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Clouds and Earth
The Long War changed everything. For Lt. First Class Sandy Attiyeh, the peace she helped create seems to be working for everyone but her. This new world is so…well, so dull.
With her commanding officer keeping her at arm’s length, citing her rather unpredictable temperament, Sandy is willing prey for Lyndon Hamilton, CEO of Hamilton InfoSec, who needs someone to engage in a little corporate espionage. He offers good pay, interesting work, and excitement. Perfect.
But when Sandy’s face starts to show up on activists’ pamphlets, and rumours begin to circle regarding her alleged war crimes, any hopes she had of a future in the civilian world begin to unravel. Unable to escape Hamilton’s twisted ambitions, Sandy, caught between her old comrades and her new employer, must find a way to save the peace she gave everything for.
Clouds and Earth is the first instalment in The Peace Outside trilogy and is a dark and thrilling tale of intrigue and espionage set in the data-driven world of tomorrow. Startling and prescient in equal measure, it is a must-read for fans of sci-fi and contemporary fiction alike.
With her commanding officer keeping her at arm’s length, citing her rather unpredictable temperament, Sandy is willing prey for Lyndon Hamilton, CEO of Hamilton InfoSec, who needs someone to engage in a little corporate espionage. He offers good pay, interesting work, and excitement. Perfect.
But when Sandy’s face starts to show up on activists’ pamphlets, and rumours begin to circle regarding her alleged war crimes, any hopes she had of a future in the civilian world begin to unravel. Unable to escape Hamilton’s twisted ambitions, Sandy, caught between her old comrades and her new employer, must find a way to save the peace she gave everything for.
Clouds and Earth is the first instalment in The Peace Outside trilogy and is a dark and thrilling tale of intrigue and espionage set in the data-driven world of tomorrow. Startling and prescient in equal measure, it is a must-read for fans of sci-fi and contemporary fiction alike.
252 pages, Paperback
Published November 9, 2018
3 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 21, 2019
Clouds and Earth is the first instalment of the trilogy The Piece Outside by Sayde Scarlett. It is the post-apocalyptic story of a war heroine, Lieutenant Alisande Attiyeh, who survived the Long War against terrorists. In time of peace, Sandy, like everyone calls her, suffers from PSTD and struggles to have a life. She feels restless, alone, unless to the point of being bored, while her boss Murro wishes the heroine would resign given that she cannot fire her. And that when the story takes a twist dragging down Sandy into a spiral. Is she a hacker? Is she conspiring against the state?
I devoured this novel in three days because I could not stop turning the pages to find out more and I felt sorry when I finally finished it because it was over too soon. Not many books leave me with this sensation and they are usually my favourite stories. Clouds and Earth is a science fiction novel written by a woman with a woman as the main character. We need more books like this one, where women are not just a parenthesis for the main male hero. But Sayde Scarlett goes beyond that and does relay us only a female main character but also a plausible one. Sandy seems real. she’s rich, kickass and a pretty gal but she’s not perfect, far from it. She has many flaws and we see most of them. Hopefully, we will see more in the other instalments, which I certainly will be reading.
Reviewed for Readers' Favorite
I devoured this novel in three days because I could not stop turning the pages to find out more and I felt sorry when I finally finished it because it was over too soon. Not many books leave me with this sensation and they are usually my favourite stories. Clouds and Earth is a science fiction novel written by a woman with a woman as the main character. We need more books like this one, where women are not just a parenthesis for the main male hero. But Sayde Scarlett goes beyond that and does relay us only a female main character but also a plausible one. Sandy seems real. she’s rich, kickass and a pretty gal but she’s not perfect, far from it. She has many flaws and we see most of them. Hopefully, we will see more in the other instalments, which I certainly will be reading.
Reviewed for Readers' Favorite
April 15, 2019
This book is an engaging and intriguing read. This is a very different type of story from a lot of the other stuff I've seen on the market. I thought the plot was well-executed despite being non-linear. Towards the second half of the book, the main plot and the subplot weave together well and in a way I didn't predict. I did not see the twist at the end coming at all. This story is original and novel if a little unsettling and uncomfortable at times.
Did I like the characters? Not really. I liked Massi and his arc but the other characters are morally ambiguous but that also adds authenticity to the book. From what I've seen the author say about the book, that was obviously deliberate. I follow the author on twitter and she has previously made a good point about people with mental illnesses not being likeable people. That's very true. This book contains a depiction of PTSD that came across as uncomfortably accurate for me as someone who has been around people who have experienced trauma. In the third chapter, the main character experiences a gradual sensory overload and loses control, that was really very well done.
I have my guesses about who is the real big bad and the reason I will definitely be picking up the next two books is to see if those theories are true. This book contains a lot of nuance, as other reviewers have said. It's wrong to judge a story solely on the first book in a trilogy.
I prefer books where the characters are not all black and white/good or bad. If you're someone who wants immediate satisfaction or who can only handle very bland simple storytelling - this is not the book for you. This is more of a slow-burner. If you're into John Green's inauthentic depictions of serious illness or Ernest Cline's zero-calorie pulp - this is not the book for you either.
Did I like the characters? Not really. I liked Massi and his arc but the other characters are morally ambiguous but that also adds authenticity to the book. From what I've seen the author say about the book, that was obviously deliberate. I follow the author on twitter and she has previously made a good point about people with mental illnesses not being likeable people. That's very true. This book contains a depiction of PTSD that came across as uncomfortably accurate for me as someone who has been around people who have experienced trauma. In the third chapter, the main character experiences a gradual sensory overload and loses control, that was really very well done.
I have my guesses about who is the real big bad and the reason I will definitely be picking up the next two books is to see if those theories are true. This book contains a lot of nuance, as other reviewers have said. It's wrong to judge a story solely on the first book in a trilogy.
I prefer books where the characters are not all black and white/good or bad. If you're someone who wants immediate satisfaction or who can only handle very bland simple storytelling - this is not the book for you. This is more of a slow-burner. If you're into John Green's inauthentic depictions of serious illness or Ernest Cline's zero-calorie pulp - this is not the book for you either.
January 29, 2019
I really loved this book. I found it profoundly moving. It is a fast paced story and we move through the plot quickly with the protagonist's devastating backstory revealed in the chapters in the middle and towards the end of the book.
The part where Sandy's in the vertical farms is insanely good writing. I had to put the book down and stop reading for a while after the left me in tears. I can't remember being moved by a chapter in a book that much in ages.
One of the things I especially liked was the fact that this book subverts a lot of typical sci-fi tropes. I was genuinely surprised. I found the author's take on what the future will look like and how new technology blends seamlessly into the character's lives very interesting.
I don't think this book will do well, though. Sci-fi tropes exist because people like them and the author in C&E turns a lot of them on their head. There are also plenty of grizzled, alcoholic but brilliant, detectives types in fiction but not many damaged but competent female heroes. I don't think people like seeing that type of female character.
I must admit it took me a while to warm to Sandy but after I did I thought she was just a really great but unusual protagonist. I would definitely pick up the next two books. It's always a good sign of a Trilogy when your curiosity is piqued enough to want to know what happens next.
I was given an ARC directly by the author in exchange for an honest, impartial review.
The part where Sandy's in the vertical farms is insanely good writing. I had to put the book down and stop reading for a while after the left me in tears. I can't remember being moved by a chapter in a book that much in ages.
One of the things I especially liked was the fact that this book subverts a lot of typical sci-fi tropes. I was genuinely surprised. I found the author's take on what the future will look like and how new technology blends seamlessly into the character's lives very interesting.
I don't think this book will do well, though. Sci-fi tropes exist because people like them and the author in C&E turns a lot of them on their head. There are also plenty of grizzled, alcoholic but brilliant, detectives types in fiction but not many damaged but competent female heroes. I don't think people like seeing that type of female character.
I must admit it took me a while to warm to Sandy but after I did I thought she was just a really great but unusual protagonist. I would definitely pick up the next two books. It's always a good sign of a Trilogy when your curiosity is piqued enough to want to know what happens next.
I was given an ARC directly by the author in exchange for an honest, impartial review.
January 30, 2019
I love this book, and can't wait to find out what happens next.
It feels transgressive somehow to have a female heroine that is kind of messed up and brutally efficient. If you like your heroines meek, romantic and one dimensional, give this one a miss.
Sandy is not like other fictional women - but she's more representative of the REAL women than anything I've read in a long time. The gritty complexity of this lead character makes Clouds and Earth a little jarring to read to begin with - but if you stick with it, you'll come to love the depth of this character.
I'm not usually a sci-fi reader, but I recognised our own world in this story. I read it as a warning. This book takes you outside of your comfort zone in so many important ways; read it.
It feels transgressive somehow to have a female heroine that is kind of messed up and brutally efficient. If you like your heroines meek, romantic and one dimensional, give this one a miss.
Sandy is not like other fictional women - but she's more representative of the REAL women than anything I've read in a long time. The gritty complexity of this lead character makes Clouds and Earth a little jarring to read to begin with - but if you stick with it, you'll come to love the depth of this character.
I'm not usually a sci-fi reader, but I recognised our own world in this story. I read it as a warning. This book takes you outside of your comfort zone in so many important ways; read it.
November 27, 2018
Sayde Scarlett's debut novel is a masterpiece. Her writing style is both elegant and nuanced, and she knows how to craft a story that will appeal to a wide audience. This is a must-read for science fiction fans especially, who will appreciate Scarlett's masterful world-building.
Clouds and Earth pulls you in from the beginning and will keep you turning the pages until the very end. I can't wait for the second book!
Clouds and Earth pulls you in from the beginning and will keep you turning the pages until the very end. I can't wait for the second book!
April 4, 2019
CLOUDS & EARTH was a solid sci fi story. I was sincerely invested in the story and Sandy's quest. She's a good soldier, a classic character in spy and action flicks, and here she is as cool and tough under pressure as expected. I loved Muro and Natalia as characters. I found myself utterly disinterested in Massi and his attraction to Natalia, and wished she was the point-of-view character, as she is intensely more interesting. I was heavily invested in most of the plot, but found myself wishing it was a standalone. Overall, I enjoyed this novel a lot.
April 5, 2019
This is the first of a trilogy by Sayde Scarlett, and I am very excited to see where it goes.
I’m a huge fan of kick ass heroines and if you are too, I highly recommend picking up this book. It follows one such heroine through a post-apocalyptic world and is a fast paced read. I cruised though this book on spring break and am excited for the sequel!
Again, great read and so thankful to JKS Communications for sending it my way!
I’m a huge fan of kick ass heroines and if you are too, I highly recommend picking up this book. It follows one such heroine through a post-apocalyptic world and is a fast paced read. I cruised though this book on spring break and am excited for the sequel!
Again, great read and so thankful to JKS Communications for sending it my way!
April 28, 2019
Really good read. Sandy is an amazing heroine and the entire cast of characters make for a fast paced story that keeps you guessing right until the end. Finished the book in record time and looking forward to the next instalment. Buy and read this book!
March 31, 2019
I surrender.
Plot: the events that make up a story, or the main part of a story.
What the hell is the plot?
Sandy, a former soldier of the Long War, is suffering from PTSD and is having a difficult time assimilating into civilian life.
She is offered a job by an entrepreneur to hack into his competitors data base.
To prove her worth Sandy hacked into the city's power grid causing a temporary blackout.
So she's a master hacker?
A backstory? No?
"I lose everyone i love" said Sandy, distraught
"There are always more people to love" Cora offered, pleading
"I don't want love from anyone else" Sandy whimpered
When Muro dragged Sandy out of the car by her hair it was bizarre and disturbing.
I made it through 40% in one 3 hour round trip commute so it was an easy read. Simple a better word.
NetGalley free download of first time authors is risky. Skip it!
Plot: the events that make up a story, or the main part of a story.
What the hell is the plot?
Sandy, a former soldier of the Long War, is suffering from PTSD and is having a difficult time assimilating into civilian life.
She is offered a job by an entrepreneur to hack into his competitors data base.
To prove her worth Sandy hacked into the city's power grid causing a temporary blackout.
So she's a master hacker?
A backstory? No?
"I lose everyone i love" said Sandy, distraught
"There are always more people to love" Cora offered, pleading
"I don't want love from anyone else" Sandy whimpered
When Muro dragged Sandy out of the car by her hair it was bizarre and disturbing.
I made it through 40% in one 3 hour round trip commute so it was an easy read. Simple a better word.
NetGalley free download of first time authors is risky. Skip it!
March 28, 2019
From the very beginning, the reader knows we are dealing with an exceptionally monstrous human being--a sociopath whose hubris knows no bounds. Thankfully, the author provides us also with a remarkably strong female protagonist. Such an individual is required if anybody can stop this "Mad Scientist." Knowing this is set in the near future increases the tension and keeps the suspense ratcheted up.
May 5, 2019
A great read if you're into military/political novels. I wasn't expecting this book to be so violent but I still found it thrilling and unpredictable. Love the reveal at the end.
March 26, 2019
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review. This in no way influences my opinion.
This review may contain some spoilers!
It's 150 years into the future and the great Long War has changed everything. Lieutenant First Class Sandy Attiyeh is either a celebrated war hero or has committed war crimes, depending on what you believe. This was not the kind of world she thought she would come home to after fighting in such a brutal war. When caught up in a corrupt CEO's twisted plan, Sandy must find a way to salvage the peace she sacrificed everything for.
Clouds & Earth is the first installment in a trilogy and after reading it I could have figured that out on my own without being told. The story ends with lots of unanswered questions and a little bit of confusion. And I guess that's to be expected from a series that wants to leave you on a cliffhanger so that you will go out and get the second and third installments. Unfortunately, I can't say that I'm excited or even want to read anymore of this story.
The main character Sandy was very difficult to like. She has a lot going on after being the poster girl for the Long War and with her love interest laying in a hospital on life support I can see why she has some issues. But I can't understand her reasons for deciding to help Lyndon Hamilton, the CEO of Hamilton InfoSec. She was bored? That's it? That justifies that she participated and helped in illegal activities? Maybe there's more to why she did that in books 2 and 3 but even in a trilogy, I think the first book should stand by itself pretty well without me questioning every single thing. I didn't really know or maybe I just didn't understand what was going through Sandy's mind through the entire book. The synopsis tells us that she's either a war hero or she committed war crimes. The entire time I thought that she was a war hero but by the end of the book, I'm lead to believe that she may have committed war crimes and I really don't know or care because I can't understand her as a character.
There's multiple stories going on in the chapters. We see obviously what Sandy is doing but we also have a story with cadets Massi and Natalia who are in training at the Academy. I could care less about these two. Massi really likes Natalia and Natalia might like him as well but she wants to wait before starting any kind of relationship. But I don't even remember being told why she didn't want to start a relationship. Maybe that detail slipped my mind but I think the way she treats Massi is terrible. She leads him on and there are no consequences for her actions in this book. Also, she's a little bit sketchy. It was only at the end of book when Massi was going through his Combi, which is a test, that I really found myself enjoying. But alas, it was only for 2 chapters that I actually found myself getting excited for the story. After Massi's Combi, when he's about to receive his score, he makes the remark that he's still not sure whether he passed or failed. I found myself saying, 'what!?' because just a page before, after his Combi was finished, Colonel Mathers hugged him and told him he was proud of him. How could Massi not know that he had passed?
Clouds & Earth just wasn't the book for me. I didn't like how the story kept jumping from one scene to completely something different within the same chapter. I also hated going back in time sporadically through the story. It just didn't seem to flow and didn't feel organic to me. I didn't have any issues with the writing itself, I think it was well done for a debut author but I think the story as whole should be better told according to its timeline.
Clouds & Earth is out today so go get yourself a copy if you like sci-fi, military stories with action and a little bit of mystery.
This review may contain some spoilers!
It's 150 years into the future and the great Long War has changed everything. Lieutenant First Class Sandy Attiyeh is either a celebrated war hero or has committed war crimes, depending on what you believe. This was not the kind of world she thought she would come home to after fighting in such a brutal war. When caught up in a corrupt CEO's twisted plan, Sandy must find a way to salvage the peace she sacrificed everything for.
Clouds & Earth is the first installment in a trilogy and after reading it I could have figured that out on my own without being told. The story ends with lots of unanswered questions and a little bit of confusion. And I guess that's to be expected from a series that wants to leave you on a cliffhanger so that you will go out and get the second and third installments. Unfortunately, I can't say that I'm excited or even want to read anymore of this story.
The main character Sandy was very difficult to like. She has a lot going on after being the poster girl for the Long War and with her love interest laying in a hospital on life support I can see why she has some issues. But I can't understand her reasons for deciding to help Lyndon Hamilton, the CEO of Hamilton InfoSec. She was bored? That's it? That justifies that she participated and helped in illegal activities? Maybe there's more to why she did that in books 2 and 3 but even in a trilogy, I think the first book should stand by itself pretty well without me questioning every single thing. I didn't really know or maybe I just didn't understand what was going through Sandy's mind through the entire book. The synopsis tells us that she's either a war hero or she committed war crimes. The entire time I thought that she was a war hero but by the end of the book, I'm lead to believe that she may have committed war crimes and I really don't know or care because I can't understand her as a character.
There's multiple stories going on in the chapters. We see obviously what Sandy is doing but we also have a story with cadets Massi and Natalia who are in training at the Academy. I could care less about these two. Massi really likes Natalia and Natalia might like him as well but she wants to wait before starting any kind of relationship. But I don't even remember being told why she didn't want to start a relationship. Maybe that detail slipped my mind but I think the way she treats Massi is terrible. She leads him on and there are no consequences for her actions in this book. Also, she's a little bit sketchy. It was only at the end of book when Massi was going through his Combi, which is a test, that I really found myself enjoying. But alas, it was only for 2 chapters that I actually found myself getting excited for the story. After Massi's Combi, when he's about to receive his score, he makes the remark that he's still not sure whether he passed or failed. I found myself saying, 'what!?' because just a page before, after his Combi was finished, Colonel Mathers hugged him and told him he was proud of him. How could Massi not know that he had passed?
Clouds & Earth just wasn't the book for me. I didn't like how the story kept jumping from one scene to completely something different within the same chapter. I also hated going back in time sporadically through the story. It just didn't seem to flow and didn't feel organic to me. I didn't have any issues with the writing itself, I think it was well done for a debut author but I think the story as whole should be better told according to its timeline.
Clouds & Earth is out today so go get yourself a copy if you like sci-fi, military stories with action and a little bit of mystery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2019
3.5 stars
Clouds and Earth is the first book in a sci-fi trilogy by Sayde Scarlett.
Main character Lt. First Class Sandy Attiyeh fought in the Long War. And now that she's back in civilian life, she deals with PTSD and wanting to keep herself busy. She ends up working for CEO Lyndon Hamilton, but it might cause her more trouble than the excitement she's been looking for.
With multiple POV through every chapter, I found it kind of difficult to keep track of what was happening at first. But after a few chapters I was able to keep up with the story. I found it intriguing and enjoyable. I liked all the characters from what I gathered. Hope to learn more about them in the next two books.
If you like to read books with advanced military technology, multiple points of views, mystery and sci-fi. I recommend you read Sayde's debut novel.
Thank you to the publicist for a free copy of this book all opinions are my own.
Clouds and Earth is the first book in a sci-fi trilogy by Sayde Scarlett.
Main character Lt. First Class Sandy Attiyeh fought in the Long War. And now that she's back in civilian life, she deals with PTSD and wanting to keep herself busy. She ends up working for CEO Lyndon Hamilton, but it might cause her more trouble than the excitement she's been looking for.
With multiple POV through every chapter, I found it kind of difficult to keep track of what was happening at first. But after a few chapters I was able to keep up with the story. I found it intriguing and enjoyable. I liked all the characters from what I gathered. Hope to learn more about them in the next two books.
If you like to read books with advanced military technology, multiple points of views, mystery and sci-fi. I recommend you read Sayde's debut novel.
Thank you to the publicist for a free copy of this book all opinions are my own.
March 12, 2019
I was sent this book by the publicist in exchange for a review.
Description:
The Long War changed everything for Lt. First Class Sandy Attiyeh, the peace she helped create seems to be working for everyone but her. This new world is so... well, so dull.
With her commanding officer keeping her at arms length, citing her rather unpredictable temperament, Sandy is willing prey for Lyndon Hamilton, who needs someone to engage in a little corporate espionage. He offers good pay, interesting work, and excitement. Perfect.
But when Sandy's face starts to show up on activists pamphlets, and rumours begin to circle regarding her alleged war crimes, any hopes she had of a future in the civilian world behind to unravel. Unable to escape Hamiltons twisted ambitions, Sandy, caught between her old comrades and her new employer, must find a way to save the peace she gave everything for.
I really enjoyed the premise of the story and the last 3 chapters. But, the writing style made it very obvious that this was a debut novel. I also had a very hard time connecting to any of the characters, it felt like they did not have enough time to grow or had any huge distinctions in their personalities. The only character I didnt feel indifference for was Massi, he has a lot of potential for book 2.
The plot was unclear at times and the transitions between scenes were a little jarring. The story has so much potential and I'm hopeful that Scarletts writing and the plot both pick up a little more as the trilogy goes on. I think that this could be a very enjoyable series if it does.
*SPOILERS FOLLOWING*
I also had a big problem with Natalia falsely accusing Massi, her *best* friend at the academy of basically forcing her to kiss him and getting him in huge trouble when she was the one who kissed him first. This really felt 1. Out of character for her and 2. Like a shameless plug for added drama that did not feel like it helped drive the plot forward in any significant way. That, Along with the fact that falsely accusing someone of unwanted sexual aggression is a huge deal that really upset me, it was totally glossed over after it happened with zero consequences for Natalia for doing it. She didnt even really have to deal with Massi being mad at her for doing it.
*END OF SPOILERS*
Overall, this was not the book for me. But I feel like this story also has a lot of potential to grow and grow into something I could really enjoy. So I'm not writing off book 2 just yet.
If you enjoy post apocalyptic, how war affects life and a very tech inspired/hacking girl power novels, definitely still give it a try!
Description:
The Long War changed everything for Lt. First Class Sandy Attiyeh, the peace she helped create seems to be working for everyone but her. This new world is so... well, so dull.
With her commanding officer keeping her at arms length, citing her rather unpredictable temperament, Sandy is willing prey for Lyndon Hamilton, who needs someone to engage in a little corporate espionage. He offers good pay, interesting work, and excitement. Perfect.
But when Sandy's face starts to show up on activists pamphlets, and rumours begin to circle regarding her alleged war crimes, any hopes she had of a future in the civilian world behind to unravel. Unable to escape Hamiltons twisted ambitions, Sandy, caught between her old comrades and her new employer, must find a way to save the peace she gave everything for.
I really enjoyed the premise of the story and the last 3 chapters. But, the writing style made it very obvious that this was a debut novel. I also had a very hard time connecting to any of the characters, it felt like they did not have enough time to grow or had any huge distinctions in their personalities. The only character I didnt feel indifference for was Massi, he has a lot of potential for book 2.
The plot was unclear at times and the transitions between scenes were a little jarring. The story has so much potential and I'm hopeful that Scarletts writing and the plot both pick up a little more as the trilogy goes on. I think that this could be a very enjoyable series if it does.
*SPOILERS FOLLOWING*
I also had a big problem with Natalia falsely accusing Massi, her *best* friend at the academy of basically forcing her to kiss him and getting him in huge trouble when she was the one who kissed him first. This really felt 1. Out of character for her and 2. Like a shameless plug for added drama that did not feel like it helped drive the plot forward in any significant way. That, Along with the fact that falsely accusing someone of unwanted sexual aggression is a huge deal that really upset me, it was totally glossed over after it happened with zero consequences for Natalia for doing it. She didnt even really have to deal with Massi being mad at her for doing it.
*END OF SPOILERS*
Overall, this was not the book for me. But I feel like this story also has a lot of potential to grow and grow into something I could really enjoy. So I'm not writing off book 2 just yet.
If you enjoy post apocalyptic, how war affects life and a very tech inspired/hacking girl power novels, definitely still give it a try!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2019
I have a lot of thoughts for Clouds & Earth so let's get started.
I really struggled to get into C&E because the writing style felt a bit choppy and clunky. It felt like we jumped from one scene + POV to the next and for the first 60 or so pages that was really confusing. I did get used to the writing style, but I still didn't love it.
I liked the story and what was happening throughout the book, but when I was finished I felt unsure what the overall plot had been. This may have been because we followed so many characters, but I'm not sure. I am interested to see what will happen in the next two books and I hope that there will be more of a plot in those books!
I didn't love Sandy as a person. She was kind of boring which made reading her POV kind of boring. She accepts an espionage job simply because she's bored and her actual boss won't give her any work to do. But this job she takes could get her into a lot of trouble, but she does it anyway all because she's bored. Sandy has PTSD from the war, but I found it hard to relate to her on any emotional level (and I have PTSD). She wasn't my favorite character.
I did really like Massi. I felt that he had the most character arc out of anyone in the book and I felt like he really grew as we watch him at the academy. He was my favorite POV to read because we see him growing and learning throughout the book.
I'm curious to see what will happen in the next two books. I have hope that they will show more growth for Sandy and I hope that I can learn to like her more.
Overall this book wasn't terrible, but it wasn't my favorite. I wanted to give up several times because of the writing style, but I stuck with it because parts of the story were interesting enough to keep me going. I gave it 2.75 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from the publicist. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really struggled to get into C&E because the writing style felt a bit choppy and clunky. It felt like we jumped from one scene + POV to the next and for the first 60 or so pages that was really confusing. I did get used to the writing style, but I still didn't love it.
I liked the story and what was happening throughout the book, but when I was finished I felt unsure what the overall plot had been. This may have been because we followed so many characters, but I'm not sure. I am interested to see what will happen in the next two books and I hope that there will be more of a plot in those books!
I didn't love Sandy as a person. She was kind of boring which made reading her POV kind of boring. She accepts an espionage job simply because she's bored and her actual boss won't give her any work to do. But this job she takes could get her into a lot of trouble, but she does it anyway all because she's bored. Sandy has PTSD from the war, but I found it hard to relate to her on any emotional level (and I have PTSD). She wasn't my favorite character.
I did really like Massi. I felt that he had the most character arc out of anyone in the book and I felt like he really grew as we watch him at the academy. He was my favorite POV to read because we see him growing and learning throughout the book.
I'm curious to see what will happen in the next two books. I have hope that they will show more growth for Sandy and I hope that I can learn to like her more.
Overall this book wasn't terrible, but it wasn't my favorite. I wanted to give up several times because of the writing style, but I stuck with it because parts of the story were interesting enough to keep me going. I gave it 2.75 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from the publicist. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 5, 2019
I enjoyed this. It was action-packed and original.
June 6, 2019
A surprising and original read. Looking forward to the second book.
April 8, 2019
Rated 2.75 of 5 stars
Sayde Scarlett's debut novel is one that will leave readers feeling stumped. The storyline follows Sandy Attiyeh, a war hero, who is bored with her life in peace time so she befriends a powerful CEO and helps him build an illegal civilian tracking system and Massi, an Academy cadet, trying to pass the Academy to become an Intelligence Community (IC) agent. The story is very disjointed and the plot weak for readers used to more depth in their characters, locations and story building. I didn't find any character that was especially likable or one that I could cling to or understand deeper in the story. I also questioned why we were following Massi at all since his storyline did nothing to support the main story line of Sandy working for Lyndon. So I thought that was a weird choice by the author that could have been avoided entirely and given more time to build on the the current state of the world or atmosphere. There is much talk about the Long War but no real time put into explaining how it came to be and what it was like for those remaining at home or even why it was important. I wanted more backstory, more atmosphere (you hear of autocabs but don't see any other modern elements of the world) and I would have chosen to follow Drummond (for the political angle or possibly Muro) The only thing readers will get is a very unusual assassination scenario that seemed far too easy to save an entire nation. I also thought there were some overly dramatic scenes (people bursting into tears when a simple tear will do or someone crying on the floor like a temper tantrum just to compose themselves minutes after being dragged from a car by another adult but in another scene won't cry in front of people). The relationships were also very odd between the characters, Sandy is giving bad advice and taking/offering drugs to youth, doing things because she is "bored" and no one questions this response deeper? They ask why she helped someone make something illegal, I'm bored is her answer and no one digs deeper! This was a source of great frustration for me while reading. The plausibility and the reactions of characters were a bit off. The relationship between Massi and Natalia was strange as all hell and highly unnecessary as well. We gained nothing from either character through their relationship other than Massi pining for a girl that will go on record to lie on him for sexual assault (and she goes unpunished for this). As well as everyone having skills that are not explained how they got them at all. Sandy was a war hero and her flash backs all pertain to her fighting skills, then she is all of a sudden a secret tech genius that somehow never came out in all her training and years but is to the point of being able to hack anything. Same with Natalia, she's supposed to be a tech wiz but no backstory as to how that happened other than, "she probably taught herself. She's smart"? (face palm). While I was really looking forward to the female war hero tech genius this book fell flat for me in plot and character development.
Raging Book Reviews
Sayde Scarlett's debut novel is one that will leave readers feeling stumped. The storyline follows Sandy Attiyeh, a war hero, who is bored with her life in peace time so she befriends a powerful CEO and helps him build an illegal civilian tracking system and Massi, an Academy cadet, trying to pass the Academy to become an Intelligence Community (IC) agent. The story is very disjointed and the plot weak for readers used to more depth in their characters, locations and story building. I didn't find any character that was especially likable or one that I could cling to or understand deeper in the story. I also questioned why we were following Massi at all since his storyline did nothing to support the main story line of Sandy working for Lyndon. So I thought that was a weird choice by the author that could have been avoided entirely and given more time to build on the the current state of the world or atmosphere. There is much talk about the Long War but no real time put into explaining how it came to be and what it was like for those remaining at home or even why it was important. I wanted more backstory, more atmosphere (you hear of autocabs but don't see any other modern elements of the world) and I would have chosen to follow Drummond (for the political angle or possibly Muro) The only thing readers will get is a very unusual assassination scenario that seemed far too easy to save an entire nation. I also thought there were some overly dramatic scenes (people bursting into tears when a simple tear will do or someone crying on the floor like a temper tantrum just to compose themselves minutes after being dragged from a car by another adult but in another scene won't cry in front of people). The relationships were also very odd between the characters, Sandy is giving bad advice and taking/offering drugs to youth, doing things because she is "bored" and no one questions this response deeper? They ask why she helped someone make something illegal, I'm bored is her answer and no one digs deeper! This was a source of great frustration for me while reading. The plausibility and the reactions of characters were a bit off. The relationship between Massi and Natalia was strange as all hell and highly unnecessary as well. We gained nothing from either character through their relationship other than Massi pining for a girl that will go on record to lie on him for sexual assault (and she goes unpunished for this). As well as everyone having skills that are not explained how they got them at all. Sandy was a war hero and her flash backs all pertain to her fighting skills, then she is all of a sudden a secret tech genius that somehow never came out in all her training and years but is to the point of being able to hack anything. Same with Natalia, she's supposed to be a tech wiz but no backstory as to how that happened other than, "she probably taught herself. She's smart"? (face palm). While I was really looking forward to the female war hero tech genius this book fell flat for me in plot and character development.
Raging Book Reviews
September 11, 2019
At first I was hooked by the blurb a war veteran in espionage world, but then after reading this book I realized this is not for me.
The main character is somewhat contradictive a bad ass heroine but with fragility that doesnt add up. It irked me, because the characterization is not as strong as I expect to be.
I'm struggling to finish this because I can't connect with the character. However thank you netgalley for providing the arc.
The main character is somewhat contradictive a bad ass heroine but with fragility that doesnt add up. It irked me, because the characterization is not as strong as I expect to be.
I'm struggling to finish this because I can't connect with the character. However thank you netgalley for providing the arc.
Did Not Finish
August 22, 2019DNF. While the premise was intriguing, the story was poorly executed (at least in the first 75 pages or so that I read). The action scenes were boring, far too short, and lacked tension. I found many of the actions between superior officers and their subordinates to be unbelievable as well.
April 15, 2019
Thank you ever much to the publishers for sending a copy of Clouds and Earth in exchange for an honest review.
Clouds and Earth gave me a vast amount of mixed emotions. I believe this book makes a great debut novel for Sayde. She put her work on the map and I believe she will only continue to climb the great literature mountain.
Sayde takes us on a new sci-fi adventure, placed 150 years in the future. I was pleased at the subtly of the futuristic technology and how it flowed easily into the story instead of taking forefront on the stage. This made it seem relatable and realistic. What I found to be a bit challenging was the writing style. Almost every chapter contained multiple POVs and each time the switching of characters would happen they were always doing something vastly different, which in turn made it difficult to follow. My hope for the next two installments of this series will be for a vast amount of character depth and development. I flew threw this book so intrigued by the plot, but at the last page I realized I didn't really know a lot about the characters or storyline.
Our main character suffers from PTSD and is very visibly spiraling out of control, but while her reasons may be clear to Sayde the reader is left somewhat confused, struggling to understand her enough to really get why she chose the path she did or why she had such unexpected reactions. I will definitely be reading the next installment as I believe this story has a lot of potential. I didn't finish this book in two days for nothing!
If you enjoy a twisted character full of military/undercover agents, multiple POVs, sci-fi/futuristic timeline, and a whole lot of mystery this a book I recommend for you!
Clouds and Earth gave me a vast amount of mixed emotions. I believe this book makes a great debut novel for Sayde. She put her work on the map and I believe she will only continue to climb the great literature mountain.
Sayde takes us on a new sci-fi adventure, placed 150 years in the future. I was pleased at the subtly of the futuristic technology and how it flowed easily into the story instead of taking forefront on the stage. This made it seem relatable and realistic. What I found to be a bit challenging was the writing style. Almost every chapter contained multiple POVs and each time the switching of characters would happen they were always doing something vastly different, which in turn made it difficult to follow. My hope for the next two installments of this series will be for a vast amount of character depth and development. I flew threw this book so intrigued by the plot, but at the last page I realized I didn't really know a lot about the characters or storyline.
Our main character suffers from PTSD and is very visibly spiraling out of control, but while her reasons may be clear to Sayde the reader is left somewhat confused, struggling to understand her enough to really get why she chose the path she did or why she had such unexpected reactions. I will definitely be reading the next installment as I believe this story has a lot of potential. I didn't finish this book in two days for nothing!
If you enjoy a twisted character full of military/undercover agents, multiple POVs, sci-fi/futuristic timeline, and a whole lot of mystery this a book I recommend for you!
September 3, 2019
Clouds and Earth fits many genres; military fiction, science fiction, political thriller, suspense or mystery. Overall, it’s a story of the relationships between people and how our interactions have consequences.
The author has built a world with futuristic gadgets, weapons, transportation devices, and most importantly, peace. The actions of a few put this new world at risk.
There is an underlying mystery that runs throughout the book that is never quite addressed or solved. I am certainly hoping that comes to the forefront in the next book of the series.
I recommend Clouds and Earth to lovers of futuristic science fiction and well as general fiction. It reminds me a bit of Dan Brown’s Deception Point. I will read book 2 when it’s released. I need to know where these characters are going.
I received a review copy of this book. The above review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
The author has built a world with futuristic gadgets, weapons, transportation devices, and most importantly, peace. The actions of a few put this new world at risk.
There is an underlying mystery that runs throughout the book that is never quite addressed or solved. I am certainly hoping that comes to the forefront in the next book of the series.
I recommend Clouds and Earth to lovers of futuristic science fiction and well as general fiction. It reminds me a bit of Dan Brown’s Deception Point. I will read book 2 when it’s released. I need to know where these characters are going.
I received a review copy of this book. The above review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
August 16, 2019
This is an underrated book. I picked it up because of the Kirkus review but there's more to this book than the review goes into. There's good stuff here like how the author sees the military being reorganised, the future technology angle, and how people deal with the consequences of war and terrorism. However, I'll add a caveat. This book is an acquired taste. You will either love it or hate it. The plot is tight, well structured and face-paced. The action sequences are well-written. But if you don't want to read about the banality of evil and discussions about the morality of war then it's definitely not for you.
February 4, 2025
Overall the book was really good, I enjoyed reading about the characters, especially Sandy and her thought process. I did find the book to be a little fast paced but I really liked how it makes one question what they would do in a similar situation. Would give it 4/5 stars and definitely would want to read the next book.
January 31, 2022
The most popular and decorated soldier from the global terrorist war is bored in peace. The military will not send her out on any more missions. I liked the book and the plot.
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