Showing posts with label Harbinger. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Harbinger. Show all posts

Thursday, May 25, 2017

Book Review: Slipspace: Harbinger

Slipspace: Harbinger

By:  P.C. Haring

Publish Date:  May 1, 2017

Format:  ebook

Genre:  Sci fi

Series:  1st in Slipspace series

First Impression:  A space opera with more than war. It's about family and friends and the lives they lead.

Synopsis:
A fringe colony world has gone dark, and Captain Cody Amado and the crew of the ISPA’s newest battle cruiser, Mjöllnir, must respond and investigate.

No one is prepared for the destruction that awaits them.

Agendas collide as the bonds of duty, loyalty, and family are tested, and the major governments position themselves to prepare for what is to come next.

With interstellar tensions rising, the crew of the Mjöllnir race to discover the connection between the colony’s destruction, an alien society so reclusive it has only been rumored about, and an enemy that disappeared a decade prior.

Is this merely an isolated incident, or is this a harbinger of much darker things still to come?

First Sentence:
Between the blaring alarms and the shaking under her feet, Cassandra might have thought the gates of hell had opened, exposing the planet to a demonic swarm.

Purchase At:
Amazon

My Thoughts and Summary:
*I read this book for my own enjoyment and in exchange for an honest review.

Oh! Starting this book, it caught my attention from the first sentence. Nice! There are creatures and outer space in one book. And more! I liked it!

We start with meeting the commanders who have a hefty past and as they all come together on Mjollnir with Captain Cody Amado. As they arrive and the new large vessel is running trials, there is a computer glitch. Something that appears to be fixed, but Captain Cody Amado and Melor fear sabotage. On a low, Melor is investigating to see if it was sabotage of not. This seems to quickly get put to the back burner as the ship soon finds itself in the middle of a mission which then leads to much more, and more time consuming projects... like fixing the ship... and winning battles.

Captain Amado and his crew are sent on their first mission in the large heavy battleship Mjollnir. They are to investigate what happened at Artez and why the colony is not responding. This is interesting. As we investigate Artez, and move to places where we meet other beings, we get a view of the brutal past that's been lived. Humans have fought a costly war with a deadly race. And there are uneasy peace with other beings in space. But, humans can always use more allies especially after the toll on Artez and the possible battles to come.

A great sign of crafted characters is when I have strong feelings about characters. This is hats off to the author for creating each character as their own individual.

A few of the characters to mention as examples:
-Admiral Marr... oh I liked him when we first met him. But when he sent Cody and our crew on a mission that could very well be their death! Oh I didn't like him at all. He seemed to enjoy this moment to much for me, in just the smile he had. But it is his job. He's got his own personal troubles as well, with his daughter.
-Cody's wife, the doctor on ship as well, seems a bit to needy for me (in her personality that's well written). She knows her stuff and has a very good idea what she's getting into, but when she arrives on the ship she's very demanding and upset, over a few things but one was not having a window. Nira grew on me as she grew as a character. She seemed to start to adapt to being on ship more and more.
-Melor is probably one of my favorites of the the crew. She's also the engine mechanic aboard, in simple terms. She's brilliant and knows the process that needs to be done, so takes no crap from anyone. She's a pivotal character here as she's not human, but she's saved the ship in one spot to maybe doom it in another for being who she is. She has her past that haunts her as well.
-Cody seems like a rather level headed man. He's actually perfect for Captain of the ship. Really, I think so. He thinks everything out and goes for the good.
-Cassandra sometimes doesn't see the good to be done, but to defend her, she's lived the battle with the terrible creatures that threatened her and her soldiers lives. She knows what they can do and what to watch for. She just doesn't want to see it happen again.

All of these characters have a past that drives them in their way of thinking and decisions. All their connections and pasts are presented to us and we understand why they take the paths they do. All this comes out as the ship moves forward in it's mission, and brings us to where they need to be.

I found it easy to slip into the world with the characters because they seemed personable. We live in their day. The characters live and think as normal people we feel all their emotions. This story is more than just a space War Story it's a story of family and friends and their lives they lead. That's part of what makes it a Space Opera. I could see people who enjoyed Star Trek enjoying this read. It's not overly science fiction strong with terms and usage of Technology. It's a story of people trying to live their lives and find peace for all in space.



