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Aurora Resonant #1
Relativity
“I’d tell you to be careful, but we wouldn’t be here if you’d ever taken that advice. No reason to start now, right?”
For millennia the Anadens have ruled the known universe. They believe they’ve crafted the perfect empire, ordered and impervious to challenge. They believe the fight has been crushed out of the species they subjugate. They are wrong.
It’s a suicide mission, without a doubt. Alex Solovy and Caleb Marano must steal crucial intelligence from the Anadens’ central military headquarters. To succeed, they’ll need to navigate a strange universe ruled by a cabal of powerful immortals, populated by aliens they’ve never met and fueled by technology they’ve never seen. They’re going to need a little help—the kind of help only a suicidally defiant anarchist on the run from more than just personal demons can provide.
As Anaden agents close in, back home in Aurora humanity races to prepare. Steeled from the Metigen invasion and the rise of Prevos, no longer will they wait for doom to come to them. Forewarned the Anadens intend to crush them out of existence, humans, Artificials and Prevos join together to bring the war to the doorstep of the enemy, even as a shadowy foe re-emerges to jeopardize all they’ve built.
*
Our universe is but a snowglobe—an experiment born of desperation and hope. The true universe is unfathomably vast, teeming with life and untold wonders. And it is enslaved.
Created by ancient aliens in a daring gambit to understand the nature of the enemy, humanity is now asked to be the savior of a universe not their own. If they are to succeed, they must rise above not only their fractious past but the sins of their genetic ancestors to boldly embrace a future they never dared imagine possible.
For millennia the Anadens have ruled the known universe. They believe they’ve crafted the perfect empire, ordered and impervious to challenge. They believe the fight has been crushed out of the species they subjugate. They are wrong.
It’s a suicide mission, without a doubt. Alex Solovy and Caleb Marano must steal crucial intelligence from the Anadens’ central military headquarters. To succeed, they’ll need to navigate a strange universe ruled by a cabal of powerful immortals, populated by aliens they’ve never met and fueled by technology they’ve never seen. They’re going to need a little help—the kind of help only a suicidally defiant anarchist on the run from more than just personal demons can provide.
As Anaden agents close in, back home in Aurora humanity races to prepare. Steeled from the Metigen invasion and the rise of Prevos, no longer will they wait for doom to come to them. Forewarned the Anadens intend to crush them out of existence, humans, Artificials and Prevos join together to bring the war to the doorstep of the enemy, even as a shadowy foe re-emerges to jeopardize all they’ve built.
*
Our universe is but a snowglobe—an experiment born of desperation and hope. The true universe is unfathomably vast, teeming with life and untold wonders. And it is enslaved.
Created by ancient aliens in a daring gambit to understand the nature of the enemy, humanity is now asked to be the savior of a universe not their own. If they are to succeed, they must rise above not only their fractious past but the sins of their genetic ancestors to boldly embrace a future they never dared imagine possible.
475 pages, ebook
First published December 16, 2016
87 people are currently reading
418 people want to read
About the author
G.S. Jennsen
52 books515 followersG. S. Jennsen is a speculative and science fiction author, as well as a futurist, geek, gamer, programmer and editor. She has become an internationally bestselling author since her first novel, Starshine, was published in March 2014. She has chosen to continue writing under an independent publishing model to ensure the integrity of her series and her ability to execute on the vision she’s had for it since its genesis.
While she has been a lawyer, a software engineer and an editor, she’s found the life of a full-time author preferable by several orders of magnitude.
When she isn’t writing, she’s gaming or working out or getting lost in the mountains that loom large outside the windows in her home. Or she’s dealing with a flooded basement, or standing in a line at Walmart reading the tabloid headlines and wondering who all of those people are. Or sitting on her back porch with a glass of wine, looking up at the stars, trying to figure out what could be up there.
While she has been a lawyer, a software engineer and an editor, she’s found the life of a full-time author preferable by several orders of magnitude.
When she isn’t writing, she’s gaming or working out or getting lost in the mountains that loom large outside the windows in her home. Or she’s dealing with a flooded basement, or standing in a line at Walmart reading the tabloid headlines and wondering who all of those people are. Or sitting on her back porch with a glass of wine, looking up at the stars, trying to figure out what could be up there.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 16, 2016
Another swoon worthy delivery. Except there's not all that much swooning involved in galactic battles. STILL.
Seven books later, I'm still buying this series on release day and looking forward to the next one. Alex and Caleb take it up a notch in this version. A fantastic addition.
Seven books later, I'm still buying this series on release day and looking forward to the next one. Alex and Caleb take it up a notch in this version. A fantastic addition.
August 25, 2021
This is a direct follow up from book #6 and it's the same breakneck adventure fullof battles, aliens, enemies become allies! Great as usual!
December 31, 2016
This book was amazing.
GS has turned the multiverse into a tangible, rich, vibrant entity beyond expectation. Between the multilayered, complex characters, well imagined and diverse species, technical concepts and kick-butt plots, this novel has been woven into a fine tapestry of phenomenal storytelling.
The only tiny negative is that we didn't get to experience more of Felzeor. I do hope we see more of him and a few of his Volucri kin in the next novel.
GS has turned the multiverse into a tangible, rich, vibrant entity beyond expectation. Between the multilayered, complex characters, well imagined and diverse species, technical concepts and kick-butt plots, this novel has been woven into a fine tapestry of phenomenal storytelling.
The only tiny negative is that we didn't get to experience more of Felzeor. I do hope we see more of him and a few of his Volucri kin in the next novel.
November 23, 2020
Another wonderful addition to this series! All of our favorite characters are back with a few new additions in another gripping storyline. Ms. Jennsen's worldbuilding is complex and layered. This is so much more than space opera. Highly recommend!
December 16, 2016
Before I began reading this book, I was informed that it was probably the "most sci-fi" out of all the books in the Aurora Rhapsody series. I was also told it wasn't going to just be Abysm II; it would be a new chapter so to speak, with a different tone and style (which, if you've read the rest of the series, you may have been able to predict based on Abysm's ending).
Both of these things turned out to be 100% accurate.
While I'll always have a soft spot for Vertigo and Transcendence, I think Relativity has become a major contender for fave-of-the-series. Abysm dropped a major bombshell on us there at the end, and Relativity jumps straight into the action with Alex and Caleb acting on humanity's new-found knowledge. The book's blurb says it all: the humans aren't going to just stand by and let the enemy come to them this time. They're planning on beating the Anadens to the punch, and to do so they'll need help from characters both new and familiar.
Re/Genesis, a short story set just prior to the events of Relativity (I highly recommend reading it before this book), gives us a thrilling introduction to Eren asi-Idoni, one of those new characters. While I'm sure he'd be plenty capable of handling himself in combat situations, his strong suits are wit, agility, and all-out insanity. A fresh face amid a sea of characters who feel like old friends by this point, Eren makes a formidable -- if chaotic -- ally for our heroes, all while dealing with problems of his own and trying to escape from his past. Like the book itself, he has quickly become one of my favorite characters. He grew so much in this story alone, and I can't wait to see what the remainder of the series holds for him.
In addition to facing the possibility of an Anaden invasion, many of the cast members find themselves targeted by an unknown enemy, one whose attacks are up close and personal, in more ways than one. Fan-favorites like Devon, Mia, Malcolm, and Brooklyn end up working together in ways we haven't seen yet in this series, drawing on new technology and experiences in order to protect themselves and each other. Meanwhile, Miriam is as strong and stoic as ever as she leads humanity into the unknown.
I mentioned that this was the most sci fi book out of the entire series. That's not to say the others somehow aren't; this one just contains SO MUCH material. In the parts of the story that take place within Aurora, the cyberpunk element is more dominant than ever before, possibly because there are more Prevos/Artificials than ever before, and they're constantly evolving. New bleeding-edge technology ends up playing a crucial role in a sweeping space battle, the likes of which we haven't seen since Transcendence. The "military sci-fi" aspect of this series gets a chance to shine here. Meanwhile in Amaranthe, the exploration theme that was so dominant in the Aurora Renegades trilogy still plays a large role in this story as Alex and Caleb learn more about the Anadens, the Metigens/Katasketousya, and the dozens of other species who inhabit this alternate universe. Tack on a resistance-versus-evil-empire theme à la Star Wars, a (somewhat comedic) heist element, and some fantastical new alien abilities, and you have perhaps the most action-packed, intriguing, fun, and unique book in the series.
With only two books left (that we know of, anyway!) in this epic tale, it will be interesting to see how the story concludes. I can't wait to find out.
Both of these things turned out to be 100% accurate.
While I'll always have a soft spot for Vertigo and Transcendence, I think Relativity has become a major contender for fave-of-the-series. Abysm dropped a major bombshell on us there at the end, and Relativity jumps straight into the action with Alex and Caleb acting on humanity's new-found knowledge. The book's blurb says it all: the humans aren't going to just stand by and let the enemy come to them this time. They're planning on beating the Anadens to the punch, and to do so they'll need help from characters both new and familiar.
Re/Genesis, a short story set just prior to the events of Relativity (I highly recommend reading it before this book), gives us a thrilling introduction to Eren asi-Idoni, one of those new characters. While I'm sure he'd be plenty capable of handling himself in combat situations, his strong suits are wit, agility, and all-out insanity. A fresh face amid a sea of characters who feel like old friends by this point, Eren makes a formidable -- if chaotic -- ally for our heroes, all while dealing with problems of his own and trying to escape from his past. Like the book itself, he has quickly become one of my favorite characters. He grew so much in this story alone, and I can't wait to see what the remainder of the series holds for him.
In addition to facing the possibility of an Anaden invasion, many of the cast members find themselves targeted by an unknown enemy, one whose attacks are up close and personal, in more ways than one. Fan-favorites like Devon, Mia, Malcolm, and Brooklyn end up working together in ways we haven't seen yet in this series, drawing on new technology and experiences in order to protect themselves and each other. Meanwhile, Miriam is as strong and stoic as ever as she leads humanity into the unknown.
I mentioned that this was the most sci fi book out of the entire series. That's not to say the others somehow aren't; this one just contains SO MUCH material. In the parts of the story that take place within Aurora, the cyberpunk element is more dominant than ever before, possibly because there are more Prevos/Artificials than ever before, and they're constantly evolving. New bleeding-edge technology ends up playing a crucial role in a sweeping space battle, the likes of which we haven't seen since Transcendence. The "military sci-fi" aspect of this series gets a chance to shine here. Meanwhile in Amaranthe, the exploration theme that was so dominant in the Aurora Renegades trilogy still plays a large role in this story as Alex and Caleb learn more about the Anadens, the Metigens/Katasketousya, and the dozens of other species who inhabit this alternate universe. Tack on a resistance-versus-evil-empire theme à la Star Wars, a (somewhat comedic) heist element, and some fantastical new alien abilities, and you have perhaps the most action-packed, intriguing, fun, and unique book in the series.
With only two books left (that we know of, anyway!) in this epic tale, it will be interesting to see how the story concludes. I can't wait to find out.
December 14, 2016
Finished... and what a ride!
As we say here in Scotland... pure dead brilliant!
I loved it! It took me a while to finish it because, alas, real life kept interrupting me. How rude! :D
The story is engaging as usual and I'll probably send you the doctor's bill for all the heart attacks I got while reading it.
Thank you again for the adventure <3
Nadia
As we say here in Scotland... pure dead brilliant!
I loved it! It took me a while to finish it because, alas, real life kept interrupting me. How rude! :D
The story is engaging as usual and I'll probably send you the doctor's bill for all the heart attacks I got while reading it.
Thank you again for the adventure <3
Nadia
December 19, 2016
Relativity, exciting and fresh, managed to elevate an already awesome series. I really enjoyed it.
I like that the third trilogy has a wonderfully different, yet consistent, storyline - expanding the setting once again to include new and fascinating societies, while still tying in the original characters that I’ve fallen in love with throughout the series. Even more, I love that Jennsen’s worlds start to merge, with diverse sets of characters interacting in intriguing and often amusing ways. The Siyane has never been so fun, even in the midst of so much darkness.
While the middle trilogy had a lovely exploratory quality, the final trilogy reclaims the urgency reached by the end of the first - galaxies at war and a strong few souls with the resolve to take a stand - while still preserving Jennsen’s delightfully sci-fi undercurrent of questioning what it means to be human, and also to be sentient. And, of course, it includes a weaving of romance, Jennsen style. And a delightful layer of humor as well.
Relativity manages to be exciting, funny, suspenseful, and totally satisfying all at once. I look forward with great enthusiasm to the final two books.
I like that the third trilogy has a wonderfully different, yet consistent, storyline - expanding the setting once again to include new and fascinating societies, while still tying in the original characters that I’ve fallen in love with throughout the series. Even more, I love that Jennsen’s worlds start to merge, with diverse sets of characters interacting in intriguing and often amusing ways. The Siyane has never been so fun, even in the midst of so much darkness.
While the middle trilogy had a lovely exploratory quality, the final trilogy reclaims the urgency reached by the end of the first - galaxies at war and a strong few souls with the resolve to take a stand - while still preserving Jennsen’s delightfully sci-fi undercurrent of questioning what it means to be human, and also to be sentient. And, of course, it includes a weaving of romance, Jennsen style. And a delightful layer of humor as well.
Relativity manages to be exciting, funny, suspenseful, and totally satisfying all at once. I look forward with great enthusiasm to the final two books.
December 16, 2016
If you read Abysm and thought the story couldn’t possibly get any bigger, the stakes couldn’t be raised any higher, and the universe couldn’t get any more complicated, you were wrong. G.S. Jennsen delivers all of that and more in this fast-paced introduction to the third trilogy of her Aurora Rhapsody saga.
We get a much closer look into Anaden society here. There are pieces of it that feel familiar and human and other parts that seem entirely foreign and alien. We get to meet some of their opposition in the anarchs, including an Anaden named Eren asi-Idoni. He was quite possibly my favorite part of this book, and easily gets bumped up towards the top of my list of favorite characters in this series. He’s different than many of the other heroes we’ve seen in the story, clever and reckless to the point of being almost insane, and surprisingly charming and immediately endearing compared to the other aliens we’ve encountered in the series thus far. Another alien moving up a few spots on that list after reading this book: the Metigen Mnemosyne, who plays a bigger and more vital role in the story here than they ever have before.
Back at home in our own universe, things aren’t all peaceful and quiet. The characters there find themselves in some dire situations facing a new, mysterious enemy while trying to prepare for the Anaden threat. Brooklyn Harper, Devon Reynolds, and Malcolm Jenner really get a chance to shine here, and Miriam Solovy continues to be a force to be reckoned with.
There’s a lot of science here, so those of you who enjoy that sort of thing should be pleased. I honestly don’t; in fact, in previous reviews of earlier books in this series, I complained about what felt to me like an overwhelming amount of scientific explanation crammed into the story. Here, that’s not the case. The science becomes central to the plot in such a way that it feels relevant and drastically alters many of the scenarios the characters find themselves in. More importantly, it’s integrated into the story in such a way that it never felt like I was reading an overly complicated textbook, so even non-scientifically-inclined people like myself could grasp and even enjoy the concepts presented. And it’s just a really well-written piece of literature. I’ve always thought the author was talented, but she really outdid herself this time around. This stands to become my favorite book of the series, and I can’t wait to see what Jennsen has in store for us next. Whatever it is, it’s sure to be one hell of a ride.
We get a much closer look into Anaden society here. There are pieces of it that feel familiar and human and other parts that seem entirely foreign and alien. We get to meet some of their opposition in the anarchs, including an Anaden named Eren asi-Idoni. He was quite possibly my favorite part of this book, and easily gets bumped up towards the top of my list of favorite characters in this series. He’s different than many of the other heroes we’ve seen in the story, clever and reckless to the point of being almost insane, and surprisingly charming and immediately endearing compared to the other aliens we’ve encountered in the series thus far. Another alien moving up a few spots on that list after reading this book: the Metigen Mnemosyne, who plays a bigger and more vital role in the story here than they ever have before.
Back at home in our own universe, things aren’t all peaceful and quiet. The characters there find themselves in some dire situations facing a new, mysterious enemy while trying to prepare for the Anaden threat. Brooklyn Harper, Devon Reynolds, and Malcolm Jenner really get a chance to shine here, and Miriam Solovy continues to be a force to be reckoned with.
There’s a lot of science here, so those of you who enjoy that sort of thing should be pleased. I honestly don’t; in fact, in previous reviews of earlier books in this series, I complained about what felt to me like an overwhelming amount of scientific explanation crammed into the story. Here, that’s not the case. The science becomes central to the plot in such a way that it feels relevant and drastically alters many of the scenarios the characters find themselves in. More importantly, it’s integrated into the story in such a way that it never felt like I was reading an overly complicated textbook, so even non-scientifically-inclined people like myself could grasp and even enjoy the concepts presented. And it’s just a really well-written piece of literature. I’ve always thought the author was talented, but she really outdid herself this time around. This stands to become my favorite book of the series, and I can’t wait to see what Jennsen has in store for us next. Whatever it is, it’s sure to be one hell of a ride.
June 8, 2019
During reading this, the 7th book in the Aurora series, I reached that point where I find myself uttering key dialog verbatim right before a character utters it. These characters are now ingrained into my head in the same way, albeit at a lower resolution, that I believe they are in the author's mind. All kind of parallels with the Prevos and David Solovy come to mind, but I won't let those distract further from an actual review. Best Aurora book yet. Less annoying immature relationship issues between characters, many, many new cool tech ideas, and a huge expansion of the complexity and diversity of the multiverse the book now occupies. Pure fun.
May 8, 2019
Very well done
Ms. Jennsen continues to build this outstanding saga and it has turned out to be an enjoyable read. Thank goodness it has been completed, as I hate the cliffhanger format. Thus I found myself at o-dark thirty opening up Amazon and ordering the next two books by e-mail. Yes, instant gratification and a couple more days to enjoy this world/universe.
Ms. Jennsen continues to build this outstanding saga and it has turned out to be an enjoyable read. Thank goodness it has been completed, as I hate the cliffhanger format. Thus I found myself at o-dark thirty opening up Amazon and ordering the next two books by e-mail. Yes, instant gratification and a couple more days to enjoy this world/universe.
December 15, 2016
GS Jennsen's world continues to expand in this action-packed introduction to the Resonant trilogy. A great read that beautifully sets up what promises to be another awesome instalment in the Aurora universe; can't wait to see what comes next!
February 6, 2017
Jennsen has done it again! Seriously, if you're a fan of series-spanning epic stories, check out this series of books. You won't regret it.
December 19, 2016
Relativity serves to continue the storyline threads of the first two trilogies, while drastically expanding the scope of the Aurora Rhapsody universe yet again. Universe, as in one singular universe. irony.
Although I am sure it is a given, I have to state it anyway: this book is amazing.
Jennsen's ability to build an entire universe and new cast of characters that you immediately see, understand, and empathize with so quickly is in full swing here. Amaranthe and its inhabitants become fully fleshed out in the blink of an eye, and they are riveting.
My favorite thing about the depiction of Amaranthe is how it caused me to speculate about how the Anadens got to where they are at in comparison to the Humans of Aurora. I like to think about how the technology of Aurora might evolve into that of Amaranthe. Or maybe the differences in their species beginnings would spiral into drastically different technology. The universes of Aurora Rhapsody are built out so well and are made so realistic that it makes me automatically think of Aurora to be "my" universe and Amaranthe to be a real universe out there.
A massive addition to this installment of Aurora Rhapsody is the persepctives of the AI's being so prominent. As the AI's are evolving in the story, they are also becoming more integral and natural character POV's in the book, which is a fantastic parallel. I also just love them all so much :D
Read this book! Right after you read all the ones that have come before!
Although I am sure it is a given, I have to state it anyway: this book is amazing.
Jennsen's ability to build an entire universe and new cast of characters that you immediately see, understand, and empathize with so quickly is in full swing here. Amaranthe and its inhabitants become fully fleshed out in the blink of an eye, and they are riveting.
My favorite thing about the depiction of Amaranthe is how it caused me to speculate about how the Anadens got to where they are at in comparison to the Humans of Aurora. I like to think about how the technology of Aurora might evolve into that of Amaranthe. Or maybe the differences in their species beginnings would spiral into drastically different technology. The universes of Aurora Rhapsody are built out so well and are made so realistic that it makes me automatically think of Aurora to be "my" universe and Amaranthe to be a real universe out there.
A massive addition to this installment of Aurora Rhapsody is the persepctives of the AI's being so prominent. As the AI's are evolving in the story, they are also becoming more integral and natural character POV's in the book, which is a fantastic parallel. I also just love them all so much :D
Read this book! Right after you read all the ones that have come before!
May 17, 2021
As Ms Jennsen peels back the layers of the universes, and as each aspect is exposed in this amazingly clever mosaic, we continue to get wisps of sentience that may have much further influence in the future. Reading these meticulously constructed novels in this amazing series becomes an experience that draws you in deeper and deeper until you just don't want it to stop! The good news is that, you can read it a second time and enjoy it even more! I love how despite the amazing science, the imaginative breadth of possible alien sentience and the intriguing structure of the Universes, It is still a story of characters, interacting on an amazingly large stage that continues to reflect on the possibilities of our humanity. It is both exciting and sobering and often emotional. And despite all of that.....its a really great story! I cant wait for the next adventure to see if some of the things I think could happen will, or if as usual, I will be so happy with the surprises that Ms Jennsen continues to throw in with reckless abandon!! Thank you for such an enjoyable series.
December 15, 2016
No spoilers in this review!
G. S. Jennsen gets it. Great sci-fi is character driven sci-fi, and Relativity is great sci-fi. I would suggest reading both preceding trilogies first – as one should with any great series – if you haven’t already, they’re well worth your time. If you’ve already done so, then why are you still reading this review when you could be reading Relativity? Wanting to make sure your favorite character does something cool? They do. Wanting to make sure that everything in Relativity is internally consistent, just like G. S.’ other works? It is. The pacing is spot on, dialogue snappy, fight scenes excellent, space combat multidimensional; the characters all have agency, consistency, and show growth. I’d love to see the entire Aurora series as a TV show, but you’d need at least a season per book to do it justice.
TL;DR – G. S. Jennsen writes phenomenal stuff, and Relativity is no exception. Buy it!
G. S. Jennsen gets it. Great sci-fi is character driven sci-fi, and Relativity is great sci-fi. I would suggest reading both preceding trilogies first – as one should with any great series – if you haven’t already, they’re well worth your time. If you’ve already done so, then why are you still reading this review when you could be reading Relativity? Wanting to make sure your favorite character does something cool? They do. Wanting to make sure that everything in Relativity is internally consistent, just like G. S.’ other works? It is. The pacing is spot on, dialogue snappy, fight scenes excellent, space combat multidimensional; the characters all have agency, consistency, and show growth. I’d love to see the entire Aurora series as a TV show, but you’d need at least a season per book to do it justice.
TL;DR – G. S. Jennsen writes phenomenal stuff, and Relativity is no exception. Buy it!
June 16, 2017
Easily my favorite in the series so far. In part because I've grown fond of the main characters. In part because she's dropped (or I've adjusted to?) some of the technobabble from the first book in the first series.
Brilliant growth and emerging complexity in the primary and secondary characters (not just the human ones), nice development of the relationships, and impressive expansion of the multiverse as we jump into this third trilogy.
I loved the exploration and conversation (just before mid-way?) about the core of what it is to be human. And a delightful turn that this conversation is between Mesme and Valkyrie.
Even more, in this novel I appreciate the rebalancing of the unique strengths of Alex and Caleb as each faces new challenges and hurdles as we race toward the portal battle.
Bring on "Rubicon" (yes, we bought it and put it onto our kindles last week)!
Brilliant growth and emerging complexity in the primary and secondary characters (not just the human ones), nice development of the relationships, and impressive expansion of the multiverse as we jump into this third trilogy.
I loved the exploration and conversation (just before mid-way?) about the core of what it is to be human. And a delightful turn that this conversation is between Mesme and Valkyrie.
Even more, in this novel I appreciate the rebalancing of the unique strengths of Alex and Caleb as each faces new challenges and hurdles as we race toward the portal battle.
Bring on "Rubicon" (yes, we bought it and put it onto our kindles last week)!
December 27, 2016
Every book just gets better and better. As with the earlier books, I still generally enjoyed Alex and Caleb's part of the story more than the "rest of the universe" part (especially since that's the part with so many characters to keep track of). However, in this book there were more cliffhangers in the Aurora section so it was very compelling! I loved learning more about the Amaranthe universe though. Their society is so interesting, and it was awesome to learn more about the Metigens / Kats as well. The ending was SO GOOD and I can't wait to read the next one! Thank goodness Jennsen writes so fast! :D
January 9, 2017
To me, this book had a bit different feel to it than the previous six in the series. Up until now humans have kind of been winging it out there in the universe. While I miss the wonderment and innocence from the first few books, I love the slow transition to this point where humans emerge as a formidable force and are beginning to navigate the universe with knowledge and confidence. I liked how various characters are turning into allies and possibly even friends. I'm curious to see where things are going to go from here. I don't know how much more humans can possibly master but I'm sure it's going to be interesting, especially with Caleb and Alex - still my favourites.
March 19, 2019
In this book, we learn a lot about the reor, the diati and a bit about the Dzhvar.
Annnnd, I'm thinking this: is it possible that the ennemi in Asterion Noir is also the Dzhvar? It is said that Anaden eliminate them, but what if they did not?
*This is not a review, just some notes to me when I'm gonna read the Asterion Noir series.
Annnnd, I'm thinking this: is it possible that the ennemi in Asterion Noir is also the Dzhvar? It is said that Anaden eliminate them, but what if they did not?
*This is not a review, just some notes to me when I'm gonna read the Asterion Noir series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2023
Good book bit too much romance.
Interesting ideas.
Unfortunately the main charter has God like abilities and it makes it less compelling of a work.
It is a good read nonetheless but it gets a bit annoy sometimes that no one else seems to pull weight.
Interesting ideas.
Unfortunately the main charter has God like abilities and it makes it less compelling of a work.
It is a good read nonetheless but it gets a bit annoy sometimes that no one else seems to pull weight.
December 26, 2016
Heating up
I have to say Jennsen's writing is superb and I'm becoming more and more engrossed with the characters as they develop. I can't wait for the next book!
I have to say Jennsen's writing is superb and I'm becoming more and more engrossed with the characters as they develop. I can't wait for the next book!
October 30, 2025
excellent story with a well thought out plot
March 19, 2017
Continues to be one of the best Sci Fi available. At the end of the audiobook I was so into I had no idea I was at the end an I was shocked it was over, I was just so into it at that point I could see each charactor and Pyper Down the narrator of this entore series just gets better and better. Her voices are so individual for each charactor. I would have trouble switching narrators at this point in the series. I see this listed some times as military sci fi, I don't think that fits I would just keep it in the space opera sub genre. Great book great story telling.
December 26, 2019
I enjoyed the book following on from the previous 6 books, though there were elements that were so way out, that I did doubt it at times. I think the end justified the means :)
December 22, 2016
This review is based on the advance copy I received from her.
The combined forces of the Earth Alliance and the Senecan Federation slowly recover from a successful – but costly – encounter with the Metigen forces. The shadowy pandimensional beings constituting the Directorate, are unaware of the existence of humans in a remote corner of the Galaxy whilst the ruthless Anaden civilisation, controlled by the Directorate, concentrate on harvesting materials from other worlds and planets. The overall aim is to enslave and marshal the resources of an unfathomably vast universe.
On board the Siyane, Caleb and Alex – plus Valkyrie and Mesme – receive information about the location of one of the Anaden’s research facilities. Rescuing a renegade member of the Directorate, they recover a vast amount of information and, as the location of Mesme’s hitherto hidden home world is suddenly revealed, its inhabitants shift to the other side of the galaxy. As the Anaden facility is destroyed, events elsewhere initially suggest Olivia Montgreu (see ‘Abysm’) isn’t dead whilst the Alliance’s Dimensional Rifter – with the ability to divert incoming weapons fire into a dimensionless black hole – briefly misbehaves.
And we’re not quite halfway through the book…
Battle is again joined, this time with the Earth Alliance benefiting from some powerful and highly unexpected allies. There’s also a fully functioning Dimensional Rifter plus various matter/antimatter weapons…
‘Relativity’ ends with the enigmatic comment from the leader of the anarchs that Miriam Solovy’s formidable fleet is not the fulcrum on which the outcome of the forthcoming war will turn.
That role is Caleb’s…
According to an e-mail from GSJ (December 16) “the sequel – ‘Rubicon’ – will be ready in late May/early June 2017, subject to how smoothly the writing goes.”
The combined forces of the Earth Alliance and the Senecan Federation slowly recover from a successful – but costly – encounter with the Metigen forces. The shadowy pandimensional beings constituting the Directorate, are unaware of the existence of humans in a remote corner of the Galaxy whilst the ruthless Anaden civilisation, controlled by the Directorate, concentrate on harvesting materials from other worlds and planets. The overall aim is to enslave and marshal the resources of an unfathomably vast universe.
On board the Siyane, Caleb and Alex – plus Valkyrie and Mesme – receive information about the location of one of the Anaden’s research facilities. Rescuing a renegade member of the Directorate, they recover a vast amount of information and, as the location of Mesme’s hitherto hidden home world is suddenly revealed, its inhabitants shift to the other side of the galaxy. As the Anaden facility is destroyed, events elsewhere initially suggest Olivia Montgreu (see ‘Abysm’) isn’t dead whilst the Alliance’s Dimensional Rifter – with the ability to divert incoming weapons fire into a dimensionless black hole – briefly misbehaves.
And we’re not quite halfway through the book…
Battle is again joined, this time with the Earth Alliance benefiting from some powerful and highly unexpected allies. There’s also a fully functioning Dimensional Rifter plus various matter/antimatter weapons…
‘Relativity’ ends with the enigmatic comment from the leader of the anarchs that Miriam Solovy’s formidable fleet is not the fulcrum on which the outcome of the forthcoming war will turn.
That role is Caleb’s…
According to an e-mail from GSJ (December 16) “the sequel – ‘Rubicon’ – will be ready in late May/early June 2017, subject to how smoothly the writing goes.”
January 19, 2017
These Aurora stories are great contributions to the SciFi genre and literature in general. The characterization of Alex and Caleb, Valkyrie, Mesme and Miriam are excellent and the topics of human nature include many faults in each character. There is a real feeling of respect for each character's journey and difficulties as well as how they overcome each one. Loss, loneliness, addiction, illness, and politics feature heavily in many of their stories--often overlaying and intertwining.
SciFi topics including FTL space travel, matter/antimatter weaponry, and artificial intelligence phenomena are explored in great detail. The concept of a multiverse is not just addressed but explored to a point where readers can easily conceptualize the possibilities. One of the more interesting topics for me was the investigation on potential alien morality as Alex and Caleb meet other life forms. They are regularly identifying that alien lifeforms may have completely different perceptions and readings of situations than humanity--and they roll with it.
Underlying all plots and storylines is an outline based in Greek and Roman mythology including the concepts of chronos and kairos, societal structure among the Anadens, and more. Indeed. mythology from various points in human history and culture are mentioned specifically in context of the matter/antimatter weaponry, as well as less prominently for other plot points.
Maybe my favorite aspect, and this could be telling, is that the leads are female voices. It's most refreshing in SciFi specifically, and literature in general, to have strong female voices characterized as the leads in any story. Valkyrie, Alex, Miriam, and secondary characters like Mia provide awesome storylines and kick just as much action as the male leads.
My one chief criticism regarding the human story focuses on the aspect of gender. Even into the future, in an era with quantum computing, multiverse, and multiple tangible dimensionality (beyond our usual three), gender is still identified as binary. The characters experience sexuality as male and female, though I would expect over time something more like Kim Stanley Robinson's visions of the future. Even though human love is shown as male/female, male/male, and female/female depending on the characters, all the characters (including AI's) have discrete gender identity.
Other than that, I really appreciated shout-outs to other SciFi authors with easter eggs like a pilot named David Bowman, glancing references to Dune, and more. These are well-written books and I am really looking forward to watching events play out for Miriam, Alex and Caleb (and the others).
SciFi topics including FTL space travel, matter/antimatter weaponry, and artificial intelligence phenomena are explored in great detail. The concept of a multiverse is not just addressed but explored to a point where readers can easily conceptualize the possibilities. One of the more interesting topics for me was the investigation on potential alien morality as Alex and Caleb meet other life forms. They are regularly identifying that alien lifeforms may have completely different perceptions and readings of situations than humanity--and they roll with it.
Underlying all plots and storylines is an outline based in Greek and Roman mythology including the concepts of chronos and kairos, societal structure among the Anadens, and more. Indeed. mythology from various points in human history and culture are mentioned specifically in context of the matter/antimatter weaponry, as well as less prominently for other plot points.
Maybe my favorite aspect, and this could be telling, is that the leads are female voices. It's most refreshing in SciFi specifically, and literature in general, to have strong female voices characterized as the leads in any story. Valkyrie, Alex, Miriam, and secondary characters like Mia provide awesome storylines and kick just as much action as the male leads.
My one chief criticism regarding the human story focuses on the aspect of gender. Even into the future, in an era with quantum computing, multiverse, and multiple tangible dimensionality (beyond our usual three), gender is still identified as binary. The characters experience sexuality as male and female, though I would expect over time something more like Kim Stanley Robinson's visions of the future. Even though human love is shown as male/female, male/male, and female/female depending on the characters, all the characters (including AI's) have discrete gender identity.
Other than that, I really appreciated shout-outs to other SciFi authors with easter eggs like a pilot named David Bowman, glancing references to Dune, and more. These are well-written books and I am really looking forward to watching events play out for Miriam, Alex and Caleb (and the others).
February 5, 2017
Relative Praise
I have devoured each of G.S. Jennsen's books like a man starved for, not a space opera, but more aptly, a space symphony. Jennsen's novels must be consumed in order, otherwise one will lose a thread of most intricate design. Robust characters that you will care about, willingly put their lives on the line to protect mankind and each other. The author has created a multi-layered universe and villains intent on destroying all they do not rule. Try taking a bite of Jennsen's satisfying world and it's life-affirming story.
I have devoured each of G.S. Jennsen's books like a man starved for, not a space opera, but more aptly, a space symphony. Jennsen's novels must be consumed in order, otherwise one will lose a thread of most intricate design. Robust characters that you will care about, willingly put their lives on the line to protect mankind and each other. The author has created a multi-layered universe and villains intent on destroying all they do not rule. Try taking a bite of Jennsen's satisfying world and it's life-affirming story.
December 23, 2016
Brilliant Storytelling
This book was amazing.
GS has turned the multiverse into a tangible, rich, vibrant entity beyond expectation. Between the multilayered, complex characters, well imagined and diverse species, technical concepts and kick-butt plots, this novel has been woven into a fine tapestry of phenomenal storytelling.
The only tiny negative is that we didn't get to experience more of Felzeor. I do hope we see more of him and a few of his Volucri kin in the next novel.
This book was amazing.
GS has turned the multiverse into a tangible, rich, vibrant entity beyond expectation. Between the multilayered, complex characters, well imagined and diverse species, technical concepts and kick-butt plots, this novel has been woven into a fine tapestry of phenomenal storytelling.
The only tiny negative is that we didn't get to experience more of Felzeor. I do hope we see more of him and a few of his Volucri kin in the next novel.
August 10, 2019
Just gets better...
This series has been great from the start, but this book takes us even further.
With multiple universes, numerous dimensions, an abundance of alien species, self aware AIs, human/AI hybrids, space battles, epic plots and schemes, heroes, villains and maybe a bit of romance just to make things even more interesting.
All in all, another great book in a great series.
This series has been great from the start, but this book takes us even further.
With multiple universes, numerous dimensions, an abundance of alien species, self aware AIs, human/AI hybrids, space battles, epic plots and schemes, heroes, villains and maybe a bit of romance just to make things even more interesting.
All in all, another great book in a great series.
December 6, 2016
Another great adventure with Caleb and Alex. Things are reaching critical mass in the universes and something cataclysmic is about to happen somewhere. We learned a lot in this episode but many more answers will be forthcoming as the story continues with Relativity, the first book of the Aurora Resonant trilogy. Can't wait for Dec 16th.
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