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Out of Orbit #1
Dead and Buried
She was trying to protect a friend. She sparked a revolution.
Georgianna knows just how ruthless the Adveni are. Patching up their victims since the invasion, she learned to keep her head down and stay focused on her work. She’s lost too many friends to their oppressive rule. She knows what happens when you attract their attention.
But having a pass into the infamous Lyndbury Compound doesn’t come free. Delivering a message to one of the ‘buryd’ inmates, Georgianna discovers that a childhood friend has been sold as a slave, and has taken important information that could help the rebel forces.
A daring escape is the only option. Georgianna’s plan to save her friend sparks the rebels into action, catching the attention of one of the most ruthless Adveni there is. Georgianna must withstand the Lightning Commander before the sparks of the revolution bring them all down in flames.
Georgianna knows just how ruthless the Adveni are. Patching up their victims since the invasion, she learned to keep her head down and stay focused on her work. She’s lost too many friends to their oppressive rule. She knows what happens when you attract their attention.
But having a pass into the infamous Lyndbury Compound doesn’t come free. Delivering a message to one of the ‘buryd’ inmates, Georgianna discovers that a childhood friend has been sold as a slave, and has taken important information that could help the rebel forces.
A daring escape is the only option. Georgianna’s plan to save her friend sparks the rebels into action, catching the attention of one of the most ruthless Adveni there is. Georgianna must withstand the Lightning Commander before the sparks of the revolution bring them all down in flames.
375 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 5, 2013
35 people are currently reading
854 people want to read
About the author
Chele Cooke
15 books77 followersChele Cooke is an Urban Fantasy and Science Fiction author living in London, UK.
Chele has been publishing since 2013, creating unique worlds and diverse characters in both Urban Fantasy and Science Fiction. Her stories are often gritty, occasionally funny, and always include complex, emotionally-driven characters.
Away from writing, Chele has a number of other hobbies and obsessions, mostly revolving around craft projects. She cross stitches, etches glass, plays with resin creations, and creates vinyl patterns for clothing.
Chele is, at heart, a geek. She has a great fondness for anything that will tell her a good story, whether it's film or tv, theatre, books, or even video games.
If you'd like updates on the Chele's books, first looks at new works, cover and blurb releases, sneak peaks at early chapters, and deeper character and world information, you can join Chele's mailing list at www.chelecooke.com
Chele has been publishing since 2013, creating unique worlds and diverse characters in both Urban Fantasy and Science Fiction. Her stories are often gritty, occasionally funny, and always include complex, emotionally-driven characters.
Away from writing, Chele has a number of other hobbies and obsessions, mostly revolving around craft projects. She cross stitches, etches glass, plays with resin creations, and creates vinyl patterns for clothing.
Chele is, at heart, a geek. She has a great fondness for anything that will tell her a good story, whether it's film or tv, theatre, books, or even video games.
If you'd like updates on the Chele's books, first looks at new works, cover and blurb releases, sneak peaks at early chapters, and deeper character and world information, you can join Chele's mailing list at www.chelecooke.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
November 7, 2015
I got this book for free, in exchange of an honest review, from Making Connections. Get your copy here.
What I liked:
how the book began-with a bedtime story
that the author created a world not demarcated into just the Adveni & non-Adveni people. The world was a melee of various tribes
the story kept me interested throughout-it was fast paced too
What I didn't like:
all the new terms thrown at us-like the term for ladies who catered to Adveni's sexual needs- made it a bit confusing. A short glossary at the end would have been nice.
Engaging world & characters. I also loved the cliffhanger at the end. Would love to read more about it!
Also reviewed at:
Shelfari
Amazon
Leafmarks
B&N
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2013
I don't usually read fantasy, and most of the sci-fi I have read is the classic kind (Jules Verne, H G Wells, Ray Bradbury), but when I was offered a free copy in return for an honest review, the title intrigued me - why the strange spelling of the Buryd? - especially when it would make the book title harder to search for online!
The bleakly haunting cover is a good indication of the nature of this story, set on a blighted, post-apocalyptic planet. A natural disaster affecting the planet's orbit has disrupted its climate, which then ricochets between unbearably hot weather and freezing cold. To survive, its people must shelter during the heat in dark tunnels and shady buildings; during the chill they must migrate in search of warmth. This was a sobering and thought-provoking premise in the light of modern controversy about global warming.
Following the disaster, the planet's people form tribes who work together to survive. One brutal group dominates the rest, throwing into the anarchic Lyndbury penitentiary compound anyone who offends them. This punishment is deemed a fate worse than death, and the "Buryd" of the title is a contraction of Lyndbury.
The opening of the story, with a grandfather relating to his grandson how this situation came about, is a sensitive and effective overture to the novel's themes of loyalty and friendship in adversity. The tale's heroine is Georgianna, a young medic, who is doing all in her power to improve the lives of the downtrodden tribes, including the unfortunate "Buryd" inmates of Lyndbury. Although the setting is as grim as Orwell's "1984",the survival of Georgianna's compassion and her and her friends' humanitarian instincts also make it an uplifting story.
This is the first book in the proposed "Out of Orbit" series and its ending sets up a powerful link to the second instalment, which I look forward to reading.
Why not 5*? Sometimes the flow of the story was interrupted or slowed by slightly laborious writing, primarily when describing people's physical movements. Simple actions such as getting up from sitting down, or reaching out to touch someone, were described in excessive detail, to the point where the narrative almost felt like instructions to a puppeteer. I found this distracting. I also found the use of "ordinary" names (first names and surnames) alongside completely made-up alien names puzzling - why they weren't all either normal names or all alien names. A small, pernicketty point, but that sort of niggle is spell-breaking for this fussy reader who doesn't cope well with unusual names at the best of times.
But overall this is a very good debut novel, creating a convincing fantasy world, from a writer who I am sure will be well-received among fans of modern fantasy and sci-fi. Recommended.
The bleakly haunting cover is a good indication of the nature of this story, set on a blighted, post-apocalyptic planet. A natural disaster affecting the planet's orbit has disrupted its climate, which then ricochets between unbearably hot weather and freezing cold. To survive, its people must shelter during the heat in dark tunnels and shady buildings; during the chill they must migrate in search of warmth. This was a sobering and thought-provoking premise in the light of modern controversy about global warming.
Following the disaster, the planet's people form tribes who work together to survive. One brutal group dominates the rest, throwing into the anarchic Lyndbury penitentiary compound anyone who offends them. This punishment is deemed a fate worse than death, and the "Buryd" of the title is a contraction of Lyndbury.
The opening of the story, with a grandfather relating to his grandson how this situation came about, is a sensitive and effective overture to the novel's themes of loyalty and friendship in adversity. The tale's heroine is Georgianna, a young medic, who is doing all in her power to improve the lives of the downtrodden tribes, including the unfortunate "Buryd" inmates of Lyndbury. Although the setting is as grim as Orwell's "1984",the survival of Georgianna's compassion and her and her friends' humanitarian instincts also make it an uplifting story.
This is the first book in the proposed "Out of Orbit" series and its ending sets up a powerful link to the second instalment, which I look forward to reading.
Why not 5*? Sometimes the flow of the story was interrupted or slowed by slightly laborious writing, primarily when describing people's physical movements. Simple actions such as getting up from sitting down, or reaching out to touch someone, were described in excessive detail, to the point where the narrative almost felt like instructions to a puppeteer. I found this distracting. I also found the use of "ordinary" names (first names and surnames) alongside completely made-up alien names puzzling - why they weren't all either normal names or all alien names. A small, pernicketty point, but that sort of niggle is spell-breaking for this fussy reader who doesn't cope well with unusual names at the best of times.
But overall this is a very good debut novel, creating a convincing fantasy world, from a writer who I am sure will be well-received among fans of modern fantasy and sci-fi. Recommended.
October 20, 2013
I really enjoyed this debut science fiction novel by Chele Cooke. Dead and Buryd is set on an alien world where harsh hot summers follow freezing winters. Conflict between technically advanced invaders and the planet savvy locals is quickly sketched in the first chapter and then developed strategically throughout the story. Initially I struggled to work out who everyone was and where they fit in the story, but it did become clear the more I read, and I found myself immersed in an interestingly evoked world with sympathetically drawn characters.
We journey with Georgianna, a young doctor who straddles both sides with her work at the above ground Lyndbury prison, and in the claustrophobic tunnels and underground caverns of the outlawed Belsa.
Georgianna is a nice girl with a conscience. Like her Belsa lover, we know long before she does that she will take risks to save her friends! The story held my attention until the end–and what a great ending Chele gives us. One problem solved, another is ripe for book two.
Dead and Buryd is a very solid debut and a great start to a promising series. I read science fiction sporadically, either one book after another or none at all. I'm in a science fiction void at the moment so I can recommend this book to people who do not normally read science fiction. The alien elements do not detract from an interesting story well told. I am looking forward to book two in the Out of Orbit series.
We journey with Georgianna, a young doctor who straddles both sides with her work at the above ground Lyndbury prison, and in the claustrophobic tunnels and underground caverns of the outlawed Belsa.
Georgianna is a nice girl with a conscience. Like her Belsa lover, we know long before she does that she will take risks to save her friends! The story held my attention until the end–and what a great ending Chele gives us. One problem solved, another is ripe for book two.
Dead and Buryd is a very solid debut and a great start to a promising series. I read science fiction sporadically, either one book after another or none at all. I'm in a science fiction void at the moment so I can recommend this book to people who do not normally read science fiction. The alien elements do not detract from an interesting story well told. I am looking forward to book two in the Out of Orbit series.
October 12, 2013
I'm devastated that I've finished this book, and all I can do is beg Chele Cooke to hurry up and publish the next one!!!
I'm not going to use this review to tell you about the story line - you need to read it yourself for that but.......
I feel like Georgianna is a friend, I have got to know her so well. Chele Cooke has taken me on a journey, getting to know George, her family, her friends and others who I quite frankly would avoid at all costs. I was on the edge of my seat in places with my heart racing. I would highly recommend this book, whether or not you're interest is sci-fi or not.
Chele Cooke - you are up there with my favourite authors!!
I'm not going to use this review to tell you about the story line - you need to read it yourself for that but.......
I feel like Georgianna is a friend, I have got to know her so well. Chele Cooke has taken me on a journey, getting to know George, her family, her friends and others who I quite frankly would avoid at all costs. I was on the edge of my seat in places with my heart racing. I would highly recommend this book, whether or not you're interest is sci-fi or not.
Chele Cooke - you are up there with my favourite authors!!
May 31, 2015
The first two chapters of the book form a sort of prologue to the story, setting the scene and introducing us to characters that come into play later on in the novel. This introduction to the novel works really well, serving to spark questions in the reader’s mind and piquing their curiosity. The history of the planet and the natives is quickly skimmed over in these opening chapters, and is elaborated upon at points throughout the novel. Through this gradual method of unravelling, Cooke lets the history of her world develop in the reader’s imagination, revealing little snippets of the story piece by piece.
The novel’s setting, an unfamiliar planet occupied by inhuman, almost robotic invaders, really appealed to me. Not only was the way in which Cooke portrays the setting particularly masterful – her descriptions allow your mind’s eye to create an almost perfect picture – but the harsh summers and harsher winters made me think of an exaggerated version of our own world. It almost seemed plausible to me that Cooke’s dystopia could be a future version of Earth, a world where the natural environment has been irreversibly damaged to such an extent that people are forced to live in tunnels to escape the searing heat, unable to spend even a short amount of time in the sun, in the heat of the day without fear of burning. Needless to say I was intrigued enough by the book from the onset that I didn’t want to put it down.
There are several central themes running through the novel, the most important of which is love. Love emerges in Cooke’s work in many different ways, but ultimately, there is a love which is central to the Veniche’s existence that the Adveni seem incapable of feeling. The Veniche are described as a very sentimental people – they have a strong allegiance to their kind, their tribes and ultimately their family. Georgianna herself works alongside the Adveni so that she can treat those of her people who are trapped away from the ones they love. Above and beyond this allegiance, is the love the Veniche develop for the one person they choose to ‘join’ themselves with. Being joined is described as something very final, which you can never distance yourself from. The topic is first approached in reference to a relationship between Georgianna’s brother and the man to whom he was joined. Georgianna first learns what it means to love by witnessing the love the two men share.
The Adveni, on the other hand, are clinical in the very sense of the word. Cooke creates an army of invaders akin to the Nazi’s Master Race. The allegiance that the Adveni have to their group goes beyond the heartfelt commitment of the Veniche; they have an ingrained herd mentality, going about their lives in favour of the greater good.
The Adveni mating ritual is an example of survival of the fittest at its most horrifying – a greater force deliberately manipulating breeding patterns to create an indestructible army. Tactics frighteningly similar to those used by the Nazi’s during World War II. The Adveni do not have that one person who they feel they cannot live without; rather, they are matched up with the person best suited to their genetic makeup. For the Adveni, love exists only for the greater collective good.
A lack of love for one another is just a slight crack in the hard exterior that is the Adveni forces. They are feared and hated by the Veniche. The title of the novel alludes to this; the Veniche used the phrase ‘buryd alive’ to describe those taken captive by the Adveni, alive in almost every sense of the word, but unable to escape: ‘Though your life was over and there was no escape, your body remained alive.’
I love the way Cooke expresses Georgianna’s fear of the prison and the Adveni guards. While she tries to keep on the good side of the guards, she is always terrified of what may happen when the doors of the compound close behind her. Her fear is, understandably, multiplied when she has reason to be afraid.
I found Georgianna to be, on the whole, an incredibly genuine and relatable character. In Georgianna, Cooke has created a fantastically well-rounded vessel to convey her story. The reader learns about the planet, the people, and the struggle almost exclusively through Georgianna, but they also get to know the heroine on a very personal level. In time it becomes apparent just how normal Georgianna is. Despite her situation, her allegiance with the rebels, the things that she does, and even the fact that she is from another world, there is an aspect of her personality that a lot of people can relate to.
The most obvious demonstration of Georgianna’s real character comes out in her feelings about Keiran. Georgianna has fallen foul to one of those complicated casual relationships, which I’m sure many people are familiar with. The way that she justifies the relationship to herself is so transparent. She begins by suggesting that she is fine with the way things are, but she always comes back to mentioning that she knows Keiran is with other women, and that she’s fine with it [I'm fine! Who else is fine?]. As time goes on, and Keiran’s comings and goings continue to plague Georgianna’s thoughts, it becomes apparent that she is not so cool with it after all:
‘Weird was hardly the word she’d give to it. She’d maybe been a little more emotional, but seeing as Keiran has his wonderful reputation with women, surely this wasn’t the first time a girl had realised she wasn’t happy keeping their relationship at just sex.’
When Georgianna realises she might want more from the relationship, she cannot keep the sarcasm out of her thoughts – Keiran has a wonderful reputation with women. However, she still attempts to appear reserved, as though she does not want to show her true self for fear of being hurt. Georgianna is so likeable and funny, despite her hard exterior. Forming a relationship with the heroine of the story like this really added to my enjoyment of the novel.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Cooke’s work. The story has some fantastic plot twists and enough unanswered questions to have me eagerly anticipating the next in the series. Cooke’s writing style is smooth and fluid, maintaining a unity throughout the flow of the story. I am not an enormous Sci-Fi reader, and I can be easily put off by the random and incessant introduction of unnecessarily complicated devices, but I found Cooke to be very accessible. While new terminology is introduced to the reader, it is done so easily, and with explanation, so as to avoid over complication. Dead and Buryd gets a resounding ‘would recommend’ from me.
Originally posted on Jade the Obscure
The novel’s setting, an unfamiliar planet occupied by inhuman, almost robotic invaders, really appealed to me. Not only was the way in which Cooke portrays the setting particularly masterful – her descriptions allow your mind’s eye to create an almost perfect picture – but the harsh summers and harsher winters made me think of an exaggerated version of our own world. It almost seemed plausible to me that Cooke’s dystopia could be a future version of Earth, a world where the natural environment has been irreversibly damaged to such an extent that people are forced to live in tunnels to escape the searing heat, unable to spend even a short amount of time in the sun, in the heat of the day without fear of burning. Needless to say I was intrigued enough by the book from the onset that I didn’t want to put it down.
There are several central themes running through the novel, the most important of which is love. Love emerges in Cooke’s work in many different ways, but ultimately, there is a love which is central to the Veniche’s existence that the Adveni seem incapable of feeling. The Veniche are described as a very sentimental people – they have a strong allegiance to their kind, their tribes and ultimately their family. Georgianna herself works alongside the Adveni so that she can treat those of her people who are trapped away from the ones they love. Above and beyond this allegiance, is the love the Veniche develop for the one person they choose to ‘join’ themselves with. Being joined is described as something very final, which you can never distance yourself from. The topic is first approached in reference to a relationship between Georgianna’s brother and the man to whom he was joined. Georgianna first learns what it means to love by witnessing the love the two men share.
The Adveni, on the other hand, are clinical in the very sense of the word. Cooke creates an army of invaders akin to the Nazi’s Master Race. The allegiance that the Adveni have to their group goes beyond the heartfelt commitment of the Veniche; they have an ingrained herd mentality, going about their lives in favour of the greater good.
The Adveni mating ritual is an example of survival of the fittest at its most horrifying – a greater force deliberately manipulating breeding patterns to create an indestructible army. Tactics frighteningly similar to those used by the Nazi’s during World War II. The Adveni do not have that one person who they feel they cannot live without; rather, they are matched up with the person best suited to their genetic makeup. For the Adveni, love exists only for the greater collective good.
A lack of love for one another is just a slight crack in the hard exterior that is the Adveni forces. They are feared and hated by the Veniche. The title of the novel alludes to this; the Veniche used the phrase ‘buryd alive’ to describe those taken captive by the Adveni, alive in almost every sense of the word, but unable to escape: ‘Though your life was over and there was no escape, your body remained alive.’
I love the way Cooke expresses Georgianna’s fear of the prison and the Adveni guards. While she tries to keep on the good side of the guards, she is always terrified of what may happen when the doors of the compound close behind her. Her fear is, understandably, multiplied when she has reason to be afraid.
I found Georgianna to be, on the whole, an incredibly genuine and relatable character. In Georgianna, Cooke has created a fantastically well-rounded vessel to convey her story. The reader learns about the planet, the people, and the struggle almost exclusively through Georgianna, but they also get to know the heroine on a very personal level. In time it becomes apparent just how normal Georgianna is. Despite her situation, her allegiance with the rebels, the things that she does, and even the fact that she is from another world, there is an aspect of her personality that a lot of people can relate to.
The most obvious demonstration of Georgianna’s real character comes out in her feelings about Keiran. Georgianna has fallen foul to one of those complicated casual relationships, which I’m sure many people are familiar with. The way that she justifies the relationship to herself is so transparent. She begins by suggesting that she is fine with the way things are, but she always comes back to mentioning that she knows Keiran is with other women, and that she’s fine with it [I'm fine! Who else is fine?]. As time goes on, and Keiran’s comings and goings continue to plague Georgianna’s thoughts, it becomes apparent that she is not so cool with it after all:
‘Weird was hardly the word she’d give to it. She’d maybe been a little more emotional, but seeing as Keiran has his wonderful reputation with women, surely this wasn’t the first time a girl had realised she wasn’t happy keeping their relationship at just sex.’
When Georgianna realises she might want more from the relationship, she cannot keep the sarcasm out of her thoughts – Keiran has a wonderful reputation with women. However, she still attempts to appear reserved, as though she does not want to show her true self for fear of being hurt. Georgianna is so likeable and funny, despite her hard exterior. Forming a relationship with the heroine of the story like this really added to my enjoyment of the novel.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Cooke’s work. The story has some fantastic plot twists and enough unanswered questions to have me eagerly anticipating the next in the series. Cooke’s writing style is smooth and fluid, maintaining a unity throughout the flow of the story. I am not an enormous Sci-Fi reader, and I can be easily put off by the random and incessant introduction of unnecessarily complicated devices, but I found Cooke to be very accessible. While new terminology is introduced to the reader, it is done so easily, and with explanation, so as to avoid over complication. Dead and Buryd gets a resounding ‘would recommend’ from me.
Originally posted on Jade the Obscure
July 17, 2018
Dead and buryd by Chele Cooke.
You are an inmate, not a medic. You should get used to that.”
On the planet Os-Veruh, the native Veniche have endured a decade under the oppressive rule of a race of invaders, the Adveni.
When Georgianna Lennox, a Veniche medic, discovers her childhood friend has been sold into slavery, she seeks help from a revolutionary outlaw group.
As Georgianna’s struggle to save one life ignites a battle to liberate her homeworld, is she about to discover that it is better to be dead than ‘buryd’?
A slow but ok read. I read it bit I just couldn't get Into it. 3*.
You are an inmate, not a medic. You should get used to that.”
On the planet Os-Veruh, the native Veniche have endured a decade under the oppressive rule of a race of invaders, the Adveni.
When Georgianna Lennox, a Veniche medic, discovers her childhood friend has been sold into slavery, she seeks help from a revolutionary outlaw group.
As Georgianna’s struggle to save one life ignites a battle to liberate her homeworld, is she about to discover that it is better to be dead than ‘buryd’?
A slow but ok read. I read it bit I just couldn't get Into it. 3*.
April 1, 2014
Interesting book
October 3, 2013
would love to read this
Want to read
October 6, 2013Very interesting sypnosis! Hope I can win this and have a chance to read through the author's work. Way to go Chele Cooke :)
August 27, 2022
Our heroine just needs some information, but getting it will not be easy. Of course, dealing with the results of her actions will be even more challenging.
This is book one of the series, so a good place to start.
The story is well written but not necessarily easy to read. There is a lot going on and the world is quite detailed, meaning you get a lot of background early on. The characters are well developed and our heroine is tough which helps her deal with the chaos around her. The story started a little slow, but once it got going, it was highly addictive and hard to put down. Overall, a very enjoyable read and I look forward to the next book in the series.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
This is book one of the series, so a good place to start.
The story is well written but not necessarily easy to read. There is a lot going on and the world is quite detailed, meaning you get a lot of background early on. The characters are well developed and our heroine is tough which helps her deal with the chaos around her. The story started a little slow, but once it got going, it was highly addictive and hard to put down. Overall, a very enjoyable read and I look forward to the next book in the series.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
July 24, 2019
I loved this story so much I immediately went to Amazon and bought the other 2 books in the series to continue the enjoyment. Ms. Cooke has certainly made an alien invasion of a futuristic terra-formed planet so believable that I not only enjoyed reading it, I felt I was watching a series of movies, or a television show. Without being over-descriptive, she fully developed her characters, as well as the world and conditions they lived in. I can't WAIT to see what else she comes up with!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 28, 2019
A great set up.
I pick this book up because of the cover it has that steampunk sci-fi look to it what I found were the other books in the series also had these complying covers too great job on picking the covers. Now as I was reading I found the story thought-provoking and really interesting. Georgianna is one awesome heroine and I am looking forward to the other books in the series. This one is a great set up for the other books. It is a well-written look at a world you only want in your dreams. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I pick this book up because of the cover it has that steampunk sci-fi look to it what I found were the other books in the series also had these complying covers too great job on picking the covers. Now as I was reading I found the story thought-provoking and really interesting. Georgianna is one awesome heroine and I am looking forward to the other books in the series. This one is a great set up for the other books. It is a well-written look at a world you only want in your dreams. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
August 2, 2019
Amazingly, I quite enjoyed this gritty new sci-fi drama. Georgianna is intriguing and the dystopian world she lives in is fraught with an unstable climate resulting in major catastrophic changes. The country is war torn and fighting alien invasion and slavery among other things. As a much needed medic, Georgianna is able to go where many will not or can not. A dramatic storyline that is just the beginning of this new series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2019
"And like all living things, you can't tell them what they should be. You can only help them find what suits them best." Ch 7
This is one of those very few times when I urge everyone to read the book. Allow a very full day or set aside a week of evenings to allow for discussion and read in a group. PG13 as there is adult content.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is one of those very few times when I urge everyone to read the book. Allow a very full day or set aside a week of evenings to allow for discussion and read in a group. PG13 as there is adult content.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 11, 2019
This is a new author to me, and I’m thrilled that I got to read this story, I’ll be looking out for more from her in the future. I loved this story, didn’t like the cliffhanger at the end though, I thought the author did a wonderful job with world building. The main female character is Georgianne and she is one tough cookie! It’s an exciting read and one that grabbed me from the very start of the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2019
I found this story incredibly original and thought-provoking. Georgianna is an incredible protagonist and the author kept the story moving quite well. I was snagged early in the story and compelled to read on to find out what was happening! Highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 24, 2016
A very richly built world, and a very mean cliffhanger ending (because now I need to get the next book and find out what happens!). George was a great protagonist to hang out with, and unique in many ways in book-world. I'd certainly recommend it to fans of sci-fi/character-driven/fantasy books.
March 13, 2019
Different kind of story for me, a lot takes place in the tunnels where people live and hide from a evil group that took over the land. There is a lot of turmoil going on and a Surprise endin. Good read!
November 7, 2015
(8/10)
This book was great!
I've said this in a previous blogpost before, but I'll say it again: I love stories with these political games and wars, because I feel like the best and exciting stories come from it.
And this book was really one of those great stories. The characters, the plot mainly and the world itself were amazing and so fun to get into.
I want to start with the world itself, because I found it genuinely a very original and fascinating world indeed. Because of the way the world is built I feel like we're in a futuristic and prehistorical setting at the same time.
The fact that the Veniche people are divided in tribes on the planet and that they live quite a primitive life underground, including other prehistorical elements such as the need to join to keep a bloodline going, for example, makes it prehistorical, but the fact that above them another kind from outerspace took over with its high developed technology makes it more futuristic.
While reading the story I felt like I was constantly changing worlds, from the primitive underground to this "alien" and technological upperground, which made the reading experience far more fun.
I think the characters in this book are pretty strong. I can imagine them being real human beings, or Veniche in this case, and not these predictable people we've all heard of already. A thing that caught my eye was how their ideals changed from person to person. Now this is pretty normal for every character, but the way it's put in the story, quite indirectly, by using their words and actions only made it better and far more interesting. It wasn't like our protagonist was explaining every little detail about the other characters, some background things she pointed out but the way these people are shone through their words and actions in a good and interesting way.
I do have to say that sometimes these descriptions our protagonist gives, aren't always wanted by me. Of course, explaining is pretty important in a very fictional world, containing elements that aren't very normal to the average human and seeing her struggle with her personal problems is also important for her character development, but sometimes it bothers me. I'll explain why:
These explanations and troubled thoughts sometimes become a bit too long, making it more difficult to get through story sometimes. Especially when used during exciting events. There was one exciting event which could've blown me away, if we wouldn't have spent much time with the protagonist's rambling thoughts on her relationship.
But luckily this wasn't very often!
I really liked how Cooke opened the story.
Starting with giving us a quick overview of how Os-Veruh was taken over by the Adveni and with a quite mysterious event was a very attractive way to open up the story.
By opening this way, Cooke uses an interesting method to the reader's attention;
she puts some questions and knowledge in your head first, so that you want to figure out the rest to complete the picture.
I've seen some other authors do this too, but I don't know in this case I found it even more appealing especially because the other event was so fast paced.
I like saying that reading this story felt like watching a series, which is a good thing by the way. In series you have these different perspectives on the story from different people, some knowing more than others or going through different events that don't seem to fit the story at all or seem to be kind of part of the story and kind of not.
Well, it was something like that, only then the other perspectives excluded. The book is only written from Georgianna's perspective and in this perspective very interesting things seem to happen all at once. Some have to do with the actual plotline, others introducing another secret buried (not buryd, haha) in the ground, slowly finding its way up through the ground. So you don't just stick to the storyline - you get more out of it. More events, more problems, more mysteries, which make me very excited for the next book.
AND THAT ENDING YOU GUYS...
Wasn't actually that mindblowing.
BUT it wasn't bad either. Not at all actually.
So when I reached the ending I was expecting this mindblowing and heartbreaking cliffhanger which would make me die for a few seconds.
In reality it didn't turn out that way. When I reached the ending, it actually felt like I was already getting into the first chapter of the next book, making me afraid that the ending wouldn't have that wow-factor I was aiming for. And it didn't.
It had something even more interesting.
It ended in such a subtle and secretive way that I first felt like: Wait, this is it? and then I felt like: Oooo, I like this.
The way it ended just fitted to the story itself, with its secrets and mysteries and its rebelious character. It was perfect.
Overall I really enjoyed reading this book. I felt connected to the characters and I loved the world and the story itself. I'm really pumped for the next book - Fight or Flight!
(http://www.writtenbynadi.com)
This book was great!
I've said this in a previous blogpost before, but I'll say it again: I love stories with these political games and wars, because I feel like the best and exciting stories come from it.
And this book was really one of those great stories. The characters, the plot mainly and the world itself were amazing and so fun to get into.
I want to start with the world itself, because I found it genuinely a very original and fascinating world indeed. Because of the way the world is built I feel like we're in a futuristic and prehistorical setting at the same time.
The fact that the Veniche people are divided in tribes on the planet and that they live quite a primitive life underground, including other prehistorical elements such as the need to join to keep a bloodline going, for example, makes it prehistorical, but the fact that above them another kind from outerspace took over with its high developed technology makes it more futuristic.
While reading the story I felt like I was constantly changing worlds, from the primitive underground to this "alien" and technological upperground, which made the reading experience far more fun.
I think the characters in this book are pretty strong. I can imagine them being real human beings, or Veniche in this case, and not these predictable people we've all heard of already. A thing that caught my eye was how their ideals changed from person to person. Now this is pretty normal for every character, but the way it's put in the story, quite indirectly, by using their words and actions only made it better and far more interesting. It wasn't like our protagonist was explaining every little detail about the other characters, some background things she pointed out but the way these people are shone through their words and actions in a good and interesting way.
I do have to say that sometimes these descriptions our protagonist gives, aren't always wanted by me. Of course, explaining is pretty important in a very fictional world, containing elements that aren't very normal to the average human and seeing her struggle with her personal problems is also important for her character development, but sometimes it bothers me. I'll explain why:
These explanations and troubled thoughts sometimes become a bit too long, making it more difficult to get through story sometimes. Especially when used during exciting events. There was one exciting event which could've blown me away, if we wouldn't have spent much time with the protagonist's rambling thoughts on her relationship.
But luckily this wasn't very often!
I really liked how Cooke opened the story.
Starting with giving us a quick overview of how Os-Veruh was taken over by the Adveni and with a quite mysterious event was a very attractive way to open up the story.
By opening this way, Cooke uses an interesting method to the reader's attention;
she puts some questions and knowledge in your head first, so that you want to figure out the rest to complete the picture.
I've seen some other authors do this too, but I don't know in this case I found it even more appealing especially because the other event was so fast paced.
I like saying that reading this story felt like watching a series, which is a good thing by the way. In series you have these different perspectives on the story from different people, some knowing more than others or going through different events that don't seem to fit the story at all or seem to be kind of part of the story and kind of not.
Well, it was something like that, only then the other perspectives excluded. The book is only written from Georgianna's perspective and in this perspective very interesting things seem to happen all at once. Some have to do with the actual plotline, others introducing another secret buried (not buryd, haha) in the ground, slowly finding its way up through the ground. So you don't just stick to the storyline - you get more out of it. More events, more problems, more mysteries, which make me very excited for the next book.
AND THAT ENDING YOU GUYS...
Wasn't actually that mindblowing.
BUT it wasn't bad either. Not at all actually.
So when I reached the ending I was expecting this mindblowing and heartbreaking cliffhanger which would make me die for a few seconds.
In reality it didn't turn out that way. When I reached the ending, it actually felt like I was already getting into the first chapter of the next book, making me afraid that the ending wouldn't have that wow-factor I was aiming for. And it didn't.
It had something even more interesting.
It ended in such a subtle and secretive way that I first felt like: Wait, this is it? and then I felt like: Oooo, I like this.
The way it ended just fitted to the story itself, with its secrets and mysteries and its rebelious character. It was perfect.
Overall I really enjoyed reading this book. I felt connected to the characters and I loved the world and the story itself. I'm really pumped for the next book - Fight or Flight!
(http://www.writtenbynadi.com)
February 8, 2015
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
Dead and Buryd is an imaginative YA sci fi with interesting characters and deep world building. The plot moves smoothly and there is plenty of action and mystery to keep readers intriguing. But a far too obvious "Mary Sue" type of heroine (all the men fall in love with her and her actions never have mortal consequences when they should) does let the story down and reveal the book's indie roots. That said, I did immediately purchase the sequel after I finished reading. Of note, this feels much more like a YA/New Adult dystopian than a sci fi.Story: In a long ago past, a meteor threatened Os-Veruh; half the population left on colonizing starships and the rest waited for their deaths. But while the meteor barely missed the planet, it did destroy the environment; the survivors continued on in low technology tribes. Until the day one group of colonists returned - the Adveni - and promptly conquered and enslaved Os-Veruh. Ten years later, Georgianna is a medic treating prisoners, her people, in the Adveni slave/prison camp. At the same time, she has become involved with the local rebels and will soon become embroiled in betrayals, conspiracy, and great danger.
Georgianna is a character that is easy to get into but also ultimately frustrating in her passivity. She is defined by the men around her and that passivity is in contrast with her constantly being frustrated that no one takes her seriously. Her work in the prison is defined by love interest #1: mysterious Adveni guard Edtroka. Current life defined by casual lover and love interest #2: rebel Keiran. And the machinations of the politics of the plot defined by love interest #3: former lover Lec. Add in a string of side characters who convince her to do foolhardy things that should have got her killed or enslaved, and you get the idea that we've seen this type of trope before. I think the obsession everyone has over Georgianna is rather inexplicable. I wish she had been passionate about something - either her medical work, her people, or even any of her boyfriends.
For me, it was the world building that kept me going. The plot isn't simple despite being fairly simplistic and quite a lot was done to define the world. I may not think all of that world building was logical or realistic, but I'd rather have that over ill-defined lazy writing. There are several layers and I was never bored despite copious amounts of clunky (but fortunately brief) info dumps. A professional editor will do wonders to hone this writer's skills to smooth the pace and promote consistency. This is far better than most self published work.
Although this read like your standard dystopian, I appreciated that our heroine wasn't a dewey eyed virginal unique snowflake. Of course, I think I will be like many readers and say that it was the intriguing character, prison guard, Edtoka that made me want to read book two. Reviewed from an egalley provided by the author.
May 28, 2017
I'm just going to post my thoughts briefly here. Click here to read my full review.
Well, basically, I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed it more than I initially thought I was going to, as to start off I had a few problems with the presentation and pacing, as well as the style of the writing, which isn't always to my personal taste. However, I stuck with the book and I'm glad that I did. I really wanted to read it, too, after meeting Cooke, so it was so awesome that I ended up enjoying this.
This book follows Georgianna, a medic. She's a member of the Veniche, the people's native to the planet of Os-Veruh. These people are controlled by the Adveni, who have superior power and tech. And right from the start I've got to say I loved her as a protagonist. A strong female protagonist in sci-fi is awesome but she was also wonderfully flawed and her relationships and interactions with the other characters, from the rebels to the Adveni, were interesting. She drew me in and I was glad to follow her story. I also love that the love interest present through most of the book is almost more of a casual dating interest. He's seeing other girls and Georgianna has said she's okay with it. You don't see a lot of that. And I was well done, too.
I also liked the world that was created, even if it was created in sort of a confusing way. I know a number of people were confused. But overall it was good and the Adveni language is just awesome. Seeing some different tribes among the Veniche, making rebellion harder, is also a nice touch.
The pacing was ... interesting. Actually, it's a good way through the book before the story told in the blurb actually starts, and that sort of perplexes me. Why focus on a story that takes so long to start? This book definitely isn't for those who like slow burning stories. I wouldn't necessarily say it bothered me, just confused me a little. I kept wondering when we were going to get to the plot the blurb promised. And just what the hell the flowers of someone's gender are supposed to be.
Speaking of which, as I said, the writing style got to me on occasion. That's a very subjective thing, of course, but a few descriptions were a little off and the sentence structure got somewhat repetitive. The most egregious issue was "flowers of her gender" if I'm remembering correctly, which I had a bit of a joke about. It was never enough to take me out of the story though. I don't want to put any spoilers here, but I did find the story very engaging and I never felt bored or like I didn't care what happened.
I've harped on a few things but really, I did enjoy this book. It had some great characters, a story that kept me interested, some LGBTQ representation and also some moments of humour that I still remember. As I said I only have time to briefly put my thoughts here but they're in full on my blog, so I linked that above for anyone who wants a more detailed view of my thoughts on this book.
Overall, I recommend you at least give the book a shot. Cooke is awesome and definitely worth your time. I'll definitely be checking out the next in the series at some point.
Well, basically, I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed it more than I initially thought I was going to, as to start off I had a few problems with the presentation and pacing, as well as the style of the writing, which isn't always to my personal taste. However, I stuck with the book and I'm glad that I did. I really wanted to read it, too, after meeting Cooke, so it was so awesome that I ended up enjoying this.
This book follows Georgianna, a medic. She's a member of the Veniche, the people's native to the planet of Os-Veruh. These people are controlled by the Adveni, who have superior power and tech. And right from the start I've got to say I loved her as a protagonist. A strong female protagonist in sci-fi is awesome but she was also wonderfully flawed and her relationships and interactions with the other characters, from the rebels to the Adveni, were interesting. She drew me in and I was glad to follow her story. I also love that the love interest present through most of the book is almost more of a casual dating interest. He's seeing other girls and Georgianna has said she's okay with it. You don't see a lot of that. And I was well done, too.
I also liked the world that was created, even if it was created in sort of a confusing way. I know a number of people were confused. But overall it was good and the Adveni language is just awesome. Seeing some different tribes among the Veniche, making rebellion harder, is also a nice touch.
The pacing was ... interesting. Actually, it's a good way through the book before the story told in the blurb actually starts, and that sort of perplexes me. Why focus on a story that takes so long to start? This book definitely isn't for those who like slow burning stories. I wouldn't necessarily say it bothered me, just confused me a little. I kept wondering when we were going to get to the plot the blurb promised. And just what the hell the flowers of someone's gender are supposed to be.
Speaking of which, as I said, the writing style got to me on occasion. That's a very subjective thing, of course, but a few descriptions were a little off and the sentence structure got somewhat repetitive. The most egregious issue was "flowers of her gender" if I'm remembering correctly, which I had a bit of a joke about. It was never enough to take me out of the story though. I don't want to put any spoilers here, but I did find the story very engaging and I never felt bored or like I didn't care what happened.
I've harped on a few things but really, I did enjoy this book. It had some great characters, a story that kept me interested, some LGBTQ representation and also some moments of humour that I still remember. As I said I only have time to briefly put my thoughts here but they're in full on my blog, so I linked that above for anyone who wants a more detailed view of my thoughts on this book.
Overall, I recommend you at least give the book a shot. Cooke is awesome and definitely worth your time. I'll definitely be checking out the next in the series at some point.
August 27, 2014
Chele Cooke’s Dead and Buryd opens with a young boy being told a bedtime story, immediately giving the reader a basic knowledge of the world in which the book is set, without a tedious and drawn-out explanation.
The world is Os-Veruh, it’s people: the Veniche. Ten years prior to the events in Dead and Buryd, the race known as the Adveni returned to reclaim the planet they left many years before - and when I say ‘reclaim’, I mean conquer and enslave - ruling through a combination of fear and superior technology.
One of the Adveni’s tools of the trade is the Lindbury Compound, a huge, sprawling prison complex where those who are perceived to be criminals are incarcerated until they’re sold into slavery, publicly executed, or quite simply, until they die within its walls. To the Veniche, being ‘buryd’ (taken to Lindbury), is a fate worse than death; murderers, rapists, and petty thieves, men and women, all left to their own devices other than a twice-daily roll-call when the Adveni guards come to round up the prisoners and dispose of the latest bodies.
Georgianna Lennox makes for a compelling main character. A spunky female heroine through and through, Gianna is not the sort to roll with the punches and hit back hard, instead her spunkiness comes from her unwavering honesty, and her desire to do what is right, regardless of the consequences. Throughout Dead and Buryd, her hopes and fears are laid bare - making her a character that readers can relate to as the storyline unfolds.
Due to her work as a Medic, Gianna sees parts of Lindbury reserved solely for it’s inmates and the Adveni guards - so when a childhood friend’s lover is taken, Gianna is the obvious person to keep an eye on her… until she disappears.
Rallying a handful of Veniche rebels known as the Belsa to help them, Gianna and her friend Taye send out a covert search party to find the missing woman. Drawing on their combined resources, and aided by information from an unlikely source, the group soon discover that they may well be in over their heads.
When their search uncovers more than they bargained for, and tension between the Veniche and the Adveni builds, Georgianna begins to wonder who she can really trust - even those closest to her heart...
The plot of Dead and Buryd is well thought out and solid, rife with subterfuge, intrigue, and treachery. Chele Cooke has done a magnificent job of creating a compelling tale which builds suspense, but at the same time is able to yank you onto the edge of your seat without warning.
As several storylines collide, Gianna finds herself caught in the middle of an intricate plot against the Adveni. Alone and conflicted, she realises that doing the right thing could be the death of her...
Reviewed for Bit'N Book Promoters - View it on our blog
The world is Os-Veruh, it’s people: the Veniche. Ten years prior to the events in Dead and Buryd, the race known as the Adveni returned to reclaim the planet they left many years before - and when I say ‘reclaim’, I mean conquer and enslave - ruling through a combination of fear and superior technology.
One of the Adveni’s tools of the trade is the Lindbury Compound, a huge, sprawling prison complex where those who are perceived to be criminals are incarcerated until they’re sold into slavery, publicly executed, or quite simply, until they die within its walls. To the Veniche, being ‘buryd’ (taken to Lindbury), is a fate worse than death; murderers, rapists, and petty thieves, men and women, all left to their own devices other than a twice-daily roll-call when the Adveni guards come to round up the prisoners and dispose of the latest bodies.
Georgianna Lennox makes for a compelling main character. A spunky female heroine through and through, Gianna is not the sort to roll with the punches and hit back hard, instead her spunkiness comes from her unwavering honesty, and her desire to do what is right, regardless of the consequences. Throughout Dead and Buryd, her hopes and fears are laid bare - making her a character that readers can relate to as the storyline unfolds.
Due to her work as a Medic, Gianna sees parts of Lindbury reserved solely for it’s inmates and the Adveni guards - so when a childhood friend’s lover is taken, Gianna is the obvious person to keep an eye on her… until she disappears.
Rallying a handful of Veniche rebels known as the Belsa to help them, Gianna and her friend Taye send out a covert search party to find the missing woman. Drawing on their combined resources, and aided by information from an unlikely source, the group soon discover that they may well be in over their heads.
When their search uncovers more than they bargained for, and tension between the Veniche and the Adveni builds, Georgianna begins to wonder who she can really trust - even those closest to her heart...
The plot of Dead and Buryd is well thought out and solid, rife with subterfuge, intrigue, and treachery. Chele Cooke has done a magnificent job of creating a compelling tale which builds suspense, but at the same time is able to yank you onto the edge of your seat without warning.
As several storylines collide, Gianna finds herself caught in the middle of an intricate plot against the Adveni. Alone and conflicted, she realises that doing the right thing could be the death of her...
Reviewed for Bit'N Book Promoters - View it on our blog
May 15, 2015
Chele Cooke’s Dead and Buryd opens with a young boy being told a bedtime story, immediately giving the reader a basic knowledge of the world in which the book is set, without a tedious and drawn-out explanation.
The world is Os-Veruh, it’s people: the Veniche. Ten years prior to the events in Dead and Buryd, the race known as the Adveni returned to reclaim the planet they left many years before - and when I say ‘reclaim’, I mean conquer and enslave - ruling through a combination of fear and superior technology.
One of the Adveni’s tools of the trade is the Lindbury Compound, a huge, sprawling prison complex where those who are perceived to be criminals are incarcerated until they’re sold into slavery, publicly executed, or quite simply, until they die within its walls. To the Veniche, being ‘buryd’ (taken to Lindbury), is a fate worse than death; murderers, rapists, and petty thieves, men and women, all left to their own devices other than a twice-daily roll-call when the Adveni guards come to round up the prisoners and dispose of the latest bodies.
Georgianna Lennox makes for a compelling main character. A spunky female heroine through and through, Gianna is not the sort to roll with the punches and hit back hard, instead her spunkiness comes from her unwavering honesty, and her desire to do what is right, regardless of the consequences. Throughout Dead and Buryd, her hopes and fears are laid bare - making her a character that readers can relate to as the storyline unfolds.
Due to her work as a Medic, Gianna sees parts of Lindbury reserved solely for it’s inmates and the Adveni guards - so when a childhood friend’s lover is taken, Gianna is the obvious person to keep an eye on her… until she disappears.
Rallying a handful of Veniche rebels known as the Belsa to help them, Gianna and her friend Taye send out a covert search party to find the missing woman. Drawing on their combined resources, and aided by information from an unlikely source, the group soon discover that they may well be in over their heads.
When their search uncovers more than they bargained for, and tension between the Veniche and the Adveni builds, Georgianna begins to wonder who she can really trust - even those closest to her heart...
The plot of Dead and Buryd is well thought out and solid, rife with subterfuge, intrigue, and treachery. Chele Cooke has done a magnificent job of creating a compelling tale which builds suspense, but at the same time is able to yank you onto the edge of your seat without warning.
As several storylines collide, Gianna finds herself caught in the middle of an intricate plot against the Adveni. Alone and conflicted, she realises that doing the right thing could be the death of her...
Reviewed for Bit'N Book Promoters
The world is Os-Veruh, it’s people: the Veniche. Ten years prior to the events in Dead and Buryd, the race known as the Adveni returned to reclaim the planet they left many years before - and when I say ‘reclaim’, I mean conquer and enslave - ruling through a combination of fear and superior technology.
One of the Adveni’s tools of the trade is the Lindbury Compound, a huge, sprawling prison complex where those who are perceived to be criminals are incarcerated until they’re sold into slavery, publicly executed, or quite simply, until they die within its walls. To the Veniche, being ‘buryd’ (taken to Lindbury), is a fate worse than death; murderers, rapists, and petty thieves, men and women, all left to their own devices other than a twice-daily roll-call when the Adveni guards come to round up the prisoners and dispose of the latest bodies.
Georgianna Lennox makes for a compelling main character. A spunky female heroine through and through, Gianna is not the sort to roll with the punches and hit back hard, instead her spunkiness comes from her unwavering honesty, and her desire to do what is right, regardless of the consequences. Throughout Dead and Buryd, her hopes and fears are laid bare - making her a character that readers can relate to as the storyline unfolds.
Due to her work as a Medic, Gianna sees parts of Lindbury reserved solely for it’s inmates and the Adveni guards - so when a childhood friend’s lover is taken, Gianna is the obvious person to keep an eye on her… until she disappears.
Rallying a handful of Veniche rebels known as the Belsa to help them, Gianna and her friend Taye send out a covert search party to find the missing woman. Drawing on their combined resources, and aided by information from an unlikely source, the group soon discover that they may well be in over their heads.
When their search uncovers more than they bargained for, and tension between the Veniche and the Adveni builds, Georgianna begins to wonder who she can really trust - even those closest to her heart...
The plot of Dead and Buryd is well thought out and solid, rife with subterfuge, intrigue, and treachery. Chele Cooke has done a magnificent job of creating a compelling tale which builds suspense, but at the same time is able to yank you onto the edge of your seat without warning.
As several storylines collide, Gianna finds herself caught in the middle of an intricate plot against the Adveni. Alone and conflicted, she realises that doing the right thing could be the death of her...
Reviewed for Bit'N Book Promoters
December 3, 2013
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
First Impression: The cover reminds me of Stephen King’s Dark Tower series – namely The Gunslinger. An interesting premise, and decent reviews – let’s find out.
Characters: Georgianna Lennox, a Veniche medic, works with the invading Adveni forces in order to bring healing to the masses imprisoned in Lyndbury Prison. When any infraction can land any race inside the compound, regardless of intent, Georgianna sees her service as homage to friends and family lost to the harsh Adveni invaders. I appreciate her tough female exterior, although her ‘relationship’ with Belsa Keiran leaves a lot to be desired. The characters all seem a bit tough, as the setting would call for. I’m hoping there’s a bit more development when the series continues.
World Building: I really felt like I was walking the compound with Georgianna, and it looked much like a city from “Dune” in my mind. I didn’t feel anything lacking, as the setting seems pretty straight-forward. I liked the migration from north to south depending on the season – this places the planet and its people at a time before technology. The Adveni start to implement their advanced technology upon arrival and a sort of industrial revolution is on the verge. That is, if the people can get out from under oppression.
Writing Style: Author Cooke understands her characters in this imagined world. As the reader, you are transported as you should be into the story. However, at times the story seemed to drag through lengthy descriptions of character movement. I would have liked to see some more plot development earlier on, as most of this book is about building history.
What I Liked: I enjoyed the relationships formed between Georgianna and the supporting characters. I look forward to seeing how her friendship with Edtroka the Adveni guard will develop. Also, she will eventually have to choose between the two main love interests (spoilers!)
Deal Benders: It’s a different thing to judge the first of a series than it is a novel. As the first in a series, “Dead and Buryd” does its job setting up a story. However, the parts that lag make it difficult to draw in all readers. A first installment should grab you by the throat and make you want the story to never end. Second installments are a better place to lag and set up for future story.
Overall Rating: I give this 3.5 stars because it is an interesting story, but lags a bit too much to say I really liked it. Definitely worth a read, but it will really have to step up the tempo to hold my interest in the next book.
First Impression: The cover reminds me of Stephen King’s Dark Tower series – namely The Gunslinger. An interesting premise, and decent reviews – let’s find out.
Characters: Georgianna Lennox, a Veniche medic, works with the invading Adveni forces in order to bring healing to the masses imprisoned in Lyndbury Prison. When any infraction can land any race inside the compound, regardless of intent, Georgianna sees her service as homage to friends and family lost to the harsh Adveni invaders. I appreciate her tough female exterior, although her ‘relationship’ with Belsa Keiran leaves a lot to be desired. The characters all seem a bit tough, as the setting would call for. I’m hoping there’s a bit more development when the series continues.
World Building: I really felt like I was walking the compound with Georgianna, and it looked much like a city from “Dune” in my mind. I didn’t feel anything lacking, as the setting seems pretty straight-forward. I liked the migration from north to south depending on the season – this places the planet and its people at a time before technology. The Adveni start to implement their advanced technology upon arrival and a sort of industrial revolution is on the verge. That is, if the people can get out from under oppression.
Writing Style: Author Cooke understands her characters in this imagined world. As the reader, you are transported as you should be into the story. However, at times the story seemed to drag through lengthy descriptions of character movement. I would have liked to see some more plot development earlier on, as most of this book is about building history.
What I Liked: I enjoyed the relationships formed between Georgianna and the supporting characters. I look forward to seeing how her friendship with Edtroka the Adveni guard will develop. Also, she will eventually have to choose between the two main love interests (spoilers!)
Deal Benders: It’s a different thing to judge the first of a series than it is a novel. As the first in a series, “Dead and Buryd” does its job setting up a story. However, the parts that lag make it difficult to draw in all readers. A first installment should grab you by the throat and make you want the story to never end. Second installments are a better place to lag and set up for future story.
Overall Rating: I give this 3.5 stars because it is an interesting story, but lags a bit too much to say I really liked it. Definitely worth a read, but it will really have to step up the tempo to hold my interest in the next book.
June 30, 2014
There is just this side of me that loves the dark side of fantasy reading and Chele Cooke’s Dead and Buryd had me from page one! A dystopian world is ruled by the conquerors who are brutally harsh, cold and vicious in their punishments for any transgressions, real or contrived. Those under the alien regime struggle to stay under the radar, but one woman has the courage to visit the prison to care for the inmates. Georgianna has seen her share of horrors, traveling from her home through underground tunnels in her journeys to help others. When a friend is sold into slavery and disappears, Georgianna is determined to free her. Could she be the start of a revolution for her people and the others living in fear or is there already an underground resistance swelling that just needs a “Joan of Arc” to follow? Must one woman give herself as a martyr to the cause of freedom and to keep her friends safe? A long “dead” love miraculously shows up, will her heart be revived, too or will she find that her current “friend with benefits” is finally showing his true feelings? Love, pain, loss and the bravery to face down the enemy describes book one, a solid foundation to this fantasy series that could become epic.
Chele Cooke’s writing is dark, gritty and unforced, she builds her world with care and fleshes it out as it unfolds. The pace picks up as the story takes on a life of its own as Ms. Cooke develops the character relationships, and leaves little question marks that are begging to be answered, hopefully soon in the next volume of this series!?! There is intrigue, danger, turmoil and unlikely heroes that will rise up from the oppressive world these characters live in, but will they all survive?
I received a review copy from Chele Cooke in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Out of Orbit - Book 1
Publication Date: October 5, 2013
Publisher: Chele Cooke
Genre: Adult Sci-fi
Print Length: 410 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Chele Cooke’s writing is dark, gritty and unforced, she builds her world with care and fleshes it out as it unfolds. The pace picks up as the story takes on a life of its own as Ms. Cooke develops the character relationships, and leaves little question marks that are begging to be answered, hopefully soon in the next volume of this series!?! There is intrigue, danger, turmoil and unlikely heroes that will rise up from the oppressive world these characters live in, but will they all survive?
I received a review copy from Chele Cooke in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Out of Orbit - Book 1
Publication Date: October 5, 2013
Publisher: Chele Cooke
Genre: Adult Sci-fi
Print Length: 410 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
September 9, 2016
Braedon (grandson) wanted Grandda Lyle Lennox (carver, carpenter, Beck’s BMF) to tell him a story about the ships for the up-teenth time.
The Veniche PPL lived on Os-Veruh (planet).
The sky watcher was watching to see if the meteor would hit the planet or sail on past it.
Adveni PPL would take over the planet.
Adveni punished the Veniche & would put them in the Lyndbury compound (Mykahnol).
Georgianna Lennox (26, Lyle’s daughter, Medic’s Way) to take care of the sick.
Edtroka (guard) made sure everything was safe/sound for her.
The inmates are: Owain, Jace, Vajra, & Ta Dao.
Marshall Beck Casey (leader of the Belsa, hunter, scout, Lyle’s BMF, Kahle) had a hit out on him.
Georgianna next stop was to meet with the Belsa (aka rat) rebels.
Georgianna had once taken care of Lacie Cormack (Beck’s adopted daughter) serious wounds.
Now the young female teen wanted to be a Medic’s Way also.
Jaid (Si’s wife) & Keinah (f, PG) were also Medics’ Way.
What do Georgianna “Gianna” (26, George) & Keiran Zanetti (30, Nerrin tribe, Wrench’s BMF, Bisexual) got going on?
The Adveni watched over the 100’s Veniche ready to be sold.
Keiran & Wrench were on the execution block in Javeknell Square.
Landon & Nyah Wolfe (23, Kahle) had almost been killed when Wrench tried to remove their tracking cinystalq neck collars.
Taye was dragged off to Lyndbury by Commander Maarqyn Guinnyr & the other Adveni.
What did Commander Guinnyr have planned for Georgianna?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written futuristic sci-fi book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great futuristic sci-fi fantasy movie, animated cartoon, or a mini TV series. It was just OK for me & seemed kind of long so I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Story Cartel; Self Published; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
The Veniche PPL lived on Os-Veruh (planet).
The sky watcher was watching to see if the meteor would hit the planet or sail on past it.
Adveni PPL would take over the planet.
Adveni punished the Veniche & would put them in the Lyndbury compound (Mykahnol).
Georgianna Lennox (26, Lyle’s daughter, Medic’s Way) to take care of the sick.
Edtroka (guard) made sure everything was safe/sound for her.
The inmates are: Owain, Jace, Vajra, & Ta Dao.
Marshall Beck Casey (leader of the Belsa, hunter, scout, Lyle’s BMF, Kahle) had a hit out on him.
Georgianna next stop was to meet with the Belsa (aka rat) rebels.
Georgianna had once taken care of Lacie Cormack (Beck’s adopted daughter) serious wounds.
Now the young female teen wanted to be a Medic’s Way also.
Jaid (Si’s wife) & Keinah (f, PG) were also Medics’ Way.
What do Georgianna “Gianna” (26, George) & Keiran Zanetti (30, Nerrin tribe, Wrench’s BMF, Bisexual) got going on?
The Adveni watched over the 100’s Veniche ready to be sold.
Keiran & Wrench were on the execution block in Javeknell Square.
Landon & Nyah Wolfe (23, Kahle) had almost been killed when Wrench tried to remove their tracking cinystalq neck collars.
Taye was dragged off to Lyndbury by Commander Maarqyn Guinnyr & the other Adveni.
What did Commander Guinnyr have planned for Georgianna?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written futuristic sci-fi book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great futuristic sci-fi fantasy movie, animated cartoon, or a mini TV series. It was just OK for me & seemed kind of long so I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Story Cartel; Self Published; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
October 25, 2015
This book was a bit confusing to start with, the first two chapters ('Days that's Came Before' and 'The Quarter Run') are actually prologue's - something I didn't realize. Anyway I enjoyed the way in which the history of the world was told through a bed-time story it helps the reader to understand better the kind of world that the characters were living in, it also introduced us to characters which we will meet again later in the book.
I liked this idea of Lyndbury it's a realistic idea 'just shove all the criminals together and forget about them' I am sure this has been suggested for various island over the years? I also thought that having slang 'buryd alive' made it feel more realistic as local slang is something that seem to naturally grow in the real world but is sometime forgotten about when it comes to creating new worlds.
The first few chapters of this book introduces us to a lot of different characters as our main character Georgianna seem to very well connected and knows people for every section of society. In these first few chapters I was slightly over whelmed by the number of characters we where being briefly introduced to, but later on all theses different character came back and their stories intertwined, this made me thankful for that first brief introductions.
It took me a while to get into this book as to start with there seem to be quite a few long descriptions of the history of different people and places. However by the time I was half way though I was hooked. This book is full of twists and turns, heart breaking moments and some intriguing characters (Edtroka). It also has a great ending what requires me to keep reading this series but also, I seem to have developed some strong feels (both for and against) some of these characters so I can't wait to see what happens to them later on in this series.
Review can also be found at : Hillsofbooks
I liked this idea of Lyndbury it's a realistic idea 'just shove all the criminals together and forget about them' I am sure this has been suggested for various island over the years? I also thought that having slang 'buryd alive' made it feel more realistic as local slang is something that seem to naturally grow in the real world but is sometime forgotten about when it comes to creating new worlds.
The first few chapters of this book introduces us to a lot of different characters as our main character Georgianna seem to very well connected and knows people for every section of society. In these first few chapters I was slightly over whelmed by the number of characters we where being briefly introduced to, but later on all theses different character came back and their stories intertwined, this made me thankful for that first brief introductions.
It took me a while to get into this book as to start with there seem to be quite a few long descriptions of the history of different people and places. However by the time I was half way though I was hooked. This book is full of twists and turns, heart breaking moments and some intriguing characters (Edtroka). It also has a great ending what requires me to keep reading this series but also, I seem to have developed some strong feels (both for and against) some of these characters so I can't wait to see what happens to them later on in this series.
Review can also be found at : Hillsofbooks
January 2, 2014
I won this book by Goodreads giveaways and I’m happy I did. Chele Cooke did a pretty good job writing this. I had never read a science-fiction book like it, but I haven’t read a lot of them. I liked the plot, the world-building.
The cover of the book is nice, not revealing too much, but meaningful nonetheless.
The characters are really well developed. I really feel like I know Georgianna, and even though I don’t agree with her sometimes, I understand her decisions.
Maybe the history could have been explained better. Some things are explained later in the book, but at the moment you read some things, you really wonder: Who is this? Where does this take place? Who were the Veniche and who were the Adveni again? Which one is Georgianna?
If the intent of the author is to make you wonder, then she really succeeded. But if not, maybe some things needed a little bit more explaining. And some things should have been repeated. There are a lot of newly invented names and it’s hard to remember who was who and what was what. So it was a little complicated, but after reading everything, I understand most of it. If I would read it again, I would understand everything better and I think I would like the book even better.
Even though it was a good book, I’m left with a lot of questions, but I guess that was intended, as it is really an open ending, preparing you for a second book, which I most certainly will read if and when it is published. I certainly hope it will.
The chapters are also pretty short, which I love. It’s perfect for me as I travel by train every day, so if chapters are long, I can’t finish them, but I could always read three or four chapters a day. That was really nice.
Finally, I can say this was a good book, certainly worth the while. I would recommend it to everybody who loves science-fiction, books about revolution and suppression.
The cover of the book is nice, not revealing too much, but meaningful nonetheless.
The characters are really well developed. I really feel like I know Georgianna, and even though I don’t agree with her sometimes, I understand her decisions.
Maybe the history could have been explained better. Some things are explained later in the book, but at the moment you read some things, you really wonder: Who is this? Where does this take place? Who were the Veniche and who were the Adveni again? Which one is Georgianna?
If the intent of the author is to make you wonder, then she really succeeded. But if not, maybe some things needed a little bit more explaining. And some things should have been repeated. There are a lot of newly invented names and it’s hard to remember who was who and what was what. So it was a little complicated, but after reading everything, I understand most of it. If I would read it again, I would understand everything better and I think I would like the book even better.
Even though it was a good book, I’m left with a lot of questions, but I guess that was intended, as it is really an open ending, preparing you for a second book, which I most certainly will read if and when it is published. I certainly hope it will.
The chapters are also pretty short, which I love. It’s perfect for me as I travel by train every day, so if chapters are long, I can’t finish them, but I could always read three or four chapters a day. That was really nice.
Finally, I can say this was a good book, certainly worth the while. I would recommend it to everybody who loves science-fiction, books about revolution and suppression.
December 14, 2016
Dead and Buryd is the first book of the Out of Orbit Series. The story is set on the planet Os-Veruth where, centuries ago, a comet was predicted to possibly destroy all life. Groups of people took air ships to look for other livable planets. One such group was the Adveni, who have recently returned to Os-Veruth to reclaim the planet from the Veniche, those who were left behind when the air ships fled. Being stronger and more technologically advanced, the Adveni have no trouble ruling over the Veniche once they arrive.
Trying to survive in the oppressive environment created when the Adveni returned to Os-Veruth, a 26 year old medic named Georgianna spreads herself thin trying to help as many people as possible while continuing to survive herself. She is one of the few medics willing to walk into Lyndbury Compound to treat those imprisoned by the Adveni. Once a Veniche is locked in the Lyndbury Compound, they are referred to as “buryd alive,” hence the book’s title. The majority of the substance to the story is in the second half, so I won’t touch on details, but the struggle of daily life among the Veniche is palpable throughout the book.
This was a bit of a slow read for me and took me a few days to finish. The story didn’t really pick up until around halfway through. The characters are interesting and believable but a bit flat. The most interesting part for me was the world itself and the conflict the story is based around. The concept of this book puts a new spin on an old plot. The second half of the story was very interesting and I had no trouble finishing it.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for this honest review.
For this review and more, please visit my blog at vicariousbookworm.wordpress.com
Trying to survive in the oppressive environment created when the Adveni returned to Os-Veruth, a 26 year old medic named Georgianna spreads herself thin trying to help as many people as possible while continuing to survive herself. She is one of the few medics willing to walk into Lyndbury Compound to treat those imprisoned by the Adveni. Once a Veniche is locked in the Lyndbury Compound, they are referred to as “buryd alive,” hence the book’s title. The majority of the substance to the story is in the second half, so I won’t touch on details, but the struggle of daily life among the Veniche is palpable throughout the book.
This was a bit of a slow read for me and took me a few days to finish. The story didn’t really pick up until around halfway through. The characters are interesting and believable but a bit flat. The most interesting part for me was the world itself and the conflict the story is based around. The concept of this book puts a new spin on an old plot. The second half of the story was very interesting and I had no trouble finishing it.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for this honest review.
For this review and more, please visit my blog at vicariousbookworm.wordpress.com
September 11, 2016
I won a free copy of this through the Goodreads giveaways.
This book starts off really well. The characters are fairly developed and the world is built for the reader in a very easy to imagine way. I got pulled in almost immediately and really enjoyed the first hundred pages or so.
The plot slows down quite a bit in the middle and I think some of the characters started to become cliches. Georgianna, in particular, has no true character flaws. Her biggest problem is that she is afraid of commitment. She is a great medic, an amazing friend, and devoted to her family. She can't say no to anyone in need, even if it means risking her own life for someone else. There is pretty much nothing wrong with her. If I met her in real life, I would be suspicious and wonder about her true motives(but I am suspicious by nature). I would have liked to have seen a little bit more humanness in her.
That said, the last hundred pages were very well done. The plot moves along quickly at this point and the reader is kept in enough suspense to keep turning the pages. I read this last bit in one sitting because I really wanted to see how it ended.
Overall, I enjoyed this and think that Chele Cook has a lot of potential. It took me a while to read mostly for external factors (full-time work, full-time school, book-club reading, and morning sickness). Don't be deceived by the three star rating (I rate tons of good books at 3 stars!)- if you like dystopian science fiction, this is worth a try! I look forward to seeing what this author does in the future!
This book starts off really well. The characters are fairly developed and the world is built for the reader in a very easy to imagine way. I got pulled in almost immediately and really enjoyed the first hundred pages or so.
The plot slows down quite a bit in the middle and I think some of the characters started to become cliches. Georgianna, in particular, has no true character flaws. Her biggest problem is that she is afraid of commitment. She is a great medic, an amazing friend, and devoted to her family. She can't say no to anyone in need, even if it means risking her own life for someone else. There is pretty much nothing wrong with her. If I met her in real life, I would be suspicious and wonder about her true motives(but I am suspicious by nature). I would have liked to have seen a little bit more humanness in her.
That said, the last hundred pages were very well done. The plot moves along quickly at this point and the reader is kept in enough suspense to keep turning the pages. I read this last bit in one sitting because I really wanted to see how it ended.
Overall, I enjoyed this and think that Chele Cook has a lot of potential. It took me a while to read mostly for external factors (full-time work, full-time school, book-club reading, and morning sickness). Don't be deceived by the three star rating (I rate tons of good books at 3 stars!)- if you like dystopian science fiction, this is worth a try! I look forward to seeing what this author does in the future!
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