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Asterion Noir #3
The Stars Like Gods
When man and machine are one and the same, time moves differently. But it runs out all the same.
The Asterion Dominion government has fallen, its rulers slain--but in the Dominion, the dead rarely stay that way. A doomsday clock rushes headlong toward the day the monstrous alien shapeshifters known as the Rasu will demand their next tribute of lives. When denied it, the Rasu will burn every Dominion world to the ground.
Unless they can be stopped.
Nika, Dashiel and their allies fight to hold onto the reigns of power even as they search for a way to defeat the enemy. Their quest will take them from barren deserts to a remote wilderness to the hidden homeworld of an ancient, mysterious species, all to uncover a secret 700,000 years in the keeping.
With everything they thought they knew now called into question and the reckoning at hand, the Asterions' past, present and future will collide in a last daring gambit to save all three.
ASTERION NOIR
700,000 years ago, the Asterions fled persecution for their pro-synthetic beliefs. In the safe harbor of a distant galaxy, they have evolved into a true biosynthetic race and built a thriving society upon the pillars of personal autonomy, mutual respect and boundless innovation.
Now that society is fracturing at the seams. Beneath lies built upon lies, the shocking truth as to why threatens the future of not merely the Asterions, but all life in the universe.
Cyberpunk and space opera collide in a thrilling new trilogy from the author of the epic Aurora Rhapsody space opera saga. Enter a world of technological wonders, exotic alien life, enthralling characters, captivating worlds--and a terrifying evil lurking in the void that will shatter it all.
The Asterion Dominion government has fallen, its rulers slain--but in the Dominion, the dead rarely stay that way. A doomsday clock rushes headlong toward the day the monstrous alien shapeshifters known as the Rasu will demand their next tribute of lives. When denied it, the Rasu will burn every Dominion world to the ground.
Unless they can be stopped.
Nika, Dashiel and their allies fight to hold onto the reigns of power even as they search for a way to defeat the enemy. Their quest will take them from barren deserts to a remote wilderness to the hidden homeworld of an ancient, mysterious species, all to uncover a secret 700,000 years in the keeping.
With everything they thought they knew now called into question and the reckoning at hand, the Asterions' past, present and future will collide in a last daring gambit to save all three.
ASTERION NOIR
700,000 years ago, the Asterions fled persecution for their pro-synthetic beliefs. In the safe harbor of a distant galaxy, they have evolved into a true biosynthetic race and built a thriving society upon the pillars of personal autonomy, mutual respect and boundless innovation.
Now that society is fracturing at the seams. Beneath lies built upon lies, the shocking truth as to why threatens the future of not merely the Asterions, but all life in the universe.
Cyberpunk and space opera collide in a thrilling new trilogy from the author of the epic Aurora Rhapsody space opera saga. Enter a world of technological wonders, exotic alien life, enthralling characters, captivating worlds--and a terrifying evil lurking in the void that will shatter it all.
517 pages, ebook
Published June 6, 2019
42 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
G.S. Jennsen
52 books516 followersG. S. Jennsen is a speculative and science fiction author, as well as a futurist, geek, gamer, programmer and editor. She has become an internationally bestselling author since her first novel, Starshine, was published in March 2014. She has chosen to continue writing under an independent publishing model to ensure the integrity of her series and her ability to execute on the vision she’s had for it since its genesis.
While she has been a lawyer, a software engineer and an editor, she’s found the life of a full-time author preferable by several orders of magnitude.
When she isn’t writing, she’s gaming or working out or getting lost in the mountains that loom large outside the windows in her home. Or she’s dealing with a flooded basement, or standing in a line at Walmart reading the tabloid headlines and wondering who all of those people are. Or sitting on her back porch with a glass of wine, looking up at the stars, trying to figure out what could be up there.
While she has been a lawyer, a software engineer and an editor, she’s found the life of a full-time author preferable by several orders of magnitude.
When she isn’t writing, she’s gaming or working out or getting lost in the mountains that loom large outside the windows in her home. Or she’s dealing with a flooded basement, or standing in a line at Walmart reading the tabloid headlines and wondering who all of those people are. Or sitting on her back porch with a glass of wine, looking up at the stars, trying to figure out what could be up there.
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July 25, 2019THE STARS LIKE GODS releases in 1 month! To celebrate, here's the first teaser excerpt:
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Two weeks to go until THE STARS LIKE GODS is here :)
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THE STARS LIKE GODS arrives tomorrow! Here's a final teaser quote:
***
Two weeks to go until THE STARS LIKE GODS is here :)
***
THE STARS LIKE GODS arrives tomorrow! Here's a final teaser quote:
June 11, 2019
***I Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*** 4.5 Stars
First off, if you are reading this review and haven't read any of the previous books in the Aurora (Amaranthe) series, then go do so. You won't be disappointed.
This is a fantastic installment in this series. Ms. Jennsen has an expansive imagination that translates well onto the page. Her ability to weave plot, setting, science and, action into a true three-act novel is pretty impressive. Each novel furthers the series story each in a fully realized way. In other words, each novel has its own beginning, middle and, end. They don't end on unsatisfying cliffhangers like many other series.
My only complaint is that several of the characters tended to "sound" similar in dialogue. As there was a need for a huge cast, this can tend to become a tricky problem for writers (I speak from experience).
I can't wait to see what happens next in this genuinely engrossing series.
First off, if you are reading this review and haven't read any of the previous books in the Aurora (Amaranthe) series, then go do so. You won't be disappointed.
This is a fantastic installment in this series. Ms. Jennsen has an expansive imagination that translates well onto the page. Her ability to weave plot, setting, science and, action into a true three-act novel is pretty impressive. Each novel furthers the series story each in a fully realized way. In other words, each novel has its own beginning, middle and, end. They don't end on unsatisfying cliffhangers like many other series.
My only complaint is that several of the characters tended to "sound" similar in dialogue. As there was a need for a huge cast, this can tend to become a tricky problem for writers (I speak from experience).
I can't wait to see what happens next in this genuinely engrossing series.
May 31, 2019
THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS. PLEASE BE AWARE
June 12, 2019
First, if you didn't read the first two books, you should not read this review. But maybe you just want to know if it's good 'till book 3 before starting reading? In that case, let me tell you: IT IS. So go back to book 1 and read! :) (and if you didn't read Aurora Rising: The Complete Collection, start by this one! Hours of pleasure, you have like 13 books to read back to back, lucky you!)
So, my review is only for those who have read all the trilogy (all Amaranthe books, in fact) - and for the author, if she read this, I have a couple of questions... ;-)
So, my review is only for those who have read all the trilogy (all Amaranthe books, in fact) - and for the author, if she read this, I have a couple of questions... ;-)
June 15, 2019
4.5/5 stars
I’ve read many of G.S. Jennsen’s books over the years, and while I’ve loved all of them, I knew almost as soon as I started reading Exin Ex Machina that Nika’s story was going to be one of my favorites. Flash forward to now when I find myself at the conclusion of that trilogy, and suffice it to say, I am not disappointed. Far, far from it.
The Stars Like Gods (I LOVE that title, by the way) starts out a little slower than I had anticipated, just based on where we left the characters at the end of Of a Darker Void. But I really appreciated having a little time to get reacquainted with the characters and their world and to explore some of the character relationships a little further. I found myself tearing up more than once as the characters struggled with emotional and relational conflicts with stakes that felt just as high as they were in the overarching Rasu conflict.
That conflict is handled really well, too. The deadline the characters are given keeps the plot moving and forces them to make tough decisions and figure out creative solutions, and it’s always fun to see characters navigate those kinds of challenges. Things got really intense towards the end, and there’s one particular scene in there (chapter 51) that was handled so spectacularly I just…I have no words.
There are a lot of great revelations here for people who are familiar with Jennsen’s earlier work. (And if you’re not, you should stop reading this review and go catch up right now.) The biggest one comes at the end, and while I mostly saw it coming, it will still be really interesting to see what Jennsen does with her stories going forward.
I’ve read many of G.S. Jennsen’s books over the years, and while I’ve loved all of them, I knew almost as soon as I started reading Exin Ex Machina that Nika’s story was going to be one of my favorites. Flash forward to now when I find myself at the conclusion of that trilogy, and suffice it to say, I am not disappointed. Far, far from it.
The Stars Like Gods (I LOVE that title, by the way) starts out a little slower than I had anticipated, just based on where we left the characters at the end of Of a Darker Void. But I really appreciated having a little time to get reacquainted with the characters and their world and to explore some of the character relationships a little further. I found myself tearing up more than once as the characters struggled with emotional and relational conflicts with stakes that felt just as high as they were in the overarching Rasu conflict.
That conflict is handled really well, too. The deadline the characters are given keeps the plot moving and forces them to make tough decisions and figure out creative solutions, and it’s always fun to see characters navigate those kinds of challenges. Things got really intense towards the end, and there’s one particular scene in there (chapter 51) that was handled so spectacularly I just…I have no words.
There are a lot of great revelations here for people who are familiar with Jennsen’s earlier work. (And if you’re not, you should stop reading this review and go catch up right now.) The biggest one comes at the end, and while I mostly saw it coming, it will still be really interesting to see what Jennsen does with her stories going forward.
September 6, 2019
First things first: that cover tho.
The Stars Like Gods has a quieter opening than previous books, centering on all the characters we’ve gotten to know throughout Exin Ex Machina and Of A Darker Void as they begin the process of regaining some measure of composure and organization after the disasters they dealt with at the conclusion of OADV. But it doesn’t take long for the action to pick up—after all, the characters can’t afford to let their guard down for long, because something sinister is on its way.
While OADV had a little more of a space opera feel, TSLG taps back into Asterion Noir’s cyberpunk roots as Nika, Dashiel, and the rest of the cast desperately search for some way to combat the seemingly-unstoppable Rasu. With assistance from some new allies—including my personal favorite, cavalier military man Lance Palmer—and some crucial information from a couple of unexpected, enigmatic sources, they may just concoct a crazy plan to stop the Rasu from wiping out more if not all of the Asterion race…that is, if they can survive the treacherous actions of dissidents among their own people.
You would expect the third installment in an epic sci-fi series like this to conclude with some sort of grand space battle where the heroes band together to defeat the enemy and come away victorious. While there’s nothing wrong with that, we already saw it—several times, in fact—throughout the more space-opera-oriented Aurora Rhapsody saga. What we get instead here in TSLG is a real treat, something I’d certainly never seen before in anything I’d read. It’s executed flawlessly, both in the way it’s written and in relation to the tone of the story. I won’t say any more than that, but you’ll know it when you read it.
And for anyone who has followed the Aurora Rhapsody and Asterion Noir series in their entirety, there are some fun, familiar elements that should keep you turning pages and making one or both of the following faces. They certainly did for me.
And as this particular book draws to a close, it becomes obvious that there’s much more to come. If you thought this was going to be the end of this series, you were kidding yourself. This is G.S. Jennsen we’re talking about.
The Stars Like Gods has a quieter opening than previous books, centering on all the characters we’ve gotten to know throughout Exin Ex Machina and Of A Darker Void as they begin the process of regaining some measure of composure and organization after the disasters they dealt with at the conclusion of OADV. But it doesn’t take long for the action to pick up—after all, the characters can’t afford to let their guard down for long, because something sinister is on its way.
While OADV had a little more of a space opera feel, TSLG taps back into Asterion Noir’s cyberpunk roots as Nika, Dashiel, and the rest of the cast desperately search for some way to combat the seemingly-unstoppable Rasu. With assistance from some new allies—including my personal favorite, cavalier military man Lance Palmer—and some crucial information from a couple of unexpected, enigmatic sources, they may just concoct a crazy plan to stop the Rasu from wiping out more if not all of the Asterion race…that is, if they can survive the treacherous actions of dissidents among their own people.
You would expect the third installment in an epic sci-fi series like this to conclude with some sort of grand space battle where the heroes band together to defeat the enemy and come away victorious. While there’s nothing wrong with that, we already saw it—several times, in fact—throughout the more space-opera-oriented Aurora Rhapsody saga. What we get instead here in TSLG is a real treat, something I’d certainly never seen before in anything I’d read. It’s executed flawlessly, both in the way it’s written and in relation to the tone of the story. I won’t say any more than that, but you’ll know it when you read it.
And for anyone who has followed the Aurora Rhapsody and Asterion Noir series in their entirety, there are some fun, familiar elements that should keep you turning pages and making one or both of the following faces. They certainly did for me.
And as this particular book draws to a close, it becomes obvious that there’s much more to come. If you thought this was going to be the end of this series, you were kidding yourself. This is G.S. Jennsen we’re talking about.
June 20, 2019
The Stars Like Gods is the conclusion of GS Jennsen's Asterion Noir trilogy. It is set in the same universe but a different galaxy as her Aurora Rhapsody series, which spanned nine books in a trilogy of trilogies. The story in The Stars Like Gods hints, more than ever, at connections with Aurora Rhapsody.
In The Stars Like Gods, Nika continues to come into her own until she becomes the formidable Asterion that she had been before her memory of hundreds of thousands of years was wiped. Not just leader of Noir, the rebellion, but as Adviser and leader of Asterion society. And a gutsy and feisty individual who isn't going to go down, or let her society go down, without one heck of a fight. Which she delightfully provides. Many times over
As in all of GS Jennsen's books, the story is marvelous and there are some absolutely fabulous moments. Not the least of which is the final scene which, after twelve books, unbelievably kicks EVERYTHING up a notch or ten. Hang on to your hats, because THIS AIN'T OVER!
I want to say thanks to GS Jennsen for her contribution to the craft of writing, to Science Fiction, and to her fans. Her fans all know how attentive she is to those who read her works and what a good sport and encouraging author she is when it comes to various comments on her Facebook page. If you are a fan of her works and are not a member of her Facebook page, you owe it to yourself to hurry over there and join in the fun.
G.S. Jennsen has now written twelve novels in the same universe, plus a number of short stories. Four trilogies, three of them - 9 books - set in the Milky Way Galaxy. Another trilogy set in Asterion, a distant galaxy. And now, at the end of the fourth trilogy, it seems that the story is just gearing up to a new level!
Think of that. Twelve novels telling one inter-galactic tale, and the story is just about to kick up a notch. Maybe two, Maybe twelve, given the main characters and G.S. Jennsen's ability to have us reading and cheering out loud for them, especially Alex and Nika.
Per her author's note at the end of The Stars Like Gods, she plans a transitional novel, and then at least six books in a new series. I know there will be those who disagree or debate what I say next , but please hear me out. I think that such a Sci-fi space opera saga that is readable, gripping, and so expansive is rare. In fact, I would suggest that it is equivalent to what Isaac Asimov perhaps intended, or certainly left readers hoping for, in his Foundation novels. Only the current tale by G.S. Jennsen is already more expansive than the great Master's classic, and it is still growing.
I believe those of us who have been following her writing, and who have been glorying in her story (Alex, what HAVE you done???), are witnessing a great event in the unfolding history of science fiction. Something on a par with the early Masters of the genre. This is this generation's Foundation series. It explores not just the marvelous "what ifs" that follow the original premise, but also explores pressing contemporary questions about technology, intelligence, the meaning of personal existence, and more. Much more.
G.S. Jennsen, great work and PLEASE keep 'em coming!
In The Stars Like Gods, Nika continues to come into her own until she becomes the formidable Asterion that she had been before her memory of hundreds of thousands of years was wiped. Not just leader of Noir, the rebellion, but as Adviser and leader of Asterion society. And a gutsy and feisty individual who isn't going to go down, or let her society go down, without one heck of a fight. Which she delightfully provides. Many times over
As in all of GS Jennsen's books, the story is marvelous and there are some absolutely fabulous moments. Not the least of which is the final scene which, after twelve books, unbelievably kicks EVERYTHING up a notch or ten. Hang on to your hats, because THIS AIN'T OVER!
I want to say thanks to GS Jennsen for her contribution to the craft of writing, to Science Fiction, and to her fans. Her fans all know how attentive she is to those who read her works and what a good sport and encouraging author she is when it comes to various comments on her Facebook page. If you are a fan of her works and are not a member of her Facebook page, you owe it to yourself to hurry over there and join in the fun.
G.S. Jennsen has now written twelve novels in the same universe, plus a number of short stories. Four trilogies, three of them - 9 books - set in the Milky Way Galaxy. Another trilogy set in Asterion, a distant galaxy. And now, at the end of the fourth trilogy, it seems that the story is just gearing up to a new level!
Think of that. Twelve novels telling one inter-galactic tale, and the story is just about to kick up a notch. Maybe two, Maybe twelve, given the main characters and G.S. Jennsen's ability to have us reading and cheering out loud for them, especially Alex and Nika.
Per her author's note at the end of The Stars Like Gods, she plans a transitional novel, and then at least six books in a new series. I know there will be those who disagree or debate what I say next , but please hear me out. I think that such a Sci-fi space opera saga that is readable, gripping, and so expansive is rare. In fact, I would suggest that it is equivalent to what Isaac Asimov perhaps intended, or certainly left readers hoping for, in his Foundation novels. Only the current tale by G.S. Jennsen is already more expansive than the great Master's classic, and it is still growing.
I believe those of us who have been following her writing, and who have been glorying in her story (Alex, what HAVE you done???), are witnessing a great event in the unfolding history of science fiction. Something on a par with the early Masters of the genre. This is this generation's Foundation series. It explores not just the marvelous "what ifs" that follow the original premise, but also explores pressing contemporary questions about technology, intelligence, the meaning of personal existence, and more. Much more.
G.S. Jennsen, great work and PLEASE keep 'em coming!
June 17, 2019
G. S. Jennsen’s books just keep getting better. This one took me deeper into fantastic worlds, had me falling in love with the characters and most definitely left me wanting more.
This is a wonderful look at how we cope when our world drastically changes. It might be under threat but the people in it are determined to survive, their strength, courage and ability to cope with the sudden changes left me astounded. How they deal with all of that made me proud of them.
The scope of this book is huge as it ties together everything that’s happened in the previous books, the ideas are mind blowing. Capturing the enemy, coming up with a way to destroy something so expansive and cruel, the way it’s all pulled together while dealing with the political changes going on in the background – amazing. In between all of that we get love, friendship and so much more. Then the discovery that they are so much more than they thought – left me in awe.
The characters. They feel real, fleshed out so well it’s like I know them, I was in the room with them, hurting for them, angry at them, hated them sometimes and want to be them. They’ve become like family over the course of the series.
This is science fiction at its best, full of ideas that we can only dream of. It’s action, adventure, romance and excitement. This is the end of this series but it’s leading us in to more and I can’t wait to take the next journey in this universe that G. S. Jennsen has created.
This is a wonderful look at how we cope when our world drastically changes. It might be under threat but the people in it are determined to survive, their strength, courage and ability to cope with the sudden changes left me astounded. How they deal with all of that made me proud of them.
The scope of this book is huge as it ties together everything that’s happened in the previous books, the ideas are mind blowing. Capturing the enemy, coming up with a way to destroy something so expansive and cruel, the way it’s all pulled together while dealing with the political changes going on in the background – amazing. In between all of that we get love, friendship and so much more. Then the discovery that they are so much more than they thought – left me in awe.
The characters. They feel real, fleshed out so well it’s like I know them, I was in the room with them, hurting for them, angry at them, hated them sometimes and want to be them. They’ve become like family over the course of the series.
This is science fiction at its best, full of ideas that we can only dream of. It’s action, adventure, romance and excitement. This is the end of this series but it’s leading us in to more and I can’t wait to take the next journey in this universe that G. S. Jennsen has created.
June 9, 2019
Wow. You might be concerned that, with her 9th book in 5 years, Ms. Jennsen’s writing couldn’t possibly continue to be top quality, but you would be wrong. This is yet another wild ride into the far reaches of space in worlds as yet unknown, but with realism and detail that pull you in and connect you to each character and his or her story. You get the idea that Ms. Jennsen has explored every detail about these characters thoughts, feelings, lives, and connections, and yet she manages to convey these to the reader without getting bogged down in long stretches of description. The balance of description and action is perfect. If you have not read the rest of this series, as well as her others, be sure to do so, preferably before reading this one. I can’t wait for the next adventure!
June 22, 2019
A fitting climax to the Asterion Noir trilogy.
Robust characters and species, masterfully developed. Rich plot with subtlety and surprises. And inspiring exploration of the "what if" of a species whose lives could span multiple centuries or more. This is the best of what science fiction does as a genre!
If you haven't read the first two in the series, it's worth it and progressively builds. Get started now, because another series is coming soon!
Robust characters and species, masterfully developed. Rich plot with subtlety and surprises. And inspiring exploration of the "what if" of a species whose lives could span multiple centuries or more. This is the best of what science fiction does as a genre!
If you haven't read the first two in the series, it's worth it and progressively builds. Get started now, because another series is coming soon!
June 6, 2019
The final instalment of Asterion Noir did not disappoint. Beautifully paced, utterly engrossing, and the perfect balance of excitement, character development, and frisson-inducing storytelling. The conclusion to this trilogy is completely satisfying, but, as always, leaves the reader wanting more. Hopefully this isn’t the last we see of the Asterion gang.
June 8, 2019
Excellant read. If you haven't read her previous works, go back to the beginning and start with Starshine. Be prepared for a wonderful journey.
November 28, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy within the Amaranthe universe. Truly epic in scope, the ending didn't disappoint. And Nika is a very memorable protagonist. An enthusiastic 5 stars!!
July 5, 2019
Another great adventure comes to an end . . . or does it? Jennsen continues following Nika and friends in their struggle with destructive forces both within and outside their society, in this conclusion of the Asterion Noir trilogy. As usual, Jennsen's writing is superb. Her ability to weave an exciting and intricate plot is exceptional, as is her talent for developing interesting and relatable characters. I have read everything that G.S. Jennsen has written and I'm always impressed. And now, as the teaser at the end of this novel indicates, the story will continue in a separate series set in the same universe as the Asterions, Annaden, and Humans. Nika and Dashiel meet Alex and Caleb! I can't wait!
August 18, 2019
I received an ARC. Recently, life and work, (lots of it) has interfered with my voracious reading habits. I just now got around to being able to read it. I also purchased a copy today because I firmly believe writers need to be able to make a living.
If you can afford it, please reward your favorite authors
I have read all of G S Jennson's previous novels and enjoyed everyone of them. The Stars Like Gods did not disappoint.
Possible spoilers.
It is a riveting almost sort of conclusion to the Amaranthe series that ties it together with the Aurora series. I was not surprised and really super happy. It's as if our saga has just begun anew with our most beloved and familiar cast of characters.
The end of this book is a new beginning. A series that I hope continues for a very long time.
What I love about Jennson is her skill at world building - like 9 books for the Aurora series and 3 in the Amaranthe series with a 4th to come that will no doubt tie them all together.
If you like really long sci-fi sagas with fully thought out worlds that you hope will never end, you will absolutely love her work.
Also, another hallmark of her writing that I love is the cyber punkish way she explores the possibilities of humans becoming hybrid human/AI/"machines" and the implications for such societies.
She also imaginitively explores the many possible incarnations of sentience in the alien species our protagonists encounter.
All around, I enjoy her expansive world building, character building - personalities that you can really love or hate - and the exploration of the possible incarnations and evolution of both human and alien sentience.
If you can afford it, please reward your favorite authors
I have read all of G S Jennson's previous novels and enjoyed everyone of them. The Stars Like Gods did not disappoint.
Possible spoilers.
It is a riveting almost sort of conclusion to the Amaranthe series that ties it together with the Aurora series. I was not surprised and really super happy. It's as if our saga has just begun anew with our most beloved and familiar cast of characters.
The end of this book is a new beginning. A series that I hope continues for a very long time.
What I love about Jennson is her skill at world building - like 9 books for the Aurora series and 3 in the Amaranthe series with a 4th to come that will no doubt tie them all together.
If you like really long sci-fi sagas with fully thought out worlds that you hope will never end, you will absolutely love her work.
Also, another hallmark of her writing that I love is the cyber punkish way she explores the possibilities of humans becoming hybrid human/AI/"machines" and the implications for such societies.
She also imaginitively explores the many possible incarnations of sentience in the alien species our protagonists encounter.
All around, I enjoy her expansive world building, character building - personalities that you can really love or hate - and the exploration of the possible incarnations and evolution of both human and alien sentience.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2020
Great ending or should I say beginning.
Loved this book. It reminds me of E. E. "Doc' Smith series or Asimov's Foundation series. I can't wait for the next book.
Loved this book. It reminds me of E. E. "Doc' Smith series or Asimov's Foundation series. I can't wait for the next book.
June 24, 2019
Human evolution.
The troubling aspect of this series is that after millennia of existence humankind hasn’t evolved beyond it’s basest instincts. One would hope that as we evolve we would become a kinder and gentler species. According to this author we do not. And I can’t say that I disagree. Through this series we live longer, experience more, and become smarter. We merge with technology and gain instantaneous access to the knowledge of the universe. And, as today, we use that knowledge and experience to serve our own self interests. This is equally depressing and eye opening. I only hope that through the author’s efforts we find a way out of this conundrum. I can’t wait for the next set of novels. Especially as they will include the previous characters of Alex and Caleb. Thank you for a wonderful experience.
The troubling aspect of this series is that after millennia of existence humankind hasn’t evolved beyond it’s basest instincts. One would hope that as we evolve we would become a kinder and gentler species. According to this author we do not. And I can’t say that I disagree. Through this series we live longer, experience more, and become smarter. We merge with technology and gain instantaneous access to the knowledge of the universe. And, as today, we use that knowledge and experience to serve our own self interests. This is equally depressing and eye opening. I only hope that through the author’s efforts we find a way out of this conundrum. I can’t wait for the next set of novels. Especially as they will include the previous characters of Alex and Caleb. Thank you for a wonderful experience.
September 12, 2025
13 books in, and I am still in awe of the limitlessness of Jennsen's imagination and storytelling abilities. I now rank her in my favorite space opera authors alongside F. Herbert, P. Hamilton, A. Reynolds & G. Benford. Great action, huge scope, good character arcs, fully entertaining from start to finish.
What sets Jennsen apart from many authors is her ability to write full, complex personalities - full of emotions, faults, strengths, etc. - and realistic interactions between them. And throw in some good humor and you have a bevy of interesting characters.
Can't wait to see where Jennsen will take us next, although I hope she manages to create some distinction between the Nika & Alex personalities, as they do seem very similar. Was ok during the Asterion series with just Nika present, we'll see in the next series.
What sets Jennsen apart from many authors is her ability to write full, complex personalities - full of emotions, faults, strengths, etc. - and realistic interactions between them. And throw in some good humor and you have a bevy of interesting characters.
Can't wait to see where Jennsen will take us next, although I hope she manages to create some distinction between the Nika & Alex personalities, as they do seem very similar. Was ok during the Asterion series with just Nika present, we'll see in the next series.
June 13, 2019
Peter Kordas
Just finished "Stars Like Gods" My goodness,, but what a yarn! Be prepared to reserve some time to read this book, it isn't one that is easy to put down once begun... Highly recommended that the first 2 of the series be read first. Or you just won't follow all that well...
There will be no spoilers here, sorry... Though it will pay handsomely to have read the earlier Aurora etc series ... Surprises there are... Nice ones. 6 plus....The author is skilled in her craft.. She has a delightfully fecund imagination. Her character development, her portrayal of scenes are neither formulaic, nor unbalanced in the length of time each is dwelt upon.. great finesse... Can't wait (but will have to) for the next...development..
Enthusiastically recommended.
Just finished "Stars Like Gods" My goodness,, but what a yarn! Be prepared to reserve some time to read this book, it isn't one that is easy to put down once begun... Highly recommended that the first 2 of the series be read first. Or you just won't follow all that well...
There will be no spoilers here, sorry... Though it will pay handsomely to have read the earlier Aurora etc series ... Surprises there are... Nice ones. 6 plus....The author is skilled in her craft.. She has a delightfully fecund imagination. Her character development, her portrayal of scenes are neither formulaic, nor unbalanced in the length of time each is dwelt upon.. great finesse... Can't wait (but will have to) for the next...development..
Enthusiastically recommended.
November 22, 2021
Nowhere near as good as the first 2 books in the series, this is a lot more about love, connections between people and making the most of life which is a great message but not as great a storyline. A few things irked me including the inclusion of the Sogain, it felt like a really lazy way to tie up a few loose ends in the book, as well as SPOLIERS: how Parc became incredibly camp immediately after being kissed by Ryan despite never showing any similar characteristics before and how the kyoseil cerrafs were discovered and developed on the first attempt after about 30 seconds of trying to discover it despite no one even considering it for 700,000 years. A good book but not on the level of the first 2
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2021
GS Jennsen is at the top of her game in The Stars Like Gods. That having been said, all of her books have been wonderfully written and great space adventures!! One of the things I most admire about her writing is her character development. None of her readers were happy about saying goodbye to Alex and Caleb at the end of two back to back trilogies, but she then brought us Nika, Dashiel, and a whole new cast of unforgettable characters! Another thing I’ve always loved about her books is how intelligent they are! She challenges our thinking in unique ways. And, wow!! What an ending!! Looking forward to what’s coming next!!
November 18, 2020
Dyson structures and fighting and...
This is one of the most engaging science fiction series I’ve read in a long time. The rebels fled their home world, set up a new society, set up a governing structure, lost control, became rebels again. Won a coup, beat up the bad guys and still had time for loving.
The concepts are refreshingly different but the characters age and layer their complexity as they regenerate.
This is one of the most engaging science fiction series I’ve read in a long time. The rebels fled their home world, set up a new society, set up a governing structure, lost control, became rebels again. Won a coup, beat up the bad guys and still had time for loving.
The concepts are refreshingly different but the characters age and layer their complexity as they regenerate.
April 21, 2020
Another incredible instalment of Amaranthe
An epic space opera spanning galaxies, this book is sure to capture your heart and imagination. I couldn't put it, or any of the previous books, down for a minute!
An epic space opera spanning galaxies, this book is sure to capture your heart and imagination. I couldn't put it, or any of the previous books, down for a minute!
September 4, 2020
Definitely rounded up on this one. Entertaining and fast-paced story, amazing creativity and awesome world building. Sappy dialogue, flat and undeveloped characters and juvenile romantic drama get in the way and disrupt the flow of the story quite a bit, which is a shame.
July 5, 2019
Excellent
So why can't I find "Continum" ....book one of the series?.... I d buy and see where the combination of strong characters leads.
So why can't I find "Continum" ....book one of the series?.... I d buy and see where the combination of strong characters leads.
Read
November 24, 2023I enjoeyed the first two Asterion Noir novels so well that I had to find out whay happened to their characters.
April 24, 2022
3.5 stars
I liked the solution to the Rasu problem, though I don’t know if it needed to go all the way down to the wire. The Rasu plot was actually very simply solved. Most of the rest of the book dealt with how to recover from the actions at the end of the last book –while they were important and had some interesting parts, they were less so than the events in the rest of this series. The gathering of Advisors, the rebellion of some, and the addition of Noir members, all gave the recovery some validity. My favorite part was the attack on the Mirai tower by the Advisors who believe the government takeover was illegal. It showed a lot of smart people working very smart angles. On the other hand, I have a lot of trouble with Dashiel’s reaction to Nika’s revelation –he overreacted, and I didn’t find it believable, especially the way he’d fawned over her in this and the previous life. It served no real purpose, and was too smoothed over for the rest of the book.
I liked the solution to the Rasu problem, though I don’t know if it needed to go all the way down to the wire. The Rasu plot was actually very simply solved. Most of the rest of the book dealt with how to recover from the actions at the end of the last book –while they were important and had some interesting parts, they were less so than the events in the rest of this series. The gathering of Advisors, the rebellion of some, and the addition of Noir members, all gave the recovery some validity. My favorite part was the attack on the Mirai tower by the Advisors who believe the government takeover was illegal. It showed a lot of smart people working very smart angles. On the other hand, I have a lot of trouble with Dashiel’s reaction to Nika’s revelation –he overreacted, and I didn’t find it believable, especially the way he’d fawned over her in this and the previous life. It served no real purpose, and was too smoothed over for the rest of the book.
April 30, 2023
The conclusion to this trilogy was disappointing. We never get a deeper understanding of the enemy. People who are thousands of years old are acting like junior high students when it comes to romantic relationships - while the countdown to their species destruction is running. The solutions to problems come out of nowhere. There is an end to the trilogy, however, which was nice since these are only part of the Amaranthe series.
Note: This is the third book in a trilogy. You do have to read the previous two books before this. It is also part of a larger series, but you don’t have to have read them to follow this trilogy.
Note: This is the third book in a trilogy. You do have to read the previous two books before this. It is also part of a larger series, but you don’t have to have read them to follow this trilogy.
November 21, 2019
The ending was totally what I was looking forward to, but at the same time left me a little frustrated and chomping at the bit for the next book.
July 27, 2019
I have now read...
..the first three novels in the Asterion/Noir series. Very imaginative, technologies approaching magic, but plausible given the time scales. I always appreciate an author that has the courage to speculate about the far future.
The many characters are well formed and distinct; another indication of an author who takes great care in her writing.
And it’s also kind of nice to see that the author is also a neighbor (I live in Arvada).
Looking forward to more!
..the first three novels in the Asterion/Noir series. Very imaginative, technologies approaching magic, but plausible given the time scales. I always appreciate an author that has the courage to speculate about the far future.
The many characters are well formed and distinct; another indication of an author who takes great care in her writing.
And it’s also kind of nice to see that the author is also a neighbor (I live in Arvada).
Looking forward to more!
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