Audio Book Review: Perses

Perses

By:  K.A. Finn

Publish Date:  January 7, 2017, Audiobook Release June 1, 2017

Format:  Audiobook - 5 hrs 1 mins
Narrated By:  Keith Michaelson

Genre:  Science Fiction

Series:  3rd in Nomad series; 1st Book ~ Ares, 2nd Book ~ Nemesis

Impression:  Bray fights his past and learns about his current predicament.

Synopsis:
Brayden Sawyer is trapped far from his ship and crew in the last place he wants to be. Earth. ∞ From award winning science fiction author K.A Finn ∞
On a mission to stop the Foundation from creating an army of cyborgs, wanted felon Brayden Sawyer is trapped far from his ship and crew in the last place he wants to be. Earth. With the Foundation hot on his heels, Bray must ask his family for refuge, a family who always preferred his brother Gryffin over him and kicked him out of their lives a decade ago.

When his family rejects him a second time, Bray wonders if saving Gryffin, and completing his mission, is worth it. All his life, he’s been second best to his brother, a brother he never really knew. But turning his back on Gryffin is out of the question and he won't let the Foundation do to others what they’ve already done to him and Gryffin.

Breaking into Foundation headquarters, Bray comes face to face with the horrible truth about his brother’s cyborg enhancements as well as his own modifications. And that’s not all. The Foundation is set to destroy a planet of innocent people, using Gryffin as their number one weapon.

With time running out, Bray must finish what he started. Together with Garvan and his family, Bray must escape Earth with the necessary technology to save Gryffin and stop the Foundation’s evil plans. But can one man stand against the all-powerful and tyrannical Foundation? If Bray can save Gryffin, he may just have a fighting chance.

First Sentence:
'Never thought I'd have to wear one of these,' Gravan grumbles to himself.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:

*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Bray finds himself revisiting his past and family on Earth, after several years away, while hiding from the Foundation and trying to figure out what to do. He needs to get off Earth, but the Scientist brought his computer here. Bray saw it when leaving Alpha, Foundation's ship, and knows he needs to get it. The computer holds the information that could help save Gryffin from the malfuctioning implants, but he has to break into Foundation headquarters and get it then get off world. Bray will have to get word to others off-world about what Foundation has in weapons and man power that could destroy the place he's come to love like a home.

Keith is one amazing narrator. I love listening to his work. I looooove his voice. Okay, serious stuff now. He voices the characters with their own voice through tone, accent, and heart. The inflection he puts in each character brings them to life as their own whole person. Wow. I'm drawn into the story and forget he's a narrator because the characters come to life as individuals. That's amazing work!

Bray and Garvan. Yes ma'am. And thank you. These two characters were growing to be some of my favorite secondary characters in the previous two books. Well, they aren't the only ones. So to get the treat of them together and fighting to survive along with learning about their pasts, sign me up! I was thrilled to get into this story with them.

This story is more emotional with memories of the past, and Bray working through everything from when he was young through now. The feelings he felt toward his parents and his brother were those of a child that didn't see or know the whole story. Then, he has to tell his uncle and cousin about his family in the here and now. I was touched by what Morgan told Bray of his mother and father. Bray didn't remember or see the adult side of things and it was touching to hear about them.

We get the story from Bray's POV on Earth. We also get sections from One's POV. These sections are very, very insightful. One is on the council that's behind all that's going on. We get to learn about their new colony they were trying to build. I'm not 100% sure about this colony and where it's at, but I'm sure it's going to be something mentioned more in the future. And the biggest piece of information.... One's behind Garvan being put in prison. Garvan knows something that could destroy One and everything he's working for. This puts a target on Garvan's head. We also get scenes from Garvan's POV, which are important moments when things start moving in their plans.

I think I mentioned in the previous book that I was growing to like Garvan quickly. And I was right. I absolutely love him as a character. There are times he brings a huge smile to my lips with his personality and responses. They aren't the quick clip one lines, Garvan is more one to talk and leave the hint in what he says, almost a genuine sarcasm. I do love him. Garvan knows a lot about the scans and equipment used on Earth to identify people. He really grew on me in the last book, and I really like him here. This is part of what his job was before he went to prison. And his story! We learn his back story here too. Oh Garvan...

The beginning felt slower, because there wasn't much Bray could do on Earth. I had an idea but wasn't sure how he was going to take on a huge Foundation headquarters on his own. But we get personal with Bray and Garvan. Then it all comes together and we get to what the Hunters do best. Fight.

This is another wonderful addition to the Nomad series. I always enjoy the writing and narration in the biggest way. I look forward to more books!



**If my thoughts were helpful, please click Yes at Amazon and Audible. Thank you!

Cover Reveal: Perses

I'm thrilled to share the cover for book 3 in this series that's become a favorite of mine. A space opera that has everything I want and love. Lets get to the good stuff! The cover!

Perses

#3 Nomad series

By:  K.A. Finn

Description:

On a mission to stop the Foundation from creating an army of cyborgs, wanted felon Brayden Sawyer is trapped far from his ship and crew in the last place he wants to be…Earth. With the Foundation hot on his heels, Bray must ask his family for refuge—a family who always preferred his brother Gryffin over him and kicked him out of their lives a decade ago.

When his family rejects him a second time, Bray wonders if saving Gryffin—and completing his mission—is worth it. All his life, he’s been second best to his brother, a brother he never really knew. But turning his back on Gryffin is out of the question and he won ‘t let the Foundation do to others what they’ve already done to him and Gryffin.

Breaking into Foundation headquarters, Bray comes face to face with the horrible truth about his brother’s cyborg enhancements as well as his own modifications. And that’s not all…the Foundation is set to destroy a planet of innocent people, using Gryffin as their number one weapon.

With time running out, Bray must finish what he started. With help from Garvan and his family, Bray must escape Earth with the necessary technology to save Gryffin and stop the Foundation’s evil plans. But can one man stand against the all-powerful and tyrannical Foundation? If Bray can save Gryffin, the brothers may just have a fighting chance.

I was surprised to learn this book is a novella of around 43k words. But it holds a lot of hopes for information for me. Bray has grown in the series to become an important character and I look forward to seeing more of him. Also, he's on Earth where we could learn about the Foundation and their plans. Oh I look forward to this!

Audio Book Review: Nemesis

Nemesis

By:  K.A. Finn

Publish Date:  January 15, 2016, Audiobook Release April 1, 2016

Format:  Audiobook - 15 hrs 7 mins
Narrated By:  Keith Michaelson

Genre:  Sci Fi

Series:  2nd in Nomad series; 1st Book ~ Ares

First Impression:   An amazing space opera that has me worrying about the characters and even bigger troubles too.

Synopsis:
A part of her died when she lost him…

Commander Terra Rush has spent the last eight months mourning Gryffin, believing he died when his ship crashed. When he returns to her, broken and scarred from months of torture at the hands of the Foundation, it feels like a miracle. At first.

His unpredictable mechanical side, reawakened by the brutality he endured as a prisoner, threatens to destroy him. He’s lost the trust of the colonists. Has he lost part of himself as well?

Her need to protect her ravaged heart puts distance between them when they need to depend on each other the most. If the colonists are to survive, they need Gryffin to reunite the Nomad and stand with them…and he needs Terra’s help to do so. But time and tragedy have changed them both so much. Can they find their way back to each other before everything they know is destroyed?

First Sentence:
Terra ducks to avoid Bray's attack. "I thought you said you've been practising?"

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles 

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:
*I requested to review a copy of this audiobook for an honest review from the author or narrator.

Ten months after the port was destroyed, the Foundation has built a new port. The Foundation is coming for Ultar and all who live there, but Ultar doesn't know when. The Nomads, Hunters, and ex-Foundation are struggling to live in harmony on Ultar but they know they have one enemy in common. Is it enough to get them to cooperate and work together?

Terra has worked hard to move past the terrible loss of Gryffin's death when the port blew, but she's starting to move on and maybe finding a new love in her life. When a shuttle lands on Ultar carrying the one person she thought she'd never see again.

He's been physically harmed further under the Scientists hands, but found a way out. All that's kept Gryffin alive these last months was thinking of Terra, escaping in his mind with her. But when he returns she is avoiding him, and he's struggling with the new array of emotions flooding him.

Okay, I loved Keith's voice in the first book and just him reading the title page made me smile and shiver. Yes, I love his voice still. I'm amazed at how great Keith voices all the different characters with different personalities and intonation. All like different people present with a large ray of emotions from each person. Keith feels to fit the characters perfectly, as if he's living through their lives. I could listen to this story over and over just to hear him!

K.A. Finn had some huge shoes to fill as I loved the first story. And... SHE HAS FILLED THEM! Wow. It's a challenge to write the first book with an incredible mix to the story and then to follow up with a sequel at the same power. AMAZING! Well done K.A. Finn!

We start in the here and now of the characters, which is 10 months after Ares ended. We do get a small refresher of the battle fought, but it's quick and full of information about where everyone is now as they live through the moment. No rehashing for us. Moving on strong with the next book, we go.

We get several POV's in the book. But there is NO confusion at all! Each person is off in a different part of the world seeing a different piece of the puzzle for us. This is a full cast to juggle, and K.A. Finn does an amazing job doing so. Each person is individual and influential on others, good or bad that's your choice. I love the strong personalities we get from all the characters. When they interact, oh some interactions make me smile because they clash but are sarcastic with each other. I have to say, Milla is my favorite here. She shines as the best doctor and strong mind. She has NO problem telling Gryffin as it is (not many do this, and live). She has a sense of humor that is truth at the same time. Her sarcasm with her patient, Gryffin, and his stubborn personality is perfect.

Oh poor Gryffin. Nothing ever works to the good for him. But he grows so much in this book. His world becomes more than just one step at a time. He's finding good things and people in the world, but with his circumstances...it just makes it harder. Gryffin is turning a new corner in his life, but it's new territory and going to make life as he knows it more complicated to maneuver through.

We meet a few new characters. Of these the one that sticks out for me is Garvan. He's a prison inmate that is freed. I'll leave it at that. lol. But he has grown on me. Though at times I'm curious about him...

We learn the secret to why the Foundation is backing the cyborg program. It's a secret, but we get to see things from that side. It's got something to do with Earth...

I think this is a wonderful space opera that all can listen to. There is personal relationships and struggles that appeal to the small need of romances but the story is much more than that. Their lives are driven by the world and actions of others, everyone's wants are affected and they have to fight for it all, and their own lives.

This book looks long in hours, but it's so short in listening. I never felt like I was ready for it to end. On the contrary, I was checking to see if there would be enough time to get to all I wanted to hear!

I'm drawn into all the characters lives, getting a great blend of worry for the characters on a personal level - will they live through the terrible events they find themselves in, will they finally admit their feelings, will the Foundation destroy it all with their terrible plans or will they destroy themselves with their attempts to save themselves. All realms of emotions here combine with adventure and danger.

I found I loved this story just as much as the first. Well written to keep us interested in all the characters as we worry over the bigger troubles too.



****If you found my thoughts helpful, please click Yes at Amazon and/or Audible. Thank you!

Cover Reveal: Nemesis

I fell in love with the first book. It was one that blew me away with the characters full of history, the science fiction world, the love and torment that they go through, and the action fighting that happens. It had everything I wanted in one place.

What book was it, you ask. It was Ares by K.A. Finn. If you are curious you can check out my review.

But I'm anxiously awaiting Nemesis to come out as well. The ebook will be out soon and the audio version (which I'm waiting for) will be out shortly afterward.

Today, I get to share with you the release of the cover for Nemesis. And! Ares got a face life too! :D

TWO COVERS AT ONCE! Sweet!

Nemesis

Nomad series #2

By:  K.A. Finn

Due Out:  January 2016

(Pre-order December 4, 2015)

Description:

A part of her died when she lost him…

Commander Terra Rush has spent the last eight months mourning Gryffin, believing he died when his ship crashed. When he returns to her, broken and scarred from months of torture at the hands of the Foundation, it feels like a miracle. At first.

His unpredictable mechanical side, reawakened by the brutality he endured as a prisoner, threatens to destroy him. He’s lost the trust of the colonists. Has he lost part of himself as well?

Her need to protect her ravaged heart puts distance between them when they need to depend on each other the most. If the colonists are to survive, they need Gryffin to reunite the Nomad and stand with them…and he needs Terra’s help to do so. But time and tragedy have changed them both so much. Can they find their way back to each other before everything they know is destroyed?

I can not wait to get back to the world with Gryffin and Terra. He really doesn't look happy in that cover, with his eye glowing purple and all.


Now, the face lift for Ares. Ready?!

Ares

Nomad series #1

By:  K.A. Finn

Available NOW

Description:

He wasn't expected to survive — no one else did — and for twenty years, he has managed to stay off their radar. Until now. Until her…

Gryffin was the sole survivor of The Foundation’s experimental project to transform human children into hybrid cyborgs – half human, half machine. The program failed and he was sent on a one way trip into The Outer Sector where he was left for dead. He has survived for twenty years by suppressing his human emotions and embracing his machine side.

Officer Terra Rush believes in her duty to the Foundation. The Sector needs to be prepared for colonization, and nothing can stop her from doing her job…except him. When Gryffin saves her from an attack, Terra uncovers a terrible secret. The Foundation has been lying to her…and maybe they still are.

They have labelled Gryffin a killing machine, yet he acts more human than many of The Foundation’s leaders. He has awakened intense feelings in Terra that throw her loyalties into question, and even though he pushes her away, she is determined to find out the truth about the cyborg program.

Gryffin refuses to be a mindless soldier, yet escaping The Foundation’s control and stopping the colonization of his home will require Terra’s help. Can Gryffin overcome the machine inside and trust her? Or will getting in touch with his human emotions destroy him once and for all?

What do you think of Gryffin? Looking good! That's him, with his... work done on his chest and to his eye. But that's all we can see here. ;) This cover feels like it fits much better. Handsome and rugged.

Now these are covers I'd love to have on my shelves!

Author Interview: K.A. Finn

I'm thrilled to interview on the blog today a science fiction author that I've LOVED! I read the first Nomad series and loved what was created and how it was presented to us. (You haven't read my review? Feel free to go check it out.) Everything for everyone in one place.
book in her

Please welcome K.A. Finn to the blog today!

M:  I'm curious what was the inspiration for Gryffin? He is one damaged man, and in more ways than one.

K.A.:  Right! A nice easy one to start. The earliest version of Gryffin made an appearance (in my head) when I was about 16. My sister and I would rush home from school to watch Star Trek: The Next Generation – we were both hooked on it! I’ve always been a day dreamer – caused me lots of problems in school :). I’d spend a lot of time running through different Star Trek storylines in my head. Gryffin jumped right into one and refused to leave.

The older I got, the more he developed. He went from a regular guy to a cyborg (not quite sure how that happened) and his attitude changed from a ‘nice’ guy to… well the Gryffin he is now. Personally, I’ve always steered towards stories with a darker hero – someone who has flaws, not the perfect ‘Prince Charming’. I think it makes for a more interesting and possibly unpredictable story.

Saying that, I never planned for him to be as ‘damaged’ as he is – it’s just where the story took him. The more I delved into his background and what he went through, the more his personality changed in response to that. He’s had to fight every single day of his life – against himself, what he is and what was done to him. The Gryffin from the first draft of Ares is a very different Gryffin to the final published book.

Once you take time to get to know him and what he’s gone through in his life, you start to understand why he is the way he is. He never asked for any of it to happen to him or to be modified the way he has – his anger and ‘emotional wall’ is a result of his past. There is more to him than that – you just need to dig a little to find it :)

More details about his past are revealed through the series so it should all become clear.

M:  If we talk about Gryffin, we have to talk about Terra. She's learning quick the way of space. She is new out of the academy at the beginning and has some good friends around her. She is growing stronger through the book. Will she be crossing new boundaries in her life soon?

K.A.:  Her life takes a drastic change in Nemesis partly due to what happens in Ares ( I’m not going to give anything away from Ares, but as you know, something happens at the end that will alter her). She really has no choice but to adapt to survive living so far from Earth, but other situations drive this development further. She really needed to ‘toughen up’ to be a suitable match for someone like Gryffin – which she does quite a lot in the second book.

I think the key to their relationship (if you could call it that!) is Terra’s initial reaction to him. She stood up to him instead of cowering. It’s that attitude that intrigues him and helps her push through his wall. It’s never going to be a typical relationship and she’ll be faced with more than her fair share of stubborn moments with him but she sees the ‘real’ Gryffin. She knows he’s worth the effort – no matter how infuriating he gets.

M:  Each character has an in depth and complicated background that intertwines with all present. How did you go about writing each character? Were they separate sections?

K.A.:  No, I actually developed each character as the story evolved. I plotted the storyline so I knew roughly where each character had to ‘be’ at each stage, but the rest just developed as I wrote. I never stick to a definite plan. Things can change as you write. Your mind just let’s go and you type. For example, the Scientist’s true identity only came out in the final draft – about a week before I published.

M:  I loved ARES, no secret in that around here. I know we have another book coming our way soon, NEMESIS. We will see all our favorite characters again, right? Well, at least the ones that didn't die. ;)

K.A.:  Of course! Nemesis will be out in January (exact date to be confirmed) and will bring back all the original characters – except the ones that died. I couldn’t keep any of them out of the story. I get very attached to my characters – even the bad guys. Some of their storylines have been developed so you learn more about them. I always planned for this to be a series so didn’t want to ‘finish’ every story/plot line from the first book. It takes time to get to know people and it’s the same for my characters.

I’ve also introduced some new characters. It wasn’t planned – they just burst into the story and stayed. These new characters create some interesting situations for the rest of the gang and may help them deal with what’s going on around them.

M:  Are you planning more books to the series?

K.A.:  Absolutely! The plan I have in my head is for at least one or two more full size novels. It really depends where my characters take me.

I also plan to release two or three more novellas centering on some of the other characters in the series. I’ve been asked by readers for more information on both Bray and Chayse so I’ll start with these two. Both of them have had such colourful lives, I think it would be a shame not to delve a little deeper. To be honest, you could say that about quite a lot of the characters! I guess we’ll all have to wait and see who forces themselves onto the novella list! I haven’t decided on an exact number so who knows! I know I’m not ready to say goodbye to Gryffin and the rest of my characters yet.

I don’t want to say too much, but after you read (or listen to) Nemesis, you’ll know what way I’m planning to go next :)

M:  Okay, K.A. Time for some fun questions. I ask these of all my first time interviewees.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

K.A.:  Maldives – sun, sea and a good book – yes please!

M:  Tea of Coffee?

K.A.:  Coffee – well, mocha to be exact. Need my chocolate fix!

M:  Favorite Color?

K.A.:  Red – red computer, red phone, red car, red, red, red – love it!

M:  Favorite Childhood Fictional Creature?

K.A.:  Dragons

M:  Now as an adult what's your Favorite Fictional Creature?

K.A.:  Really? It has to be the griffin – no surprise there!

M:  Favorite word? (any word at all)

K.A.:  Twit – I call myself that numerous times while I’m writing 

M:  K.A. I want to thank you for joining me today and for the interview. It is a pleasure to meet you and read Ares. I can't wait for Nemesis!

K.A.:  Thanks for the interesting questions – I really enjoyed answering them! Thanks again for your amazing review of Ares and hope you’ll like Nemesis as much!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ares
Description:
He wasn't expected to survive — no one else did — and for twenty years, he has managed to stay off their radar. Until now. Until her… 

Gryffin was the sole survivor of The Foundation’s experimental project to transform human children into hybrid cyborgs – half human, half machine. The program failed and he was sent on a one way trip into The Outer Sector where he was left for dead. He has survived for twenty years by suppressing his human emotions and embracing his machine side. 

Officer Terra Rush believes in her duty to the Foundation. The Sector needs to be prepared for colonization, and nothing can stop her from doing her job…except him. When Gryffin saves her from an attack, Terra uncovers a terrible secret. The Foundation has been lying to her…and maybe they still are. 

They have labelled Gryffin a killing machine, yet he acts more human than many of The Foundation’s leaders. He has awakened intense feelings in Terra that throw her loyalties into question, and even though he pushes her away, she is determined to find out the truth about the cyborg program. 

Gryffin refuses to be a mindless soldier, yet escaping The Foundation’s control and stopping the colonization of his home will require Terra’s help. Can Gryffin overcome the machine inside and trust her? Or will getting in touch with his human emotions destroy him once and for all? 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About K.A. Finn:
I grew up in Co. Wicklow, Ireland and now live in Herefordshire, England with my long-suffering husband, bossy daughter, two cuddly dogs, crazy cat, unpredictable ram and six impatient sheep.
After working as a veterinary nurse for many years, I was forced to change career when I ran out of room for any more strays. I spent the next few years in banking before moving to Herefordshire.
My days are filled looking after the small-holding and its demanding residents as well as working as a freelance proofreader.

Any spare time is devoted to writing or reading (sci-fi, thriller, some paranormal).
My favourite authors are J.R. Ward, Lee Child, James Rollins, Stephen Leather, Andy McNab and J.D. Robb.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Follow K.A. Finn:
Author Site:  http://kafinn.com/
Blog:  http://kafinn.com/random-ramblings/
Facebook Author Page
Twitter:  @K_A_Finn

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Purchase Ares:
Amazon

Audio on Audible


The second book in the Nomad series, Nemesis, will be coming our way January 2016!

Audio Book Review: Ares

Ares

By:  KA Finn

Publish Date:  March 21, 2015, Audiobook July 14, 2015

Format:  Audiobook - 16 hrs 5 mins
Narrated By:  Keith Michaelson

Genre:  Science Fiction

Series:  1st in Nomad series

Impression:  Space Opera with so much to offer! Fighting, Love, Conspiracy, Deadly Science, Oh my!

Synopsis:
“Thrilling space battles and a twisted scientist, make this book a must read.” A. K.

"This unique, fast paced, story embodies the epic struggle of man vs machine." S.M.


He wasn't expected to survive — no one else did — and for twenty years, he has managed to stay off their radar. Until now. Until her…

Gryffin was the sole survivor of The Foundation’s experimental project to transform human children into hybrid cyborgs – half human, half machine. The program failed and he was sent on a one way trip into The Outer Sector where he was left for dead. He has survived for twenty years by suppressing his human emotions and embracing his machine side.

Officer Terra Rush believes in her duty to the Foundation. The Sector needs to be prepared for colonization, and nothing can stop her from doing her job…except him. When Gryffin saves her from an attack, Terra uncovers a terrible secret. The Foundation has been lying to her…and maybe they still are.

They have labelled Gryffin a killing machine, yet he acts more human than many of The Foundation’s leaders. He has awakened intense feelings in Terra that throw her loyalties into question, and even though he pushes her away, she is determined to find out the truth about the cyborg program.

Gryffin refuses to be a mindless soldier, yet escaping The Foundation’s control and stopping the colonization of his home will require Terra’s help. Can Gryffin overcome the machine inside and trust her? Or will getting in touch with his human emotions destroy him once and for all?

First Sentence:
'Captain, we're nearing the location of the unidentified signal.'

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles

Audible


My Thoughts and Summary:
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com, at my request.

The Foundation Council is now more determined than every to take control of the colonies here, in a sector where criminals reside, and the location of a lost secret project that was to have been performed and destroyed. There are a few who are with the Foundation, and were involved in the secret project, who hope all evidence is destroyed and gone. No one's ever fought back against the Foundation. Captain Gryffin is protecting his villages as The Nomad has agreed to do. But it seems nothing will stop the powerful Foundation. But the illegal ship of Gryffin's will do their best. But by doing so, Gryffin, who hides his metal augmentation and implants, is recognized and the Foundation wants more than just the colonies. Those that created him, want their successful project back. And to create more.

So much to share on this enjoyable story! Where do I start?!?

Keith's voice is a low rumble that I enjoy. Keith is a wonderful fit for the many voices of Ares. There are many male voice, but there are females as well which he softens his voice to portray. At times he reminds me of Sam Elliot when doing Gryffin's voice. He is talented at the accent of some of the Foundation officers and Hunter crew. There are many characters here and Keith does well to differentiate their voices in slight changes of tones and softness to his voice. I really like the way Keith does the Scientist. lol. He switches through voices with ease as we listen. Nice. He does the gruff feel for Gryffin in the way a dangerous Captain would be. Keith is a wonderful pick for the story.

The cool thing about this audio... You know in the movies when you hear a voice and you know that voice, but you don't see the character physically? That happens here a few times and I found that I was holding my breath, waiting to see the character. Or in this case the solid definite name. It was that I knew but had to have that solid evidence to back me. And the impact that goes with that evidence. Just wow.

At first I re-listened to the beginning of the story. I was getting my people mixed up as we start with seeing Captain Gryffin then go to a view with Roman. I wasn't sure who these people were yet or who they are affiliated with. In re-listening I learned they are not together. Gryffin is captain of his own ship and Roman is captain of his ship that's part of the Foundation and there's a battle happening. Yet some are of the same crew and they are doing things that I wouldn't think those of the same crew would do. This is where things start for us, and we see that something is not right with a few people. But, at this early in the game, we never imagine the depth of how things are twisted.

A space opera through and through. So many lives connected and affected here. There are conspiracies and dark secrets in every organization. Deceptions and new allies. All collide here with Foundation Council wanting new colonies, Admirals and their own secret project, Someone on Ares twisting things against Gryffin, Gryffin struggling with his mechanical tech wanting to take complete control of him. The Foundation ship has her own stories and connections between the crew and other characters. There is a deep story here.

I think this science fiction story is one that all, male and female, can enjoy. There is lots of fighting and action that fit to the deep story and the secrets everyone holds. I love the important pieces we get constantly through this story. The information is worked in with each scene and so important. There are a few times I had to stop the audio and digest the impact of the important pieces at the end of the story. They are huge and mean so much! Well played. Well played. There's a loyalty of the ships, or questionable loyalty as well. But there is a love intertwined to the characters as well.

There seems to be an attraction, and potential love interest, from the first meeting of Gryffin and Terra. Well...maybe not at first meeting, but after she wakes up from the drug he gave her. He had reason. ;) lol. It's cool and I enjoyed their meeting. Terra also never seems to be dissuaded from looking or interacting, even yelling at, with Gryffin. Terra sees something else in him that no one else ever has. She's strong in her convictions and also a kind soul.

This is an emotional science fiction. I loved this story as it has so much I wanted and enjoyed. The characters become as emotionally invested as I did. The fear of what could happen, has happened, curiosity as to the hidden secrets, and love. There is a growing love that could pull deeper and help. There comes a point I feel my heart and stomach drop. What Gryffin has created for what's to come, it's not what you would expect but is exactly what Gryffin would do. I feel terrible for Gryffin now.

Gryffin...Now Gryffin is a very special character. What he's gone through in his life has created the man he is now. And is also why he fights with himself. He's man and part machine. This creates much pain and torment for his mind and body.

The ending had me hanging on every action. It moves fast with short sections from different views so we get the who battle in the moment. It's exciting and drawing!

My only complaint of the book, is the cover. The cover looks like it's a YA story, that the characters are young kids. But it's not. The characters are adults - Terra is 25, Gryffin is early 30's. But if that's it, I'm A-okay with that!

KA Finn has created an outstanding first book here! I'll be anxiously awaiting NEMESIS to come out. KA has set the bar high with this mesmerizing first book and I can't wait to see the crew again!