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After the World Ends #1
Republic's Chosen
The world had never seen utopias until the Latin Republic was established. Equality, respect, humane treatment – all of those drive the society's philosophy after the Great Disaster.
Yet humanity has not learned to leave war behind. When the Republic sends summons to Liana, she knows it’s illegal. Her immigrant status forbids her from fighting in the army, but the country’s leaders want control over her and they won’t stop at anything to get it.
Under the pressure of a tough training regime, threatened by a complicated political plot she must quickly untangle, it is no surprise Liana’s marriage begins to crumble. Tossed in a training campus and immediately involved in its intrigue, Liana needs allies quickly, but all she wants to do is crush the system which holds her hostage. With each passing day, it’s becoming harder to reconcile the need to hide her real identity and the desire to protect her immigrant countryfolk from harm.
An old friend returns to her life just in time to give her the leverage she needs. There is no chance she’s ever coming back to her peaceful life in hiding.
A strong bisexual lead, a secret identity, Special Forces soldiers, true friendship, and a headstrong trauma survivor trying to accept her role in saving the world.
Yet humanity has not learned to leave war behind. When the Republic sends summons to Liana, she knows it’s illegal. Her immigrant status forbids her from fighting in the army, but the country’s leaders want control over her and they won’t stop at anything to get it.
Under the pressure of a tough training regime, threatened by a complicated political plot she must quickly untangle, it is no surprise Liana’s marriage begins to crumble. Tossed in a training campus and immediately involved in its intrigue, Liana needs allies quickly, but all she wants to do is crush the system which holds her hostage. With each passing day, it’s becoming harder to reconcile the need to hide her real identity and the desire to protect her immigrant countryfolk from harm.
An old friend returns to her life just in time to give her the leverage she needs. There is no chance she’s ever coming back to her peaceful life in hiding.
A strong bisexual lead, a secret identity, Special Forces soldiers, true friendship, and a headstrong trauma survivor trying to accept her role in saving the world.
424 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2017
1 person is currently reading
331 people want to read
About the author
Rori I.
2 books26 followersRori I is unapologetically queer, unapologetically immigrant, and unapologetically Balkan. Zer worlds are filled with Rainbow Characters which always get their turn in the spotlight, one book at a time.
The debut novel Republic’s Chosen is first in a long series, which aims to deconstruct believes about marriage and heteronormative dynamics, and provide both queer and immigrant people with the chance to see themselves represented in literature.
The debut novel Republic’s Chosen is first in a long series, which aims to deconstruct believes about marriage and heteronormative dynamics, and provide both queer and immigrant people with the chance to see themselves represented in literature.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 16, 2019
I got this book earlier on in exchange for an honest review, so here you go:
First off - I LOVE THE CHARACTERS!!!
Liana is such a sassy strong character. She has a big authority issues and mouths out to anybody in charge but she also makes friends with ease as well as helps out and inspires her fellow soldiers. She's easy to relate to (I also HATE running, Li). Anybody who wronged her should watch over their shoulder for the rest of their life because she didn't let it go. She's just plotting and waiting for the right moment. Richard here speaks the words that were in my head for half of the book:
"If I didn't know about your big mouth, I would have wondered how come you haven't been promoted yet." - R. Nash
Tbh, Marcus pissed me off sometimes. But in the right moments. Liana was pissed off as well, so... evoking emotions. In my empty soul. Good writing :). But he's also a very loving husband and an interesting complex character.
I love the whole 11th <3. (But mostly Sal, Sal is great.)
I love that we get to meet MCs from the next book - Richard and Gareth - and already have a close up on their relationship so the whole series will be more connected. I love them. Richard is a cinnamon roll. And Gareth . . . he's ranging from a great soldier and friend to a walking disaster, obvious to some really important facts, totally not handling his first big crush. But, I am in no position to judge so I only wish him good luck handling this mess in the next book! :) What mess, you say?? Gotta read to find out - no going around it!
I know a total zero things about military but the structure seemed well written and complex. Kudos! If you ever ask me How the military works, Ewa? I'll just start talking about this book because I firmly believe that's how it works.
I like that even though there's a hatred driven by war present and imigrants have a hard life because of some instances of prejudice - most of the other forms of discrimination are absent. It's refreshing to read about the world without racism, homophobia, and transphobia that is still very complex and full of imperfections.
This book is full of representation - Liana herself is a bisexual woman of mixed Persian and Slavic ancestry. All the supporting characters range through many genders, sexualities, skin colours, and cultures. Everybody says their pronouns along with the name!
I love the dialogues! They're the funniest part, especially Liana x Gareth exchanges.
I had some slight issues with the writing style at times but that's a very subjective matter and I'm a picky reader. Plus that's just the first book so I'm waiting for more!!!
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August 24, 2017
OH MY GOODNESS! YES! YES! A million times YES! Finally!!
Okay, I calmed down a bit... but I need to tell you that I absolutely LOVED this book! It's exhilarating, annoying, gripping, powerful, funny, full of sarcasm and likeable characters! If you liked The Tearling Trilogy by Erika Johansen or Lady Midnight from The Dark Artifices by Cassandra Clare, you're going to love this book as much as I do!
To begin with, I need to let you know that I had high expectations for this book. (demands even) I needed the characters to be relatable, the story interesting but in such a way that my scientific mind could follow up actions or at least try and predict what's going to happen; or I could do some sort of research on different practices mentioned in the book; I also needed to find a strong female lead (I don't know about you, but I'm done with girls needing to be saved by someone else and the whole idea that girls are weaker in some ways than the guys). I also craved for real sides of relationships between people. (come on, best friends have fights, they are mean to each other at times and they sometimes may not stay friends forever)
Moving on...Overall, I found the story gripping, high in adrenaline and the characters are really relatable. I especially found myself rooting for the main character, though I must admit I wouldn't have had the same patience in dealing with her husband! The overall story was a bit slow to start with, but that is purely because you get to understand the two societies and the ideologies they perpetuate better. And then when the story drops, you won't be able to drop the book out of your hands. It's difficult to talk more about the book without giving away any spoilers so I'm going to stop here. What I am going to underline is that the book has certainly met my expectations!
All in all, if you consider our political situation in 2017, this book may even predict our future (who knows?). Overall, I really enjoyed this book; the way it is written and found most of the characters quirky and likeable. Would I recommend it? DEFINITELY!
Okay, I calmed down a bit... but I need to tell you that I absolutely LOVED this book! It's exhilarating, annoying, gripping, powerful, funny, full of sarcasm and likeable characters! If you liked The Tearling Trilogy by Erika Johansen or Lady Midnight from The Dark Artifices by Cassandra Clare, you're going to love this book as much as I do!
To begin with, I need to let you know that I had high expectations for this book. (demands even) I needed the characters to be relatable, the story interesting but in such a way that my scientific mind could follow up actions or at least try and predict what's going to happen; or I could do some sort of research on different practices mentioned in the book; I also needed to find a strong female lead (I don't know about you, but I'm done with girls needing to be saved by someone else and the whole idea that girls are weaker in some ways than the guys). I also craved for real sides of relationships between people. (come on, best friends have fights, they are mean to each other at times and they sometimes may not stay friends forever)
Moving on...Overall, I found the story gripping, high in adrenaline and the characters are really relatable. I especially found myself rooting for the main character, though I must admit I wouldn't have had the same patience in dealing with her husband! The overall story was a bit slow to start with, but that is purely because you get to understand the two societies and the ideologies they perpetuate better. And then when the story drops, you won't be able to drop the book out of your hands. It's difficult to talk more about the book without giving away any spoilers so I'm going to stop here. What I am going to underline is that the book has certainly met my expectations!
All in all, if you consider our political situation in 2017, this book may even predict our future (who knows?). Overall, I really enjoyed this book; the way it is written and found most of the characters quirky and likeable. Would I recommend it? DEFINITELY!
October 21, 2017
Imaginative Sci-fi with a statement.
From the characters, to the story, to the message, I found this book to be both entertaining and progressive. Dealing with ideas and people that are, in my opinion, underrepresented in the genre, this was a refreshing breath of fresh air. It reminded me of Ursula Le Guin’s The Left Hand of Darkness concerning gender labels.
And aside from the powerful and often subtle social commentary, the story itself was lively and fun. It got started right away with the action—and it never let up.
From the characters, to the story, to the message, I found this book to be both entertaining and progressive. Dealing with ideas and people that are, in my opinion, underrepresented in the genre, this was a refreshing breath of fresh air. It reminded me of Ursula Le Guin’s The Left Hand of Darkness concerning gender labels.
And aside from the powerful and often subtle social commentary, the story itself was lively and fun. It got started right away with the action—and it never let up.
January 11, 2018
Need to write a full review for this still, but really all you need to know is it's sci-fi, and it contains strong women, survivors, and morals that don't come off as preaching. Oh yeah, and almost everyone is queer.
September 7, 2017
I was super exited as i started reading this one! Action started right away and it got me hooked instantly.
Liana was interesting character to follow even though she annoyed me at times. But in the end she was awesome, strong female. Even though i don`t agree with her at times. Marcus in the other hand was more my kind of character and i really liked him. The diversity in all the characters was fresh and it made me really happy and interested in their back stories.
At times it felt that there was no end in the numbers of how many important things there was to remember but Rori managed to keep it together and remind reader about the key elements and who was who.
I liked the way Rori described how the world worked and also the appereance of the characters.
The LGBT+ community is stong in this book and i believe it deserves round of applause!
In short i would absolutely recommend this one to my friends (and have already actually).
Can`t wait for the next book!
Liana was interesting character to follow even though she annoyed me at times. But in the end she was awesome, strong female. Even though i don`t agree with her at times. Marcus in the other hand was more my kind of character and i really liked him. The diversity in all the characters was fresh and it made me really happy and interested in their back stories.
At times it felt that there was no end in the numbers of how many important things there was to remember but Rori managed to keep it together and remind reader about the key elements and who was who.
I liked the way Rori described how the world worked and also the appereance of the characters.
The LGBT+ community is stong in this book and i believe it deserves round of applause!
In short i would absolutely recommend this one to my friends (and have already actually).
Can`t wait for the next book!
August 14, 2017
I just couldn't drop the book once I've started it! There are surprises and twists and incredible REAL characters. I laughed and I cried and laughed again. I thought I may have a heart attack at least three times and I want MORE! I MUST KNOW what happens next!
I LOVE Liana - the main protagonist and I LOVE Gareth Heights and Richard Nash! I ADORE the feeling of freedom to read about LGBT+ characters who are NOT killed in the beginning, neither turned into the "bad guys/gals" or ridiculed or just cut off the action. There is strong presence of the LGBT+ community without excuses or apologies and I LOVE...no, wait I ADORE the author for her courage to write them down to the last shameless letter.
I WANT MORE!
I LOVE Liana - the main protagonist and I LOVE Gareth Heights and Richard Nash! I ADORE the feeling of freedom to read about LGBT+ characters who are NOT killed in the beginning, neither turned into the "bad guys/gals" or ridiculed or just cut off the action. There is strong presence of the LGBT+ community without excuses or apologies and I LOVE...no, wait I ADORE the author for her courage to write them down to the last shameless letter.
I WANT MORE!
October 22, 2017
This is a truly surprising take on post-apocalyptic fiction. It had none of the desperation you usually find in the genre. Most importantly, it was full of action!
I laughed with the funny characters and paused to think when the book posed important questions of right or wrong.
Overall, a great story!
I laughed with the funny characters and paused to think when the book posed important questions of right or wrong.
Overall, a great story!
January 21, 2018
Full version of the review is available here
I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
If I had to sum this book up in one word and one word only, that word would be shallow, and it applies in a multitude of ways. The plot is shallow. Liana's and Marcus's relationship is shallow. The characters overall are shallow. I get more depth from a kiddie pool than I do from this book and it made me incredibly frustrated when I was attempting to read it. What made me more frustrated was what I was promised with this book, which I was then not handed.
On the whole, the writing is mediocre and oftentimes, unfortunately, sloppy. I am really curious who the author hired as an editor for this project, because it became very apparent to me early onward that Rori did not get zier money's worth. There are many awkward sentences, punctuation choices, and misspellings throughout the prose. At times, I would find myself reading a paragraph three times to figure out what it had said. This is a bad thing. There was nothing in the prose that particularly excited me. I can't pick a favorite line because honestly it was very hard to have one. In short, I walked away disappointed.
I don’t know what the plot was honestly. What's written on the summary is not what I was handed. I understand Liana and Marcus were taken from their house and put into military training, and some training happens... but that's all I know. After they get to the base, it feels like a slice of life novel and considering the setting and the themes that are attempted to be addressed, this is... a bad thing. Not to mention there were many things skimmed over that would've been interesting to see [Liana's strategy battle with her teacher, for example] and I don't understand why they were skimmed over in place of transition scenes that only really served to bore me. Not to mention, each chapter change was jarring in its own right and it took me an impossibly long time to figure out how we got from one chapter into the next because the connections were often hard to draw. Not to mention overall the only consistent plot points were Li's sexual assault, Li's and Marcus's relationship issues, and some vague problem with Li's past and a secret identity that gets waved in reader's noses like an annoying older sibling with a toy and serves to only frustrate readers with how badly it's handled.
Inversely, there were some scenes that were covered that were done poorly. For example, in chapter five, Liana gets assaulted physically and sexually by people she’s pissed off, and once the sexual assault happens, there’s a great deal of distance between the narrative and the events. Not in a way that it feels proper, like if Liana dissociated. More than anything else, it very strongly feels like the author didn’t want to write the scene [and zie could’ve avoided writing through the scene as a result] but did it anyway. And the fact it feels so distant is a bad thing. It perhaps would’ve been better to cut the scene short and pick back up with the aftermath.
The worldbuilding in this book is weak. Example, there is mention that gender roles in society has changed, and that they've been changed for a while, but the characters don't act like such fact is true. I would've liked to see this worldbuilding detail extended to the actual characters. By far, the biggest failing of the world building is the narrative suggests certain types of bigotry don't exist anymore, but then characters are put into situations which very clearly disagree with this. For a world that doesn't care about your gender, Li sure experiences a lot of sexism. In addition, for a story mostly set on a military base... it sure didn't feel like one. It felt more like a summer camp for... "adults". The details about historical events or how technology works or what it's made of gets put on readers in inorganic and boring ways and then just... dropped. "Here's this cool thing. You're probably never going to hear about it again."
In summation, I got to page 217 and debated calling it quits, pressed on, and actually quit on page 269. There is so much inherently wrong here that frankly I'm left feeling disappointed with the shallow resulted I was granted, as well as hurt by several of the elements in this prose.
I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
If I had to sum this book up in one word and one word only, that word would be shallow, and it applies in a multitude of ways. The plot is shallow. Liana's and Marcus's relationship is shallow. The characters overall are shallow. I get more depth from a kiddie pool than I do from this book and it made me incredibly frustrated when I was attempting to read it. What made me more frustrated was what I was promised with this book, which I was then not handed.
On the whole, the writing is mediocre and oftentimes, unfortunately, sloppy. I am really curious who the author hired as an editor for this project, because it became very apparent to me early onward that Rori did not get zier money's worth. There are many awkward sentences, punctuation choices, and misspellings throughout the prose. At times, I would find myself reading a paragraph three times to figure out what it had said. This is a bad thing. There was nothing in the prose that particularly excited me. I can't pick a favorite line because honestly it was very hard to have one. In short, I walked away disappointed.
I don’t know what the plot was honestly. What's written on the summary is not what I was handed. I understand Liana and Marcus were taken from their house and put into military training, and some training happens... but that's all I know. After they get to the base, it feels like a slice of life novel and considering the setting and the themes that are attempted to be addressed, this is... a bad thing. Not to mention there were many things skimmed over that would've been interesting to see [Liana's strategy battle with her teacher, for example] and I don't understand why they were skimmed over in place of transition scenes that only really served to bore me. Not to mention, each chapter change was jarring in its own right and it took me an impossibly long time to figure out how we got from one chapter into the next because the connections were often hard to draw. Not to mention overall the only consistent plot points were Li's sexual assault, Li's and Marcus's relationship issues, and some vague problem with Li's past and a secret identity that gets waved in reader's noses like an annoying older sibling with a toy and serves to only frustrate readers with how badly it's handled.
Inversely, there were some scenes that were covered that were done poorly. For example, in chapter five, Liana gets assaulted physically and sexually by people she’s pissed off, and once the sexual assault happens, there’s a great deal of distance between the narrative and the events. Not in a way that it feels proper, like if Liana dissociated. More than anything else, it very strongly feels like the author didn’t want to write the scene [and zie could’ve avoided writing through the scene as a result] but did it anyway. And the fact it feels so distant is a bad thing. It perhaps would’ve been better to cut the scene short and pick back up with the aftermath.
The worldbuilding in this book is weak. Example, there is mention that gender roles in society has changed, and that they've been changed for a while, but the characters don't act like such fact is true. I would've liked to see this worldbuilding detail extended to the actual characters. By far, the biggest failing of the world building is the narrative suggests certain types of bigotry don't exist anymore, but then characters are put into situations which very clearly disagree with this. For a world that doesn't care about your gender, Li sure experiences a lot of sexism. In addition, for a story mostly set on a military base... it sure didn't feel like one. It felt more like a summer camp for... "adults". The details about historical events or how technology works or what it's made of gets put on readers in inorganic and boring ways and then just... dropped. "Here's this cool thing. You're probably never going to hear about it again."
In summation, I got to page 217 and debated calling it quits, pressed on, and actually quit on page 269. There is so much inherently wrong here that frankly I'm left feeling disappointed with the shallow resulted I was granted, as well as hurt by several of the elements in this prose.
May 23, 2018
This book gets better the longer you give it.
The story alternates viewpoints between two main characters, Liana and Marcus, which at first I found tricky but later I definitely came to appreciate and enjoy this.
Set in a military environment, I had my doubts as it’s not my usual genre, but the author doesn’t overdo it and involves love, intrigue, and a bundle of emotions. Making for a very enjoyable read.
As the story develops, so do the characters, creating a growing attachment to Liana. She’s really likable in a rebellious but awesome way. I loved the battles these two characters had to face. There is a genuine likability to a lot of the characters, despite or maybe because of their diversity.
I find myself eagerly looking forward to the next book in this series.
The story alternates viewpoints between two main characters, Liana and Marcus, which at first I found tricky but later I definitely came to appreciate and enjoy this.
Set in a military environment, I had my doubts as it’s not my usual genre, but the author doesn’t overdo it and involves love, intrigue, and a bundle of emotions. Making for a very enjoyable read.
As the story develops, so do the characters, creating a growing attachment to Liana. She’s really likable in a rebellious but awesome way. I loved the battles these two characters had to face. There is a genuine likability to a lot of the characters, despite or maybe because of their diversity.
I find myself eagerly looking forward to the next book in this series.
January 20, 2018
I can't say too many good things about this novel, but I can't say a lot of especially negative things either. The fact of the matter is that it is exceptionally bland.
The prose is more like a summary, with barely any imagery, emotional descriptions, setting, tone, ambiance. More than occasionally, the narration is interspersed with exclamations from the third person narrator that are distinctly out of place and strange. But basically anything that immerses you in a novel? Don't look for it in this one. Especially since this is supposed to be sci fi, it's a huge let down.
Ah, and did I say sci fi? The technology in this novel is rarely discussed for more than a sentence. The most high tech thing in this novel were the simulations they used to train. Basically a life-like virtual reality program with simulated pain, cold, illness, etc. If you have a setting capable of simulating real world sensations to the point of being indistinguishable from the real world, I have no idea why you're still fighting with rifles and knives.
Now, for the plot. I'll try to explain as best I can, but I don't have a lot to work with. Our MC, Liana, has a super special secret identity. You will be constantly reminded that Liana has a super special secret identity in the most annoying ways possible. Imagine when your older sibling would dangle a toy in your face just out of reach and go "Na-na-na you can't have it." Yeah, that's what the author does with Liana's plot important backstory. And no, Liana won't tell you what this identity is, despite being the narrator. According to the narration, it's extremely important that no one knows about this identity. I guess I'll take Liana's word for it.
Liana and her husband, Marcus, get drafted into the Republic's army. This should not be especially surprising, because Marcus's family is in the military, Marcus has been in the military before, and both Li and Marcus live in a country that drafts a large percentage of its population. However, because of Li's super special secret, both she and Marcus assume that there's a vague conspiracy from the inside trying to force them into the army for unspecified reasons. Yup, you heard me. All of the stakes of this plot are either deliberately hidden from the reader or simply don't exist beyond speculation.
I can't tell you if we ever learn these secrets or if the meandering in training simulations ever yields an actual antagonist, because I stopped reading about 200 pages in.
Could the characters save this novel? Try your luck elsewhere. The MC, Liana, has no personality beyond being very, very annoying. She mouths off at her superiors any chance she gets. She brags about her skills and intelligence while making decisions that should get her seriously punished in any military setting. But, like most main characters that are snarky as their entire personality, Liana almost always gets away with being a jerk. As for her husband, he definitely has a more established personality, but his character traits (his respect for the army, rules, and regulation) make me question why he's even married to Liana in the first place. Seriously, this married couple of 5 years has no chemistry. When I read about them arguing, it's hard for me to suspect my disbelief long enough to admit that they are husband and wife, let alone immerse myself in the "tension" that's supposed to come along with their spats.
Okay, okay, what else could save this novel? Well, it's an LGBT novel which the author often markets as being intersectional and diverse. The only problem? The only trans and gay characters are side characters who often don't even get dialogue. Apparently, Liana is bisexual (I learned this from the author's tumblr blog), but as far as I read, she never comes out to the reader. Liana is also apparently a woman of color, Middle Eastern, which the author tells the reader by vaguely saying that Liana's facial features reveal her "Persian genetics." Someone, please tell me what this actually means.
Anyway, if you want queer sci fi, try Octavia Butler.
The prose is more like a summary, with barely any imagery, emotional descriptions, setting, tone, ambiance. More than occasionally, the narration is interspersed with exclamations from the third person narrator that are distinctly out of place and strange. But basically anything that immerses you in a novel? Don't look for it in this one. Especially since this is supposed to be sci fi, it's a huge let down.
Ah, and did I say sci fi? The technology in this novel is rarely discussed for more than a sentence. The most high tech thing in this novel were the simulations they used to train. Basically a life-like virtual reality program with simulated pain, cold, illness, etc. If you have a setting capable of simulating real world sensations to the point of being indistinguishable from the real world, I have no idea why you're still fighting with rifles and knives.
Now, for the plot. I'll try to explain as best I can, but I don't have a lot to work with. Our MC, Liana, has a super special secret identity. You will be constantly reminded that Liana has a super special secret identity in the most annoying ways possible. Imagine when your older sibling would dangle a toy in your face just out of reach and go "Na-na-na you can't have it." Yeah, that's what the author does with Liana's plot important backstory. And no, Liana won't tell you what this identity is, despite being the narrator. According to the narration, it's extremely important that no one knows about this identity. I guess I'll take Liana's word for it.
Liana and her husband, Marcus, get drafted into the Republic's army. This should not be especially surprising, because Marcus's family is in the military, Marcus has been in the military before, and both Li and Marcus live in a country that drafts a large percentage of its population. However, because of Li's super special secret, both she and Marcus assume that there's a vague conspiracy from the inside trying to force them into the army for unspecified reasons. Yup, you heard me. All of the stakes of this plot are either deliberately hidden from the reader or simply don't exist beyond speculation.
I can't tell you if we ever learn these secrets or if the meandering in training simulations ever yields an actual antagonist, because I stopped reading about 200 pages in.
Could the characters save this novel? Try your luck elsewhere. The MC, Liana, has no personality beyond being very, very annoying. She mouths off at her superiors any chance she gets. She brags about her skills and intelligence while making decisions that should get her seriously punished in any military setting. But, like most main characters that are snarky as their entire personality, Liana almost always gets away with being a jerk. As for her husband, he definitely has a more established personality, but his character traits (his respect for the army, rules, and regulation) make me question why he's even married to Liana in the first place. Seriously, this married couple of 5 years has no chemistry. When I read about them arguing, it's hard for me to suspect my disbelief long enough to admit that they are husband and wife, let alone immerse myself in the "tension" that's supposed to come along with their spats.
Okay, okay, what else could save this novel? Well, it's an LGBT novel which the author often markets as being intersectional and diverse. The only problem? The only trans and gay characters are side characters who often don't even get dialogue. Apparently, Liana is bisexual (I learned this from the author's tumblr blog), but as far as I read, she never comes out to the reader. Liana is also apparently a woman of color, Middle Eastern, which the author tells the reader by vaguely saying that Liana's facial features reveal her "Persian genetics." Someone, please tell me what this actually means.
Anyway, if you want queer sci fi, try Octavia Butler.
April 26, 2018
Witty and well-conceived post apocalyptic story set in 2177. Gender classification has become 'fluid' and we have two societies formed from the remains of the Great Disaster. Wonderful characterisation with a feisty and strong protagonist in Liana, a 'she' from the wrong side of the tracks as far as military duties are concerned. I really enjoyed the dialogue and writing style and the action scenes are well written too, the only thing I would have liked a little more of was some deeper description of the future world itself. Overall, a great read - recommended!
January 17, 2018
I can't exactly put my finger on it, but there was something about the book that prevented it from holding my attention.
January 19, 2018
I...how does one express the feelings this book gave me? This book failed to deliver the promises of the wonderfully queer military sci fi I was promised.
1. This oppressive society has their soldiers pull a first day of summer camp give us your name and pronouns? Seems like a lazy way to introduce diversity. Not to mention for a large chunk the “obvious” LGBT characters either have very small roles (the doctor who uses they/them) or non-speaking ones like someone’s romantic partner who’s name o forgot because that’s how important they were.
2.) I had to go the author’s tumblr to find a list of identities and racial diversity because description is overrated I guess. No need to show me your diverse cast because it’s on your tumblr and not made obvious in the book.
3. Liana has the strongest case of cardboard “badass female character” she has no personality except What poorly written emotions and reactions best fit the scene. Her relationship with Marcus is the stalest romantic relationship I’ve ever seen. I’ve spent my time reading the book wondering how they’re married because they have as much chemistry as I do with with a piece of ten year old gum on the sidewalk. Most of the relationships are like this. The author introduces too many characters and gives them little description or outstanding traits for us to remember them. Then completely glosses over chances for development with prose that literally summarizes anything that had the potential to be interesting. Not to mention logic? Liana does the DUMBEST shit and probably has a knife fetish. And for a military sci fi where was...I don’t know the research about how guns work? How the military works? How anything works???
4. This book read like a train wreck. I wanted to stop. There was no plot. Each obstacle either got stomped quickly or brushed to the side. I read it up to some 100+ pages in hoping for a plot to happen or something to actually hold my interest other than wondering if this book was edited or if anyone one else but the author read it before self publishing. I’m not strong enough to continue and I’m very disappointed as it was marketed as great queer rep and a great story and honestly you’d find both for a more satisfying result in an alleyway behind an Applebee’s with a rainbow flag glued to your face.
1. This oppressive society has their soldiers pull a first day of summer camp give us your name and pronouns? Seems like a lazy way to introduce diversity. Not to mention for a large chunk the “obvious” LGBT characters either have very small roles (the doctor who uses they/them) or non-speaking ones like someone’s romantic partner who’s name o forgot because that’s how important they were.
2.) I had to go the author’s tumblr to find a list of identities and racial diversity because description is overrated I guess. No need to show me your diverse cast because it’s on your tumblr and not made obvious in the book.
3. Liana has the strongest case of cardboard “badass female character” she has no personality except What poorly written emotions and reactions best fit the scene. Her relationship with Marcus is the stalest romantic relationship I’ve ever seen. I’ve spent my time reading the book wondering how they’re married because they have as much chemistry as I do with with a piece of ten year old gum on the sidewalk. Most of the relationships are like this. The author introduces too many characters and gives them little description or outstanding traits for us to remember them. Then completely glosses over chances for development with prose that literally summarizes anything that had the potential to be interesting. Not to mention logic? Liana does the DUMBEST shit and probably has a knife fetish. And for a military sci fi where was...I don’t know the research about how guns work? How the military works? How anything works???
4. This book read like a train wreck. I wanted to stop. There was no plot. Each obstacle either got stomped quickly or brushed to the side. I read it up to some 100+ pages in hoping for a plot to happen or something to actually hold my interest other than wondering if this book was edited or if anyone one else but the author read it before self publishing. I’m not strong enough to continue and I’m very disappointed as it was marketed as great queer rep and a great story and honestly you’d find both for a more satisfying result in an alleyway behind an Applebee’s with a rainbow flag glued to your face.
October 7, 2017
This is a book worth anybody's time. It's one of those reads which start off with a kick, take you one direction, and then do a 180 degree turn in the way they handle the story.
And the themes....... such important topics to discuss. All of it woven between action and cool relatable characters, it just keeps you going.
And the themes....... such important topics to discuss. All of it woven between action and cool relatable characters, it just keeps you going.
February 21, 2018
This first book is dedicated to the people who helped me get it this far:
Most importantly, it's for Didi, who read it's earliest, ugliest versions, and supported it regardless. She's been an author-in-crime on this long road. To her, I will be eternally grateful.
It's for Cris, who never failed to tell me the truth.
And for my loved one, who never doubted me.
Most importantly, it's for Didi, who read it's earliest, ugliest versions, and supported it regardless. She's been an author-in-crime on this long road. To her, I will be eternally grateful.
It's for Cris, who never failed to tell me the truth.
And for my loved one, who never doubted me.
April 23, 2018
This was a very interesting military sci-fi, and I adored the characters, they all had distinct personalities, and the story arcs were compelling. I highly recommend this book, so much so I gave it to a friend of mine to read immediately after I finished it. Also, I respect that the author included trigger warnings at the beginning of the novel.
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