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Children of the Consortium #2
Aberration
Freedom Awaits, but the Consortium is Watching
When rogue drones threaten citizens and the ship’s crew falls ill, the Recorder answers their call for help, once again drawing scrutiny from the Consortium.
With no other option and under an Elder’s overbearing watch, she returns to Pallas Station where she nearly lost her life in the hope of finding something—anything—to save her friends and countless others. Her friends are determined to keep her safe, but for the Recorder, saving others comes first, no matter the cost.
When rogue drones threaten citizens and the ship’s crew falls ill, the Recorder answers their call for help, once again drawing scrutiny from the Consortium.
With no other option and under an Elder’s overbearing watch, she returns to Pallas Station where she nearly lost her life in the hope of finding something—anything—to save her friends and countless others. Her friends are determined to keep her safe, but for the Recorder, saving others comes first, no matter the cost.
417 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2022
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204 people want to read
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May 5, 2026
About this book:
“The Consortium is All. But Recorder Can No Longer Obey.
Recorder has no family, no friends, and no name. Donated to the Consortium before birth, her sole purpose is to maintain and verify the records. A neural implant and drone ensure compliance, punishing for displays of bias.
Suddenly cut off from controlling technology, Recorder tastes what it means to be human. But if the Consortium discovers her feelings, everyone she knows will be in danger.
With no name, no resources, and only an infinitesimal possibility of escape, Recorder's time is running out.”
Series: Book #2 in the “Children of the Consortium” trilogy. Review of Book #1, Here!
Spiritual Content- A reference to Scripture (“being the salt and the light”—though someone doesn’t think the person saying it knows was light is); In the first book, Recorder is told that “some people say we evolved from the dust of stars. Others say we are uniquely formed by a divine being. Stardust or Creation. Either way, you are exceptional. You are the only one of you in all the space and time. You cannot be nothing.”, and she thinks about this a few times later in this book (including being confused when the person says that everyone is defective since she thinks that it contradicts what he said before & later feeling like it is mocking her because she feels of no value); Recorder thinks about someone’s unquantifiable God (Book #1) and comments that maybe there is “something larger than this life, after all”; Recorder thinks “please no” and it’s called a “thought—or prayer”; Someone who is a Christian mentions about having faith “no matter what” in hard times (said a few times); When someone who wears a cross necklace is talked about, someone else says the person is an “elite” (tauntingly); Someone talks about “going home” when the person is dying; A few mentions of prayers; A couple mentions of a cross necklace; A couple mentions of a side-character having olive wood beads and running them through their fingers when stressed/worried (could be a rosary); A mention of “old-Earth hagiography”;
*Note: Someone says something that is “either a prayer or a curse” when upset; A side character says that sharpening knives is “like meditation” to her; A side character orders for whatever can help protect the group from the virus “vitamins, meds, face paint, or burning feathers. I don’t care.”; Someone is called a minotaur because of his size; “Pax” is said a couple of times when showing that you want peace with another (Pax is the goddess of peace); When a drone is “killed”, Recorder corrects that it was never alive; Mentions of rumors about a place being haunted & having ghosts; A few mentions of Medusa & Poseidon; A few mentions of evil people & their actions; A couple mentions of wishes; A mention of a painting of two humanoids with flaming swords.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: two ‘back off’s, four forms of ‘idiot’, five forms of ‘blast it/blast you’, five forms of ‘shut up’, ten ‘blasted’s, and twenty-four forms of ‘stupid’; A man is also called a bigot (but we aren’t told why); Made-up cursing for this fictional world includes: a ‘thank the founders’, a ‘void-ridden’, a ‘what the void’, two forms of ‘rust it/stow it’, two forms of ‘space you/crush you’, three forms of ‘moons above’, three forms of ‘stars above’, three ‘void it’s, four forms of ‘void take it’s, four forms of ‘we’re spaced (screwed)’, six forms of ‘founders’ sakes/founder’s oath’, six forms of ‘space it’s, six ‘trog’s (derogatory), eight ‘moons and stars’, nine forms of spacing (used for emphasis), nine forms of ‘voided/voiding’s, twelve forms of ‘dross’ (used as an insult), and fourteen ‘stars’ (exclamation); Sarcasm & Eye rolling; Many mentions of curses (said, not written); Seeing dead bodies & Having to move them to a temporary morgue (multiple times, including blood and the condition of the bodies, up to semi-detailed); Seeing others ill, in pain, injured, beaten, bleeding, & three people pass away (up to semi-detailed); Seeing other being attacked & fighting (including giant cockroaches, up to semi-detailed); *Spoiler* ; Being trapped and almost burned alive, Trauma from being in prior near-death related places again, Explosions, Being held at knife-point, Being ill/shot with a needle, Being shocked, Being hit, Fighting, Fighting off drones and giant cockroaches, Pain, Injuries, Blood/Bleeding, Passing out (up to semi-detailed); Remembering events from the first book (giant bugs, major pain, deaths, & seeing corpses, up to semi-detailed); Some Panic & Anxiety (up to semi-detailed); A nightmare (up to semi-detailed); Eavesdropping; Recorders are punished (shocked) by their drone if they do not act like they are supposed to (such as being emotional or helping a citizen because they are only to observe) and we see this happen on-page many times (up to semi-detailed); After her drone is destroyed in the first book, Recorder started to hit herself when she shows emotion and that’s continued in this book as well; Recorder has been starved for a few days (not intentionally); Recorder is not displeased by the news of the death of someone who wasn’t a good person; *Major Spoiler* ; Two scenes of those who have passed being “recycled” and the bodies (“shells” going on a conveyor belt) & grief (up to semi-detailed); Some side characters are disrespectful to “shells” (bodies) and are called out on it; Many mentions of deaths (including of parents), murders, bodies, having to move the bodies to a morgue set-up, incinerating the bodies, & grief (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of weapons, weapons being aimed at others for threats, explosions, giant man-eating roaches, fighting them, fighting, someone losing an arm to one, pain, injuries, blood/bleeding, throwing up, & passing out (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of deaths through a virus (biological weapon), someone’s plans to unleash it, & an attempted murder; Mentions of people being “spaced” (which is when they are kicked out of a ship and left to float in the void and can be considered as murder); Mentions of citizens getting “removed” (set to a hard labor area and not heard from again); Mentions of kidnappings, being held hostage, & shot with a virus; Mentions of Recorders and others being shocked, tortured, & in pain; Mentions of pirates, mutineers, criminals, & crimes; Mentions of hatred (that some have towards the Consortium); Mentions of lies, lying, & liars (including that