Kira by Ross Harrison

Title: Kira

Author: Ross Harrison

Author Website

Amazon (it's ONLY $1.70!!)

Series: Kira #1

Genre: Steampunk

Source: Got for review back when it first came out...will purchase in physical form if/when the novellas get put together...hint hint :D

5 STARS :)

Kira's town has so far survived the destruction wrought by the Government on so many others. But for how much longer? In the middle of a blistering desert, her people are out of fuel, out of clean water, and out of options. The Government will destroy them sooner or later, and they won't survive relocation. Their only chance is to attack first. But Kira knows that's no chance at all.

~MY THOUGHTS~

So this was a re-read for me. I had originally read it a few years back, when it was first published. I remembered loving the novella, but when I was trying to explain to a friend why they needed to buy it because I thought they would really enjoy it, I was overcome with the sudden urge to need to rediscover it for myself. So that's what I did. And it sure brought back all the original feels! :)

This story is such a fast-paced romp to read. I mean it is a novella, so it's page count is short (much to my sadness when I reached the final page and thought it had been longer in my memory), but I believe that even if it were a full length novel (which I would stand in line for) it would be a quick read. The pacing of the story just lends itself to needing to get to the next page as quickly as possible.

The story centers around Kira and her scouting for her town, known as a Wasteland. It is one of the few towns that have refused to join the Government, and won't pay the price for all the technology seen in New Haven. It starts with her scouting in New Haven for a reason that is revealed kind of early on, but I would rather you just read it find out the particulars of they whys and stuff...since it is only 40 pages, and anything can be considered a spoiler at that length.

But the action in this book literally starts with the first line. And it keeps going. Also, there is just so much happening in the span of this novella, that I was felt as if I was reading the development of a full length novel. So kudos for that Ross Harrison! 

The characters all seemed to come alive. Especially Kira. She was just such a fun character to read about. She had a distinct personality that I really enjoyed! But Ross didn't just flesh her out, he gave other characters depth and in a short novella that is hard to do. And it worked well. It made me want to know more about the Elders, and Michael, and Flip, and all the townspeople that we weren't introduced to. 

The ending leaves me wanting more...and I know there is a sequel already out, so I will promptly be picking that up. But I can tell that the world of New Haven and this oppressive Government, and Kira, is one that I will want to keep visiting over and over again, to check up on the characters I'm attached to, to see what twists there are in store (because holy hell in 40 pages I didn't see that coming), and just to learn more about this world that Ross Harrison has created. 

So, after all that, I recommend picking this up. It's fast, and it will not disappoint. I think this was the most fun I had had reading it quite some time! :) 

5 STARS!!!!

Ten Tiny Breaths by K.A. Tucker

Title: Ten Tiny Breaths

Author: K.A. Tucker

Series: Ten Tiny Breaths #1

Genre: New Adult

Source: Bought...recommend you doing the same :)

5 STARS :)

Kacey Cleary’s whole life imploded four years ago in a drunk-driving accident. Now she’s working hard to bury the pieces left behind—all but one. Her little sister, Livie. Kacey can swallow the constant disapproval from her born-again aunt Darla over her self-destructive lifestyle; she can stop herself from going kick-boxer crazy on Uncle Raymond when he loses the girls’ college funds at a blackjack table. She just needs to keep it together until Livie is no longer a minor, and then they can get the hell out of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

But when Uncle Raymond slides into bed next to Livie one night, Kacey decides it’s time to run. Armed with two bus tickets and dreams of living near the coast, Kacey and Livie start their new lives in a Miami apartment complex, complete with a grumpy landlord, a pervert upstairs, and a neighbor with a stage name perfectly matched to her chosen “profession.” But Kacey’s not worried. She can handle all of them. What she can’t handle is Trent Emerson in apartment 1D.

Kacey doesn’t want to feel. She doesn’t. It’s safer that way. For everyone. But sexy Trent finds a way into her numb heart, reigniting her ability to love again. She starts to believe that maybe she can leave the past where it belongs and start over. Maybe she’s not beyond repair.

But Kacey isn’t the only one who’s broken. Seemingly perfect Trent has an unforgiveable past of his own; one that, when discovered, will shatter Kacey’s newly constructed life and send her back into suffocating darkness.

~MY THOUGHTS~

So, I read this book because it was February, and February you read romance books that completely put you on a roller coaster of emotions and leave you empty inside when you finish because you realized the book is over, right? I thought so, so it has been a successful February for me in that regards.

I can't remember when I picked this book up. It hasn't bee that long ago, because I got it on bargain at Books-a-Million because it was on bargain...enough said. I didn't know anything about it, except I recognized the title from blogs and BookTube, etc, it was cheap, so purchase was made. It then sat on my shelf for a little while, and then I picked it up because why not? I honestly expected so little from this book because I have been in a pretty rotten reading slump, but uh, I can whole heartedly admit that I was wrong! 

This book was so much more than the synopsis gives it credit for. It took me on this roller coaster of a ride and when I flipped to the last page, I was just left staring at the book. I haven't felt so many emotions while reading a book in a while, and such a broad spectrum too. I started loving the book, then I hated it so much that for a few days I read little, to absolutely loving this book again (what gave me away...the 5 stars?). 

But for real, I can't give away any of the plot because it is best read without knowing anything. Just go into this book knowing you are in for a ride. I will say that the romance might not be for everyone, and it's one of those things that my reading experience is what caused me to love it so much. But I did indeed love it. And I will be checking out the companion novels that follow other characters that we met in this first one. I hope that Kacey and Trent are in the next one and all of them, but if not I will be happy seeing other characters that I am getting to know and love...

The one disappointment I have is how Storm's relationship wasn't a complete book on it's own. It could have continued and developed a great deal more in it's own book, and I would have been perfectly happy with that...why didn't she get her own book?? Also, could we not let Nate have a love interest? Okay so those are my only two disappointments, and really the author could read this and rectify both! 

On a serious note, this book was great! It delivered on all fronts: romance, edge of your seat tension, friendships, family. It was just a beautiful, heart wrenching, wonderful book. So glad I gave this book a chance this month!

5 STARS!!!!!!

The Movement Issue #1 by Gail Simone and Freddie E. Williams II

Title: The Movement

Author: Gail Simone

Artist: Freddie E. Williams II

Series: The Movement #1

Source: Bought

Goodreads

Rating: 

We are faceless. We are limitless. We see all. And we do not forgive.

Who defends the powerless against the GREEDY and the CORRUPT? Who protects the homeless and poverty-stricken from those who would PREY upon them in the DARK OF NIGHT?

When those who are sworn to protect us abuse their power, when toxic government calls down super-human lackeys to force order upon the populace...finally, there is a force, a citizen’s army, to push order BACK.

Let those who abuse the system know this as well: We have our OWN super humans now. They are not afraid of your badges or Leagues. And they will not be SILENCED.

We are your neighbors. We are your co-workers. And we are your children.

~MY THOUGHTS~

I had such high expectations going into this comic. I had heard from Lucy, on ThingsLucyReads, that it was amazing. And it, unlike so many other comics (especially from DC), had diverse characters. That alone had me at my local bookstore picking up the first trade. I don't regret that decision...even though I promptly made an order for the second volume that same day...

I read comics a little differently than the mainstream way on BookTube. Most pick up the trade and just read the entire thing in one sitting. I don't do that. I tend to read comics in original form, that being single issues at a time, with some time in between issues. This is how I read all things. Series included, even when the entire series (like it is with this one in particular) is out. Usually, it doesn't effect the outcome of my reading experience, it just is how I read series. But in this case, it might have worked against me.

I had all these ideas of what would be in this series, that after reading the first issue I was super underwhelmed. I felt as if we weren't given a proper introduction into the series as a whole. And this is certainly a 'me problem.' Because I know that if I hadn't gone into this series with the expectations of getting something different in terms of actual representation of diverse characters, I would have enjoyed it so much more. 

And then again, maybe not. I just felt as if something was missing in this first issue. Mainly, explanations. We get a kind of introduction, and I can see a sort of direction, generally. But it wasn't strong enough for me to just fall in love. I am glad I have the next one in the series, as I own the trade, but had I been reading this as it came out, I'm not sure if I would have picked up the next one....

This is a story of a group of superheroes that fight against injustices, especially from those in power. I like this premise, and am certainly intrigued to continue and find out more. We get a sort of first look into the group and what they fight against. I feel as if this has potential, but on it's own the first issue was just meh. 

New Romancer Issue #1 by Peter Milligan and Brett Parson

Title: New Romancer

Author: Peter Milligan

Artist: Brett Parson

Series: New Romancer #1

Source: Bought

Goodreads

Rating:

Fired from a cushy job in Silicon Valley, Lexy becomes a coder for New Romancer, an Internet-dating app that’s seen better days. To create fake profiles, she plunders characteristics from history’s most notorious lovers. Using little-known writings by Ada Lovelace, the world’s first computer programmer, Lexy pushes the boundaries of coding and accidentally unleashes history’s greatest lover: Lord Byron. Online dating meets courtly love in this paranormal rom-com by Vertigo veteran writer Peter Milligan and rising art star Brett Parson (Tank Girl).

~MY THOUGHTS~

I picked up this comic on a whim. I was already at the comic store, and it was one of those trips where nothing new was coming out in the series I was already reading. So, I started to browse the wall with the back issues. I came across the cover of this one, and just decided to go with it. That is honestly how I find most of my comics, because I have such a small background in comics, that I don't really have a "usual" type just yet. So, I picked up the first issue of New Romancer and took it home. It sat on my desk for a few days, and finally I decided to pick it up....

WOW. I was completely surprised by how much I truly enjoyed this. The writing was spot on, and the art was fantastic. I loved the storyline and the different layers I think this comic series will have. I love the prospect of getting to see from the various dead poets perspectives, and can't wait to pick up issue 2! 

I was not expecting that ending, but boy did it make this reading experience awesome! I don't think I would have liked this as much if it hadn't taken that turn at the very end. But at the same time, it's that drastic sharp turn that has me a little wary. I will definitely be continuing on with the next one to see how the author and artist takes this story.

Angelfall by Susan Ee

Title: Angelfall

Author: Susan Ee

Series: Penryn & the End of Days #1

Source: Bought

Amazon

Goodreads

Rating:

It's been six weeks since angels of the apocalypse descended to demolish the modern world. Street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night. When warrior angels fly away with a helpless little girl, her seventeen-year-old sister Penryn will do anything to get her back.

Anything, including making a deal with an enemy angel.

Raffe is a warrior who lies broken and wingless on the street. After eons of fighting his own battles, he finds himself being rescued from a desperate situation by a half-starved teenage girl.

Traveling through a dark and twisted Northern California, they have only each other to rely on for survival. Together, they journey toward the angels' stronghold in San Francisco where she'll risk everything to rescue her sister and he'll put himself at the mercy of his greatest enemies for the chance to be made whole again.

~MY THOUGHTS~

Sometimes, we just read a book at the right time. And everything about it just kind of clicks. That's what happened with me when I read Angelfall. I have had this book since it's release back in 2012, but it has sat unread on my shelf. I have seen all the hype when it was first released, and heard everybody talking about it. And to be honest, after I bought the book, I wasn't really all that interested in reading it. So, it sat, and sat. And recently, I saw Nicole over at Girlygirlbookworm read it, and it reminded me that I also own it. And I have been in such a horrible reading slump of late, that I was willing to try anything! And I'm certainly glad that I did. Angelfall was exactly what I needed, and more!

I'm not going to go too deep on what this book is about, as it's got reviews (both raving and bad) all over the place. I am going to say, that going into it I was expecting a light fallen angel book with aspects of apocalypse. But what I got was so much darker. This book is straight up bad angels all over the place, killing for the sport. There are gangs, and later in the book there pops up God only knows what kind of creatures. And holy hell was this book compelling to read the more because of it. I felt that the darkness of the book added to why I loved it so much. At times I had trouble reading bits and pieces, and sometimes it felt as if Susan Ee was ripping out my heart with the descriptions, but I kept reading. I had to. I had to know what happened to Penryn and Paige and her mom...and Raffe!!

That leads me to what cinched this book for me. I was completely attached to all of the characters. I needed to see them all to safety, or at the very least know what happens to them. And Susan Ee sure knows how to pull characters through the ringer!!! This book is packed with action and twists that I didn't expect to happen. I felt that Raffe and Penryn's relationship, if you can even really call it that for most of the book, is completely real. And Penryn's motives throughout the book are for one person, Paige. And I never felt as if she lost sight of her end game. Which is honestly a breath of fresh air, because usually in these types of books, enters hot supernatural boy and "Why was I heading this way again?" But Penryn kept her head, and for that I am grateful. 

I loved the side characters, especially Dee-Dum. And would love to see more of them in the next book. I love when authors are able to get you excited about more than just the pair of main characters story. 

This lost half a star for me because at the beginning, the descriptions of the angels, especially there wings, was a little over the top for me. I had a really hard time being scared of an angelic being with orange wings or tiger striped wings. And that was kind of conflicting with the whole, angels came down and wiped out the world vibe I was feeling. Also, the short chapters lended to pulling me out of the story each time I flipped to a new one. I had to finally stop reading chapter numbers to be able to continue reading without interruption. Once I did that, the story flowed so much better, even with the short chapters. And that last bit was a me problem, and not necessarily a story problem.

The ending of this book was completely mind blowing, and I can't wait to pick up the sequel. I wouldn't say it was a cliffhanger per se, I mean there is closure to the arching story. But it certainly does leave my characters in a place less desired, so I want to keep reading to find out more.

The Path by Peter Riva

Title: The Path

Series: Tag Series #1

Author: Peter Riva

Genre: Science Fiction-Cyberpunk

Source: Given for review for an honest review

Buy the book:     Amazon    Barnes & Noble    Indigo/Chapters

RATING: 4 STARS!!! 

All life on earth is about to be terminated by an entity as old as the galaxy itself. To make matters worse, Simon has broken everything already.

In a future world that is run by computer systems and that is without want, how can a man find his role? Then, if the very computers he works on to try to make them more human suddenly try to kill him, revealing a secret so vast that it affects every living soul on the planet, can that man be a hero?

These are the questions that face the stumbling, comic, and certainly flawed Simon Bank. His job is to work with the System’s artificial intelligence, making it fit more perfectly into human society so that it can keep the country running smoothly. But when the System threatens the peaceful world he knows, Simon suddenly must rush to save his own life, as well as the life of everyone on earth. Forced to reassess everything that he thought he knew, he is caught within circumstances way beyond his control.

Simon’s only hope is to rely on intellect and instincts he didn’t know he had, and on new friends, not all of them human, to change himself and all humanity. And he doesn’t have much time.

~MY THOUGHTS~

Going into this book, I was a bit skeptical. I had never read anything in the "cyberpunk" genre, and I'm fairly new to sci-fi in general, so I'm just starting to get a feel for that genre and what to expect. So, with this being new territory for me on already unfamiliar ground, I was worried. But I had no reason to be. The Path grabbed my attention from the beginning and didn't let go until I was finished.

This story was an unconventional like for me. The narrator of the story, Simon, had a unique way of telling this story. And at first I was a bit on the fence. I had seen other reviewers say how hard it was to get into the story because of the narrator and sometimes choppy way the story flowed, but after a few pages, literally maybe two tops, I loved the narrative and the way Simon was showing me. It almost made the experience more real. I'm not sure if it can be classified as 'stream of consciousness' or not because I am not well read on that type of writing style, but based on the definition and what I have heard people describe it as, this almost seemed to be like that. Simon would jump from one thought to another, sometimes with connectivity, sometimes the thoughts having nothing to do with one another. And I loved it. And like I said in the beginning of this long winded paragraph, it is kind of strange for me to like this type of style, me needing a lot of structure while reading. So props to Peter Riva for making this book so damn enjoyable that I was able to adapt my reading to fit the narrator and the story!

I loved the different aspects of the System. We learn in the first chapter or so the different changes that America has gone through since the Purge. And it's fascinating. I think that was my favorite part of the story, the different new aspects of America. One of the most interesting is how the Government works. It's all about what the citizens want. And that goest for every aspect of this world, not just the Government. The citizens essentially control the weather, when and how much they work, what they do, kids, everything. And that part of the story was my main draw.


On the flip side to that, the "technical" talk kind of went over my head. I still thoroughly enjoyed the story and the plot and had to know what was happening at all times. It just took me a bit to grasp different parts of this world because of that. Thank goodness for the glossary at the back of the book. It helped explain a lot of the different parts that weren't explained in the book.

Another kind of negative I found was the lack of remorse in the beginning. I kind of felt like the "weather abnormalities" and what happened because of it was kind of just barely talked about. And Simon didn't really seem all that bothered. Maybe a little rattled, but not enough not to go to work directly after getting off the NuEl...maybe that's just me. But I did find myself thinking about those first few pages a lot throughout the book and tying the emotions together.

I enjoyed the aspect of a computer turning on the narrator. And that isn't a spoiler, it's essentially on the back cover/blurb. What isn't on there is the awesome ride this story takes you on to get to the end. And I won't divulge secrets, but seriously do yourself a favor and read this.

This book is packed full of twists and an interesting world. I enjoyed finding out what was going to happen almost as much as I enjoyed learning about this new America. I felt like this book stood well on it's own, but at the same time I am thrilled to continue on with the series!

Author's Bio:

Peter Riva has worked for more than thirty years with the leaders in aerospace and space exploration. His daytime job for more than forty years has been as a literary agent. He resides in New York City.

Connect with the author:   Website     Twitter     Facebook

**I received this book by iRead Book Tours in exchange for my honest opinion**