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Ember in Space #1
Flicker
GETTING SOLD TO THE EMPIRE WAS NEVER PART OF THE PLAN. Ember lives two very different lives. By day she’s a mysterious Roma future-teller, and by night she struggles to care for her sick father. All she wants is the power to control her own life—no arranged marriage, no more poverty. Her future-reading talent is what will get her there. But when the Empire discovers her gift, Ember’s life changes forever. Ember soon finds her innocent talent is far more dangerous than she believed. The Empire wants to turn her into a deadly weapon. But Ember has plans of her own, and they don’t include living under the Empire’s control. Because even the best weapons can backfire.
230 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 2017
624 people are currently reading
922 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Rode
23 books208 followersRebecca is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of TIDES OF MUTINY (Little, Brown Book for Young Readers). Her previously published work includes the dystopian Numbers Game trilogy and the Ember series for fans of Firefly and The Mandalorian. She has also published an inspirational nonfiction book for moms (How to Have Peace When You're Falling to Pieces) and a number of online newspaper and magazine articles. It's her books about fierce teens smashing societal barriers, however, that she enjoys writing the most.
Rebecca and her husband are raising their family in the Rocky Mountains. She has two cats, a ridiculous number of books, and an odd assortment of book-related socks. She is represented by Kelly Peterson at Rees Literary.
Rebecca and her husband are raising their family in the Rocky Mountains. She has two cats, a ridiculous number of books, and an odd assortment of book-related socks. She is represented by Kelly Peterson at Rees Literary.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
June 28, 2018
I normally don't care for dystopian but I LOVED this book! I was captivated from the first page and I don't think I breathed until I finished. Highly recommend!
My Rating: 5+ stars
My Rating: 5+ stars
April 15, 2018
This Sci-fi could use a little more polishing but was fairly fast-paced and engaging. We have a fairly naive girl caught in the middle of two sides, neither of which seem to be good sides. The concept behind the flickers is fairly original and you do want the MC to prevail. There is a set up for a possible romance, but I wouldn't say it's the focus at all. I think overall this is a tail about overcoming big obstacles and beating evil.
January 10, 2024
2024 52 Book Challenge - 4) Lowercase Letters On The Spine
Okay, I admit it. I purchased this book purely because it was the first book I found on Kindle that matched the challenge prompt.
I quite enjoyed it as a quick, surface level read. The characters aren't particularly deep, and the conflict of the book between two sides, both of which feel like they're the same, isn't explained at all beyond a vague - "oh they're on opposite sides, that's why they're ar war" and "the other side is led by a relative of the other side who is upset they got thrown out". There is the beginning of a love interest, though it's also not fantastically built up or expanded on.
I'm hoping that book two expands more upon the beginnings of book 1, and I'm excited to read it.
Okay, I admit it. I purchased this book purely because it was the first book I found on Kindle that matched the challenge prompt.
I quite enjoyed it as a quick, surface level read. The characters aren't particularly deep, and the conflict of the book between two sides, both of which feel like they're the same, isn't explained at all beyond a vague - "oh they're on opposite sides, that's why they're ar war" and "the other side is led by a relative of the other side who is upset they got thrown out". There is the beginning of a love interest, though it's also not fantastically built up or expanded on.
I'm hoping that book two expands more upon the beginnings of book 1, and I'm excited to read it.
June 26, 2018
I loved this book!! I normally don't read space-related books, but this one was amazing. The idea behind the plot was pretty unique in my opinion. Lots of death and heart break though. I'm intrigued to see where the second book goes with this story!
September 11, 2024
Decent read if you want that dystopian YA fix. Dnf 32 percent. I was looking for an adult sci-fi. It started out that way, but it devolved into a dystopian classroom with kids competing vibe. Just not what I’m looking for right now.
August 29, 2018
I was in the mood for a space opera and I found this in my purchased books on my Kindle. It was a very interesting book - dystopian story set in space, with an Empire at war, and a gypsy element with a main character to can tell fortunes. Except for the Hunger Games-like competition piece, I liked it a lot.
Ember, the main character, is from Earth, now a reject planet in a future where space travel is possible. She's also a member of the last true Roma kumpania, though being half-gadjo she doesn't fit in there. She has a special ability to see the future and read people's memories from the past, and she uses this to support herself and her sick father. But then she gets sold to the Empire, whose only interest in her is weaponizing her power to fight for control of the galaxy.
So far, so good, but there are definite cliches. The writing is pretty okay, and there are enough unique elements or unique twists on old ideas that I'm not put off by the recycled material. It reads like YA, though Ember is almost 20.
Pretty early in the book Ember is taken from her little village on backwater Earth and sent to military academy to train as a soldier in the Emperor's war. With her ability, they intend to groom her as a special weapon. During training they find that - surprise! - she's even more powerful than they or she originally thought.
That was annoying for being so hackneyed, as was her unblinking acceptance of all this new technology. The beginning of the book strongly implied that Earth was a reject, backwoods planet that no one would willingly inhabit. The village she's from didn't seem to have simple amenities like electricity, and yet her she is on a space ship, with all kinds of new technology she's supposed to use and be subjected to in testing, and she doesn't bat an eyelash. I would expect a bit more of a reaction than that.
I'm also annoyed at the obvious romantic setup between her and Stefan. The obligatory roadblock is that she has this stupid idea she's going to marry a Roma man, even though a) she's an outcast in her kumpania because of her outsider dad, and b) she goes over the roster of eligible bachelor's early in the book and there are none. In spite of that, she stubbornly clings to this idea that she MUST marry a Roma. Aside from these glaring obstacles, the intent that she and Stefan are intended for each other by the author is so in your face painfully obvious that it's cringe-worthy. If it had been allowed to develop naturally I could have seen it, but as it is I'm just irritated.
The Pavlov conditioning with Commander Kane is totally unbelievable. The leverage of her family and village seems to weigh much heavier in Ember's mind than pain, and is therefore far more convincing. Plus, at just the right moment, she suddenly finds the strength to throw off the pain and push through Commander Kane's power and break free. Really? Seems like too little, too late, and much too convenient when she finally triumphed.
By the end, I was torn. I like the setting, the "flicker" ability, and the political struggle, especially since by the end of the book, it's not obvious which side is the good guys, if there are good guys in this conflict. I disliked how quickly Ember gave up her reservations about Stefan. Though her idea of marrying a Roma was stupid, we were pounded over the head that SHE WOULD DO IT. For her to suddenly drop it because she met a cute guy seemed quite ridiculous. The whole romance with Stefan went so fast it was almost nonexistent, and that bothered me, too. This is a short book, both in pages and internal chronology, and a lot of things felt rushed.
However, in spite of all these objections, I still enjoyed the story overall. It was a new take and fresh spin on old ideas, and kept my interest even apart from the many flaws. I will read the next book.
Ember, the main character, is from Earth, now a reject planet in a future where space travel is possible. She's also a member of the last true Roma kumpania, though being half-gadjo she doesn't fit in there. She has a special ability to see the future and read people's memories from the past, and she uses this to support herself and her sick father. But then she gets sold to the Empire, whose only interest in her is weaponizing her power to fight for control of the galaxy.
So far, so good, but there are definite cliches. The writing is pretty okay, and there are enough unique elements or unique twists on old ideas that I'm not put off by the recycled material. It reads like YA, though Ember is almost 20.
Pretty early in the book Ember is taken from her little village on backwater Earth and sent to military academy to train as a soldier in the Emperor's war. With her ability, they intend to groom her as a special weapon. During training they find that - surprise! - she's even more powerful than they or she originally thought.
That was annoying for being so hackneyed, as was her unblinking acceptance of all this new technology. The beginning of the book strongly implied that Earth was a reject, backwoods planet that no one would willingly inhabit. The village she's from didn't seem to have simple amenities like electricity, and yet her she is on a space ship, with all kinds of new technology she's supposed to use and be subjected to in testing, and she doesn't bat an eyelash. I would expect a bit more of a reaction than that.
I'm also annoyed at the obvious romantic setup between her and Stefan. The obligatory roadblock is that she has this stupid idea she's going to marry a Roma man, even though a) she's an outcast in her kumpania because of her outsider dad, and b) she goes over the roster of eligible bachelor's early in the book and there are none. In spite of that, she stubbornly clings to this idea that she MUST marry a Roma. Aside from these glaring obstacles, the intent that she and Stefan are intended for each other by the author is so in your face painfully obvious that it's cringe-worthy. If it had been allowed to develop naturally I could have seen it, but as it is I'm just irritated.
The Pavlov conditioning with Commander Kane is totally unbelievable. The leverage of her family and village seems to weigh much heavier in Ember's mind than pain, and is therefore far more convincing. Plus, at just the right moment, she suddenly finds the strength to throw off the pain and push through Commander Kane's power and break free. Really? Seems like too little, too late, and much too convenient when she finally triumphed.
By the end, I was torn. I like the setting, the "flicker" ability, and the political struggle, especially since by the end of the book, it's not obvious which side is the good guys, if there are good guys in this conflict. I disliked how quickly Ember gave up her reservations about Stefan. Though her idea of marrying a Roma was stupid, we were pounded over the head that SHE WOULD DO IT. For her to suddenly drop it because she met a cute guy seemed quite ridiculous. The whole romance with Stefan went so fast it was almost nonexistent, and that bothered me, too. This is a short book, both in pages and internal chronology, and a lot of things felt rushed.
However, in spite of all these objections, I still enjoyed the story overall. It was a new take and fresh spin on old ideas, and kept my interest even apart from the many flaws. I will read the next book.
February 26, 2018
This story is part of the Dominion Rising HUGE package. One of the descriptions for this story says it is perfect for fans of the Wheel of Time series. No, it isn't. There was a scene where the main character wore a collar that allowed someone else to control her. That is the only similarity. This is SF and involves space travel. It was an okay story for me. Too much sweet romance stuff for my taste.
January 9, 2018
Review originally published at: http://www.lomeraniel.com/audiobookre...
‘The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be’.
Ember is half Roma, and she tries to make a living from the tourists who visit Earth. Humanity has fled and expanded over the Galaxy, and only the Roma were left behind. One day her village receives the visit of a ship of the Empire, and some soldiers seem to take interest in Ember’s special powers. They decide to take her with them and use her as a weapon, but she has just one thing in mind: going back home to take care of her sick father.
This book trapped me from the start due to beautifully developed characters and an interesting story. The characters are well defined, and the dialogs rich and natural. Ember is a strong and independent woman, who has everything to change the course of things, but she has her ideas clear and doesn’t loose focus. She knows what is important in life and doesn’t get distracted by shiny things.
Another detail that made this book very appealing was the world building. It seems there is an ongoing war between the Empire and the Union, a war in which the Roma didn’t take part. Everyone around Ember affirms that the Empire should win this war, but it is not clear to her why this should be the winning side. The people from the Union are evil, everybody knows this, but nobody can give any details about it.
Ember’s main goal is going back home to take care of her father, but she gets mixed in something bigger. There is a lot of action in this book but, as said, also great characters. The most amazing events are empty without characters I don’t care for. I cared dearly about Ember and her companions, and suffered along with them. If a book can do this to me, I consider it a complete success.
Stacey Glemboski has become one of my favorite narrators. I had the pleasure of listening to her in another audiobook recently and I was glad to be able to enjoy her voice again. She has wonderful interpretation skills, transmitting the characters’ emotions like if you were listening to them. Her voice range is quite ample, and her male voices are realistic and quite good.
I loved LOVED this audiobook, and I do hope the next one gets released soon, so that the questions about the Empire and the Union get answered. It seems I can’t get enough of Ember’s story and Glemboski’s voice. I would recommend it to anyone into science-fiction and who enjoys great characters.
I received a copy of this book in audio format from the author in exchange for an honest review.
‘The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be’.
Ember is half Roma, and she tries to make a living from the tourists who visit Earth. Humanity has fled and expanded over the Galaxy, and only the Roma were left behind. One day her village receives the visit of a ship of the Empire, and some soldiers seem to take interest in Ember’s special powers. They decide to take her with them and use her as a weapon, but she has just one thing in mind: going back home to take care of her sick father.
This book trapped me from the start due to beautifully developed characters and an interesting story. The characters are well defined, and the dialogs rich and natural. Ember is a strong and independent woman, who has everything to change the course of things, but she has her ideas clear and doesn’t loose focus. She knows what is important in life and doesn’t get distracted by shiny things.
Another detail that made this book very appealing was the world building. It seems there is an ongoing war between the Empire and the Union, a war in which the Roma didn’t take part. Everyone around Ember affirms that the Empire should win this war, but it is not clear to her why this should be the winning side. The people from the Union are evil, everybody knows this, but nobody can give any details about it.
Ember’s main goal is going back home to take care of her father, but she gets mixed in something bigger. There is a lot of action in this book but, as said, also great characters. The most amazing events are empty without characters I don’t care for. I cared dearly about Ember and her companions, and suffered along with them. If a book can do this to me, I consider it a complete success.
Stacey Glemboski has become one of my favorite narrators. I had the pleasure of listening to her in another audiobook recently and I was glad to be able to enjoy her voice again. She has wonderful interpretation skills, transmitting the characters’ emotions like if you were listening to them. Her voice range is quite ample, and her male voices are realistic and quite good.
I loved LOVED this audiobook, and I do hope the next one gets released soon, so that the questions about the Empire and the Union get answered. It seems I can’t get enough of Ember’s story and Glemboski’s voice. I would recommend it to anyone into science-fiction and who enjoys great characters.
I received a copy of this book in audio format from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 24, 2023
DNF at 68% or Chapter 22
It's difficult to not finish a book; but the fact is I have a massive pile of books on my TBR list and only one life to live and read them all, so some are inevitably going to end up on the chopping block. That being said, I'd like to share a few reasons for why I stopped reading, and I'm adopting a quick Q&A borrowed from WordPress blogger Niki at "The Obsessive Bookseller" https://nikihawkes.com/ who also borrowed it from Nikki at "There Were Books Involved", with permissions.
Did you really give "Flicker" a chance?
Yes, I wasn't enjoying the book when I started it last summer (2022) and put it down for a bit. Made it to the 68% mark.
Have you enjoyed other books in the same genre?
Sci-fi, space adventures, heroines with cool powers? Yes!
Did you have certain expectations before starting it?
I thought I was in for a Veronica Roth "Divergent" type read but set in space instead.
What ultimately made you stop reading?
Fed up! I can't keep reading this book. It feels like a chore.
First of all the book's synopsis talked about a girl living 2 lives. I really wanted more of that fortune-telling part, but we get treated to one small scene at the start of the book before main character Ember gets captured and then immediately drafted in the big bad government's program of mind reading/manipulation. Does she handle this well? No. Of course not. You'd think she'd try everything in her power to escape and get back to her father, right? NO. Instead we get the trope of "girl from no-where, basically a peasant falls for the hottest star boy in class whom all the other girls in class are in love with too". And star boy ignores all other girls and falls in love with peasant girl back. Cue jealous classmates and awkward "oh star boy, why do you like me? I'm nobody. I'm so surprised" romance scenes. Ugh. Why?
Is there anything you liked about "Flicker"?
The beginning. I liked the fortune-telling tent! Maybe I should just go find a fortune-telling book instead.
So you DNFed the book. Would you still recommend it?
I wouldn't recommend this unless you want a quick, mellow girl-bumbling-around-in-space read.
Thanks for listening!
It's difficult to not finish a book; but the fact is I have a massive pile of books on my TBR list and only one life to live and read them all, so some are inevitably going to end up on the chopping block. That being said, I'd like to share a few reasons for why I stopped reading, and I'm adopting a quick Q&A borrowed from WordPress blogger Niki at "The Obsessive Bookseller" https://nikihawkes.com/ who also borrowed it from Nikki at "There Were Books Involved", with permissions.
Did you really give "Flicker" a chance?
Yes, I wasn't enjoying the book when I started it last summer (2022) and put it down for a bit. Made it to the 68% mark.
Have you enjoyed other books in the same genre?
Sci-fi, space adventures, heroines with cool powers? Yes!
Did you have certain expectations before starting it?
I thought I was in for a Veronica Roth "Divergent" type read but set in space instead.
What ultimately made you stop reading?
Fed up! I can't keep reading this book. It feels like a chore.
First of all the book's synopsis talked about a girl living 2 lives. I really wanted more of that fortune-telling part, but we get treated to one small scene at the start of the book before main character Ember gets captured and then immediately drafted in the big bad government's program of mind reading/manipulation. Does she handle this well? No. Of course not. You'd think she'd try everything in her power to escape and get back to her father, right? NO. Instead we get the trope of "girl from no-where, basically a peasant falls for the hottest star boy in class whom all the other girls in class are in love with too". And star boy ignores all other girls and falls in love with peasant girl back. Cue jealous classmates and awkward "oh star boy, why do you like me? I'm nobody. I'm so surprised" romance scenes. Ugh. Why?
Is there anything you liked about "Flicker"?
The beginning. I liked the fortune-telling tent! Maybe I should just go find a fortune-telling book instead.
So you DNFed the book. Would you still recommend it?
I wouldn't recommend this unless you want a quick, mellow girl-bumbling-around-in-space read.
Thanks for listening!
January 19, 2019
A gypsy living on a post-apocalyptic earth telling fortunes to travelers who have only rediscovered the planet because some blogger dubbed its beaches one of the best in the galaxy. What's not to like? And yeah, she's got this ability to actually read people. She doesn't just determine their path through life with her hand-painted cards. With "Flicker," author Rebecca Rode has created a yarn that hearkens back to a simpler time. One where a single person can make change on a galactic scale. I though I was thinking about Heinlein's "Orphans of the Sky," but I looked it up and it wasn't exactly what I had in mind. But no matter, although I'm getting old as (can be) and my references make absolutely no sense to someone who's not a certain age, this book captivated me. Rode created in Ember, the gypsy protagonist, a power that while initially appearing insignificant is hardly so. She's considered a flicker, a person who can read the soul of another. She can delve into their memories and divine a thread of their future. The Empire provides the conflict. Soon enough, the little gypsy is discovered and her life changes. Gone are the worries of having to marry for reasons other than love. Family also becomes less relevant. What she does find is perhaps the most evil personality in the known human realm. And she doesn't like it. There's a hint of a little too much drama, but Rode keeps the story moving forward. She's not into technology, but that doesn't appear to matter. Nor did it bother me much. The concept of Ember's power and how she understands and uses it is the crux of the story. And it's powerful all by itself. I quickly read the next and am now on the third in the series.
November 16, 2017
This was so good, I already want to read book 2!
This is a concise adventure tale that will entertain you well for a few hours. Before this book, I had never read or heard anything from Rebecca Rode, but that may be my last. The story begins with Ember, a young Roma woman of 19 years, telling fortunes to tourists who visit an abandoned Earth. Telling a fortune to a special military recruit kicks off a series of events that goes throughout the story and doesn't give up.
Ember is kidnapped and forced into military service, but she never strays from her own moral compass. Her greatest desire is to go back home to her village and take care of her dying father, and she will risk everything to do that. Along the way, she defies those in power over her, however foolishly, because she will not be a pawn or tool in their games of war.
I would expect at least a trilogy out of this, and Ember is an interesting enough character that I would follow her to other stories. Her character and adventure would appeal to those of any age who like resourceful heroes and space-faring adventures.
The narration was excellent. The characters were consistently portrayed so I never had to wonder who was speaking, and the narrator's voice is pleasant. The sound of the audio itself was crisp and clear, creating an inviting listening experience.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a copy for review. Even so, now that I've heard the story, I'm hooked and can't wait for the next installment. Recommended.
This is a concise adventure tale that will entertain you well for a few hours. Before this book, I had never read or heard anything from Rebecca Rode, but that may be my last. The story begins with Ember, a young Roma woman of 19 years, telling fortunes to tourists who visit an abandoned Earth. Telling a fortune to a special military recruit kicks off a series of events that goes throughout the story and doesn't give up.
Ember is kidnapped and forced into military service, but she never strays from her own moral compass. Her greatest desire is to go back home to her village and take care of her dying father, and she will risk everything to do that. Along the way, she defies those in power over her, however foolishly, because she will not be a pawn or tool in their games of war.
I would expect at least a trilogy out of this, and Ember is an interesting enough character that I would follow her to other stories. Her character and adventure would appeal to those of any age who like resourceful heroes and space-faring adventures.
The narration was excellent. The characters were consistently portrayed so I never had to wonder who was speaking, and the narrator's voice is pleasant. The sound of the audio itself was crisp and clear, creating an inviting listening experience.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a copy for review. Even so, now that I've heard the story, I'm hooked and can't wait for the next installment. Recommended.
November 5, 2020
This is the first novel in Rebecca Rode’s Ember in Space series of scifi thrillers. It’s an interesting world, but too violent and dystopian for my tastes. The premise is interesting, and I liked the descriptions of how Ember’s flicker ability works, but the pacing seemed off for something billed as a thriller. I also had trouble sustaining disbelief as Ember’s powers grew exponentially and the plot took wilder and wilder turns. It reminded me of an RPG where characters level up too quickly.
I found the main character, Ember, frustrating. She’s so stubborn, so naïve, so stuck in her Romani ways, and so very sure of her abilities, yet so insecure in her relationships. I liked her friend Mar and her love interest Stefan better, but we don’t get to know them very well in this first book. The story is told entirely from Ember’s point of view.
If you’re a fan of space opera and dystopian science fiction and you don’t mind scenes of violence and brutality, you might enjoy this. I am curious to learn more about the world, although I wish the novel featured more intrigue and less violence.
Stacey Glemboski did a good job with narration. She’s easy to understand, her pacing is good, and I enjoyed the character voices. This story works well as an audiobook.
I purchased the Kindle book myself, but was given a free copy of this audiobook by the author and volunteered to provide an honest review.
I found the main character, Ember, frustrating. She’s so stubborn, so naïve, so stuck in her Romani ways, and so very sure of her abilities, yet so insecure in her relationships. I liked her friend Mar and her love interest Stefan better, but we don’t get to know them very well in this first book. The story is told entirely from Ember’s point of view.
If you’re a fan of space opera and dystopian science fiction and you don’t mind scenes of violence and brutality, you might enjoy this. I am curious to learn more about the world, although I wish the novel featured more intrigue and less violence.
Stacey Glemboski did a good job with narration. She’s easy to understand, her pacing is good, and I enjoyed the character voices. This story works well as an audiobook.
I purchased the Kindle book myself, but was given a free copy of this audiobook by the author and volunteered to provide an honest review.
August 27, 2019
Ember is the daughter of an outcast couple in the Roma community on Earth, hated by most people for her bloodline, but feared as a sort of cursed person because she has refused to marry. She earns a living telling fortunes to visiting tourists and looking after her sick father. One day, the village chief sells her to the Empire soldiers as they have heard that her gift is more than just a card reader, and could be useful to their plans.
I don't have a huge amount to say about the book and that isn't because of the book itself or the work of the author. As soon as I started the book I realised that this was not going to be my kind of read. When she tells a man's fortune, she sees that the two of them are going to have a big romance and be fighting alongside each other as soldiers. Straight away, I realised that this was obviously going to be a major plot point which was not mentioned in the blurb. I did know that this was a YA book going into it (I got it free) which is not my favourite kind of SF, but the plot had sounded interesting. However the whole start of the book goes on non stop about the men she turned down, why her friend and father think she should marry one of them, reasons why she won't and then the romance vision. Based on this and reviews I've read, I can see that this will not be my kind of thing.
I don't have a huge amount to say about the book and that isn't because of the book itself or the work of the author. As soon as I started the book I realised that this was not going to be my kind of read. When she tells a man's fortune, she sees that the two of them are going to have a big romance and be fighting alongside each other as soldiers. Straight away, I realised that this was obviously going to be a major plot point which was not mentioned in the blurb. I did know that this was a YA book going into it (I got it free) which is not my favourite kind of SF, but the plot had sounded interesting. However the whole start of the book goes on non stop about the men she turned down, why her friend and father think she should marry one of them, reasons why she won't and then the romance vision. Based on this and reviews I've read, I can see that this will not be my kind of thing.
January 8, 2020
I really enjoyed this story more than I thought I would. I typically steer clear of anything mentioning ‘space,’ but as a huge fan of Ms. Glemboski I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to check out this series.
As other reviewers have mentioned there is some repetitiveness to the story at points, but I feel that its often to be expected with new worlds, characters and environments. That said, I do feel there are a few plot points that may not have lined up exactly as a reader would have liked, but not enough to throw me off the series. I feel that Ms. Rode did a great job keeping the reader entertained, providing multiple plot points and tensions, and drawing the reader back for more.
Ms. Glemboski once again did a great job with the narration and even provided a new (to me) accent for Ember. I love that she can manipulate her voice sufficiently that a reader knows who is speaking prior to being told from the author. I can’t wait to listen to more of the series to see where it goes and how Ms. Rode develops the characters and the worlds she has created.
I was provided with a free copy of this audio book for my honest review. The views expressed here are entirely my own.
As other reviewers have mentioned there is some repetitiveness to the story at points, but I feel that its often to be expected with new worlds, characters and environments. That said, I do feel there are a few plot points that may not have lined up exactly as a reader would have liked, but not enough to throw me off the series. I feel that Ms. Rode did a great job keeping the reader entertained, providing multiple plot points and tensions, and drawing the reader back for more.
Ms. Glemboski once again did a great job with the narration and even provided a new (to me) accent for Ember. I love that she can manipulate her voice sufficiently that a reader knows who is speaking prior to being told from the author. I can’t wait to listen to more of the series to see where it goes and how Ms. Rode develops the characters and the worlds she has created.
I was provided with a free copy of this audio book for my honest review. The views expressed here are entirely my own.
December 27, 2025
Such a strong beginning! I was hooked from the first chapter. The concept of flickers is super cool--a person who can read another's past, present, and future. Of course, Ember turns out to be a little bit more than that, which was also way cool. I got so mad on her behalf when her village SOLD her to the empire, and then Kane forces her through training and gives her a shock collar 😱😡 What a horrible man. I was quite happy with what happened to him. The things Ember did to attack the Empire and join the Union were also way cool. I can't get into more details without giving major spoilers. I will defintiely read the next book!
The reason I gave this four stars instead of five, however, is because I would've liked more development in all of Ember's relationships, especially with Stefan. It felt very sudden when she discovered he's in love with her (and at an odd time when he just found out she'd assassinated someone). I would've liked further development of the difference between a flicker and a flare, too. The reveal of how powerful Ember is fell a little flat because I didn't understand the difference well enough.
The reason I gave this four stars instead of five, however, is because I would've liked more development in all of Ember's relationships, especially with Stefan. It felt very sudden when she discovered he's in love with her (and at an odd time when he just found out she'd assassinated someone). I would've liked further development of the difference between a flicker and a flare, too. The reveal of how powerful Ember is fell a little flat because I didn't understand the difference well enough.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2017
**English below**
Ce livre est une très bonne introduction à un nouvel univers et j’espère vraiment que l’auteure l’explorera plus à fond dans le prochain. Les personnages sont intéressants, même si l’héroïne leur fait tous de l’ombre, et j’espère que nous aurons une chance de vraiment les connaître. Pour ceux qui s’inquiètent de l’aspect science-fiction, il n’est pas très présent, sauf pour une technologie très basique que nous voyons beaucoup dans d’autres séries/livres. J’ai hâte de voir les prochaines aventures d’Ember.
L'intégralité de ma chronique
This book is a very good introduction to a new universe and I really hope the author will explore it more thoroughly in the next one. The characters are interesting even though the heroine really shadows them all, and I’m hoping we’ll get a chance to really get to know them. For those worrying about the sci-fi aspect, it’s not really present, except for some basic technology that we saw in a lot of other shows/books. I’m looking forward to Ember’s next adventures.
My entire review
Ce livre est une très bonne introduction à un nouvel univers et j’espère vraiment que l’auteure l’explorera plus à fond dans le prochain. Les personnages sont intéressants, même si l’héroïne leur fait tous de l’ombre, et j’espère que nous aurons une chance de vraiment les connaître. Pour ceux qui s’inquiètent de l’aspect science-fiction, il n’est pas très présent, sauf pour une technologie très basique que nous voyons beaucoup dans d’autres séries/livres. J’ai hâte de voir les prochaines aventures d’Ember.
L'intégralité de ma chronique
This book is a very good introduction to a new universe and I really hope the author will explore it more thoroughly in the next one. The characters are interesting even though the heroine really shadows them all, and I’m hoping we’ll get a chance to really get to know them. For those worrying about the sci-fi aspect, it’s not really present, except for some basic technology that we saw in a lot of other shows/books. I’m looking forward to Ember’s next adventures.
My entire review
December 6, 2017
Ember is everything you could want in a lead female character. She's determined, resourceful, caring and willing to fight for what she believes in. It's just as well, because the odds are stacked against her and everyone seems to want something from her.
The plot is unique and never went where I was expecting it to and it left me desperate to know what is going to happen next because there are so many possibilities.
The future setting involving races from multiple planets who have all intermarried and interbreed creates lots of room for creativity as far as characters are concerned and that's definitely taken advantage of.
The narration is first class, Stacey amazes me every time I listen to her with the quality of her character voices, I think she's one of the best in the business. the pace and tone of her delivery also helped to build the tension in the story.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The plot is unique and never went where I was expecting it to and it left me desperate to know what is going to happen next because there are so many possibilities.
The future setting involving races from multiple planets who have all intermarried and interbreed creates lots of room for creativity as far as characters are concerned and that's definitely taken advantage of.
The narration is first class, Stacey amazes me every time I listen to her with the quality of her character voices, I think she's one of the best in the business. the pace and tone of her delivery also helped to build the tension in the story.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 15, 2018
Mankind has left Earth and settled the stars and is now governed by a central body led by the Emperor but all is not well in the settled planets as a war is being fought between two factions.
Amongst all this is Ember, a child gifted with the ability to see the past, present and future of any individual she chooses to read. She is not alone with this gift, there are many others from countless planets and they are known as Flickers. Normally, they are identified at an early age and trained to be part of the emperors forces, being fitted into one of many roles in the fight against Union.
A chance meeeting with Stefan and a reading that she gives him, thrusts her into the limelight of the emperors soldiers and soon she is kidnapped from the world and life that she struggles in to become the pawn in a battle that she wants no part in yet cannot escape.
The story is well written, bringing the troubles of Ember's life as she struggles with the events that are rapidly over taking her, along with the events from her past and the things that she has to manage.
Amongst all this is Ember, a child gifted with the ability to see the past, present and future of any individual she chooses to read. She is not alone with this gift, there are many others from countless planets and they are known as Flickers. Normally, they are identified at an early age and trained to be part of the emperors forces, being fitted into one of many roles in the fight against Union.
A chance meeeting with Stefan and a reading that she gives him, thrusts her into the limelight of the emperors soldiers and soon she is kidnapped from the world and life that she struggles in to become the pawn in a battle that she wants no part in yet cannot escape.
The story is well written, bringing the troubles of Ember's life as she struggles with the events that are rapidly over taking her, along with the events from her past and the things that she has to manage.
April 10, 2018
Flicker by Rebecca Rhodes is a dystopian tale beyond the stars.
Ember is a Rom, but known as a gypsy to every person she meets, who can’t be bothered to know the difference. She is kidnapped from her home and discovers others with a power like hers. This special gift is being trained and used by the military to take out the enemies of the empire.
Ember holds a special gift that separates her from those with powers. She embarks on a journey to decide who she is and what she is willing to do for those she loves.
The story is fast paced, and an immersive read. I found myself getting lost in the world, and wanting to explore it further. I would love to read more about the past as well, with a prequel about Ember’s father.
This story is fantastic for fans of science fiction, dystopian societies, and psychic powers. I feel like fans of Firefly would enjoy this book. I look forward to the next book in the series, and want to read more of Rebecca Rhode’s work.
Ember is a Rom, but known as a gypsy to every person she meets, who can’t be bothered to know the difference. She is kidnapped from her home and discovers others with a power like hers. This special gift is being trained and used by the military to take out the enemies of the empire.
Ember holds a special gift that separates her from those with powers. She embarks on a journey to decide who she is and what she is willing to do for those she loves.
The story is fast paced, and an immersive read. I found myself getting lost in the world, and wanting to explore it further. I would love to read more about the past as well, with a prequel about Ember’s father.
This story is fantastic for fans of science fiction, dystopian societies, and psychic powers. I feel like fans of Firefly would enjoy this book. I look forward to the next book in the series, and want to read more of Rebecca Rhode’s work.
September 30, 2017
This takes place in a future where we have colonized and United with other worlds and people. The only ones left on earth are the Roma. Some say they rebelled and stayed...others say they were undesirable and left behind. This story follows a girl who was taken against her will to be part of the empire. All she wants to do is be with her father who is not well. She thinks that if she doesn't go along with the program she'll get sent home. She has got it all wrong. Powerful construction of the story line, captivating characters,,a struggle between family causing problems throughout the empire pitting family and friends against each other, making other find their true selves. This book took me places unexpected places, making me read it throughout. Just Amazing. Great Reading Everyone!
July 6, 2018
I'd give this 3.5 stars. It's science fiction set sometime in the distant future when most of humanity has left befouled Earth. Those left behind are the Roma, or gypsies, who were denied passage in the exodus. The Empire rules everywhere, with the Union, led by the Emperor's Daughter, fighting to take it down.
The first in a series, Roma fortune teller Ember tells fortunes whenever a tourist ship lands and cares for her ailing father at night. She is kidnapped by the Empire to be trained and used as a psychic weapon when her fortune telling skills hint at greater abilities. Colonel Kane plans to use her to win the war against the Union and set himself up to be Emperor.
This reminds me of a cross between the Ender series and the Hunger Games and other young adult series featuring young people who have extraordinary abilities fighting for the right to choose for themselves.
The first in a series, Roma fortune teller Ember tells fortunes whenever a tourist ship lands and cares for her ailing father at night. She is kidnapped by the Empire to be trained and used as a psychic weapon when her fortune telling skills hint at greater abilities. Colonel Kane plans to use her to win the war against the Union and set himself up to be Emperor.
This reminds me of a cross between the Ender series and the Hunger Games and other young adult series featuring young people who have extraordinary abilities fighting for the right to choose for themselves.
March 27, 2019
From the sublime to the stock, we move from an Octavia Butler novel to Rebecca Rode's Flicker, the first novel in her Ember in Space trilogy. If you are looking for a good book, this ain't it. If you are looking for a really fun, easy, beach read, then this is perfect.
Flicker is predictable in almost every way. There was really only one thing that surprised me, and that was almost marginal. What you have here is story, story, story. Even so, the main character is fun, even empathetic. There is a main character who is just evil. There is absolutely no shading between good and evil.
And there is the discovering of a new power, how to use it, and it's limits. As stated at the start, very stock. Even so, it is a fun, quick read, a great though very predictable diversion. I'll give it 4 stars for being fun, perfect in its genre.
May 15, 2025
An enjoyable enough read
I buy a fair number of inexpensive or free ebooks, on the theory that as cheap as I get them, little harm is done if I don't like them. I liked this one well enough to finish it, but not well enough to buy the next one in the series.
Some of the reasons I was lukewarm on the book might well be selling points for others. Primary in this is that the book revolves around a paranormal power. I'm not, in general, a big fan of that.
The book is well-written. The main character is interesting. I was impressed by the fact that she was presented with an ethical dilemma that had no satisfactory answer, and without a "Kobiyashi Maru" escape. She had to choose and live with an unpleasant outcome.
There's an excellent chance, I think, that a lot of other readers will like this series more than I do. It's a fine effort.
I buy a fair number of inexpensive or free ebooks, on the theory that as cheap as I get them, little harm is done if I don't like them. I liked this one well enough to finish it, but not well enough to buy the next one in the series.
Some of the reasons I was lukewarm on the book might well be selling points for others. Primary in this is that the book revolves around a paranormal power. I'm not, in general, a big fan of that.
The book is well-written. The main character is interesting. I was impressed by the fact that she was presented with an ethical dilemma that had no satisfactory answer, and without a "Kobiyashi Maru" escape. She had to choose and live with an unpleasant outcome.
There's an excellent chance, I think, that a lot of other readers will like this series more than I do. It's a fine effort.
December 16, 2018
I really loved this. It would be a great read for a teen or adult. Very clean but with violence. No profanity that I can recall. Definitely interested in where the story goes. The characters are believable & you care for them. Of course there’s the evil ones you don’t care for either.
Ember is a seer and stolen away to be a flicker but soon realizes she is a flame.... she hold life or death in her ‘hands’ through her mind.
She has a huge heart and is being used for evil.
Can’t wait to start the next book in a few days!
Wonderful narration.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator.
Ember is a seer and stolen away to be a flicker but soon realizes she is a flame.... she hold life or death in her ‘hands’ through her mind.
She has a huge heart and is being used for evil.
Can’t wait to start the next book in a few days!
Wonderful narration.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator.
November 18, 2017
This story is awesome!
I loved our protagonist from the very first page! Flicker is the story of Ember, a gypsy girl (Ooops, I meant to say "Roma") with some amazing magical abilities... and the empire wants her to be their own secret weapon/assassin... Ember just wants to be left alone, and not become a pawn in the Empire's war! As it happens, Ember's abilities are also wanted by the opposition, so she's stuck between the proverbial rock and a hard place!
I listened to the audio version of this book, and I think that Stacy Glemboski was the perfect person to tell Ember's story!
I loved our protagonist from the very first page! Flicker is the story of Ember, a gypsy girl (Ooops, I meant to say "Roma") with some amazing magical abilities... and the empire wants her to be their own secret weapon/assassin... Ember just wants to be left alone, and not become a pawn in the Empire's war! As it happens, Ember's abilities are also wanted by the opposition, so she's stuck between the proverbial rock and a hard place!
I listened to the audio version of this book, and I think that Stacy Glemboski was the perfect person to tell Ember's story!
March 2, 2018
Sci-fi with paranormal abilities
Well written story. It seems as if the character is stuck on a particular course of action for a while, but it is really a short time and it makes complete sense considering now she was raised. Sadly, there are people willing to step on others to get what they want, even when they already have so much. Ember matures during the story and I think the rest of her universe had better watch out, as she is turning out to be a catalyst for change.
Looking forward to the next book in April.
Well written story. It seems as if the character is stuck on a particular course of action for a while, but it is really a short time and it makes complete sense considering now she was raised. Sadly, there are people willing to step on others to get what they want, even when they already have so much. Ember matures during the story and I think the rest of her universe had better watch out, as she is turning out to be a catalyst for change.
Looking forward to the next book in April.
July 30, 2018
Ember lives two life’s, caring for her sick father at night and a Roma future-teller by day. Ember’s father is slowly and now she’s about to be forced into a life she never wanted, for being more concerned about taking care of her father.
But when the government kidnaps her in the middle of the night, she must learn what a flicker really is. Not every soldier is on board with what is transpiring, though. Training is about to begin and Ember is definitely at a disadvantage. Will her duty to her father get in her way? Or will she very well lose everything?
But when the government kidnaps her in the middle of the night, she must learn what a flicker really is. Not every soldier is on board with what is transpiring, though. Training is about to begin and Ember is definitely at a disadvantage. Will her duty to her father get in her way? Or will she very well lose everything?
August 11, 2018
Ember is trying to eke out a living (for herself and her sick father) as a fortune teller - without anybody finding out that she is able to have visions of their past and future. Unfortunately, she reads the future for the wrong person and gets co-opted by the government's special force of readers. She finds out that she has more than just reading power and so doesn't want to use her power to kill anybody but wants to keep her father and her planet safe. Which side of the fight is really in the right?
September 30, 2018
I really enjoyed Ember's story. At times she seems like a timid meek girl, but she has a backbone of steel. Finding out about all her powers and what they mean is awesome. I really enjoy that this story started on Earth even if it is different from what we have now. Everything going from Earth to space is pretty cool. I highly enjoyed listening to Stacey narrate and the different voices and accents she uses. I really hope to find out more about the two opposing factions and to find out what is really going on and what started it all.
February 12, 2022
Wow. What would you do if you had a power that could kill? How would it be to be used as a weapon, tortured until you complied, and controlled? Would you have the strength to stand up against it? How would you mentally deal with the knowledge that you could kill someone with a thought? Ember has such a difficult life and so many difficult decisions along the way. The Empire had so much corruption, but perhaps the Union does as well. Thankfully, Ember has a few friends that believe in her and are on her side. Excited for the next book.
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