Rules of Redemption (The Firebird Chronicles, #1) (2024)

Listen up fuckers, cuz this book needs to be on each of yall's bookshelves cuz I need someone to RANT with

I am not a big scifi fan but I read this purely for my girl TA White, and fuck yah did she come thru!

Featuring the snarky heroine constantly underestimated. Her sassy AI friend. The plot twists. Finding out Kira’s past and how its affecting tHE FUTURE OF THE GODDAMN UNIVERSE

So let’s begin.

Its been years since 'the end' of the war-- a major conflict where the humans barely survived and were suddenly part of rest space world

Wounded, our badass heroine Kira has separated herself from the humans to rebuild her life… just to get sucked right back into the thick of things

Jin, is my new favorite robot, I mean AI drone. He is basically Kira’s only friend as they have been surviving on their own and secretly planning… something ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

They had the friggen*cutest* relationship where Jin is a dramatic ass machine, loyal to Kira to a fault. Basically Kira finds herself in dangerous situations cuz of her own morals… so Jin just sasses her the whole time that he’s helping her

“A hundred different ways to address this and you chose the most dangerous," he muttered.
"Also, a trait of hers," Jin pointed out. "You get used to it.”

Graydon --the emperor’s bitch. Well I mean thats how Kiara would describe him

When we first meet him, he’s an arrogant asshole who wrecks her entire life and controls her to fit his own agenda

It really felt like by everyone, Kira is constantly underestimated. Dismissed. Ignored. Even I was getting mad with her like fuck alllllll of y’all, go run on a freeway

To the human world, she’s a traitor
To the alien world, she a baby barbarian

But Kira is cunning, trained, and ready to take action whether its with her tricky words or just stab ya

“I take it she didn't get the chance to warn you about the Tsavitee attack under way," Kira guessed.
This could complicate things.
Graydon let loose a sound dangerously close to a growl, a low rumble warning people to escape before the cold grip of death came for them.
"I have proof," Kira offered when it looked like he might give in to his urge to throttle her.
"That would be lovely," he said through gritted teeth.”

Forced to go to her family’s home planets, everyone finds an excuse to come with… bringing their own secret agendas to get into the kingdom. Including Kira’s old troop … and that to say she had an iffy relationship is mild

Kira starts out as an outcast and the more you learn about her, the more you are intrigued by what she is hiding from

We also meet some of our other side character that GOD I hope come back in the second like Finn the overprotective bodyguard turned partner in crime. Blue the uber-curious mechanic obsessed human from her old troop. Himoto her old boss. Actually, you know what he can go die for all I care

There’s a slow burn romance.

“To her surprise, he didn't try to stop her. It seemed she'd underestimated him.
"I do not like this," he informed her.
"That gets me right here." She pointed at her heart. "Really."
The look he bent on her was unamused. "I will be most disappointed if you die.”

There's action. There's intrigue. There’s funny banter !

“Finn noticed the children as they performed their drills at a pace three times slower than normal”
“What are they doing?" he asked with a scowl.
"Practicing," Kira said succinctly.
"Practicing for what?"
"The shitstorm that is life.”

There are so many goddamn questions left unanswered WITH A FUCKING CLIFFHANGER that I immediately was ready to bury myself in book two and continue with this creative-as-fuck-world that TA has written

4.5 Stars!

This was so awesome that the only way I can describe it is: this is what would happen if the Kate Daniels series took place in the future and in outer space (and was written by a different author obviously). And if you know my love for all things Ilona Andrews, you know that that comparison is high praise indeed!

There's a strong heroine with a mysterious past that isn't fully revealed. She's pretty bad-ass. She engenders some strong emotional reactions out of the reader (for me anyways, I honestly started to tear up for her at certain points). She has a complicated history with some of the secondary characters. She gets kind of forced into dire situations due to her own sense of duty/morals. There's a slow burn romance. There's action. There's intrigue. What more do you want?

I enjoyed T.A. White's Broken Land trilogy (starts with Pathfinder's Way, though I will say the last book was not as strong as I hoped), and so when I saw she had written a new book/series I jumped on it. I AM SO GLAD I DID! This was unbelievably good!!! I am absolutely reading the next book when it comes out.

Oh and I believe this is free for kindle unlimited people. So heads up!

2/6/20 - Reread and I love this book possibly more than I did the first time around! On to the second book!

Short version: what seems like a space-faring buddy flick turns into a court-intrigue romance novel with a deathly Mary Sue. It feels a great deal like Ilona Andrews, without the smoothly worked in backstory. There is some snappy smart-ass humor (also ala Kate Daniels) that plays well. Actually, feels a lot like an Edge world. There's a few odd word choices that I associate with lesser-skilled authors, so it requires a little forbearance. More significantly, despite the packaging, it resorts to a basketful of tropes.

"They saw the delicateness of her features, the burgundy color of her hair and gray-purple eyes that changed colors in a certain light, and made certain assumptions. Assumptions she was happy to disabuse them"

I mean, that's fine, right? But just throwing them together in a kitchen sink doesn't really make it all work. List: the savior, the fish out of water, the orphan, the prodigal son. Did we really need to include a giant, powerful blonde dude as love interest as well? All that said, it was perfect... for the beach. And because I started skimming a little at the end, when some crazy stuff about battle forms, star systems and protective wards got too boring.

"Kira didn’t know how much she believed in the rumors and thought it was more likely their technology was simply more advanced than humanity’s, giving the appearance of magic."

Ah, if only she knew.

Two and a half stars, rounding up because.

4.5 stars

WOWZER!!! I’m officially HOOKED!!

Rules of Redemption was my first book by this author – another addition to my NEW AUTHORS OF 2019 list – and it won’t be my last.

I had to put it down at 1am in the morning. With 50% more to go there was no way I could have finished it anytime soon. I had a hard time putting it down, I was literally glued to the pages – that’s how good it was!

One of my proven ways of not experiencing books slumps and funks is reading different genres. I haven’t had a slump in a long time and all because of mixing things up. And reading a science fiction novel with a dash of romance helps the cause. And most of all, I found a new author to stalk.

Now back to the book:

By now you must know I rarely read a book that doesn’t have some kind of romance in it, unless it’s non-fiction. So, Rules of Redemption certainly fits into the category of slow burn, but it doesn’t feel like it because the story is so fascinating. There is so much going on and with a kick-ass heroine like Kira it never gets boring.

Kira is strong, smart, and likes to be left alone.

Which of course is the opposite of what’s happening. The story arc is complex, fascinating and unfortunately not done yet – lol. The book didn’t end with a cliffhanger, but the frustration of not being able to read the next book is REAL!!! I was destroyed when I found out that the next book isn’t being released until late 2019/early 2020.

But, on the other hand I found a book/series that I’m passionate about, something that is sometimes missing with my regular romance books. So, yeah, I’m definitely hooked!!

It also helps that the big, bad alien is yummylicious and their attraction towards each other kept my romance addicted heart very happy!! And it doesn’t hurt that he staked his claim. He is keeping her, if she likes it or not. Honestly I can’t wait to read more – and I just hope the year goes by fast – lol!! I need the next book STAT!

The writing is superb, and the banter between Kira and her AI drone Jin a highlight. Jin just adds to the overall enjoyment of the book, smart, and a personality that is the opposite of Kira’s no-nonsense demeanor, those two are a fantastic duo.

I must admit science fiction romances are my new obsession, and Rules of Redemption fits right into this category. I’m on a quest of finding more – because this stuff is addicting.

Monthly read with my lovelies at Weaponized Pineapples

4.5 Stars ⭐️

I loved this book! I did listen to the Audio through the library and it was superb! I’m going to buy the kindle and get the Audible later. Possibly the paperback too depending on the space I’m trying to keep with bookcases!

I loved these characters and I’m in love with Graydon!

Happy Reading Peeps!

Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾

That was AMAZING !

Holy smokes that was so good. I'll re-read it, shoot I want to see the movie. It would be such a fabulous movie ! It was Star Wars' space action, Star Trek's lovable characters, Oceans Eleven scheming, humor and some seriously cool creatures. The romance is there and so well written into the story. It was perfectly done (IMHO). Oh my gawd, Graydon, sexy, super macho, distant, difficult, grumpy, did I mention sexy ( shutters ) I love a man that can be great when he needs to. ** Wink ** The MC Kira, was a broken, self built, haunted, isolated, strong, intelligent, generous, loyal and selfless. woman. I cheered for her big time and the rest of the characters, and cried with their pain.
There was one thing I didn't like. It ended and the next in the series isn't out yet. Oye, It ended with such a fun cliffhanger. Luckily, was at home so the public didn't have to witness my snorting laughter at the stinger ending. BAM
** Even better the second time ! Well played Graydon well played :x. I have book 2-3 coming in the next two weeks

This is my third series I have started with this author and I am sold. I have found that T.A. White is a fantastic PNR writer. Her imagery and world building is fascinating and not like others I've read.

Something I've noticed in all three series is her penchant for the heroine being the star of the show. They are powerful woman who seem to be disguised as an average person. I really love that. I'm such a fan of the underdog rising above.

Kira stars out as an outcast and the more you learn about her the more you are intrigued by what she is hiding from. We got to see a lot of what she can do in book one, but I feel there is more to come. I can't wait to see her full potential.

T.A. White's heroes are just as fascinating. They are just as powerful, but never outshine the heroine. They appeal to me in their quiet intensity she brings to their characters. These are grown men, who behave like grown men. You will not find immature behavior.

There is just something about a powerful man who isn't afraid to show his soft side to his woman. You actually feel that pull that Graydon feels towards Kira. While this is a slow burn, I don't feel like there is a lack of romance. That's how strong their chemistry is in this.

In addition to such fantastic characters is the story itself. I found this to be unique and completely enthralling. I'm jumping right in to book 2 because I can't get enough!

2nd Read Review: AMAZING! This is one of my favorite series. Even doing a re-read via audible, I devoured every second. I can honestly see myself re-reading this series over and over. Obviously I highly recommend it. Also, the narrator was really good and I recommend both the kindle and audible version.

I feel like the only person who didn't like this book, so maybe it just wasn't my style.

But to be honest, I feel like I just read a first draft. The book had so many different threads, and I didn't feel any of them were followed to a satisfying conclusion. I felt like I was being pulled in so many different directions, with hints of plot that are never fleshed out. It was like the book had too many ideas and couldn't decide what it wanted to be about, so it tried to be about everything and as a result felt like it was about nothing.

The characters didn't feel internally consistent or believable. The main character is constantly the "only one to ever" in a way that I wasn't able to keep suspending my disbelief. I did appreciate that the hint of romance didn't take over the story, but I also didn't understand why her love interest was attractive. I was pretty turned off by him at the beginning when he said that it didn't matter what she wanted, she had to come with no matter what. Ugh. That part was never redeemed in my eyes.

Also, I found it hard to stay immersed in the story because the writing style didn't really appeal to me. I did think the plot could be interesting and I kept hoping things would get better in the end, but alas :( Anyway, I'm just disappointed because I was hoping I could find some lesser-known authors/ self-published authors to support, since I've really been enjoying a few of the others.

Can't do it. Sick and tired of this trope.

Strong Heroine who has built up her life from the ashes, independent, lives for freedom.

1 arrogant asshole wrecks her entire life and controls her to fit his own agenda

Heroine gives in and falls in love cuz he's pretty I guess.

I don't care how pretty he is, it's not worth your freedom.

HOWEVER. If this IS your sort of thing, it is very well written.

4.5 stars

Amazing start to this new series. This author always delivers where plot and amazing character development is concerned.

I could have sworn that I read this. But no. So I'm glad I picked it up as I was in the mood for some sci-fi goodness.

Kira is a little bit of the special girl protagonist. She's a war hero who let people down in the past and that weighs on her. So she starts the story deliberately isolated and then things happen to tangle her up. And, of course, we meet some of her old surviving crew and get to see their resentment and even hate.

The overarching plot drips a bit, but not in a bad way. Kira has plenty to do keeping her newly-discovered family from overwhelming her. Since they're kind of the source of her special sauce, and understand what makes her tick better than she does (in some ways), much of the tension in the story is her resisting those family ties to maintain her self-imposed isolation. Which would be a monster of a negative motivation*, if she didn't have specific goals she was going for (get back to her ship and career where she was safely on her own). Okay, it's still a negative motivation and drags the plot towards standstill but so much else is going on (including her actually developing dreaded ties to others) that there's plenty of plot energy carrying past all that.

