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Confluence #5
Vengeance
Five years have passed since Darcy Eberhardt left Raub for dead on Ulream.
Darcy and her ragtag multispecies crew have used those years well, searching for her lost love, Adam, throughout the disreputable fringes of galactic society—though the odds are stacked against them. Along the way, they liberate the vulnerable and accumulate allies, some of them dubious. Meanwhile, Darcy continues to master her newfound powers in secret.
A cryptic message raises a ghost from the past to haunt her, forcing her to a crossroads that could lead to a reunion with Adam, or keep him forever beyond her reach.
Darcy and her ragtag multispecies crew have used those years well, searching for her lost love, Adam, throughout the disreputable fringes of galactic society—though the odds are stacked against them. Along the way, they liberate the vulnerable and accumulate allies, some of them dubious. Meanwhile, Darcy continues to master her newfound powers in secret.
A cryptic message raises a ghost from the past to haunt her, forcing her to a crossroads that could lead to a reunion with Adam, or keep him forever beyond her reach.
392 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2018
246 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Foehner Wells
18 books1,321 followersAs a child growing up in rural Illinois, I had the wild outdoors, a budding imagination, and books for company. My interest in science fiction was piqued early on when a family friend loaned me a Ray Bradbury compilation, among loads of other wonderful scifi books.
Learn more about Jen at:
www.jenthulhu.com
Learn more about Jen at:
www.jenthulhu.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
October 20, 2018
This is book #5 of a great series. I could see that this one was going for the long setup for a very overt anti-slavery theme. I know the author wanted this book to be one of the stronger books of the series, and her passion shines through. However, I didn't turn pages very quickly until the end. The book is full of emotions, picking up new friends, a hope of a rescue, disappointments, and other elements. I liked how the storyline mirrors the way real life seems to go; as Darcy is getting closer to reaching her goal, every other thing needs her attention and her surroundings are far from ideal. I also like that everyone doesn't get a happily-ever-after ending. Once again, the strong and capable female lead shines, and I'll read the next in the series because I must.
November 10, 2018
Bittersweet reunion
While vengeance is the main focus of the story it is only part of the tale. For Raub that is all he sees. Darcy assumed he was dead yet the Lovack's alien metabolism keynote him alive. Healed and augmented along with a brainwashed and augmented Adam, Raub plans his revenge.
Forced to fight her boyfriend as well as the mad alien hunter, the ending fight was a bit anti-climactic. While she bears Raub yet again she does not kill him... That is done by Raub's own sister. Adam brainwashed, confused and no longer fully human leaves her to find his own peace.
While this nicely wraps up book 3, Inheritance, I don't see how either off them add to the story. Hopefully book 6 will bring it all together as promised.
While vengeance is the main focus of the story it is only part of the tale. For Raub that is all he sees. Darcy assumed he was dead yet the Lovack's alien metabolism keynote him alive. Healed and augmented along with a brainwashed and augmented Adam, Raub plans his revenge.
Forced to fight her boyfriend as well as the mad alien hunter, the ending fight was a bit anti-climactic. While she bears Raub yet again she does not kill him... That is done by Raub's own sister. Adam brainwashed, confused and no longer fully human leaves her to find his own peace.
While this nicely wraps up book 3, Inheritance, I don't see how either off them add to the story. Hopefully book 6 will bring it all together as promised.
November 12, 2018
It took a while longer than I had anticipated getting to this book, and finishing it (curse you life!), but I’m glad I did. Another strong entry into Jennifer’s world building. Darcy is a good, strong female lead, and I’m glad we get to see more of her. Excellent reflection on slavery and racism.
I look forward to when the two main stores come together.
I look forward to when the two main stores come together.
January 3, 2019
Nice continuation of the Darcy storyline.
Fast paced and engaging. Quick weekend read. Explores Druidii powers and interspecies alliances with emphasis on cultural differences and value systems
Fast paced and engaging. Quick weekend read. Explores Druidii powers and interspecies alliances with emphasis on cultural differences and value systems
December 30, 2019
Wow - after stumbling a little in Valence (Confluence #4) Jennifer Foehner Wells comes back with a flourish in Vengeance (Confluence #5). I’ve mentioned before that what makes this series great is Wells’ ability to create believable characters who all interact with each other and those relationships is what this fifth book is all about.
Of the two protagonists, Darcy Eberhardt and Jane Holloway, Darcy is more about befriending, understanding, and teaming up with the various alien races they encounter. She uses her twin traits of emotional vulnerability and strength from her alien DNA to roam the galaxy freeing slaves while searching for her abducted boyfriend. You cannot help but cheer her on in both of these quests.
In the last book Wells seemed to stretch too far with an excess of aliens going in a dozen directions. In Vengeance Wells is back on tract focusing primarily on the characters we already know, introducing new ideas related to situations and people we have already read about, and delving much deeper into what makes each character who they are. Clearly the series is heading toward a conclusion and this book starts to bring plots and people together.
Darcy has all of the good and bad characteristics of what a human is all about. She is kind and caring and she makes great sacrifices to help others. At the same time, she is impatient, vengeful, and hard headed. She is really something all together different for the alien races to try to understand and appreciate. While humans in this series lag far behind most other species in technology, language, and space experience our novel ways of looking at the world, our new ideas, and our emotional energy make humanity something to take notice of.
Jennifer Foehner Wells has taken a hiatus from writing and Convergence (Confluence #6) has been delayed. While the series is by no means over, book five wraps up enough loose ends that the series can stand as currently written. Hopefully Wells will be back to writing soon.
Of the two protagonists, Darcy Eberhardt and Jane Holloway, Darcy is more about befriending, understanding, and teaming up with the various alien races they encounter. She uses her twin traits of emotional vulnerability and strength from her alien DNA to roam the galaxy freeing slaves while searching for her abducted boyfriend. You cannot help but cheer her on in both of these quests.
In the last book Wells seemed to stretch too far with an excess of aliens going in a dozen directions. In Vengeance Wells is back on tract focusing primarily on the characters we already know, introducing new ideas related to situations and people we have already read about, and delving much deeper into what makes each character who they are. Clearly the series is heading toward a conclusion and this book starts to bring plots and people together.
Darcy has all of the good and bad characteristics of what a human is all about. She is kind and caring and she makes great sacrifices to help others. At the same time, she is impatient, vengeful, and hard headed. She is really something all together different for the alien races to try to understand and appreciate. While humans in this series lag far behind most other species in technology, language, and space experience our novel ways of looking at the world, our new ideas, and our emotional energy make humanity something to take notice of.
Jennifer Foehner Wells has taken a hiatus from writing and Convergence (Confluence #6) has been delayed. While the series is by no means over, book five wraps up enough loose ends that the series can stand as currently written. Hopefully Wells will be back to writing soon.
May 19, 2019
I’m looking forward to the last book
I started to read this series based on a discounted offer from book pub. That sight will usually make a recommendation on a new series of books, some series suck but occasionally you find a gem. I started with Fluency, I found the description interesting and decided to give it a try. I really enjoyed Janes story, so I read the next book and then the third book began Darcy’s story. At first I was confused, I thought wait who is this Darcy, where is Jane? I don’t understand! But I read the story and towards the end Darcy and Jane connected in Darcy’s story. It’s an intellectual story, the books require you as the reader to think and consider.
I liked how this book focused on Darcy’s quest, it tells her story of searching for Adam and how even though she is a pacifist with the inclination to heal rather than harm, how she is able to use her abilities to save others and ultimately at the end of this story how the choice that she forced to make, a life for many, ends a dream of reuniting with a loved one.
She has had to make choices for the good of many and has become quite the vigilante. I look forward to seeing how her story and Janes comes back together for the finale and how Earths governments deal with Darcy and Jane.
I recommend this series for SciFi lovers. Especially if you admire strong feminine characters. Both Jane and Darcy are strong women who have had to take the position as a leader and to form their own community and make hard decisions. I don’t think that the novels are stand alone novels. You might be able to read Frequency and enjoy the story, but honestly I looked up the next novel and bought it as soon as I had finished the first.
I started to read this series based on a discounted offer from book pub. That sight will usually make a recommendation on a new series of books, some series suck but occasionally you find a gem. I started with Fluency, I found the description interesting and decided to give it a try. I really enjoyed Janes story, so I read the next book and then the third book began Darcy’s story. At first I was confused, I thought wait who is this Darcy, where is Jane? I don’t understand! But I read the story and towards the end Darcy and Jane connected in Darcy’s story. It’s an intellectual story, the books require you as the reader to think and consider.
I liked how this book focused on Darcy’s quest, it tells her story of searching for Adam and how even though she is a pacifist with the inclination to heal rather than harm, how she is able to use her abilities to save others and ultimately at the end of this story how the choice that she forced to make, a life for many, ends a dream of reuniting with a loved one.
She has had to make choices for the good of many and has become quite the vigilante. I look forward to seeing how her story and Janes comes back together for the finale and how Earths governments deal with Darcy and Jane.
I recommend this series for SciFi lovers. Especially if you admire strong feminine characters. Both Jane and Darcy are strong women who have had to take the position as a leader and to form their own community and make hard decisions. I don’t think that the novels are stand alone novels. You might be able to read Frequency and enjoy the story, but honestly I looked up the next novel and bought it as soon as I had finished the first.
September 3, 2018
Holy Gods... Jennifer Foehner Wells, that was GREAT!!! How do I review this awesome book? The thing is, Jennifer worked using a trope that I'm "so over", but actually did it so well, that not only did it work, it's now on my Favorite Books List!
Vengeance is all about Darcy. She works her magic and creates strong bonds with, and amongst her crew aboard the Vermachten, a crew that was once a motley asortment of slaves and guards, but now with bonds of loyalty, friendship, and trust (the best kind of magic)! Even 5 years later, Darcy is still on her-self imposed mission to find her missing love Adam (taken at the same time she was captured), and also to free as many slaves as possible... Following every lead she has available to her, and forcibly stopping every slaver she runs across, she accrues all of their wealth, and adds their ships to her ever growing fleet...
Darcy also finds Kuboderans, and man do I love these creatures!
Just GET the book, but only after you've read the others in the series first! (Or, at least book 3, where you meet Darcy for the first time). The stories are collectively, and individually, simply Amazing!
Vengeance is all about Darcy. She works her magic and creates strong bonds with, and amongst her crew aboard the Vermachten, a crew that was once a motley asortment of slaves and guards, but now with bonds of loyalty, friendship, and trust (the best kind of magic)! Even 5 years later, Darcy is still on her-self imposed mission to find her missing love Adam (taken at the same time she was captured), and also to free as many slaves as possible... Following every lead she has available to her, and forcibly stopping every slaver she runs across, she accrues all of their wealth, and adds their ships to her ever growing fleet...
Darcy also finds Kuboderans, and man do I love these creatures!
Just GET the book, but only after you've read the others in the series first! (Or, at least book 3, where you meet Darcy for the first time). The stories are collectively, and individually, simply Amazing!
February 13, 2019
A BLAST!
After reading five books of hers in a row, I am stomping at the bit for her next one in the CONFLUENCE series. Damn this woman can write! It just flows out of her like its the easiest thing to do.
I love sci fi so I am picky about what I rave. What is so unusual with JFWells is her adept handling of a wild variety of sci fi writing issues; she dives deep into the science of space travel, gene altering, martial arts, biological and mythological zones. Her imagination soars giddy with the alien species, their languages and characterizations. Feminism is potent in her space opera, with two strong female leads each leading two separate stories within the Confluence tale. I look forward to seeing how she brings these two storylines back together in her 6th novel of the series. Amazing job for a new sci fi writer! Bravo Jennifer!
Oddly enough, while reading these books, I have gotten into watching the beloved old FIREFLY tv series; the wild action and deep characterizations between these two art forms started to make my life into a crazy blend of the two. That is a fun way to spice up the work day hahaha.
After reading five books of hers in a row, I am stomping at the bit for her next one in the CONFLUENCE series. Damn this woman can write! It just flows out of her like its the easiest thing to do.
I love sci fi so I am picky about what I rave. What is so unusual with JFWells is her adept handling of a wild variety of sci fi writing issues; she dives deep into the science of space travel, gene altering, martial arts, biological and mythological zones. Her imagination soars giddy with the alien species, their languages and characterizations. Feminism is potent in her space opera, with two strong female leads each leading two separate stories within the Confluence tale. I look forward to seeing how she brings these two storylines back together in her 6th novel of the series. Amazing job for a new sci fi writer! Bravo Jennifer!
Oddly enough, while reading these books, I have gotten into watching the beloved old FIREFLY tv series; the wild action and deep characterizations between these two art forms started to make my life into a crazy blend of the two. That is a fun way to spice up the work day hahaha.
September 20, 2023
This was the easily the best Sci-fi series I have ever read and this was the final book. Every character is an imaginative wonder that was fun and interesting and the entire series was intelligently written. I don’t believe Ms. Wells has received nearly enough attention for this collection.
This series deals with alien life in so many different ways. For once, man and Earth is not the center of all things, and people are not necessarily the only compassionate beings in the universe. We’re also not the only ruthless or the most intelligent beings in the universe.
I know I should go more into a review of the stories themselves, but I fear it would be impossible for me to do justice to such complex word craft as the Confluence Series. Bravo Ms. Wells!
This series deals with alien life in so many different ways. For once, man and Earth is not the center of all things, and people are not necessarily the only compassionate beings in the universe. We’re also not the only ruthless or the most intelligent beings in the universe.
I know I should go more into a review of the stories themselves, but I fear it would be impossible for me to do justice to such complex word craft as the Confluence Series. Bravo Ms. Wells!
January 19, 2024
6 out of 10 may be? It is not a bad book by any means. The author built such a rich and interesting world in here first books , so it is hard not to read the books that follow. Even though that side series of the Darcy adventures doesn't move the story alone. And the characters themselves are not complex - heroes are heroes and villains are very obviously evil. But I guess that's how young adult sf books usually go.
I do not enjoy the very obvious lecture on slavery. I don't know why the author puts so much effort into that. Don't get me wrong slavery is evil, but do we need to be talked down about it in the science fiction book?
Overall it is a good series to pass the time. And may be the author gets better and we all can be back in the world.
I do not enjoy the very obvious lecture on slavery. I don't know why the author puts so much effort into that. Don't get me wrong slavery is evil, but do we need to be talked down about it in the science fiction book?
Overall it is a good series to pass the time. And may be the author gets better and we all can be back in the world.
January 7, 2025
The latest in the Confluence series has Darcy still in search of Adam, and learning that the foe she thought she’d defeated was still alive… and how these two separate things come together. Once I started reading, it was hard to stop. We get some answers... and even more questions.
I have to say, I love the diversity of these characters so much, and love even more the obvious scientific research that the author puts into developing them into more than cardboard cutouts. (Off topic, but... I couldn’t help picturing of G’Kar and Na’Toth from Babylon 5 for Raub and Raub’s sister, respectively.)
I have to say, I love the diversity of these characters so much, and love even more the obvious scientific research that the author puts into developing them into more than cardboard cutouts. (Off topic, but... I couldn’t help picturing of G’Kar and Na’Toth from Babylon 5 for Raub and Raub’s sister, respectively.)
October 18, 2024
"Vengeance" by Jennifer Foehner Wells is an absolute gem in the Confluence series. It's a gripping continuation that perfectly balances action, suspense, and deep character development. Wells has a knack for crafting intricate plots that keep you hooked from start to finish. The emotional depth and the complex interplay between the characters make it a standout.Fingers crossed for a Book 6—there's definitely more story to be told, and Wells never disappoints. Here's to hoping for more adventures in this captivating universe!
September 19, 2018
Another significant step in the imaginative saga. It does what fantasy and/or science fiction do best - reflecting indirectly upon what it means to be humans, individually and in community.
Subtle re-entry into the characters and narratives from the previous books; just relax gently into the flow without a heavy-handed recoup.
Fascinating character development and nice plot twists. OK, I'm ready for the next one!
Subtle re-entry into the characters and narratives from the previous books; just relax gently into the flow without a heavy-handed recoup.
Fascinating character development and nice plot twists. OK, I'm ready for the next one!
September 24, 2018
JFW always supplies the reader with a well-proportioned tale of strong characters, on both sides of the coin. Descriptions of the motives and reasoning of the characters drive the story and keep the reader enthralled and entertained. Secondary characters have roles that are relevant to telling the tale, and add to the spice of the overall plot. The storyline is something we need in this age of Trumpism and hope for the future. I'm looking forward to the next installment of the series.
November 9, 2018
Ridiculous
I can’t believe I read four of the books in this series. Though I guess it’s not reading when one skips whole chapters to avoid the blather.
It’s not that Jennifer Wells doesn’t write well, she does. The whole idea though of science fiction is that it offers a credible reality based on science. This series skips that completely and creates a universe that avoids any sense of reality.
I can’t believe I read four of the books in this series. Though I guess it’s not reading when one skips whole chapters to avoid the blather.
It’s not that Jennifer Wells doesn’t write well, she does. The whole idea though of science fiction is that it offers a credible reality based on science. This series skips that completely and creates a universe that avoids any sense of reality.
March 26, 2019
It's a series and I've read them all thus far. The first book was about Jane. The second book was about Jane. The third was about Darcy...which surprised and disappointed me. But then the fourth was about Jane again. I stalled on reading this one. I knew it was about Darcy and I was disappointed last time. But...this might be the best of the lot. #6 brings the two women together. I'm excited for that! Whenever it comes out.
August 21, 2019
Compelling Series
I greatly enjoyed all 5 books from this very talented writer and eagerly await the 6th. I have been a science fiction reader for many years and believe that I am quite discerning. Her books are wonderfully well written and, while sometimes a bit too involved, are compelling reads. No one will be disappointed, rather they will remain in the grips of well written stories.
I greatly enjoyed all 5 books from this very talented writer and eagerly await the 6th. I have been a science fiction reader for many years and believe that I am quite discerning. Her books are wonderfully well written and, while sometimes a bit too involved, are compelling reads. No one will be disappointed, rather they will remain in the grips of well written stories.
September 16, 2019
I am not happy...
Finished Vengence and no follow up until it’s been written, d’oh!
Since discovering these book I’ve been reading them back to back only to discover Jennifer hasn’t finished at her end, leaving me bereft...dear Jen, have you considered writing on the night shift...lol
All good though, and I’m glad I discovered the Confluence, gonna be really sad again though when I’ve completed the next volume and nowhere to go after... Loving the characters and the grand design.
Finished Vengence and no follow up until it’s been written, d’oh!
Since discovering these book I’ve been reading them back to back only to discover Jennifer hasn’t finished at her end, leaving me bereft...dear Jen, have you considered writing on the night shift...lol
All good though, and I’m glad I discovered the Confluence, gonna be really sad again though when I’ve completed the next volume and nowhere to go after... Loving the characters and the grand design.
November 30, 2020
Man... What a ride!
I was so looking forward to Darcy's final tale of tracking down her boyfriend Adam! I had to pause at several points because my blood pressure reached unhealthy levels! Jennifer Wells did an amazing job weaving a story filled with emotional turmoil, factual science-based prose, and mind-blowing space action sequences! I sincerely can't wait for Convergence to eventually be released!!!
I was so looking forward to Darcy's final tale of tracking down her boyfriend Adam! I had to pause at several points because my blood pressure reached unhealthy levels! Jennifer Wells did an amazing job weaving a story filled with emotional turmoil, factual science-based prose, and mind-blowing space action sequences! I sincerely can't wait for Convergence to eventually be released!!!
December 26, 2020
I wanted this to pick up where the previous book left off, but it didn't. Frustrating. And I can't find book six yet, so that's annoying. I am very invested in these characters and their mission to save the universe. It is a very addicting series, tons of fun to read, and full of concepts about what it means to be human that a re highly optimistic, but dear to my old heart. Read this in one day, starting a few minutes after completing book four. More! I want more!
Read
March 12, 2025Unfortunately Darcy's nemesis survived but is dead to Loveka. Darcy took over Vermachten, Raub's ship, and his financial empire. Using both she continues searching for Adam while taking down slavers and helps many species and peoples. Raub goes after Adam. Jane in the Speroancora finally leaves for earth and ends up just after Earth with Zara's assistance deal with a swarm. Raub's sister enters the equation. Having discovered Kubodera she helps them and the hymenoptera find homes.
March 12, 2025
Wrap up
Daddy's nemesis survived but is still dead to Loveka. Darcy owns Gerlach ten and the rest of Rahm's wealth. Using both she continues searching for Adam while taking down slavers and giving victims homes. Zara gets into space and is instrumental in earth defense. Jane Holloway and the Speroancora reach earth. Raub goes after Adam. Falrau, Raub's sister enters the equation. Kubodera and hymenoptera find homes.
Daddy's nemesis survived but is still dead to Loveka. Darcy owns Gerlach ten and the rest of Rahm's wealth. Using both she continues searching for Adam while taking down slavers and giving victims homes. Zara gets into space and is instrumental in earth defense. Jane Holloway and the Speroancora reach earth. Raub goes after Adam. Falrau, Raub's sister enters the equation. Kubodera and hymenoptera find homes.
September 23, 2018
Just umm wow
I rarely review books , and in the spirit of transparency, this will have to cover the first 5 books..... Just wow! Tightly written, well edited , well plotted. The only qualms that I have is that I have to wait for book 6. The clock is ticking Ms Foehner Wells! I thoroughly enjoyed these and look forward to many more captivAting stories 5 stars
I rarely review books , and in the spirit of transparency, this will have to cover the first 5 books..... Just wow! Tightly written, well edited , well plotted. The only qualms that I have is that I have to wait for book 6. The clock is ticking Ms Foehner Wells! I thoroughly enjoyed these and look forward to many more captivAting stories 5 stars
September 30, 2018
As the other books in the Confluence series, Vengeance is superb! Marvelous, detailed and fascinating creatures, learning to be crew, community and family. And lots of twists and turns along the way. If you haven't read any of Jennifer Foehner Wells' Confluence series, pick up Fluency and get going!
January 23, 2019
The book was of the same quality I've come to expect. The characters were interesting. The ending was...It left me feeling Raub had ultimately won because even in death he took from her what she wanted most.
The ending did not give me the victory I had hoped for Darcy. But maybe the next book will pull out a better ending.
The ending did not give me the victory I had hoped for Darcy. But maybe the next book will pull out a better ending.
April 24, 2019
Lots of fun, though without giving away too much I found the climax of the story disappointingly anti-climactic. otherwise I love Darcy’s character development and her role as the leader of a motley crew with a compassionate mission and a whole-hearted purpose. This is what happens when women write a sci-fi, it’s empathic and imaginative and I can’t get enough!
June 15, 2020
Confluence series is just the best!
The story about Darcy's growth and strengthening and character development is actually inspiring. Who doesn't love a heroine? The whole Confluence series is about two very strong women and I have enjoyed it immensely. Can't wait to read number six - Convergence
The story about Darcy's growth and strengthening and character development is actually inspiring. Who doesn't love a heroine? The whole Confluence series is about two very strong women and I have enjoyed it immensely. Can't wait to read number six - Convergence
August 14, 2020
Outstanding sci-fi. I love the strong female characters. Too many sci-fi are just remakes of old western. The interwoven plots and characters are exciting
I would recommend this book to any serious reader of sci-fi. The only depressing part is that all the aliens share all the degenerate characteristics if earth.
I would recommend this book to any serious reader of sci-fi. The only depressing part is that all the aliens share all the degenerate characteristics if earth.
November 25, 2020
What an amazing universe!
I've enjoyed the "Confluence" series. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes a well written space adventure. Jennifer keeps her readers engaged and anticipating the next twist of the story. Had more than a few "Didn't see that coming" moments. Don't miss this series! Hard to wait for the final Book, "Convergence".
I've enjoyed the "Confluence" series. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes a well written space adventure. Jennifer keeps her readers engaged and anticipating the next twist of the story. Had more than a few "Didn't see that coming" moments. Don't miss this series! Hard to wait for the final Book, "Convergence".
June 13, 2021
Great Read!!!
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Very thought provoking,,,, this book changed my views alot about dealing with other cultures and peoples. I firmly believe we'll be dealing with other beings from different worlds in the future. Books like this are good at explaining how we should interact with others in the years to come..... Can't wait to read more Ms. Wells.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Very thought provoking,,,, this book changed my views alot about dealing with other cultures and peoples. I firmly believe we'll be dealing with other beings from different worlds in the future. Books like this are good at explaining how we should interact with others in the years to come..... Can't wait to read more Ms. Wells.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews