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Asterion Noir #2
Of A Darker Void
When man and machine are one and the same, death is no longer an inevitability. But in the darkest reaches of space, neither is life.
Diplomat.
Rebel.
Fugitive.
Nika Tescarav has lived many lives, though she no longer remembers most of them. Chased by agents of a regime that will do anything to protect the secrets of the Rasu Protocol, Nika flees to the stars with her once and future lover on a mission to expose those secrets. A race across alien worlds both exotic and deadly leads them to the bastion of the enemy, but its discovery brings a terrible revelation: sometimes the truth is indeed worse than the lies spun to conceal it.
With Nika and Dashiel on the run, NOIR steps up to defend against a virulent pathogen unleashed upon innocent civilians. When a desperate government moves to crush the resistance once and for all, unlikely alliances are forged between former adversaries and all paths converge in an explosive showdown that will change the future of the Asterion Dominion forever.
ASTERION NOIR
700,000 years ago, the Asterions fled persecution for their pro-synthetic beliefs. In the safe harbor of a distant galaxy, they have evolved into a true biosynthetic race and built a thriving society upon the pillars of personal autonomy, mutual respect and boundless innovation.
Now that society is fracturing at the seams. Beneath lies built upon lies, the shocking truth as to why threatens the future of not merely the Asterions, but all life in the universe.
Cyberpunk and space opera collide in a thrilling new trilogy from the author of the epic Aurora Rhapsody space opera saga. Enter a world of technological wonders, exotic alien life, enthralling characters, captivating worlds—and a terrifying evil lurking in the void that will shatter it all.
Diplomat.
Rebel.
Fugitive.
Nika Tescarav has lived many lives, though she no longer remembers most of them. Chased by agents of a regime that will do anything to protect the secrets of the Rasu Protocol, Nika flees to the stars with her once and future lover on a mission to expose those secrets. A race across alien worlds both exotic and deadly leads them to the bastion of the enemy, but its discovery brings a terrible revelation: sometimes the truth is indeed worse than the lies spun to conceal it.
With Nika and Dashiel on the run, NOIR steps up to defend against a virulent pathogen unleashed upon innocent civilians. When a desperate government moves to crush the resistance once and for all, unlikely alliances are forged between former adversaries and all paths converge in an explosive showdown that will change the future of the Asterion Dominion forever.
ASTERION NOIR
700,000 years ago, the Asterions fled persecution for their pro-synthetic beliefs. In the safe harbor of a distant galaxy, they have evolved into a true biosynthetic race and built a thriving society upon the pillars of personal autonomy, mutual respect and boundless innovation.
Now that society is fracturing at the seams. Beneath lies built upon lies, the shocking truth as to why threatens the future of not merely the Asterions, but all life in the universe.
Cyberpunk and space opera collide in a thrilling new trilogy from the author of the epic Aurora Rhapsody space opera saga. Enter a world of technological wonders, exotic alien life, enthralling characters, captivating worlds—and a terrifying evil lurking in the void that will shatter it all.
402 pages, ebook
Published December 3, 2018
54 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
G.S. Jennsen
51Ìýbooks509ÌýfollowersG. S. Jennsen is a speculative and science fiction author, as well as a futurist, geek, gamer, programmer and editor. She has become an internationally bestselling author since her first novel, Starshine, was published in March 2014. She has chosen to continue writing under an independent publishing model to ensure the integrity of her series and her ability to execute on the vision she’s had for it since its genesis.
While she has been a lawyer, a software engineer and an editor, she’s found the life of a full-time author preferable by several orders of magnitude.
When she isn’t writing, she’s gaming or working out or getting lost in the mountains that loom large outside the windows in her home. Or she’s dealing with a flooded basement, or standing in a line at Walmart reading the tabloid headlines and wondering who all of those people are. Or sitting on her back porch with a glass of wine, looking up at the stars, trying to figure out what could be up there.
While she has been a lawyer, a software engineer and an editor, she’s found the life of a full-time author preferable by several orders of magnitude.
When she isn’t writing, she’s gaming or working out or getting lost in the mountains that loom large outside the windows in her home. Or she’s dealing with a flooded basement, or standing in a line at Walmart reading the tabloid headlines and wondering who all of those people are. Or sitting on her back porch with a glass of wine, looking up at the stars, trying to figure out what could be up there.
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July 25, 2019
New Teaser Excerpt:
Teaser Excerpt #1:
December 2, 2018
Five stars aren't enough. Part two of the Asterion Noir Trilogy grabs you and doesn't let go.
Nika and Dashiel are off to find the secrets behind the Rasu Protocol and discover more than they bargained for.
With new enemies and allies, not to mention Nika' s missing past, Jennsen does a fantastic job of creating yet more layers to the already impressive Amaranthe universe. Her creative imagination opens up the Gennisi galaxy to the reader in more detail.
With brilliant characters (Nika and Ava are my faves), new and exciting alien species and, off-the-chain technology, readers are in for a roller coaster ride and a half.
Nika and Dashiel are off to find the secrets behind the Rasu Protocol and discover more than they bargained for.
With new enemies and allies, not to mention Nika' s missing past, Jennsen does a fantastic job of creating yet more layers to the already impressive Amaranthe universe. Her creative imagination opens up the Gennisi galaxy to the reader in more detail.
With brilliant characters (Nika and Ava are my faves), new and exciting alien species and, off-the-chain technology, readers are in for a roller coaster ride and a half.
December 2, 2018
Picking up virtually right where Exin Ex Machina left off, Of a Darker Void gets the ball rolling by immediately plunging our heroes into all sorts of new trouble, and it doesn’t let up until the final page (and even then�).
EEM introduced us to Nika and Dashiel, two characters separated by a tragedy and reunited in their quest to solve a series of mysteries…mysteries that in turn exposed a much larger and more sinister secret than either of them expected. A secret that originally contributed to Nika’s psyche-wipe and caused the two of them to be separated in the first place. A secret that has impacted thousands of lives across the galaxy and is on the verge of impacting thousands more. And as Nika struggles to fix all of these problems, she’s still struggling to fix herself. As reader and writer who’s a complete sucker for broken characters (psshh, who, me?), this makes the story all the more interesting.
Void includes more space travel than EEM did, so it has a little more of a space opera feel to it (but with all the same cyberpunk elements, of course). New worlds are visited, and more of Amaranthe’s alien races are introduced, but despite these things, the story still has a close-knit feel, as opposed to the Aurora Rhapsody series that was on such a big scale all the time. Yes, AR had plenty of mysteries to be solved as well, but I think the difference is that the mysteries here in ANR are so personal to the characters. They either were/are involved directly or else have some sort of individual stake in the issues. I think that makes for a unique story and continues to create contrast between the two series, even though they take place in the same universe.
The technology the characters use also never ceases to fascinate me. You would think that in a setting where the options for technology and tools are virtually limitless, it would be easy to use these things as plot devices and allow the characters to succeed too much. But that’s never the case here. Where the heroes are capable of one thing, the villains are capable of something else, and it’s always very imaginative.
And while G.S. Jennsen always creates great lead characters, one of my favorite things about her books is how she also creates compelling side characters. Sometimes I even find myself rooting for the secondary characters more than the leads! And better yet, they all have unique voices and personalities that make them jump off the page as if they’re real people. One of the neat things here in Void is that some very unexpected combinations of characters with different views and backgrounds end up sharing “screen time� and working together, which made for some really fun dynamics.
I—and the characters—still have a million questions about what will happen next, and I can’t wait to find out.
EEM introduced us to Nika and Dashiel, two characters separated by a tragedy and reunited in their quest to solve a series of mysteries…mysteries that in turn exposed a much larger and more sinister secret than either of them expected. A secret that originally contributed to Nika’s psyche-wipe and caused the two of them to be separated in the first place. A secret that has impacted thousands of lives across the galaxy and is on the verge of impacting thousands more. And as Nika struggles to fix all of these problems, she’s still struggling to fix herself. As reader and writer who’s a complete sucker for broken characters (psshh, who, me?), this makes the story all the more interesting.
Void includes more space travel than EEM did, so it has a little more of a space opera feel to it (but with all the same cyberpunk elements, of course). New worlds are visited, and more of Amaranthe’s alien races are introduced, but despite these things, the story still has a close-knit feel, as opposed to the Aurora Rhapsody series that was on such a big scale all the time. Yes, AR had plenty of mysteries to be solved as well, but I think the difference is that the mysteries here in ANR are so personal to the characters. They either were/are involved directly or else have some sort of individual stake in the issues. I think that makes for a unique story and continues to create contrast between the two series, even though they take place in the same universe.
The technology the characters use also never ceases to fascinate me. You would think that in a setting where the options for technology and tools are virtually limitless, it would be easy to use these things as plot devices and allow the characters to succeed too much. But that’s never the case here. Where the heroes are capable of one thing, the villains are capable of something else, and it’s always very imaginative.
And while G.S. Jennsen always creates great lead characters, one of my favorite things about her books is how she also creates compelling side characters. Sometimes I even find myself rooting for the secondary characters more than the leads! And better yet, they all have unique voices and personalities that make them jump off the page as if they’re real people. One of the neat things here in Void is that some very unexpected combinations of characters with different views and backgrounds end up sharing “screen time� and working together, which made for some really fun dynamics.
I—and the characters—still have a million questions about what will happen next, and I can’t wait to find out.
December 13, 2018
Wow.
I suppose I should say more. Wow. Wow. Wow.
G.S. Jennsen latest book takes the mind-blowing world of Asterion - a galactic civilization - and cranks it up a notch. Asterion: where human and machine has been merged, and people can live hundreds of thousands of years. Then an even more advanced species - the Rasu - is discovered, and the government makes a decision to keep the discovery - and the aliens' demands - secret. Until everything starts to come apart and there is no keeping the secret. And perhaps no saving themselves from the Rasu.
Nika has to lead NOIR in its rebellion against the government, learn about her past, and deal with new revelations of what they face.
Six months to The Stars Like Gods, Asterion Noir, #3!
I suppose I should say more. Wow. Wow. Wow.
G.S. Jennsen latest book takes the mind-blowing world of Asterion - a galactic civilization - and cranks it up a notch. Asterion: where human and machine has been merged, and people can live hundreds of thousands of years. Then an even more advanced species - the Rasu - is discovered, and the government makes a decision to keep the discovery - and the aliens' demands - secret. Until everything starts to come apart and there is no keeping the secret. And perhaps no saving themselves from the Rasu.
Nika has to lead NOIR in its rebellion against the government, learn about her past, and deal with new revelations of what they face.
Six months to The Stars Like Gods, Asterion Noir, #3!
March 13, 2019
Great series. Sci fi with great characters and story. Narrator for the audio book is wonderful also, a real storyteller.
December 19, 2018
WOW!
There are several key things that I expect from contemporary science fiction. These include:
1) complex characters who are bright, savvy, and open to change/growth, including female main characters who are beyond outdated stereotypes;
2) reasonable science and technology, allowing that this is still fiction;
3) rich worlds and worldviews; and
4) a multi-faceted narrative that engages me, while also reflecting on what it is to be humans in community.
G.S. Jennsen exceeded my expectations with her marvelous three-trilogy series, Aurora Rhapsody. I really didn't imagine that her next series could take us in a fresh, yet similarly robust narrative journey. And yet it does!
I thought I'd miss Alexis, Caleb, and the other characters from the AR series. And yet already, I'm invested in the unique central characters for the Asterion Noir stories.
Fascinating exploration of what it is to be human, especially in the issues faced by these individuals who are both organic and synthetic. That includes what it means for one "person" to have histories dating back millenia.
And of course, there are fascinating worlds and species - including the imminently threatening Rasu.
Marvelous story-telling! Counting the days until the finale!
There are several key things that I expect from contemporary science fiction. These include:
1) complex characters who are bright, savvy, and open to change/growth, including female main characters who are beyond outdated stereotypes;
2) reasonable science and technology, allowing that this is still fiction;
3) rich worlds and worldviews; and
4) a multi-faceted narrative that engages me, while also reflecting on what it is to be humans in community.
G.S. Jennsen exceeded my expectations with her marvelous three-trilogy series, Aurora Rhapsody. I really didn't imagine that her next series could take us in a fresh, yet similarly robust narrative journey. And yet it does!
I thought I'd miss Alexis, Caleb, and the other characters from the AR series. And yet already, I'm invested in the unique central characters for the Asterion Noir stories.
Fascinating exploration of what it is to be human, especially in the issues faced by these individuals who are both organic and synthetic. That includes what it means for one "person" to have histories dating back millenia.
And of course, there are fascinating worlds and species - including the imminently threatening Rasu.
Marvelous story-telling! Counting the days until the finale!
December 8, 2018
After starting G. S. Jennsen's new cyberpunk series with the release of Exin Ex Machina this pastÌýsummer, I was immediately hooked, so it's no surprise that this book becameÌýone of my most anticipated reads of 2018. As much as I loved Jennsen's previous Aurora Rhapsody books, there's just something about theÌýcharacters in the Asterion Noir series that grabbed me from the very beginning, and coming back to their story and their world in this book was everything I could have hoped it would be. It's honestly a little hard for me to figure out how to write this review because I basically spent a little more than 48 hours flying through the pages as fast as I could between all of my other life obligations. It's all a bit of a blur now and I definitely need to go back and reread the book from the beginning sometime soon so I can take my time and really enjoy it, but man, what a freaking ride!ÌýI can say one thing for sure: I loved every second of it.
Of A Darker VoidÌýexplores the questions raised inÌýExin Ex MachinaÌýto unravel a sinister mystery and reveal answers that force every character in the book to make some pretty drastic decisions. While the stakes were alreadyÌýhigh in the first book, we didn't really understandÌýwhyÌýthat was, which meant we (and the characters themselves) didn't realize just how bad things really were until now. And maybe we still don't. There are a lot of questions that have yet to be answered, and I'm already looking forward to the information the characters will uncover in the next book.
Nika and Dashiel take center stage here yet again, which was great because I love them both. Especially Nika. She's easily my favorite. ItÌýwas an emotional journey watching them both navigate the complexities of their relationship and, in Nika's case, her very identity. However, I also really appreciated the way the secondary characters were fleshed out and took on a life of their own in this book. They were good characters in the first book, too, but here it seemed like we really got to know some of them better and understand their relationships with each other, as well asÌýthe things that motivated them and how far each of them were willing to go to do what they thought was right. I tend to be a little hesitant about books with more than 3-4 point of view characters, but Jennsen balances her cast wonderfully, and I felt a lot more invested in some of the secondary characters' personal journeys than I expected to.
This series has quickly become one of my favorites, and Jennsen continues to be a phenomenal storyteller. I have no more words to really express how much I love this story, so all I'll add is this: If you enjoy cyberpunk sci-fi and youÌýaren't already reading this series, you need to start, likeÌýyesterday.
Of A Darker VoidÌýexplores the questions raised inÌýExin Ex MachinaÌýto unravel a sinister mystery and reveal answers that force every character in the book to make some pretty drastic decisions. While the stakes were alreadyÌýhigh in the first book, we didn't really understandÌýwhyÌýthat was, which meant we (and the characters themselves) didn't realize just how bad things really were until now. And maybe we still don't. There are a lot of questions that have yet to be answered, and I'm already looking forward to the information the characters will uncover in the next book.
Nika and Dashiel take center stage here yet again, which was great because I love them both. Especially Nika. She's easily my favorite. ItÌýwas an emotional journey watching them both navigate the complexities of their relationship and, in Nika's case, her very identity. However, I also really appreciated the way the secondary characters were fleshed out and took on a life of their own in this book. They were good characters in the first book, too, but here it seemed like we really got to know some of them better and understand their relationships with each other, as well asÌýthe things that motivated them and how far each of them were willing to go to do what they thought was right. I tend to be a little hesitant about books with more than 3-4 point of view characters, but Jennsen balances her cast wonderfully, and I felt a lot more invested in some of the secondary characters' personal journeys than I expected to.
This series has quickly become one of my favorites, and Jennsen continues to be a phenomenal storyteller. I have no more words to really express how much I love this story, so all I'll add is this: If you enjoy cyberpunk sci-fi and youÌýaren't already reading this series, you need to start, likeÌýyesterday.
December 1, 2018
BEWARE, THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS!!!
So, this was another incredibly adventure.
I loved AR but I finding myself loving this series even more.
This instalment was super awesome.
We get to know a bit better some other characters. Also, we get to discover where the true allegiances lie.
Of the whole book Adlai has been the character I loved the most. I loved the part when Perrin asks him to be all in. And he is all in. He gives up his entire life, career to join their cause. Like Dashiel.
That moment between him and Perrin was magic and yes... I WANT the Pedlai or Adlin... whatever you call it... I ship Adlai and Perrin pretty badly. They make quite an amazing pair. So I am madly fangirling now...
I Loved Maris too. I liked her in the first book too but here is where we have the chance of meeting her a bit more. She's lovely and to be honest... her and Perrin make quite a formidable gang. Two very amazing women... Actually all the main women is this book are quite awesome.
Your female characters are always quite fascinating and always a great role model as well.
Maris saying "Sweetie" to Blake... for a moment River Song popped in my head.
I had almost a heart attack when Dashiel and Nika kinda fought. I could see why Nika was worried... and understand her but I ket saying... "No, Dashiel is good. Don't do that" That hurt. But I knew their separation wasn't going to be a long one...
The ending, although it came way too early, it happened at a very good point. The guides are down, for now at least... now the question is "where do we go from here?" It will be very fascinating to know how are they going to help the society. How are they going to prevent everything to get even worse than it is now. The guides are down yes, cool, good riddance, but who's going to guide them now?
Dashiel's word are perfect "Still, you kicked up a shitstorm now. The people will be afraid. They'll see the Platform destroyed and they'll think we're under attack. They'll think our government has fallen."
I really hope the people of the Dominion will understand...
So thank you for another incredible adventure. Starting the book made me feel like meeting old friends again. And some new unexpected ones as well...
Looking forward to the third one... (no pressure there AHAHAHAHAHAH)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2019
She's done it again! "Of a Darker Void" is the 2nd of the "Asterion Noir" trilogy and it has everything her previous novels had, and maybe even more. Jennsen started in 2014 by hitting it out of the park with her very first book, "Starshine", and her home-run streak continues ten novels later! I have read every one of them and I am amazed how someone can keep writing at such a consistently high level. (Think Asimov, Heinlein, Clarke)
Jennsen's characters (and there are many) are well-developed and easy to identify with. Even when the character isn't very likable, his/her motives are still understood. The protagonists are immediately likable and human in all the ways that count, even though they are not actually humans. The reader immediately establishes a strong rapport with the characters and becomes concerned for their welfare. Their causes and feelings become the reader's causes and feelings.
The story lines, like her universes, go on forever and, are never without intrigue and adventure. This book, like all her others, was difficult to put down. Each chapter left me begging for more just as this book leaves me anxiously waiting for the next one. ("The Stars Like Gods" expected in 2019) This story takes place thousands of years, and galaxies away from her "Aurora" series. The Asterions are distant descendants of characters from the previous books but this trilogy easily stands on its own. There are some references in this series that readers of Jennsen's earlier novels will recognize.
I am privileged to have been in this endeavor, as a reader, since it's beginning. I have been able to read each novel as it is released and, as a result, I have been drawn into the universe that is G.S. Jennsen. My only curse is that I have to wait for each one to be written before continuing the adventure. My suggestion to anyone who has yet to read G.S. Jennsen's books is this: Buy all 11 of them; find a shady spot on a tropical island; mix a cool drink of your choice and pick up "Starshine" to gain entry into G.S. Jennsen's universe(s).
Jennsen's characters (and there are many) are well-developed and easy to identify with. Even when the character isn't very likable, his/her motives are still understood. The protagonists are immediately likable and human in all the ways that count, even though they are not actually humans. The reader immediately establishes a strong rapport with the characters and becomes concerned for their welfare. Their causes and feelings become the reader's causes and feelings.
The story lines, like her universes, go on forever and, are never without intrigue and adventure. This book, like all her others, was difficult to put down. Each chapter left me begging for more just as this book leaves me anxiously waiting for the next one. ("The Stars Like Gods" expected in 2019) This story takes place thousands of years, and galaxies away from her "Aurora" series. The Asterions are distant descendants of characters from the previous books but this trilogy easily stands on its own. There are some references in this series that readers of Jennsen's earlier novels will recognize.
I am privileged to have been in this endeavor, as a reader, since it's beginning. I have been able to read each novel as it is released and, as a result, I have been drawn into the universe that is G.S. Jennsen. My only curse is that I have to wait for each one to be written before continuing the adventure. My suggestion to anyone who has yet to read G.S. Jennsen's books is this: Buy all 11 of them; find a shady spot on a tropical island; mix a cool drink of your choice and pick up "Starshine" to gain entry into G.S. Jennsen's universe(s).
January 3, 2019
G. S. Jennsen’s books just keep getting better. The depth of detail makes the world and its people completely real, I definitely feel like I’m in another world when reading.
Once again it’s a roller coaster ride of adventure and mayhem and I thoroughly enjoyed every stomach churning dive and every heart stopping climb. And there are moments when I teared up. The balance between action and softer moments is really well done and it’s all part of what makes this an easy story to read.
What I particularly liked about this one was the constant questioning and wondering about who was in the right, who was using their power for good and which side would win out. Power corrupts and only the strongest minded person can defeat that. G. S. Jennsen puts these characters in positions where they have to make that choice and it makes for excellent storytelling, tension and intrigue.
The characters become real. They have weaknesses and flaws that make them individuals and not all made from the same mold. It makes them endearing or someone I want to hate. But mostly I want to read about them, follow their story because they pull me in.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book in the series and will definitely be waiting � maybe a little impatiently � for the next one and whatever comes after from someone who has become my favourite author.
Once again it’s a roller coaster ride of adventure and mayhem and I thoroughly enjoyed every stomach churning dive and every heart stopping climb. And there are moments when I teared up. The balance between action and softer moments is really well done and it’s all part of what makes this an easy story to read.
What I particularly liked about this one was the constant questioning and wondering about who was in the right, who was using their power for good and which side would win out. Power corrupts and only the strongest minded person can defeat that. G. S. Jennsen puts these characters in positions where they have to make that choice and it makes for excellent storytelling, tension and intrigue.
The characters become real. They have weaknesses and flaws that make them individuals and not all made from the same mold. It makes them endearing or someone I want to hate. But mostly I want to read about them, follow their story because they pull me in.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book in the series and will definitely be waiting � maybe a little impatiently � for the next one and whatever comes after from someone who has become my favourite author.
December 17, 2018
It really is a good read. Though, so immersive, it's over way too soon.. wanting more. Plot moves along at a good pace. Questions raised in Exin Et Machina are satisfactorily answered... to the degree the plot development allows. The likeable characters are likeable. Those with duplicity on their minds are unmasked, those without spines are given a rude awakening... the character of the BIG enemy (not so much Galactic Scale as... Hypergalactic?) adequately clarified without giving too much away. Scary stuff. Keen to see how the immediacy of problems raised are resolved... Trying not to give too much away. Much to savor in this installment. And there is a very high probability you may shed a tear or two by the end of the story. In a good way, I hasten to add. I did...
June 21, 2019
An exciting space opera.
Where the first book gave us the technology/biology details, the second book builds on the personal relationships that in some cases stretch back millennia. There is lot more action and character development. The plot solidifies and the end begins to become more apparent. I can't wait to finish the third book. I hope it looks into the future to show how humankind deals with their technological selves now that their emotions have taken greater control of their actions.
Where the first book gave us the technology/biology details, the second book builds on the personal relationships that in some cases stretch back millennia. There is lot more action and character development. The plot solidifies and the end begins to become more apparent. I can't wait to finish the third book. I hope it looks into the future to show how humankind deals with their technological selves now that their emotions have taken greater control of their actions.
December 3, 2018
Yet another one smashed out of the park.
I loved OaDV because I felt like I got to know so many more characters in a deeper way. Not only is the tension deepened and the stakes raised (this IS a GSJ novel, after all), but my emotional attachment to #allthepeople was also strengthened. I hope this expands to another nine book series like her last one, because I want to hang out with these characters that long.
Also. The villain. Appropriately galactic in size. You'll get me later.
I loved OaDV because I felt like I got to know so many more characters in a deeper way. Not only is the tension deepened and the stakes raised (this IS a GSJ novel, after all), but my emotional attachment to #allthepeople was also strengthened. I hope this expands to another nine book series like her last one, because I want to hang out with these characters that long.
Also. The villain. Appropriately galactic in size. You'll get me later.
September 11, 2021
I'm really loving this side series to Jennsen's main Aurora universe! Nika and Dashiel are characters that really grow on you, and in this installment we learn much more about who they really are. Once again, Ms. Jennsen has made me think about what it means to be human, what constitutes life, and just how it could play out in the universe at large. There's also the creepy Rasu ... if the heroes are amazing, the villains are just as compelling. Great read!
July 1, 2019
Excellent
Well...I do like the fact that the good guys always seem to be fine in the end. But she created such an overwhelming/invincible culture that now the goal is to defeat them I'm very curious to see how it happens. I'll take a guess...since the aliens want something that our characters have,it seems reasonable to assume that when they figure out what it is they'll be able to use it to defeat them and bring peace to the galaxy.
Well...I do like the fact that the good guys always seem to be fine in the end. But she created such an overwhelming/invincible culture that now the goal is to defeat them I'm very curious to see how it happens. I'll take a guess...since the aliens want something that our characters have,it seems reasonable to assume that when they figure out what it is they'll be able to use it to defeat them and bring peace to the galaxy.
December 19, 2018
Very, very good.
Can't wait for book 3!!! But I understand the writer need some time, because to create such a good story, she needs time, so I'm gonna wait... not too patiently... ;-)
Can't wait for book 3!!! But I understand the writer need some time, because to create such a good story, she needs time, so I'm gonna wait... not too patiently... ;-)
December 2, 2018
Another fantastic instalment to the Asterion Noir universe. Perfectly paced, great character development, and utterly gripping. Can’t wait for more!
January 23, 2019
Great story
I've been thoroughly entertained by the first 2 books. Can't wait for the finale ! I want more stories from Ms. Jennsen.
I've been thoroughly entertained by the first 2 books. Can't wait for the finale ! I want more stories from Ms. Jennsen.
December 28, 2018
Gripping from beginning to end
The much anticipated second novel in the Asterion Noir series begins with a mystery then builds at pace to an impossible-to-put-down climax.
The author’s command of plot, pacing and characterisation is enviable. Every story thread (and there are several) follows a believable line and the actions of our characters are always exactly what you would have believed of them. This is especially true when they utterly surprise you.
I can’t recommend these books highly enough. I thought after the Aurora Rhapsody series by the same author I might have been jarred by this new series. I couldn’t have been more mistaken. This is a whole new galaxy to explore and new characters to explore it with.
The much anticipated second novel in the Asterion Noir series begins with a mystery then builds at pace to an impossible-to-put-down climax.
The author’s command of plot, pacing and characterisation is enviable. Every story thread (and there are several) follows a believable line and the actions of our characters are always exactly what you would have believed of them. This is especially true when they utterly surprise you.
I can’t recommend these books highly enough. I thought after the Aurora Rhapsody series by the same author I might have been jarred by this new series. I couldn’t have been more mistaken. This is a whole new galaxy to explore and new characters to explore it with.
September 18, 2019
I am hooked on G. S. Jennsen! Can’t wait for book 3.
September 3, 2020
This is the part where everything from the first book starts to come together and is fleshed out more as a coherent story. This novel definitely delivers a wild ride with the suspense and mystery I have come to expect from G. J.
That said, I just have to address something that, in my view, is a major flaw that bothered be like an itchy sweater the entire time I was reading. Character development. As in, there isn’t any. Not a bit. People are just props or delivery methods for the drama and not actual personalities that one can connect with. Part of this larger problem is a more specific problem with development of relationships. Again, completely absent. First of all, the romances and love interests feel really forced and shoehorned into a story that doesn’t need or benefit from them. Second, romantic relationships move WAY too fast, especially Nika and Dashiel’s. It just feels so contrived due to the pace. Finally, what the HELL is with the dialogue. Conversations are either hostile (between enemies) or absurdly and unrealistically complimentary (between allies or friends). Honestly, it’s annoying listening to character that just met go on and on about how charming, smart and wonderful the other is. Again, without any actual development of the relationship. Dialogue between Nika and Dashiel is so disgustingly mushy, I was rolling my eyes so much, i thought they would get stuck that way. G. J. does not appear to realize that couples occasionally talk about things other than how in love they are, and do more stuff than constantly paw at each other or have sex (in between shooting at things and such).
Anyway, while these things were undeniably irritating, they did not detract from the overall entertainment value of the book, which is solid.
That said, I just have to address something that, in my view, is a major flaw that bothered be like an itchy sweater the entire time I was reading. Character development. As in, there isn’t any. Not a bit. People are just props or delivery methods for the drama and not actual personalities that one can connect with. Part of this larger problem is a more specific problem with development of relationships. Again, completely absent. First of all, the romances and love interests feel really forced and shoehorned into a story that doesn’t need or benefit from them. Second, romantic relationships move WAY too fast, especially Nika and Dashiel’s. It just feels so contrived due to the pace. Finally, what the HELL is with the dialogue. Conversations are either hostile (between enemies) or absurdly and unrealistically complimentary (between allies or friends). Honestly, it’s annoying listening to character that just met go on and on about how charming, smart and wonderful the other is. Again, without any actual development of the relationship. Dialogue between Nika and Dashiel is so disgustingly mushy, I was rolling my eyes so much, i thought they would get stuck that way. G. J. does not appear to realize that couples occasionally talk about things other than how in love they are, and do more stuff than constantly paw at each other or have sex (in between shooting at things and such).
Anyway, while these things were undeniably irritating, they did not detract from the overall entertainment value of the book, which is solid.
May 17, 2021
I suppose I should say more. Wow. Wow. Wow.
This is the 12th book in the series and I keep giving them 5 stars. Amazing!
G.S. Jennsen latest book takes the mind-blowing world of Asterion - a galactic civilization - and cranks it up a notch. Asterion: where human and machine has been merged, and people can live hundreds of thousands of years. Then an even more advanced species - the Rasu - is discovered, and the government makes a decision to keep the discovery - and the aliens' demands - secret. Until everything starts to come apart and there is no keeping the secret. And perhaps no saving themselves from the Rasu.
Nika has to lead NOIR in its rebellion against the government, learn about her past, and deal with new revelations of what they face.
This is the 12th book in the series and I keep giving them 5 stars. Amazing!
G.S. Jennsen latest book takes the mind-blowing world of Asterion - a galactic civilization - and cranks it up a notch. Asterion: where human and machine has been merged, and people can live hundreds of thousands of years. Then an even more advanced species - the Rasu - is discovered, and the government makes a decision to keep the discovery - and the aliens' demands - secret. Until everything starts to come apart and there is no keeping the secret. And perhaps no saving themselves from the Rasu.
Nika has to lead NOIR in its rebellion against the government, learn about her past, and deal with new revelations of what they face.
July 14, 2023
The pace of this book is so much quicker than Exin Ex Machina (Book 1 of the Asterion Noir Trilogy). The tension and action was nearly non-stop. It had the right amount of plot progression for a second book and has really excited me for the final part, which I anticipate is going to be completely different in its plot points than the first two books.
Jensen employed imagery and characterization to her benefit in this book, painting scenes so vividly that I felt I was there. I gained a much better understanding of who Maris, Adlai, Perrin, and Joaquim are as well, which made the story a lot richer.
5/5 all the way!
Jensen employed imagery and characterization to her benefit in this book, painting scenes so vividly that I felt I was there. I gained a much better understanding of who Maris, Adlai, Perrin, and Joaquim are as well, which made the story a lot richer.
5/5 all the way!
November 3, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyable!
It took me 2 pages to be hooked in book 1, maybe less. I quickly embraced the characters and the struggle for a life worth living. When society is based on regeneration of bodily forms for an intelligence the experiences lost when the memory is erased are many and varied. However, perhaps sometimes memories embed themselves into the core of the personality.
It took me 2 pages to be hooked in book 1, maybe less. I quickly embraced the characters and the struggle for a life worth living. When society is based on regeneration of bodily forms for an intelligence the experiences lost when the memory is erased are many and varied. However, perhaps sometimes memories embed themselves into the core of the personality.
December 10, 2018
Waiting for next book
Just finished reading this novel. I love the series so far and look forward to the next installment. I am a terrible reviewer, but if you like science fiction mixed with a bit of cyber-punk suspense and entertaining the possibilities of the fusion of humans and tech, you should read it. Great mind candy.
Just finished reading this novel. I love the series so far and look forward to the next installment. I am a terrible reviewer, but if you like science fiction mixed with a bit of cyber-punk suspense and entertaining the possibilities of the fusion of humans and tech, you should read it. Great mind candy.
December 28, 2021
3.5 stars
This was a book about change, for the main characters as well as Asterion society. It was about the relationship between Nika and Dashiel, trying to incorporate her old life into the new one she’d been forging over the last five years. It’s about confronting the Guides, berating them for not coming up with another plan to evade the Rasu’s interest. And it’s about the role of the Asterion Advisors, and if they want to be part of a society that is dwindling because of the deal the Guides made eight years ago. I liked all parts of this change, especially the relationship between Nika and Dashiel. I can’t say that any of it was riveting, but it kept my interest, and I liked what I saw. I imagine something different is coming in the next book, and I look forward to discovering what Nika comes up with.
This was a book about change, for the main characters as well as Asterion society. It was about the relationship between Nika and Dashiel, trying to incorporate her old life into the new one she’d been forging over the last five years. It’s about confronting the Guides, berating them for not coming up with another plan to evade the Rasu’s interest. And it’s about the role of the Asterion Advisors, and if they want to be part of a society that is dwindling because of the deal the Guides made eight years ago. I liked all parts of this change, especially the relationship between Nika and Dashiel. I can’t say that any of it was riveting, but it kept my interest, and I liked what I saw. I imagine something different is coming in the next book, and I look forward to discovering what Nika comes up with.
June 21, 2019
Awesome book.
June 2, 2021
Awesome
September 4, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up
October 6, 2023
Great part 2. I liked this one better than the first. The author nicely expanded the characters and the world while making me want to read more.
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