Nero Awakening

Neron Rising Saga #3

by Keary Taylor

The Bahiri are real and Nova has found them hidden away on an invisible planet. With their help, she’s finally ready to accept what she is: a Nero. She has to train, to learn how to use her abilities, and she’s got years’ worth of catching up to do. Desperate, she’ll push herself—possibly beyond her limits.

But learning how to use her abilities not only awakens her capability to control Neron, but her power to see the future. Going to sleep is a nightmare and heaven, all in the same breath. Her future hasn’t changed—it’s still with Valen Nero, standing and ruling by his side. Every morning she wakes, gutted and alone. Her visions of the love between them aren’t real. At least…not yet.

Nova is losing her mind. Her heart is fractured, and conflicted into knots. How is she supposed to let him go, to walk away from the galaxy’s second cruelest man, when she knows what kind of love they could have?

The time for a choice has come: stay on Salypso where it’s safe, where Cyrillius will never find her. Or take what she has learned as a Nero and try to change her future, and that of the galaxy.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Dystopia, Young Adult, Space Opera, Space, Romance

157 pages, Paperback

First published January 9, 2019

About the author

Keary Taylor is the USA TODAY bestselling author of over twenty novels. She grew up along the foothills of the Rocky Mountains where she started creating imaginary worlds and daring characters who always fell in love. She now splits her time between a tiny island in the Pacific Northwest and Utah, with her husband and their two children. She continues to have an overactive imagination that frequently keeps her up at night.

Please Note: Keary does not check Goodreads very often, so the best way to get in contact is directly through email: me@kearytaylor.com.

Reviews

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving these episodes more and more with each one.

Nero Awakening is the third episode in Keary's series and is no less enticing and enthralling as the last two.

While Nero Awakening isn't filled with as much as action as the first two, there is still a great deal going on and we learn more and more about the Nero and their abilities. I won't give away any details as the blurb fulfills the job of explaining what to expect in this episode.

While this portion focuses mostly on Nova and her learning her abilities, I love the anticipation that is building and all these "what if" scenarios that are being foreseen. It makes you wonder where Keary is going to take this series.

As I said, there may not be any action in this one, but it is no less intense and exciting as the past two. If anything, Keary has set another high expectation for the next book and what is to come.

[Jacqueline J · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one wasn't as interesting as the first two. Kinda slow so I dropped it a star.

So this review is going to be for the first three episodes which I've read so far. First off and I hate to say it but the price is pretty steep for the amount of pages and reading time you get. The story isn't done and I'm not sure I'm going to continue to pay $2.99 for each 150 pages (approx.) On to the story..

I like the world building and the story arc. It's different and well developed. It has a pretty solid space opera feel to it and the romance element is well presented and well paced. I really want to know how or if the author is going to be able to redeem the evil hero. It's hard to justify mass murder/genocide no matter how bad your childhood was.

I will probably wait until the entire story is finished before I decide whether to pay for the rest of the story. I'll have to weigh whether the amount of story left justifies the dollars I'll need to shell out.

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this episode of the series. I was left wanting to know what was going to happen next - something this author excels at doing. I like these characters and learning more about them. I do suggest reading this series in order for more enjoyment since each book picks up where the previous book leaves off.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I’ve mentioned before, I’m not really big on sci-fi. I read it, but it’s not one of my favorites. However, this series is just killing it! I love how full of depth this series is, and here we are at the third book still going strong. Even though the books are serialized and are shorter, you can’t really tell because the author just packs so much wonderful writing into them. I can’t say too much as I don’t want to spoil anything, but I’ll say what I can. Nova is wrestling with her visions, and she needs to decide what to do next. Her support system is helping her how they can, especially the new character; I love him. Nova is such a strong character, and I love reading about strong women characters. If you love well-written books with a strong lead character, give this one a try, even if you don’t like science fiction, and you won’t regret a single second. I highly recommend this book and this series! I was provided the e-book which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't like this one as much as the first two but that's okay. I still enjoyed reading it and I'll be waiting for the fourth episode to come out in february :).

