Review of BREAKOUT: The DRED Chronicles #3 by Ann Aguirre

Breakout is the non-stop, action-packed conclusion of Ann Aguirre's Dred Chronicles, picking up directly where Havoc ends.  

The prison ship, Perdition is now more of a ghost ship, as most of the inmates, uh...inhabitants...are dead.  Danger still lurks in every corner, supplies are running low while Dred and her surviving crew have teamed up with the 3 remaining mercs, eluding Silence and her henchmen, trying to build a way off Perdition which is now a guaranteed death trap.

As much as I hated to see this series come to a close, I have to say that Ms. Aguirre did a fantastic job bringing this story to a supremely satisfactory conclusion.
  

When I saw Breakout posted on Netgalley for reviewers I immediately requested it, and as soon as it was approved I started reading it, only putting it down when I ABSOLUTELY had to, staying up until after 2am on a work night to finish this book. I just couldn't step away! I'm kinda sad that I read it so quickly, because I loved the story and these characters so much, and I know that unless Ms. Aguirre writes more books in this universe, that finishing this story was saying goodbye to characters that I've grown attached to.

I could give you a play-by-play of my thoughts for the entire book, but if you're as immersed into this series as I was, I know that you'll want to get there and make your own judgements. So I won't bother.  I will say though, that there was one extremely emotional part that had me saying WTF really loudly, not because it was unbelievable, but because I didn't know how Ms. Aguirre was going to turn things around...thankfully she did.

Dred continues on with her kick-ass self, I can't tell you how much I love a heroine that can take care of herself and others around her with out wimping out...yet you can feel her compassion and see how much she appreciates it when someone else takes care of her...mainly Jael, whom I can't even begin to describe my love for his character.  I loved seeing him turned into someone who not only cared for those around him, but how also learned how good it felt to have true friends, and to want to care for others. Striving to make others lives easier, not just his own.

Have I mentioned that I hope Ms. Aguirre visits this universe again?!?!? 

Review: CHILDREN OF SCARABAEUS by Sara Creasy

Scarabaeus #2

Science Fiction Romance

EOS an imprint of Harper Collins

336 pages

Available Now

Edie Sha'nim and Finn are back, picking up shortly after we last saw them, having escaped Scarabaeus and the Crib. Edie is in a bad way as she is in desperate need of a new neuroxin implant. Still connected by the neurological tether planted by the Crib, Finn is anxious to help Edie. Though the leash isn't the only thing holding him, he truly cares for her. When the Fringe post they are on is overtaken by the Crib, Edie and Finn attempt to escape, only to be recaptured.

Being the best cypherteck, Edie is not someone the Crib is willing to let got. Liv Natesa needs Edie and has no problem using Finn once again to convince Edie to help her fix her latest project, the one she is currently using children to fix, children from Talas, children like Edie when she first started working for the Crib.

Can Edie and Finn release the children from the Crib? Can Edie and Finn's leash be broken? What will become of them if it is? Will Finn still want to stay with Edie? Why are they drawn back to Scarabaeus? Does she still sing for release or is there something more sinister holding on to the planet?

So many questions, and only one way to find out the answers... you must read CHILDREN OF SCARABAEUS!

****
Sara Creasy took me on another phenomenal trip across the universe in CHILDREN OF SCARABAEUS, as she continued to catapult me into the thrilling escapades of Edie and Finn. She did a fantastic job weaving adventure, suspense, science fiction, and romance into an captivating tale that enthralled me from start to finish.

I loved watching Edie and Finn's relationship go to the next level and continue to grow. I could understand Edie's fears and struggles, as she wasn't sure if Finn was with her only because of the leash or if he truly had feelings for her. She also knew that she was risking a lot by refusing to leave the children to the Crib. I loved that Ms. Creasy took her to the edge and didn't give her an easy out.


We were never left wondering what Finn would do, and I liked that. He was very straightforward in his feelings. It doesn't hurt that Finn is such a delicious character, he's strong, very alpha, caring and absolutely oozes sex appeal. If I had to be attached to someone, he would be a top-pick!


I liked how Scarabaeus was worked back into the story, it was a very interesting twist that I never expected. I also liked seeing Cat again, she was a fun, interesting character that I would like to see more of, she has a lot of depth and mystery that I think would be great to explore further, if Ms. Creasy ever chose to expand on this series. I really hope that she writes more about Finn and Edie, I would like to see where else their travels could take them and what other kind of trouble could they get in and out of.

Rating: 5 / 5

Author's Website



Night Owl Reviews