Two things drew me in and kept me engaged. The first is Kira herself and her friend Jin. They're dynamic, capable, damaged, and doing their best for each other and I liked seeing them bounce around all the limitations others were trying to maintain. The second is the world they find themselves in (including the former squadmates and the newfound family). Oh. And Graydon is a marvelous tough guy and potential future love interest.

So yeah, I'm going with four stars. There's a little too much special girl going on with Kira for all five stars and the thrashing against developing relationships gets tired. But it's still a great story and I enjoyed it very much.

A note about Chaste: No relationships, remember? Yeah, there's some kissing that makes this a likely slow-burn romance, but it doesn't get very far in this story. So it's fairly chaste.

5 stars

★★★★★

☞ Trigger warnings:**contains spoilers** mentions of child abuse, drugging, torture, physical and emotional abuse, murder & attempted murder, death, dead bodies, war themes and military violence, mentions of death of parent, blood and gore depictions, confinement, knife violence, mental illness, suicidal ideation, grief and loss depictions, loss of autonomy, PTSD. .

First read: June 2019
Second read:November 2019
Third read:May 2020
Fourth read:September 2021
Fifth read: July 2022
Sixth read: Jan 2024

The The Firebird Chronicles series reviews:
#1 Rules of Redemption43954881: ★★★★★
#2 Age of Deception: ★★★★★
#3 Threshold of Annihilation: ★★★★★
#4 #4: 2022 release date possible August/September release

I don't know what to tell you.

This is one of my favourite books of all time.
It is a part of my favourite series of all time.

I just love it so much. That's the entire review...

I don't know what to tell you. My love for this series cannot be quantified or put into words. The words would literally not be sufficient enough to explain in minute detail my all-encompassing love for this series.

I re-read it all the time. Sometimes I just read sections. When I'm in a reading slump or feeling down, I just re-read my favourite scenes and I feel better. Goodreads doesn't record all the times I accidentally finish the book again. I start by reading my favourite scenes and end up just reading the rest of the book. It's my North Star. The book I compare to other books too. The protagonists that I compare to other protagonists too. All sci-fi books are compared to this. All enemies-to-lovers. All series to this series.

All I can say is please read it.

Would I recommend this book?
YES

Will I continue reading this series?
Of course. This is my ride or die series. I will be buried with it.

Will I re-read this book?
I re-read this series all the time.

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It looks like I'm in the minority for being pretty disappointed with this one. This was just so basic and the writing did a ton of telling and not showing.

Kira is a scavenger who used to fight in the human space military against a technologically-superior alien race. But she's done with that life and is a loner by choice who has an AI drone named Jin keeping her company. But when she saves two kids at a space station it sets off a chain of events that Kira can't undo.

The beginning of this book was promising and gave me Kate Daniels vibes. Kira has a mysterious past and there are definitely hints that she's more powerful than she lets on. But at the 40% mark things started falling flat.

Because the plot requires it, Kira is given no agency in her situation. She has to go along with everything for various reasons (preventing war, saving lives, etc.) but it leads to a frustrating read because you know Kira can do something but has to put up with a lot of petty BS for the sake of diplomacy. The author chose to give Kira no agency (and not for interesting reasons) which lead to a frustrating plot. When Kira goes to live with the Tuann (another alien race) it's annoying because she has to act nice. It would be more understandable if the Tuann were actually the bad guys, but they were reasonable (if a bit prickly with all their rules) so Kira having to pretend to play nice and be sweet and harmless, just didn't carry any weight.

The writing was also not my style at all, and I'm starting to recognize a trend where authors tell the reader everything instead of show it, as if I have two brain cells and can't put 2 and 2 together. Examples:

"She had claws, delicate but sharp, nonetheless. Good for her.”

"his movements precise, a coiled danger waiting for the right opportunity.
He was testing her, Kira realized with a start. Prodding and manipulating to see what lay under that glossy exterior. Smart and sneaky."

"In that moment, he was the embodiment of a predator, dark and dangerous. Easily able to conquer his enemies so he could crush them beneath his boot so they might never rise again.
It should have scared Kira.”

I just find this kind of writing a bit cringe? Plus it treats the readers like we can't come to our own conclusions based on what's written. As if it has to be spelled out for us that he's testing Kira, or that her claws are "delicate but sharp." We should come to our own conclusions, but here it's like the author has to tell us how we, the readers, are supposed to view and understand these characters. Instead of telling us he's the "embodiment of a predator," show us. Also I felt like the writing wasn't very visual. It was hard to visualize the characters, the settings and even what was happening at some parts.

The book also had kind of a basic plot which I was not expecting. The Tuann very much reminded me of Fae and the plot felt like a basic YA fantasy plot where the heroine is taken to live in a castle. It wasn't as sci-fi as I'd hoped. The alien races didn't really feel that alien either. I also felt like elements of the plot were created just to show a certain thing or get to a certain point, instead of having a natural flow based on the characters' personalities and the plot.

White also kept hitting us over the head with how ~powerful~ Kira was and it got a bit eye-roll inducing. The romance also fell very flat to me- it all seemed forced and I felt no chemistry between the two. It seemed like a lot of it was very melodramatic, from Kira's "woe-is-me" attitude about her past to her romance.

It was just not for me, sadly.

Very interesting universe and plot that's ruined by an MC that can't decide if she's totally brilliant or a complete moron. The whiplash is real.

This book was one of those impulsive reads. It wasn't on my tbr but I wanted a cute UF maybe Ilona Andrew Styles and according to GR, people who enjoyed her books also enjoyed this book.

Unfortunately, the book was very boring and lacked a hot romance. I'm a sucker for slow burn but very little happens in this book. It was a struggle to finish.

Review to come.

I loved this as much as I did Pathfinder's Way.
The background idea (humans as the young race in space that isn't trusted) isn't new, but the plot and the characters made my day.
The ending clearly points to a series and one I will be glad to continue.

To the grammar purists out there: there were a couple of mistakes that nowhere harmed my enjoyment.

This book is not “adult” and it is hardly sci-fi - as in the author really has not even the basic understanding of space or what space travel or the peripherals would look like at all. I don’t need my sci-fi to be “hard” per se, but the ships and tech and general setting are described so vaguely it’s clear absolutely no research has been done into the basics here. And there is annoyingly no concept of size or distance of space either. At one point we are being described a station that is hundreds of millions of miles away, like that is supposed to be dangerously far, when that distance wouldn’t even take you halfway out of the solar system. It’s like describing a skyscraper as 3 stories tall. Overall it feels like the author just stuck her story concept in space because she wanted a hook that felt new, but put no effort into learning the basics of the genre.

What drew me to this book? A badass heroine with troubled past who is a war hero turned salvager. This concept is what sold me. I would read that book. But that is not this book.

In reality this book is nothing but layers of YA cliches.

Kira is a salvager for like a half a chapter before she is whisked away by some space elves. I wish I was joking but this is the alien race we are interacting with here, pointy eared super gorgeous space elves. They are called the Tuann (ripped rather unimaginatively from the Tuatha De’Dennan)and they have magic and everything. And our heroine is, to everyone’s surprise including her own, one of them. Conveniently, their culture and treaty with the humans require that she must be retuned to her family where they will scowl and glare at her and treat her like she’s so low class and icky - the ones that aren’t immediately in love with her amazingness that is.

When Kira isn’t running around impressing all the big grumbly warriors with her amazingness Kira does nothing but inner monologue about her traumatic past, or how she really just wants to be alone, or plan about how she’s going to get away from everyone juuuust after this next bit.

Occasionally we are treated to the POV of one said grumbly warrior obviously being positioned to be the love interest. He basically thinks about how intrigued he is of Kira and how to best guard her. And how she is even more amazing than anyone realizes. He’s dull as a doornail and basically if you take the boring parts of every generic male love interest you get him.

Back to our inner monologue heavy heroine, Kira. She will get swept away from that 2.5 seconds we were treated to of salvaging (seriously, it’s over before 4% of the book is done and seems it will never be returned to again in this series) and will live in a castle where she is impressed by its delicate yet strong arches and towers. She will sleep in a enormous sleigh bed and bathe in a tub big enough for eight. She will impress everyone with her amazing fighting moves and spunky comebacks that are hilariously NOT spunky, here is an example: “Too bad you're as dumb as a rock. I suppose intelligence isn't really required of a man in your position." - ooooh what a burn. What do you guys think, veteran war hero or annoying 10 year old?

But alas, even the standoffish elf horses will nuzzle her hair and lick her face with affection while everyone watches with wide-eyed amazement, so what do I know?

Aaaaaand this is the point where I dnf. This book is written with all the half-baked angst and lack of nuance I come to expect from a YA read and despite the fact I actually spent money on this (ugh) I can’t bring myself to read any further.

Usually I don’t review or rate DNF’s but in this case since I feel this book misrepresents itself pretty badly, as well as is completely mislabeled as adult sci-fi, I felt I probably should give a fair warning.

This book is why it's a good idea to have Goodreads friends. If you want to be a friend collector, you do you. However, if you want to hit GOLD you want real GR friends like Mindy who know you and your book tastes. Yup! I'm looking at you Mindy Lou ❤️! Doing a reread and it's just as amazing as the 1st time (maybe even more so 😍).

Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts when you come across a crazy good book!

Am I being dramatic? maybe 😅
But if you love books, you know that special feeling you get when a book hits just the right way.

(book highs are my drug of choice 😉)
And when a friend recs it, it's even more specia ❤️l.

There are books that are popular with a ton of HYPE, and then there are books that SHOULD BE MORE POPULAR with a tonne (tonne or metric tone is more than a ton) of HYPE. They redefine the playing field, and only a select few can compete. This book deserves all the accolades!

Rules of Redemption isn't one you will read and forget, it's MIND-BLOWING! FACT!
Nuff fangirling... I'm running 🏃‍♀️ to book 2 now ❤️

Just try to STOP ME 😈

This author is really becoming one of my favorites. I loved loved her Broken Lands series and I am adding this one to the love list.

Love the world building wherein Humanity is a young race in need of guidance in space life. The bad race (Tsavitee) is a devouring horde decimating humanity.

The heroine (Kira) is awesome! We are still learning from her background. I love the other characters as well. There's a hint of romance here and I hope it will develop more in the next book. I love Graydon. And I can't wait to read more about her adventures in House Roake next! Bring in the next book please!

Reread Sept 2022: It was definitely THREE kisses.

Like I expected. It still holds up.
--------

This book barely had romance. Like, the couple only shared like three kisses throughout the book and it was very tame. But, I really love the slow burn. I love the world T.A. White has created and coming here after reading the Broken Lands series, I could tell how talented this author is in creating a vibrant world, rich in floras, faunas and histories.

I just really love my experience with this book, despite this hard times.

[2nd reread 2024 – 5 stars]
[1st reread 2022 – 4.5 stars]
[1st read 2022 – 4.5 stars]

5 stars

I must admit that I've been finding it "hard" to read. Lately, I've only been managing to stay focused enough to finish two to three chapters of a book. Five, if I'm "lucky". Whereas, pre-covid19, I usually tear through a book in a day. And though this one took me longer than my "normal", it was soooooo freaking good!

I love Kira. I love the glimpses of this new world and how as you get further into the story you learn more and want to find out more. I kept reading to discover the secrets Kira is keeping. I kept reading and as I did, I fell in love with Kira. There's something about her pain, vulnerability, strength, grit, loyalty, and fiery spirit that makes falling in love with her inevitable.

I love Graydon too. Ooooh baby. The sparks between him and Kira make me salivate for more. I can't wait to see how this relationship develops. I love me a slow burn romance and this has the beginnings of a really great one. (I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the succeeding books don't let me down in the romance department with the MC's turning overly cheesy once they do get together.)

I picked this up because I heard/read somewhere that this had an Ilona Andrews feel to it. And it's true. I really loved this story!

P.S. This book ends in a cliffy. Good thing book 2 is already out!

Looooooved this - such a great start to the series. I feel so bad for Kira, and how alone she is, given that she's been fucked over or dismissed by everyone in her life except Jin (Jin is The Best!)...people she loves that are happy to believe the worst of her, without even talking to her. It is heartbreaking.

I love sci-fi, but I have such a hard time finding ones that really resonate with me. This one does - the layered story and huge backstory are compelling, and I can't wait to see where it goes.

It kiiiiiiiiiiiiills me that more of this series isn't out. I've gotten spoiled with binging series because generally I find them after the whole thing is done. But it will be worth the wait!

I'm not going to lie, I would happily punch Jace in the throat. Raider redeems himself as the series goes on, but Jace is a complete asshole who needs to pull his head out of his ass.

Bumping it up to 5 ☆

This book is awesome and has everything I love in the Space Opera genre. The first time reading it I was in a major book funk and it got me out of it in an instant. The second time around it is just as good.

Kira former war hero and lonesome salvager needs to stop at O'Reilly station as the Wanderer is needs repairs. She has risen out of the ashes and has managed to assemble some kind of life for herself and her AI Jin.

The plan is to keep their heads down, in and out and that is all.

Kira can never stick to the plans and ends up saving two Tuann children from death which leads her on a path that is for her unavoidable. She just doesn't know it yet.

It turns out that Kira isn't some kind of human experience gone wrong. That she is of a Tuann house that she is considered to be an infant and to return to the fold. Her former employees the Consortium force her to do what the Tuann want.

This is why I stop and won't give anything away. I will say one thing though there is slow burn romance here and it is juicy and so good. Graydon is so yummy!

There is exceptional world building, admittedly at times a bit too much but manageable. A strong and original plot, a space opera with in depth primary and secondary characters. Action packed with intense moments and a kickarse anti heroine who in the end does save everyone even if she doesn't want to.

This was awesome. So much awesome. I need the next book. Like now. Holly says it best when she says this book is like Kate Daniels in space. That is the perfect analogy. All you IA fans out there should seriously check this one out!

3.5

I really enjoyed this sci-fi adventure for the most part. We start with out h Kira, a retired war vet that just wants to get on with her life as a salvager with her best-friend/ robotic sidekick Jin. Everything is going well until circumstances force her to face the friends she left behind, and a new possible enemy.

The good:
Jin. Loved that sassy robot.
I also liked the side characters- her old unit carried some serious baggage, but I liked getting to experience a new alien race with their different customs and tech along with Kira.

the bad:
I really didn't like that Kira seemed to have little to no agency in ANY of her life choices. It seemed from the time she was captured- to being in the army- to being taken by the Tuann- then now the Roake- she has had no semblance of any choice in the mater. I get its for story purposes, but that alpha male bullshit Graydon pulled at the end would have me cutting him out right then. She saves your ass, tells you no, and your going to stop her because its not what YOU want. I just kept thinking 'have a little faith my dude' He trusted her to have a plan and let her go out of the cage on her own- if she's saying no..don't. trap. her. (I know she obviously has plans to save her friend and can't do that saddled with Tuann society rules. I wish she would have said that but still..)

So little miffed about that relationship, but will def read the next book!

Five glorious stars!
You know those times were you read book after book after book, but nothing really resonates you. You want to find a treasure, something new that the whole world hasn't already read, but you start to think the book you're looking for doesn't exist.
It exists! It's this book!
I LOVED it! It's a great sci-fi read with a touch of fantasy/magic and the slowest slow burn romance. I mean, yes, I want more romance, but this is just enough to make me happy and to look forward to when the characters get together.
I love Kira. I love Jin. I love Graydon and all the other characters...although, there were A LOT of characters. I would have liked a few less, but that's, like, my only criticism. lol
There's a little mystery woven into the story too. A lot of times, when that mystery is revealed, I'm always like "What was the big deal?" This was the right level of build up to reveal.
The book ends on a cliff hanger. Literally in the middle of a scene. But that was okay because most of the problems in the first book were resolved, and it was actually brilliant and made me immediately buy the next book (although I really shouldn't have because I needed to catch up on life, lol).
Anyway, you guys. Read this book! If you liked Shades of Treason even a little, or if you're a fan of Linnea Sinclair, Rachel Bach, or Jessie Mihalik, I know you'll love this! <3

Absolutely loves it!

Many reviews said, this book as good as Ilona Andrews’s books.
Yes, I agree with that!:)

❤️❤️❤️

*2.5 stars*