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The Tradepoint Saga #3
The Bereft
A Dangerous Haven. Adapt or die. Nine hundred Vennans undertake a cultural exchange to Tradepoint, a space station where aliens from different worlds meet to do business. A young and gyfted Speaker, Gredin, is translator and diplomat for the happy occasion. But a horrific vision shatters her first night's sleep on Tradepoint. Venna, their homeworld, has been destroyed. Now the safety of the delegation, the only Vennans left in all of time and space, rests on Gredin's young shoulders. Stunned and grieving, she navigates trade wars and political prejudice, bartering with other races-some friendly, some neutral, some outright hostile-for what her people need to survive. And the cost of failure is the unthinkable. Extinction.
375 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 13, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 14, 2021
I can't think of a better ending for this trilogy!
One thing that I’ve enjoyed in all three books is the careful explanations that occur between characters. The reader is never left out of the loop. There have been full chapters (which are never short) where all that occurs is a single long conversation. Like the first two books, every conversation, thought, and movement has a purpose (for the most part). Again, each individual’s struggle is highlighted.
The pacing was really good and made for an easy read; steady, with some ‘down time’ between explosive, high-energy moments. There were plenty of times where my heart was racing and I just couldn’t read fast enough! Blacklocke has this way of writing that really drew me in. I easily became attached to the characters, but I also continued to be attached to them right to the end of the series. I rooted for them, I sympathized with them, I shared their feelings in emotional moments, and that’s a huge part of the reading experience for me personally!
Some minor plot points from the previous books – such as obtaining more food, the geddel crystal sources, and the soured relationship with the Hesch – became the focus of the book. Other minor points, including growing their population and the inner workings of Vennans’ bodies, were brought up as well. I wish the latter had been expanded on more.
I was delighted to find that Gredin and the Hesch interacted more, considering how little the Hesch appeared in the previous book. Another race was introduced in the second half, though it was a surface-level introduction. Each race is so unique, with their different cultures and traditions.
I really enjoyed Gredin as a character in this final book. She had some great character development. She was still coming to terms with her role as First Speaker and leader of the Vennan community. Her unwillingness to fight back against Tetralanna served her poorly in the last book, but she really stepped up in this one. She went from overly cautious to taking necessary – and even unnecessary – risks that paid off in the end. There was one point where I think she actually took it too far, but otherwise, it served her well.
After taking Khest as her alliance partner, she still wasn’t entirely comfortable with being intimate with someone who wasn’t her Chosen. The time that Khest spent to help her relax and get more comfortable before actually sleeping together was very sweet, and also showed how he, in turn, was dealing with having had other partners since the first time they were intimate. When Gredin addresses the Bereft and explains their shared trouble, she didn’t cower or concede in the face of Tetralanna’s scorn. It was a big moment for her, having so many people trust her words despite her revelation going against everything they’d learned over the course of their very long lives. It was a big step forward for her as a leader as well.
Gredin had to make a very hard decision regarding Nitikikani (yes, I typed that correctly on the first time without checking the book and I’m very proud of myself for having done so) in order to ease tensions between their races. Nitikikani actually had his own POV chapter, which I enjoyed. The deal Gredin and Nitikikani struck was originally an apology on Gredin’s end. It became far more profound than a simple apology when Nitikikani revealed why he was so obsessed with the flame stone pendant that Gredin wore (which she received from her chosen at their Choosing). I think their interaction helped Gredin process some of her grief. I think it also helped put her in a better mindset in concern to what was required of her as a leader.
I actually disliked Gredin at one point, for a decision she made. Though the preferred choice of these Bereft would have led to them being severely debilitated, it was still their choice to make. Many of them followed the very vocal Tetralanna, but I think if they had been given the chance to spend less time listening to her and feel the impact of their gyfts fading, they would eventually see sense. They weren’t given that time to think without Tetralanna influencing their decisions on the matter. This isn’t one of those problems that are going to be solved by forcing people into the solution.
Also, Gredin’s stones were never fully explained. Why they were doing more than just casting a pretty pattern when she was dumping them on Keegan’s bed closer to the end wasn’t explained. What were they indicating in that scene? I was dying to know more about her connection with the stones as well.
I actually disliked Burlon for a good part of this book. He and Gredin disagreed on some things, but going against her express wishes without explaining why felt like he crossed a line in the sand. Instead of addressing this issue, Gredin immediately forgave him. He’s a bit of a hypocrite in that he backs Gredin up when Tetralanna speaks against her, and speaks in her favour to her face, but goes behind her back. I’m rather disappointed that I finished this book viewing Burlon in a bit of a negative light.
Keegan’s life on Venna is brought up and I quite liked learning more about him. I found him to be an interesting character that I looked forward to seeing Gredin interact with. Seeing him struggle so hard against Tetralanna – and succeeding – spoke to his strength as a person but also spoke of his character, solidifying the impression that he had a strong will.
Tetralanna, of course, proved to be the worst type of person you could come across. I didn’t think I could hate her more until she used her gyft against Keegan, and then moreso when she shamed a Bereft for their choice when they were reunited with their Chosen. It was hard to tell what could be attributed to Tetralanna being out of Balance because she lost her chosen, what was bitterness over being overlooked by the Power in favour of Gredin, and what was a combination of the two. I imagine she would have had a lot of pent-up rage towards Gredin regardless of whether or not she’d lost her Chosen. In the end, she got what she deserved.
One major plot point in the book was left unsolved, but it didn’t take away from the book at all. In fact, if it had, it would have felt like Blacklocke was trying too hard to wrap it all up with a nice bow on top.
None of the negative things had a negative impact on my reading experience (with the exception of Burlon at the end). I could hardly put this book down, and finished it in five days! I would have finished it sooner if not for daily life getting in the way, haha. Even though I’m sad it’s over, this is a great ending to the fantastic trilogy that is the Tradepoint Saga!
One thing that I’ve enjoyed in all three books is the careful explanations that occur between characters. The reader is never left out of the loop. There have been full chapters (which are never short) where all that occurs is a single long conversation. Like the first two books, every conversation, thought, and movement has a purpose (for the most part). Again, each individual’s struggle is highlighted.
The pacing was really good and made for an easy read; steady, with some ‘down time’ between explosive, high-energy moments. There were plenty of times where my heart was racing and I just couldn’t read fast enough! Blacklocke has this way of writing that really drew me in. I easily became attached to the characters, but I also continued to be attached to them right to the end of the series. I rooted for them, I sympathized with them, I shared their feelings in emotional moments, and that’s a huge part of the reading experience for me personally!
Some minor plot points from the previous books – such as obtaining more food, the geddel crystal sources, and the soured relationship with the Hesch – became the focus of the book. Other minor points, including growing their population and the inner workings of Vennans’ bodies, were brought up as well. I wish the latter had been expanded on more.
I was delighted to find that Gredin and the Hesch interacted more, considering how little the Hesch appeared in the previous book. Another race was introduced in the second half, though it was a surface-level introduction. Each race is so unique, with their different cultures and traditions.
I really enjoyed Gredin as a character in this final book. She had some great character development. She was still coming to terms with her role as First Speaker and leader of the Vennan community. Her unwillingness to fight back against Tetralanna served her poorly in the last book, but she really stepped up in this one. She went from overly cautious to taking necessary – and even unnecessary – risks that paid off in the end. There was one point where I think she actually took it too far, but otherwise, it served her well.
After taking Khest as her alliance partner, she still wasn’t entirely comfortable with being intimate with someone who wasn’t her Chosen. The time that Khest spent to help her relax and get more comfortable before actually sleeping together was very sweet, and also showed how he, in turn, was dealing with having had other partners since the first time they were intimate. When Gredin addresses the Bereft and explains their shared trouble, she didn’t cower or concede in the face of Tetralanna’s scorn. It was a big moment for her, having so many people trust her words despite her revelation going against everything they’d learned over the course of their very long lives. It was a big step forward for her as a leader as well.
Gredin had to make a very hard decision regarding Nitikikani (yes, I typed that correctly on the first time without checking the book and I’m very proud of myself for having done so) in order to ease tensions between their races. Nitikikani actually had his own POV chapter, which I enjoyed. The deal Gredin and Nitikikani struck was originally an apology on Gredin’s end. It became far more profound than a simple apology when Nitikikani revealed why he was so obsessed with the flame stone pendant that Gredin wore (which she received from her chosen at their Choosing). I think their interaction helped Gredin process some of her grief. I think it also helped put her in a better mindset in concern to what was required of her as a leader.
I actually disliked Gredin at one point, for a decision she made. Though the preferred choice of these Bereft would have led to them being severely debilitated, it was still their choice to make. Many of them followed the very vocal Tetralanna, but I think if they had been given the chance to spend less time listening to her and feel the impact of their gyfts fading, they would eventually see sense. They weren’t given that time to think without Tetralanna influencing their decisions on the matter. This isn’t one of those problems that are going to be solved by forcing people into the solution.
Also, Gredin’s stones were never fully explained. Why they were doing more than just casting a pretty pattern when she was dumping them on Keegan’s bed closer to the end wasn’t explained. What were they indicating in that scene? I was dying to know more about her connection with the stones as well.
I actually disliked Burlon for a good part of this book. He and Gredin disagreed on some things, but going against her express wishes without explaining why felt like he crossed a line in the sand. Instead of addressing this issue, Gredin immediately forgave him. He’s a bit of a hypocrite in that he backs Gredin up when Tetralanna speaks against her, and speaks in her favour to her face, but goes behind her back. I’m rather disappointed that I finished this book viewing Burlon in a bit of a negative light.
Keegan’s life on Venna is brought up and I quite liked learning more about him. I found him to be an interesting character that I looked forward to seeing Gredin interact with. Seeing him struggle so hard against Tetralanna – and succeeding – spoke to his strength as a person but also spoke of his character, solidifying the impression that he had a strong will.
Tetralanna, of course, proved to be the worst type of person you could come across. I didn’t think I could hate her more until she used her gyft against Keegan, and then moreso when she shamed a Bereft for their choice when they were reunited with their Chosen. It was hard to tell what could be attributed to Tetralanna being out of Balance because she lost her chosen, what was bitterness over being overlooked by the Power in favour of Gredin, and what was a combination of the two. I imagine she would have had a lot of pent-up rage towards Gredin regardless of whether or not she’d lost her Chosen. In the end, she got what she deserved.
One major plot point in the book was left unsolved, but it didn’t take away from the book at all. In fact, if it had, it would have felt like Blacklocke was trying too hard to wrap it all up with a nice bow on top.
None of the negative things had a negative impact on my reading experience (with the exception of Burlon at the end). I could hardly put this book down, and finished it in five days! I would have finished it sooner if not for daily life getting in the way, haha. Even though I’m sad it’s over, this is a great ending to the fantastic trilogy that is the Tradepoint Saga!
April 19, 2021
Thank you, J. J. Blacklocke, for sending me an eARC of The Bereft, the third book in The Tradepoint Saga, in exchange for my honest review.
If you've been following me for a while, you'll know that I've been reviewing the books in The Tradepoint Saga since the first one, Refuge, came out in November. And you'll also know I keep requesting the sequels because this world intrigues me so much, and I'm happy to say this third book is my favourite so far. In this series, we follow the Vennans as they journey to Tradepoint, a space station where different alien races can trade goods with one another. But on their first night there Gredin, a young Vennan translator, receives a message from the Power that their world no longer exists and it's up to her to guide their entire community in search of their new home.
If you're interested in my reviews for books one and two, you can read them here and here, respectively. I initially thought this was only supposed to be a trilogy, but after reviewing Aftershock I discovered that Gredin's journey is bigger than that. I'm not sure exactly how long this series is going to be, all I know is that The Bereft was the end of the first phase of this story, and it did a brilliant job in concluding this chapter in a very satisfying manner, while keeping me longing for more.
This had a lot more action that the other two books and it was faster paced, something I loved. It's still really focused on the characters, but this multiple POV series had amazing twists that'd keep me at the edge of my seat hoping we'd go back to that character soon to find out what would happen next. This world is so rich and so well-written, I felt like I was in Tradepoint with them.
My favourite thing is still the intricacies of the alien races, but I loved how this expanded on the plot. It isn't simply a survival story anymore. The Vennans are (mostly) past their grief and are now much more active, intriguing and have a lot more depth to their actions. They're over their first shock and are beginning to thrive again, making this the most interesting of the books so far.
This gave a lot more dimension to some of my favourite characters, making them even a bigger part of Gredin's journey, and their character evolution is brilliant. It also finished on a beautiful note, giving this chapter a proper ending while letting you know that there's much more to come from the Vennans.
I still think these might be a tad longer than necessary, simply because some things are explained in too much length and it makes the story feel repetitive. But even this is a clever choice done by Blacklocke, because the least I expected from a universe coming together is overexplanation, in order to avoid even more misunderstandings.
Overall I truly enjoyed this one and I can't wait to accompany Gredin and her friends in their journey to find New Venna, I expect it'll be full of surprises. The first three books in The Tradepoint Saga are all out right now. If you're interested in "human" relationships, with a very detailed sci-fi twist, this is definitely for you.
If you've been following me for a while, you'll know that I've been reviewing the books in The Tradepoint Saga since the first one, Refuge, came out in November. And you'll also know I keep requesting the sequels because this world intrigues me so much, and I'm happy to say this third book is my favourite so far. In this series, we follow the Vennans as they journey to Tradepoint, a space station where different alien races can trade goods with one another. But on their first night there Gredin, a young Vennan translator, receives a message from the Power that their world no longer exists and it's up to her to guide their entire community in search of their new home.
If you're interested in my reviews for books one and two, you can read them here and here, respectively. I initially thought this was only supposed to be a trilogy, but after reviewing Aftershock I discovered that Gredin's journey is bigger than that. I'm not sure exactly how long this series is going to be, all I know is that The Bereft was the end of the first phase of this story, and it did a brilliant job in concluding this chapter in a very satisfying manner, while keeping me longing for more.
This had a lot more action that the other two books and it was faster paced, something I loved. It's still really focused on the characters, but this multiple POV series had amazing twists that'd keep me at the edge of my seat hoping we'd go back to that character soon to find out what would happen next. This world is so rich and so well-written, I felt like I was in Tradepoint with them.
My favourite thing is still the intricacies of the alien races, but I loved how this expanded on the plot. It isn't simply a survival story anymore. The Vennans are (mostly) past their grief and are now much more active, intriguing and have a lot more depth to their actions. They're over their first shock and are beginning to thrive again, making this the most interesting of the books so far.
This gave a lot more dimension to some of my favourite characters, making them even a bigger part of Gredin's journey, and their character evolution is brilliant. It also finished on a beautiful note, giving this chapter a proper ending while letting you know that there's much more to come from the Vennans.
I still think these might be a tad longer than necessary, simply because some things are explained in too much length and it makes the story feel repetitive. But even this is a clever choice done by Blacklocke, because the least I expected from a universe coming together is overexplanation, in order to avoid even more misunderstandings.
Overall I truly enjoyed this one and I can't wait to accompany Gredin and her friends in their journey to find New Venna, I expect it'll be full of surprises. The first three books in The Tradepoint Saga are all out right now. If you're interested in "human" relationships, with a very detailed sci-fi twist, this is definitely for you.
April 14, 2021
Many thanks to JJ Blacklocke for providing me with a digital copy of The Bereft with a request for an honest review.
There could not be a better ending to the Tradepoint Saga than what JJ Blacklocke gave us in The Bereft. I cried so hard through the whole novel. Gredin finally comes into her own, and it is glorious!
I wish there were more to come from this saga because there is so much more I want to know. But, in all truth, this ending is perfect. I still would like to see a pairing with Gredin and Keegan, but circumstances won’t allow it. Though, in my imagination, they get to live happily ever after.
Gredin’s moment with the Hesch broke my heart. Those scenes were so tender and full of kindness that I ugly cried. The baby Hesch was way too adorable for its own good. The gift that Gredin chose in exchange for her flamestone was the sweetest gift I have ever seen.
Keegan’s crisis scared the crap out of me. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I read through that part. This scene was another one where ugly crying occurred. But, much to my relief, he is okay.
I am sad that this saga is over, but I am still happy to award The Bereft a full 5 out of 5 stars. If you have any inkling of starting with science fiction, I can’t recommend this trilogy enough. If you do read it, I hope you love it as much as I do.
There could not be a better ending to the Tradepoint Saga than what JJ Blacklocke gave us in The Bereft. I cried so hard through the whole novel. Gredin finally comes into her own, and it is glorious!
I wish there were more to come from this saga because there is so much more I want to know. But, in all truth, this ending is perfect. I still would like to see a pairing with Gredin and Keegan, but circumstances won’t allow it. Though, in my imagination, they get to live happily ever after.
Gredin’s moment with the Hesch broke my heart. Those scenes were so tender and full of kindness that I ugly cried. The baby Hesch was way too adorable for its own good. The gift that Gredin chose in exchange for her flamestone was the sweetest gift I have ever seen.
Keegan’s crisis scared the crap out of me. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I read through that part. This scene was another one where ugly crying occurred. But, much to my relief, he is okay.
I am sad that this saga is over, but I am still happy to award The Bereft a full 5 out of 5 stars. If you have any inkling of starting with science fiction, I can’t recommend this trilogy enough. If you do read it, I hope you love it as much as I do.
July 20, 2021
Bereft is simply a wonderful book! It's possibly one of the best books that I've read this year (117 to date in 2021) and it's definitely the most cerebral book I've ever read!
JJ Blacklocke's writing is very tight, and she's so skilled at dialogue, you'll find yourself transported to Tradepoint, where you're an eyewitness to everything that takes place in the story!
It's hard to believe that when you start Bereft, only 20 short days have elapsed since the beginning of the Tradepoint Saga... when Gredin had her first night-thought (dream) that was so revealing, and so troubling! Gredin is a young woman who is catapulted from her life of complacency, and charged to take on the mantle of leader of her people! In Bereft she finds renewed strength and somehow manages to make the personal sacrifice necessary for her people, in order to mend race relationships between her people, and the other races of traders on Tradepoint!
I'd love to be able to write a review that waxes eloquent about her trials, tribulations, friends, and enemies, but that's not me. I can't do that! That's why I read books instead of writing 'em!
Get This Book!!! The trilogy is available in audio, so you can experience the masterful narration of JJ Blacklocke's beautiful story, performed by Kate Reading!!!
JJ Blacklocke's writing is very tight, and she's so skilled at dialogue, you'll find yourself transported to Tradepoint, where you're an eyewitness to everything that takes place in the story!
It's hard to believe that when you start Bereft, only 20 short days have elapsed since the beginning of the Tradepoint Saga... when Gredin had her first night-thought (dream) that was so revealing, and so troubling! Gredin is a young woman who is catapulted from her life of complacency, and charged to take on the mantle of leader of her people! In Bereft she finds renewed strength and somehow manages to make the personal sacrifice necessary for her people, in order to mend race relationships between her people, and the other races of traders on Tradepoint!
I'd love to be able to write a review that waxes eloquent about her trials, tribulations, friends, and enemies, but that's not me. I can't do that! That's why I read books instead of writing 'em!
Get This Book!!! The trilogy is available in audio, so you can experience the masterful narration of JJ Blacklocke's beautiful story, performed by Kate Reading!!!
May 12, 2021
4.5 stars:
This is the third book in the Tradepoint Saga and it picks up right where the second book left off. I really enjoyed seeing the characters continue to grow in this book, as well as the changing interactions with the other species on Tradepoint. Once again, conflict with Tetralanna continues to hold strong, but at least now we have an explanation for her behavior. I loved getting to learn more about how Vennan bodies and gyftes work, and traveling to a new world and culture.
The biggest issue I had with this book was a decision made near the end which I found quite shocking. I did not expect non-con to be a concern while reading and it was an unpleasant surprise. There's also reference to drunk sex, but consent is clarified before drinking here.
This is the third book in the Tradepoint Saga and it picks up right where the second book left off. I really enjoyed seeing the characters continue to grow in this book, as well as the changing interactions with the other species on Tradepoint. Once again, conflict with Tetralanna continues to hold strong, but at least now we have an explanation for her behavior. I loved getting to learn more about how Vennan bodies and gyftes work, and traveling to a new world and culture.
The biggest issue I had with this book was a decision made near the end which I found quite shocking. I did not expect non-con to be a concern while reading and it was an unpleasant surprise. There's also reference to drunk sex, but consent is clarified before drinking here.
April 11, 2021
The Tradepoint Saga just keeps getting better and better. THE BEREFT takes the conflicts and perils of the first two books and puts our favorite characters to the test, forcing them all to move from words to action in their various struggles. Unexpected choices are made, unlikely alliances are formed, and unanticipated complications are waiting with every turn of the page. This was my favorite so far-- highly recommended!!
April 23, 2022
A wonderful new world
I loved this trilogy. The introduction of many new alien cultures was fascinating and mostly filled with mutual kindness and respect. Deeply emotional. I eagerly await the New Venna trilogy. There are so many new ideas in this world that it cannot end here.
I loved this trilogy. The introduction of many new alien cultures was fascinating and mostly filled with mutual kindness and respect. Deeply emotional. I eagerly await the New Venna trilogy. There are so many new ideas in this world that it cannot end here.
May 1, 2021
Great book. Left me wanting more right now. Please hurry with the next release.
June 26, 2021
A great adventure that didn’t disappoint.
I knew it would be good. How could it not, judging by the great tale told in the first two books…. I hope to see another book soon!
I knew it would be good. How could it not, judging by the great tale told in the first two books…. I hope to see another book soon!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews