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Atrophy #2
Quantum
Someone wants Captain Admiral Zander Graydon dead. Like yesterday. Zander’s convinced his attractive assistant knows more than she’s willing to say, and if he can stop running long enough, he’ll find out exactly what she’s hiding. Lieutenant Marshal Mae Petros is determined to keep her CO safe. Before she tips her hand, however, Mae has to figure out if the alluring man she’s protecting is the real Captain Admiral Graydon. Or an alien shape-shifting imposter.
On the run and no one to trust…not even each other.
Captain Admiral Zander Graydon has seen a lot of action, but almost getting killed three times in one day is pushing it. Only the company of his new assistant, Lieutenant Marshal Mae Petros, makes things a little easier to swallow. Except the delectable Lieutenant Marshal Petros is hiding a number of secrets, and her presence might have something to do with the continued attempts on his life.
It’s no accident Lieutenant Marshal Mae Petros finds herself in the firing line alongside the charming but very off-limits Captain Admiral Graydon. She’s taken the job as the admiral’s assistant to determine if a shape-shifting alien has killed the CO and assumed his form. Whether the admiral is human or not, Mae finds herself getting way too close to him as they run for their lives.
Military to the core, Mae and Zander will have to overcome their suspicions of each other to work together, when they realize the fate of the entire universe is at stake.
Previous edition for this ASIN found here
On the run and no one to trust…not even each other.
Captain Admiral Zander Graydon has seen a lot of action, but almost getting killed three times in one day is pushing it. Only the company of his new assistant, Lieutenant Marshal Mae Petros, makes things a little easier to swallow. Except the delectable Lieutenant Marshal Petros is hiding a number of secrets, and her presence might have something to do with the continued attempts on his life.
It’s no accident Lieutenant Marshal Mae Petros finds herself in the firing line alongside the charming but very off-limits Captain Admiral Graydon. She’s taken the job as the admiral’s assistant to determine if a shape-shifting alien has killed the CO and assumed his form. Whether the admiral is human or not, Mae finds herself getting way too close to him as they run for their lives.
Military to the core, Mae and Zander will have to overcome their suspicions of each other to work together, when they realize the fate of the entire universe is at stake.
Previous edition for this ASIN found here
324 pages, ebook
First published August 8, 2016
14 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Jess Anastasi
26 books182 followersJess has been making up stories ever since she can remember. Though her messy handwriting made it hard for anyone else to read them, she wasn’t deterred and now she gets to make up stories for a living. She loves loud music, a good book on a rainy day, and probably spends too much time watching too many TV shows. Jess lives in regional Victoria, Australia. Find out more about Jess on her website www.jessanastasi.com
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January 21, 2020
Reread Jan 2020 - just as good the second time!
This review can also be found at All About Romance: http://allaboutromance.com/book-revie...
Quantum is the second book in the Atrophy series by Jess Anastasi. If you’ve been missing science fiction TV shows like Star Trek’s Voyager and Enterprise, Battlestar Galactica, or Firefly, this series will remind you of everything you love about science fiction romance. It’s got aliens, advanced technology, and dedicated starship crews. And if you’ve never picked up a science fiction romance before, you’d be well advised to start with a series like this one. With a complete couple romance and a happy for now ending in each story, it’s easy to pick up any one and dive right in. While each novel can stand alone, you’ll get the maximum benefit if you start at the beginning as the overall story arc begins in book one of the series, Atrophy, and will continue until the conclusion.
Like many science fiction and fantasy novels, there are several characters that feature intricately in the plot. Rian is the captain of the Imojenna starship, a former decorated Inter-Planetary Coalition (IPC) captain who is now on the run, accused of being a terrorist. After surviving the Assimilation Wars, he was captured and tortured by an alien species, as yet unknown to the human race, called the Reidar. They’ve conditioned in him the desire to wreak havoc and destruction, an overwhelming darkness he feels to the depths of his soul. But he fights against it every day. Members of his current crew include his sister Zahli, her partner Tannin, and Ella, an Aryn priestess whose telepathic powers are sought after. Ella is able to see the darkness in Rian and they’ve developed an emotional link that scares him – because without that darkness he fears he won’t be able to complete his mission. And that mission is one of revenge, against the species that held him captive. The Reidar are in the midst of a plan of universal domination, whereby they have been killing off high ranking military and government officials and replacing them with alien replicas. Only Rian and his crew know what’s happening. The problem is they don’t know who has already been replaced. Rian has a list of names, and one of them is his former military colleague Zander, now a Captain Admiral in the IPC. To that end, Rian has convinced his friend Mae, a former IPC soldier now on leave from the Universal Armed Forces Agency (UAFA) to infiltrate Zander’s crew with a fake assignment as Zander’s new assistant. Mae must determine whether Zander is human or has been replaced with an alien clone. But when Mae starts her assignment with Zander, things go off the rails very quickly. Someone is trying to kill them, but neither is sure who is the target. And to top it off, Zander and Mae can’t deny that there is an attraction between them. With the fate of humanity in his hands, Rian will stop at nothing to take down the Reidar even at the cost of his own life and those of his friends.
Just like in the old Star Trek shows, it’s never a good idea to get too attached to secondary characters as you don’t know exactly who is going to make it to the end of the episode. (Those poor red-shirted ensigns!) The same goes here. From the very start this is an action packed adventure, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader flipping pages as fast as possible, while trying to slow down enough to appreciate the world building and the care that has gone into creating the universe as it stands. The story has excellent descriptions of the spaceships involved, and the technology, while standard in most science fiction stories such as replicators and stun guns, still has unique characteristics to make it stand out. (I particularly like concept of the extravagance of real coffee beans versus repli-coffee).
The story is told from three points of view. As the key holding things together and the impetus for the plan to expose the Reidar, Rian gets equal page time with Zander and Mae. While he comes across as a dark and bitter man, he’s not without a conscience and tries desperately to keep control of his emotions. If ever a soldier suffered from PTSD, he’s it. There is plenty of sexual tension between him and Ella, the only woman to have penetrated his shields, (figuratively and literally) with her telepathic powers. They fairly smolder when on the page, and the link between them is sure to continue being a key part of the series. Rian can’t stand to be touched physically – except by Ella, whose hands on him also create the only mental peace that he knows. There’s been no real intimacy between them yet, but it’s coming. Rian has a short list of supporters; his crew and his cousin Qae, a space pirate (but don’t call him that to his face) who runs his own ship and gets dragged into the quagmire of Rian’s mission. Rian is a fascinating character and I enjoyed his point of view quite a lot.
The other two viewpoints come from the main romantic couple of this novel, Zander and Mae. Poor Mae! Not only does her first meeting with Zander result in some hair raising experiences, it also is very discomfiting for her to be attracted to a man she isn’t sure is actually human! This doubt colors all their initial interactions. Zander isn’t suspicious of Mae until he starts thinking of the timing of her arrival, and just knows something isn’t quite right. Being attracted to her, a woman technically his subordinate, is also a serious problem for Zander. But when the two of them find themselves marooned in a life or death situation, the natural human desire to be comforted becomes a heated affair. The sex scenes are well written without being overdone and definitely fit with the story. If Zander has a flaw, it’s that he’s been conditioned to follow military rule his whole adult life. Time and time again it’s Mae who comes to his rescue, able to think outside the box quickly and decisively. They are both strong characters but have different strengths, enough to make them a solid partnership. The question is whether they can learn to really trust each other, given the deceit with which their relationship starts.
Eventually the main characters converge and Rian’s plans start to be put into effect. Time is running out for him to do something before the Reidar are too numerous to control. Zander and Mae get their happy ending, but the story isn’t over. The combination of the all too human emotions experienced by Rian and his crew, combined with the science fiction aspects of the story, and the action packed and sometimes intense plot makes Quantum an exciting read.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
This review can also be found at All About Romance: http://allaboutromance.com/book-revie...
Quantum is the second book in the Atrophy series by Jess Anastasi. If you’ve been missing science fiction TV shows like Star Trek’s Voyager and Enterprise, Battlestar Galactica, or Firefly, this series will remind you of everything you love about science fiction romance. It’s got aliens, advanced technology, and dedicated starship crews. And if you’ve never picked up a science fiction romance before, you’d be well advised to start with a series like this one. With a complete couple romance and a happy for now ending in each story, it’s easy to pick up any one and dive right in. While each novel can stand alone, you’ll get the maximum benefit if you start at the beginning as the overall story arc begins in book one of the series, Atrophy, and will continue until the conclusion.
Like many science fiction and fantasy novels, there are several characters that feature intricately in the plot. Rian is the captain of the Imojenna starship, a former decorated Inter-Planetary Coalition (IPC) captain who is now on the run, accused of being a terrorist. After surviving the Assimilation Wars, he was captured and tortured by an alien species, as yet unknown to the human race, called the Reidar. They’ve conditioned in him the desire to wreak havoc and destruction, an overwhelming darkness he feels to the depths of his soul. But he fights against it every day. Members of his current crew include his sister Zahli, her partner Tannin, and Ella, an Aryn priestess whose telepathic powers are sought after. Ella is able to see the darkness in Rian and they’ve developed an emotional link that scares him – because without that darkness he fears he won’t be able to complete his mission. And that mission is one of revenge, against the species that held him captive. The Reidar are in the midst of a plan of universal domination, whereby they have been killing off high ranking military and government officials and replacing them with alien replicas. Only Rian and his crew know what’s happening. The problem is they don’t know who has already been replaced. Rian has a list of names, and one of them is his former military colleague Zander, now a Captain Admiral in the IPC. To that end, Rian has convinced his friend Mae, a former IPC soldier now on leave from the Universal Armed Forces Agency (UAFA) to infiltrate Zander’s crew with a fake assignment as Zander’s new assistant. Mae must determine whether Zander is human or has been replaced with an alien clone. But when Mae starts her assignment with Zander, things go off the rails very quickly. Someone is trying to kill them, but neither is sure who is the target. And to top it off, Zander and Mae can’t deny that there is an attraction between them. With the fate of humanity in his hands, Rian will stop at nothing to take down the Reidar even at the cost of his own life and those of his friends.
Just like in the old Star Trek shows, it’s never a good idea to get too attached to secondary characters as you don’t know exactly who is going to make it to the end of the episode. (Those poor red-shirted ensigns!) The same goes here. From the very start this is an action packed adventure, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader flipping pages as fast as possible, while trying to slow down enough to appreciate the world building and the care that has gone into creating the universe as it stands. The story has excellent descriptions of the spaceships involved, and the technology, while standard in most science fiction stories such as replicators and stun guns, still has unique characteristics to make it stand out. (I particularly like concept of the extravagance of real coffee beans versus repli-coffee).
The story is told from three points of view. As the key holding things together and the impetus for the plan to expose the Reidar, Rian gets equal page time with Zander and Mae. While he comes across as a dark and bitter man, he’s not without a conscience and tries desperately to keep control of his emotions. If ever a soldier suffered from PTSD, he’s it. There is plenty of sexual tension between him and Ella, the only woman to have penetrated his shields, (figuratively and literally) with her telepathic powers. They fairly smolder when on the page, and the link between them is sure to continue being a key part of the series. Rian can’t stand to be touched physically – except by Ella, whose hands on him also create the only mental peace that he knows. There’s been no real intimacy between them yet, but it’s coming. Rian has a short list of supporters; his crew and his cousin Qae, a space pirate (but don’t call him that to his face) who runs his own ship and gets dragged into the quagmire of Rian’s mission. Rian is a fascinating character and I enjoyed his point of view quite a lot.
The other two viewpoints come from the main romantic couple of this novel, Zander and Mae. Poor Mae! Not only does her first meeting with Zander result in some hair raising experiences, it also is very discomfiting for her to be attracted to a man she isn’t sure is actually human! This doubt colors all their initial interactions. Zander isn’t suspicious of Mae until he starts thinking of the timing of her arrival, and just knows something isn’t quite right. Being attracted to her, a woman technically his subordinate, is also a serious problem for Zander. But when the two of them find themselves marooned in a life or death situation, the natural human desire to be comforted becomes a heated affair. The sex scenes are well written without being overdone and definitely fit with the story. If Zander has a flaw, it’s that he’s been conditioned to follow military rule his whole adult life. Time and time again it’s Mae who comes to his rescue, able to think outside the box quickly and decisively. They are both strong characters but have different strengths, enough to make them a solid partnership. The question is whether they can learn to really trust each other, given the deceit with which their relationship starts.
Eventually the main characters converge and Rian’s plans start to be put into effect. Time is running out for him to do something before the Reidar are too numerous to control. Zander and Mae get their happy ending, but the story isn’t over. The combination of the all too human emotions experienced by Rian and his crew, combined with the science fiction aspects of the story, and the action packed and sometimes intense plot makes Quantum an exciting read.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
December 1, 2023
I flew through THE LOST STARS and I loved every second of it! The story of the Reidar and Rian’s mission to find and kill them is just getting more and more interesting. I will say that I’m still unsure if I like Rian yet, but I am intrigued by him and curious to know more about this incredibly complex character. He's not a complete bad guy but he's definitely an anti-hero and he's not always the nicest person to be around.
As for the main couple of THE LOST STARS, I really liked Mae and Zander and their story of survival after a ship crash. I especially loved how tough Mae was; it’s clear Jess Anastasi knows how to write a strong woman and Zander appreciated every second of it. Mae and Zander have their ups and downs but even when they weren't together they were both trying to protect each other.
THE LOST STARS also introduced some new characters from the Ebony Winter crew and I’m very intrigued by them, especially the cocky and charming captain, Qaelan. I have a feeling he's going to need a strong woman to take him on.
Content Warning: PTSD, references to past torture; drinking as a coping mechanism
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Favorite Quotes:
“We don’t need a bunk.” She tilted her head so that her lips brushed his ear. “I’d settle for any solid surface you can shove me up against.”
- - - - -
“The only constant in this mess is you. I didn’t expect what happened between us, but despite everything between us and everything spinning out of control, it’s the one thing that’s not complicated.”
- - - - -
“Making a run for it, are we?” Lianna asked calmly, getting the Imojenna off the ground and bringing her up and around to gain altitude.
“Do we ever leave a planet any other way?”
As for the main couple of THE LOST STARS, I really liked Mae and Zander and their story of survival after a ship crash. I especially loved how tough Mae was; it’s clear Jess Anastasi knows how to write a strong woman and Zander appreciated every second of it. Mae and Zander have their ups and downs but even when they weren't together they were both trying to protect each other.
THE LOST STARS also introduced some new characters from the Ebony Winter crew and I’m very intrigued by them, especially the cocky and charming captain, Qaelan. I have a feeling he's going to need a strong woman to take him on.
Content Warning: PTSD, references to past torture; drinking as a coping mechanism
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Favorite Quotes:
“We don’t need a bunk.” She tilted her head so that her lips brushed his ear. “I’d settle for any solid surface you can shove me up against.”
- - - - -
“The only constant in this mess is you. I didn’t expect what happened between us, but despite everything between us and everything spinning out of control, it’s the one thing that’s not complicated.”
- - - - -
“Making a run for it, are we?” Lianna asked calmly, getting the Imojenna off the ground and bringing her up and around to gain altitude.
“Do we ever leave a planet any other way?”
August 13, 2016
As with quite a few of Jess Anastasi’s books, I’ve learnt the hard way that the blurb is always insufficient in mapping out just how little it says of her expansive universe and the huge number of things that she’s got going on in it. Zander Graydon and Mae Petros might be the pairing that’s given priority in ‘Quantum', but it isn’t too long before I’m sucked into the bigger picture that’s laid out here: an insidious breed of shape-shifting aliens have infiltrated planets and key governmental posts for reasons we aren’t quite too clear about yet and one man’s near-insane bid to wage war on them with a crazy ‘shoot first and then think’ policy in order to purge the monsters from his mind.
Rian Sherron - that cynical, snarky war-(anti)hero always on the verge of losing his self-control - is that much pivotal to the galaxy’s apparent survival. Yet what’s so unusual about this series thus far is that he hasn’t been cast as the romantic lead yet, even as everything revolves around this larger-than-life, brash and tortured character.
If ‘Atrophy' lays out a dysfunctional cast of the Imojenna’s crew, ‘Quantum’ builds on the growing conflict in the wider universe and the burgeoning relationships between Rian and Ella (whose book Ms. Anastasi steadfastly refuses to release until they’ve maxed out their UST) and Zander and Mae, with only a little more focus on the latter pair. I have to admit Zander/Mae interested me a lot less than Rian/Ella, the latter of whom I thought was wimpy at times with her secret-keeping and the evasiveness she kept up with Zander even when it was clear she could trust him. But my preference or personal bias for heroines who put themselves out there - physically and emotionally - comes through clearly here and I did find myself more than disappointed when all Mae did was to cloister up, detach herself and leave the rift she caused to widen instead.
But I’ll say again that ‘Quantum’ is so much more than just Zander/Mae; I can’t help but think of them as just another relationship that’s one of many in this series that’s headed for an explosive climax, in all its irreverent and irrepressible glory. And that’s just the thing which is getting me moist with excitement, along with the anticipation of Rian’s story.
Thus far, I’ve been thrown for a few loops, laughed at the dry but engaging banter, been taken on an action-packed ride through some twists and turns I never saw coming and pretty much went down the long slide to a place no reader wants to go because it reeks of desperation: stalking the author for updates and news on the next book.
*ARC by netgalley
(always grateful, mind)
Rian Sherron - that cynical, snarky war-(anti)hero always on the verge of losing his self-control - is that much pivotal to the galaxy’s apparent survival. Yet what’s so unusual about this series thus far is that he hasn’t been cast as the romantic lead yet, even as everything revolves around this larger-than-life, brash and tortured character.
If ‘Atrophy' lays out a dysfunctional cast of the Imojenna’s crew, ‘Quantum’ builds on the growing conflict in the wider universe and the burgeoning relationships between Rian and Ella (whose book Ms. Anastasi steadfastly refuses to release until they’ve maxed out their UST) and Zander and Mae, with only a little more focus on the latter pair. I have to admit Zander/Mae interested me a lot less than Rian/Ella, the latter of whom I thought was wimpy at times with her secret-keeping and the evasiveness she kept up with Zander even when it was clear she could trust him. But my preference or personal bias for heroines who put themselves out there - physically and emotionally - comes through clearly here and I did find myself more than disappointed when all Mae did was to cloister up, detach herself and leave the rift she caused to widen instead.
But I’ll say again that ‘Quantum’ is so much more than just Zander/Mae; I can’t help but think of them as just another relationship that’s one of many in this series that’s headed for an explosive climax, in all its irreverent and irrepressible glory. And that’s just the thing which is getting me moist with excitement, along with the anticipation of Rian’s story.
Thus far, I’ve been thrown for a few loops, laughed at the dry but engaging banter, been taken on an action-packed ride through some twists and turns I never saw coming and pretty much went down the long slide to a place no reader wants to go because it reeks of desperation: stalking the author for updates and news on the next book.
*ARC by netgalley
(always grateful, mind)
August 12, 2016
Sci-fi, romance and bugs (bugs!?!) made for a great mix!
This is the second in the Atrophy series and it took everything I loved from Atrophy and amped it up a whole bunch of notches! This author has a flair for mixing the best elements of science fiction, romance, suspense and humor into stories that have me simply craving more! If you haven’t read the first book, you should as Quantum continues and builds on courses already plotted…
This time around, Zander Graydon is back and in danger. Handsome, smart and everything appealing, he starts to put the puzzle pieces together as Lt. Marshal Mae Petros is suddenly on hand to provide support and watch his back. But who is going to protect him from her? Yes, it is a conflict between them from the start, but that doesn’t stop these two soldiers from taking in every clue and incident to come to, hopefully, correct conclusions.
Trust is in short supply as they fight in one deadly incident after another and don’t know who or what truth is anymore. Above all else, though, they are honorable and their need to do the right thing is going to mean relying on their skills, and each other, to save themselves and possibly the world…
There is nothing like the threat of universal domination to get the hackles up and the adrenaline pumping! And this is definitely a ride worthy of the fastest and most twisty rollercoaster as Zander and Mae struggle to find out what is really happening in a world suddenly tossed on its ear. When there is romance in sci-fi it can often get bogged down by—and under—a relentless barrage of alien facts and warship schematics. That is definitely not happening here. The balance is perfect as the heart and soul of both Zander and Mae are revealed in tandem with the heart-pumping action. In turn deeply emotional and frolicking funny, every page was a new adventure I couldn’t wait to devour…
“In Captain Admiral Zander Graydon’s opinion, it was damned impolite to try to kill a man while he was taking a piss.”
“And you getting all up in my personal space bubble like a two-credit hooker on a cashed-up dirt-leave soldier isn’t helping…”
Things that made me just… laugh:
“alphahole”
“No need to have a mantrum…”
Rian was once again front and center and the dance he continues with his Ella is just getting more entertaining. Fingers crossed their story is next! ~ Diane, 5 stars
This is the second in the Atrophy series and it took everything I loved from Atrophy and amped it up a whole bunch of notches! This author has a flair for mixing the best elements of science fiction, romance, suspense and humor into stories that have me simply craving more! If you haven’t read the first book, you should as Quantum continues and builds on courses already plotted…
This time around, Zander Graydon is back and in danger. Handsome, smart and everything appealing, he starts to put the puzzle pieces together as Lt. Marshal Mae Petros is suddenly on hand to provide support and watch his back. But who is going to protect him from her? Yes, it is a conflict between them from the start, but that doesn’t stop these two soldiers from taking in every clue and incident to come to, hopefully, correct conclusions.
Trust is in short supply as they fight in one deadly incident after another and don’t know who or what truth is anymore. Above all else, though, they are honorable and their need to do the right thing is going to mean relying on their skills, and each other, to save themselves and possibly the world…
There is nothing like the threat of universal domination to get the hackles up and the adrenaline pumping! And this is definitely a ride worthy of the fastest and most twisty rollercoaster as Zander and Mae struggle to find out what is really happening in a world suddenly tossed on its ear. When there is romance in sci-fi it can often get bogged down by—and under—a relentless barrage of alien facts and warship schematics. That is definitely not happening here. The balance is perfect as the heart and soul of both Zander and Mae are revealed in tandem with the heart-pumping action. In turn deeply emotional and frolicking funny, every page was a new adventure I couldn’t wait to devour…
“In Captain Admiral Zander Graydon’s opinion, it was damned impolite to try to kill a man while he was taking a piss.”
“And you getting all up in my personal space bubble like a two-credit hooker on a cashed-up dirt-leave soldier isn’t helping…”
Things that made me just… laugh:
“alphahole”
“No need to have a mantrum…”
Rian was once again front and center and the dance he continues with his Ella is just getting more entertaining. Fingers crossed their story is next! ~ Diane, 5 stars
July 31, 2016
Just finished reading Quantum by Jess Anastasi...I'm exhausted. OK, yes, it's 3 am and I couldn't stop when I was so close to the end...okay, so maybe I was all that very close, but hey, end was in sight and I needed to get there...
Freckin' A! I'm tired because there was so much action in this book and I feel like I was right there going through most of it With Zander and Mae! Yes, those are the hero and heroine of this novel, not the couple I expected would be in book 2 because I thought this would follow the crew of the Imogenna. While I did not think we'd be getting Rian's story this soon, and Zahlia and Tannen's story has already been told, there are other crew that I thought would be the next focus. I do NOT mind being wrong! We did meet Zander and Mae in Atrophy, so it's not like they are totally unknown, and it was rather nice getting to know more about each of them. Zander kinda reminded me a lot of Phillip Gutherie from Linnea Sinclair'e Hope's Folly, so I really did not mind getting to know him better at all! Mae is a strong character that definitely knows how to fend for herself, and that sort of character is always good to read! There were so many times Zander and Mae didn't know whom to trust -- including each other -- a lot of assassination attempts and nearly impossible odds to overcome that I almost felt like I was in a Battlestar Galactica episode (the newer series).The romance and the 'intimate moments' did seem a little more than we saw in Atrophy, but they compliment the story, not take any focus away from the main action plot. We also see a LOT more of Rian in this novel, and that man just continues to intrigue -- can't wait to see how his character developes in each book until his own story, but I can already tell, it's going to be good. OK, off to sleep now...ok, probably off to lie in bed and have the story replay through my head, but nope, don't mind that at all!
Note: this was an ARC, so don't say anything about me posting a review before the book was released, lol!
Freckin' A! I'm tired because there was so much action in this book and I feel like I was right there going through most of it With Zander and Mae! Yes, those are the hero and heroine of this novel, not the couple I expected would be in book 2 because I thought this would follow the crew of the Imogenna. While I did not think we'd be getting Rian's story this soon, and Zahlia and Tannen's story has already been told, there are other crew that I thought would be the next focus. I do NOT mind being wrong! We did meet Zander and Mae in Atrophy, so it's not like they are totally unknown, and it was rather nice getting to know more about each of them. Zander kinda reminded me a lot of Phillip Gutherie from Linnea Sinclair'e Hope's Folly, so I really did not mind getting to know him better at all! Mae is a strong character that definitely knows how to fend for herself, and that sort of character is always good to read! There were so many times Zander and Mae didn't know whom to trust -- including each other -- a lot of assassination attempts and nearly impossible odds to overcome that I almost felt like I was in a Battlestar Galactica episode (the newer series).The romance and the 'intimate moments' did seem a little more than we saw in Atrophy, but they compliment the story, not take any focus away from the main action plot. We also see a LOT more of Rian in this novel, and that man just continues to intrigue -- can't wait to see how his character developes in each book until his own story, but I can already tell, it's going to be good. OK, off to sleep now...ok, probably off to lie in bed and have the story replay through my head, but nope, don't mind that at all!
Note: this was an ARC, so don't say anything about me posting a review before the book was released, lol!
November 13, 2022
Series: Atrophy #2
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
This was another wonderful and action packed romance! This was nonstop action from the very beginning and I couldn’t put it down. Lieutenant Marshal Mae Petros has been tasked by Rian to determine if his friend Captain Admiral Zander Graydon has been switched with a Reidar. What starts as a simple mission turns into a fight for their lives and fight their attraction for each other.
Like I said, I couldn't put this down. Graydon and Mae had instant attraction and the circumstances they dealt with just pushed them closer. Mae was a badass. I loved how smart, confident, and determined she was. She never backed down and wasn’t afraid to put Graydon or Rian in their places. Jess Anastasi really knows how to write a strong female character and I can’t wait to see the future heroines of this series because of it. Graydon is a straight-laced military man who struggles to grasp the alien invasion and having to break the law. I enjoyed getting to know Graydon and Mae as they struggle to survive a transport crash, bombs, and assassins.
The fight against the Reidar is picking up. The Imojenna crew finds new allies and gathers new information against them. I really loved seeing the Imojenna crew again and getting to learn more about Rian. He is a complicated character filled with pain who is struggling with alcohol addiction and PTSD. I am still not sure if I like him but he is a character that I am eager to learn more about. Also, I really enjoyed the Ebony Winter crew and hope we see more of them.
Trigger warnings: PTSD; death; attempted rape of a side character; Rian is an alcoholic.
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
This was another wonderful and action packed romance! This was nonstop action from the very beginning and I couldn’t put it down. Lieutenant Marshal Mae Petros has been tasked by Rian to determine if his friend Captain Admiral Zander Graydon has been switched with a Reidar. What starts as a simple mission turns into a fight for their lives and fight their attraction for each other.
Like I said, I couldn't put this down. Graydon and Mae had instant attraction and the circumstances they dealt with just pushed them closer. Mae was a badass. I loved how smart, confident, and determined she was. She never backed down and wasn’t afraid to put Graydon or Rian in their places. Jess Anastasi really knows how to write a strong female character and I can’t wait to see the future heroines of this series because of it. Graydon is a straight-laced military man who struggles to grasp the alien invasion and having to break the law. I enjoyed getting to know Graydon and Mae as they struggle to survive a transport crash, bombs, and assassins.
The fight against the Reidar is picking up. The Imojenna crew finds new allies and gathers new information against them. I really loved seeing the Imojenna crew again and getting to learn more about Rian. He is a complicated character filled with pain who is struggling with alcohol addiction and PTSD. I am still not sure if I like him but he is a character that I am eager to learn more about. Also, I really enjoyed the Ebony Winter crew and hope we see more of them.
Trigger warnings: PTSD; death; attempted rape of a side character; Rian is an alcoholic.
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
August 28, 2016
Originally published at Reading Reality
If you are bemoaning the lack of Firefly in your life, take heart. Quantum and the Atrophy universe are here to fill that Serenity-shaped void in your heart. Get ready for a wild ride on the Imojenna with Rian Sherron, as well as a heart-stopping adventure following Zander Graydon and Mae Petros as they dodge shipwrecks and shape-shifting aliens to stay alive.
At the beginning, it feels like there are two stories here. One is almost a classic survival tale. Someone is out to kill Zander Graydon. They just keep missing. Well, almost missing. Whoever it is doesn’t have any qualms about collateral damage. But then, the shapeshifting alien Reider think we are about as intelligent as chimpanzees, or maybe less. Alien scientists don’t care how many lab rat equivalents they kill on their way to global domination.
But as Zander thwarts an assassination attempt in a public bathroom, followed by a clearly engineered shuttle crash followed by a missile strike, it’s hard for him not to get the message that someone is out to get him. The problem is that he’s not sure if that person isn’t his new Admiral’s Assistant, Mae Petros. He knows that Mae is keeping some big secret from him, he just doesn’t know what that secret is.
Mae is on a mission – not for any of the human military agencies, but for Rian Sherron, the leader of a motley crew of space salvagers, on a one man mission to eradicate the shapeshifting aliens from our galaxy. Rian saw his old buddy Zander’s name on a list of potential Reider swap-targets, and Rian wants to get there first.
Instead, Mae gets there just in time to help Zander survive those repeated Reidar assassination attempts. And to fall for the man she’s still worried might be an alien copy. Not that he trusts her either.
And just when they think they are out of the woods, literally as well as figuratively, it all goes pear-shaped. And stays that way until Mae, Zander and Rian can finally join forces. Just in time to turn Rian’s one-man crusade into a little fleet of berserkers set to finally take a little bit of this battle to the enemy. If they can just figure out who they are.
Escape Rating B+: At first it seems as if this story is only tangentially related to the one in the first book, Atrophy. But when the band gets together, the single narrative becomes much clearer. So definitely read Atrophy first.
Quantum itself almost feels like two books. The first half, the crash and rescue, is one story that could have ended on one hell of a cliffhanger. The second story really gets going when Zander and Mae finally make their way to Rian’s Imojenna. The story switches from a fairly tight, fall in love under threat of death story to the much broader arc of the series, which is a story about taking back the galaxy from the alien infiltration. That bit is going to take several books to resolve, and we only see the first real skirmish here.
We also see a lot more of Rian Sherron’s tortured relationship with the priestess/sorceress Ella. She’s clearly this universe’s Inara Serra, although I think we will finally get to see where that relationship would have gone if the series had continued. Eventually. In the meantime, we see a lot of Rian’s demons and Ella’s attempts to, if not exorcise them, at least calm them down a bit. She’s only partially successful at the best of times.
And now for a couple of little quibbles. I mentioned in my review of Atrophy that the use of made-up profanity takes me out of the story every time. It’s not just that “frecking” does not feel like a reasonable substitute for “fucking” as profanity, but that the change sounds wrong to my ear, especially when used in the profane combination of “frecking Christ”. This is not a comment on religion or the lack thereof, but if “Christ” has survived the centuries as an epithet, then so have the words “fuck” and “fucking”. Especially in the context where “shite”, currently used in the UK and Ireland for “shit” has also survived the ages. People do cuss. Let them.
Second quibble. Military titles. It would feel less jarring if the author had either used something completely made up, and provided a glossary, or used what we have now, on a reasonable extension that military ranks serve a purpose. Weird combinations like “Captain Admiral” and “Lieutenant Marshal” dropped me out of the story every time, and confused me as well. Where does a Lieutenant Marshal fit into the hierarchy? Is it like a Lieutenant in the military, or Marshal as in Sheriff?
Which did not stop me from licking the whole damn thing up with a spoon. I enjoy this series as much for what it is trying to be as what it actually is. But then, I really do miss Firefly. And since there’s no more Firefly, I’ll be waiting eagerly for book 3 in the Atrophy series, Diffraction, hopefully before the end of the year!
If you are bemoaning the lack of Firefly in your life, take heart. Quantum and the Atrophy universe are here to fill that Serenity-shaped void in your heart. Get ready for a wild ride on the Imojenna with Rian Sherron, as well as a heart-stopping adventure following Zander Graydon and Mae Petros as they dodge shipwrecks and shape-shifting aliens to stay alive.
At the beginning, it feels like there are two stories here. One is almost a classic survival tale. Someone is out to kill Zander Graydon. They just keep missing. Well, almost missing. Whoever it is doesn’t have any qualms about collateral damage. But then, the shapeshifting alien Reider think we are about as intelligent as chimpanzees, or maybe less. Alien scientists don’t care how many lab rat equivalents they kill on their way to global domination.
But as Zander thwarts an assassination attempt in a public bathroom, followed by a clearly engineered shuttle crash followed by a missile strike, it’s hard for him not to get the message that someone is out to get him. The problem is that he’s not sure if that person isn’t his new Admiral’s Assistant, Mae Petros. He knows that Mae is keeping some big secret from him, he just doesn’t know what that secret is.
Mae is on a mission – not for any of the human military agencies, but for Rian Sherron, the leader of a motley crew of space salvagers, on a one man mission to eradicate the shapeshifting aliens from our galaxy. Rian saw his old buddy Zander’s name on a list of potential Reider swap-targets, and Rian wants to get there first.
Instead, Mae gets there just in time to help Zander survive those repeated Reidar assassination attempts. And to fall for the man she’s still worried might be an alien copy. Not that he trusts her either.
And just when they think they are out of the woods, literally as well as figuratively, it all goes pear-shaped. And stays that way until Mae, Zander and Rian can finally join forces. Just in time to turn Rian’s one-man crusade into a little fleet of berserkers set to finally take a little bit of this battle to the enemy. If they can just figure out who they are.
Escape Rating B+: At first it seems as if this story is only tangentially related to the one in the first book, Atrophy. But when the band gets together, the single narrative becomes much clearer. So definitely read Atrophy first.
Quantum itself almost feels like two books. The first half, the crash and rescue, is one story that could have ended on one hell of a cliffhanger. The second story really gets going when Zander and Mae finally make their way to Rian’s Imojenna. The story switches from a fairly tight, fall in love under threat of death story to the much broader arc of the series, which is a story about taking back the galaxy from the alien infiltration. That bit is going to take several books to resolve, and we only see the first real skirmish here.
We also see a lot more of Rian Sherron’s tortured relationship with the priestess/sorceress Ella. She’s clearly this universe’s Inara Serra, although I think we will finally get to see where that relationship would have gone if the series had continued. Eventually. In the meantime, we see a lot of Rian’s demons and Ella’s attempts to, if not exorcise them, at least calm them down a bit. She’s only partially successful at the best of times.
And now for a couple of little quibbles. I mentioned in my review of Atrophy that the use of made-up profanity takes me out of the story every time. It’s not just that “frecking” does not feel like a reasonable substitute for “fucking” as profanity, but that the change sounds wrong to my ear, especially when used in the profane combination of “frecking Christ”. This is not a comment on religion or the lack thereof, but if “Christ” has survived the centuries as an epithet, then so have the words “fuck” and “fucking”. Especially in the context where “shite”, currently used in the UK and Ireland for “shit” has also survived the ages. People do cuss. Let them.
Second quibble. Military titles. It would feel less jarring if the author had either used something completely made up, and provided a glossary, or used what we have now, on a reasonable extension that military ranks serve a purpose. Weird combinations like “Captain Admiral” and “Lieutenant Marshal” dropped me out of the story every time, and confused me as well. Where does a Lieutenant Marshal fit into the hierarchy? Is it like a Lieutenant in the military, or Marshal as in Sheriff?
Which did not stop me from licking the whole damn thing up with a spoon. I enjoy this series as much for what it is trying to be as what it actually is. But then, I really do miss Firefly. And since there’s no more Firefly, I’ll be waiting eagerly for book 3 in the Atrophy series, Diffraction, hopefully before the end of the year!
August 14, 2016
This was a fast-paced SFR that had a strong heroine and a hero that swung between alpha and beta. The action starts right away, and not long after the hero and heroine meet. They are attracted to each other, but quickly realize he is her boss and so stay professional. However, their situation goes downhill fast with sabotage and outright murder attempts. She is hiding a big secret from him, and the author does a great job of making the reader certain that he is innocent while leaving the door open to his guilt. They do wait for a little while before getting involved, and both recognize that the circumstances contribute to the speed of their attraction. However, as they realize their situation is more complex than they expected, it puts them in an uncertain grey area as they want to continue their relationship even as they aren't sure of their futures.
At the same time, a friend of theirs is struggling with having been tortured and dealing with his anger and obsession for revenge. He is traveling with his sister, her fiance, and a powerful woman who has seen into him and who he finds very attractive. However, he isn't ready for a relationship as he is still dealing with his dark feelings.
When I requested this book for review through NetGalley, I didn't realize it was the second in a series. I haven't read the first book, and while I had the feeling that there was some history I was missing, it didn't interfere with my ability to follow the story. So, while I suspect that having read the first book would provide depth of context, it wasn't necessary to enjoy this one.
I marked the book down due to the characterization of the hero and some unlikely plot scenarios. The hero is portrayed as a leader, but also someone who doesn't see himself as ambitious. He's both uptight about right and wrong while supposedly being charming and liking to play when off-duty. The juxtaposition didn't work for me in this case. . In addition, when he finally feels betrayed by the heroine, I wondered what the big deal was. It wasn't clear to me why he made the leap he did, as a relationship was completely unnecessary for her to achieve her objective. And then they way they got back together was based on external circumstances rather than driven by understanding and forgiveness.
As for the plot, after multiple attempts on their lives, . Since they didn't know who was behind the attempts, I thought this was supremely stupid. In addition, I thought they did several things that should have left a broad trail and made them easy to find. The climatic action scene was confusing to me as I never understood how the heroine was able to tell who was who, .
Overall, it was a fun and entertaining book that was stronger in the beginning than at the end. However, the characters are very different, and I was pleased that the author set up couples who varied greatly from each other.
At the same time, a friend of theirs is struggling with having been tortured and dealing with his anger and obsession for revenge. He is traveling with his sister, her fiance, and a powerful woman who has seen into him and who he finds very attractive. However, he isn't ready for a relationship as he is still dealing with his dark feelings.
When I requested this book for review through NetGalley, I didn't realize it was the second in a series. I haven't read the first book, and while I had the feeling that there was some history I was missing, it didn't interfere with my ability to follow the story. So, while I suspect that having read the first book would provide depth of context, it wasn't necessary to enjoy this one.
I marked the book down due to the characterization of the hero and some unlikely plot scenarios. The hero is portrayed as a leader, but also someone who doesn't see himself as ambitious. He's both uptight about right and wrong while supposedly being charming and liking to play when off-duty. The juxtaposition didn't work for me in this case. . In addition, when he finally feels betrayed by the heroine, I wondered what the big deal was. It wasn't clear to me why he made the leap he did, as a relationship was completely unnecessary for her to achieve her objective. And then they way they got back together was based on external circumstances rather than driven by understanding and forgiveness.
As for the plot, after multiple attempts on their lives, . Since they didn't know who was behind the attempts, I thought this was supremely stupid. In addition, I thought they did several things that should have left a broad trail and made them easy to find. The climatic action scene was confusing to me as I never understood how the heroine was able to tell who was who, .
Overall, it was a fun and entertaining book that was stronger in the beginning than at the end. However, the characters are very different, and I was pleased that the author set up couples who varied greatly from each other.
October 11, 2016
For reasons he can’t fathom, Captain Admiral Zander Graydon almost got killed three times in one day. The latest assault was in the bathroom just before boarding his shuttle at the Toccara spaceport. Zander is with IPC – the Inter-Planetary Coalition – and since there’s no war at the moment, he mainly hunts down illegal traders and space pirates. The shuttle is set to bring him on board his ship, the Swift Brion, where he meets his new admiral’s assistant, the beguiling Lieutenant Marshal Mae Petros. What Zander doesn’t know is that Mae is on assignment for the UAFA – the Universal Armed Forces Agency, and her mission is to bring Zander back to ascertain that he is human and not an alien, not Reidar. The Reidar are shape-shifting aliens whose goal is to replace humans in higher up positions at government and military levels. Everything seems to be going swimmingly, at last, until Zander’s shuttle’s systems fail: crash imminent!
And this, dear readers, is merely the beginning of QUANTUM! I read very little scifi, but this series is excellent! Ms. Anastasi’s descriptions and notions are clear and concise, and she doesn’t bog down the narrative with superfluous details while getting her meaning across, and her prose is simply spectacular! QUANTUM is fast-paced, with plenty of action, and it always felt real. The worldbuiliding is intricate, entirely believable, and while I often feel with scifi that it’s over my head, it’s definitely not the case here, and not because it’s simplistic, but because it’s well plotted. I loved the relationship between Zander and Mae; in spite of their mistrust, they’re professional and level-headed, but Mae is more ingenious and doesn’t hesitate to think outside the box while Zander is very by-the-book, which is sometimes cause for entertaining disagreements.
Zander wonders at the coincidence of having a new assistant and his ship crashing. In spite of not entirely trusting each other, Mae and Zander are attracted to each other, and when they finally succumb to their lust, it happens exactly as it should. Mae was sent to investigate Zander on Rian Sherron’s orders, and Rian is also a friend of Zander’s. I didn’t quite get Rian at first, he’s puzzling; his story intersects with Zander’s, and it turns out to be quite riveting, especially his relationship with the priestess Ella. There is also a most dashing space pirate – Qaelen Forster – who has been on Zander’s radar for a long time, and that is another fabulous story; I hope we get to see more of Qaelen in the future, because he is a terrific character. QUANTUM is a terrific action-packed book, even for those who think they won’t like a science fiction story, and that’s the mark of a great author!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
And this, dear readers, is merely the beginning of QUANTUM! I read very little scifi, but this series is excellent! Ms. Anastasi’s descriptions and notions are clear and concise, and she doesn’t bog down the narrative with superfluous details while getting her meaning across, and her prose is simply spectacular! QUANTUM is fast-paced, with plenty of action, and it always felt real. The worldbuiliding is intricate, entirely believable, and while I often feel with scifi that it’s over my head, it’s definitely not the case here, and not because it’s simplistic, but because it’s well plotted. I loved the relationship between Zander and Mae; in spite of their mistrust, they’re professional and level-headed, but Mae is more ingenious and doesn’t hesitate to think outside the box while Zander is very by-the-book, which is sometimes cause for entertaining disagreements.
Zander wonders at the coincidence of having a new assistant and his ship crashing. In spite of not entirely trusting each other, Mae and Zander are attracted to each other, and when they finally succumb to their lust, it happens exactly as it should. Mae was sent to investigate Zander on Rian Sherron’s orders, and Rian is also a friend of Zander’s. I didn’t quite get Rian at first, he’s puzzling; his story intersects with Zander’s, and it turns out to be quite riveting, especially his relationship with the priestess Ella. There is also a most dashing space pirate – Qaelen Forster – who has been on Zander’s radar for a long time, and that is another fabulous story; I hope we get to see more of Qaelen in the future, because he is a terrific character. QUANTUM is a terrific action-packed book, even for those who think they won’t like a science fiction story, and that’s the mark of a great author!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Read
January 9, 20174 Stars, review to follow on Boundless Book reviews
March 24, 2017
I've been stalking the author waiting for the next book in the Atrophy series to come. The first book was freaking awesome before I even finished it I was already looking for book two. Sadly, it wasn't out yet but as soon as it was offered up for review, I pushed my way to the front and grabbed myself a copy of Quantum.
Zander and Mae, can things get any more exciting for these two. Well, actually, it’s more Zander with that ginormous bull’s-eye painted on the back of his head and she’s along for the suicide ride. Somebody really wants him dead and he’s not exactly sure whom. He’d like to think it wasn’t Mae however; she is keeping plenty of secrets from him. Lots of action to be as these two are on the run for their lives. Just when you think these are about to calm down and they can get a touchy-feely moment in, BOOM! another attempt to kill Zander. That doesn't mean these two don't get it on because they certainly do! Just when you think things can't get any more exciting, Mae's secrets all are spilled. To say Zander gets pissed is an understatement, but don't worry, for them there’s a HEA on the horizon.
Did I mention HEA, because that's for the happy couple and not for the story? Oh no, not by a long shot because once again, the true star of the series has an even more front and center appearance. I am talking about one Rian and his single-mindedness vendetta against the Reiders. He still has a severe case of PTSD when it comes to what he endured by the alien invaders hands. Luckily, folks are starting to take his crazy babbling seriously and realizing that maybe, he's not so nuts after all. However, Rian's has more than a problem with the Reiders. Now he is on the verge of having women problem. There are some serious sparks flying between Rian and Ella. Of course, it doesn't help that she's all serene, nothing to make a hot head explode faster that someone being all calm-like while you're losing your mind. So of the funniest moments come from these two. I get the feeling the tension as going to continue to build for them as the series continues.
I'm just loving this science fiction romance realm authors are embracing lately. It gives those of us who are techies a chance to get romance in while still getting their Sci-Fi fix. Author Jess Anastasi has a nice safe place on my top five SFR authors list. I can't wait to where this series goes next!
I received this book from the JeepDiva for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine.
Stars - 5, Flames - 3
Zander and Mae, can things get any more exciting for these two. Well, actually, it’s more Zander with that ginormous bull’s-eye painted on the back of his head and she’s along for the suicide ride. Somebody really wants him dead and he’s not exactly sure whom. He’d like to think it wasn’t Mae however; she is keeping plenty of secrets from him. Lots of action to be as these two are on the run for their lives. Just when you think these are about to calm down and they can get a touchy-feely moment in, BOOM! another attempt to kill Zander. That doesn't mean these two don't get it on because they certainly do! Just when you think things can't get any more exciting, Mae's secrets all are spilled. To say Zander gets pissed is an understatement, but don't worry, for them there’s a HEA on the horizon.
Did I mention HEA, because that's for the happy couple and not for the story? Oh no, not by a long shot because once again, the true star of the series has an even more front and center appearance. I am talking about one Rian and his single-mindedness vendetta against the Reiders. He still has a severe case of PTSD when it comes to what he endured by the alien invaders hands. Luckily, folks are starting to take his crazy babbling seriously and realizing that maybe, he's not so nuts after all. However, Rian's has more than a problem with the Reiders. Now he is on the verge of having women problem. There are some serious sparks flying between Rian and Ella. Of course, it doesn't help that she's all serene, nothing to make a hot head explode faster that someone being all calm-like while you're losing your mind. So of the funniest moments come from these two. I get the feeling the tension as going to continue to build for them as the series continues.
I'm just loving this science fiction romance realm authors are embracing lately. It gives those of us who are techies a chance to get romance in while still getting their Sci-Fi fix. Author Jess Anastasi has a nice safe place on my top five SFR authors list. I can't wait to where this series goes next!
I received this book from the JeepDiva for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine.
Stars - 5, Flames - 3
March 10, 2021
ARC REVIEW
Sci-fi Romance yummmmmm. This is the sequel to last years Atrophy. Captain Rian Sherron and the crew of the Imojenna are back with a little help from their friends. It's not necessary to have read the first book but it wouldn't hurt just for the added background of the characters and their mission. The main characters of this book were introduced separately in the first book, Captain Admiral Zander Graydon and Lieutenant Marshal Mae Pertos. This was a great book just as good as the first. It's an intense action packed story even more so than the previous one. In the beginning it does flip flop between Graydon and Mia's story with what's going on aboard the Imojenna and the animosity/sexual attraction of Rian and the priestess they saved in Atrophy, Ella. (their book/relationship is still in development and probably won't be out soon, but I'm giddy about that one) New characters are introduced, including Space Pirates! and a new plot twist has been revealed.
Rian is concerned about the hit list Tannin discovered. It's a list of people who have been or are potential targets for the Reidar to take or have taken over. On that list is one of his best friends. Rian send Mae undercover to figure out if he is himself or a Reidar clone. In the span of a day Graydon is attacked and almost killed three times. Stranded on a planet days away from civilization Gray and Mae have to walk. On this walk Mae is constantly fighting her attraction to Gray just as much as she is trying to figure out if he's human. Gray knows about the Reidar, he doesn't know everything but what he does know is that Mae is hiding something from him and as much as he wants to figure out what it is he can't help but be drawn to the beautiful, strong, and witty woman.
It is impossible to summarize this book and include everything that's awesome about it. So much happens, Mae and Gray finally meet up with the Imojenna, The Reidar Imposter has already taken Grays place aboard his vessel the Swift Brion. Luckily Rian is a crazy genus and comes up with a plan. They discover a couple of new things but for every question answered about the Reidar five new questions pop up.
Overall, OMG okay, other than having to train my brain not to read Rian's name as rain, I freakin' loved this book everything about it! I am really looking forward to the next book and the book after that and so on.
Sci-fi Romance yummmmmm. This is the sequel to last years Atrophy. Captain Rian Sherron and the crew of the Imojenna are back with a little help from their friends. It's not necessary to have read the first book but it wouldn't hurt just for the added background of the characters and their mission. The main characters of this book were introduced separately in the first book, Captain Admiral Zander Graydon and Lieutenant Marshal Mae Pertos. This was a great book just as good as the first. It's an intense action packed story even more so than the previous one. In the beginning it does flip flop between Graydon and Mia's story with what's going on aboard the Imojenna and the animosity/sexual attraction of Rian and the priestess they saved in Atrophy, Ella. (their book/relationship is still in development and probably won't be out soon, but I'm giddy about that one) New characters are introduced, including Space Pirates! and a new plot twist has been revealed.
Rian is concerned about the hit list Tannin discovered. It's a list of people who have been or are potential targets for the Reidar to take or have taken over. On that list is one of his best friends. Rian send Mae undercover to figure out if he is himself or a Reidar clone. In the span of a day Graydon is attacked and almost killed three times. Stranded on a planet days away from civilization Gray and Mae have to walk. On this walk Mae is constantly fighting her attraction to Gray just as much as she is trying to figure out if he's human. Gray knows about the Reidar, he doesn't know everything but what he does know is that Mae is hiding something from him and as much as he wants to figure out what it is he can't help but be drawn to the beautiful, strong, and witty woman.
It is impossible to summarize this book and include everything that's awesome about it. So much happens, Mae and Gray finally meet up with the Imojenna, The Reidar Imposter has already taken Grays place aboard his vessel the Swift Brion. Luckily Rian is a crazy genus and comes up with a plan. They discover a couple of new things but for every question answered about the Reidar five new questions pop up.
Overall, OMG okay, other than having to train my brain not to read Rian's name as rain, I freakin' loved this book everything about it! I am really looking forward to the next book and the book after that and so on.
September 10, 2019
Reviewed by Danielle U
Book provided by the publisher
Quantum by Jess Anastasi is a science fiction fantasy novel that readers everywhere will enjoy. I am one who gets bored with just about all of the science fiction novels. However, this one was definitely up my alley in a good book. This novel had the action, adventure, suspense as well as a hot spicy romance to keep me interested. Quantum is book two of Jess Anastasi's Atrophy series and I loved it. I haven't read the first and was able to follow through this one easily. After having read this second title, I am now intrigued to read the first and third novel within this series. The writing is superb. Jess Anastasi knows how to lure readers deep into her world of fiction.
Quantum is an action space adventure. Filled with shape shifting aliens set to invade the human occupations all over the galaxy. There's only been a select few who have come to witness the aliens and what they can do. There seemed to be only one thing to help fight the aliens. That's by using guns that resemble stun guns in our world. But just like the ordinary guns in our world, there are only so many bullets to use. Same restrictions apply to these powered guns that affect the aliens. Aliens that can do so much damage. Then there's the issue of some aliens already infiltrated into the top government positions that can easily have other humans attack their human friends. Also, there are two friends. One was hurt by the aliens and sends out a woman he trusts to find out if his military friend is an alien in disguise or not...but then things get complicated. The friend and woman are being chased by an unknown enemy and the aliens are trying to kill them. Plus, despite the horror of the situations they just faced...they went had sex. Sex that was explosive. Neither one can stop thinking about the other...and in their world distractions can kills. Jess Anastasi also have alliances from characters that readers wouldn't expect to form in order to prepare and fight off the aliens attacking the human world.
Danger, excitement, and desire will definitely keep readers from calling this science fiction fantasy boring...overall, I highly recommend this read to all.
Book provided by the publisher
Quantum by Jess Anastasi is a science fiction fantasy novel that readers everywhere will enjoy. I am one who gets bored with just about all of the science fiction novels. However, this one was definitely up my alley in a good book. This novel had the action, adventure, suspense as well as a hot spicy romance to keep me interested. Quantum is book two of Jess Anastasi's Atrophy series and I loved it. I haven't read the first and was able to follow through this one easily. After having read this second title, I am now intrigued to read the first and third novel within this series. The writing is superb. Jess Anastasi knows how to lure readers deep into her world of fiction.
Quantum is an action space adventure. Filled with shape shifting aliens set to invade the human occupations all over the galaxy. There's only been a select few who have come to witness the aliens and what they can do. There seemed to be only one thing to help fight the aliens. That's by using guns that resemble stun guns in our world. But just like the ordinary guns in our world, there are only so many bullets to use. Same restrictions apply to these powered guns that affect the aliens. Aliens that can do so much damage. Then there's the issue of some aliens already infiltrated into the top government positions that can easily have other humans attack their human friends. Also, there are two friends. One was hurt by the aliens and sends out a woman he trusts to find out if his military friend is an alien in disguise or not...but then things get complicated. The friend and woman are being chased by an unknown enemy and the aliens are trying to kill them. Plus, despite the horror of the situations they just faced...they went had sex. Sex that was explosive. Neither one can stop thinking about the other...and in their world distractions can kills. Jess Anastasi also have alliances from characters that readers wouldn't expect to form in order to prepare and fight off the aliens attacking the human world.
Danger, excitement, and desire will definitely keep readers from calling this science fiction fantasy boring...overall, I highly recommend this read to all.
April 6, 2017
Rian and the misfit crew of the Imojenna are back. Labelled terrorists by the Reider insurgents within the IPC, Rian and the others are on the run. Tannin is now a firm part of the crew with his fiancee Zahli, Ella the preistess continues to jangle Rians nerves. He can feel that well of darkness within him rising but her mystical mumbo jumbo eases and at the same time riles him! They badly need some allies and after Tannin managed to hack a list of names, they are going to track down an old friend of Rian. But has he already been replaced?
Zander is one of the youngest Captain Admirals in the IPC. One of the crew previously sent to arrest Rian contained his old comrade Mae. He has asked her to infiltrate Zander’s crew to see if he has already been changed. But with multiple attempts being made to kill him Mae is pretty sure he is the real deal! AS the adventure continues the Imojenna takes on more crew and the continuing will they-won't they between Zander and Mae and Rian and Ella has you on the seat of your pants!
Whilst clearly in the sci fi genre, there is enough "real life" in this to keep you grounded. The friendships and family vibes between the crew are superb. The bickering is just what you expect from those living in close quarters! The pace is fast but well directed and there are 3 POV, so you can see how the action is effecting all the main characters. With a handy little device that has been cooked up which can sort the humans from the Reidar, they are taking the fight to the frontlines!
With an eclectic collection of secondary characters including Rian and Zhali's cousin, Qae, space pirate and all around mystery! Rian's PTSD continues to make him so tortured and the continued sparks between him and Ella make their scenes combustible. Book 3 hurry up!!!!!
Zander is one of the youngest Captain Admirals in the IPC. One of the crew previously sent to arrest Rian contained his old comrade Mae. He has asked her to infiltrate Zander’s crew to see if he has already been changed. But with multiple attempts being made to kill him Mae is pretty sure he is the real deal! AS the adventure continues the Imojenna takes on more crew and the continuing will they-won't they between Zander and Mae and Rian and Ella has you on the seat of your pants!
Whilst clearly in the sci fi genre, there is enough "real life" in this to keep you grounded. The friendships and family vibes between the crew are superb. The bickering is just what you expect from those living in close quarters! The pace is fast but well directed and there are 3 POV, so you can see how the action is effecting all the main characters. With a handy little device that has been cooked up which can sort the humans from the Reidar, they are taking the fight to the frontlines!
With an eclectic collection of secondary characters including Rian and Zhali's cousin, Qae, space pirate and all around mystery! Rian's PTSD continues to make him so tortured and the continued sparks between him and Ella make their scenes combustible. Book 3 hurry up!!!!!
January 8, 2017
Ever since my first Jess Anastasi book, she has been a go-to author for me. The way she spins an epic tale of sci-fi action with heart grabbing romance is an all around win as far as I'm concerned. Put it all together in the form of an epic series, satisfying my urge to remain with the same base line of characters and immerse myself into their lives, and I am hooked.
Quantum was a thrill ride from the very start, pitting the stuffed shirt Zander with the enigmatic Mae in a survival tale that combined the elements with a plot from those ever persistent Reidar. Watching Zander learn to let go of some of his steely control was one of the best parts as far as the romance aspect was concerned.
“How many times did he have to remind himself that things with her were probably more complicated that they were worth? Except the more time he spent with her, even knowing she kept more from him than she revealed, the more he was beginning to think to hell with his logic. Maybe she was worth whatever trouble came with her.”
Of course any book in the Atrophy would not be complete without the expertly woven in threads of the crew's story, giving us a glimpse of those whose story has come before, and a taste of what is yet to come for the others. **Cough** Rian and Ella **Cough**
“How did you know I was in trouble and exactly where to find me?”... “I felt you....I felt something I couldn't fight, and when I let it take me, it brought me here.”
Oh my, but there is so much story left to tell, and I am absolutely in it for the long haul.
~ George 5 Stars
Quantum was a thrill ride from the very start, pitting the stuffed shirt Zander with the enigmatic Mae in a survival tale that combined the elements with a plot from those ever persistent Reidar. Watching Zander learn to let go of some of his steely control was one of the best parts as far as the romance aspect was concerned.
“How many times did he have to remind himself that things with her were probably more complicated that they were worth? Except the more time he spent with her, even knowing she kept more from him than she revealed, the more he was beginning to think to hell with his logic. Maybe she was worth whatever trouble came with her.”
Of course any book in the Atrophy would not be complete without the expertly woven in threads of the crew's story, giving us a glimpse of those whose story has come before, and a taste of what is yet to come for the others. **Cough** Rian and Ella **Cough**
“How did you know I was in trouble and exactly where to find me?”... “I felt you....I felt something I couldn't fight, and when I let it take me, it brought me here.”
Oh my, but there is so much story left to tell, and I am absolutely in it for the long haul.
~ George 5 Stars
March 22, 2021
I accidentally read this second book in the series first, but had no problem getting into and enjoying this excellent sci-fi adventure. Lieutenant Marshal Mae Petros is determined to keep her new boss, Captain Admiral Zander Graydon, safe - at least until she determines whether he’s the real Graydon or a shape-shifting alien imposter. Zander has had a lot of action in his career, but multiple attempts to kill him in one day is a bit annoying, especially when crew he cares about is endangered as well. Zander and Mae have to get creative in keeping ahead of the assassins until they can meet up with their good friend Rian, who has been fighting the aliens for quite some time. The story follows both Zander and Mae as well as Rian and his crew and it was definitely a wild and action-filled ride. Now I have to go back and read the first book and then continue on with the series because there is a lot more adventure to be had and I can’t wait.
March 31, 2022
Action , adventure, betrayal, revenge and love. What more could you ask for this continues the story of Rian Sherrin’s quest to destroy the shape shifting aliens that did him harm. The darkness tries to take control and he is hanging on by a thread. Ella seems to affect him but he fights her light every step of the way. .
The couple of the book are Mae and Zander - two of Rian’s friends. She’s gutsy, smart and a soldier. He’s a captain admiral. I liked them both from the beginning as they are strong characters with a sense of humour and a sense of honour.
More books to follow and I’m looking forward to seeing how the series turns out.
Please note: while I know the author personally, this doesn’t affect the star rating.
The couple of the book are Mae and Zander - two of Rian’s friends. She’s gutsy, smart and a soldier. He’s a captain admiral. I liked them both from the beginning as they are strong characters with a sense of humour and a sense of honour.
More books to follow and I’m looking forward to seeing how the series turns out.
Please note: while I know the author personally, this doesn’t affect the star rating.
April 17, 2021
Excellent, but dark, sci fi adventure with romance
The world building is great, but the story is brutal at times with a high body count, including named characters. The romance is secondary to the adventure, and there are sex scenes. Mae and Zander are good main characters with a surprisingly grim story line, although there is a ray of hope at the end.
The world building is great, but the story is brutal at times with a high body count, including named characters. The romance is secondary to the adventure, and there are sex scenes. Mae and Zander are good main characters with a surprisingly grim story line, although there is a ray of hope at the end.
January 2, 2018
DNF .... Personals I don’t like stories where sex is used for information, or when the characters having sex don’t even like each other.
October 29, 2019
What a fabulous ride!
I enjoyed this adventure so much. I can't wait to start Book 3 and see the next installment of Rian vs the Reidar.
I enjoyed this adventure so much. I can't wait to start Book 3 and see the next installment of Rian vs the Reidar.
October 16, 2025
Reading under new novel name of The Lost Stars
January 19, 2017
My Review: 4 Stars
This was a really fun read! Here's Zander being attacked multiple times and suspicious of everyone, including Mae. He's just sure she's keeping secrets. Really? But he'd really like to get closer to her and reveal more than her secrets! She's beautiful, fit, and intelligent. She appeals to him on many levels. He really isn't in the mood to resist her. Except she's supposed to be his aide, so professionally he shouldn't touch her. And the Captain Admiral is nothing if not the ultimate professional.
Then we have Mae, who's definitely keeping secrets! She's not sure if Zander is really even Zander. She's there undercover, sent from outside, to find out if he is or isn't still human; or if he's been taken over by this enemy who's supposed to be taking over the universe! It's his very real grief that makes her think he may still be human, but she still can't reveal the secrets she's hiding. They aren't hers to tell! But with all the close studying she's had to do of Zander, she's noticed other things. Like the fact that he's gorgeous and so physically fit she's unable to stop looking sometimes. If they were on the ship, they could fall back on the roles they play. But stranded as they are now after their shuttle crash, they don't really know what roles to play.
Can secrets and professionalism keep these two apart? Or is the magnetism stronger? Well, it wouldn't be a very good story, if it could keep them apart, so of course the magnetism is stronger! And they sizzle! So now what do they do? They still don't trust each other. Mae still can't tell him the secrets she's hiding. And Zander still can't get past the fact that he knows she's hiding them. Well, we also can't leave them stranded after the shuttle crash, so who is in control of the ship that rescues them and what are the plans now?
This really was a fun read. There were sad parts to it, too. But their relationship is volatile as they are both intelligent and strong minded people who are used to getting their own way. This book was just released as an ebook Monday, August 8th. So pick it up at your favorite online book store and give it a read for an entertaining weekend. It's definitely worth your time! Book two of the series, Atrophy, is available in paperback, but not in ebook yet.
26883379 Book three, Diffraction, is not available, yet.
This was a really fun read! Here's Zander being attacked multiple times and suspicious of everyone, including Mae. He's just sure she's keeping secrets. Really? But he'd really like to get closer to her and reveal more than her secrets! She's beautiful, fit, and intelligent. She appeals to him on many levels. He really isn't in the mood to resist her. Except she's supposed to be his aide, so professionally he shouldn't touch her. And the Captain Admiral is nothing if not the ultimate professional.
Then we have Mae, who's definitely keeping secrets! She's not sure if Zander is really even Zander. She's there undercover, sent from outside, to find out if he is or isn't still human; or if he's been taken over by this enemy who's supposed to be taking over the universe! It's his very real grief that makes her think he may still be human, but she still can't reveal the secrets she's hiding. They aren't hers to tell! But with all the close studying she's had to do of Zander, she's noticed other things. Like the fact that he's gorgeous and so physically fit she's unable to stop looking sometimes. If they were on the ship, they could fall back on the roles they play. But stranded as they are now after their shuttle crash, they don't really know what roles to play.
Can secrets and professionalism keep these two apart? Or is the magnetism stronger? Well, it wouldn't be a very good story, if it could keep them apart, so of course the magnetism is stronger! And they sizzle! So now what do they do? They still don't trust each other. Mae still can't tell him the secrets she's hiding. And Zander still can't get past the fact that he knows she's hiding them. Well, we also can't leave them stranded after the shuttle crash, so who is in control of the ship that rescues them and what are the plans now?
This really was a fun read. There were sad parts to it, too. But their relationship is volatile as they are both intelligent and strong minded people who are used to getting their own way. This book was just released as an ebook Monday, August 8th. So pick it up at your favorite online book store and give it a read for an entertaining weekend. It's definitely worth your time! Book two of the series, Atrophy, is available in paperback, but not in ebook yet.
26883379 Book three, Diffraction, is not available, yet.
October 6, 2016
Quantum by Jess Anastasi is a science fiction fantasy novel that readers everywhere will enjoy. I am one who gets bored with just about all of the science fiction novels. However, this one was definitely up my alley in a good book. This novel had the action, adventure, suspense as well as a hot spicy romance to keep me interested. Quantum is book two of Jess Anastasi's series and I loved it. I haven't read the first and was able to follow through this one easily. After having read this second title, I am now intrigued to read the first and third novel within this series. The writing is superb. Jess Anastasi knows how to lure readers deep into her world of fiction.
Quantum is an action space adventure. Filled with shape shifting aliens set to invade the human occupations all over the galaxy. There's only been a select few who have come to witness the aliens and what they can do. There seemed to be only one thing to help fight the aliens. That's by using guns that resemble stun guns in our world. But just like the ordinary guns in our world, there are only so many bullets to use. Same restrictions apply to these powered guns that affect the aliens. Aliens that can do so much damage. Then there's the issue of some aliens already infiltrated into the top government positions that can easily have other humans attack their human friends. Also, there are two friends. One was hurt by the aliens and sends out a woman he trusts to find out if his military friend is an alien in disguise or not...but then things get complicated. The friend and woman are being chased by an unknown enemy and the aliens are trying to kill them. Plus, despite the horror of the situations they just faced...they went had sex. Sex that was explosive. Neither one can stop thinking about the other...and in their world distractions can kills. Jess Anastasi also have alliances from characters that readers wouldn't expect to form in order to prepare and fight off the aliens attacking the human world. Danger, excitement, and desire will definitely keep readers from calling this science fiction fantasy boring...overall, I highly recommend this read to all.
Quantum is an action space adventure. Filled with shape shifting aliens set to invade the human occupations all over the galaxy. There's only been a select few who have come to witness the aliens and what they can do. There seemed to be only one thing to help fight the aliens. That's by using guns that resemble stun guns in our world. But just like the ordinary guns in our world, there are only so many bullets to use. Same restrictions apply to these powered guns that affect the aliens. Aliens that can do so much damage. Then there's the issue of some aliens already infiltrated into the top government positions that can easily have other humans attack their human friends. Also, there are two friends. One was hurt by the aliens and sends out a woman he trusts to find out if his military friend is an alien in disguise or not...but then things get complicated. The friend and woman are being chased by an unknown enemy and the aliens are trying to kill them. Plus, despite the horror of the situations they just faced...they went had sex. Sex that was explosive. Neither one can stop thinking about the other...and in their world distractions can kills. Jess Anastasi also have alliances from characters that readers wouldn't expect to form in order to prepare and fight off the aliens attacking the human world. Danger, excitement, and desire will definitely keep readers from calling this science fiction fantasy boring...overall, I highly recommend this read to all.
December 30, 2016
The Atrophy series returns with another perilous adventure in which troubled Captain Rian is still brooding his way around space, plotting the demise of the shape-shifting aliens, while his two best friends do their level best to avoid being murdered as they try not to fall in love.
The action kicks off right from the first page as Zander is forced to avoid assassination attempt number one, long before he realises that his entire existence has been turned upside down. Zander has a lot to cope with in this book, but he’s a commander and a leader and tends to deal with the upheaval by taking control of whatever he can. Yes, he’s alpha and occasionally prone to moments of ego-driven idiocy, but he’s also a good man who cares for his people and isn’t afraid to risk himself to try and save them.
Mae is an excellent match for him. She’s strong and competent, protective and smart. Zander’s used to doing everything by the book, while Mae is a little more familiar with going it alone. They make a great team, or they would if not for the suspicions and lies that threaten to undermine their relationship from the very start. Yet, despite their trust issues, they still manage to come together with both heat and tenderness and occasional flashes of humour.
Away from these two, Rian and the Imojenna have plenty of problems of their own to face, with more evidence of the alien invasion coming to light every day. He’s a troubled man, with plenty of demons, but there is hope for him – even if he can’t see it. Still, he has a few tricky moments to face, and the mysterious Ella is usually on hand to offer up a cryptic comment to keep him perennially off balance.
I’ll admit there were moments in the middle where the pace felt a bit slow and I just wanted one or two scenes to hurry up and get to the next good bit I could see was coming, but on the whole the plot is packed with enough action and mystery and trouble to capture my attention. There are old characters and new ones to catch up with, and plenty of hints for a very interesting future to come. I can’t wait to see where it all heads next.
(Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)
The action kicks off right from the first page as Zander is forced to avoid assassination attempt number one, long before he realises that his entire existence has been turned upside down. Zander has a lot to cope with in this book, but he’s a commander and a leader and tends to deal with the upheaval by taking control of whatever he can. Yes, he’s alpha and occasionally prone to moments of ego-driven idiocy, but he’s also a good man who cares for his people and isn’t afraid to risk himself to try and save them.
Mae is an excellent match for him. She’s strong and competent, protective and smart. Zander’s used to doing everything by the book, while Mae is a little more familiar with going it alone. They make a great team, or they would if not for the suspicions and lies that threaten to undermine their relationship from the very start. Yet, despite their trust issues, they still manage to come together with both heat and tenderness and occasional flashes of humour.
Away from these two, Rian and the Imojenna have plenty of problems of their own to face, with more evidence of the alien invasion coming to light every day. He’s a troubled man, with plenty of demons, but there is hope for him – even if he can’t see it. Still, he has a few tricky moments to face, and the mysterious Ella is usually on hand to offer up a cryptic comment to keep him perennially off balance.
I’ll admit there were moments in the middle where the pace felt a bit slow and I just wanted one or two scenes to hurry up and get to the next good bit I could see was coming, but on the whole the plot is packed with enough action and mystery and trouble to capture my attention. There are old characters and new ones to catch up with, and plenty of hints for a very interesting future to come. I can’t wait to see where it all heads next.
(Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)
July 29, 2016
The 2nd book in the series after Atrophy, it's better to have read Atrophy 1st as this is very much a continuation of the plot outlined in Atrophy of the fight against alien shape shifting Reidars infiltration into every position of power of humanity (to what end? Guess we have to wait...). While the romance is very much there (& pretty amazing), this series is so very much more than a romance. It has just about everything; a fantastic storyline, plot, action, romance, humour & snark!, world building - you name it.
The story does flip (alternating chapters) between Mae & Zander's story and Rian's (& his crew) vendetta against the Reidar.
My one & only peeve about this book is the heroine’s name which makes me picture a Southern madam rather than a strong, capable military heroine. She’s no simpering, wimpy femme fatale but a totally capable, best-person-to have-with-you-in-an-emergency type. Even in a situation where she’s terrified, she manages to push her fear behind her & soldier on.
I totally adored both Mae & Zander. The chemistry between them is amazing. It’s not just the attraction (amazingly yummy) but their interaction, which is filled with dry humor. Both of them are epitomes of courage, duty and selflessness. The younger person to be made Captain Admiral, Zander “has no life outside the military”. He has never acted improperly when faced with attraction on duty before but Mae and the situation they are both thrust into just blasts thru his walls.
Zander is totally adorable (ok, I said that already. Did I mention how adorable he is?). This rough tough Captain Admiral turns boyishly charming & oh so confused & conflicted over his feelings for Mae that he can’t control.
I love the author's writing style. Some lines had me laughing out loud, it's never cheesy or "too much". The action is palpable & some parts had me holding my breath reading.
The 1st book is better than Star Wars, the 2nd is better than the 1st. Can't wait for the 3rd....
Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review.
The story does flip (alternating chapters) between Mae & Zander's story and Rian's (& his crew) vendetta against the Reidar.
My one & only peeve about this book is the heroine’s name which makes me picture a Southern madam rather than a strong, capable military heroine. She’s no simpering, wimpy femme fatale but a totally capable, best-person-to have-with-you-in-an-emergency type. Even in a situation where she’s terrified, she manages to push her fear behind her & soldier on.
I totally adored both Mae & Zander. The chemistry between them is amazing. It’s not just the attraction (amazingly yummy) but their interaction, which is filled with dry humor. Both of them are epitomes of courage, duty and selflessness. The younger person to be made Captain Admiral, Zander “has no life outside the military”. He has never acted improperly when faced with attraction on duty before but Mae and the situation they are both thrust into just blasts thru his walls.
Zander is totally adorable (ok, I said that already. Did I mention how adorable he is?). This rough tough Captain Admiral turns boyishly charming & oh so confused & conflicted over his feelings for Mae that he can’t control.
I love the author's writing style. Some lines had me laughing out loud, it's never cheesy or "too much". The action is palpable & some parts had me holding my breath reading.
The 1st book is better than Star Wars, the 2nd is better than the 1st. Can't wait for the 3rd....
Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2018
Quantum opened up with a bang and never slowed down! Mae is undercover trying to prove if Zander is human, or if he's been replaced by the Reidar, shape shifting aliens planning to take over the system. What follows is a fast-paced story with enough suspense and adrenaline that kept me glued until the end!
Mae isn't anyone definition of a damsel in distress. She extremely practical, intelligent, loyal, has a glib sense of humor, and doesn't take any crap-I would have said the last person Zander would fall for, but she's perfect for him. Given his fancy title, Zander should be an obnoxious jerk. Instead he's got a sarcastic, self-deprecating sense of self, a natural arrogance that cracked me up, and such a laid back, in control attitude..he's the guy everyone wants to have drinks and swap stories with. Mae and Zander's physical attraction literally jumps off the page from the start, yet their intimate connection is what really sucked me in. Their brains may have denied any trust, but their hearts were on warp speed, forming a bond neither would acknowledge until its too late.
Rian is making progress on the Reidar's heinous plan and finding unexpected allies along the way. And his pseudo-relationship with Ella is still running hot and cold, but there's no denying the physical side of things is still burning hot! I know I am looking forward to the moment the mighty captain is brought down by this petite priestess!
With echoes of the Star Trek and Firefly tv series, the Atrophy series has become a favorite of mine! Superb characters and a sensational plot kept me up late in the night, anxious to know what would happen next. Book two in the series, Zander and Mae's story was stuffed with suspense, intrigue, action, and romance of course! I highly recommend starting with Atrophy before reading Quantum so you don't miss out on a truly engrossing series!
Mae isn't anyone definition of a damsel in distress. She extremely practical, intelligent, loyal, has a glib sense of humor, and doesn't take any crap-I would have said the last person Zander would fall for, but she's perfect for him. Given his fancy title, Zander should be an obnoxious jerk. Instead he's got a sarcastic, self-deprecating sense of self, a natural arrogance that cracked me up, and such a laid back, in control attitude..he's the guy everyone wants to have drinks and swap stories with. Mae and Zander's physical attraction literally jumps off the page from the start, yet their intimate connection is what really sucked me in. Their brains may have denied any trust, but their hearts were on warp speed, forming a bond neither would acknowledge until its too late.
Rian is making progress on the Reidar's heinous plan and finding unexpected allies along the way. And his pseudo-relationship with Ella is still running hot and cold, but there's no denying the physical side of things is still burning hot! I know I am looking forward to the moment the mighty captain is brought down by this petite priestess!
With echoes of the Star Trek and Firefly tv series, the Atrophy series has become a favorite of mine! Superb characters and a sensational plot kept me up late in the night, anxious to know what would happen next. Book two in the series, Zander and Mae's story was stuffed with suspense, intrigue, action, and romance of course! I highly recommend starting with Atrophy before reading Quantum so you don't miss out on a truly engrossing series!
February 7, 2017
Zander is the admiral of a spaceship. He respects his crew who gives him the respect in return.
Mae has been sent to act as Zander's assistant by Rian, a close friend of theirs. There are some doubts about his true identity and Mae's task is to establish if he might be an impersonator.
Zander is attacked for unknown reasons just before he meets Mae. They start off on a very good footing with an underlying attraction between them. Not long after they meet, there is another attack and they end up being stranded. There is no apparent reasons for the faults which caused the crash and there are other necessities missing from their vital supplies. When there is yet another attack, Zander can't help wondering if these occurrences might be tied to Mae. He thinks that someone is desperate to either get rid of him or Mae. He is unaware of Mae's reasons for being his assistant but he suspects that she is keeping secrets. There are aliens trying to take over the key figures of the society and Mae is still unsure whether Zander is an imposter. The attraction between them sizzles slowly even when neither of them trusts each other.
There is a lot going in this novel. Rian is still suffering from his ordeals by the hands of the aliens. Mae's uncertainty about Zander's true nature and her confusion about the way she feels about him. Zander is struggling with his attraction towards Mae and the impact of the truth for Mae's reasons to be assigned to him.
This is a fast paced romantic scifi. There is danger around every corner. It's difficult to know who to trust as anyone could be an imposter. It's full of action, suspense and surprises. It's a fascinating and engrossing storyline.
I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Mae has been sent to act as Zander's assistant by Rian, a close friend of theirs. There are some doubts about his true identity and Mae's task is to establish if he might be an impersonator.
Zander is attacked for unknown reasons just before he meets Mae. They start off on a very good footing with an underlying attraction between them. Not long after they meet, there is another attack and they end up being stranded. There is no apparent reasons for the faults which caused the crash and there are other necessities missing from their vital supplies. When there is yet another attack, Zander can't help wondering if these occurrences might be tied to Mae. He thinks that someone is desperate to either get rid of him or Mae. He is unaware of Mae's reasons for being his assistant but he suspects that she is keeping secrets. There are aliens trying to take over the key figures of the society and Mae is still unsure whether Zander is an imposter. The attraction between them sizzles slowly even when neither of them trusts each other.
There is a lot going in this novel. Rian is still suffering from his ordeals by the hands of the aliens. Mae's uncertainty about Zander's true nature and her confusion about the way she feels about him. Zander is struggling with his attraction towards Mae and the impact of the truth for Mae's reasons to be assigned to him.
This is a fast paced romantic scifi. There is danger around every corner. It's difficult to know who to trust as anyone could be an imposter. It's full of action, suspense and surprises. It's a fascinating and engrossing storyline.
I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 5, 2017
It took me a little bit to get into this story because it had been so long since I had read the first one, Atrophy and I just didn’t feel there was enough recap to catch me back up. I feel if you were reading these stories back to back you would be totally fine. If you are like me and read hundreds, no exaggeration, hundreds of books a year some of the finer points get lost and I found myself scrambling to try and remember who was who and what happened.
As the story unfolds Mae is sent on a covert mission to capture Zander so Rian can determine if he is a shape-shifting alien. However, things don’t go as planned and there are three attempts on Zander’s life in a very short time frame. She and Zander are left stranded in a jungle for days, ALONE, with a budding attraction despite their suspicions of each other. He thinking she has something to do with the attacks, her thinking he is an alien. Tempers and sparks fly and attraction and chemistry overcome's suspicion. But that was just the beginning.
The story was jam packed with action and intrigue that didn’t stop and you really get two stories in one. Zander and Mae and then Rian. Ah, Rian who I feel is the real main character of this entire series. I keep wondering when he will get his own book. However, I am glad he gets equal time in each book so far. He is damaged, and dominate yet its hard not to want to be in his corner.
I really enjoyed Quantum and the only reason it isn’t getting a 5 is because it just needed more recap. If you even tried to read this book first you would be completely lost. As it was with so much of a gap in between my reading times (over a year) I felt lost.
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As the story unfolds Mae is sent on a covert mission to capture Zander so Rian can determine if he is a shape-shifting alien. However, things don’t go as planned and there are three attempts on Zander’s life in a very short time frame. She and Zander are left stranded in a jungle for days, ALONE, with a budding attraction despite their suspicions of each other. He thinking she has something to do with the attacks, her thinking he is an alien. Tempers and sparks fly and attraction and chemistry overcome's suspicion. But that was just the beginning.
The story was jam packed with action and intrigue that didn’t stop and you really get two stories in one. Zander and Mae and then Rian. Ah, Rian who I feel is the real main character of this entire series. I keep wondering when he will get his own book. However, I am glad he gets equal time in each book so far. He is damaged, and dominate yet its hard not to want to be in his corner.
I really enjoyed Quantum and the only reason it isn’t getting a 5 is because it just needed more recap. If you even tried to read this book first you would be completely lost. As it was with so much of a gap in between my reading times (over a year) I felt lost.
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August 11, 2016
Rian has sent Mae on a mission to infiltrate Zander Graydon's crew to find out if he is an alien impersonating his very good friend. Things start going wrong on her mission immediately when it becomes clear that someone is trying to kill Zander. She can't help but want to help protect him and her feelings for him grow pretty quickly even though she can't trust that he is human like she thinks. Someone is trying to kill Zander and he can't tell if his sexy new assistant is one of them. As the danger and his feelings grow he can't help but feel like she is keeping things from him.
Although I felt the spark between Mae and Zander, their relationship didn't wow me. They kinda jumped into things with both feet in the sex department, but with all the secrets and suspicions they held for each other I just didn't totally fall in love with them as a couple.
I did like seeing Rian and Mirella from book one continue with their very slow dance around each other. That relationship is going to explode when Rian finally lets himself feel something. Book three, DIFFRACTION, has it's blurb up and it doesn't feature these two, so not sure when all this will happen.
Relationship aspects aside, I did really enjoy the storyline continuation in QUANTUM. A lot gets accomplished in the characters bid to eventual defeat the shape shifting aliens that are taking over their world. I will definitely keep my eyes open for book three and hope that I enjoy the relationship a bit more.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2016
This is the 2nd book in the series after Atrophy, it is recommended that you do read book 1 before reading Quantum. Captain Admiral Zander Graydon has seen a lot of action and he is in this book is able to start putting pieces together of how is trying to kill him. On hand to help out is Lt. Marshal Mae Petros , one of the hottest pairings that I have seen in a while. This book takes sci fi, suspense and romance along with intrigue and builds on that. Mae holds secrets in, things that she keeps from Zander—there are things in the background that during the story, we start to get a grasp of what they may be. Her holding her secrets back caused some distance between her and Zander at times. Zander’s life is in danger, there is more Rian in this story oh and when we find out what Mae is really doing in the background, her “undercover” job- well, will this cause Zander and Mae to break apart or be together even stronger than ever? There are times I loved the story but also times I was confused at what was going on. I loved the angst and passion at play but also I needed more to be explained. I hated the confusion that was at play…when book 3 comes out and it looks like there is a book 3, then maybe more will be explained.
My rating: 3.9 stars ****
**I was given an ARC by the publisher in exchange for an honest review***
My rating: 3.9 stars ****
**I was given an ARC by the publisher in exchange for an honest review***
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