Recorders and Elders can lie because they are human, but they will be reprimanded if it’s discovered); Mentions of gossip, rumors, & eavesdropping; Mentions of jealousy; Mentions of animal experimentation (which happened on cockroaches) for a good reason of saving those trapped in a mine; A few mentions of earthquakes & deaths; A few mentions of a man changing after the death of his son; A few mentions of mines collapsing & deaths; A few mentions of wanting someone who did a person wrong to suffer (which Recorder agrees with); A few mentions of a woman trying to drive two brothers apart & is condescending to the younger one behind his brother’s back; A few mentions of starvation; A few mentions of nightmares; A couple mentions of terrorists; A couple mentions of a drone taking a life even though it isn’t supposed to unless programed to do so; A couple mentions of others believing Recorder is suicide risk (she is not); A couple mentions of a possible break-in/thief; A mention of a someone dying in a mine because of a lack of oxygen; A mention of a grandmother taking her granddaughter away from her mother (not said why); A mention of sounding like a stalker; A mention of flogging; A mention of a bully; A mention of urine; A mention of cats being “disposed of” as a person of high authority sees fit;
*Note: Prejudice towards Recorders and those raised in a certain area that is where criminals are sent (rude comments are on-page and also towards Recorder); A side character feels guilt for not viewing a Recorder as a potential friend like she did with one of the opposite gender; Some view and make comments about Recorders being property of the Consortium (which our Recorder says she is not); An Elder implies that Recorder should have died in order to stop someone else from unleashing a virus (Book #1); Recorder wonders that if everyone holds value like someone told her, that should that also extend to those who did wrong; Recorder misses her drone at times because of different reasons (including it being able to calm her); Those who are Recorders or other government service staff were “gifted” by their biological donors and it’s said that they redeem their gifting by doing service (someone asks Recorder if she regrets being gifted, but as it wasn’t her action, she says she doesn’t but has pondered what could have happened if she wasn’t gifted; Later, an Elder says it was the most moral choice the biological parents could make); Someone says that because he didn’t have a contract (partnership) with a woman, she was able to choose what happened to their twins without his opinion mattering and because one was said to be “defected” she gifted them (the man has been looking for them for years); Someone thinks that “heading out on one’s own” was when “life really started” (thinking of a friend who is too loyal to a family member); Mentions of eugenics, genocide, & an attempted genetic cleansing a hundred years prior to the book starting; A few mentions of a young man wearing earrings; A couple mentions of a girl’s biological mother didn’t want her and was going to give her to the Consortium “like most college students do” but she was adopted by family members; A mention of trying to find either a cure, antivirus, or a vaccine for the virus.
Sexual Content- A forehead kiss; A few kisses on-page in side characters’ chapters (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Hand holding, Nearness, & Smelling (up to semi-detailed); Remembering and Dreaming of touches, hand holding, & nearness (barely-above-not-detailed); Blushes; Noticing & Staring (barely-above-not-detailed); Marriage is not a concept in this world, but people have “contracts” and become “partners”; Someone is embarrassed to share that she is reading a historical romance book but clarifies that it is not banned or “even rated orange”; Mentions of the assault (in Book #1) where a guy forces a kiss on Recorder (this was also considered attempted murder because of a virus; Recorder has to tell an Elder about it and says that she was assured it was not kissing, but there was an exchange of saliva; She adds that she didn’t report is because “it seemed a small thing. He was young and I did not believe it was in his character to repeat it.”); A reference to what Poseidon did to Medusa (in regards to a painting of Medusa having to beautiful since Poseidon did something (unnamed) to her); Seeing couples kiss, embrace, & hold hands (barely-above-not-detailed); Three ‘babe’s; A woman calls a young man ‘doll’ twice and he blushes; Mentions of the assault & forced kiss; Mentions of boyfriends/girlfriends & dating (these terms aren’t used but the idea of them are); Mentions of couples, hand holding, embraces, & kissing; A few mentions of blushes; A few mentions of crushes & jealousy; A mention of someone acting like they saw a long-lost lover; A bit of love, being in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Recorder notices that a young woman has gained weight but does not say anything because she was told that’s impolite to comment on; A side character tells another that he should eat up because “there will be plenty of time in your future to curtail the input of calories, but you aren’t there yet”; A side character (teen girl) is irritated that a guy can eat and eat and still be lean; A side character is teased about ogling others (he’s actually skin-shy) & blushes when seeing others’ bare skin (midriff and arms); A side character says that she trusted someone and was in love with the person, but ended up stuck with consequences (no more is said but could imply an out-of-wedlock pregnancy based on other comments); Mentions of growth hormones for an animal (insect) experimentation; A mention of testosterone levels.
-Recorder, age 24
POV switches between Recorder (1st person) & flashbacks to others’ POV (Eric, James, Freddie, Lorik, Kyleigh, & Elliot all in 3rd person)
Sci-fi
354 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- One Star
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars (and a half)
{ Older Girls who enjoy sci-fi books may enjoy this book more and could add a full star to that rating. }
I thought it would be best to continue this trilogy while the information from the first book was still fresh in my mind and I’m glad that I did that because whew! Lots of things (but also not a lot of things in hindsight??) happen in this sequel and lots of new faces entered in. Like in the prior book, there’s a lot of characters with many names and you have to keep up with it all—which I struggled with at the beginning of this book as well.
I never thought a sci-fi book could make me tear-up but when you have a rag-tag group with clashing personalities that have each others’ backs regardless of their differences like only the Found Family trope can do, you might as well pass me the tissues. I found myself tearing up at a couple touching moments and then a sad moment as well.
These two books have been very interesting for me. I’m engaged into the story while reading it and once I finished both books I’m thinking that I enjoyed it, but I’m having a hard time saying why I enjoyed it. Is it because it’s different from my normal reads? Or because it’s an intense ride that I don’t know what will happen next? Particularly with the first book, I liked it but I didn’t like some elements and wished there was more hope as it felt depressing at times. I suppose it’s hard to have hope when you’re a Recorder in this world, though. We do see a bit more of that element in this second book, which I was grateful for.
My major hope for the third book is that the government is burned to the ground in it. We see glimpses of the terribleness they do in the first book, but this second book really heightens what atrocious acts they are doing.
On the romance, it’s definitely not the main focus of the plot which I like, but at the same time feels a little shoe-horned into the plot. I’m curious to see what will happen in that regard in the final book because while they like each other (or as much as our Recorder can figure out with her new emotions being allowed to show) they don’t have much time for discussions and are really just a source of comfort and strength to the other. Which is cute, but I was expecting a bit more in that regard. Not a compliant at all about the light romance, but it has been interestingly done.
I do have to ask: why do sci-fi books have to have giant creepy, man-eating bugs? I can count on one hand how many sci-fi books I’ve read (and I’ve seen even less sci-fi movies or TV shows), but that seems to be a standard element and frankly I don’t like it. I already loath cockroaches but this series is making me dislike them even more, so a heads up for others who do not do bugs.
I’m hoping the third book will enter in with more Christian Faith content because so far it’s been more of a Clean Fiction book written by a Christian with a few faith hints—which is fine, but I feel like this world needs Jesus pronto!
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
“The Consortium is All. But Recorder Can No Longer Obey.
Recorder has no family, no friends, and no name. Donated to the Consortium before birth, her sole purpose is to maintain and verify the records. A neural implant and drone ensure compliance, punishing for displays of bias.
Suddenly cut off from controlling technology, Recorder tastes what it means to be human. But if the Consortium discovers her feelings, everyone she knows will be in danger.
With no name, no resources, and only an infinitesimal possibility of escape, Recorder's time is running out.”
Series: Book #2 in the “Children of the Consortium” trilogy. Review of Book #1, Here!
Spiritual Content- A reference to Scripture (“being the salt and the light”—though someone doesn’t think the person saying it knows was light is); In the first book, Recorder is told that “some people say we evolved from the dust of stars. Others say we are uniquely formed by a divine being. Stardust or Creation. Either way, you are exceptional. You are the only one of you in all the space and time. You cannot be nothing.”, and she thinks about this a few times later in this book (including being confused when the person says that everyone is defective since she thinks that it contradicts what he said before & later feeling like it is mocking her because she feels of no value); Recorder thinks about someone’s unquantifiable God (Book #1) and comments that maybe there is “something larger than this life, after all”; Recorder thinks “please no” and it’s called a “thought—or prayer”; Someone who is a Christian mentions about having faith “no matter what” in hard times (said a few times); When someone who wears a cross necklace is talked about, someone else says the person is an “elite” (tauntingly); Someone talks about “going home” when the person is dying; A few mentions of prayers; A couple mentions of a cross necklace; A couple mentions of a side-character having olive wood beads and running them through their fingers when stressed/worried (could be a rosary); A mention of “old-Earth hagiography”;
*Note: Someone says something that is “either a prayer or a curse” when upset; A side character says that sharpening knives is “like meditation” to her; A side character orders for whatever can help protect the group from the virus “vitamins, meds, face paint, or burning feathers. I don’t care.”; Someone is called a minotaur because of his size; “Pax” is said a couple of times when showing that you want peace with another (Pax is the goddess of peace); When a drone is “killed”, Recorder corrects that it was never alive; Mentions of rumors about a place being haunted & having ghosts; A few mentions of Medusa & Poseidon; A few mentions of evil people & their actions; A couple mentions of wishes; A mention of a painting of two humanoids with flaming swords.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: two ‘back off’s, four forms of ‘idiot’, five forms of ‘blast it/blast you’, five forms of ‘shut up’, ten ‘blasted’s, and twenty-four forms of ‘stupid’; A man is also called a bigot (but we aren’t told why); Made-up cursing for this fictional world includes: a ‘thank the founders’, a ‘void-ridden’, a ‘what the void’, two forms of ‘rust it/stow it’, two forms of ‘space you/crush you’, three forms of ‘moons above’, three forms of ‘stars above’, three ‘void it’s, four forms of ‘void take it’s, four forms of ‘we’re spaced (screwed)’, six forms of ‘founders’ sakes/founder’s oath’, six forms of ‘space it’s, six ‘trog’s (derogatory), eight ‘moons and stars’, nine forms of spacing (used for emphasis), nine forms of ‘voided/voiding’s, twelve forms of ‘dross’ (used as an insult), and fourteen ‘stars’ (exclamation); Sarcasm & Eye rolling; Many mentions of curses (said, not written); Seeing dead bodies & Having to move them to a temporary morgue (multiple times, including blood and the condition of the bodies, up to semi-detailed); Seeing others ill, in pain, injured, beaten, bleeding, & three people pass away (up to semi-detailed); Seeing other being attacked & fighting (including giant cockroaches, up to semi-detailed); *Spoiler* ; Being trapped and almost burned alive, Trauma from being in prior near-death related places again, Explosions, Being held at knife-point, Being ill/shot with a needle, Being shocked, Being hit, Fighting, Fighting off drones and giant cockroaches, Pain, Injuries, Blood/Bleeding, Passing out (up to semi-detailed); Remembering events from the first book (giant bugs, major pain, deaths, & seeing corpses, up to semi-detailed); Some Panic & Anxiety (up to semi-detailed); A nightmare (up to semi-detailed); Eavesdropping; Recorders are punished (shocked) by their drone if they do not act like they are supposed to (such as being emotional or helping a citizen because they are only to observe) and we see this happen on-page many times (up to semi-detailed); After her drone is destroyed in the first book, Recorder started to hit herself when she shows emotion and that’s continued in this book as well; Recorder has been starved for a few days (not intentionally); Recorder is not displeased by the news of the death of someone who wasn’t a good person; *Major Spoiler* ; Two scenes of those who have passed being “recycled” and the bodies (“shells” going on a conveyor belt) & grief (up to semi-detailed); Some side characters are disrespectful to “shells” (bodies) and are called out on it; Many mentions of deaths (including of parents), murders, bodies, having to move the bodies to a morgue set-up, incinerating the bodies, & grief (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of weapons, weapons being aimed at others for threats, explosions, giant man-eating roaches, fighting them, fighting, someone losing an arm to one, pain, injuries, blood/bleeding, throwing up, & passing out (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of deaths through a virus (biological weapon), someone’s plans to unleash it, & an attempted murder; Mentions of people being “spaced” (which is when they are kicked out of a ship and left to float in the void and can be considered as murder); Mentions of citizens getting “removed” (set to a hard labor area and not heard from again); Mentions of kidnappings, being held hostage, & shot with a virus; Mentions of Recorders and others being shocked, tortured, & in pain; Mentions of pirates, mutineers, criminals, & crimes; Mentions of hatred (that some have towards the Consortium); Mentions of lies, lying, & liars (including that Recorders and Elders can lie because they are human, but they will be reprimanded if it’s discovered); Mentions of gossip, rumors, & eavesdropping; Mentions of jealousy; Mentions of animal experimentation (which happened on cockroaches) for a good reason of saving those trapped in a mine; A few mentions of earthquakes & deaths; A few mentions of a man changing after the death of his son; A few mentions of mines collapsing & deaths; A few mentions of wanting someone who did a person wrong to suffer (which Recorder agrees with); A few mentions of a woman trying to drive two brothers apart & is condescending to the younger one behind his brother’s back; A few mentions of starvation; A few mentions of nightmares; A couple mentions of terrorists; A couple mentions of a drone taking a life even though it isn’t supposed to unless programed to do so; A couple mentions of others believing Recorder is suicide risk (she is not); A couple mentions of a possible break-in/thief; A mention of a someone dying in a mine because of a lack of oxygen; A mention of a grandmother taking her granddaughter away from her mother (not said why); A mention of sounding like a stalker; A mention of flogging; A mention of a bully; A mention of urine; A mention of cats being “disposed of” as a person of high authority sees fit;
*Note: Prejudice towards Recorders and those raised in a certain area that is where criminals are sent (rude comments are on-page and also towards Recorder); A side character feels guilt for not viewing a Recorder as a potential friend like she did with one of the opposite gender; Some view and make comments about Recorders being property of the Consortium (which our Recorder says she is not); An Elder implies that Recorder should have died in order to stop someone else from unleashing a virus (Book #1); Recorder wonders that if everyone holds value like someone told her, that should that also extend to those who did wrong; Recorder misses her drone at times because of different reasons (including it being able to calm her); Those who are Recorders or other government service staff were “gifted” by their biological donors and it’s said that they redeem their gifting by doing service (someone asks Recorder if she regrets being gifted, but as it wasn’t her action, she says she doesn’t but has pondered what could have happened if she wasn’t gifted; Later, an Elder says it was the most moral choice the biological parents could make); Someone says that because he didn’t have a contract (partnership) with a woman, she was able to choose what happened to their twins without his opinion mattering and because one was said to be “defected” she gifted them (the man has been looking for them for years); Someone thinks that “heading out on one’s own” was when “life really started” (thinking of a friend who is too loyal to a family member); Mentions of eugenics, genocide, & an attempted genetic cleansing a hundred years prior to the book starting; A few mentions of a young man wearing earrings; A couple mentions of a girl’s biological mother didn’t want her and was going to give her to the Consortium “like most college students do” but she was adopted by family members; A mention of trying to find either a cure, antivirus, or a vaccine for the virus.
Sexual Content- A forehead kiss; A few kisses on-page in side characters’ chapters (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Hand holding, Nearness, & Smelling (up to semi-detailed); Remembering and Dreaming of touches, hand holding, & nearness (barely-above-not-detailed); Blushes; Noticing & Staring (barely-above-not-detailed); Marriage is not a concept in this world, but people have “contracts” and become “partners”; Someone is embarrassed to share that she is reading a historical romance book but clarifies that it is not banned or “even rated orange”; Mentions of the assault (in Book #1) where a guy forces a kiss on Recorder (this was also considered attempted murder because of a virus; Recorder has to tell an Elder about it and says that she was assured it was not kissing, but there was an exchange of saliva; She adds that she didn’t report is because “it seemed a small thing. He was young and I did not believe it was in his character to repeat it.”); A reference to what Poseidon did to Medusa (in regards to a painting of Medusa having to beautiful since Poseidon did something (unnamed) to her); Seeing couples kiss, embrace, & hold hands (barely-above-not-detailed); Three ‘babe’s; A woman calls a young man ‘doll’ twice and he blushes; Mentions of the assault & forced kiss; Mentions of boyfriends/girlfriends & dating (these terms aren’t used but the idea of them are); Mentions of couples, hand holding, embraces, & kissing; A few mentions of blushes; A few mentions of crushes & jealousy; A mention of someone acting like they saw a long-lost lover; A bit of love, being in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Recorder notices that a young woman has gained weight but does not say anything because she was told that’s impolite to comment on; A side character tells another that he should eat up because “there will be plenty of time in your future to curtail the input of calories, but you aren’t there yet”; A side character (teen girl) is irritated that a guy can eat and eat and still be lean; A side character is teased about ogling others (he’s actually skin-shy) & blushes when seeing others’ bare skin (midriff and arms); A side character says that she trusted someone and was in love with the person, but ended up stuck with consequences (no more is said but could imply an out-of-wedlock pregnancy based on other comments); Mentions of growth hormones for an animal (insect) experimentation; A mention of testosterone levels.
-Recorder, age 24
POV switches between Recorder (1st person) & flashbacks to others’ POV (Eric, James, Freddie, Lorik, Kyleigh, & Elliot all in 3rd person)
Sci-fi
354 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- One Star
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars (and a half)
{ Older Girls who enjoy sci-fi books may enjoy this book more and could add a full star to that rating. }
I thought it would be best to continue this trilogy while the information from the first book was still fresh in my mind and I’m glad that I did that because whew! Lots of things (but also not a lot of things in hindsight??) happen in this sequel and lots of new faces entered in. Like in the prior book, there’s a lot of characters with many names and you have to keep up with it all—which I struggled with at the beginning of this book as well.
I never thought a sci-fi book could make me tear-up but when you have a rag-tag group with clashing personalities that have each others’ backs regardless of their differences like only the Found Family trope can do, you might as well pass me the tissues. I found myself tearing up at a couple touching moments and then a sad moment as well.
These two books have been very interesting for me. I’m engaged into the story while reading it and once I finished both books I’m thinking that I enjoyed it, but I’m having a hard time saying why I enjoyed it. Is it because it’s different from my normal reads? Or because it’s an intense ride that I don’t know what will happen next? Particularly with the first book, I liked it but I didn’t like some elements and wished there was more hope as it felt depressing at times. I suppose it’s hard to have hope when you’re a Recorder in this world, though. We do see a bit more of that element in this second book, which I was grateful for.
My major hope for the third book is that the government is burned to the ground in it. We see glimpses of the terribleness they do in the first book, but this second book really heightens what atrocious acts they are doing.
On the romance, it’s definitely not the main focus of the plot which I like, but at the same time feels a little shoe-horned into the plot. I’m curious to see what will happen in that regard in the final book because while they like each other (or as much as our Recorder can figure out with her new emotions being allowed to show) they don’t have much time for discussions and are really just a source of comfort and strength to the other. Which is cute, but I was expecting a bit more in that regard. Not a compliant at all about the light romance, but it has been interestingly done.
I do have to ask: why do sci-fi books have to have giant creepy, man-eating bugs? I can count on one hand how many sci-fi books I’ve read (and I’ve seen even less sci-fi movies or TV shows), but that seems to be a standard element and frankly I don’t like it. I already loath cockroaches but this series is making me dislike them even more, so a heads up for others who do not do bugs.
I’m hoping the third book will enter in with more Christian Faith content because so far it’s been more of a Clean Fiction book written by a Christian with a few faith hints—which is fine, but I feel like this world needs Jesus pronto!
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
August 30, 2025
5⭐️ for a sci-fi?? Never thought this hater of sci-fi would see the day. These books are so heart-filled and so *human* that this lover of character-driven stories is enamored.
Regarding a certain character, I am sad to say he was a red-shirt after all.💔😭💔😭💔
On to Realm Maker’s Book of the Year and the last book in this trilogy: Guardian!!!
Regarding a certain character, I am sad to say he was a red-shirt after all.💔😭💔😭💔
On to Realm Maker’s Book of the Year and the last book in this trilogy: Guardian!!!
May 18, 2024
Why do the endings of these books always get me??? 😭😭😭😭
RTC
RTC
April 3, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
The first 50 pages of the book were a bit of an adjustment with a new set of characters introduced, a new setting, and a new problem for Recorder to be involved with.
Thankfully we do see Recorder fairly quickly reunited with her friends and it feels like coming home.
Cathy does an excellent job writing complex, real characters. One way she does this is with backstories interwoven into the current timeline; she does this in a way that adds depth to the character and reveals tidbits of info, including plot twists, that are essential to the current timeline. The growth in the romance is also sweet to see.
Content: death
Christian faith rating: 1/3 (hints of faith)
The first 50 pages of the book were a bit of an adjustment with a new set of characters introduced, a new setting, and a new problem for Recorder to be involved with.
Thankfully we do see Recorder fairly quickly reunited with her friends and it feels like coming home.
Cathy does an excellent job writing complex, real characters. One way she does this is with backstories interwoven into the current timeline; she does this in a way that adds depth to the character and reveals tidbits of info, including plot twists, that are essential to the current timeline. The growth in the romance is also sweet to see.
Content: death
Christian faith rating: 1/3 (hints of faith)
February 22, 2023
I was having a hard time getting into this book because of all the new characters and names I had to learn and I missed characters from the first book. But I finally got used to them and we met up with old friends and it got better. Loved the ending and I love the sweet romance ❤️
October 14, 2022
Aberration is book two the Children of the Consortium series. So if you're interested in this book, but haven't read Recorder yet, you definitely need to so you'll know what's going on.
"Solitude and its companion, apprehension, wrapped around me like a drone's tendrils." -the first line of Aberration by Cathy McCrumb.
Continuing the story shortly after book 1 left off, we find the Recorder once again in an intensely heart-wrenching journey through chaos and confusion. She's thrown into a series of situations where disaster seems to follow, but she's determined to help save as many lives as possible.
We meet a few new characters in Aberration who end up adding more layers of intrigue and interest to the story. As in Recorder the characters are all really well-written, complex, and believable.
As I read this book, I could nearly see it happening in my mind's eye like a movie. It's that good!
If you like science fiction and/or dystopian stories, I think you'll like this series. And I still recommend it for older teen and adult readers.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 stars)
I received an ebook ARC of Aberration from the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my honest thoughts about this book.
"Solitude and its companion, apprehension, wrapped around me like a drone's tendrils." -the first line of Aberration by Cathy McCrumb.
Continuing the story shortly after book 1 left off, we find the Recorder once again in an intensely heart-wrenching journey through chaos and confusion. She's thrown into a series of situations where disaster seems to follow, but she's determined to help save as many lives as possible.
We meet a few new characters in Aberration who end up adding more layers of intrigue and interest to the story. As in Recorder the characters are all really well-written, complex, and believable.
As I read this book, I could nearly see it happening in my mind's eye like a movie. It's that good!
If you like science fiction and/or dystopian stories, I think you'll like this series. And I still recommend it for older teen and adult readers.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 stars)
I received an ebook ARC of Aberration from the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my honest thoughts about this book.
August 15, 2022
Heart-stopping, captivating, and perfectly riveting… Aberration is a roller coaster of emotions from start to finish! McCrumb takes her rich cast of characters to even deeper levels and greater heights in this stunning sequel, weaving an exquisite tapestry of words exploring the true nature of love, freedom, and sacrifice. I am itching to get my hands on the final instalment in the Children of the Consortium Trilogy!
August 29, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up. This series is incredible. <3
I only knocked off half a star because despite all the stuff happening at the beginning, it felt a little slow. I wasn’t entirely sure what was going on, though I did figure it out. And I’m glad for the new characters, like Eric and Tia and Cam, but gosh darn it, I just wanted to go back to Nate and Max and Alec and Zhen. :P but then we DID and there was much longing and I was happy (even though Nate and the Recorder had very little time together, sob, but the moments they had were so sweet!!)
I’m glad this one returned to the giant cockroaches from the previous book because I wanted to know what the heck was happening and why the heck they existed but also THEY WERE DISGUSTING, NOPE NOPE NOPE. They need to be burned.
Love me a good character-driven sci fi with powerful themes and found family and the sweetest slow burn <3 and we got more of “the Recorder isn’t a human” to “I must protect her!!” and I am a fan. She’s so odd and so lovable. You can’t help but adore her. <3
I only knocked off half a star because despite all the stuff happening at the beginning, it felt a little slow. I wasn’t entirely sure what was going on, though I did figure it out. And I’m glad for the new characters, like Eric and Tia and Cam, but gosh darn it, I just wanted to go back to Nate and Max and Alec and Zhen. :P but then we DID and there was much longing and I was happy (even though Nate and the Recorder had very little time together, sob, but the moments they had were so sweet!!)
I’m glad this one returned to the giant cockroaches from the previous book because I wanted to know what the heck was happening and why the heck they existed but also THEY WERE DISGUSTING, NOPE NOPE NOPE. They need to be burned.
Love me a good character-driven sci fi with powerful themes and found family and the sweetest slow burn <3 and we got more of “the Recorder isn’t a human” to “I must protect her!!” and I am a fan. She’s so odd and so lovable. You can’t help but adore her. <3
April 24, 2023
Wow. 4.5 stars. This story had me gripped for 400 pages read in 36 hours. This a sequel to Recorder. We meet up with the Recorder after she has been returned to the Consortium and is awaiting punishment. A virus breaks out on her new ship home and she returns to all of her old friends on Thalassa, where she finds out her punishment will be to encounter the source of the outbreak and work on a cure. We meet many new friends along the way, while still enjoying old favorites.
I’ve been curious to see how Covid will trickle into fiction and it was so well done here (albeit in a fictional virus). The discrimination, the fear, the choices that become necessary in a pandemic, all accurately portrayed.
This is Christian fiction, and there is much more faith exploration in this book. Lots of talk about what our gifts mean for other people, sacrificial love, chaos vs order, and how all of humanity is flawed but that doesn’t move us beyond hope, redemption, and forgiveness. I loved Larik’s story arc so much.
I need to know Recorder’s name! I really hope there is a third book as planned.
I’ve been curious to see how Covid will trickle into fiction and it was so well done here (albeit in a fictional virus). The discrimination, the fear, the choices that become necessary in a pandemic, all accurately portrayed.
This is Christian fiction, and there is much more faith exploration in this book. Lots of talk about what our gifts mean for other people, sacrificial love, chaos vs order, and how all of humanity is flawed but that doesn’t move us beyond hope, redemption, and forgiveness. I loved Larik’s story arc so much.
I need to know Recorder’s name! I really hope there is a third book as planned.
June 8, 2023
“He is not defective.” “We’re all defective.”
Perils of Pauline in space continue. Good storytelling and character building. The protagonist is a slow learner, which is part of the fun. A redemption story. In fact, several folks are transformed.
“Fear and resignation did not drive him. Sacrifice only had meaning when it was made in love.”
The same quibbles as the first book: improbable technology. Incandescent lights on spaceships? No power yet they recycle dead bodies? Portable generators? Powered by what? “Ancient lava tubes” on an asteroid?
“See what you can find in the databases that’ll help protect us. Vitamins, meds, face paint, or burning feathers. I don’t care. Anything.”
Another cliffhanger instead of an ending.
‘But I had now. Now had to be enough.’
Perils of Pauline in space continue. Good storytelling and character building. The protagonist is a slow learner, which is part of the fun. A redemption story. In fact, several folks are transformed.
“Fear and resignation did not drive him. Sacrifice only had meaning when it was made in love.”
The same quibbles as the first book: improbable technology. Incandescent lights on spaceships? No power yet they recycle dead bodies? Portable generators? Powered by what? “Ancient lava tubes” on an asteroid?
“See what you can find in the databases that’ll help protect us. Vitamins, meds, face paint, or burning feathers. I don’t care. Anything.”
Another cliffhanger instead of an ending.
‘But I had now. Now had to be enough.’
February 22, 2023
The start was an adjustment but after 50 pages it felt just like book one. It is full of so much heartbreak, pain and kindness. These books are the definition of bittersweet. An essential read. Cannot wait for book 3.
February 2, 2024
A good continuation of the story, hard to say much without spoilers, but I just want to say, having just read Persuasion last month, I loved the hint to that story! Definitely need to continue on with the series!
May 22, 2023
Cathy continues to amaze me with this series. The characters capture my heart. I got quite emotionally involved with this sequel and now I’m anxiously awaiting book 3. A GREAT sci-fi read. (But watch out for the giant roaches!)
January 2, 2023
Excellent science fiction. There was a bit more backstory switching than I expected, and quite a few more characters added. It would be very confusing if the first book in the series wasn’t read first.
August 24, 2023
Well-written and immersive! The last half had me on pins and needles and I'm so excited to find out how this series wraps up! I especially love the theme of worth that each person holds. Beautiful.
December 28, 2023
First and foremost, I must address the mouthwateringly stunning cover. Not gonna lie, this cover is the reason I picked up the first book to read the series (on top of much reaaaaalllly good feedback from friends and professionals). Isn't is GORGEOUS?! Loook at it! It gives me such Iron Giant vibes! And I just love the colors so much.
*ahem* Okay, but for the story itself in between those ooey gooey covers.
McCrumb continues the high tension, page turning, heart felt story from Recorder. We meet some endearing new characters. And though we got to see some of the old beloved ones, I did miss that original dynamic from the original crew <3 It's still neat to see Recorder growing and expanding her friend group and to see her natural leadership, selflessness, and wit garner loyalty from those around her. The characters are what make this story for me, truly. Oh, the Elder. Be still my heart! Also, *squeals* NATE! I need my own personal Nathanial Timmons in my life. Asap!
We got to explore little pockets of the world in this one and there's one place hinted at that I reallllly hope we get to see more of in the final book (which also has a stellar cover!). I really liked how McCrumb deepened much of what she started in the first installment. We see the crew expand, the ship and world and even Pallas Station expand. We see a depth of understanding of the cultures, characters, and plot unraveling a layer at a time. It was so cool to feel like we just surged forward into a natural expansion of Recorder.
I said this for the previous book, but it still kind of amazes me here in the sequel, but the way McCrumb so deftly uses flashback to pry open and reveal so much with only a single memory astounds me. It's so beautifully done! It makes me itch and yearn to know more about these characters and their pasts. The least boring flashbacks I've ever seen in fiction. I keep sitting at the edge of my seat wondering which character McCrumb will flip on their head next.
I'm drying to read the next one and absolutely thrilled with this sequel! I can't more highly recommend the books. They strike such a beautiful balance of just fun sci-fi world building, endearing characters, thrilling plot, and deeply heartfelt themes. She continues to explore the themes of humanity, grace, mercy, and morality in such a resonate way.
Content: clean romance, no swearing, some mild sci-fi violence. Deals with some topics of poverty, abuse, neglect, and oppression, but all in such a hope-filled way. I'd feel fine giving the book to a preteen.
*ahem* Okay, but for the story itself in between those ooey gooey covers.
McCrumb continues the high tension, page turning, heart felt story from Recorder. We meet some endearing new characters. And though we got to see some of the old beloved ones, I did miss that original dynamic from the original crew <3 It's still neat to see Recorder growing and expanding her friend group and to see her natural leadership, selflessness, and wit garner loyalty from those around her. The characters are what make this story for me, truly. Oh, the Elder. Be still my heart! Also, *squeals* NATE! I need my own personal Nathanial Timmons in my life. Asap!
We got to explore little pockets of the world in this one and there's one place hinted at that I reallllly hope we get to see more of in the final book (which also has a stellar cover!). I really liked how McCrumb deepened much of what she started in the first installment. We see the crew expand, the ship and world and even Pallas Station expand. We see a depth of understanding of the cultures, characters, and plot unraveling a layer at a time. It was so cool to feel like we just surged forward into a natural expansion of Recorder.
I said this for the previous book, but it still kind of amazes me here in the sequel, but the way McCrumb so deftly uses flashback to pry open and reveal so much with only a single memory astounds me. It's so beautifully done! It makes me itch and yearn to know more about these characters and their pasts. The least boring flashbacks I've ever seen in fiction. I keep sitting at the edge of my seat wondering which character McCrumb will flip on their head next.
I'm drying to read the next one and absolutely thrilled with this sequel! I can't more highly recommend the books. They strike such a beautiful balance of just fun sci-fi world building, endearing characters, thrilling plot, and deeply heartfelt themes. She continues to explore the themes of humanity, grace, mercy, and morality in such a resonate way.
Content: clean romance, no swearing, some mild sci-fi violence. Deals with some topics of poverty, abuse, neglect, and oppression, but all in such a hope-filled way. I'd feel fine giving the book to a preteen.
October 12, 2025
That ending?!?! Absolute cutest thing ever! It was so happy and yet I was holding back tears because of everything that’s unresolved.
I’m really anxious to read Guardian because I want to know what happens next! This series is so so so good! I already know I’m going to be sad to say goodbye to these characters, but I’m ready for them to be happy because they’ve gone through so much. I still love the theme that all people are valuable and we also added MORE found family so that was awesome! I’m so glad I have the last book on hand!
I’m really anxious to read Guardian because I want to know what happens next! This series is so so so good! I already know I’m going to be sad to say goodbye to these characters, but I’m ready for them to be happy because they’ve gone through so much. I still love the theme that all people are valuable and we also added MORE found family so that was awesome! I’m so glad I have the last book on hand!
January 2, 2025
Cathy McCrumb did it again! I’m more of a fantasy reader in general. I rarely dabble in Sci-fi. Space travel and high tech generally isn’t my vibe (I’m more for princesses, dragons and fairies). That being said, McCrumb sucked me in with Recorder and so I had to come back for book 2 and it DID. NOT. DISAPPOINT! <3
I LOVE the main character! McCrumb did an amazing job making me care for her and want to follow her journey.
The only thing I would say is it was a little difficult getting into this one just because there were a bunch of new friends (Tia, Cam, Eric…)for Recorder to bond with and I missed the old friends (Zhen, Max, Alec, NATE…). But over all, I loved that the Recorder had the opportunity to make new friends with all that she learned from the previous book.
Often, when you have a trilogy you find the second book tends to be the saggy-middle where things are slow and boring. Not Aberration. Cathy McCrumb pulled me in (with the exception of the very beginning) and kept the action going. This is definitely a series I will read again!
And, this has nothing to do with the story itself but this cover is absolutely stunning! The digital picture here doesn’t quite do it justice. You NEED this book for your collection! And if you love Sci-fi you need to read this series.
I LOVE the main character! McCrumb did an amazing job making me care for her and want to follow her journey.
The only thing I would say is it was a little difficult getting into this one just because there were a bunch of new friends (Tia, Cam, Eric…)for Recorder to bond with and I missed the old friends (Zhen, Max, Alec, NATE…). But over all, I loved that the Recorder had the opportunity to make new friends with all that she learned from the previous book.
Often, when you have a trilogy you find the second book tends to be the saggy-middle where things are slow and boring. Not Aberration. Cathy McCrumb pulled me in (with the exception of the very beginning) and kept the action going. This is definitely a series I will read again!
And, this has nothing to do with the story itself but this cover is absolutely stunning! The digital picture here doesn’t quite do it justice. You NEED this book for your collection! And if you love Sci-fi you need to read this series.
November 17, 2022
"Recorders cannot have friends, just as we cannot have names. We live to redeem our gifting, and personal involvement would betray that purpose." ~ the nameless one who was a Recorder, lost the drone that enabled her role in society, and now exists in an identity-less limbo.
Later: “Zeta?” Watkins fixed her blue-grey eyes on him. “You named it, Thompson? I know you’re from the belt and things are less civilized there, and I know you’re slow, but everyone knows if you feed it or name it, you have to take it home.”
Ha!
The best of science fiction wrestles with how humanity deals with life. This story manages to balance some heavy topics like "who decides what's best for society?" and "does an individual have a right to their life and freedom to live it?" while surprising me with a laugh like this... or the heartwarming value of a simple gift like a pair of socks. Don't even get me started on the socks. It takes a skilled author to wield a mere pair of socks to create high suspense and plot twists.
In this sequel, the Recorder we rooted for in the first book is even more vulnerable, and in even more danger. Moment by moment, running barefoot through halls where deadly drones roam, denied a weapon or other form of protection--or even a change of clothes--this woman kept me glued to the story. Her courage, her humility, her dedication to what she knows is right. These traits make an admirable protagonist, but it was how they were engaged by the cast of characters around her that delighted me again and again.
New characters are introduced during the chaotic opening moments, but they quickly became familiar. Their squabbles, their motivations, their foibles and their own moments of failure or nobility... They were so engaging that I ended up hoping *their* stories worked out, too. I love a story where the protagonist's nature of self-sacrifice and honor inspires loyalty and the same beautiful traits in those around her. (Ahem, Miles Vorkosigan, anyone? Fans of Lois McMaster Bujold's space opera will probably love this.)
This story reveals more about the inner workings of the Consortium and the Elders who pull the strings and keep everybody in line. There are horrors revealed (what happens to aberrant or damaged Recorders?) and hope revealed (who knew there were so many other Recorders, even Elders who harbored dreams of individual freedom?) through the course of the book.
And the slow burn of our protagonist's love story progresses when we finally see Nathaniel again! Happy moments for those who like a thread of romance in their science fiction.
I look forward to seeing the next book and discovering whether the Consortium and its firm grip on society will be cracked wide open by this humble woman's insistence on being and doing what she believes in right... and whether she herself will find a chance at love and a life of freedom and peace.
Later: “Zeta?” Watkins fixed her blue-grey eyes on him. “You named it, Thompson? I know you’re from the belt and things are less civilized there, and I know you’re slow, but everyone knows if you feed it or name it, you have to take it home.”
Ha!
The best of science fiction wrestles with how humanity deals with life. This story manages to balance some heavy topics like "who decides what's best for society?" and "does an individual have a right to their life and freedom to live it?" while surprising me with a laugh like this... or the heartwarming value of a simple gift like a pair of socks. Don't even get me started on the socks. It takes a skilled author to wield a mere pair of socks to create high suspense and plot twists.
In this sequel, the Recorder we rooted for in the first book is even more vulnerable, and in even more danger. Moment by moment, running barefoot through halls where deadly drones roam, denied a weapon or other form of protection--or even a change of clothes--this woman kept me glued to the story. Her courage, her humility, her dedication to what she knows is right. These traits make an admirable protagonist, but it was how they were engaged by the cast of characters around her that delighted me again and again.
New characters are introduced during the chaotic opening moments, but they quickly became familiar. Their squabbles, their motivations, their foibles and their own moments of failure or nobility... They were so engaging that I ended up hoping *their* stories worked out, too. I love a story where the protagonist's nature of self-sacrifice and honor inspires loyalty and the same beautiful traits in those around her. (Ahem, Miles Vorkosigan, anyone? Fans of Lois McMaster Bujold's space opera will probably love this.)
This story reveals more about the inner workings of the Consortium and the Elders who pull the strings and keep everybody in line. There are horrors revealed (what happens to aberrant or damaged Recorders?) and hope revealed (who knew there were so many other Recorders, even Elders who harbored dreams of individual freedom?) through the course of the book.
And the slow burn of our protagonist's love story progresses when we finally see Nathaniel again! Happy moments for those who like a thread of romance in their science fiction.
I look forward to seeing the next book and discovering whether the Consortium and its firm grip on society will be cracked wide open by this humble woman's insistence on being and doing what she believes in right... and whether she herself will find a chance at love and a life of freedom and peace.
December 8, 2022
Aberration is a science fiction book that is written by Cathy McCrumb. This is the second book in the Children of the Consortium series. I have read both books - and would recommend that you read them in order. You may find yourself lost and unsure of what is going on.
We see the Recorder back in another adventure. The Recorder answers a call for help and will always put others first. The situation that she is thrown into seems bleak - but she will always try and rescue as many lives as possible. Even if that means putting herself in danger. The Recorder (also known as Zeta) is being accused of spreading a virus. This virus is spreading through the ship so fast. It's crazy that the Elders will destroy the recorders - and how they try and control everyone. Zeta stands her ground and will try and save others.
This book is outside my normal genre. It is however, a good read and kept my attention. This book took me on a emotional roller coaster. Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.
We see the Recorder back in another adventure. The Recorder answers a call for help and will always put others first. The situation that she is thrown into seems bleak - but she will always try and rescue as many lives as possible. Even if that means putting herself in danger. The Recorder (also known as Zeta) is being accused of spreading a virus. This virus is spreading through the ship so fast. It's crazy that the Elders will destroy the recorders - and how they try and control everyone. Zeta stands her ground and will try and save others.
This book is outside my normal genre. It is however, a good read and kept my attention. This book took me on a emotional roller coaster. Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.
October 3, 2022
Much like "Recorder," McCrumb's sequel asks the questions of what it means to be human, addressing themes of perseverance through trial, endurance through despair, and joy amidst suffering. This time, Recorder takes us further up and further in as she races to save her friends and follow what she believes to be right, despite the opposition all around her. With its lovely, lyrical prose, I highly recommend this book!
December 17, 2023
I normally do not care for hard SF, but the concept of this series drew me in and would not let me go. Definitely a more "thinky" story but it's an accessible nerdliness ... and I loved the question of whether human emotion and attachment are worth the risk they pose. (Okay, that might have just been where I was and not necessarily what the author intended ... but it's what I saw woven through this series.)
So excited to hear there's a third book coming!
So excited to hear there's a third book coming!
March 16, 2026
Got lost a couple times in all the scifi terminology stuff, despite rereading book 1 in advance, but still enjoyed myself! Highlights of this book were the marines, more of Dr. Max, the complex and sad character of Lorik, and getting backstory on the giant roaches. The evocative writing and Recorder's endearing quirks hold steady, though I felt there were some repetitive conversations that dragged the pace down. Bonus points for the reference to Austen's Persuasion :)
January 5, 2026
The cockroaches are back! This book, especially paired with the first one, is part slow-burn romance and part giant cockroach thriller, but somehow it blends together really well. I've heard this series described as hard science fiction with heart, and that's an apt description.
March 20, 2026
WOW. This book is fantastic. It's directly after the first one in the series, which I always love, and the feelings it evoked, from desperation to disgust to joy to trepidation to...all the things.
I can't get enough of this series!
I can't get enough of this series!
October 13, 2023
Incredibly riveting and touching
How so much action and drama can be mixed with so much emotion and humanity, I can hardly say. This author captures the best of both. Book 2 started a bit slower than 1, but ended with an even bigger wallop, if possible. Fantastic story, characters you wish you could visit with, and crazy action. One of my top 3 all time favorites as of this moment. Bravo!!!!!
How so much action and drama can be mixed with so much emotion and humanity, I can hardly say. This author captures the best of both. Book 2 started a bit slower than 1, but ended with an even bigger wallop, if possible. Fantastic story, characters you wish you could visit with, and crazy action. One of my top 3 all time favorites as of this moment. Bravo!!!!!
January 31, 2024
Well, now I desperately need to know what happens, lol. Looking forward to the next book!
December 19, 2024
I loved the continuing story of Recorder figuring out who she really is and what's really important to her.
February 28, 2025
I had a hard time getting into the book, and I got a bit lost with all the characters. The ending was by far what saved this book for me. I still want to continue the series.
June 5, 2025
A harder read than the first book — there's more direct cruelty and prejudice directly on display, especially in the first third — but still so good.
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