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Division Zero #3
Thrall
Agent Kirsten Wren has her fair share of demons to deal with—and some are literal.
Despite discovering the world beyond death is more complicated than simple ghosts, she’s almost got her life in order. Her effort to adopt Evan appears to be on track, no one’s tried to kill her for a whole week, and most unbelievable of all, a billionaire is in love with her.
Kirsten’s bleak childhood has left her with great contempt for the wealthy and a deep mental scar that makes intimacy terrifying. Konstantin’s high-society world is not for her, but thoughts of leaving him make her physically ill.
A series of murders with ritualistic overtones leads her to suspect someone’s using paranormal means to destabilize the nation. Stuck between her tortured past, an even scarier future, and a government doubting her stories of the Abyss, she has a mere week to find the killer before all hell breaks loose.
However, the demons are far closer than she expects.
Despite discovering the world beyond death is more complicated than simple ghosts, she’s almost got her life in order. Her effort to adopt Evan appears to be on track, no one’s tried to kill her for a whole week, and most unbelievable of all, a billionaire is in love with her.
Kirsten’s bleak childhood has left her with great contempt for the wealthy and a deep mental scar that makes intimacy terrifying. Konstantin’s high-society world is not for her, but thoughts of leaving him make her physically ill.
A series of murders with ritualistic overtones leads her to suspect someone’s using paranormal means to destabilize the nation. Stuck between her tortured past, an even scarier future, and a government doubting her stories of the Abyss, she has a mere week to find the killer before all hell breaks loose.
However, the demons are far closer than she expects.
440 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2015
16 people are currently reading
231 people want to read
About the author
Matthew S. Cox
194 books266 followersBorn in a little town known as South Amboy NJ in 1973, Matthew has been creating science fiction and fantasy worlds for most of his reasoning life. Somewhere between fifteen to eighteen of them spent developing the world in which Division Zero, Virtual Immortality, and The Awakened Series take place. He has several other projects in the works as well as a collaborative science fiction endeavor with author Tony Healey.
Hobbies and Interests:
Matthew is an avid gamer, a recovered WoW addict, Gamemaster for two custom systems (Chronicles of Eldrinaath [Fantasy] and Divergent Fates [Sci Fi], and a fan of anime, British humour (<- deliberate), and intellectual science fiction that questions the nature of reality, life, and what happens after it.
He is also fond of cats.
Hobbies and Interests:
Matthew is an avid gamer, a recovered WoW addict, Gamemaster for two custom systems (Chronicles of Eldrinaath [Fantasy] and Divergent Fates [Sci Fi], and a fan of anime, British humour (<- deliberate), and intellectual science fiction that questions the nature of reality, life, and what happens after it.
He is also fond of cats.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 21, 2017
Many thanks to author Matthew Cox for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Goodreads Teaser:
Goodreads Teaser:
Agent Kirsten Wren could not be happier―all she had to do was send a few demons back to the Abyss.
Her life is as calm and normal as it has ever been. Corporate assassins have not tried to kill her for an entire week, her effort to adopt Evan appears to be going well, and a billionaire is smitten with her.
Alas, fitting in with Konstantin’s high-society crowd proves more awkward than she ever imagined and dredges up a memory best left forgotten. Two years spent living on the street have left her with nothing but disdain for the rich, contempt that sickens her with anxiety over a life with her new beau.
Bodies start turning up with strange withered faces and eerie onyx eyes, filling her with worry that a dark spirit slipped through her fingers despite lack of proof. With each powerful person making bizarre decisions that imperil the stability of the entire nation, her suspicion that something is wrong grows. When the government gives her a week to intercede before they assassinate one of their own diplomats, she knows a dark force is behind it.
Who or whatever summoned Charazu is still out there, and seems to know who she is―and who she loves.
The third installment in the entertaining Division Zero series maintains the same level of excitement found in the first two books. Agent Wren continues to intrigue and titillate. She continues to maintain her innocence of the world around her even as she fights entities never seen by the average Joe.
Wren's devotion to Evan, her young, waiting to be adopted, son is tangible. It adds a layer to her character and the story that is appreciated. The added depth shapes her into more than just your average heroine trying to squeak by in a world that is largely unfriendly to her and those like her. Not too mention Evan provides motivation she might otherwise have lacked.
This book closes some open questions, but at the same poses new questions and expands upon those as of yet unanswered questions. I also enjoyed the interplay between Wren and lesser characters, including dolls, ghosts, and living people. All told this was a quick, entertaining read - this far this series has managed to keep me intrigued and willing to come back for each future installment!
August 29, 2018
3rd installment of Division Zero and this author did not disappoint!
Kristen is letting a man date her sorta. He's extremely wealthy and charming and sometimes she's ok with being with him and other times not very comfortable because of his wealth. She gets little reminders of her childhood and leaving an abusive mother. So, although she's getting slightly better at trusting she's not completely there yet. She's falling for Konstantin. She is also going through getting custody of Evan which is taxing but so far going smoothly. Evan is sooo cute and funny and very supportive of what his mama does. He's wise beyond his age. He's fastly developing his own powers too which can be scary because he doesn't always understand being so young. In the end with all that happens will Kristen be enough to get custody and keep Evan?
I really like this series. I've liked every book so far and thats rare for me. I usually find something that doesnt mesh with me but nope! I'll be reading 4th and this was probably the longest book I've read and I can totally say more about it but alas I wont spoil it.
Kristen is letting a man date her sorta. He's extremely wealthy and charming and sometimes she's ok with being with him and other times not very comfortable because of his wealth. She gets little reminders of her childhood and leaving an abusive mother. So, although she's getting slightly better at trusting she's not completely there yet. She's falling for Konstantin. She is also going through getting custody of Evan which is taxing but so far going smoothly. Evan is sooo cute and funny and very supportive of what his mama does. He's wise beyond his age. He's fastly developing his own powers too which can be scary because he doesn't always understand being so young. In the end with all that happens will Kristen be enough to get custody and keep Evan?
I really like this series. I've liked every book so far and thats rare for me. I usually find something that doesnt mesh with me but nope! I'll be reading 4th and this was probably the longest book I've read and I can totally say more about it but alas I wont spoil it.
August 27, 2018
I feel a certain kinship with Kirsten.
Having faced my own personal struggles separating faith from rabid zealots. I understand the difficulty in learning to trust again. Despite many intangible moments of proof. Evil can use the same words and tools to bring doubt and harm. It becomes a very blurry line where what is right and wrong fall. We can only seek that which we know in our soul as truth for salvation. Even if it comes in unexpected forms.
Having faced my own personal struggles separating faith from rabid zealots. I understand the difficulty in learning to trust again. Despite many intangible moments of proof. Evil can use the same words and tools to bring doubt and harm. It becomes a very blurry line where what is right and wrong fall. We can only seek that which we know in our soul as truth for salvation. Even if it comes in unexpected forms.
April 26, 2017
I received a copy of this book from the author, Matthew Cox, for an honest review.
Cox does not disappoint. The first 2 books in the series were phenomenal and this was pushed it even further.
Kirsten is almost fearless. She is strong and even though she gets frightened she never stops fighting for what she believes in.
You also see how typical she is. When she falls for a man, she, like many, chooses to ignore her friends and her own senses and pursue what she wants. Even if it isn't for the best.
I found myself not wanting to put this book down because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I hope Matthew Cox has more plans for this series, because I did love this book.
Cox does not disappoint. The first 2 books in the series were phenomenal and this was pushed it even further.
Kirsten is almost fearless. She is strong and even though she gets frightened she never stops fighting for what she believes in.
You also see how typical she is. When she falls for a man, she, like many, chooses to ignore her friends and her own senses and pursue what she wants. Even if it isn't for the best.
I found myself not wanting to put this book down because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I hope Matthew Cox has more plans for this series, because I did love this book.
