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NACL: Eye of the Storm
Lani should never have trusted any plan that started with the words, "So, I have an idea, but first you need a drink."
When a crazy Precog handed Lani the coordinates to a stretch of ocean just off the Salt Spire, she should have thrown them overboard. Going there would be a horrible idea. Lani, though, was a pro at making bad decisions.
A not-so-chance encounter with escaped salt slave Adavera launches them on a path to forsake all that they know and dare to take on the cruel Corporation that controls every grain of salt on their planet. With the help of old friends, new friends, and people they are pretty sure might be enemies, Adavera and Lani travel outside the protective reef that keeps the worst of the Storms off the Islands and venture into a world of piracy, astonishing powers, and unexpected love.
The odds might be against them, but with a little planning and a lot of brass, this team of misfits intends to do the impossible. They have very little in common, except for two things:
They all want to blow the Crystal Corporation into oblivion...
And are willing to sacrifice anything to see it done.
NACL: Eye of the Storm is a high-octane, non-stop, foul mouthed and steamy roller-coaster of a novel. Grab your favorite bottle of rum and revolutionary spirit, and jump into the ride of a lifetime.
When a crazy Precog handed Lani the coordinates to a stretch of ocean just off the Salt Spire, she should have thrown them overboard. Going there would be a horrible idea. Lani, though, was a pro at making bad decisions.
A not-so-chance encounter with escaped salt slave Adavera launches them on a path to forsake all that they know and dare to take on the cruel Corporation that controls every grain of salt on their planet. With the help of old friends, new friends, and people they are pretty sure might be enemies, Adavera and Lani travel outside the protective reef that keeps the worst of the Storms off the Islands and venture into a world of piracy, astonishing powers, and unexpected love.
The odds might be against them, but with a little planning and a lot of brass, this team of misfits intends to do the impossible. They have very little in common, except for two things:
They all want to blow the Crystal Corporation into oblivion...
And are willing to sacrifice anything to see it done.
NACL: Eye of the Storm is a high-octane, non-stop, foul mouthed and steamy roller-coaster of a novel. Grab your favorite bottle of rum and revolutionary spirit, and jump into the ride of a lifetime.
- GenresFantasyScience Fiction
535 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2020
29 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Allegra Pescatore
14 books125 followersBorn in a small Italian village, I went on a quest around the world and have finally settled into a magical cottage in PA. I write a lot, and I read a lot. Love all fantasy and sci-fi, especially if it features diverse characters or authors.
My ratings:
5 stars - Wonderful. I loved reading it, had a great time, and will likely read it again and talk about it with my friends.
4 stars - good, solid, enjoyable book. I had fun and while I may not read it again, I'm glad I did.
3 stars - Not particularly memorable, but I'm happy I found it. While it may not have been my cup of tea, I'm glad it exists.
2 stars - This had issues. Not unreadable, but not something I finished or enjoyed in the end.
1 star - DNF or read because I am a masochist to loves pain. Someone else might love it, but it was not for me.
No rating: Either I haven't gotten around to writing a review, I didn't finish it, or it was not my genre of choice and therefore I chose not to review it because I am not the intended audience.
My ratings:
5 stars - Wonderful. I loved reading it, had a great time, and will likely read it again and talk about it with my friends.
4 stars - good, solid, enjoyable book. I had fun and while I may not read it again, I'm glad I did.
3 stars - Not particularly memorable, but I'm happy I found it. While it may not have been my cup of tea, I'm glad it exists.
2 stars - This had issues. Not unreadable, but not something I finished or enjoyed in the end.
1 star - DNF or read because I am a masochist to loves pain. Someone else might love it, but it was not for me.
No rating: Either I haven't gotten around to writing a review, I didn't finish it, or it was not my genre of choice and therefore I chose not to review it because I am not the intended audience.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 2, 2020
'There's no such thing as a perfect world. Never aim for perfection. Aim for survival.'
5 salty stars for one of the best books I've read this year!🖤
'Hey Crystals, do a pirate, an inventor, a doctor, a hermit, a killer, a child and a madman, have anything in common?
Na!
(Na = Sodium, Get it? Didn't think so)
XoXo
Uncle Moe'
Moe's sodium puns may be terrible but don't tell him that or he'll be 'in-salt-ed' . 😉😎
In a world where a cruel Corporation controls every single grain of salt, and people live or die at corporate whim, either from lack of salt or condemned to slavery in the Salt Spire, a small band of misfits will gather and try to achieve the impossible - blow the Crystal Corporation into oblivion, regardless of what it may take to get it done.
And it all starts with a crazy Precog's advice - one that sends Lani to a stretch of ocean just off the Salt Spire.
Going there would be a horrible idea, but Lani was a pro at making bad decisions. And this is exactly how she ends up alone, on a tiny island, with an injured Crystal Corp minion, (aka escaped salt slave Adavera) no doc to fix her, no fresh water, very little food and no boat.
The Precog had assured Lani this encounter would make her life infinitely better but 'how was this mangled sack of fish food supposed to make her life better?' Especially when she's already so battered up that she practically resembles a corpse?
Lani knows she's bound to regret helping the injured Adavera and yet, help her she does. With Corporate men hot on their heels, Adavera and Lani travel outside the protective reef that keeps the worst of the Storms off the Islands and venture into a world of piracy, astonishing powers, and unexpected love.
And this is how the tale of a pirate, an inventor, a doctor, a hermit, a killer, a child and a madman starts. With a not-so-chance encounter and a hell lot of brass! A tale that sucked me in and took me for a wild ride.
NACL is a high-octane, non-stop, foul mouthed and steamy roller-coaster of a novel, that had me at the edge of the seat until the very end.
It is a very unique story. Fun and full of witty banter, as the little snippet above shows, but also full of raw emotion that practically bleeds from the pages.
Fantasy that deals with real issues, NACL tackles abuses of power and fear-mongering propaganda, essential resources in the hands of those at the top of the economic food chain, and an environment struggling because of human hubris.
The characters are all flawed people, who don't always react to their challenges in healthy or understanding ways. Compelling, broken and real. And I love each and every one of them!!
Beautifully written and fully fleshed out, they practically leap from the pages. Each and every single one of them special in a certain way. Not the snowflake special kind, but the care-and-feel-for kind. This review would become a novel, if I were to write about all of them here, so I'll just stick to my favorite three:
Lani - the Emotive-Fertilizer - full of so much pain, self-loathing and fear! Constantly running from one place to another 'until she had no one left to run from, but also no one left to care if she lived or died.' So scared and lonely and desperate for affection! And yet so strong and determined and as badass as it gets!
For someone who 'doesn't do crying people' Lani is pretty good at making sure they stay alive.
"You're not allowed to die. Not until I get to smash your face in."
Salome - The very 'simple' human and bossy pirate captain - infamous, full of sass and as ballsy as it gets! And yet, full of so much heart!
Salt piracy was a risky business but Salome aced it! I couldn't help but smile at her wild laugh and cheer her on, while her ship rocketed forward with the Infused power and speed of a Conflicter.
'Sal wiggled her fingers at one of the enemy captains, who was staring at her in dumbfounded confusion. "Two down. Five to go!" Salome laughed. "They only sent seven? I'm insulted. Let's bloody their pride boyos!"
No one gets away with trying to put holes in Sal's ship!
Salt Pirate Captain Salome Parata is as badass fabulous as it gets! And the fact that she is one-armed only adds to her awesomeness!
And her brother Kuma - The Infuser. Oh my! He is downright swoon-worthy! Witty and charming, fun and loving! And yet with so much longing for love and affection!
Carefully controlling the ship's engines and allowing Sal to make use of wind, wave and engine like a composer directed music. Awesome!
"Please don't tell me you named another machine Kuma."
"If I don't name them, how can I trust them? ... This is Get Out Of Fucking Dodge, otherwise known as Goofd."
You simply can't not love Kuma!!
Fast-paced, with constantly rising tension and twists and turns you won't be able to see coming, NACL manages to beautifully blend a unique and downright amazing plot with fabulous character development and raw emotion that is bound to make any reader react and feel. Masterfully done! Especially since it's the work of two authors, because you really cannot tell which one of them contributed where.
Dark, gritty, raw and passionate, NACL may not be everyone's cup of tea. It is, after all... quite salty.
It deals with dark, uncomfortable topics without skirting around the horrifying reality of our own history. But even when the dark is clearly painted as pitch black, evil is never glorified and the good guys get the chance to rise beyond trauma and kick-ass back.
It will take you on a knife edge dance on that thin line between right and wrong, moral and immoral, good and bad. What is the line someone must cross to turn into a monster? When is killing justified? And what gives one the right to play with human souls akin to puppets on a string?
And it was FABULOUS!❤
A small team of misfits fighting against all odds and trying to achieve the impossible, armed with only a little planning and a lot of brass.
Ballsy, badass and perhaps a little crazy, and a hell lot of fun!
It doesn't get better than that!
Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner
5 salty stars for one of the best books I've read this year!🖤
'Hey Crystals, do a pirate, an inventor, a doctor, a hermit, a killer, a child and a madman, have anything in common?
Na!
(Na = Sodium, Get it? Didn't think so)
XoXo
Uncle Moe'
Moe's sodium puns may be terrible but don't tell him that or he'll be 'in-salt-ed' . 😉😎
In a world where a cruel Corporation controls every single grain of salt, and people live or die at corporate whim, either from lack of salt or condemned to slavery in the Salt Spire, a small band of misfits will gather and try to achieve the impossible - blow the Crystal Corporation into oblivion, regardless of what it may take to get it done.
And it all starts with a crazy Precog's advice - one that sends Lani to a stretch of ocean just off the Salt Spire.
Going there would be a horrible idea, but Lani was a pro at making bad decisions. And this is exactly how she ends up alone, on a tiny island, with an injured Crystal Corp minion, (aka escaped salt slave Adavera) no doc to fix her, no fresh water, very little food and no boat.
The Precog had assured Lani this encounter would make her life infinitely better but 'how was this mangled sack of fish food supposed to make her life better?' Especially when she's already so battered up that she practically resembles a corpse?
Lani knows she's bound to regret helping the injured Adavera and yet, help her she does. With Corporate men hot on their heels, Adavera and Lani travel outside the protective reef that keeps the worst of the Storms off the Islands and venture into a world of piracy, astonishing powers, and unexpected love.
And this is how the tale of a pirate, an inventor, a doctor, a hermit, a killer, a child and a madman starts. With a not-so-chance encounter and a hell lot of brass! A tale that sucked me in and took me for a wild ride.
NACL is a high-octane, non-stop, foul mouthed and steamy roller-coaster of a novel, that had me at the edge of the seat until the very end.
It is a very unique story. Fun and full of witty banter, as the little snippet above shows, but also full of raw emotion that practically bleeds from the pages.
Fantasy that deals with real issues, NACL tackles abuses of power and fear-mongering propaganda, essential resources in the hands of those at the top of the economic food chain, and an environment struggling because of human hubris.
The characters are all flawed people, who don't always react to their challenges in healthy or understanding ways. Compelling, broken and real. And I love each and every one of them!!
Beautifully written and fully fleshed out, they practically leap from the pages. Each and every single one of them special in a certain way. Not the snowflake special kind, but the care-and-feel-for kind. This review would become a novel, if I were to write about all of them here, so I'll just stick to my favorite three:
Lani - the Emotive-Fertilizer - full of so much pain, self-loathing and fear! Constantly running from one place to another 'until she had no one left to run from, but also no one left to care if she lived or died.' So scared and lonely and desperate for affection! And yet so strong and determined and as badass as it gets!
For someone who 'doesn't do crying people' Lani is pretty good at making sure they stay alive.
"You're not allowed to die. Not until I get to smash your face in."
Salome - The very 'simple' human and bossy pirate captain - infamous, full of sass and as ballsy as it gets! And yet, full of so much heart!
Salt piracy was a risky business but Salome aced it! I couldn't help but smile at her wild laugh and cheer her on, while her ship rocketed forward with the Infused power and speed of a Conflicter.
'Sal wiggled her fingers at one of the enemy captains, who was staring at her in dumbfounded confusion. "Two down. Five to go!" Salome laughed. "They only sent seven? I'm insulted. Let's bloody their pride boyos!"
No one gets away with trying to put holes in Sal's ship!
Salt Pirate Captain Salome Parata is as badass fabulous as it gets! And the fact that she is one-armed only adds to her awesomeness!
And her brother Kuma - The Infuser. Oh my! He is downright swoon-worthy! Witty and charming, fun and loving! And yet with so much longing for love and affection!
Carefully controlling the ship's engines and allowing Sal to make use of wind, wave and engine like a composer directed music. Awesome!
"Please don't tell me you named another machine Kuma."
"If I don't name them, how can I trust them? ... This is Get Out Of Fucking Dodge, otherwise known as Goofd."
You simply can't not love Kuma!!
Fast-paced, with constantly rising tension and twists and turns you won't be able to see coming, NACL manages to beautifully blend a unique and downright amazing plot with fabulous character development and raw emotion that is bound to make any reader react and feel. Masterfully done! Especially since it's the work of two authors, because you really cannot tell which one of them contributed where.
Dark, gritty, raw and passionate, NACL may not be everyone's cup of tea. It is, after all... quite salty.
It deals with dark, uncomfortable topics without skirting around the horrifying reality of our own history. But even when the dark is clearly painted as pitch black, evil is never glorified and the good guys get the chance to rise beyond trauma and kick-ass back.
It will take you on a knife edge dance on that thin line between right and wrong, moral and immoral, good and bad. What is the line someone must cross to turn into a monster? When is killing justified? And what gives one the right to play with human souls akin to puppets on a string?
And it was FABULOUS!❤
A small team of misfits fighting against all odds and trying to achieve the impossible, armed with only a little planning and a lot of brass.
Ballsy, badass and perhaps a little crazy, and a hell lot of fun!
It doesn't get better than that!
Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner
spfbo7
September 22, 2021Read this as a guest judge (With FanFiAddict) for SPFBO 7.
July 19, 2022
NACL - Eye of the Storm is difficult to precisely pinpoint - is it a character-driven futuristic fantasy or a SciFi adventure. The superpowers of the main characters are sometimes referred to as their magic, yet it takes place on the planet Fortune with futuristic science and technology to hand:
“Now that Vera could feel the other woman’s magic, she realized just how much larger the dual-Marked woman’s well of power was compared to her own. That avalanche of awakened magic pushed against Vera’s every knot and weave, but the pulse of their blood flowing into each other’s veins made the fight ultimately unwinnable.”
The Inhabitants of this world are defined by their super powers in a world created by offworld gods as an experiment to see if humans could one day survive on the planet Fortune. Unfortunately there is nowhere near enough salt for human survival on Fortune and the Crystal Corporation controls the salt distribution (hence the title - NACL is the chemical formula for salt). This has given rise to a rebellion of sorts - the Salt Pirates, of whom one-armed pirate captain Salome Parata is one. Her expertise at the helm is instrumental in the group attempting to escape the clutches of the Corporation as is shown in an exciting race through rocks surrounding an island sanctuary. Her disability is never a disadvantage for this uncompromising woman and her ability to stay focused on what is important for the survival of the group in the face of crippling heartbreak is no doubt due to genetics - her uncle is the infamous Pirate King and her grandmother is another famous pirate leader who is incarcerated inside the Salt Spire.
The characters drive the story and the world is built around them - and what a fascinating and original world it is.
The Salt Spire is a mine in the center of the ocean and all manner of atrocities take place therein - pay attention to the content warnings for this book if such things are important to you! I quickly became invested in the stories of each of the main characters - which made the recollections of the atrocities they had suffered hit even harder - particularly Vera, the “Conflicter”. Her tragic time spent incarcerated at the Spire has changed her to the point she is almost unrecognizable to the “Mender”, Torin, to whom she was “Bonded” as a child.
My favourite character was Lani, a dangerous loner who keeps away from others due to her unstable powers having caused death for those she has cared about.
Unbeknownst to them, the main characters have banded together through the expert manipulation of Precog Merihem “Mo” Crystal, a maniacal godlike figure able to teleport to other worlds, whose puppet mastery is all powerful. All of these characters are severely broken in some way, mostly due either directly or indirectly to their superpowers. Mo is the arch supervillain of the story, persuading them to be his minions in an explosive plot to end all others.
The book has a great deal of warmth and humour as well as its fair share of social commentary:
“Real motivations are ugly things. Survival is brutal. We live by killing. All of us. Animals, plants, each other. We fuck to achieve immortality. We step on the skulls of others trying to attain a better life, and excuse it as ‘hard work’.”
There isn’t a lot of room for wholesomeness or social niceties in this dog eat dog environment - but the characters gain emotional strength and comfort from those to whom they are bonded.
I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure, finding it hard to put down, and will look out for other books by these authors!
“Now that Vera could feel the other woman’s magic, she realized just how much larger the dual-Marked woman’s well of power was compared to her own. That avalanche of awakened magic pushed against Vera’s every knot and weave, but the pulse of their blood flowing into each other’s veins made the fight ultimately unwinnable.”
The Inhabitants of this world are defined by their super powers in a world created by offworld gods as an experiment to see if humans could one day survive on the planet Fortune. Unfortunately there is nowhere near enough salt for human survival on Fortune and the Crystal Corporation controls the salt distribution (hence the title - NACL is the chemical formula for salt). This has given rise to a rebellion of sorts - the Salt Pirates, of whom one-armed pirate captain Salome Parata is one. Her expertise at the helm is instrumental in the group attempting to escape the clutches of the Corporation as is shown in an exciting race through rocks surrounding an island sanctuary. Her disability is never a disadvantage for this uncompromising woman and her ability to stay focused on what is important for the survival of the group in the face of crippling heartbreak is no doubt due to genetics - her uncle is the infamous Pirate King and her grandmother is another famous pirate leader who is incarcerated inside the Salt Spire.
The characters drive the story and the world is built around them - and what a fascinating and original world it is.
The Salt Spire is a mine in the center of the ocean and all manner of atrocities take place therein - pay attention to the content warnings for this book if such things are important to you! I quickly became invested in the stories of each of the main characters - which made the recollections of the atrocities they had suffered hit even harder - particularly Vera, the “Conflicter”. Her tragic time spent incarcerated at the Spire has changed her to the point she is almost unrecognizable to the “Mender”, Torin, to whom she was “Bonded” as a child.
My favourite character was Lani, a dangerous loner who keeps away from others due to her unstable powers having caused death for those she has cared about.
Unbeknownst to them, the main characters have banded together through the expert manipulation of Precog Merihem “Mo” Crystal, a maniacal godlike figure able to teleport to other worlds, whose puppet mastery is all powerful. All of these characters are severely broken in some way, mostly due either directly or indirectly to their superpowers. Mo is the arch supervillain of the story, persuading them to be his minions in an explosive plot to end all others.
The book has a great deal of warmth and humour as well as its fair share of social commentary:
“Real motivations are ugly things. Survival is brutal. We live by killing. All of us. Animals, plants, each other. We fuck to achieve immortality. We step on the skulls of others trying to attain a better life, and excuse it as ‘hard work’.”
There isn’t a lot of room for wholesomeness or social niceties in this dog eat dog environment - but the characters gain emotional strength and comfort from those to whom they are bonded.
I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure, finding it hard to put down, and will look out for other books by these authors!
June 27, 2022
I really didn't know what to expect when going into NACL: Eye of the Storm. The front page is full of trigger warnings; death, violence, explicit scenes, slavery and references to rape. This was slightly concerning, but forewarned is forearmed and all. I have read some of Allegra Pescatore's works before - A Bond of Thread, which is equally excellent - so knew I should at least be getting high quality writing and a fascinating narrative.
Well, I wasn't wrong. NACL is one of those books that excels in just about every single way it could do. It has a wide and expansive world, full of corruption, power struggles and rebellion. It has an innovative and exceptionally well explored magic system, and also balances the power of the magic with the pitfalls and their place in a highly controlled world. And it has a fantastic cast of characters who are all vividly imagined and fully realised humans, full of flaws and strengths. As the final cherry on the cake, it is beautifully written, balancing the dark aspects of the world with a sense of humour and witty snark.
It starts off small; Lani is sent to a remote area of the world by a Precog, only to find out that this may have been the worst decision of her admittedly long life so far. As a Rogue Marked, she is always on the lookout for the Corporation. But this time, she finds herself embroiled in a plot that might change the fate of the world. If they can make it through alive. It's a wild and crazy ride, full of twists, turns and really unexpected bumps. And because the story is split between the perspectives of each of the key characters, you get a real insight into their personalities and motivations.
This is a high stakes, high octane novel that still manages to slow down and let you fully grasp the frailties and struggles of the characters, the over-riding political agenda and slot in some aspects that almost, almost break the forth wall. Not quite, but pretty darn close and very well executed indeed. Nothing is quite as it seems and you will change how you think about events multiple times as you keep reading.
If you're looking for a novel with a fascinating world - the idea of a world having too low a supply of Salt to survive is one that's handled brilliantly -, a full score of background politics, family squabbles going back centuries and additional world building via a computer system - which actually works really well - then this is well worth looking into. When you combine that with the stunningly realised characters, a magic system that only grows in depth as you discover more about the origins and how it's been utilised by the Corporation and a writing style that engages you every second of every page, this is almost certainly one of my top reads for 2022.
My only complaint is that book 2 is not yet out. I have however discovered that there is another series set in the same 'universe' and that has definitely rocketed to the top of my to-read list.
Well, I wasn't wrong. NACL is one of those books that excels in just about every single way it could do. It has a wide and expansive world, full of corruption, power struggles and rebellion. It has an innovative and exceptionally well explored magic system, and also balances the power of the magic with the pitfalls and their place in a highly controlled world. And it has a fantastic cast of characters who are all vividly imagined and fully realised humans, full of flaws and strengths. As the final cherry on the cake, it is beautifully written, balancing the dark aspects of the world with a sense of humour and witty snark.
It starts off small; Lani is sent to a remote area of the world by a Precog, only to find out that this may have been the worst decision of her admittedly long life so far. As a Rogue Marked, she is always on the lookout for the Corporation. But this time, she finds herself embroiled in a plot that might change the fate of the world. If they can make it through alive. It's a wild and crazy ride, full of twists, turns and really unexpected bumps. And because the story is split between the perspectives of each of the key characters, you get a real insight into their personalities and motivations.
This is a high stakes, high octane novel that still manages to slow down and let you fully grasp the frailties and struggles of the characters, the over-riding political agenda and slot in some aspects that almost, almost break the forth wall. Not quite, but pretty darn close and very well executed indeed. Nothing is quite as it seems and you will change how you think about events multiple times as you keep reading.
If you're looking for a novel with a fascinating world - the idea of a world having too low a supply of Salt to survive is one that's handled brilliantly -, a full score of background politics, family squabbles going back centuries and additional world building via a computer system - which actually works really well - then this is well worth looking into. When you combine that with the stunningly realised characters, a magic system that only grows in depth as you discover more about the origins and how it's been utilised by the Corporation and a writing style that engages you every second of every page, this is almost certainly one of my top reads for 2022.
My only complaint is that book 2 is not yet out. I have however discovered that there is another series set in the same 'universe' and that has definitely rocketed to the top of my to-read list.
September 14, 2020
I freaking loved it!
Normally I'm not a huge fan of books with more than one author, usually you can easily tell more than one hand is at work there, but not this time! I've read it twice now, once while it was still being tweaked as a beta reader, and once again now that it is done as an arc reader, and I still have zero clue who wrote which parts, they nailed a consistent tone!
It's such a great concept, I've never read anything like it. A world without salt, flawed human gods, interconnected worlds, and the way magic and tech work with eachother was so dang cool.
The lgbtqia+ and disabled characters are handled so well. I adore a story where there are bi/pan characters where them being bi/pan isnt a source of conflict, and them being bi/pan is not "othered", it's just part of who they are. One of them is such a cute and adorable and loving partner, and I am just so all over that.
And the way the disabled hero never stops being disabled, and has to work with and around her disability, without it ever once making her less of a hero... I live for that sh!t lol.
This covers some really heavy topics, and I cried a couple times just from the underlying power behind it, plus a couple times for emotional scenes lol.
But there is alot of references to past rapes and a breeding program, and as someone who is sensitive to this topic it was just within my ability to handle. It is a big plot point because stopping the people behind this program is part of the main goal, but it is not "another book with rape to add drama or make a woman strong". She was strong, it nearly broke her, and then she returned to the strength she already had, while still suffering the after effects of that trauma, while still also being a hero. I love how they handled it.
There are some definitely steamy scenes, and if you can not handle strong language this is not for you lol. Come on, there are pirates and a woman trained to be a human weapon, there's gonna be f bombs out the wazoo. You have been warned lol.
One of the sex scenes involves the survivor in a rough but entirely consensual adrenaline fueled escapade with someone she has no illusions about being good for her. It's just sex...during a pause in battle...and it's what worked for her. It might make some survivors feel icky, but I for one think rape victims are allowed to be as kinky and carnal as they feel like.
...even if having sex covered in the blood of your enemies while being popped around by a magical madman isnt exactly my cup of tea, who am I to judge? 😜
Normally I'm not a huge fan of books with more than one author, usually you can easily tell more than one hand is at work there, but not this time! I've read it twice now, once while it was still being tweaked as a beta reader, and once again now that it is done as an arc reader, and I still have zero clue who wrote which parts, they nailed a consistent tone!
It's such a great concept, I've never read anything like it. A world without salt, flawed human gods, interconnected worlds, and the way magic and tech work with eachother was so dang cool.
The lgbtqia+ and disabled characters are handled so well. I adore a story where there are bi/pan characters where them being bi/pan isnt a source of conflict, and them being bi/pan is not "othered", it's just part of who they are. One of them is such a cute and adorable and loving partner, and I am just so all over that.
And the way the disabled hero never stops being disabled, and has to work with and around her disability, without it ever once making her less of a hero... I live for that sh!t lol.
This covers some really heavy topics, and I cried a couple times just from the underlying power behind it, plus a couple times for emotional scenes lol.
But there is alot of references to past rapes and a breeding program, and as someone who is sensitive to this topic it was just within my ability to handle. It is a big plot point because stopping the people behind this program is part of the main goal, but it is not "another book with rape to add drama or make a woman strong". She was strong, it nearly broke her, and then she returned to the strength she already had, while still suffering the after effects of that trauma, while still also being a hero. I love how they handled it.
There are some definitely steamy scenes, and if you can not handle strong language this is not for you lol. Come on, there are pirates and a woman trained to be a human weapon, there's gonna be f bombs out the wazoo. You have been warned lol.
One of the sex scenes involves the survivor in a rough but entirely consensual adrenaline fueled escapade with someone she has no illusions about being good for her. It's just sex...during a pause in battle...and it's what worked for her. It might make some survivors feel icky, but I for one think rape victims are allowed to be as kinky and carnal as they feel like.
...even if having sex covered in the blood of your enemies while being popped around by a magical madman isnt exactly my cup of tea, who am I to judge? 😜
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2021
World building, sociopolitical commentary, robot overlords, great characters, it’s got it all! I couldn’t put down Allegra’s first book, and her collaboration with E Sands followed suit. She is now on my list of authors I must read when anything new comes out. And the world framework she’s creating is begging for more! A+, 5 stars, will read again.
November 11, 2021
Good lord, I loved this book. As someone who literally has to eat salt by the handful several times a day to not pass out, I was *immediately* sucked into the concept of a saltless world - or rather, one where an evil corporation controls all of the salt. Because, you know, the concept of oversized, overreaching corporations didn't hit close to home or anything. *eye roll*
I loved Laura D. Child's quippy description of the 6 characters: a pirate, an inventor, a doctor, a hermit, a killer, a child, and a madman. And I adored all of these characters, despite their differences, flaws, and idiosyncrasies. I loved how the authors wrote a diverse cast of many backgrounds and identities: some broken, both mentally and physically, some who will never truly be "okay" (and that's okay). It's done with rawness and empowerment and truth and grit because even though this is fantasy, it also mirrors real life: one where traumas and disabilities don't just magically disappear, but they stick around whether we want them to or not, thereby making us tougher. And sometimes crankier.
I don't know who wrote what - a fantastic testament to the authors. But I do know that I laughed the whole time, sometimes with (or in spite of) tears rolling down my face.
NACL was a SPFBO 21 semi-finalist for a reason: It's a damn good book. Raunchy? Uh huh. Filthy and foul-mouthed? You f*cking betcha. Enthralling from cover to cover? Hell yes.
Go pick up this book. Your life will be better for it!
I loved Laura D. Child's quippy description of the 6 characters: a pirate, an inventor, a doctor, a hermit, a killer, a child, and a madman. And I adored all of these characters, despite their differences, flaws, and idiosyncrasies. I loved how the authors wrote a diverse cast of many backgrounds and identities: some broken, both mentally and physically, some who will never truly be "okay" (and that's okay). It's done with rawness and empowerment and truth and grit because even though this is fantasy, it also mirrors real life: one where traumas and disabilities don't just magically disappear, but they stick around whether we want them to or not, thereby making us tougher. And sometimes crankier.
I don't know who wrote what - a fantastic testament to the authors. But I do know that I laughed the whole time, sometimes with (or in spite of) tears rolling down my face.
NACL was a SPFBO 21 semi-finalist for a reason: It's a damn good book. Raunchy? Uh huh. Filthy and foul-mouthed? You f*cking betcha. Enthralling from cover to cover? Hell yes.
Go pick up this book. Your life will be better for it!
July 19, 2023
Everybody needs salt
We all need salt to live and the Crystal Corporation owns it all because they have the Spire, a salt mountain in the middle of the ocean and use prisoners and slaves to mine it. So of course they need to be taken down so everyone can have all the salt they need. Our take-down crew consists of Moe and Lizzie who have been planning this for centuries, and Vera, who just escaped from the Spire which no one ever leaves the Spire let alone escape. Lani a loner whose boat gets destroyed because of Vera's escape, and then we have Torin a mender who just happens to be Vera's bonded. Then we have Sal, a salt pirate and Torin's lover, not happy to find out about Vera. And then we have my favorite Sals' big brother, Kuma whose 'tude I just adore. This is the crew that will try to save the world from the Corp. And the magic just you wait until you read about the magic. Loved this book and hope there is a sequel. If anyone has read Ira Levin's book from the '70's This Perfect Day this book has that flavor.
We all need salt to live and the Crystal Corporation owns it all because they have the Spire, a salt mountain in the middle of the ocean and use prisoners and slaves to mine it. So of course they need to be taken down so everyone can have all the salt they need. Our take-down crew consists of Moe and Lizzie who have been planning this for centuries, and Vera, who just escaped from the Spire which no one ever leaves the Spire let alone escape. Lani a loner whose boat gets destroyed because of Vera's escape, and then we have Torin a mender who just happens to be Vera's bonded. Then we have Sal, a salt pirate and Torin's lover, not happy to find out about Vera. And then we have my favorite Sals' big brother, Kuma whose 'tude I just adore. This is the crew that will try to save the world from the Corp. And the magic just you wait until you read about the magic. Loved this book and hope there is a sequel. If anyone has read Ira Levin's book from the '70's This Perfect Day this book has that flavor.
October 23, 2020
It's hard for me to classify the genre. Urban magic? Pirate adventure? Other worlds?
In this high-stakes adventure, numerous interesting characters collide in a bold bid to take a shot at a corporation that controls the supply of salt in the world. Not only do they have conflicting personalities and magical powers, they have a valid reason to fear each other's abilities even as they work toward a common goal. Add to this recipe a subversive man who has a remarkable ability to steer the future in a manner that suits him, but that doesn't bode well for all his companions. Adventure and love triangles are in plentiful supply, served over a dish of betrayals.
Written for mature audiences, not for young readers.
In this high-stakes adventure, numerous interesting characters collide in a bold bid to take a shot at a corporation that controls the supply of salt in the world. Not only do they have conflicting personalities and magical powers, they have a valid reason to fear each other's abilities even as they work toward a common goal. Add to this recipe a subversive man who has a remarkable ability to steer the future in a manner that suits him, but that doesn't bode well for all his companions. Adventure and love triangles are in plentiful supply, served over a dish of betrayals.
Written for mature audiences, not for young readers.
January 8, 2021
Just an amazing book...amazing characters, amazing action set in an amazing world.
A sci-fi story filled with action and people finding the good within themselves.
Much thanks to the author for such a great reading experience.
Hope there is a follow-on book someday.
A sci-fi story filled with action and people finding the good within themselves.
Much thanks to the author for such a great reading experience.
Hope there is a follow-on book someday.
September 19, 2022
This book was soo good and the plot twist at the end just wow. Once again and incredible magic system, well thought out politics and plot, unique characters… I am left quaking and waiting for the next book to release
October 7, 2020
I needed to set aside the time I needed to read this stunning book without interruption. Oh. My. Goodness. This book was exciting, edge of your seat reading. Torin's character was well-written and I wasn't surprised by his behavior. Lani, Vera, Sal, & Kuma were characters I could get behind and cheer them through this 'do and probably die' adventure quest. The author created a world within worlds with gods who may be human that created a planet but messed up the process. Mind blowing. Moe & Lizzie were a pair manipulating events throughout the story.
I'd recommend reading the book and hope there is another segment; if only to follow the survivors of the beginning of the revolution against the Crystal family/Corporation/University.
I'd recommend reading the book and hope there is another segment; if only to follow the survivors of the beginning of the revolution against the Crystal family/Corporation/University.
September 17, 2020
This book holds a special place in my heart. E. Sands and I wrote it in a strange fugue of anger and passion over a mad-dash six weeks, very much mirroring the timing of the adventure within. It carried us away in a manner that I have never experienced before, and I think it created a very unique story. We poured raw emotion in, and a book came out.
While we didn't know exactly what the world would look like in the fall of 2020 when we wrote this, I do feel like the story is topical to today's world. It deals with abuses of power within captive populations, exploitative and fear-mongering propaganda, essential resources in the hands of those at the top of the economic food chain, and an environment struggling because of human hubris. This is not a book that would exist without the climate in which it was written, and it never tries to not be allegorical.
However, it is also a fantasy story. It started with real issues, but like I've always experienced while writing, the characters and places took on a life of their own. The subjects and challenges they deal with are inspired by real life, but only small facets of larger, more complicated problems. Likewise, the six protagonists each developed their own passions and causes. They are flawed people, who don't always react to their challenges in healthy or understanding ways. We're leaving it up to the reader, in the end, to determine who among them is a hero, and who a villain.
If you've picked up NACL: Eye of the Storm, thank you. I hope it sweeps you off your feet. This was a passion project through and through, and we understand that it will not be everyone's cup of salty, salty tea. It deals with dark, uncomfortable topics, so if you only get as far as the trigger warning, thank you regardless for giving it a shot. If, like us, though, you find that the world of Fortune sucked you in and took you on a wild ride, please consider leaving us a review and helping spread the word. We'll be coming back to it with a sequel soon, and in the meantime, look for a Moe cameo in Where Shadows Lie, Book One of the Ao Collective novels, of which NACL; Eye of the Storm is Book Two.
While we didn't know exactly what the world would look like in the fall of 2020 when we wrote this, I do feel like the story is topical to today's world. It deals with abuses of power within captive populations, exploitative and fear-mongering propaganda, essential resources in the hands of those at the top of the economic food chain, and an environment struggling because of human hubris. This is not a book that would exist without the climate in which it was written, and it never tries to not be allegorical.
However, it is also a fantasy story. It started with real issues, but like I've always experienced while writing, the characters and places took on a life of their own. The subjects and challenges they deal with are inspired by real life, but only small facets of larger, more complicated problems. Likewise, the six protagonists each developed their own passions and causes. They are flawed people, who don't always react to their challenges in healthy or understanding ways. We're leaving it up to the reader, in the end, to determine who among them is a hero, and who a villain.
If you've picked up NACL: Eye of the Storm, thank you. I hope it sweeps you off your feet. This was a passion project through and through, and we understand that it will not be everyone's cup of salty, salty tea. It deals with dark, uncomfortable topics, so if you only get as far as the trigger warning, thank you regardless for giving it a shot. If, like us, though, you find that the world of Fortune sucked you in and took you on a wild ride, please consider leaving us a review and helping spread the word. We'll be coming back to it with a sequel soon, and in the meantime, look for a Moe cameo in Where Shadows Lie, Book One of the Ao Collective novels, of which NACL; Eye of the Storm is Book Two.
February 17, 2022
Pescatore is fast becoming one of my favorite authors (thanks to her for generously sending over the book!) I haven’t read anything by Sands before, but I’ll be keeping an eager eye out for more of her work in the future!
This is a pretty brilliant sci-fi series, focused on a dystopian world (we really need another word for “dystopian but not even purporting to be good,” maybe just “a crappy world?”) where a corporation controls everyone through maintaining militaristic oversight of the entire world’s supply of salt.
Though at this point I think I’m familiar-ish with Pescatore’s style, having read close to 1500 words of her prose in the last few weeks, this was completely different. Admittedly, this is a new genre (sci fi rather than epic fantasy), but I also think it’s an impressive tribute to the strength of their collaboration that I couldn’t tell who had written what.
I loved the collision of sci-fi and magic in this original and fast-paced story. Despite being over 500 pages long, the writing is snappy and it moves quickly. This book is very much for adults, and some of the sexual scenes and language felt gratuitous to me (not offensive, just perhaps unnecessary). However, the writing is smooth and enjoyable throughout.
Most interesting, perhaps, is the worldbuilding, which is complex and feels as vast as its planetary-scale setting. For that alone, the book is well worth reading. Strongly recommend!
Here's the review at my site! https://anyajosephs.wordpress.com/202...
This is a pretty brilliant sci-fi series, focused on a dystopian world (we really need another word for “dystopian but not even purporting to be good,” maybe just “a crappy world?”) where a corporation controls everyone through maintaining militaristic oversight of the entire world’s supply of salt.
Though at this point I think I’m familiar-ish with Pescatore’s style, having read close to 1500 words of her prose in the last few weeks, this was completely different. Admittedly, this is a new genre (sci fi rather than epic fantasy), but I also think it’s an impressive tribute to the strength of their collaboration that I couldn’t tell who had written what.
I loved the collision of sci-fi and magic in this original and fast-paced story. Despite being over 500 pages long, the writing is snappy and it moves quickly. This book is very much for adults, and some of the sexual scenes and language felt gratuitous to me (not offensive, just perhaps unnecessary). However, the writing is smooth and enjoyable throughout.
Most interesting, perhaps, is the worldbuilding, which is complex and feels as vast as its planetary-scale setting. For that alone, the book is well worth reading. Strongly recommend!
Here's the review at my site! https://anyajosephs.wordpress.com/202...
June 11, 2021
what a fun read! funny, and I love the concept of the main story progressing through the interludes
November 20, 2023
This is a science-fantasy series that falls under the Project AO umbrella – a series of linked worlds written in different genres by an author collective. I was hooked in originally by the Last Gift series of fantasy novels and so thought I’d give the NACL series a try, and I’m so glad I did!
The storyline runs in two distinct threads that only begin to converge towards the climax. There is a framing narrative formed of a dialogue between a user named Codex and a computer programme named SALT which fills in background information about the characters, setting and magic system (Marks) and links the world to the wider Project AO universe. Then the majority of the story follows main characters Vera, Torin, Lani, Sal, Kuma and Moe in turn as they unite to attempt an attack on the heart of the Crystal Corporation – each for their own personal reasons.
I did find the world and worldbuilding a little bit confusing at first, especially the background about the ‘gods’ of Fortune, but this all became clearer as the story progressed and I was quickly hooked on all of the main characters, desperately willing them to succeed and find happiness, or at least a measure of peace.
This is a story about rebellion, deceit and plans within plans, with the characters unaware that there are shadowy puppet-masters pulling their strings.
I loved it, and will definitely be reading more from both the NACL series and the Project AO authors generally!
The storyline runs in two distinct threads that only begin to converge towards the climax. There is a framing narrative formed of a dialogue between a user named Codex and a computer programme named SALT which fills in background information about the characters, setting and magic system (Marks) and links the world to the wider Project AO universe. Then the majority of the story follows main characters Vera, Torin, Lani, Sal, Kuma and Moe in turn as they unite to attempt an attack on the heart of the Crystal Corporation – each for their own personal reasons.
I did find the world and worldbuilding a little bit confusing at first, especially the background about the ‘gods’ of Fortune, but this all became clearer as the story progressed and I was quickly hooked on all of the main characters, desperately willing them to succeed and find happiness, or at least a measure of peace.
This is a story about rebellion, deceit and plans within plans, with the characters unaware that there are shadowy puppet-masters pulling their strings.
I loved it, and will definitely be reading more from both the NACL series and the Project AO authors generally!
August 12, 2023
Umm. I had no idea what was happening the entire time. This was a roller coaster of a dystopian created world with gods, magical Marks, literally insane characters, and salt. Yeah, that’s what NACL stands for in the title. And it took me longer than I’d like to admit to figure that out.
But even though I had no idea what was going on, I loved this book. The characters are so different from each other and their voices are so distinct, that it makes following along to the chaos easy. Or easier, at least. I was guessing up until the end (but I did manage to figure two things out before they happened. So that’s like a .01% chance of me being a Precog).
But even though I had no idea what was going on, I loved this book. The characters are so different from each other and their voices are so distinct, that it makes following along to the chaos easy. Or easier, at least. I was guessing up until the end (but I did manage to figure two things out before they happened. So that’s like a .01% chance of me being a Precog).
October 12, 2023
Authors Allegra Pescatore and E. Sands have given us a rousing Fantasy/Sci-Fi adventure where the rising tension and intense action are only equaled by the character development and world-building. Imagine a planet of oceans without salt. Imagine a society of island-dwellers who depend on one entity, The Corporation, to supply them with this life-giving substance. Enslaved, tortured, murdered, they have no choice but to comply.
That is, until a band of rogues, rebels, and pirates join forces to resist. A familiar story arc? Yes, but so well told it keeps you reading well past lights out. Action? It’s got some horrific battles. Romance? How about sex in freefall after leaping from the roof of a towering building…um…okay, that’s just one tiny chapter. And yes, the authors give us plenty of trigger warnings in the intro. However, I read nothing that put me off.
If you love strong characters, impossible escapes, overwhelming odds, and a slow-building twist at the end, read “NACL: The Eye of the Storm.” It's a book that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series.
Find it here: https://www.amazon.com/ dp/B087ZQYYXT
That is, until a band of rogues, rebels, and pirates join forces to resist. A familiar story arc? Yes, but so well told it keeps you reading well past lights out. Action? It’s got some horrific battles. Romance? How about sex in freefall after leaping from the roof of a towering building…um…okay, that’s just one tiny chapter. And yes, the authors give us plenty of trigger warnings in the intro. However, I read nothing that put me off.
If you love strong characters, impossible escapes, overwhelming odds, and a slow-building twist at the end, read “NACL: The Eye of the Storm.” It's a book that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series.
Find it here: https://www.amazon.com/ dp/B087ZQYYXT
May 7, 2022
Listen, I don’t write reviews on Goodreads. Not really my thing, but NACL was such a joy to read that I had to write one.
This book is a high-octane ride from start to finish. It’s a heist novel of epic proportions (they are trying to fix the world from an evil corporation that’s hoarding a life-saving commodity, after all!) and the players are absolutely delightful. Every narrator is distinct and shines on the page, there wasn’t a single one who didn’t captivate me in one way or another.
The setting and the magic system also deserve mention, the Reef of Fortune is a vibrant world with high stakes and the Marks that populate it are varied and fascinating. I am a particular fan of the Conflicters and Infusers, and watching their skills shine on the page was an absolute delight.
Also, there is a story-within-a-story folded into the epigraphs. A mystery to solve. Which, props to the authors, it was brilliantly done and, as someone who usually can spot a twist a mile away, was kept guessing throughout until the final reveal.
All and all, I can’t really get into the meat and potatoes of this book without spoiling the all fun, so I will say that you should pick it up immediately and read it for yourself. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
I can’t wait to see what happens next!
This book is a high-octane ride from start to finish. It’s a heist novel of epic proportions (they are trying to fix the world from an evil corporation that’s hoarding a life-saving commodity, after all!) and the players are absolutely delightful. Every narrator is distinct and shines on the page, there wasn’t a single one who didn’t captivate me in one way or another.
The setting and the magic system also deserve mention, the Reef of Fortune is a vibrant world with high stakes and the Marks that populate it are varied and fascinating. I am a particular fan of the Conflicters and Infusers, and watching their skills shine on the page was an absolute delight.
Also, there is a story-within-a-story folded into the epigraphs. A mystery to solve. Which, props to the authors, it was brilliantly done and, as someone who usually can spot a twist a mile away, was kept guessing throughout until the final reveal.
All and all, I can’t really get into the meat and potatoes of this book without spoiling the all fun, so I will say that you should pick it up immediately and read it for yourself. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
I can’t wait to see what happens next!
January 6, 2022
This book is a wild ride. It is fast paced, exciting, and fun. There is a lot of swearing in this book, so be warned if that bothers you. It didn't bother me, and seemed to fit with the characters. Speaking of characters, there sure are some interesting ones in this book. The all had their quirks and most were likable in their own way. I will definitely be watching out for #2 in this series!
July 20, 2023
There are some authors who manage to draw you in, no matter what sort of adventures they take you on. Allegra Pescatore and E. Sands are those authors. Every book I’ve read in the Ao Collective-verse is enthralling, fascinating, full of diversity that feels real, and characters that will tug at your heartstrings, no matter how villainous.
1. Thoughts on the plot
This book takes place on Fortune, a world that depends on the salt from the Salt Spire, claimed and managed by the Corporation. Those with Marks have magic that could change the world, but they, too, are controlled by the Corporation. All but a few, that is. And those few are being gathered together by an ancient Marked madman to destroy the Spire. Pirates, magic, romance, and more abounds in a book where drama is the baseline.
Okay, this plot is, generally speaking, a heist novel that takes place in a fantasy world. Only, it’s so much more complex than that. It has people trying to figure out what is right for the world, people just trying to eke out a living, plots from gods and humans and madmen (and women) alike. Just when you think you’ve got a good grasp on things, there’s a twist, a tweak, a nudge in a different direction. This book is also dark. It delves into some very deep places, but I really like that it also gives the characters a chance at facing their fears and recovering from the trauma. Also, Moe. Just…Moe.
2. Thoughts on the characters
There are several primary characters in this book: Lani, Kuma, Salome, Vera, Torin, and Moe (Moe!) and I like the chance to explore each and every one. I think it really lends them a sense of depth, looking at the centre plot from the various narrow and flawed perspectives. This is not something that is easily managed in books with multiple POVs, but this book definitely pulls it off.
I think Vera and Lani are my favourites, just because they get a chance to embrace their inner darkness without necessarily becoming evil. I really appreciate that, as it is a fine line and not easy to pull off. Torin is also a fascinating character, simply because of his counterpoints. And that twist at the end? I can’t say I was surprised, but I was definitely seriously shocked, if that makes sense.
Also, Moe.
3. Favourite part
The end, where all the pieces come together and we figure out just what happened at the Spire, which has been hinted at since the beginning. I love watching things come together like that.
4. Critique
IT ENDED! No, really, that’s the only critique I have. I really liked this book and I was seriously bummed when the story ended. I have a feeling there will be more, just based on the way some of the plot points terminated, but I can’t say for certain. Most definitely this book intertwines with other books about the Ao Collective, which I really enjoy.
Overall, I would say that NACL: Eye of the Storm is a great fantasy adventure with pirates, a heist (of sorts), magic, romance, darkness, grit, and an array of humanity. An excellent book.
1. Thoughts on the plot
This book takes place on Fortune, a world that depends on the salt from the Salt Spire, claimed and managed by the Corporation. Those with Marks have magic that could change the world, but they, too, are controlled by the Corporation. All but a few, that is. And those few are being gathered together by an ancient Marked madman to destroy the Spire. Pirates, magic, romance, and more abounds in a book where drama is the baseline.
Okay, this plot is, generally speaking, a heist novel that takes place in a fantasy world. Only, it’s so much more complex than that. It has people trying to figure out what is right for the world, people just trying to eke out a living, plots from gods and humans and madmen (and women) alike. Just when you think you’ve got a good grasp on things, there’s a twist, a tweak, a nudge in a different direction. This book is also dark. It delves into some very deep places, but I really like that it also gives the characters a chance at facing their fears and recovering from the trauma. Also, Moe. Just…Moe.
2. Thoughts on the characters
There are several primary characters in this book: Lani, Kuma, Salome, Vera, Torin, and Moe (Moe!) and I like the chance to explore each and every one. I think it really lends them a sense of depth, looking at the centre plot from the various narrow and flawed perspectives. This is not something that is easily managed in books with multiple POVs, but this book definitely pulls it off.
I think Vera and Lani are my favourites, just because they get a chance to embrace their inner darkness without necessarily becoming evil. I really appreciate that, as it is a fine line and not easy to pull off. Torin is also a fascinating character, simply because of his counterpoints. And that twist at the end? I can’t say I was surprised, but I was definitely seriously shocked, if that makes sense.
Also, Moe.
3. Favourite part
The end, where all the pieces come together and we figure out just what happened at the Spire, which has been hinted at since the beginning. I love watching things come together like that.
4. Critique
IT ENDED! No, really, that’s the only critique I have. I really liked this book and I was seriously bummed when the story ended. I have a feeling there will be more, just based on the way some of the plot points terminated, but I can’t say for certain. Most definitely this book intertwines with other books about the Ao Collective, which I really enjoy.
Overall, I would say that NACL: Eye of the Storm is a great fantasy adventure with pirates, a heist (of sorts), magic, romance, darkness, grit, and an array of humanity. An excellent book.
July 10, 2023
This planet got screwed over hard when the gods made her. Beautiful, watery, tropical and warm, it’s only weather of real note the prismatic storms that sometimes rage across the archipelagos. Yet, they forgot about salt. In an effort to repair that, they dumped a pile of salt in the middle of the sea that would eventually distribute over the planet.
There’s always someone who thinks that controlling a precious resource is in their own best interests, however. Having control of the salt has made the corporation and their leaders into tiny gods whose concerns are mining the salt they literally sit on ... and attempting to control the talented people who live outside their immediate domain.
This is the story of a group of talented abnormal individuals who fly under the corporate radar. They’re about to make things … difficult for the corporation. They don’t know they’re being manipulated by a precognitive being who thrives on chaos.
Their story plays out; action chapters interspersed with computer queries by an individual named Codex. Near the end of the book, the queries and the machinations of the precog are on a collision course that will keep you up reading into the wee hours.
The layers of plot aren’t peeled back in reveal after reveal .. in this book, you follow all the plots as they come to a head, like a giant, screeching literary orgasm.
I really liked the pacing. There are chaotic times, but they are offset with introspective and intimate moments. The ending is a tumultuous joyride.
The characters are deep; even the insane ones are a pleasure to read. Some have horrific backstories, some are warm and funny, some are intense. My favourites were the irrepressible and absolutely insane Moe, loving and warm crazy scientist Kamu, and I even had a soft spot for Thorin, who is the opposite of light and fun. The way Vee digs down into her own insanity is refreshing as well.
This book comes with trigger warnings at the front. Pay attention.
There’s always someone who thinks that controlling a precious resource is in their own best interests, however. Having control of the salt has made the corporation and their leaders into tiny gods whose concerns are mining the salt they literally sit on ... and attempting to control the talented people who live outside their immediate domain.
This is the story of a group of talented abnormal individuals who fly under the corporate radar. They’re about to make things … difficult for the corporation. They don’t know they’re being manipulated by a precognitive being who thrives on chaos.
Their story plays out; action chapters interspersed with computer queries by an individual named Codex. Near the end of the book, the queries and the machinations of the precog are on a collision course that will keep you up reading into the wee hours.
The layers of plot aren’t peeled back in reveal after reveal .. in this book, you follow all the plots as they come to a head, like a giant, screeching literary orgasm.
I really liked the pacing. There are chaotic times, but they are offset with introspective and intimate moments. The ending is a tumultuous joyride.
The characters are deep; even the insane ones are a pleasure to read. Some have horrific backstories, some are warm and funny, some are intense. My favourites were the irrepressible and absolutely insane Moe, loving and warm crazy scientist Kamu, and I even had a soft spot for Thorin, who is the opposite of light and fun. The way Vee digs down into her own insanity is refreshing as well.
This book comes with trigger warnings at the front. Pay attention.
July 17, 2024
Well, I needed a hot minute to wrap my head around this one.
I am not one who typically picks up this style of book, however I'm going to be honest in saying it will not be the last time that I pick up this style.
This story wraps around peoples abilities, a society/corperation that rules with an iron fist and a band of pirates that will do everything in it's power to take the corperation down - but, not everyone is whom they appear to be.
You've got heart wretching moments of pain, manipulation, self discovery, love and betrayal. There is a list of so please check those out prior to checking this book out.
I think, that the policits and corporations and the struggles can be very closely aligned with the world that we do live in, so for myself I found invested with every decision that each of the characters made - and it made me self reflect in the world that we do live in.
I'm still kind of floored while writing this. Thank you for leaving me in a space where I reflect - yet wanting to know more.
I am not one who typically picks up this style of book, however I'm going to be honest in saying it will not be the last time that I pick up this style.
This story wraps around peoples abilities, a society/corperation that rules with an iron fist and a band of pirates that will do everything in it's power to take the corperation down - but, not everyone is whom they appear to be.
You've got heart wretching moments of pain, manipulation, self discovery, love and betrayal. There is a list of so please check those out prior to checking this book out.
I think, that the policits and corporations and the struggles can be very closely aligned with the world that we do live in, so for myself I found invested with every decision that each of the characters made - and it made me self reflect in the world that we do live in.
I'm still kind of floored while writing this. Thank you for leaving me in a space where I reflect - yet wanting to know more.
August 5, 2024
This is definitely one of the most exciting books I've read this year. This is a world with fresh water oceans. The only salt to be found is in control of a longstanding, evil, greedy corporation.
Enter our heroes. We have a salt pirate, who goes against the corporation to deliver salt to those who need it, a magical strong fighter/berserker, a mender with magical healing abilities, an inventor who can infuse his creations with other's magic, and a person who can control other's emotions.
They are all brought together/manipulated by Moe, a stylish precog who has been around for a LONG time and whose plans take the long view.
I loved all the characters, even when I hated them. The book covers some dark topics, but I didn't find it depressing. It's very much a survive and fight for a better world book.
Enter our heroes. We have a salt pirate, who goes against the corporation to deliver salt to those who need it, a magical strong fighter/berserker, a mender with magical healing abilities, an inventor who can infuse his creations with other's magic, and a person who can control other's emotions.
They are all brought together/manipulated by Moe, a stylish precog who has been around for a LONG time and whose plans take the long view.
I loved all the characters, even when I hated them. The book covers some dark topics, but I didn't find it depressing. It's very much a survive and fight for a better world book.
June 27, 2024
Wow. Just wow. This story is incredible.
This is not the sort of book I would normally pick up but it absolutely blew my mind.
The plot- an escaped mine slave and an untrained hyper-powered rogue join up with pirates to take down an evil corporation - sounds familiar, a heart-warming tale of underdogs beating the odds. BUT...
This book could not be described as heart-warming in a million years. It is visceral, an adrenaline rush of a story that leaves the reader in a tornado of emotion and speculation. Yet it ends with hope for a better, fairer, kinder world.
Words cannot do it justice.
This is not the sort of book I would normally pick up but it absolutely blew my mind.
The plot- an escaped mine slave and an untrained hyper-powered rogue join up with pirates to take down an evil corporation - sounds familiar, a heart-warming tale of underdogs beating the odds. BUT...
This book could not be described as heart-warming in a million years. It is visceral, an adrenaline rush of a story that leaves the reader in a tornado of emotion and speculation. Yet it ends with hope for a better, fairer, kinder world.
Words cannot do it justice.
August 11, 2023
Not really Gods: let’s make a perfect world. We’ll have beautiful fresh water oceans.
Later: People are dying from lack of salt. Who knew that salt was an essential mineral? Let’s fix it by putting a mountain of salt in one place. What could possibly go wrong?
Evil corporation: we can control the distribution of salt and become rich and powerful.
This was an interesting idea for a world and for the powers of a select percentage of the people. My favorite character was Sal who makes a wonderful pirate.
Later: People are dying from lack of salt. Who knew that salt was an essential mineral? Let’s fix it by putting a mountain of salt in one place. What could possibly go wrong?
Evil corporation: we can control the distribution of salt and become rich and powerful.
This was an interesting idea for a world and for the powers of a select percentage of the people. My favorite character was Sal who makes a wonderful pirate.
August 4, 2024
This story has been part of my TBR for the last 3 years. I have no good excuse for putting it off as long as I did, and I am sad that I did, because it was a really good story. It was surprising in that its not the fantasy book that I gravitate towards, and yet it was immensely enjoyable. The characters were well rounded, and I loved the ones that I was supposed to, and HATED the ones I was supposed to. I also think I maybe hated one character I was not supposed to, but that is just me. Part of my sadness in finishing this book, is there isnt yet a follow up. I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS!!
July 16, 2024
I absolutely LOVED this book. There is no way anything I am going to say will give this book the praise that it deserves. I'm upping my pre-review review of 10 stars to a now true review of 20 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
AND this book is now my all-time favorite book ever read... of any genre, of any age that I was when I declared a book to be my favorite.
There is a lengthy Trigger Warning from the authors at the beginning of this book (graphic violence, gore, spiciness, swearing... rape, slavery, a multitude of abuse, etc.) but do not let that deter you... this story is BEAUTIFUL albeit very mature. This book is very mature, intense, and dark, but there is still relief through humor and so many other things. Honestly with that hefty trigger warning, I really thought I was going to be depressed reading this book. I was not... I was thrilled to my core.
Like most books I read, I had no idea what I was getting myself into and, by all that is everything, that is the way to do it with this story. I was floored by every twist and turn - there were several times during this story that I could not guess what was going to happen next... usually that annoys me, but this story just felt so REAL and every pieces of the puzzle clicks in at the perfect time. The fact that big/key pieces of info drop throughout the novel instead of just one big reveal at the end keeps it so tantalizing. Oh and don't worry there is still a HUGE reveal at the end (I know I've said too much already, it's better you don't know that there still is some craziness at the end).
This story is like riding a river full of white water rapids and you can't see what's around the next turn, but OMG is it worth it. I usually am one to like order and black and white. This book is a MASTERPIECE OF CHAOS and I LOVE it. I feel like I know understand pyromaniacs staring at fire.
I love the sass in this book, the swearing, the anger and frustration... and I actually ENJOYED not knowing who was "good" or "evil" or that there wasn't even a defined construct of light/dark good/evil that characters fall into. This book made me question my own ideals and what I think is right vs wrong. This book has CHANGED me. I also love the number of times the word f*ck appears in this book and the cleverness in all the various usages. It definitely does not feel overused at any point... just the perfect number of f*cks. What started out initially as "wow that's a lot of f*cks on the page this early in the story" to "hmmm it's odd I haven't read the word f*ck in awhi- ah there it is."
I loved ALL of the characters. I don't have one complaint about any of them, they are all beautiful and broken in their own rights, and the madman is the best written madman I've ever read. I can HEAR him in my head - he is the perfect insane schemer and I WANT MORE. And while I am relieved my favorite MC did not meet the end I was sure he would - I am still just as floored by the one who actually died. My heart is still on the floor.
I was curious by the spice rating of 5/5 🌶 chile peppers and it did NOT disappoint. The spice is just a part of the story and not the main focus which made it all the better. This is NOT a romance novel. There are 2 descriptive scenes and oh my God these authors nailed their scene writing... like I had to put the book down and fan myself at one point. Whew that was hot
This is the most realistic to real life fantasy novel I've ever read.
I don't want to give any spoilers away - will someone please read this and talk to me about it? Because I AM NOT OKAY - I am coming down from a book high that I don't know if anything will ever replace it.
There's another one right? like PLEASE tell me there is another one. Also how do I purchase a signed copy of this? Please tell me it's possible. In addition to needing it on audiobook (already requested), I need a hard copy just because. Also Also, I've never done an ARC - if there is more to this story I REALLY want to be an advanced reader.
OMG this review doesn't do the book justice. I'm gonna hit Post anyway
Update 7/14/24: This is the book that has lived rent-free in my head for almost a year now. I love this book. It is my favorite book of all time and I've suggested this book to almost anyone I meet. In fact, I believe I bought four? maybe five? of my friends this book for their birthdays this year. yeah I love this book that much.
It's insane. It's nuts. It's non-stop action. Think of your favorite high-stakes action movie and multiply it by a thousand. This is it. I love (almost) all the characters even more now and hate one of them even more so. But I have to confess .... ..... and I'm almost scared to ... ... but, *deep breath* Moe is my favorite. *GASP* I know! He's insane and I love him for it. Like I know morally grey men are *in* and everything right now, but seriously, the guy is a spectacle and I love the show. What is going to happen next?!
Also reading it this time around, I had Salome in my head as Zoe Saldana in Pirates of the Caribbean even more now. Like I don't know what I was thinking last summer, but I somehow downplayed the pirate part of it? I don't know how, but I also somehow completely forgot about an entire character so, there's also that.
I digress... anyway, if you're looking for something to get your heart pumping, this is it.
AND this book is now my all-time favorite book ever read... of any genre, of any age that I was when I declared a book to be my favorite.
There is a lengthy Trigger Warning from the authors at the beginning of this book (graphic violence, gore, spiciness, swearing... rape, slavery, a multitude of abuse, etc.) but do not let that deter you... this story is BEAUTIFUL albeit very mature. This book is very mature, intense, and dark, but there is still relief through humor and so many other things. Honestly with that hefty trigger warning, I really thought I was going to be depressed reading this book. I was not... I was thrilled to my core.
Like most books I read, I had no idea what I was getting myself into and, by all that is everything, that is the way to do it with this story. I was floored by every twist and turn - there were several times during this story that I could not guess what was going to happen next... usually that annoys me, but this story just felt so REAL and every pieces of the puzzle clicks in at the perfect time. The fact that big/key pieces of info drop throughout the novel instead of just one big reveal at the end keeps it so tantalizing. Oh and don't worry there is still a HUGE reveal at the end (I know I've said too much already, it's better you don't know that there still is some craziness at the end).
This story is like riding a river full of white water rapids and you can't see what's around the next turn, but OMG is it worth it. I usually am one to like order and black and white. This book is a MASTERPIECE OF CHAOS and I LOVE it. I feel like I know understand pyromaniacs staring at fire.
I love the sass in this book, the swearing, the anger and frustration... and I actually ENJOYED not knowing who was "good" or "evil" or that there wasn't even a defined construct of light/dark good/evil that characters fall into. This book made me question my own ideals and what I think is right vs wrong. This book has CHANGED me. I also love the number of times the word f*ck appears in this book and the cleverness in all the various usages. It definitely does not feel overused at any point... just the perfect number of f*cks. What started out initially as "wow that's a lot of f*cks on the page this early in the story" to "hmmm it's odd I haven't read the word f*ck in awhi- ah there it is."
I loved ALL of the characters. I don't have one complaint about any of them, they are all beautiful and broken in their own rights, and the madman is the best written madman I've ever read. I can HEAR him in my head - he is the perfect insane schemer and I WANT MORE. And while I am relieved my favorite MC did not meet the end I was sure he would - I am still just as floored by the one who actually died. My heart is still on the floor.
I was curious by the spice rating of 5/5 🌶 chile peppers and it did NOT disappoint. The spice is just a part of the story and not the main focus which made it all the better. This is NOT a romance novel. There are 2 descriptive scenes and oh my God these authors nailed their scene writing... like I had to put the book down and fan myself at one point. Whew that was hot
This is the most realistic to real life fantasy novel I've ever read.
I don't want to give any spoilers away - will someone please read this and talk to me about it? Because I AM NOT OKAY - I am coming down from a book high that I don't know if anything will ever replace it.
There's another one right? like PLEASE tell me there is another one. Also how do I purchase a signed copy of this? Please tell me it's possible. In addition to needing it on audiobook (already requested), I need a hard copy just because. Also Also, I've never done an ARC - if there is more to this story I REALLY want to be an advanced reader.
OMG this review doesn't do the book justice. I'm gonna hit Post anyway
Update 7/14/24: This is the book that has lived rent-free in my head for almost a year now. I love this book. It is my favorite book of all time and I've suggested this book to almost anyone I meet. In fact, I believe I bought four? maybe five? of my friends this book for their birthdays this year. yeah I love this book that much.
It's insane. It's nuts. It's non-stop action. Think of your favorite high-stakes action movie and multiply it by a thousand. This is it. I love (almost) all the characters even more now and hate one of them even more so. But I have to confess .... ..... and I'm almost scared to ... ... but, *deep breath* Moe is my favorite. *GASP* I know! He's insane and I love him for it. Like I know morally grey men are *in* and everything right now, but seriously, the guy is a spectacle and I love the show. What is going to happen next?!
Also reading it this time around, I had Salome in my head as Zoe Saldana in Pirates of the Caribbean even more now. Like I don't know what I was thinking last summer, but I somehow downplayed the pirate part of it? I don't know how, but I also somehow completely forgot about an entire character so, there's also that.
I digress... anyway, if you're looking for something to get your heart pumping, this is it.
August 1, 2025
A wild ride
Holy hell - that was an adventure! Loved the different perspectives in the story. Everyone felt really unique and their personalities shine through in the dialogue.
This had me on the edge of my seat and I did NOT want to stop reading. Highly recommend, and looking forward to the next book!
Holy hell - that was an adventure! Loved the different perspectives in the story. Everyone felt really unique and their personalities shine through in the dialogue.
This had me on the edge of my seat and I did NOT want to stop reading. Highly recommend, and looking forward to the next book!
June 27, 2025
Loved it
Great characters, well -placed exposition, suspense, magic, technology, intrigue.... This book has it all.
There are a few formatting errors in the ebook that caused some interludes to be repeated, but other than that... Well I couldn't put it down!
Great characters, well -placed exposition, suspense, magic, technology, intrigue.... This book has it all.
There are a few formatting errors in the ebook that caused some interludes to be repeated, but other than that... Well I couldn't put it down!
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