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KIMBER: Book One of The Chronicles of Elyria
Do you like The Hunger Games Trilogy, the Divergent series, or Avatar? Get ready to fall in love with brand new characters in a stunning dystopian series that is breaking the boundaries of scientific realism. Told with a thought-provoking religious undercurrent, KIMBER is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you begging for books II, III, and the Elyrian prequels!Twenty years ago, a solar storm ravaged the Earth's ozone layer. Of the 11 billion people on the planet, only 200 managed to seek refuge from the radiation by disappearing underground. With the bonds of oxygen obliterated, the damage to the ozone is irreversible. Every living thing exposed wilts and dies, leading to global extinction. The year is now 2209, and what is left of humanity is trying to rebuild in Inanna, a subterranean city named after the ancient goddess of fertility and war. The designers of Inanna had known the human body would be too fragile to ever compete with the piercing gamma rays on the surface and were secretly contracted by the American government to preserve life at ANY cost. So began the sanctioned grafting of human DNA with the genomes of Earth’s most radiation-resistant animal species. The lines of morality are blurred in a chaotic race against time; a race to build an Ark for the salvation of life itself.Kimber is one of 23. She, her brothers, and her sisters are the first of their kind and are humanity’s last hope. They are a brand-new and stunning subspecies of humans called Auroras. Named for the colorful magnetic phenomenon of the heavens, the Auroreans come of age in a city where they are forced to answer a life-changing Are they Inannian citizens or are they slaves? Join Kimber as she navigates a dystopian surface world in search for answers, truth, and ultimately, for the evidence of inhumane genetic testing that may break the yoke of bondage.
- GenresScience FictionDystopia
226 pages, Paperback
First published June 5, 2020
32 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 21, 2020
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Oh, where to start.. where to start. Okay, so, Kimber definitely intrigued me enough to want to read it. However, once I dove into it.. I was just completely bored. At first, Kimber seemed kind of interesting and the world intrigued me as well. It's just sucks because for the first 25% of the book all you get is information dumped on you. Endless information that you would rather skip through just to find something interesting. Even if it's a small little piece of excitement..
Besides that, this book is all about an adventure. I guess you could say it had some type of romance in it but honestly it didn't matter to me. Then this book had zero drama. None whatsoever which made this journey completely boring. Nothing happened except the damn journey.
In the end, this felt like a super boring documentary on watching paint dry because nothing really happened in this book to spark any interest of mine. It had potential to be somewhat entertaining and interesting due to this world but it fell flat.
Oh, where to start.. where to start. Okay, so, Kimber definitely intrigued me enough to want to read it. However, once I dove into it.. I was just completely bored. At first, Kimber seemed kind of interesting and the world intrigued me as well. It's just sucks because for the first 25% of the book all you get is information dumped on you. Endless information that you would rather skip through just to find something interesting. Even if it's a small little piece of excitement..
Besides that, this book is all about an adventure. I guess you could say it had some type of romance in it but honestly it didn't matter to me. Then this book had zero drama. None whatsoever which made this journey completely boring. Nothing happened except the damn journey.
In the end, this felt like a super boring documentary on watching paint dry because nothing really happened in this book to spark any interest of mine. It had potential to be somewhat entertaining and interesting due to this world but it fell flat.
May 27, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley and Smith Publicity for providing me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. My review is my own and not influenced by others.
3 Stars.
This book drawn my attention from the moment I saw the cover. The description sounded great because of the comparison with The Hunger Games and The Divergent Series, which I both like to read, so I was glad I got the opportunity to read the e-arc of this book.
The writer hit some very interesting topics like religions and gene modification but also fear. A quote which I find very interesting is:
‘’When people get scared, they will vote for everything. They will do anything in the name of control and stability. History has proven it over and over.’’
What I liked about the book is that you not only read the story through the eyes of Kimber, but also through the eyes of Caleb and Tristan, the characters however lacked depth, it stays shallow. The humor and interaction between the characters in this book was something I liked very much.
The writer has a way of describing things that gave me mixed feelings. Her descriptions are very accurate so there is less room for your own imagination, it can however help get a feeling of the setting. You can literally see how everything looks like which can help to get into the story. However, the descriptions were in my opinion too long en it made my attention slip away, something that I pity because the idea of this world was interesting.
The end gives enough possibility for the next book in this series.
3 Stars.
This book drawn my attention from the moment I saw the cover. The description sounded great because of the comparison with The Hunger Games and The Divergent Series, which I both like to read, so I was glad I got the opportunity to read the e-arc of this book.
The writer hit some very interesting topics like religions and gene modification but also fear. A quote which I find very interesting is:
‘’When people get scared, they will vote for everything. They will do anything in the name of control and stability. History has proven it over and over.’’
What I liked about the book is that you not only read the story through the eyes of Kimber, but also through the eyes of Caleb and Tristan, the characters however lacked depth, it stays shallow. The humor and interaction between the characters in this book was something I liked very much.
The writer has a way of describing things that gave me mixed feelings. Her descriptions are very accurate so there is less room for your own imagination, it can however help get a feeling of the setting. You can literally see how everything looks like which can help to get into the story. However, the descriptions were in my opinion too long en it made my attention slip away, something that I pity because the idea of this world was interesting.
The end gives enough possibility for the next book in this series.
June 15, 2020
This has a decent premise, but it's so bogged down by the science behind it and giving us the entire history that the plot and characters aren't well developed. I love that the author really put time into how the world could come to be uninhabitable and how to tweak DNA to create a human hybrid that could withstand the new atmosphere. It's clear that she wanted it to be as realistic as possible. But with everything focused on that, the story became simple and the characters had no depth.
Kimber is a human/snake hybrid, which is pretty cool. She has an almost boyfriend, but then immediately forgets about him when she and another Aurorean go on a journey to get some science data. We didn't get to know anything about Tristan, just that he's a hybrid too.
The journey had almost no drama; there aren't any creatures out to get them, no one got severely injured, nothing to make me excited while reading this. I'd have liked some enemies to fight and some build up of the romance. This just didn't have any meat to it.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimber is a human/snake hybrid, which is pretty cool. She has an almost boyfriend, but then immediately forgets about him when she and another Aurorean go on a journey to get some science data. We didn't get to know anything about Tristan, just that he's a hybrid too.
The journey had almost no drama; there aren't any creatures out to get them, no one got severely injured, nothing to make me excited while reading this. I'd have liked some enemies to fight and some build up of the romance. This just didn't have any meat to it.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2020
Overall, I enjoyed this Young Adult book. The pacing of the book was good. The author did a good job in building the world and drawing the audience into this post-apocalyptic world.
The reader follows Kimber and Tristen as they journey to Fort Knox to uncover the secrets that can save the Auroreans from the human society that created them. As these new human hybrids become older and more mature, the human counsel is steadily taking their rights away from them. There is a slight insta-love development between Tristen and Kimber and a possible love triangle between these two characters and a human. Some parts of the story felt a little rushed. The ending was definitely rushed and somewhat unbelievable. I think there would have been more resistance from the counsel members and the Auroras as the hybrids were fighting for their rights.
I believe it is worth the read and I am interested in reading the next book in the series to see what else takes place and see how this situation is resolved.
The reader follows Kimber and Tristen as they journey to Fort Knox to uncover the secrets that can save the Auroreans from the human society that created them. As these new human hybrids become older and more mature, the human counsel is steadily taking their rights away from them. There is a slight insta-love development between Tristen and Kimber and a possible love triangle between these two characters and a human. Some parts of the story felt a little rushed. The ending was definitely rushed and somewhat unbelievable. I think there would have been more resistance from the counsel members and the Auroras as the hybrids were fighting for their rights.
I believe it is worth the read and I am interested in reading the next book in the series to see what else takes place and see how this situation is resolved.
August 16, 2020
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my fair and honest review.*
When I read the synopsis of Kimber, I wasn't too thrilled because post apocalyptic reads are usually not for me. But I put my review cap on and went into the book with an open mind. I don't normally have the urge to not finish books, but I did with this one. Due to it being a review book, I didn't DNF the book, but it was a struggle.
22 years ago, a solar storm ravaged Earth's ozone layer. Only 200 people managed to get below ground and survive. Now the year is 2209 and what's left of humanity is trying to rebuild in Inanna, a cave city that is harboring man kinds last hope. The designers of Inanna secretly fused human DNA with the genomes of 2 highly radiation resistant animal species.
Kimber is one of 23 that came about from this experiment, a brand new sub-species called Auroras. But as the Auroreans come of age in the city, they have to ask themselves the question: are they Inannian citizens or are they slaves.
I really do not enjoy giving these kind of reviews. I hope every book I read I will love. But that was unfortunately the case with Kimber by L.K. Hingey. As I said previously, I was to not finish the book, especially during the first half. There is so much information thrown at the reader, it just muddled the plot and made everything that's going on really confusing. After that the story picked up a little bit, with a tiny bit of adventure, but not much. The characterizations were decent enough, but were relatively shallow. And the world building could have been so much better. I mean, when you wipe out all of humanity, you have no where to go but up right?
Clearly, Kimber was not for me, and was a disappointment on almost every count. I'm sorry to be writing this review this way, but I keep my reviews honest and this is my opinion.
When I read the synopsis of Kimber, I wasn't too thrilled because post apocalyptic reads are usually not for me. But I put my review cap on and went into the book with an open mind. I don't normally have the urge to not finish books, but I did with this one. Due to it being a review book, I didn't DNF the book, but it was a struggle.
22 years ago, a solar storm ravaged Earth's ozone layer. Only 200 people managed to get below ground and survive. Now the year is 2209 and what's left of humanity is trying to rebuild in Inanna, a cave city that is harboring man kinds last hope. The designers of Inanna secretly fused human DNA with the genomes of 2 highly radiation resistant animal species.
Kimber is one of 23 that came about from this experiment, a brand new sub-species called Auroras. But as the Auroreans come of age in the city, they have to ask themselves the question: are they Inannian citizens or are they slaves.
I really do not enjoy giving these kind of reviews. I hope every book I read I will love. But that was unfortunately the case with Kimber by L.K. Hingey. As I said previously, I was to not finish the book, especially during the first half. There is so much information thrown at the reader, it just muddled the plot and made everything that's going on really confusing. After that the story picked up a little bit, with a tiny bit of adventure, but not much. The characterizations were decent enough, but were relatively shallow. And the world building could have been so much better. I mean, when you wipe out all of humanity, you have no where to go but up right?
Clearly, Kimber was not for me, and was a disappointment on almost every count. I'm sorry to be writing this review this way, but I keep my reviews honest and this is my opinion.
June 24, 2020
I received this free from Netgalley and Publisher for honest Review. 4.5 stars ⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐💫
This is the first time reading from this author.
I really could say that this was great one. I love everything about this book. The words was just like yes give me more. I love the cover even more. Like OMG! Love never ends! What a great read! This had me hooked from the beginning. The sitting, theme, and the Characters had me pulled so in. Everything was well put together and it was just perfect. This novel did just that to me. Great summer read! Highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. Its so good! Can't wait for the next book. #netgalley #kimber
This is the first time reading from this author.
I really could say that this was great one. I love everything about this book. The words was just like yes give me more. I love the cover even more. Like OMG! Love never ends! What a great read! This had me hooked from the beginning. The sitting, theme, and the Characters had me pulled so in. Everything was well put together and it was just perfect. This novel did just that to me. Great summer read! Highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. Its so good! Can't wait for the next book. #netgalley #kimber
July 24, 2020
Not only is the world-craft absolutely astounding, but this books offers inticing characters and a plot with the perfect proportions to make you keep reading.
November 4, 2020
When I first read the description of Kimber, I found the premise of the book so interesting and I was extremely excited to pick up this book to read. It's set in the year 2209 and it has an underground city which honestly sounded so exciting to me, don't ask me why LOL.
So basically, the human race, except for about 200 people, was wiped out due to the solar flare that created high levels of radiation. These 200 people managed to build a life underground to protect themselves from the radiation. A group of people referred to as the council of Innana (the name of the underground city) created Auroras, a subspecies of the human race. The Auroreans are part human, part snake and, part tardigrade and are made to withstand the radiation happening on the surface so that they are able to go out and get supplies back for the humans. Unhappy with how their life's purpose was just to serve the human beings of Innana, they started voicing out their rights for representation and through multiple events, they come to find out that the council members are actually corrupted and cannot be trusted.
Firstly, there is a lot and I mean A LOT of world-building in this book which is understandable given the setting and the circumstance in this book. Every scene is described in full detail and therefore can make the reading a bit dry. But again, I do understand why it is necessary for the most part. The author definitely did a very good job in bringing the setting to life.
I have a couple of issues with this book and I have no idea which is the best way to start. Firstly, I felt that the story had no arc. Like it was just a whole of 'this happened and then that happened and then the next thing happened' kind of feeling. Like I didn't feel the climax. Thinking about it, I can definitely guess which part is supposed to be the climax but it just didn't feel strong enough. In fact, I felt like while the Auroreans had a right to be angry and could feel betrayed and disgusted by what they found out about the council, it's something that happened way way in the past. (Which doesn't excuse it, really) Like it's definitely inhumane and disgusting and bad in general. But it's through all that that their species was created. I felt like it would have been stronger if the council was still doing something extremely inhumane NOW, like in present-time that could make them angrier. It would just make the plot stronger I feel.
Next, let's talk about Kimber and Tristan. I think that their relationship is quite forced. Especially from Tristan's side. The book mentioned that they hardly ever interact with each other and suddenly Tristan is willing to do anything to protect Kimber and talked about how she's amazing etc and I am just not really feeling it. I was so skeptical about Tristan going out of his way to help her that I thought he had an ulterior motive and was expecting him to betray her at the end or something LOL. Or am I just too paranoid??
I can see how time could have made Kimber like him because he's showing a lot of consideration and always thinking about her and protecting her during their dangerous journey (and girls like shit like that) but even that is pushing it. Especially if you factor in Caleb, Kimber's childhood best friend and supposedly the one she likes. I could feel the chemistry between Calen and Kimber and thought this would be a case of 'we love each other but we're on opposite sides of this fight so we cannot' but then the next day Kimber started to catch feelings for Tristan. LMAO. I just don't feel any chemistry between Tristan and Kimber at all. Of course, this is only the first book in the series, and have no idea how this would develop in the next book. I think it would have been better if it was just told from Kimber's point of view. Like in a first-person narrative. I couldn't connect with Tristan at all and just felt super distant from him.
And lastly, I felt like they managed to overthrow the council way too easily. During the confrontation, they didn't even try to fight back. There was very little resistance It was supposed to be the Aurorean's big moment but it was so anticlimatic. But then again, it is only the first book. Maybe they start fighting back in book 2??
I gave it two stars because it was an interesting read and the world-building was good and with the hope that in book two, the plot and everything can be stronger because a lot of the world-building would be out of the way by then.
So basically, the human race, except for about 200 people, was wiped out due to the solar flare that created high levels of radiation. These 200 people managed to build a life underground to protect themselves from the radiation. A group of people referred to as the council of Innana (the name of the underground city) created Auroras, a subspecies of the human race. The Auroreans are part human, part snake and, part tardigrade and are made to withstand the radiation happening on the surface so that they are able to go out and get supplies back for the humans. Unhappy with how their life's purpose was just to serve the human beings of Innana, they started voicing out their rights for representation and through multiple events, they come to find out that the council members are actually corrupted and cannot be trusted.
Firstly, there is a lot and I mean A LOT of world-building in this book which is understandable given the setting and the circumstance in this book. Every scene is described in full detail and therefore can make the reading a bit dry. But again, I do understand why it is necessary for the most part. The author definitely did a very good job in bringing the setting to life.
I have a couple of issues with this book and I have no idea which is the best way to start. Firstly, I felt that the story had no arc. Like it was just a whole of 'this happened and then that happened and then the next thing happened' kind of feeling. Like I didn't feel the climax. Thinking about it, I can definitely guess which part is supposed to be the climax but it just didn't feel strong enough. In fact, I felt like while the Auroreans had a right to be angry and could feel betrayed and disgusted by what they found out about the council, it's something that happened way way in the past. (Which doesn't excuse it, really) Like it's definitely inhumane and disgusting and bad in general. But it's through all that that their species was created. I felt like it would have been stronger if the council was still doing something extremely inhumane NOW, like in present-time that could make them angrier. It would just make the plot stronger I feel.
Next, let's talk about Kimber and Tristan. I think that their relationship is quite forced. Especially from Tristan's side. The book mentioned that they hardly ever interact with each other and suddenly Tristan is willing to do anything to protect Kimber and talked about how she's amazing etc and I am just not really feeling it. I was so skeptical about Tristan going out of his way to help her that I thought he had an ulterior motive and was expecting him to betray her at the end or something LOL. Or am I just too paranoid??
I can see how time could have made Kimber like him because he's showing a lot of consideration and always thinking about her and protecting her during their dangerous journey (and girls like shit like that) but even that is pushing it. Especially if you factor in Caleb, Kimber's childhood best friend and supposedly the one she likes. I could feel the chemistry between Calen and Kimber and thought this would be a case of 'we love each other but we're on opposite sides of this fight so we cannot' but then the next day Kimber started to catch feelings for Tristan. LMAO. I just don't feel any chemistry between Tristan and Kimber at all. Of course, this is only the first book in the series, and have no idea how this would develop in the next book. I think it would have been better if it was just told from Kimber's point of view. Like in a first-person narrative. I couldn't connect with Tristan at all and just felt super distant from him.
And lastly, I felt like they managed to overthrow the council way too easily. During the confrontation, they didn't even try to fight back. There was very little resistance It was supposed to be the Aurorean's big moment but it was so anticlimatic. But then again, it is only the first book. Maybe they start fighting back in book 2??
I gave it two stars because it was an interesting read and the world-building was good and with the hope that in book two, the plot and everything can be stronger because a lot of the world-building would be out of the way by then.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2020
The book takes place in 2209. Years after World War III, a planet crashing into our sun, and a solar flare disintegrating our atmosphere have forced the last humans in America to live in an underground cave system they named Inanna. Events the author gives you just enough information about to successfully build the backstory of Inanna. The details also come as a tease to your imagination and curiosity. Intended not only to grant comprehension of Inanna's existence but to provide understanding in why Inanna must evolve. One who does not learn from the past is doomed to repeat it. I genuinely believe the author should write companion books on each of those events. I would be first in line to purchase each of them.
What stood out most to me was the detail in which the author takes you through the backstory of the Aurorean people and how their species was created. It was so believable that I stopped reading the book at one point to research the Tardigrade. I found out they exist. Tardigrades do have a unique ability to survive in extreme temperatures, immense pressure, and in the vacuum of space. As well as the ability to put themselves into a cryptobiosis state. How many science fiction books teach you something cool about the real world around you? The author took amazing, factual scientific details and turned it into a very probable and captivating post-apocalyptic Earth story you cannot put down.
At the time the book opens Kimber is 23 years old. A young woman in a world where humans can no longer inhabit the earth above ground. Only Auroras like herself can walk the surface. What was intended to be a symbiotic union between Humans and Auroreans has degraded in recent years into an intense and strained relationship. The rules in Inanna do not allow for an Aurora to join the government, nor have representation aside from the Mothers in city council meetings. With each meeting, they lose more rights as an autonomous race among the humans in Inanna. On the cusp of rebellion and uprising, Kimber is tasked by her ailing mother to venture out into the desolate Earth to find evidence from the counsel's past to dismantle their power. To bring the people of Inanna the truth. So they could develop and grow their community and species into the new world it was meant to be.
I strongly recommend this book to everyone. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
What stood out most to me was the detail in which the author takes you through the backstory of the Aurorean people and how their species was created. It was so believable that I stopped reading the book at one point to research the Tardigrade. I found out they exist. Tardigrades do have a unique ability to survive in extreme temperatures, immense pressure, and in the vacuum of space. As well as the ability to put themselves into a cryptobiosis state. How many science fiction books teach you something cool about the real world around you? The author took amazing, factual scientific details and turned it into a very probable and captivating post-apocalyptic Earth story you cannot put down.
At the time the book opens Kimber is 23 years old. A young woman in a world where humans can no longer inhabit the earth above ground. Only Auroras like herself can walk the surface. What was intended to be a symbiotic union between Humans and Auroreans has degraded in recent years into an intense and strained relationship. The rules in Inanna do not allow for an Aurora to join the government, nor have representation aside from the Mothers in city council meetings. With each meeting, they lose more rights as an autonomous race among the humans in Inanna. On the cusp of rebellion and uprising, Kimber is tasked by her ailing mother to venture out into the desolate Earth to find evidence from the counsel's past to dismantle their power. To bring the people of Inanna the truth. So they could develop and grow their community and species into the new world it was meant to be.
I strongly recommend this book to everyone. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
August 17, 2020
A great start to this new series. The author has combined grounded science fiction with the post-apocalyptic setting of a future Earth which has been destroyed by a solar flare and is no longer habitable above ground. A community of human survivors have taken refuge in an underground city with geneticists and scientists at the helm.
Kimber, our heroine, is an Aurora - she was genetically engineered along with 22 others. The Aurorans are a cross between reptiles and humans and it is only they who are able to withstand the extremes of radiation and temperatures above ground. Kimber has a close relationship with Caleb, a human, but is forced above ground with fellow Auroran, Tristan. We then follow her on a quest to discover how and why she has been 'grafted' with animal DNA and why her kind have been separated from their 'mothers' and are now being forced to segregate from the humans.
The author backs up the plot with a lot of scientific information, which I enjoyed. This did however, curb the pace of the story at times.
I liked Kimber, although I was a little frustrated she soon forgot Caleb on her journey with Tristan. I felt the ending was somewhat conveniently reached and showed the humans to be surprisingly wet. I was also sorry I didn't see more of Caleb or find out what happened to Kimber's mother. Maybe this will be expanded upon in the next book.
When all's said and done, I did enjoy the book and congratulate the author on this auspicious start. I look forward to reading more of Kimber's story.
Kimber, our heroine, is an Aurora - she was genetically engineered along with 22 others. The Aurorans are a cross between reptiles and humans and it is only they who are able to withstand the extremes of radiation and temperatures above ground. Kimber has a close relationship with Caleb, a human, but is forced above ground with fellow Auroran, Tristan. We then follow her on a quest to discover how and why she has been 'grafted' with animal DNA and why her kind have been separated from their 'mothers' and are now being forced to segregate from the humans.
The author backs up the plot with a lot of scientific information, which I enjoyed. This did however, curb the pace of the story at times.
I liked Kimber, although I was a little frustrated she soon forgot Caleb on her journey with Tristan. I felt the ending was somewhat conveniently reached and showed the humans to be surprisingly wet. I was also sorry I didn't see more of Caleb or find out what happened to Kimber's mother. Maybe this will be expanded upon in the next book.
When all's said and done, I did enjoy the book and congratulate the author on this auspicious start. I look forward to reading more of Kimber's story.
September 30, 2020
As you may have seen from my bookstagram stories if you follow me, I got very excited after I'd finished this book in the early hours and I had to calm myself down before writing this review but seriously, just WOW. This is the first book in a brand new dystopian sci-fi series called the Elyrian Chronicles and I have to admit that this isn't usually my genre so it takes a lot for this genre to really grab me and this book certainly did that, I'm a fully fledged fan girl now that is how much I loved this read. It is based in the future after a solar flare wipes out earth besides for a select amount of people who were chosen to live in a new subterranean city to survive, however they still need supplies from the radiation death trap that is the surface and humanities only hope lies with a new genetically modified species called Auroreans but as things become tougher underground the Auroras question whether they are being treated as valued citizens or slaves. It is really hard to review this book without giving spoilers but it is so gripping and incredibly written that you can't help but fly through it and desperately need the other books to continue the journey and answer so many questions. I've already told the author this and I genuinely believe that in a few years this could be the next big book series and even has the potential to be turned into great movies so watch this space and definitely give it a read because you won't regret it!
March 25, 2021
***Thank you to the Author for mentioning this book to me on IG***
This book follows Kimber and Tristen as they are journeying to Fort Knox. This story takes place a couple hundred years after Earth is basically destroyed. The ozone layer is severely depleted from a solar storm that happened. Only 200 people on Earth were able to make it underground before being killed off. Now that we are a couple hundred years in the future humanity is trying to rebuild itself.
Kimber and Tristen are trying to save the Auroreans and they need the secrets that are within Fort Knox.
There was a feeling of an "insta-love" between Kimber and Tristen but I was not hating it, I actually enjoyed it because it wasn't built up like most romances are.
The author built a world within this book that I really enjoyed and was able to submerge myself within the book and believe that I was living in those days.
I don't feel like there was a lot of drama or conflict within the book but I feel that there was just enough that the story didn't need more than that.
The only reason why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 was because the ending I felt was rushed in a way that I would have really enjoyed just a little bit more of drawn out. However, it does make me want to continue the series so the ending did a great job with that!!
If you like dystopian, fantasy, but not a lot of romance that it drowns out the story then pick this up because it is definitely worth the read!
This book follows Kimber and Tristen as they are journeying to Fort Knox. This story takes place a couple hundred years after Earth is basically destroyed. The ozone layer is severely depleted from a solar storm that happened. Only 200 people on Earth were able to make it underground before being killed off. Now that we are a couple hundred years in the future humanity is trying to rebuild itself.
Kimber and Tristen are trying to save the Auroreans and they need the secrets that are within Fort Knox.
There was a feeling of an "insta-love" between Kimber and Tristen but I was not hating it, I actually enjoyed it because it wasn't built up like most romances are.
The author built a world within this book that I really enjoyed and was able to submerge myself within the book and believe that I was living in those days.
I don't feel like there was a lot of drama or conflict within the book but I feel that there was just enough that the story didn't need more than that.
The only reason why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 was because the ending I felt was rushed in a way that I would have really enjoyed just a little bit more of drawn out. However, it does make me want to continue the series so the ending did a great job with that!!
If you like dystopian, fantasy, but not a lot of romance that it drowns out the story then pick this up because it is definitely worth the read!
February 15, 2022
The year is 2209, and things are a lot different than you may imagine. After the solar flare of 2189, there are only 200 humans left, and 23 Auroras. The humans fled into an underground cave system, Inanna, to protect themselves against the solar flare, and 23 of their women had been pregnant with a new subspecies of human, the Auroras. Auroras are humans grafted with Elyria and snake DNA to be able to be able to withstand the radiation of the surface when they were old enough, in order to bring more supplies and hopefully, several generations on the line, the humans and Auroreans will have mixed so the adapted humans can return to the surface and rebuild.
There’s one crux, though. In order to ensure the Aurorean DNA stays pure and strong enough to resist the radiation even after mixing with the humans, and the council thinks it best that there is no ‘interbreeding’ for a few generations, and they don’t think to announce it until after the snake-humans are adults. Outraged, Kimber, an Aurorean with feelings for a human, embarks on an adventure to find answers that will change the course of Inanna forever. Will she find what she’s looking for, or will her brothers and sister be doomed to be the slave of the humans for generations to come?
Kimber’s adventure was awe-inspiring, and the details were so vivid, I could imagine everything she encountered. This is definitely a book I will be recommending for a lot time. I can’t wait for the next ones to come out!
There’s one crux, though. In order to ensure the Aurorean DNA stays pure and strong enough to resist the radiation even after mixing with the humans, and the council thinks it best that there is no ‘interbreeding’ for a few generations, and they don’t think to announce it until after the snake-humans are adults. Outraged, Kimber, an Aurorean with feelings for a human, embarks on an adventure to find answers that will change the course of Inanna forever. Will she find what she’s looking for, or will her brothers and sister be doomed to be the slave of the humans for generations to come?
Kimber’s adventure was awe-inspiring, and the details were so vivid, I could imagine everything she encountered. This is definitely a book I will be recommending for a lot time. I can’t wait for the next ones to come out!
June 4, 2020
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The concept of the book is pretty cool with the end of the world due to a flare from a wayward planet being engulfed by the sun and only the genetically modified humans, like Kimber can return to the surface to get supplies. The rest of the humans live underground, never to see the sun again. But there is discontent as the humans try to take away the rights of the Auroreans (folks like Kimber).
Sadly there were a few things that detracted from the story. It is mostly told through the view of Kimber but several times it switched to her mother, Kimberly, Caleb, and Tristan. That would have been fine, except that it would happen in the middle of a paragraph and I would get confused, especially when it was between Kimber and Kimberly. The names were too similar and my mind mixed them up.
The other thing was some of the scientific info dumps that happened right when Kimber is on the run to find out more about the past and get leverage to fight against the council. It was interesting but not really the right place to put it.
I still enjoyed the book though, especially the overland travel of Kimber and Tristan (with the descriptions of the past civilization stuff) and I feel like the series has promise.
The concept of the book is pretty cool with the end of the world due to a flare from a wayward planet being engulfed by the sun and only the genetically modified humans, like Kimber can return to the surface to get supplies. The rest of the humans live underground, never to see the sun again. But there is discontent as the humans try to take away the rights of the Auroreans (folks like Kimber).
Sadly there were a few things that detracted from the story. It is mostly told through the view of Kimber but several times it switched to her mother, Kimberly, Caleb, and Tristan. That would have been fine, except that it would happen in the middle of a paragraph and I would get confused, especially when it was between Kimber and Kimberly. The names were too similar and my mind mixed them up.
The other thing was some of the scientific info dumps that happened right when Kimber is on the run to find out more about the past and get leverage to fight against the council. It was interesting but not really the right place to put it.
I still enjoyed the book though, especially the overland travel of Kimber and Tristan (with the descriptions of the past civilization stuff) and I feel like the series has promise.
August 23, 2021
I started reading this book earlier this month, after I had the pleasure of meeting the author in person at a convention. My final thoughts? It’s pretty good! Overall it’s well written, the characters are likable, and the premise is original and intriguing. The book isn’t without its flaws, There were some things I thought could have been executed better, but I don’t really care much about the technique of the writing simply because Kimber is an absolute blast to read.
The only real gripe I have with the story is that the journey didn’t feel all that dangerous for the characters. They had a very easy time getting through all the small challenges that were thrown at them. Yes, they were distressed and I loved that I could feel that distress for them in the moment, but nothing ever really got better or worse for them as they traveled. I’d have loved to see the stakes get raised a little higher for them, since their travels make up a majority of the book. Still, even though I’d feel a little dragged along in some parts, I was never bored by what was going on. If you’re interested in a fun science fiction read full of cool worldbuilding, fun character dynamics and a sprinkle of political intrigue, I wold definitely recommend this title to you! I’m looking forward to digging into the next installment.
The only real gripe I have with the story is that the journey didn’t feel all that dangerous for the characters. They had a very easy time getting through all the small challenges that were thrown at them. Yes, they were distressed and I loved that I could feel that distress for them in the moment, but nothing ever really got better or worse for them as they traveled. I’d have loved to see the stakes get raised a little higher for them, since their travels make up a majority of the book. Still, even though I’d feel a little dragged along in some parts, I was never bored by what was going on. If you’re interested in a fun science fiction read full of cool worldbuilding, fun character dynamics and a sprinkle of political intrigue, I wold definitely recommend this title to you! I’m looking forward to digging into the next installment.
June 3, 2020
I was provided with an eARC by NetGalley in return for honest review.
The premise of this series really drew me in and I loved the concept of the Auroreans, the science of it felt futuristic but beliveable. I wasn't expecting to feel so tense in what is technically a barren wasteland, but the author succeeded in holding the tension.
However, my overall feeling of the book was that it needed a final editing session to polish it up. There was lots of info- dumping, especially at the beginning that I had to push past to get to the good stuff. And there were a number of instances where descriptions could have been condensed in order to keep the plot flowing. It was nice to see the story through a few different eyes and it added depth, but in places this was in the form of a random paragraph planted in the middle of Kimber's narrative which was a little confusing.
I think the novel improves in the second half as we get into the action, and there's real potential for the later books to be great, fun reads if the writing style is worked on because the ideas themselves are really unique and clearly thought out.
The premise of this series really drew me in and I loved the concept of the Auroreans, the science of it felt futuristic but beliveable. I wasn't expecting to feel so tense in what is technically a barren wasteland, but the author succeeded in holding the tension.
However, my overall feeling of the book was that it needed a final editing session to polish it up. There was lots of info- dumping, especially at the beginning that I had to push past to get to the good stuff. And there were a number of instances where descriptions could have been condensed in order to keep the plot flowing. It was nice to see the story through a few different eyes and it added depth, but in places this was in the form of a random paragraph planted in the middle of Kimber's narrative which was a little confusing.
I think the novel improves in the second half as we get into the action, and there's real potential for the later books to be great, fun reads if the writing style is worked on because the ideas themselves are really unique and clearly thought out.
August 7, 2020
I cant wait for the sequel!
The first thing that caught my eye was the amazing cover art! I usually don't judge a book by it's cover, but they were both so excellent!! This well written story takes place in a post-apocalyptic era with a small group of people striving to survive. The storyline takes you on a quest through a deserted and ravaged countryside in an attempt to learn the truth and gain evidence. The main characters goal was to help the people in a small city of survivors to break free of corrupt leaders. The story was very refreshing to read how the heroine of the story is not motivated by hate or vengeance. Doing what was right was the most important goal. I do not want to spoil this storyline, but in the process they found another secret that could positively impact their small city. This information might take them on another longer and more dangerous quest. The ending was so gripping, I had to stand as I read the last chapter. Looking forward to the next one. I'm in!!!
The first thing that caught my eye was the amazing cover art! I usually don't judge a book by it's cover, but they were both so excellent!! This well written story takes place in a post-apocalyptic era with a small group of people striving to survive. The storyline takes you on a quest through a deserted and ravaged countryside in an attempt to learn the truth and gain evidence. The main characters goal was to help the people in a small city of survivors to break free of corrupt leaders. The story was very refreshing to read how the heroine of the story is not motivated by hate or vengeance. Doing what was right was the most important goal. I do not want to spoil this storyline, but in the process they found another secret that could positively impact their small city. This information might take them on another longer and more dangerous quest. The ending was so gripping, I had to stand as I read the last chapter. Looking forward to the next one. I'm in!!!
July 16, 2020
🌿 So as I said before that this book's plot centered around year 2209 when life on the above earth was destroyed by destruction in ozone and only 200 were brought underground to survive.
🌿 The book also focuses on the Auroras a genetic modified human whose dna is modified with that of a serpent who could withstand radiation but is their existence on question now?
🌿 The author really made some interesting points and the plot will gather attention. This is my first dystopian novel and I feel the genre was well handled.
🆃🅷🅸🅽🅶🆂 🅸 🅻🅸🅺🅴🅳
🌹As this was my first dystopian novel the whole concept was interesting to me.
🌹I felt all the emotions of the protagonist well portrayed.
🌹Language is easy so even beginners can read
🆃🅷🅸🅽🅶🆂 🅸 🅳🅸🅳 🅽🅾🆃 🅻🅸🅺🅴
🍁There was at times too much description of things that bored me.
🍁The book kept losing pace as it had very less action or drama.
👉Reccomended to all dystopian fans
May 26, 2020
Thanks to Smith Publicity for providing a digital ARC of Kimber in exchange for an honest review.
This book has a crazy unique world and a lot of potential, but the set up ruined it for me. Technically, Kimber's comprised of a Prologue and 2 parts but the entire first act just felt like an extended prologue. 2 act structure books can work when there isn't much action or plot in the first act, but normally it's to give us a feel for the characters.
Kimber doesn't trust us infer anything about its world or characters which means the majority of the book is just a line of someone or something being introduced, and then multiple paragraphs about their backstory. It makes it hard to connect with anything so when things actually do get interesting in the second part, you're too uninvolved to care.
This book has a crazy unique world and a lot of potential, but the set up ruined it for me. Technically, Kimber's comprised of a Prologue and 2 parts but the entire first act just felt like an extended prologue. 2 act structure books can work when there isn't much action or plot in the first act, but normally it's to give us a feel for the characters.
Kimber doesn't trust us infer anything about its world or characters which means the majority of the book is just a line of someone or something being introduced, and then multiple paragraphs about their backstory. It makes it hard to connect with anything so when things actually do get interesting in the second part, you're too uninvolved to care.
August 5, 2020
I thought the story was well thought through and really interesting. As far as dystopian fiction goes it was fascinating and a fun read. I could tell the author did a lot of research because there was a lot of science speak, but unfortunately it ruled the story for a lot of the book.
I was disappointed in the character development overall. All the characters, even the main ones, seemed somewhat one note and the same. There were some relationships that were undeveloped or came on unusually quick. Likewise, a lot of the story was traveling with little else going on. It felt like there could have been a lot more to the story that was left unsaid.
Overall it was a good read, and I will be looking forward to book 2 due to the ending (which was pretty good) and the nature of the story. Really hoping to have a lot more character development in the next one.
I was disappointed in the character development overall. All the characters, even the main ones, seemed somewhat one note and the same. There were some relationships that were undeveloped or came on unusually quick. Likewise, a lot of the story was traveling with little else going on. It felt like there could have been a lot more to the story that was left unsaid.
Overall it was a good read, and I will be looking forward to book 2 due to the ending (which was pretty good) and the nature of the story. Really hoping to have a lot more character development in the next one.
June 5, 2020
I enjoyed Kimber’s story in the crazy world of 2209. Kimberly is part of 22 genetically modified humans that were created to save humankind (200 humans are left) after the destruction of the ozone layer. Hingey gave a ton of details (I enjoy science so I liked all the details but I can see where other people might find these details too much) and once part two gets moving it was really interesting. I think my only issue was when the POV would change between paragraphs but I enjoyed reading those other POV’s too which added to the depth of the story but were hard to jump into and then back out of POV’s. I will be looking forward to part II.
I was provided with an electronic ARC through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I was provided with an electronic ARC through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
July 19, 2020
A solar flare has destroyed the earth’s ozone layer causing humans to escape underground, but will the human race be able to survive there? Inanna, a cave city, holds the remaining 200 humans left, as well as the Auroras. The Auroras are a grafted species of human who can withstand the brutal environment that is now the surface of the earth. But what happens when one species decides they need to be in control?
We were given a copy of this book to review by the publisher. It's heavy on the sci-fi and world building, but it's also setting up future books. Find our full review, discussion guide and an author interview on our blog at down the hobbit hole blog .com
If you love dystopian science fiction, don't miss this new series!
We were given a copy of this book to review by the publisher. It's heavy on the sci-fi and world building, but it's also setting up future books. Find our full review, discussion guide and an author interview on our blog at down the hobbit hole blog .com
If you love dystopian science fiction, don't miss this new series!
October 8, 2020
3.5 ☆ rounded up to 4!
The book started out slow and some parts were very scientific, but it's to our benefit to better understand the story. I think the author did a great job in creating a post-apocalypitic world.
The second part of the book had a faster pace. It's when the traveling through the wasteland started. We finally got to see how bad the solar flare damaged the earth.
Something that stood out was the friendship and kinship between the Aurora. Kimber as a MC stood out as well - she's very strong and kind. I liked her relationship with Tristan. I'm more interested to see the dynamic between Kimber and her human friend, Caleb, in the sequel, seeing there's a huge rift between the humans and the Auroras.
The book started out slow and some parts were very scientific, but it's to our benefit to better understand the story. I think the author did a great job in creating a post-apocalypitic world.
The second part of the book had a faster pace. It's when the traveling through the wasteland started. We finally got to see how bad the solar flare damaged the earth.
Something that stood out was the friendship and kinship between the Aurora. Kimber as a MC stood out as well - she's very strong and kind. I liked her relationship with Tristan. I'm more interested to see the dynamic between Kimber and her human friend, Caleb, in the sequel, seeing there's a huge rift between the humans and the Auroras.
November 8, 2020
I really enjoyed this story, the idea of what the world could be like so far in the future is incredible. I have zero imagination of my own to think of such things so I’m really glad authors like this write theirs down for us all to read.
Kimber is a great character I’m looking forward to the second book and finding out more about her and the other Auroreans.
The idea of mixed dna is a very interesting concept, I loved learning about this species in this the first book of the Elyrian Chronicles.
They had a great journey in book one, but book two is going to be even more exciting! Can’t wait.
The only tiny little thing I didn’t like ... and this is a personal thing, does not effect the story at all ... the chapters are in Roman numerals, I’m just not a fan of the Roman numerals.
Kimber is a great character I’m looking forward to the second book and finding out more about her and the other Auroreans.
The idea of mixed dna is a very interesting concept, I loved learning about this species in this the first book of the Elyrian Chronicles.
They had a great journey in book one, but book two is going to be even more exciting! Can’t wait.
The only tiny little thing I didn’t like ... and this is a personal thing, does not effect the story at all ... the chapters are in Roman numerals, I’m just not a fan of the Roman numerals.
dnf
May 27, 2020ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for honest feedback.
I DNFed this book so no star rating will be given. This book had a good premise, but I felt the execution wasn't the best. It was loaded with descriptions and as I reader I felt frustrated because there was no room to create my own vision of the setting with all the detail given. I appreciate being able to try this book out, but its too frustrating for me to finish it.
I DNFed this book so no star rating will be given. This book had a good premise, but I felt the execution wasn't the best. It was loaded with descriptions and as I reader I felt frustrated because there was no room to create my own vision of the setting with all the detail given. I appreciate being able to try this book out, but its too frustrating for me to finish it.
August 30, 2020
Super fun read!!!
Loved it! Feel like this book is good for a wide range of audiences. Interesting enough to keep older teens and adults entertained, but not so complicated or inappropriate for younger-advanced readers. I love the post-apocalyptic world that Hingey creates, and the camaraderie and team work shown amongst the characters. Can’t wait for the next books to come out!❤️
Loved it! Feel like this book is good for a wide range of audiences. Interesting enough to keep older teens and adults entertained, but not so complicated or inappropriate for younger-advanced readers. I love the post-apocalyptic world that Hingey creates, and the camaraderie and team work shown amongst the characters. Can’t wait for the next books to come out!❤️
September 13, 2020
What a breath of fresh air!
I’m so thrilled with this book. It has a very ‘Host by Stephanie Meyer’ vibe. It was slow to start building the scene and informing the reader of the current climate. As it started to really pick up it laid the foundation for such a wonderful book 1. I’ll be waiting with bated breath for book 2. Kudos to LK Hingey for such an amazing idea and well structured book!
I’m so thrilled with this book. It has a very ‘Host by Stephanie Meyer’ vibe. It was slow to start building the scene and informing the reader of the current climate. As it started to really pick up it laid the foundation for such a wonderful book 1. I’ll be waiting with bated breath for book 2. Kudos to LK Hingey for such an amazing idea and well structured book!
December 14, 2020
KIMBER is a fun, quick-paced post-apocalyptic read. I thought the concept of “grafted” DNA was brilliantly done. There is a lot of self-realization and growth throughout the story. The friends to lovers dynamic worked so well, without being the main focus. Kimber was a strong MC but still had a nice balance of real human emotion. Perfect for fans of The Host, Matched, Eve and The Maze Runner (think The Scorched Trials).
June 9, 2020
Such a fascination to read! Kimber was a character I was like wow! It made me think of The Hunger Games, and The Maze Runner books! All the really good ones! How the governments were corrupt and treated their people horribly. I love books when new races and governments are created. Show authors have such creativity. The characters are just wow! Please read this! I cannot wait to read the next book!
July 27, 2020
"Kimber" by L.K. Hingey is a post-apocalyptic, futuristic, fantastical sci-fi thriller. A solar storm has all but wiped out the Earth, and now, Kimber, along with her family, must fight to survive as mutants in this subhuman world.
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