September 4, 2018
After spending the last two books a bit lonely (in the romance department) Kirsten is finally trying to open herself to learn and trust again and dating Konstantin. Although she does have a her moments when she finds herself uncomfortable in his world because it reminds her of a past she'd rather leave behind.
Kirsten is also going through the process of adopting Evan to officially become his parent, which for Evan couldn't be better. He is finally with a person he trusts and someone who understands him.
There's is so much more that I could say about this book, but I don't want to give away any spoilers. However, while there are some series you can read out of order and you won't really miss too much, this is not one of those series. If you haven't read the first two I would highly recommend doing so before continuing to get the full extent of the characters and the story.
Kirsten is also going through the process of adopting Evan to officially become his parent, which for Evan couldn't be better. He is finally with a person he trusts and someone who understands him.
There's is so much more that I could say about this book, but I don't want to give away any spoilers. However, while there are some series you can read out of order and you won't really miss too much, this is not one of those series. If you haven't read the first two I would highly recommend doing so before continuing to get the full extent of the characters and the story.
September 7, 2018
Kirsten is still at, things seem to be going well for her. Adoption process is coming along, there's a hot guy who likes her, no attacks in a few weeks.....but all good things must come to an end. Now dead bodies are showing up ad they look don't look like they should!!! You definitely have to keep reading this series. I was just as hooked on this one as the first two, you won't be disappointed.
June 17, 2022
Cox blends demonology and cybernetics with social commentary to produce a story that provides both accessibility and depth.
This novel is volume three in the Division Zero series. The author accepts no liability for mnemonic contamination to readers proceeding past this point.
Agent Kirsten Wren should be happy: her adoption of Evan is proceeding smoothly; Konstantin, the billionaire who helped her dismiss a demon, is politely but determinedly wooing her; and no one has tried to kill her for an entire week. However – while she’s shed the trauma of her abusive mother – the heights of society to which Konstantin introduces her bring back memories of her time living on the streets, and the disdain for the rich that went with them. Already struggling to choose between a man she loves and a world she doesn’t hate, she discovers that the dark forces that unleashed the demon have subverted a diplomat; and that she only has one week to foil their plot before the government excise the potential liability.
Building on the metaphysical revelations of the previous volumes, Cox continues his exploration of a world containing both high-technology and the occult. However, with a significant area of the mystical framework already revealed in the previous book, Kirsten’s impressive psionic powers and their possible source are more of a tool than a plot thread, making the book feel closer to classic cyberpunk than some of Cox’s other work – even with the demonological threat rising.
As with his other works, Cox runs plausible threads of day-to-day life alongside those of preternatural conspiracy. In this case, juggling work commitments, dating, and providing a good home for a growing boy.
With Konstantin both a boyfriend and a possible target of the occult conspiracy, and Evan’s psionic powers developing, these threads cross and recross, providing Kristen both unexpected assistance and more complex issues.
Kirsten continues to be a sympathetic and nuanced protagonist. Her struggle to balance her like for Konstantin with her dislike of the world of ultra-wealthy society is likely to resonate with any reader whose partner has friends, family, or colleagues they don’t get on with. And her memories of her childhood after she ran from her mother are filled with nuance: with hindsight, some of the things she did to survive seem traumatic, but if they didn’t seem that way at the time should she reject the judgement of society that labels them so? Throughout her struggles, her love for Evan and her belief in justice provide plausible support.
The supporting cast, both old and new, are equally complex. Konstantin develops as a considerate and patient almost-boyfriend, yet also displays enough hints of the ruthlessness and self-entitlement that can come with wielding great wealth to not seem a virtuous cipher. Evan’s growing powers saddle him with truths he lacks the experience to express, creating the image of normal childhood chaos dialled up to eleven. The authorities are the same mix of compassion, pragmatism, and bureaucratic self-interest they are in the real world. And those with strong world-views, whether scientific or spiritual, are each a unique blend of tolerance and dogmatism.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel greatly. I recommend it to readers who enjoy cyberpunk thrillers or urban fantasy.
I received a free copy from the author with a request for a fair review.
This novel is volume three in the Division Zero series. The author accepts no liability for mnemonic contamination to readers proceeding past this point.
Agent Kirsten Wren should be happy: her adoption of Evan is proceeding smoothly; Konstantin, the billionaire who helped her dismiss a demon, is politely but determinedly wooing her; and no one has tried to kill her for an entire week. However – while she’s shed the trauma of her abusive mother – the heights of society to which Konstantin introduces her bring back memories of her time living on the streets, and the disdain for the rich that went with them. Already struggling to choose between a man she loves and a world she doesn’t hate, she discovers that the dark forces that unleashed the demon have subverted a diplomat; and that she only has one week to foil their plot before the government excise the potential liability.
Building on the metaphysical revelations of the previous volumes, Cox continues his exploration of a world containing both high-technology and the occult. However, with a significant area of the mystical framework already revealed in the previous book, Kirsten’s impressive psionic powers and their possible source are more of a tool than a plot thread, making the book feel closer to classic cyberpunk than some of Cox’s other work – even with the demonological threat rising.
As with his other works, Cox runs plausible threads of day-to-day life alongside those of preternatural conspiracy. In this case, juggling work commitments, dating, and providing a good home for a growing boy.
With Konstantin both a boyfriend and a possible target of the occult conspiracy, and Evan’s psionic powers developing, these threads cross and recross, providing Kristen both unexpected assistance and more complex issues.
Kirsten continues to be a sympathetic and nuanced protagonist. Her struggle to balance her like for Konstantin with her dislike of the world of ultra-wealthy society is likely to resonate with any reader whose partner has friends, family, or colleagues they don’t get on with. And her memories of her childhood after she ran from her mother are filled with nuance: with hindsight, some of the things she did to survive seem traumatic, but if they didn’t seem that way at the time should she reject the judgement of society that labels them so? Throughout her struggles, her love for Evan and her belief in justice provide plausible support.
The supporting cast, both old and new, are equally complex. Konstantin develops as a considerate and patient almost-boyfriend, yet also displays enough hints of the ruthlessness and self-entitlement that can come with wielding great wealth to not seem a virtuous cipher. Evan’s growing powers saddle him with truths he lacks the experience to express, creating the image of normal childhood chaos dialled up to eleven. The authorities are the same mix of compassion, pragmatism, and bureaucratic self-interest they are in the real world. And those with strong world-views, whether scientific or spiritual, are each a unique blend of tolerance and dogmatism.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel greatly. I recommend it to readers who enjoy cyberpunk thrillers or urban fantasy.
I received a free copy from the author with a request for a fair review.
August 6, 2015
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review).
(This review may contain spoilers).
Having read about Division 0 (and Kirsten) already, I was really happy to have the opportunity to read the latest book in the Division 0 series.
I was really pleased to be able to see the characters from previous books. It was particularly interesting to see Shani and her mother. I liked the fact that Shani and Evan were friends, even though Shani's so much younger than Evan. And there were times I really felt deeply for Evan through this book. It can't be easy having a mother working as a police officer... more so in that her hours could have proved detrimental to her trying to adopt him. The fact that he was so understanding came across really well; and it was good he didn't consider himself 'too old' for displays of affection.
There were times when I thought Kirsten didn't come across as the same strong character that she had been in the previous books. Although it did all make sense by the end, I still found myself getting frustrated with her at times... which probably goes to show just how emotionally invested I was in the book.
Being able to learn more about Kirsten's past was good, even though it made me sad to know more about the awful things she experienced. What was also good was how she didn't let those experiences turn her hard and cold. There was still the strong sense that she cared about people... even people who couldn't understand/hated what she could do. (I found myself getting more angry than Kirsten did at some of the attitudes she had to deal with).
There was one scene in particular that seemed to jump ahead in time, which proved to be very confusing, since one chapter, I was in one place... the next, back at Kirsten's apartment, with no detail of what went on in between.
I really liked seeing more of Dorian and it was good to see him so protective of Kirsten. I also really liked Skittles' character. It would be good to see more of her in later books.
I'm hoping there'll be more in this series in the near future. It would be good to see more of Kirsten and how she's evolving as a character.
(This review may contain spoilers).
Having read about Division 0 (and Kirsten) already, I was really happy to have the opportunity to read the latest book in the Division 0 series.
I was really pleased to be able to see the characters from previous books. It was particularly interesting to see Shani and her mother. I liked the fact that Shani and Evan were friends, even though Shani's so much younger than Evan. And there were times I really felt deeply for Evan through this book. It can't be easy having a mother working as a police officer... more so in that her hours could have proved detrimental to her trying to adopt him. The fact that he was so understanding came across really well; and it was good he didn't consider himself 'too old' for displays of affection.
There were times when I thought Kirsten didn't come across as the same strong character that she had been in the previous books. Although it did all make sense by the end, I still found myself getting frustrated with her at times... which probably goes to show just how emotionally invested I was in the book.
Being able to learn more about Kirsten's past was good, even though it made me sad to know more about the awful things she experienced. What was also good was how she didn't let those experiences turn her hard and cold. There was still the strong sense that she cared about people... even people who couldn't understand/hated what she could do. (I found myself getting more angry than Kirsten did at some of the attitudes she had to deal with).
There was one scene in particular that seemed to jump ahead in time, which proved to be very confusing, since one chapter, I was in one place... the next, back at Kirsten's apartment, with no detail of what went on in between.
I really liked seeing more of Dorian and it was good to see him so protective of Kirsten. I also really liked Skittles' character. It would be good to see more of her in later books.
I'm hoping there'll be more in this series in the near future. It would be good to see more of Kirsten and how she's evolving as a character.
May 31, 2016
Finding Happiness?
••• NOT for the Transphobic, Homophobic, or Closedminded •••
As far as I am concerned the books of this series and Virtual Immortality are so closely linked the NEED to be read together!!!
This series must be read in order. The first book is Into The Beneath. The second book is Virtual Immortality. The third book is Division Zero. The fourth book is Loose Ends. The fifth book is Division Zero: Lex De Mortuis. This is the sixth book. I can't wait to read Maestro's Requiem (short) and then Division Zero: Guardian when it releases!
Kirsten *should* be ecstatic... She has her son Evan (hopefully soon to be legally adopted). She has her (ghost) partner and best friend Dorian. She has new friends and even an amazing and rich boyfriend Konstantin. Everything she has ever wanted is right there within her grasp! Why is she so stressed and unsettled? What keeps making her physically ill? It can't possibly just be work after all! So what if she met a Seraphim? Why are Demons and Abyssals influencing people to make 180° decisions? Who is behind it and what do they hope to accomplish? Will anyone ever believe that is what's happening? Why does she keep feeling like her world is unravelling? Can't she just be happy?
***This series is suitable for adult readers who enjoy dystopian futuristic sci-fi with plenty of intrigue set in a post postapocalyptal world where nothing is as it seems and the paranormal vies with advanced science for control of the world :)
••• NOT for the Transphobic, Homophobic, or Closedminded •••
As far as I am concerned the books of this series and Virtual Immortality are so closely linked the NEED to be read together!!!
This series must be read in order. The first book is Into The Beneath. The second book is Virtual Immortality. The third book is Division Zero. The fourth book is Loose Ends. The fifth book is Division Zero: Lex De Mortuis. This is the sixth book. I can't wait to read Maestro's Requiem (short) and then Division Zero: Guardian when it releases!
Kirsten *should* be ecstatic... She has her son Evan (hopefully soon to be legally adopted). She has her (ghost) partner and best friend Dorian. She has new friends and even an amazing and rich boyfriend Konstantin. Everything she has ever wanted is right there within her grasp! Why is she so stressed and unsettled? What keeps making her physically ill? It can't possibly just be work after all! So what if she met a Seraphim? Why are Demons and Abyssals influencing people to make 180° decisions? Who is behind it and what do they hope to accomplish? Will anyone ever believe that is what's happening? Why does she keep feeling like her world is unravelling? Can't she just be happy?
***This series is suitable for adult readers who enjoy dystopian futuristic sci-fi with plenty of intrigue set in a post postapocalyptal world where nothing is as it seems and the paranormal vies with advanced science for control of the world :)
June 3, 2016
I received a copy of this book from the Author. I had read the previous books in this series and needed to read this one.
Kirsten, Evan, and Dorian: they are the life blood of this story. The author takes us into their minds. The reader live their lives, and yes, you may even get upset at some of their actions but hold on till they end because there are twists aplenty and your guesses will most likely be wrong; mine were. This book is called dystopian but it has many genres mixed in including sci-fi, romance, suspense, and thriller.
This book is an example of what a well written story should be. The writing is clear and intelligent. The story moves at an amazing pace but never tries to overwhelm the reader with excessive wordage. Scenes, backing characters, psionic abilities, ghosts, and more, are all made more than believable.
I really enjoyed this book and the whole series. I recommend you treat yourself to fantastic trip into a future that may come true depending on the direction of Election 2016
Kirsten, Evan, and Dorian: they are the life blood of this story. The author takes us into their minds. The reader live their lives, and yes, you may even get upset at some of their actions but hold on till they end because there are twists aplenty and your guesses will most likely be wrong; mine were. This book is called dystopian but it has many genres mixed in including sci-fi, romance, suspense, and thriller.
This book is an example of what a well written story should be. The writing is clear and intelligent. The story moves at an amazing pace but never tries to overwhelm the reader with excessive wordage. Scenes, backing characters, psionic abilities, ghosts, and more, are all made more than believable.
I really enjoyed this book and the whole series. I recommend you treat yourself to fantastic trip into a future that may come true depending on the direction of Election 2016
May 10, 2015
Was ok. Would have been better if she figured the mind compulsion thing Konstantin had on her sooner and the plot spent more time on Kirsten hunting him rather then having such a slow wind up to a fast resolve in a blur of action.
Hope Kirsten will get to enjoy herself a bit with Sam. Was a bit tired of a lack of proper romantic interest since Dorian is a ghost and to a reader it was obvious Konstantin was manipulating her from the start.
Overall it's a great concept of the urban fantasy/science fiction genre.
Hope it keeps improving in the future :)
Hope Kirsten will get to enjoy herself a bit with Sam. Was a bit tired of a lack of proper romantic interest since Dorian is a ghost and to a reader it was obvious Konstantin was manipulating her from the start.
Overall it's a great concept of the urban fantasy/science fiction genre.
Hope it keeps improving in the future :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2015
I have just finished the third book in the Division Zero series and I am eagerly awaitiing the next book. It is a fantastic series with the characters of Kirsten and Evan with their ghost friend Dorian, which is a science fiction that is set into the future.
June 5, 2015
A great series and fun features. I like the world they're in and love Dorian, the ghost!
*I received a copy from net galley in exchange for an honest review.
*I received a copy from net galley in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2021
En-Thralled!
Thrills chills some nasty demons and one really creepy Russian. Agent Wren has her hands full but wins the day with some help from friends. Entertaining and just plane fun. Thank you Matthew!
Thrills chills some nasty demons and one really creepy Russian. Agent Wren has her hands full but wins the day with some help from friends. Entertaining and just plane fun. Thank you Matthew!
May 14, 2015
I had trouble connecting with the characters.
I really didn’t like Kirsten when she was with Konstantin.
Unfortunately I couldn’t get really interested in the book, which was a shame.
Book provided via Netgalley.
I really didn’t like Kirsten when she was with Konstantin.
Unfortunately I couldn’t get really interested in the book, which was a shame.
Book provided via Netgalley.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews