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The Bulari Saga #2
Crossfire
Trouble is dead. Long live trouble.
Killing the leader of a violent cult was supposed to make the city a safer place, but instead it created a power imbalance that’s left a deadly war raging in the streets of Bulari.
When Willem Jaantzen is approached for help by local casino magnate Phaera D, he has the sinking feeling the only way to end this war is to betray the people he loves the most. And he’s starting to suspect that Phaera wants more from him than just his help.
Whatever decision he makes feels like the wrong one. And as his goddaughter chips away at the mystery surrounding their latest discovery, bringing peace back to the Bulari underground is quickly becoming the least of his worries.
The Bulari Saga series is part of Jessie Kwak’s Durga System universe, a fast-paced series of gangster sci-fi stories set in a far-future world where humans may have left their home planet to populate the stars, but they haven’t managed to leave behind their vices. And that’s very good for business.
Killing the leader of a violent cult was supposed to make the city a safer place, but instead it created a power imbalance that’s left a deadly war raging in the streets of Bulari.
When Willem Jaantzen is approached for help by local casino magnate Phaera D, he has the sinking feeling the only way to end this war is to betray the people he loves the most. And he’s starting to suspect that Phaera wants more from him than just his help.
Whatever decision he makes feels like the wrong one. And as his goddaughter chips away at the mystery surrounding their latest discovery, bringing peace back to the Bulari underground is quickly becoming the least of his worries.
The Bulari Saga series is part of Jessie Kwak’s Durga System universe, a fast-paced series of gangster sci-fi stories set in a far-future world where humans may have left their home planet to populate the stars, but they haven’t managed to leave behind their vices. And that’s very good for business.
- GenresScience Fiction
362 pages, Paperback
Published June 25, 2019
6 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Jessie Kwak
55 books131 followersJessie Kwak has always lived in imaginary lands, from Arrakis and Ankh-Morpork to Earthsea, Tatooine, and now Portland, Oregon. As a writer, she sends readers on their own journeys to immersive worlds filled with fascinating characters, gunfights, explosions, and dinner parties. When she’s not raving about her latest favorite sci-fi series to her friends, she can be found sewing, mountain biking, or out exploring new worlds both at home and abroad.
She is the author of supernatural thriller From Earth and Bone, the Bulari Saga series of gangster sci-fi novels, and productivity guide From Chaos to Creativity. You can learn more about her at www.jessiekwak.com, or follow her on Twitter (@jkwak).
She is the author of supernatural thriller From Earth and Bone, the Bulari Saga series of gangster sci-fi novels, and productivity guide From Chaos to Creativity. You can learn more about her at www.jessiekwak.com, or follow her on Twitter (@jkwak).
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 7, 2024
This book, the second volume of the Bulari Saga, turned out to be even more nerve-wrecking. It was full of tension, mystery, slow-burning suspense, passion, and some green shoots of love sprouting against the black and red landscape of politics, money, survival and conspiracies.
Hugely enjoyed it, goes without saying.
Highly recommended.
Hugely enjoyed it, goes without saying.
Highly recommended.
June 29, 2019
Jessie Kwak is such an incredible writer. Once I start reading one of her books, I have to fight to put it down--they just suck you in and place you right there in the world, in the middle of these characters' lives. The world feels so fully realized, the writing so evocative and poetic without dragging the story one bit. The pacing is perfect. I love these characters so much and I just want to shove this series onto every sci fi fan's bookshelf because it's SO GOOD.
October 7, 2020
This author knows how to bait a hook like no other author can.
Then she reels you in with excitement and heart pumping action. It's heady stuff! And once you're hooked, then,"it's all over, bar the shouting!" as the saying goes!
She keeps the plot good and tight, until it explodes out into violence on the streets and suddenly there are bodies laying in all directions. Nowhere is safe it seems and no one can be trusted.
With each faction vying for ultimate control of the drugs, casinos, and the streets; who ultimately become boss depends greatly on a woman called Blackheart. A woman who has no good in her soul but she's the only one who can bring control back to the streets; who can instil enough fear and respect in those around her, that she's likely going to be able to back the gang boss wannabe, Levi Acheta, down and bring him to heel. The trouble is, according to the word on the streets; she is very dead!
Life on the streets was always tough, but now that Blackheart is dead, the violence between the warring factions is off the scale, with drive by shootings becoming commonplace.
The tension in this story is palpable. It draws you on, compelling and forcing you to pay attention. I love a book that can grip me the way this one does. Once you start reading you just won't want to pause for a comfort break, food, drink, anything. I certainly found myself deeply engrossed with it.
I love the rough and ready characters, like Blackheart; they are merciless, immensely dangerous and they will make you wince at their callous actions. Every thought in their head is how to spin things to give them more power and more money, and they certainly don't give a hoot who they have to kill to get either, or both.
Then there are the gang members with a brain and a heart, like Jaantzen; callous when required, yet thoughtful and deep, but unafraid to push the envelope if the proverbial s**t hits the fan! Life for him is a juggling act between being Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Situations come up in this book that call for quick changes between the two.
I really enjoyed this book. It was more than just an action story. It had a lot of nuances, depth and soul that were as evident as the bullets and punches that were let fly.
Choices were made that didn't make everyday a summer's day for a lot of folks. Some choices were harder for some of our wonderful characters to handle than others. But at the end of the day, there were a great many people's lives depended on the choices of perhaps 3-4 people in the entire population. Hence the nuances, depth and soul.
When I finished reading this book, I genuinely wanted more. I look forward to devouring the next book in the series when I get my hands on it. If it's anything like this one, I'm surely gonna enjoy it!
Then she reels you in with excitement and heart pumping action. It's heady stuff! And once you're hooked, then,"it's all over, bar the shouting!" as the saying goes!
She keeps the plot good and tight, until it explodes out into violence on the streets and suddenly there are bodies laying in all directions. Nowhere is safe it seems and no one can be trusted.
With each faction vying for ultimate control of the drugs, casinos, and the streets; who ultimately become boss depends greatly on a woman called Blackheart. A woman who has no good in her soul but she's the only one who can bring control back to the streets; who can instil enough fear and respect in those around her, that she's likely going to be able to back the gang boss wannabe, Levi Acheta, down and bring him to heel. The trouble is, according to the word on the streets; she is very dead!
Life on the streets was always tough, but now that Blackheart is dead, the violence between the warring factions is off the scale, with drive by shootings becoming commonplace.
The tension in this story is palpable. It draws you on, compelling and forcing you to pay attention. I love a book that can grip me the way this one does. Once you start reading you just won't want to pause for a comfort break, food, drink, anything. I certainly found myself deeply engrossed with it.
I love the rough and ready characters, like Blackheart; they are merciless, immensely dangerous and they will make you wince at their callous actions. Every thought in their head is how to spin things to give them more power and more money, and they certainly don't give a hoot who they have to kill to get either, or both.
Then there are the gang members with a brain and a heart, like Jaantzen; callous when required, yet thoughtful and deep, but unafraid to push the envelope if the proverbial s**t hits the fan! Life for him is a juggling act between being Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Situations come up in this book that call for quick changes between the two.
I really enjoyed this book. It was more than just an action story. It had a lot of nuances, depth and soul that were as evident as the bullets and punches that were let fly.
Choices were made that didn't make everyday a summer's day for a lot of folks. Some choices were harder for some of our wonderful characters to handle than others. But at the end of the day, there were a great many people's lives depended on the choices of perhaps 3-4 people in the entire population. Hence the nuances, depth and soul.
When I finished reading this book, I genuinely wanted more. I look forward to devouring the next book in the series when I get my hands on it. If it's anything like this one, I'm surely gonna enjoy it!
March 11, 2020
This story continues where the last one, Double Edged, left off, and things around Bulari are getting more violent and dangerous all the time. When Phaera D, local casino owner, asks Jaantzen to help push back against Acheta and his gang, it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Acheta took over after Blackheart’s death and if she was bad, he’s much worse. Starla meanwhile is making progress in solving the mystery of their discovery and I can’t wait to see what happens with all that. I liked Phaera a lot, and the chance that she and Jaantzen might get to know each other better on a personal basis is great, and I’m hoping we’ll be seeing more of her in future stories. I also loved getting to know more about the other wonderful characters like Manu, Oriol, Tosh and Gia, and look forward to seeing how things progress with them. I’m off to read Pressure Point now to find out what happens next.
February 1, 2021
A worthy successor to the first book. Relationships are deepened, and the stakes get higher. I liked this book a lot more than the first one, I think partly because I was more used to the style and world by book 2. Book 1 was slightly jarring for me, especially being in 1st person present but now I barely notice it anymore. I liked the character of Phaera D (who I believe is on the cover) as she was a much welcome addition to the cast.
These books are a lot of fun and could more or less take place in present day Las Vegas. But the futuristic and alien world setting hypes them up a bit, giving them an edge they wouldn't have otherwise. Looking forward to book 3.
These books are a lot of fun and could more or less take place in present day Las Vegas. But the futuristic and alien world setting hypes them up a bit, giving them an edge they wouldn't have otherwise. Looking forward to book 3.
June 9, 2022
Well written - fast paced and fabulous!
I absolutely dig these books and the characters just keep growing on me. It's an easy read which allows you to really get lost in the world and the adventures of the characters. A great read for anyone!
I absolutely dig these books and the characters just keep growing on me. It's an easy read which allows you to really get lost in the world and the adventures of the characters. A great read for anyone!
December 4, 2024
Such an awesome combination of action and intrigue, juggling priorities and trying to decipher who and what to trust and believe as you go along, and rooting for every new favorite character. So many great characters here.
May 5, 2020
I'm really enjoying this series.
January 12, 2021
and action packed. This series gets better witIntenseh every book.
May 30, 2021
Better and better!
The first installment took a while to get into. It was setting a complex scene. Book 2 delivers on the effort of book 1. Well done Ms Kwak!
The first installment took a while to get into. It was setting a complex scene. Book 2 delivers on the effort of book 1. Well done Ms Kwak!
January 7, 2022
After a little problem with the first novel, to begin with, book two is better and more engaging, worth a read.
December 27, 2022
Love it
Two story lines. Separate and only vaguely intertwined. Both fascinating.
Good dial6and very interesting characters. There is still a mystery to solve. Must read more.
Two story lines. Separate and only vaguely intertwined. Both fascinating.
Good dial6and very interesting characters. There is still a mystery to solve. Must read more.
July 29, 2019
I could not wait to open Crossfire and continue reading more of the characters in the Bulari Saga. I was not disappointed and quickly became engrossed in the story.
In the second volume of the saga, readers get to know a little more about the characters that Kwak has introduced us to. My two favourite characters are definitely Manu and Starla. In Crossfire, I learn a little more about them and – to be honest – I want to know more! Both of them are shown as people who have experienced some difficult times. They are loyal and strong – and, like all people, have things on their mind and problems in their personal lives. Readers also get to know a little more about Toshiyo – the nerd in the story. I look forward with hope to learning more about her in the next installment of the saga.
Kwak has shared with us a story that is fast-paced and filled with action. I chose to read this novel during a time in which I could put aside all other obligations – a wise choice as I did not want to put the book down! The story picks up from where it left off in the first volume, Double Edged. Kwak adroitly moves the reader through the story with concise writing that creates images in the reader’s mind.
Crossfire is a story about the need to sacrifice personal desires for the good of the community. Jaantzen and Manu need to forsake their desire for revenge Of a sworn enemy in order to ensure that peace can be attained in their city. The reader does wonder, and hope, that their sacrifice is worth it and that Jaantzen’s plan to work with an enemy is fruitful.
As I read the last page of this novel, I wished I could read more. I will be waiting impatiently for the next volume. This fast-paced science-fiction story has me hooked!
In the second volume of the saga, readers get to know a little more about the characters that Kwak has introduced us to. My two favourite characters are definitely Manu and Starla. In Crossfire, I learn a little more about them and – to be honest – I want to know more! Both of them are shown as people who have experienced some difficult times. They are loyal and strong – and, like all people, have things on their mind and problems in their personal lives. Readers also get to know a little more about Toshiyo – the nerd in the story. I look forward with hope to learning more about her in the next installment of the saga.
Kwak has shared with us a story that is fast-paced and filled with action. I chose to read this novel during a time in which I could put aside all other obligations – a wise choice as I did not want to put the book down! The story picks up from where it left off in the first volume, Double Edged. Kwak adroitly moves the reader through the story with concise writing that creates images in the reader’s mind.
Crossfire is a story about the need to sacrifice personal desires for the good of the community. Jaantzen and Manu need to forsake their desire for revenge Of a sworn enemy in order to ensure that peace can be attained in their city. The reader does wonder, and hope, that their sacrifice is worth it and that Jaantzen’s plan to work with an enemy is fruitful.
As I read the last page of this novel, I wished I could read more. I will be waiting impatiently for the next volume. This fast-paced science-fiction story has me hooked!
July 1, 2019
What an exciting, compelling storyline! What deep, believable characters! Jessie not only has me hooked on reading about her Durga System universe, she has me wanting to totally jump in and be a part of it! I'm ready to sign up for Jantzen's crew, ready to join in with Manu, Starla, Tosh, Gia, Oriol, and now Phaera D. At the end of each book I slowly close the pages, wishing I had such fiercely devoted friends that would have my back in my own world of chaos, wondering what they will be doing until we meet again. Needless to say I am not happy about waiting to dive back into their (my) world in Pressure Point, the next Durga System book.
In Crossfire, after a particularly intense evening of action and battle and surprises, Oriol asks, "Did we win?" I'm not going to spoil the end of the book for you, but I will tell this: The real winner is Jessie Kwak! She hit it out of the ballpark with Crossfire!
In Crossfire, after a particularly intense evening of action and battle and surprises, Oriol asks, "Did we win?" I'm not going to spoil the end of the book for you, but I will tell this: The real winner is Jessie Kwak! She hit it out of the ballpark with Crossfire!
Read
August 12, 2019Loved this story, Book 2 in the series.
This time, we were introduced to the characters a little deeper, with more of the supporting cast stepping up. I was a bit worried because this can often lose me as a reader, but I really enjoyed how each character was just as complex and intriguing as the original main character. And the main character didn't go anywhere, he was still there, and perhaps more well-understood by having seen him through other character's point of view.
I've pre-ordered Book 3.
Note: While this can sorta work as a standalone, I recommend reading at least Book 1 (there are a few short stories) because it makes the story more enjoyable knowing the background.
This time, we were introduced to the characters a little deeper, with more of the supporting cast stepping up. I was a bit worried because this can often lose me as a reader, but I really enjoyed how each character was just as complex and intriguing as the original main character. And the main character didn't go anywhere, he was still there, and perhaps more well-understood by having seen him through other character's point of view.
I've pre-ordered Book 3.
Note: While this can sorta work as a standalone, I recommend reading at least Book 1 (there are a few short stories) because it makes the story more enjoyable knowing the background.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews