Urban Fantasy series' discussion

Our October Book of the Month is:

GRIMSPACE by Ann Aguirre



Please read and discuss below with the rest of the group. Have fun =)

I have already read this one. It was pretty good. Engrossing and surprising. Not too predictable. Secondary characters are nicely textured, not just props. The epic ending was a bit over the top, I felt.

:D I totally voted for this one. lol. I read Perdition and ever since I have been wanting to read the Sirantha Jax series since she is mentioned in Perdition. I love love loved Perdition as a scifi fantasy, so I am so thrilled Grimspace is our BOTM. I shall have to find time to read it, though. Midterms this month. O.O

Haven't read Perdition? Will look into it.

As for Grim Space, I was pretty much hooked from the first chapter. A strong opening.

How's everyone doing with this one? Started it yet?

I've been looking for a good excuse to read this one. I'm in. Will start after I finish the one I am currently reading.

Nice! Let us know what you think

OK - so - this is written in present tense. Am I the only one who is off-put by this?

That being said - I'm about half way through it. Totally love it. Already checked the 2nd one out of the library and put in a hold for the 3rd.

The baby. OMG. The baby.

I don't much like present tense, but I thought it was okay here.

The baby. I know....

Snarktastic Sonja wrote: "OK - so - this is written in present tense. Am I the only one who is off-put by this?

That being said - I'm about half way through it. Totally love it. Already checked the 2nd one out of the libra..."

I agree. The present tense was the first thing I've noticed and it takes time to adapt (sometimes it's really confusing). Beside that, I'm half way in and I enjoy it even though I would like a little more action and less explanation/introduction.

I enjoyed this one. I was a little confused in spots and I had to go back and re-read. I think this was just me reading while I'm distracted. I do have to say I think I liked March more than Jax.

Was anyone else distracted by the fact that (view spoiler)[Jax was going to leave March shot on the planet but was coerced into helping him yet, later, when they get to Terra, she willingly goes with Vel to protect her 'friends'? (hide spoiler)] It seemed to me that these were completely opposite reactions to similar situations and one or the other was out of character. (Being of tender heart (view spoiler)[and Never leave a man behind (hide spoiler)] the first seemed totally out of character to me.)

I sadly am not able to read the book of the month this time, none of the libraries have it and I just spent my budget amount on books already for a signed copy of :(

Snarktastic Sonja wrote: "Was anyone else distracted by the fact that [spoilers removed] It seemed to me that these were completely opposite reactions to similar situations and one or the other was out of character. (Being ..."

I have to agree with you. Those were a couple of things I was a little confused about, but I suppose it shows how she was learning to think about someone other than herself.

I enjoyed it but it's definitely not one of my favourites. I liked March and co. but didn't particularly care for Sirantha. The things that partially put me off is the instant love and lack of endearing characters. There wasn't a particular character that grew on you. Maybe I will read the second one before I judge any further.

Endearing characters? The little lizard baby was so sweet. But...

And the woman who helped Saranatha, when she was in deep despair, working in childcare.

Yeah, Baby-Z and the woman were endearing in a way but they didn't play a large role and weren't memorable (Baby-Z should have played a larger role). I don't know why but I wasn't engrossed in the story as I should be. I think the main character group is important and particularly when the heroine is loveable I'm sold. But I shall give the second book a try ;)

Ah was this present tense? Its funny i never ever thought about present and past tense until i started writing and it was in present tense - then i freaked, thinking i was doing something wrong - until I realised there are some books that do it. I find it gives the book a sense of urgency, and like you are in the moment more, personally.

Lorelle wrote: "Ah was this present tense? Its funny i never ever thought about present and past tense until i started writing and it was in present tense - then i freaked, thinking i was doing something wrong - ..."

Personally, I find it awkward and hard to get into. In fact, I am not sure I wish to move on in this series, and it is mostly the present tense holding me up. I didn't *love* the first book, but I enjoyed it enough to move forward . . . if it weren't for the awkwardness of the tense. We almost always use past tense when telling a story. We are not typically performing the action whilst telling.

And, is it bad that I think you are an author who has never before thought of tense? I am a mathematician, and I do . . .

Just something to think about. ;)

Audrey Jane wrote: "I enjoyed it but it's definitely not one of my favourites. I liked March and co. but didn't particularly care for Sirantha. The things that partially put me off is the instant love and lack of ende..."

I totally agree with you. This is the reason, other than the tense which, as I have said, I found so incredibly awkward.

I do understand that closeness that develops between pilot and navigator - and that it can cause quick emotional attachments. It *still* seemed to go from 0 to 120 in the blink of an eye.

Baby Z broke my heart. Simply broke my heart.

I think the lady who helped Sirantha was supposed to help illustrate her deep emotional growth . . . but there wasn't enough substance there for me to buy it.

As I've said, curious to move on - but I'd have to love it more or be totally out of books to read to do so.

And, it might happen. It just might. :D

I'm only starting out and don't consider myself an author yet. You have to start somewhere right ? I'm careful with the tense and I know what to look out for now :)

Well, I *liked* the book, but didn't LOVE it, and haven't read the sequel yet. Some day, maybe. I don't like the present tense, either.

Snarktastic Sonja wrote: "Audrey Jane wrote: "I enjoyed it but it's definitely not one of my favourites. I liked March and co. but didn't particularly care for Sirantha. The things that partially put me off is the instant l..."

Yes, indeed. I rather like relationships to build up gradually and form a deeper connection. Like you said the relationship pilot-jumper is too thin and well I'm not really fond of instant love on principle :) Also they acted/talked as if they have known each other for a long time. I would have liked that to happen during their journey, not packed in one book. Actually Grimspace can be read as a stand alone really. I think that's what I missed, I wasn't on the edge of my seat. The mission they had was lost along the way and I was disappointed with the ending.

I know. Baby-Z. Just after that tragic event I really thought for a second that the author completely forgot Baby-Z was there. Couldn't believe it.

I just finished and I thought it was a decent read though I concur with the insta-love critique a few people have already talked about. I have something I have to get off my chest, though:

(view spoiler)[ What the hell was up with killing Baby Z? That's the whole reason the group abandoned the original quest and ended up on the ass-end of the universe!!! Sirantha couldn't aim for the head? Punch that dude in the face, take Baby Z, and then shoot to kill? She literally saw the baby like two seconds previous to forgetting it was there and MURDERING it. GAH! (hide spoiler)]

Okay, I feel slightly better now.

my husband has been trying to get me to read this for years now.
I agree that Sirantha and March's relationship was thrown at us a little fast.
The problem that I have with it, and its not really a problem. is that I don't see this as UF or PNR. To me it's Sci-Fi and that is way it took me so long to pick it up and read it. I guess I was being snobbish in my thinking.
It was a good book and I will definitely be reading the rest of the series

I finished this series a little while ago and it's definitely worth to read in my opinion. Sirantha grows a lot during the series so her character is written as annoying and immature at first but eventually she becomes more likeable or at least more responsible. Also, I think Vel (introdoced more deeply later in the series) is one of my favourite characters ever.

This series made me try some other books in sci-fi/space opera generes and though I can't say I'm too impressed yet I think it's good for me to widen the horizon.

Anna wrote: "I just finished and I thought it was a decent read though I concur with the insta-love critique a few people have already talked about. I have something I have to get off my chest, though:

[spoil..."

Absolutely agree. 100%. He is one of the best aspects of the book . . . . . .

Of course, I think that whole entire scene is retarded. (view spoiler)[ That she was going to leave March there almost dead . . . I was like . . . do I really care any more? That particular aspect took it from sad to asinine. (hide spoiler)]