[Jeanny · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not a fan of serials. This episode was especially lacking IMO. It was just too predictable. I think I’ll wait for a few additional books to be released before I pick this up again.

[Mandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has just been exceptional. It has so many things going for it. It’s sci-fi for one. The writing is superb. It’s action packed, and so full of excitement. Each episode is better than the last. The encompassing storyline had me hooked from book 1. And I normally don’t read a lot of sci-fi.
And these covers are absolutely stunning! I would recommend this series to anyone and everyone.

[Sylvia Rangel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Epidode 3

I'm sorry, but I am bored. The author needs to learn about cliffhangers. This romance still has no romance. Maybe she also needs to read a Harlequin.

[Boundless Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nova and her companions finally find the mysterious Bahiri, and with them comes safety and training for Nova. She is a very late bloomer when it comes to her powers, and she is years behind.

Yet she is desperate for the love she has seen in the future with Valen, yet she can’t be with him. Not, if it leads to the future, she has seen

“Valen Nero is an evil man. So I can’t be in love with him.”

She needs to train hard, learn her powers, and change the future.
Nero Awakening was a great character-building story. It gives us time for Nova to grow into her powers and divine her purpose. It also adds a lot of insight into this larger world that Taylor has built.

Once again, I am rating it 5 Boundless stars, and I am moving on to the next installment.

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[María José Bravo Macías · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say that I'm kinda mad that I couldn't give this part 5 stars. BECAUSE NOVA.



Don't get me wrong, the story was good. She is suffering so much from her dreams about the future, needing Valen by her side but not doing anything about it just yet. I get it. I do. But treating everyone around her the way she does? That's a nono.

This could have been a 2 star review if it wasn't for Edan. Oh I love that kid. Zayne was my favorite character in book 2. Edan was my favorite character in this book by far. I was so intrigued by his backstory (although they didn't give it enough importance) and his personality. He's a freak and I like it. The rest of the characters were not there at all, it was just Nova b*tching about everything and "no one understands, it's so hard to be me". WE GET IT. Just stop treating everyone else like their problems are not as important as yours. Jeez... I get she's the main character but GOD she was so anoying sometimes.

Anyway, Edan saved the book for me. Love the kid, not Nova so much. Valen is still MIA... I HOPE I can get to know and love him as much as Edan and Zayne. It's so funny that I don't really like the main characters (Nova and Valen) in this story but I ADORE Nova's crew.

As this book was kinda dissapointing to me (Nova pissed me off), I'm gonna wait till I get the paperback with the complete 7 parts.

[Jacqueline Reads]

Do you ever read something where a whole lot of nothing happens?
That was this episode of the Neron saga. I’m still puzzled by how much nothing could happen in 100 pages, but some how it was accomplished.
Even so, that didn’t stop me from enjoying it. Why I liked it?? I can’t really say, I just did. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[m. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS

I'd say the first 30% of this one were a bit slow, especially compared to the other books, but it definitely picked up after that. Still very much enjoying reading these and I'm, again, very excited to see where this story goes next!

[Sheena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third chapter of the Neron Saga and it seems it's just going from strength to strength. While the episodes are shorter than an actual novel you don't feel it because there is so much going on. This episode is a little slower than the previous ones but that's perfect, it really allows you to get to know Nova a little better and develop the relationship with Valen even though they're miles apart. This episode focuses on Nova honing her abilities while trying not to become overwhelmed with her visions of a possible future.
While the supporting cast of Nova's crew get less 'screen time' this time round (other than Edan who I'm still not sure about!) they're still there and still involved. Although these episodes are short (ish) there is so much going on you don't realise it. And cliffhanger? Wow. When's the next?

[SUZAN C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nero Awakening is episode 3 in Keary's episodic space-romance drama and it was so highly anticipated! In episode 3, the pacing slowed down a bit, which worked well for Nova and her gang who just arrived at the planet Salypso. Salypso is the hidden and elusive planet which hosts other Neroes and the inhabitants on that planet wishes to remain hidden. But Nova doesn't and she wants to learn all about her newly found powers.
While on the planet, Salypso, Nova learns to wield her Neron powers from her teachers and as each day goes by, her yearning for getting better at her powers and understanding the enormity of her destiny starts to overwhelm her. Let's not forget that she also starts having more dreams about her future with Valen, one of the most powerful Nero in all of the galaxies. But everything is not so black and white between Nova and Valen and she wishes she could blur the lines between right and wrong. Her desire to be with Valen drives her to excel in her powers so that she can win his freedom from the cruel planet dominator, Cyrillius.
Nero Awakening is sort of the in-between story where we learn a bit more about Nova and Valen's intertwined destinies. They both share a deep connection that neither wants to let go of, but knows that they must in order to remain safe. Nova doesn't want to be safe. She just wants to be with Valen and wonder if her dream-future will ever come true. But the dreams are also scary and a future that could very well be the opposite of what she desires.
As we near towards the end of the episode, we learn that Nova has excelled in learning her Neron powers and she is destined to find Cyrillius and either kill him or bring him to justice. Nothing will stop her or get in her way and with the help of her wayward new friend, Edan, they both travel to the planet of Cyrillius to bring her destiny to light. Will she succeed? I suppose we'll have to find out in the next episode!
Thank you, Keary for the excellent episode 3!

[Mae · Rating 2 out of 5]

While listening to this episode, I felt like I was on a hike with a group (the group being the story) and everything was going fine until suddenly I realized I had separated from the group and was never quite able to catch up.

This episode started off in such a great direction but things quickly began falling apart. Where Nova was a slightly immature heroine with more positive traits at the start, she quickly became the opposite. The mission became less thought out and less noble, and more half-cocked and self-serving. The insta-love trope turned from bad to worse because I still didn't understand where Nova's or Valen's strong feelings stemmed from except a vat of infatuation and puppy love. Instead of Nova's small group growing closer or getting to know each other, they drifted apart. We learned very little about the Bahiri and their isolated world. And while I absolutely adored Edan and believed he and Nova had a similar restlessness and wanderlust, I didn't understand where his devotion to Nova came from.

Also, I didn't understand why Nova wasn't more interested in gaining knowledge from the Bahiri's library she came across or even more curious about her heritage. Granted she learned how to use her powers well enough but beyond that she barely learned anything about what it meant to be a Nero. Last, she demonstrated no potential for great leadership, partnership, or even to be a great saviour for the galaxy. All she had going for her was her powers and indomitable will. While those are admirable qualities they made me wary because with only those qualities going for her, Nova would better serve as a great weapon for someone else's use rather than as a leader or a self made champion. There were more disappointments but these were the major ones.

Will the next episode be better? 2 stars

[Nikki T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVE EDAN SO DAMN MUCH
Should I have said slam much?

This book was a little annoying at times... with an extreme focus on Nova and with how she treats the others in her crew
I was particularly saddened by the way she treats Zayne in this book...

Her relationship with Zayne was "special" they were "close," "best friends," kinda "lovers..." so, uh, what the hell happened? I'm really struggling to be chill with how Nova was acting in this one

All of her crew, she calls them family, is willing to stand by her side for months, putting their entire life on hold, and this is how she treats some of them?

I'm officially obsessed with Edan, and sometimes wonder if Nova nd Edans relationship is much much much healthier and makes more sense than the one between Nova and Valen
I'm kinda shipping them, even though I understand it's not going to happen

In this book... Nova is giving spoiled hormonal teenage brat, and she's giving it HARD

Somehow, I still enjoyed (almost) every single moment of it
The play of dark and light, good and evil and how the way you look at it can make such an interesting difference is a really cool focus

I just can't wait for Nova to grow up a little and for her focus to go from almost completely internal to encompass some external things as well
We all knew she needed to level up though
So I get how this was important and necessary
I suppose, even though I really disagreed with her at times, I also found many things she said that resonated with me, and I love her steel

It's all going to make her progression so. Freaking. Epic.

[Alexandria Woods · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as Good as the Others but Forging Ahead

This book was still very interesting like the others but it fell a little short for me. The events move along quickly but I didn't enjoy the dream visions and didn't understand why Nova woke from them so devastated every time. Maybe an explanation as to what she was experiencing or why after only two encounters with Valen she feels so attached to him and their future to help guide the reader would have made it better received. Nova meets Evander but the meeting isn't what I expected it to be and though she's in denial sometimes, maybe? Nova begs him to promise she's not the prophet he spoke of. Although I understand her almost instant bond with Edan, I don't understand why he became Nova's confidant so quickly.

I like Nova's father a great deal and especially after he revealed how he came to care for Nova. There's a weird shift in the book where Nova begins referring to her dad by his first name.

I expected a little more for Nova living with the Bahiri and other Nero but was disappointed by the lack of real knowledge shared with the reader. Nova's time on Salypso is too vague and too much writing is spent on visions in my opinion.

[Deirdre O'Dwyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so in love with this series! As we dive deeper into the story of this epic heroine, Nova, I am constantly impressed by the author, Keary Taylor. She just always keeps you guessing, and does such a great job developing characters and the relationships between them. As we got to know some characters a little better, there seems to be a lot being hidden, and that some may not be what they seem. I keep getting the feeling that a certain character in Nova's team, whom I like very much, that has been described so far as on Nova's side, may be actually working against her. So we will see as the series continues. I hope to see more of Nova's dad, and learn more about his past in the stories to come.

As with the first two books, this ended on a huge cliff hanger, and just has me panting for more. I loved the flash forwards, and shared dreams that Nova is having. This kept the story very interesting, as there was not much action on the island, besides training and some discovered hidden romances. All in all, I literally can't wait for the saga to continue!

[Ashile · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has me hooked!! This is now the third book in the Nero series and I can't read them quick enough! Keary has done an incredible job of building up these characters and really did an amazing job developing their personalities and universe that you find yourself quickly being swept away into another world. I highly recommend reading the previous two episodes before diving into Nero Awakening to fully understand the backstory and why things have built up to where they are now - otherwise, you will find yourself lost. I never thought it possible to be a fan of any form of sci-fi but Keary has used her own genius to create a sci-fi novel with a twist that will pull in any reader - even those like me that have sworn off sci-fi. The ending definitely leaves the reader wanting more and I can not wait for the next episode! If you haven't started this series, do it now! You will NOT regret it.

[Afifah Liyana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know how to review this. Usually when that happens I just rate and don’t review, but this time I feel an urge and a need to tell every Earthling just how amazing this episode is. Everything it lacks in action it makes up for in emotion. This has been such a wild rollercoaster ride of emotions and I am so overwhelmed! I know I’ve said this before and I will probably keep saying it in all my review of the series but I LOVE Valen Nero! Not much of him in this one but what I found, I love. To me, characters are one major factor to keep me reading. I can handle bad writing, predictable plots, love triangles and anything else the YA world has to offer as long I love the characters. And I have to say, the cast in this series is just amazing! Putting Valen aside for a moment, I’m also looking at a certain crazy batslag. Please don’t die, because that ending just leaves so many possibilities open! And I. Can’t. Wait! (To finish my exams tomorrow so I can start reading the next book.) 🤫

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book! The best thing about reading books is the ability for the books to jump off the page and make you feel as though you are there with them. Keary Taylor has an amazing ability to bring those details to life. I feel like I'm in there with them on the planet watching and experiencing the manipulation of the neron. I think the interconnection between Valen and Nova is gut-wrenching. And to see the relationship between them develop has been exciting and unpredictable. I love the main character Nova. When she's had every indicator to seem that her future is fixed she's doing everything she can to change it. Edan is also turning out to be one of my favorite characters in this series, he seems mysterious and I cant wait to see how this develops! I can't wait for the next episode in this series. It just keeps getting better and better!

[Naurarwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What another fantastic episode to The Neron Rising Saga, I am so excited for episode four.

Nova is a Nero, and she's finally found the one place where she is hoping to find out more about herself and the other Neros. She may not be one of the last, but she may be the last one to fight for what she thinks is right. Plagued by visions she doesn't want to pass, but also pining for Valen she will do anything to change a possible future.

I literally love this whole episode, I admit I missed having as much action from Nova's dad and Zayne, but I did like finding out more about Edan and his past. I'm still not overly sure about his character and whether he is friend or foe but hopefully, we will find out the answer to that in the next episode. Until then I am going to wait (im)patiently for the continuation of this amazing saga!

[Gemma Ironside · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nero Awakening is the third book in the series by Keary Taylor. If you haven’t read the first two books then I advise you to read those before picking up this book.

This book begins with Nova in her new life learning how to control neron like she always should have been able to do. Preparing for what she knows she needs to do with her life. Nova is a strong independent woman and is prepared to do anything she needs to do to keep her family safe but not only her family, everyone she can possibly protect, she will. She is an inspirational character. I love the bond that Nova and Edan have built up between them. Even though they barely know each other they have this trust with each other that Nova doesn’t have with anyone else.

This book is a filler book building up for what is to come in the next book, which with this build up, it’s going to be outstanding.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading ‘Nero Awakening’ and felt that it was a great bridge between the last episode and whatever is coming next. Again, this book left me wanting more as we were given more insight into Nova’s new world but there are still many stones left unturned. As always, the book was filled with mystery and ended on a cliffhanger that has left me waiting impatiently for the next book!

I loved how Nova and Edan bonded throughout this book and enjoyed seeing how she grew further as a character. There is still so much to learn about her relationship with Valen and how she embraces all that is in front of her. I am looking forward to seeing how Keary Taylor changes things again in the next book. Another exciting read!

[cassi parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keary Taylor has done it again! I picked this up and couldn’t put it down until it was finished and I was left open mouth gaping omg?! When’s the next release?!?! As per usual for her it’s left on a solid cliffhanger and the suspense is killing me. I must know what happens next! Nova grows as a character throughout this episode developing a few relationships but mostly we see her gain control of her powers and push herself to new limits. Until this series I’ve never been too interested in space related series, but I simply can’t put this one down. I’ve told everyone I know that reads about it. Keep going keary! We need more!!

[Cj · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 3rd installment of Nero Saga does not disappoint. I’m addicted to this series. We’ve been following Nova in her quest to find out who or what she is. And where her destiny takes her. She came to Salypso to do just that. She finds out exactly what she can do and what she needs to do to be with the man she loves and to save them both.
She finally gets to meet the prophet Evander Nero. Between her and Evander’s visions of the future, the one thing that will provide the key to her future is.....she can change her future. But that might not be so easy to do. It’s going to take all of her strength and courage she has to accomplish that.
I cannot wait for the next installment.

[Idi Aldama · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm totally addicted to this series. Keary made it again! This is the third book and I can't wait for the fourth. Nova is incredible, she is so brave and has no self preservation when it comes to protect the people she loves. Valen our supposedly villain I'm sure that all that have read these books share my opinion that there is no way to hate him after knowing his background. I loved this book so much. Nova trained so hard to get the knowledge she needs to save her loved one and even the galaxy. Thanks for all the Valen/Nova moments.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here we are at episode three.
I am LOVING this series.

In this episode Nova’s training increases and she decided her future. She trains hard and improves exponentially every day. In a matter of lunars she feels she’s ready for the next step.
All the while she is haunted constantly by visions and dreams of the future. Her future with Valen and their children. She is tormented by what she sees and decided that it simply cannot be.
We are left gasping for more at the end of this episode. I’m so eagerly anticipating episode 4!!!

[Hollie Smurthwaite · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not much happens in this installment. Nova gets training in working with Neron and the gang settle into the safety of a planet that can't be picked up on scanners.

I like the cast of characters, and Nova's connection to Valen, and her other relationships, but there's almost no action in this novel. Even the conflict is minimal. Mostly it's Nova arguing with herself.

However, as part of the series, it sets up some action for the next novel, and there was some nice character stuff in this one. The continued worldbuilding is good too.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nova and her group have found the Bahiri and the Nero hidden away on their own planet.
Nova is learning everything about how to use and control the power. She's learned more about the prophecy but doesn't think it's her.
She's seeing parts of her future with Valen, she doesn't like some of it and it's up to her to change it.
Leaving everyone behind except Edan they are putting their plan in action.
4.8⭐