part of a program on Australian speculative fiction, in conjunction with the Centre for Australian Studies.
Born in the seaside/country town of Geraldton, Western Australia, she moved to Perth (Western Australia) to study film & television/creative writing at Murdoch University, earning her a BA in Communication Studies. Perth has been her home ever since, aside from a nineteen-month stint in London (England) where she dabbled in Film & TV ‘Extra’ work.
Amanda is a versatile writer who enjoys working across different genres and creative formats, be it novels, screenplays, short stories, etc, and creating both original and tie-in work.
Her Scribe Award winning novel PANDEMIC: PATIENT ZERO is the first novel set in the award-winning Pandemic tabletop board game universe.
She has written short stories for Marvel (X-Men) and Black Library (Warhammer 40k) anthologies.
Her new novel, Sound of Light, set in the Marvel X-Men universe and featuring mutant Dazzler, is out now!
THE SUBJUGATE is also currently being studied at two German universities (Düsseldorf and Cologne) as part of a program on Australian speculative fiction, in conjunction with the Centre for Australian Studies.
Born in the seaside/country town of Geraldton, Western Australia, she moved to Perth (Western Australia) to study film & television/creative writing at Murdoch University, earning her a BA in Communication Studies. Perth has been her home ever since, aside from a nineteen-month stint in London (England) where she dabbled in Film & TV ‘Extra’ work.
Amanda is a versatile writer who enjoys working across different genres and creative formats, be it novels, screenplays, short stories, etc, and creating both original and tie-in work.
Her Scribe Award winning novel PANDEMIC: PATIENT ZERO is the first novel set in the award-winning Pandemic tabletop board game universe.
She has written short stories for Marvel (X-Men) and Black Library (Warhammer 40k) anthologies.
Her new novel, Sound of Light, set in the Marvel X-Men universe and featuring mutant Dazzler, is out now!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
June 10, 2013
I'll try to write this without too many spoilers.
Overall: this is a book that sees some very tense action and good characterisation, but suffers a bit from a lacklustre ending and lack of believable detail about space travel.
The good first:
There were some times that I didn't want to read any pages of this before going to bed. Parts of this book are downright scary and very, very tense.
I loved the characters and their interaction.
This is an easy and enjoyable read.
Concerns (other people may not care much about these, but what the hey, and I'm sorry if it gets a bit ranty. Remember that I did enjoy reading this book):
I think the plot peaked too early. The last fifth of the book is all debriefing and while reading this, I kept waiting for THE BIG REVEAL, but I got to the end and there hadn't been one.
At times it felt like the plot was contrived. You know the feeling where you watch a movie and the only reason the story happens is because some guy does something that makes little logical sense? I felt like that sometimes. Mind you, the "something's going on in the space station" makes for a damn tense story, but there's got to be some sort of payoff where it's made clear why all this stuff is happening in a way that I'll say: "Ah, now I see..." and where at least someone is punished, but that didn't happen, at least not in a satisfactory way.
LAWS OF PHYSICS!
Seriously!
A space ship of a size where the crew can run laps down the corridors is big. Do you know how big the Space Shuttle is? They have a replica at the Powerhouse Museum. It's a lot smaller than a 747. This ship sounds bigger than a 747, judging from the description. Do you remember those big cigars on the side of the Space Shuttle at take-off? They're for fuel. More than 90% of the weight of that whole assemblage was fuel. For every kilogram you add to the weight to the ship, you need FOUR TIMES the amount of fuel to lift it into low orbit like 300km above the Earth (saying nothing about taking it to Mars in two days). Realistically, this means that you can't take vehicles of this size to the surface. It makes so much more sense to have an off-surface lift system (small shuttles, space elevator, whatever) to an orbiting space port where the behemoths dock.
Also, to fly in the atmosphere, a craft needs wings, quite sizeable ones for a craft this size. In space, wings are useless.
(see also this: http://pattyjansen.com/2011/10/12/spa...)
Also: orbits! Mars is only one planet down from the sun... except when it's on the opposite side of the Sun compared to where we are. Timing is essential.
Similarly, I never got much of a feel for the fact that we're in space, as the obvious inconveniences of space travel (hoy, lack of gravity!) don't rate a mention except once very briefly. So, we have coffee jugs, dinner trays, shooting ranges (!!!) in space, without mention of why the coffee stays in those jugs. Showers?
Barring magical gravity devices (not mentioned), artificial gravity comes from rotation of the habitat. This has serious implications for life aboard such habitats (Coriolis forces) and also docking with another ship or station could be tricky. These are interesting and wonderful opportunities for Science Fiction to show that we're actually, y'know, in space.
Also, why would any sane person carry BULLETS on a space craft? And worse, fire them in a space craft? When all that separates you from vacuum and death within seconds is a thin shell of plastic and metal and a bit of padding?
Sorry about the ranty bits, but I kinda cry a little inside when half a day googling this information could have done so much to make the space setting more convincing.
Ultimately, I think that it's symptomatic of the story's somewhat murky identity. It's certainly not hard SF, lacks the sensawunda of space opera, does thriller very well until the last part, tries a bit of romance that doesn't come to a satisfactory conclusion, but leaves too much hanging to be a satisfactory mystery. I'm not sure how to describe it.
The above may not be an issue for all readers. It is an enjoyable read. It also looks like there will be another volume.
Overall: this is a book that sees some very tense action and good characterisation, but suffers a bit from a lacklustre ending and lack of believable detail about space travel.
The good first:
There were some times that I didn't want to read any pages of this before going to bed. Parts of this book are downright scary and very, very tense.
I loved the characters and their interaction.
This is an easy and enjoyable read.
Concerns (other people may not care much about these, but what the hey, and I'm sorry if it gets a bit ranty. Remember that I did enjoy reading this book):
I think the plot peaked too early. The last fifth of the book is all debriefing and while reading this, I kept waiting for THE BIG REVEAL, but I got to the end and there hadn't been one.
At times it felt like the plot was contrived. You know the feeling where you watch a movie and the only reason the story happens is because some guy does something that makes little logical sense? I felt like that sometimes. Mind you, the "something's going on in the space station" makes for a damn tense story, but there's got to be some sort of payoff where it's made clear why all this stuff is happening in a way that I'll say: "Ah, now I see..." and where at least someone is punished, but that didn't happen, at least not in a satisfactory way.
LAWS OF PHYSICS!
Seriously!
A space ship of a size where the crew can run laps down the corridors is big. Do you know how big the Space Shuttle is? They have a replica at the Powerhouse Museum. It's a lot smaller than a 747. This ship sounds bigger than a 747, judging from the description. Do you remember those big cigars on the side of the Space Shuttle at take-off? They're for fuel. More than 90% of the weight of that whole assemblage was fuel. For every kilogram you add to the weight to the ship, you need FOUR TIMES the amount of fuel to lift it into low orbit like 300km above the Earth (saying nothing about taking it to Mars in two days). Realistically, this means that you can't take vehicles of this size to the surface. It makes so much more sense to have an off-surface lift system (small shuttles, space elevator, whatever) to an orbiting space port where the behemoths dock.
Also, to fly in the atmosphere, a craft needs wings, quite sizeable ones for a craft this size. In space, wings are useless.
(see also this: http://pattyjansen.com/2011/10/12/spa...)
Also: orbits! Mars is only one planet down from the sun... except when it's on the opposite side of the Sun compared to where we are. Timing is essential.
Similarly, I never got much of a feel for the fact that we're in space, as the obvious inconveniences of space travel (hoy, lack of gravity!) don't rate a mention except once very briefly. So, we have coffee jugs, dinner trays, shooting ranges (!!!) in space, without mention of why the coffee stays in those jugs. Showers?
Barring magical gravity devices (not mentioned), artificial gravity comes from rotation of the habitat. This has serious implications for life aboard such habitats (Coriolis forces) and also docking with another ship or station could be tricky. These are interesting and wonderful opportunities for Science Fiction to show that we're actually, y'know, in space.
Also, why would any sane person carry BULLETS on a space craft? And worse, fire them in a space craft? When all that separates you from vacuum and death within seconds is a thin shell of plastic and metal and a bit of padding?
Sorry about the ranty bits, but I kinda cry a little inside when half a day googling this information could have done so much to make the space setting more convincing.
Ultimately, I think that it's symptomatic of the story's somewhat murky identity. It's certainly not hard SF, lacks the sensawunda of space opera, does thriller very well until the last part, tries a bit of romance that doesn't come to a satisfactory conclusion, but leaves too much hanging to be a satisfactory mystery. I'm not sure how to describe it.
The above may not be an issue for all readers. It is an enjoyable read. It also looks like there will be another volume.
June 3, 2020
I've been sitting on this review for a while now as I've been trying to think of some nice, polite and constructive way of writing it. I really cannot be bothered wasting any more time thinking on it, or gathering extensive citations from the text, so here is my overall view.
Aurora: Darwin has a great premise and a long-time Aliens fan I was immediately hooked. Colonial marines! Aliens! Action!
Sadly however, this doesn't deliver on the promise and is a limp and mediocre shadow of a greater theme. (Light spoilers ahead)
The interaction between the marines is as shallow as the characters themselves, with forgettable paper-thin outlines, no development and hardly any meaningful interaction or dialogue. They are completely unprofessional, disrespectful, bigoted and generally unlikeable. I find it hard to believe that in a professional military body, the level of antagonism, obstructionism and purely sexist behaviour would be tolerated; especially in a close-knit team working in dangerous remote sites with no support. None of them has any particular redeeming qualities, nor is any reader emotional investment built up. The main character is dithering, emotional, and annoying person with daddy issues, who just happens to be awesome with a firearm. The quintessential Mary Sue. Despite seeking a professional military career, it seems she can't stop constantly thinking of her peers except as sexual objects either. Go feminism?
On the pulp side, it fails also, with some cringeworthy lines being delivered from supposedly rock-hard tough and wise-ass marines, there's quite a bit of 'chary' dialogue too to fill it out, which also falls flat with the author having long-time career military personnel seemingly confused and freely mixing up civilian and military time references, some of the simplest military jargon to get right.
The novel unfolds wearily slowly, with interminable attention to the nascent romance of the main character. Ho hum, and yes I read romance also, this is badly done. Even the action scenes have hardly any zip and are lackluster. There's a real sense of telling, not showing, and no immediacy.
The aliens, when they appear, are almost completely forgettable, have almost no impact or scare factor, and are generally underwhelming. Logic cast aside, they regularly pull out Deus ex Machina to destroy the marines, who active help them by apparently forgetting every single military doctrine regarding intelligence gathering, comms discipline, security, tactics, close support, or even simple things like covering their flanks, looking behind them, and even forgetting how to use their guns.
Note: I am not in the military, but I know people who are and I think they would shred this like a Sunbeam set to Puree.
It ends with a completely predictable machine-stamped generic closure leaving it open for possible sequels, just like the B-movies it emulates.
Ultimately disappointing, Aurora:Darwin promises a lot in a number of areas but fails to deliver on almost all of them. Personally, I would find it very difficult to summon the enthusiasm to read any more of Bridgeman's work. Perhaps I'm being over critical, but there just wasn't enough depth in for me, nor enough suspense or action to make it a good pulp read.
Aurora: Darwin has a great premise and a long-time Aliens fan I was immediately hooked. Colonial marines! Aliens! Action!
Sadly however, this doesn't deliver on the promise and is a limp and mediocre shadow of a greater theme. (Light spoilers ahead)
The interaction between the marines is as shallow as the characters themselves, with forgettable paper-thin outlines, no development and hardly any meaningful interaction or dialogue. They are completely unprofessional, disrespectful, bigoted and generally unlikeable. I find it hard to believe that in a professional military body, the level of antagonism, obstructionism and purely sexist behaviour would be tolerated; especially in a close-knit team working in dangerous remote sites with no support. None of them has any particular redeeming qualities, nor is any reader emotional investment built up. The main character is dithering, emotional, and annoying person with daddy issues, who just happens to be awesome with a firearm. The quintessential Mary Sue. Despite seeking a professional military career, it seems she can't stop constantly thinking of her peers except as sexual objects either. Go feminism?
On the pulp side, it fails also, with some cringeworthy lines being delivered from supposedly rock-hard tough and wise-ass marines, there's quite a bit of 'chary' dialogue too to fill it out, which also falls flat with the author having long-time career military personnel seemingly confused and freely mixing up civilian and military time references, some of the simplest military jargon to get right.
The novel unfolds wearily slowly, with interminable attention to the nascent romance of the main character. Ho hum, and yes I read romance also, this is badly done. Even the action scenes have hardly any zip and are lackluster. There's a real sense of telling, not showing, and no immediacy.
The aliens, when they appear, are almost completely forgettable, have almost no impact or scare factor, and are generally underwhelming. Logic cast aside, they regularly pull out Deus ex Machina to destroy the marines, who active help them by apparently forgetting every single military doctrine regarding intelligence gathering, comms discipline, security, tactics, close support, or even simple things like covering their flanks, looking behind them, and even forgetting how to use their guns.
Note: I am not in the military, but I know people who are and I think they would shred this like a Sunbeam set to Puree.
It ends with a completely predictable machine-stamped generic closure leaving it open for possible sequels, just like the B-movies it emulates.
Ultimately disappointing, Aurora:Darwin promises a lot in a number of areas but fails to deliver on almost all of them. Personally, I would find it very difficult to summon the enthusiasm to read any more of Bridgeman's work. Perhaps I'm being over critical, but there just wasn't enough depth in for me, nor enough suspense or action to make it a good pulp read.
March 11, 2015
Originally published at West Coast Book Reviews.
Aurora: Darwin is the first in a science fiction series by Amanda Bridgeman.
I feel like I've been a fan of this series since before I read it. Book 3 Aurora: Meridian was available on Netgalley so I bought the first two to get ready for the third but instead of reading them, I put them away, then bought Meridian, tucking it away as well. That was months ago. I didn't start them until a week ago since I was waiting for the 'right time' like waiting to enjoy good chocolate, coffee, bubble bath or a really fine pen. I didn't want to finish them and be in that place where I couldn't read them again for the first time.
So with book 4 Aurora: Centralis out in a few of weeks I took the plunge and devoured all three in a matter of days.
Darwin juxtaposes its two main characters, Welles and Harris, in terms of rank and gender.
The biggest challenge for Welles is the simple fact she's a woman. Her presence and that of the other two women on the Aurora is treated as a joke by the existing crew, a fact that doesn't sit well with her. I was engaged and angry for Welles since I know full well what it can be like to have to work twice as hard for half the respect.
Wait, did Ms. Bridgeman just knock me out of my 'sci-fi females are just as bullet proof as the men so don't even think about making me imagine myself as anything less' fiction comfort zone?
Yup, she sure did.
As a forty-something woman, I realized my escapism reading allowed me to avoid the realities of many women in service everywhere, even in the fictional future. That isn't to say I don't completely enjoy immersing myself in a story in which I can imagine myself as something I'm not (it's why I read fiction, after all.) But I suddenly found myself identifying with a female lead in a whole other way. She isn't super-tough, indistinguishable from the men except for the fact her 'plumbing' is indoors and their's is outdoors. Welles is a woman and she's strong; she's a strong woman. She's great.
She also makes decisions I can identify with, doesn't accept that her best isn't good enough and won't stand for dismissal or BS from anyone. To me, she's believable and real and the heart of the story.
Captain Saul Harris is the second heart but in a very different way. As the man in charge of the Aurora, he has to be. To me, he's also a strong lead even though I connected more with Welles. I appreciated how well he could be the commander each of his soldiers needed.
I also liked the rest of the crew, Doc in particular, as he weaves between Welles' perspective and Harris'.
Aurora: Darwin combines science fiction, adventure and action through the lenses of both the bottom ranks and top ranks of Aurora's crew. As the secrets of Darwin Station reveal themselves, Ms. Bridgeman challenges the developing bond of the crew with mystery, violence and the dark side of the UNF. I loved this great start to the series.
Aurora: Darwin is the first in a science fiction series by Amanda Bridgeman.
I feel like I've been a fan of this series since before I read it. Book 3 Aurora: Meridian was available on Netgalley so I bought the first two to get ready for the third but instead of reading them, I put them away, then bought Meridian, tucking it away as well. That was months ago. I didn't start them until a week ago since I was waiting for the 'right time' like waiting to enjoy good chocolate, coffee, bubble bath or a really fine pen. I didn't want to finish them and be in that place where I couldn't read them again for the first time.
So with book 4 Aurora: Centralis out in a few of weeks I took the plunge and devoured all three in a matter of days.
Darwin juxtaposes its two main characters, Welles and Harris, in terms of rank and gender.
The biggest challenge for Welles is the simple fact she's a woman. Her presence and that of the other two women on the Aurora is treated as a joke by the existing crew, a fact that doesn't sit well with her. I was engaged and angry for Welles since I know full well what it can be like to have to work twice as hard for half the respect.
Wait, did Ms. Bridgeman just knock me out of my 'sci-fi females are just as bullet proof as the men so don't even think about making me imagine myself as anything less' fiction comfort zone?
Yup, she sure did.
As a forty-something woman, I realized my escapism reading allowed me to avoid the realities of many women in service everywhere, even in the fictional future. That isn't to say I don't completely enjoy immersing myself in a story in which I can imagine myself as something I'm not (it's why I read fiction, after all.) But I suddenly found myself identifying with a female lead in a whole other way. She isn't super-tough, indistinguishable from the men except for the fact her 'plumbing' is indoors and their's is outdoors. Welles is a woman and she's strong; she's a strong woman. She's great.
She also makes decisions I can identify with, doesn't accept that her best isn't good enough and won't stand for dismissal or BS from anyone. To me, she's believable and real and the heart of the story.
Captain Saul Harris is the second heart but in a very different way. As the man in charge of the Aurora, he has to be. To me, he's also a strong lead even though I connected more with Welles. I appreciated how well he could be the commander each of his soldiers needed.
I also liked the rest of the crew, Doc in particular, as he weaves between Welles' perspective and Harris'.
Aurora: Darwin combines science fiction, adventure and action through the lenses of both the bottom ranks and top ranks of Aurora's crew. As the secrets of Darwin Station reveal themselves, Ms. Bridgeman challenges the developing bond of the crew with mystery, violence and the dark side of the UNF. I loved this great start to the series.
Read
October 15, 2017An Action-Packed Ride
I don't often read sci-fi but this one had me intrigued from the start, and I could barely put it down. Great, realistic characters, superb writing and, most importantly for me, a clever, nail-biting plot. I so look forward to joining the Aurora crew on their next assignment (although I'm kind've terrified, too!)
I don't often read sci-fi but this one had me intrigued from the start, and I could barely put it down. Great, realistic characters, superb writing and, most importantly for me, a clever, nail-biting plot. I so look forward to joining the Aurora crew on their next assignment (although I'm kind've terrified, too!)
August 11, 2013
Aurora: Darwin is the debut novel from Perth author Amanda Bridgeman. The folks at Momentum publishing have done a great job with the cover art (reminiscent to my mind of the Astropolis covers that Orbit did for Sean Williams) and associated extras. They can be found here. Not entirely necessary for your enjoyment but good art can shape your perceptions.
Bridgeman is a fan of sci-fi thrillers and that shows in Aurora: Darwin. If you are a fan of Aliens 2 and other Sci-Fi films of that era then you’ll like the mix of action and suspense that Bridgman delivers.
A distress signal on the edge of inhabited space. A mission that is far outside normal parameters. Two very different people with one common goal survival.
A group of soldiers are sent to investigate a comms error on a classified military station near the asteroid belt. Three women are added to the all male crew as part of some PR exercise. There’s tension between the crew, between the Captain and Command and information on the situation is almost non existent.
There’s some interesting comment here on the treatment of women in the military that seems to be more about current problems that women have to face. Though I must admit I am not sure if its unrealistic to think that attitudes won’t have changed in the future or that its a case of (as with a large amount of science fiction) science fiction commenting on the issues and culture at its time of writing through the lense of the future.
If you are looking for a solid scientific underpinning and the lack of such ruins your enjoyment then perhaps Aurora: Darwin isn’t for you. If you are just here for the thrill and the tension then, well it’s worth it.
The above point aside, Aurora: Darwin was not without its problems for me and I think this can be put down to it being a first novel. The beginning was a little slow and I think there was an over use of narrative summary, a focussing on detail that was largely irrelevant to the story. I am a pretty tolerant reader and I read widely. I am not sure that other readers would stay as long as I did.
But…
I did and the middle 50% of the book is nail-biting edge of the seat action and suspense that I expect from much more seasoned writers. The tension that Bridgeman maintained here was brilliant.
The story is nothing new (and I mean this as no slight against Bridgeman) but there’s skill in taking a trope or a well used scenario and making it seem exciting and fresh. The reader knows what’s likely to happen and it’s the way in which the author sustains the tension, between that knowledge and the characters edging closer to danger, that makes this part of the novel and ultimately carries the rest of it.
The ending seemed a little off the pace for me, there was renewed tension but I found the team’s last obstacle a bit of an anti climax, the action and tension was highest at the end of the second act.
While Aurora: Darwin feels a little unbalanced structurally, on the middle part of this book alone, I will read Bridgeman again. I dare say she’s got a bright future ahead of her writing Military/Space Opera thrillers.
Bridgeman is a fan of sci-fi thrillers and that shows in Aurora: Darwin. If you are a fan of Aliens 2 and other Sci-Fi films of that era then you’ll like the mix of action and suspense that Bridgman delivers.
A distress signal on the edge of inhabited space. A mission that is far outside normal parameters. Two very different people with one common goal survival.
A group of soldiers are sent to investigate a comms error on a classified military station near the asteroid belt. Three women are added to the all male crew as part of some PR exercise. There’s tension between the crew, between the Captain and Command and information on the situation is almost non existent.
There’s some interesting comment here on the treatment of women in the military that seems to be more about current problems that women have to face. Though I must admit I am not sure if its unrealistic to think that attitudes won’t have changed in the future or that its a case of (as with a large amount of science fiction) science fiction commenting on the issues and culture at its time of writing through the lense of the future.
If you are looking for a solid scientific underpinning and the lack of such ruins your enjoyment then perhaps Aurora: Darwin isn’t for you. If you are just here for the thrill and the tension then, well it’s worth it.
The above point aside, Aurora: Darwin was not without its problems for me and I think this can be put down to it being a first novel. The beginning was a little slow and I think there was an over use of narrative summary, a focussing on detail that was largely irrelevant to the story. I am a pretty tolerant reader and I read widely. I am not sure that other readers would stay as long as I did.
But…
I did and the middle 50% of the book is nail-biting edge of the seat action and suspense that I expect from much more seasoned writers. The tension that Bridgeman maintained here was brilliant.
The story is nothing new (and I mean this as no slight against Bridgeman) but there’s skill in taking a trope or a well used scenario and making it seem exciting and fresh. The reader knows what’s likely to happen and it’s the way in which the author sustains the tension, between that knowledge and the characters edging closer to danger, that makes this part of the novel and ultimately carries the rest of it.
The ending seemed a little off the pace for me, there was renewed tension but I found the team’s last obstacle a bit of an anti climax, the action and tension was highest at the end of the second act.
While Aurora: Darwin feels a little unbalanced structurally, on the middle part of this book alone, I will read Bridgeman again. I dare say she’s got a bright future ahead of her writing Military/Space Opera thrillers.
January 15, 2019
Great story with fine caracters. I will surely read the next books in this series!
May 4, 2013
Aurora: Darwin was a great read - interesting, realistic characters who pulled you in straight away. The story develops at a great pace with plenty of action along the way. Although it is 'sci fi', it would appeal to range of readers. Its not overly 'techy' and you get the sense that (scarily) this story could really happen in the not too distant future! There is obviously more of this story to come - can't wait for the next installment.
March 12, 2023
One again Amanda does a great job bringing the audience into the world of the near future.
Full of spacey goodness with a heart of gold, the crew of the Aurora are effectively astronauts but also army special ops. Having been recruited to investigate a conms error on a science ship, they very quickly realise things are not as they seem.
If you like guns, action and sarcastic bastards, this is definitely the book for you 😂. Bonus points for the sweary banter
Full of spacey goodness with a heart of gold, the crew of the Aurora are effectively astronauts but also army special ops. Having been recruited to investigate a conms error on a science ship, they very quickly realise things are not as they seem.
If you like guns, action and sarcastic bastards, this is definitely the book for you 😂. Bonus points for the sweary banter
August 20, 2017
A very good read in the genre of hard Sci-fi. This book has everything, good plot, solid characters of depth and feeling, sound settings and plausibility. So believable it could almost be a documentary from the future.
The story follows three new recruits on their first mission amongst seasoned soldiers. What have their superiors got planned for them, who can be trusted. There's hostility, hidden agendas, action, deception, betrayal, heroism, danger, death and a whole lot more in store for everyone.
The science is sound with a full, rich cast experiencing the full range of emotions and complications that come with being human.
Amanda Bridgeman gives this book all the necessary ingredients in the right proportion to deliver a very satisfying and solid start to the Aurora series. I definitely want to journey again with the captain and crew of the Aurora!
The story follows three new recruits on their first mission amongst seasoned soldiers. What have their superiors got planned for them, who can be trusted. There's hostility, hidden agendas, action, deception, betrayal, heroism, danger, death and a whole lot more in store for everyone.
The science is sound with a full, rich cast experiencing the full range of emotions and complications that come with being human.
Amanda Bridgeman gives this book all the necessary ingredients in the right proportion to deliver a very satisfying and solid start to the Aurora series. I definitely want to journey again with the captain and crew of the Aurora!
December 8, 2013
A United National Forces (UNF) Space Patrol crack team is dispatched to a deadly and secretive corner of space to investigate a breakdown of communication at a classified government facility known to have been dabbling in dangerous scientific experiments. Aboard the Aurora, Captain Saul Harris knows this isn’t a simple mission – for one, he’s been given three additional crew members; all female, something unique to space patrol, secondly; command are sketchy on the details of the communications breakdown and have an open reluctance to divulging information about the facility and the research/breakthroughs made deep in the outer limits.
The newcomers, lead by Carrie Welles, the main member of the group to feature prominently in proceedings, find themselves victims of inexperience and gender segregation as the male members of the Aurora test and taunt the new recruits to determine their mettle and capacity to do more than cook and clean. Welles and co bridge the gender divide by pure will and determination. In a world/universe of hard men and hard action, these women bring brass balls and a dead aim.
Author Amanda Bridgeman has provided readers with a plausible space story that’s grounded by its deep characterisation and tension filled plot. From the moment the crew of the Aurora disembark from Earth, the palpable and ever impending sense of doom kicks into gear. Never knowing what’s around the corner, where the threat will arise or from whom heightens the anticipation for action and blood curdling terror – in which Bridgeman delivers in spades.
I didn’t know what to expect from AURORA: DARWIN and found myself instantly hooked on the premise and impressed by the delivery. Each character brings something to the table, from Doc, Harris, Welles, to Command – all elements in a broader game of deceit, violence, and cover-up. Utterly addictive.
The follow-up, AURORA: PEGASUS was released in December 2013 and has shot near the top of my TBR.
This review also appears on my blog: http://justaguythatlikes2read.blogspo...
The newcomers, lead by Carrie Welles, the main member of the group to feature prominently in proceedings, find themselves victims of inexperience and gender segregation as the male members of the Aurora test and taunt the new recruits to determine their mettle and capacity to do more than cook and clean. Welles and co bridge the gender divide by pure will and determination. In a world/universe of hard men and hard action, these women bring brass balls and a dead aim.
Author Amanda Bridgeman has provided readers with a plausible space story that’s grounded by its deep characterisation and tension filled plot. From the moment the crew of the Aurora disembark from Earth, the palpable and ever impending sense of doom kicks into gear. Never knowing what’s around the corner, where the threat will arise or from whom heightens the anticipation for action and blood curdling terror – in which Bridgeman delivers in spades.
I didn’t know what to expect from AURORA: DARWIN and found myself instantly hooked on the premise and impressed by the delivery. Each character brings something to the table, from Doc, Harris, Welles, to Command – all elements in a broader game of deceit, violence, and cover-up. Utterly addictive.
The follow-up, AURORA: PEGASUS was released in December 2013 and has shot near the top of my TBR.
This review also appears on my blog: http://justaguythatlikes2read.blogspo...
March 9, 2016
'Aurora: Darwin' by Amanda Bridgeman is a pretty fair space opera full of decent suspense and action. That sort of tails off in an ending that seems to drag on too long.
In a not too distant future, we have conquered space flight and we are out fighting space pirates. That's what Captain Saul Harris and his crew of the Aurora do for the United National Forces. This time around, they are responding to the lack of communication from a science station. To make things more interesting, they have three female recruits aboard to test the waters of allowing females to travel into the farther reaches of space. In this future, there is still sexism though, so the women won't have to easiest time of things. Added to that, they've been ordered to stay on the ship and not board the science vessel Darwin when the Aurora docks with it. Strangest enough is what awaits them when they get to the Darwin.
I'm used to my United Federation of Space, so the idea of advanced technology and sexism was a bit jarring, but probably not unrealistic. The character interactions weren't too bad. I liked the mystery and action, but the wrap up seemed to take a long time. A lot of it is set up for future books, but I'd have preferred a quicker finish to things, especially because they seemed a bit inevitable. It's a good first outing, and I'll gladly read the next book.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Pan Macmillan, Momentum and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
In a not too distant future, we have conquered space flight and we are out fighting space pirates. That's what Captain Saul Harris and his crew of the Aurora do for the United National Forces. This time around, they are responding to the lack of communication from a science station. To make things more interesting, they have three female recruits aboard to test the waters of allowing females to travel into the farther reaches of space. In this future, there is still sexism though, so the women won't have to easiest time of things. Added to that, they've been ordered to stay on the ship and not board the science vessel Darwin when the Aurora docks with it. Strangest enough is what awaits them when they get to the Darwin.
I'm used to my United Federation of Space, so the idea of advanced technology and sexism was a bit jarring, but probably not unrealistic. The character interactions weren't too bad. I liked the mystery and action, but the wrap up seemed to take a long time. A lot of it is set up for future books, but I'd have preferred a quicker finish to things, especially because they seemed a bit inevitable. It's a good first outing, and I'll gladly read the next book.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Pan Macmillan, Momentum and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
July 23, 2013
This book was a total adrenalin rush. I rarely read action novels (although I do like the occasional action movie), but this had me hooked from the first page. It read like a movie with very clever dialogue, and very thorough character descriptions and back story.
Aurora: Darwin is edge-of-your-seat stuff. A team of soldiers go to check out an unresponsive space station called the Darwin with some surprising (and extremely terrifying) results. I spent at least one sleepless night jumping at shadows after reading this book. It is not for the faint-hearted!
And speaking of hearts… Doc. Sigh. I think I was crushing on him from the moment he entered the story (short brown hair, chocolate brown eyes, smooth features and a nice smile - yes please!). I was really glad he ended up being the focus of the romance in this story.
I also felt the story gave me closure. There was a debrief at the end of the novel that I really enjoyed, because normally once the deed is done the heroes ride off into the sunset (or fly off into the galaxy) and leave you wondering what next.
Even so, there was enough of a cliff hanger to allow for a sequel. And I can tell you that if the sequel was available now I would be reading it immediately!
Aurora: Darwin is edge-of-your-seat stuff. A team of soldiers go to check out an unresponsive space station called the Darwin with some surprising (and extremely terrifying) results. I spent at least one sleepless night jumping at shadows after reading this book. It is not for the faint-hearted!
And speaking of hearts… Doc. Sigh. I think I was crushing on him from the moment he entered the story (short brown hair, chocolate brown eyes, smooth features and a nice smile - yes please!). I was really glad he ended up being the focus of the romance in this story.
I also felt the story gave me closure. There was a debrief at the end of the novel that I really enjoyed, because normally once the deed is done the heroes ride off into the sunset (or fly off into the galaxy) and leave you wondering what next.
Even so, there was enough of a cliff hanger to allow for a sequel. And I can tell you that if the sequel was available now I would be reading it immediately!
June 2, 2014
Cracking action-packed space opera by debut author Amanda Bridgeman.
With the POV sections divided between optimistic young recruit Carrie Wells and the ship's grizzled captain Saul Harris, Bridgeman gives us a terrific view of life on board the ship and the place of the individual crews in the UNF organization.
The book is a bit slow through the first half as Bridgeman carefully introduces all of the characters and sets up the relationships between them. There's quite a large cast and it's great to see so much attention given to all of them.
Once the crew arrives on the space station the pace really picks up. The enemy 'Jumbos' are also nicely distinct characters; threatening and clever and genuinely cool.
I was particularly pleased that the book didn't just give us some explodey and a straightforward ending. The debriefing is just as gripping and suspenseful as the action.
Terrific stuff. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
With the POV sections divided between optimistic young recruit Carrie Wells and the ship's grizzled captain Saul Harris, Bridgeman gives us a terrific view of life on board the ship and the place of the individual crews in the UNF organization.
The book is a bit slow through the first half as Bridgeman carefully introduces all of the characters and sets up the relationships between them. There's quite a large cast and it's great to see so much attention given to all of them.
Once the crew arrives on the space station the pace really picks up. The enemy 'Jumbos' are also nicely distinct characters; threatening and clever and genuinely cool.
I was particularly pleased that the book didn't just give us some explodey and a straightforward ending. The debriefing is just as gripping and suspenseful as the action.
Terrific stuff. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
May 3, 2015
Near-future military sci-fi with some great tense action and a dark conspiracy. What’s not to love?
Well…
It’s not amazingly original, and I felt some of the tropes a little worn. But by far the biggest crime was acres and acres of exposition at the beginning.
This book is walking on well trod ground, but it does do credit to its source materials. Excepting the exposition at the start of the book, it had enough character, drama and action to keep me turning the pages.
Overall an entertaining read.
Detailed review here: https://uncertaintales.wordpress.com/...
Well…
It’s not amazingly original, and I felt some of the tropes a little worn. But by far the biggest crime was acres and acres of exposition at the beginning.
This book is walking on well trod ground, but it does do credit to its source materials. Excepting the exposition at the start of the book, it had enough character, drama and action to keep me turning the pages.
Overall an entertaining read.
Detailed review here: https://uncertaintales.wordpress.com/...
March 26, 2015
Oh wow! I LOVED this book. I'm a huge fan of space operas without the heavy sci fi details that can sometimes drown a good story. This is perfect for sci fi fans who also love a story about capable women who are more than Decorative figures, strong characterization driven stories, and a sense of adventure without having to run into aliens or distant galaxies.
April 15, 2014
I love this book so much I am giving it 6 stars ... even though I am allowed to give only 5. :)
April 8, 2023
This review will be full of spoilers.
Please be aware of spoilers before continuing to read.
The overall impression I had of this book is that it was uneven, in terms of both plot and character development, and definitely with regard to pacing. The premise - three female soldiers are added to an all-male crew, which is then sent to investigate radio silence from a remote research station - is fairly solid, with the caveat that I was not sure by the end of the book whether the author meant to address sexism and misogyny in a military setting or whether it was just being used as a plot device to increase the horror aspect.
The book is very slow to start. It does present its exposition and worldbuilding very fluidly, which is a neat trick when done correctly. It's pulled off exceptionally well here, and it's very easy for the reader to slip into and acclimatize to the society presented. The plot, however, takes about half the book to really get going. Most of the first half involves the aforementioned women-on-a-male-crew integrating (or not integrating well, as the case may be) into their new environment. It also introduces a very clumsy romantic subplot that never does find its footing with a will-they-won't-they dance (we all know that they will, and in fact they do) which is then not particularly successfully leveraged for tension to be addressed in the sequel.
Once the plot gets going, it moves remarkably quickly. It's less horror and more gore, with a great deal of attention paid to the details of said gore. There's some body horror touched on, with the nature of the antagonists on board the research station (human experiments to create Better Soldiers, which is a well-worn trope used effectively here). The most horrifying revelation was that the women were meant as breeding stock for said genetically engineered soldiers, which is less of a surprise than the narrative thinks it is and also a part of the aforementioned misogyny in the military subplot. It is also a well-worn trope, but I'm not sure if it's used as effectively as the human experimentation aspect overall.
The protagonists - Doc, Carrie, and Harris - have enough depth and complexity that I was emotionally invested in their outcomes. The supporting characters, on the other hand, are rapidly introduced with a brief physical description (race, country of origin, etc) and a brief character thumbnail sketch, but for the most part they were so bland that I couldn't remember which was which. There are a few exceptions, but generally they were not well developed and I was not attached to them. I did thoroughly enjoy the exploration of Harris's style of leadership, and found him to be the most compelling of the characters introduced.
Carrie was a fairly close second as far as compelling characters went; I really wanted to see her succeed, and I really enjoyed her grit and determination to prove herself, particularly when she realized that she'd been chosen for her uterus and not for her actual measurable skills and clearly demonstrated competence. Her family connections also lent some depth to her character and layered some complexity into the plot. That her father was essentially able to deus-ex-machina the entire crew out of consequences for their actions aboard the research station is mistrusted by Carrie, Harris, and the rest of the crew (and, hopefully, rightfully so), which was an aspect of the climax that I very much appreciated.
Overall, I don't regret acquiring this book (it was one of many free romance novels on 3/31/23, which is a little ironic as the romantic subplot is one of the weakest parts of the book), but I'm not sure if I'm interested in continuing the series. If I do, it will be via library rather than purchasing the book outright.
Please be aware of spoilers before continuing to read.
The overall impression I had of this book is that it was uneven, in terms of both plot and character development, and definitely with regard to pacing. The premise - three female soldiers are added to an all-male crew, which is then sent to investigate radio silence from a remote research station - is fairly solid, with the caveat that I was not sure by the end of the book whether the author meant to address sexism and misogyny in a military setting or whether it was just being used as a plot device to increase the horror aspect.
The book is very slow to start. It does present its exposition and worldbuilding very fluidly, which is a neat trick when done correctly. It's pulled off exceptionally well here, and it's very easy for the reader to slip into and acclimatize to the society presented. The plot, however, takes about half the book to really get going. Most of the first half involves the aforementioned women-on-a-male-crew integrating (or not integrating well, as the case may be) into their new environment. It also introduces a very clumsy romantic subplot that never does find its footing with a will-they-won't-they dance (we all know that they will, and in fact they do) which is then not particularly successfully leveraged for tension to be addressed in the sequel.
Once the plot gets going, it moves remarkably quickly. It's less horror and more gore, with a great deal of attention paid to the details of said gore. There's some body horror touched on, with the nature of the antagonists on board the research station (human experiments to create Better Soldiers, which is a well-worn trope used effectively here). The most horrifying revelation was that the women were meant as breeding stock for said genetically engineered soldiers, which is less of a surprise than the narrative thinks it is and also a part of the aforementioned misogyny in the military subplot. It is also a well-worn trope, but I'm not sure if it's used as effectively as the human experimentation aspect overall.
The protagonists - Doc, Carrie, and Harris - have enough depth and complexity that I was emotionally invested in their outcomes. The supporting characters, on the other hand, are rapidly introduced with a brief physical description (race, country of origin, etc) and a brief character thumbnail sketch, but for the most part they were so bland that I couldn't remember which was which. There are a few exceptions, but generally they were not well developed and I was not attached to them. I did thoroughly enjoy the exploration of Harris's style of leadership, and found him to be the most compelling of the characters introduced.
Carrie was a fairly close second as far as compelling characters went; I really wanted to see her succeed, and I really enjoyed her grit and determination to prove herself, particularly when she realized that she'd been chosen for her uterus and not for her actual measurable skills and clearly demonstrated competence. Her family connections also lent some depth to her character and layered some complexity into the plot. That her father was essentially able to deus-ex-machina the entire crew out of consequences for their actions aboard the research station is mistrusted by Carrie, Harris, and the rest of the crew (and, hopefully, rightfully so), which was an aspect of the climax that I very much appreciated.
Overall, I don't regret acquiring this book (it was one of many free romance novels on 3/31/23, which is a little ironic as the romantic subplot is one of the weakest parts of the book), but I'm not sure if I'm interested in continuing the series. If I do, it will be via library rather than purchasing the book outright.
April 30, 2023
This review is classified, or should be, because almost everything in it was.
A UNF classified trip begins with a lot of unanswered questions, leaving the Captain of the Aurora feeling insecure but as the trip continues and it gets closer to the research facility his questions become truly worrisome. When your gut starts scream caution perhaps he should listen.
A trip to resolve a communication issue on a scientific research black ops facility on the edge of space requires the highly respected Captain Saul Harris and his crew of special ops soldiers are told to respond. There is enough urgency on this effort that the entire crew of the Aurora is called in early cutting their leave time short. They also are assigned three "test" crew members, all women, for a classified mission. Their involvement was very secretive to everyone except for a few people at Command. When the Aurora arrives at the Darwin, the crew encounters too many dangers, the captain can't get satisfaction from command, and he's ordered to not let the women onboard the Darwin.
There are far too many classified moments that shackle the captain and put his entire crew at risk. Amanda Bridgeman's book is clunky, poorly researched, and unbelievable. One of the primary characters, Corporal Carrie Welles, is excited about this opportunity to finally progress from Earth Duty to Space Duty; she's clearly a woman who has worked hard for this opportunity and a highly rated marksman and yet knowing the rules about crew members having relationships she immediately falls for (and fantasizes over) a male crew member. Her contribution is more of a soap opera. Furthermore, the Captain agrees to stay with this mission rather than leaving the Darwin, even after understanding the reason for the classifications and seeing the dangers for his crew.
Once on the Darwin they locate some crew members who are in a biosafety isolation area and the Doc keeps them quarantined long enough to determine it they're dangerous but after a brief period he releases them despite the fact that they have fevers and elevated heart rates. Despite the fact that his gut reaction is they are indeed a risk. Naturally these members of the Darwin facility create the tension and the cause for everyone's safety.
I found myself annoyed by the lack of good sense that these characters possessed. The book is relatively long but it was frustratingly difficult to read. Aurora: Darwin was too unbelievable. The tension comes mostly from the enhanced "scientists" on the Darwin, the Jumbos, who were part human enhancement experiment, and unfortunately, they were probably my favorite and most believable part of the book. The casual use of the women, the new crew members, and their intended use, nearly drove me from finishing this book. I will not be reading the next books in the series.
A UNF classified trip begins with a lot of unanswered questions, leaving the Captain of the Aurora feeling insecure but as the trip continues and it gets closer to the research facility his questions become truly worrisome. When your gut starts scream caution perhaps he should listen.
A trip to resolve a communication issue on a scientific research black ops facility on the edge of space requires the highly respected Captain Saul Harris and his crew of special ops soldiers are told to respond. There is enough urgency on this effort that the entire crew of the Aurora is called in early cutting their leave time short. They also are assigned three "test" crew members, all women, for a classified mission. Their involvement was very secretive to everyone except for a few people at Command. When the Aurora arrives at the Darwin, the crew encounters too many dangers, the captain can't get satisfaction from command, and he's ordered to not let the women onboard the Darwin.
There are far too many classified moments that shackle the captain and put his entire crew at risk. Amanda Bridgeman's book is clunky, poorly researched, and unbelievable. One of the primary characters, Corporal Carrie Welles, is excited about this opportunity to finally progress from Earth Duty to Space Duty; she's clearly a woman who has worked hard for this opportunity and a highly rated marksman and yet knowing the rules about crew members having relationships she immediately falls for (and fantasizes over) a male crew member. Her contribution is more of a soap opera. Furthermore, the Captain agrees to stay with this mission rather than leaving the Darwin, even after understanding the reason for the classifications and seeing the dangers for his crew.
Once on the Darwin they locate some crew members who are in a biosafety isolation area and the Doc keeps them quarantined long enough to determine it they're dangerous but after a brief period he releases them despite the fact that they have fevers and elevated heart rates. Despite the fact that his gut reaction is they are indeed a risk. Naturally these members of the Darwin facility create the tension and the cause for everyone's safety.
I found myself annoyed by the lack of good sense that these characters possessed. The book is relatively long but it was frustratingly difficult to read. Aurora: Darwin was too unbelievable. The tension comes mostly from the enhanced "scientists" on the Darwin, the Jumbos, who were part human enhancement experiment, and unfortunately, they were probably my favorite and most believable part of the book. The casual use of the women, the new crew members, and their intended use, nearly drove me from finishing this book. I will not be reading the next books in the series.
May 31, 2023
At the far reaches of the inhabited Solar System, a secret government lab sends out a distress signal and then goes silent. No signs of the usual space anomalies that plague humans in deep space—just dead comms. Command tasks Captain Harris of the United National Forces Ship Aurora and his crack team to head to the Darwin station and find out what's wrong. His crew of battle-toughened soldiers can handle anything, as they've done many times before – a cohesive band of brothers in arms, ready for the worst.
Then command throws in a wrinkle; Harris must take on three female recruits. What could go wrong? Aboard the Aurora, speeding out to the Asteroids, Captain Harris must prepare for a mission filled with unknown dangers and challenges, not the least of which is managing his team, who believe the recruits are undertrained, inexperienced, incapable, and a liability.
Ms. Bridgeman takes us on a deep space adventure that any fan of Military Science Fiction will find thrilling: well-defined characters, a mystery to be solved on the station, an unexpected foe, a secret agenda, and fast and deadly action. What's not to like?
For the book's first half, we travel with the crew and get to know each as an individual. The author's writing takes us inside the team's dynamics. Clear phrasing and unique voices for the characters let us get to know each of them. Ms. Bridgeman takes her time filling out the characters to the point where we're not sure they will ever pull together before they reach Darwin.
Once they arrive at the station, the action is fast-paced, and the tension is palpable. What seems innocuous always carries an undertone of danger. Nicely done; it keeps you on edge. The team's initial entry into the research station is eerie, and you're unsure what to expect. That tone keeps you suspicious right through the following scenes. Nope – no spoilers – you'll need to find out on your own. That being said, in the book's second half, some of the scenes between the major action are a bit too long – fun to read; I loved the extras on the relationships, but I found myself eager to get to "what happens next."
Finally, and again—no spoilers—the ending is unexpected, not typical of thrillers, but it totally makes sense—and makes you want to scream at the page and the command staff. It was nice to see the consequences, and it set you up to want to read the follow-up book.
Ms. Bridgemen tweeted that she's working on Aurora 8, so I have some catching up. But I'm looking forward to the adventure.
Final thought: if you know Ms. Bridgeman from her detective novels (The Subjugate and The Sensation), Aurora: Darwin is an unexpected thrill ride. Buckle up—it's an adventure!
Then command throws in a wrinkle; Harris must take on three female recruits. What could go wrong? Aboard the Aurora, speeding out to the Asteroids, Captain Harris must prepare for a mission filled with unknown dangers and challenges, not the least of which is managing his team, who believe the recruits are undertrained, inexperienced, incapable, and a liability.
Ms. Bridgeman takes us on a deep space adventure that any fan of Military Science Fiction will find thrilling: well-defined characters, a mystery to be solved on the station, an unexpected foe, a secret agenda, and fast and deadly action. What's not to like?
For the book's first half, we travel with the crew and get to know each as an individual. The author's writing takes us inside the team's dynamics. Clear phrasing and unique voices for the characters let us get to know each of them. Ms. Bridgeman takes her time filling out the characters to the point where we're not sure they will ever pull together before they reach Darwin.
Once they arrive at the station, the action is fast-paced, and the tension is palpable. What seems innocuous always carries an undertone of danger. Nicely done; it keeps you on edge. The team's initial entry into the research station is eerie, and you're unsure what to expect. That tone keeps you suspicious right through the following scenes. Nope – no spoilers – you'll need to find out on your own. That being said, in the book's second half, some of the scenes between the major action are a bit too long – fun to read; I loved the extras on the relationships, but I found myself eager to get to "what happens next."
Finally, and again—no spoilers—the ending is unexpected, not typical of thrillers, but it totally makes sense—and makes you want to scream at the page and the command staff. It was nice to see the consequences, and it set you up to want to read the follow-up book.
Ms. Bridgemen tweeted that she's working on Aurora 8, so I have some catching up. But I'm looking forward to the adventure.
Final thought: if you know Ms. Bridgeman from her detective novels (The Subjugate and The Sensation), Aurora: Darwin is an unexpected thrill ride. Buckle up—it's an adventure!
April 1, 2023
It’s way too early to get a phone call while on leave, but Captain Saul Harris of the UNF just received that call recalling him from leave. When he reported, he was given a mission briefing. A special ops space station had gone dark. The Command lost communications with the station and wanted the Captain and his team to go up there and check it out. He was told it was more than likely a technical problem. But just in case, it was up to him and his team to figure it out. And oh yeah! He was doing a one-off for the UNF P.R. Department. They were temporarily adding three members to his team. All three were women, but they did have some skills: a pilot, a sniper, and a woman with a flair for demolitions and electronics. When he met them, Saul towered over them. The tallest might have been five foot ten inches tall, but even then, she looked small to him. He knew they would look small and feminine to his men. Some were even larger than him. He felt as if something wasn’t right about this mission. He wondered why a sledgehammer was being sent when a wrench and a screwdriver would do.
The world-building is very well done. The character interactions are smooth and informative when they need to be. This story has some nice creepy surprises and twists and turns, but the end was kind of expected. As the end approached, I wondered how you would leave this story and make an opening for the next book in the series, and I guessed it right before I read it.
There is plenty of action and adventure in this telling in a science fiction setting that involves genetic engineering and the military to the rescue. And yes, there is some romance, but it is mild in its description. I give this space opera five stars out of five stars.
The world-building is very well done. The character interactions are smooth and informative when they need to be. This story has some nice creepy surprises and twists and turns, but the end was kind of expected. As the end approached, I wondered how you would leave this story and make an opening for the next book in the series, and I guessed it right before I read it.
There is plenty of action and adventure in this telling in a science fiction setting that involves genetic engineering and the military to the rescue. And yes, there is some romance, but it is mild in its description. I give this space opera five stars out of five stars.
January 13, 2025
What a novel and a fantastic book one of a series I will be reading immediately. I seem to be on a science fiction horror mash at the moment and this one ticks all the boxes. Amanda Bridgeman has a way with science fiction that leaves you wanting more but also leaves you unable to stop thinking about it.
A gripping, easy to read, emotion filled drama with horror and tech concepts that will stay with you long after you put the book down. This book has a plot that flows effortlessly yet rapidly, with layers and a depth that belies the no doubt lengthy legwork done by the author. Full of clear, visual descriptions and tense heart-pounding action, it has a subtle build of tension that has you gripping the pages tightly as you read – a sign of a truly delightful book. I love a good space opera and this one has everything. Internal crew squabbles, spaceships, haunted space stations, military inequity and gender bias, as well as trained professionals, super humans, genetic manipulation, secrets, hidden agendas, and advanced tech it’s all there and I love it. Can’t wait to read more, though I will be looking over my shoulder at shadows and squinting suspiciously around corners from here on out. Creepy and compelling. A great read.
A gripping, easy to read, emotion filled drama with horror and tech concepts that will stay with you long after you put the book down. This book has a plot that flows effortlessly yet rapidly, with layers and a depth that belies the no doubt lengthy legwork done by the author. Full of clear, visual descriptions and tense heart-pounding action, it has a subtle build of tension that has you gripping the pages tightly as you read – a sign of a truly delightful book. I love a good space opera and this one has everything. Internal crew squabbles, spaceships, haunted space stations, military inequity and gender bias, as well as trained professionals, super humans, genetic manipulation, secrets, hidden agendas, and advanced tech it’s all there and I love it. Can’t wait to read more, though I will be looking over my shoulder at shadows and squinting suspiciously around corners from here on out. Creepy and compelling. A great read.
April 22, 2023
Tough book to review: it did not have any spelling or grammar errors which is something that I really appreciate. However for a science fiction tale, this book has so many logic issues that I swore that I would write a review. There are a lot words spent on the main character's thoughts and emotional state. Her emotional 'one upmanship' makes it very unlikely that she would have been accepted to the level of a 'space solder' in the first place. As the story wore on it became more challenging to read and stay interested; it just seemed that there were too many words relative to the story's advancement. I finally gave up at 83% read. Generally, my policy is that if I did not finish a book, I have no stance to write a review. Yet, while reading this book I became so irritated by the logic problems which in some strange way simulated the need for this review.
So, as I am re-reading what I have written here, I am asking myself why I even continued to read for as long as I did...? I guess you will have to read the book for yourself to find out.
So, as I am re-reading what I have written here, I am asking myself why I even continued to read for as long as I did...? I guess you will have to read the book for yourself to find out.
January 19, 2024
Wasn’t sure about this one. Had some good action and I liked how the author slowly brought the crew together as the story progressed. I did not,however, really enjoy any of the characters except for maybe Doc. Humanity is capable of space travel in this story. For crying out loud, you’d think we’d have a little more professionalism on the ship. It’s like the ladies walked into a 15 year old boys hockey dressing room. This is supposed to be the future. We already have women in space, and female soldiers. Numerous years from now I think….i would hope….that this isn’t such an abnormality and men would have progressed beyond acting like Neanderthal idiots, especially in a professional setting. And the main female character supposedly wanting to be taken seriously but can’t stop pining over the Doc. I liked the premise of the story, but really disliked the characters and their interactions.
May 11, 2025
Aurora: Darwin by Amanda Bridgeman is a slow-burn sci-fi thriller that mixes space exploration, military life, and mystery into an addictive story. Set aboard the starship Aurora, the novel follows Corporal Carrie Welles as she’s pulled into an investigation that reveals much deeper conspiracies aboard the ship.
Bridgeman focuses heavily on character development, making the relationships feel authentic and raw. The pacing is deliberate, which might feel slow at first, but it builds an intense, claustrophobic atmosphere that fits the story perfectly. Fans of character-driven sci-fi like Battlestar Galactica will appreciate this approach.
If you like your science fiction with strong characters, realistic tension, and a good dose of mystery, Aurora: Darwin is a fantastic start to a promising series.
“Trust no one aboard the Aurora”
Spice level 🌶️
Themes: Loyalty, the nature of power, and the psychological cost of living in close, hierarchical systems.
Bridgeman focuses heavily on character development, making the relationships feel authentic and raw. The pacing is deliberate, which might feel slow at first, but it builds an intense, claustrophobic atmosphere that fits the story perfectly. Fans of character-driven sci-fi like Battlestar Galactica will appreciate this approach.
If you like your science fiction with strong characters, realistic tension, and a good dose of mystery, Aurora: Darwin is a fantastic start to a promising series.
“Trust no one aboard the Aurora”
Spice level 🌶️
Themes: Loyalty, the nature of power, and the psychological cost of living in close, hierarchical systems.
January 21, 2024
A very well written book... I found very few editing errors and the text is a pleasure to read. Her dialogue and descriptions are excellent. It reads very smoothly. The characters are believable and interesting. The author does go on a bit too long in descriptions however and there is some repetition in various sections. The drama and fight scenes are well done - lots of suspense.
My only problems with the book is that it doesn't address some science facts. There is instantaneous communications from way out in the solar system to earth. The space ship propulsion system is also not explained - how can the ship go from earth to beyond Mars in a few days.
The book although can be read on its own is part of a series. Not sure if I'll read the next one... maybe if it was a little cheaper.
My only problems with the book is that it doesn't address some science facts. There is instantaneous communications from way out in the solar system to earth. The space ship propulsion system is also not explained - how can the ship go from earth to beyond Mars in a few days.
The book although can be read on its own is part of a series. Not sure if I'll read the next one... maybe if it was a little cheaper.
December 9, 2016
Aurora: Darwin Amanda Bridgeman
This is a sci-fi thriller set in the future. We are exploring other planets..earth has become crowded, somewhat depleted, that's a given. A space vessel is dispatched on a routine mission. It's crew is very special, highly trained, and for the first time , women are aboard. Is the mission real or a ruse? This is an explosive and extraordinarily well written novel. It's primary characters are extremely talented, professional, the best. Action explodes on every page...to the last one! I mentioned sci-fi thriller? Try action packed kick ass thriller!!! My highest recommendation. Can't wait to read the next book in the series!!
This is a sci-fi thriller set in the future. We are exploring other planets..earth has become crowded, somewhat depleted, that's a given. A space vessel is dispatched on a routine mission. It's crew is very special, highly trained, and for the first time , women are aboard. Is the mission real or a ruse? This is an explosive and extraordinarily well written novel. It's primary characters are extremely talented, professional, the best. Action explodes on every page...to the last one! I mentioned sci-fi thriller? Try action packed kick ass thriller!!! My highest recommendation. Can't wait to read the next book in the series!!
February 26, 2019
It is a decent book. I recommend it, mostly because there is a good chance you will like it much more than I did. And, it is the first of a series, so if you like it, you have found a long reading list, which is gold for anyone who devours books.
Too slow to get going, and then too slow to end, and not inventive enough, to rate a 4, but it is more than a flat 3. Say 3.5?
Other reasons why it is worth reading:
* It has some surprises, especially from the viewpoint of the "rules" of what happens in SF
* The confrontations, and there are many, are well written
* The various personalities are enjoyable and memorable
Too slow to get going, and then too slow to end, and not inventive enough, to rate a 4, but it is more than a flat 3. Say 3.5?
Other reasons why it is worth reading:
* It has some surprises, especially from the viewpoint of the "rules" of what happens in SF
* The confrontations, and there are many, are well written
* The various personalities are enjoyable and memorable
May 31, 2021
I was hooked based on the short description and of course 1st chapter def hooks you in.
However, I couldn't decide whenever the author wanted to bring to light the difficulties female officers face in the male-dominated environment or was it an attempt to write a space thriller?
Whilst the book was a bit long and too detailed in some parts, it delivered enough tense actions.
The plot was pretty diabolical and (scaringly) believable too!
The debriefing left me totally exasperated and wanting to punch someone in the face!
It is a good insider look into the army mechanics and not a bad thriller. However, I am not planning on reading the 2nd book.
However, I couldn't decide whenever the author wanted to bring to light the difficulties female officers face in the male-dominated environment or was it an attempt to write a space thriller?
Whilst the book was a bit long and too detailed in some parts, it delivered enough tense actions.
The plot was pretty diabolical and (scaringly) believable too!
The debriefing left me totally exasperated and wanting to punch someone in the face!
It is a good insider look into the army mechanics and not a bad thriller. However, I am not planning on reading the 2nd book.
August 1, 2019
An interesting concept, but Amanda get with the times I think we’re more lightened about females now. Very long winded at the end was my only real concern, but waffled on so much I nearly got out the pan and of the maple syrup.
Overall though it was quite a good read, some rather interesting and I’m using moments plus the concept as I said earlier was rather cool. Are we bit scary but in today’s age anything could happen.
Overall though it was quite a good read, some rather interesting and I’m using moments plus the concept as I said earlier was rather cool. Are we bit scary but in today’s age anything could happen.
June 1, 2024
First time have i ever read a mil sci-fi book that didn't have anything at all to say about ship to ship equipment, military or not. The ship approaches its destination, they ..see it on the viewscreen. No radars, no lidars, no exotic scanners, no nothing. Handwave sensors? What sensors?
The hand to hand action is ok, though .Not excellent, just ok.
In short: that's a seriously handicapped series by it's own author. Nice writing, totally unbelievable setting. What a pity.
The hand to hand action is ok, though .Not excellent, just ok.
In short: that's a seriously handicapped series by it's own author. Nice writing, totally unbelievable setting. What a pity.
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