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

Friday, April 7, 2017

Cover Reveal: Slipspace



I found P.C. through listening to podcasted stories in the Tales of the Archives universe. He has written a few amazing stories there that brought me to his books. I've read and enjoyed Cybrosis: A Codename CIRIS Conspiracy. I'm thrilled to announce that he has a new book slated for May 1st. 

Here is the cover for us!


Slipspace: Harbinger
By:  P.C. Haring
Due Out:  May 1, 2017
Will be available at Amazon & Through Author
Description:
A fringe colony world has gone dark, and Captain Cody Amado and the crew of the ISPA’s newest battleship, Mjöllnir, must respond and investigate.

No one is prepared for the destruction that awaits them.

Agendas collide as the bonds of duty, loyalty, and family are tested, and the major governments position themselves to prepare for what is to come next.

With interstellar tensions rising, the crew of the Mjöllnir race to discover the connection between the colony’s destruction, an alien society so reclusive it has only been rumored about, and an enemy that disappeared a decade prior.

Is this merely an isolated incident, or is this a harbinger of much darker things still to come?



I've been getting into more and more sci fi reads. This one sounds rather cool. I am looking forward to reading it!

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Book Review: Harbinger

Harbinger

By:  Philippa Ballantine

Publish Date:  June 30, 2013

Format:  Paperback, 305 pgs

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  4th in Book of the Order series; Book 1 ~ Geist, Book 2 ~ Spectyr, Book 3 ~ Wrayth

First Impression:  They have to fight to the finish now, for all in their world's sake.

Synopsis:
The Deacons of the Order are all that stand between the wicked spirits of the Otherside and the innocent citizens of the Empire. They are sworn to protect humanity, even when they cannot protect themselves…

After the Razing of the Order, Sorcha Faris, one of the most powerful Deacons, is struggling to regain control of the runes she once wielded. The Deacons are needed more desperately than ever. The barrier between the world of the living and the world of the dead is weakening, and the Emperor has abandoned his throne, seeking to destroy those he feels have betrayed him.

Though she is haunted by the terrible truth of her past, Sorcha must lead the charge against the gathering hordes of geists seeking to cross into the Empire. But to do so, she will need to manipulate powers beyond her understanding—powers that may prove to be her undoing…

First Sentence:
Smoke blew off the once-admired canals of the capital of the Empire of Arkaym.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

My Thoughts and Summary:
When an attack hits the northern citadel they're staying, Sorcha and Merrick see the lines upon lines of souls of the dead, geists and geistlords, waiting to cross and wreck havoc and death upon the world. Sorcha and Merrick will face what they truly are, learning their powers and limits, as they race with Raed Rossin to save the world from the breach happening again. There is one man working all the powers he can to bring the geists and more to this world for him to rule.

I have waited long enough to read this one. It's bitter sweet as I love this world and characters, and this is the last book. *sigh*

We see the world as it's falling apart around our characters. Things are not looking good, and they may not all live to see what happens to the world when the Otherside crosses over. Maybe they don't want to see it. But they all will do everything in their power to stop it from happening. There are even a few geistlords that live upon the human realm and don't want the Otherside to cross, as they have to many enemies there. You know one of these geistlords as the Rossin. The Rossin has his own set of plans that do parallel what the Deacons and Raed want, not to let the geists cross.

We see Sorcha face her other half. She finally remembers her childhood, that was blocked from her. But we see her have to work with who and what she is. She's special and can help or destroy all. Merrick, ah yes. We've known he was unique and powerful in his own way. And here we learn why, combined with what we see with him in the previous books. As I love both of these characters for what makes them special, I also love Raed. He never asks for to much. He does not want to rule, and remains of that mind. He would like to be freed of the Rossin, but not at the cost of the world, and sail the sea. The Rossin has his own plans and wants to be free too. I enjoy seeing these characters pass through different phases in their life and coming to peace with where they end. The events that leave them where they are, makes it easier for us and them to accept the peace.

Now that I'm finished I'm thinking back on the ending. I am starting to think the ending is longer than I originally thought it was. I think it started the final battle when Sorcha and Raed, individually, fought the last man between opening the breach letting all the geists and deadly powers into the human realm. But when we get to the grand finale, I felt it happened to fast. Even reading it felt like there were things skipped over in those flash moments that ended it all. That was a little bummer for me. But what lifted the ending was seeing how the characters plan to go on with their lives. There is an ending, a peace in a way. However, there is always that small spark that is left that leaves a small opening for the world and characters as they could be visited again by the author.

I don't want to say to much more as this is the concluding book of the series and I want you to enjoy it in your adventure with the characters and their big conclusion to attempt to save the world.



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

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Did you know? Are you a Superhero fan?

I need to get on the ball. An amazing author I love has put up two (Yes TWO! Not just one. TWO!) superhero novella stories. This is a program through Amazon called Kindle Worlds Novella. Tee Morris has written two novellas set in this world. I'm also, quickly, becoming a superhero fan lately.

So the two novellas?

By: Tee Morris
Amazon Description:
“He could still see her face, her eyes. And her hair. The way it flowed around her when she pulled up a storm around her. Daniel kept trying to refer to this husk in front of him as ‘Saturn’ but she never liked her code name…‘Ion,’ he said, ‘now is not the time to mourn our fallen. That time will come, but not tonight.’”

Harbinger Institute senior student, Daniel Hessler (age nineteen, code name “Ion”), watches fellow Anoisaibushi, Susan Adams (age nineteen, code name “Saturn”), die at the hand of Toyo Harada in order for the founder and leader of the Harbinger Institute to save himself following a savage attack from Bloodshot. Standing over Susan’s still, lifeless body with his master calling out to him, Daniel finds himself questioning everything Harbinger and Harada has been teaching him.

Tee Morris’s What’s in a Code Name?, a stand-alone sequel to Harbinger Wars # 2, is another thrilling instalment in the Harbinger series.


By: Tee Morris

Amazon Description:
“‘We hook you up to the IV and then I administer the solution carrying the nanite queens in hibernation mode. We will have them preset for your body temperature. They will activate once the temperature change is detected.’ Gary nodded…And just like that, he was in.”

One of America’s best, elite warrior Captain Gary Winneki has been recruited and cleared for a special op, a final covert assignment that has been issued without any hard data. His fateful last ride: at the Black Research Facility located in Atlee, Nevada, Captain Winneki is introduced to a revolutionary new development for the soldier of tomorrow.

Its name: Project Bloodshot.

Taking flight from episodes # 0, # 1-4 in the acclaimed Bloodshot series, Tee Morris’s Thanks for the Memories is a mind-bending, thrill-a-page ride that is sure to satisfy Valiant readers everywhere.



Now, I want to back up a moment. I remember seeing an amazing author (one I'm desperately needing to read) put up one on Amazon..... And I wanted it. Still WANT it. I have to get caught up here, but I will get all these.

By: Delilah S. Dawson

Amazon Description:
An old street woman gives Alyssa Myles, Jack Boniface’s friend (and Shadowman’s abettor!) a vial of perfume called Follow Me Boy. Alyssa brings the mysterious potion with her to the museum for dinner with Jack. Opening the vial she falls into a trance-like state and is drawn by an uncontrollable force to a plantation sunk in the steamy, fetid swamps outside New Orleans. Jack has no choice but to do as the perfume orders, following Alyssa into a nightmare world complete with powerful Voodoo curses and itchy-fingered Brethren gunmen. While chasing Alyssa down, Jack calls Dox, who warns him not to get into any trouble until night falls and he can become Shadowman. But it’s too late for that now and an entirely human and vulnerable Jack Boniface must face his darkest hour alone, before dragging Alyssa into the Deadside where Shadowman and his stricken friend are forced to confront and conquer their greatest fear – the dark, turbulent seas of their mysterious, unresolved past.

Delilah S. Dawson’s Follow Me Boy is another harrowing installment inspired by the acclaimed Shadowman series.



So, see? I need to get all caught up to get these. I neeeed these.

Friday, July 26, 2013

Looking Forward To... (127)

There are so many amazing books already on the shelves and new ones coming out.

For a list of books yet to be released I'm looking to get, you can also look on my right Sidebar at the ever growing list titled Desired Reads - just scroll down. Of course there are tones of other new books to come out that are amazing as well, but these ones are part of series I have already started or for one reason or another caught my eye (and haven't seen much on other blogs yet). But I will highlight one here each week.

(mentioned in order of Release Date then Alphabetical if there are more than one book coming out on the same date.)

It's been a while since I've done one of these Friday Looking Forward posts.  And I miss doing them.

Next Book Is...

Harbinger
A Book of the Order
By:  Philippa Ballantine
Due Out:  July 30, 2013

I'm hooooked! Really. After the last book, I need to have more. The last book brought this series to a new level for me and can't wait to continue to the last book.

Goodreads Synopsis:
The Deacons of the Order are all that stand between the wicked spirits of the Otherside and the innocent citizens of the Empire. They are sworn to protect humanity, even when they cannot protect themselves…

After the Razing of the Order, Sorcha Faris, one of the most powerful Deacons, is struggling to regain control of the runes she once wielded. The Deacons are needed more desperately than ever. The barrier between the world of the living and the world of the dead is weakening, and the Emperor has abandoned his throne, seeking to destroy those he feels have betrayed him. 

Though she is haunted by the terrible truth of her past, Sorcha must lead the charge against the gathering hordes of geists seeking to cross into the Empire. But to do so, she will need to manipulate powers beyond her understanding—powers that may prove to be her undoing…

Friday, March 22, 2013

Cover & Description Reveal: Harbinger


Oooo, you know I've been a huge fan of this author.  And of this series!  The last book brought the series to a whole new level for me.  So much is coming together and I CAN NOT WAIT for this book to come out.

Today I have for you the cover release for the book!

I'm excited!  Eeeep!  LOOOOVING this cover!

Ready?

I'm thrilled beyond believe to share with you the cover for the fourth book in Book of the Order series by Philippa Ballantine!

Harbinger
Book of the Order #4
By:  Philippa Ballantine
Due Out:  July 30, 2013

Description:
The Deacons of the Order are all that stand between the wicked spirits of the Otherside and the innocent citizens of the Empire.  They are sworn to protect humanity, even when they cannot protect themselves...

After the Razing of the Order, Sorcha Faris, one of the most powerful Deacons, is struggling to regain control of the runes she once wielded.  The Deacons are needed more desperately than ever.  The barrier between the world of the living and the world of the dead is weakening, and the Emperor has abandoned his throne, seeking to destroy those he feels have betrayed him.

Though she is haunted by the terrible truth of her past, Sorcha must lead the charge against the gathering hordes of geists seeking to cross into the Empire.  But to do so, she will need to manipulate powers beyond her understanding - powers that may prove to be her undoing...


Soooo!?!  All I have to say is WOW!  Sorcha looks serious and ready for battle.  Merrick is on the lookout. (great to see his full face here)  And the Rossin... Just plain huge and frightful as always.  The sky looks stormy.  I think there's going to be much to come with this one.

Oh soooo much to go down here!  The *you know what* is going to hit the fan!



Author Bio:
New Zealand born fantasy writer and podcaster Philippa (Pip) Ballantine is the author of the Books of the Order and the Shifted World series. She is also the co-author with her husband Tee Morris of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences novels. Her awards include an Airship, a Parsec, and a Sir Julius Vogel. She currently resides in Manassas, Virginia with her husband, daughter, and a mighty clowder of cats.

Author of: Geist, Spectyr, Wrayth and Harbinger (2013) from Ace Books and Hunter and Fox and Kindred and Wings (2013) from Pyr Books

Co-author (with Tee Morris) of Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences— an Airship Award winning steampunk series. Novels: Phoenix Rising and the Janus Affair. Also includes digital short stories and a free award winning podcast series

Twitter: @philippajane




If you are curious about the books of Book of the Order series, you can find them on Amazon: