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Aurora #5
Aurora: Eden
The future starts now …
In the wake of the tragic events in Centralis, Captain Saul Harris stands with the weight of the world on his shoulders. With the truth of UNFASP revealed, he realizes that he must embrace his ancestry if he is to survive the coming onslaught. But how far will Harris go to protect the future? Will he sacrifice life as he knows it and become a Jumbo? Or can he face the future as a common man?
Meanwhile Sergeant Carrie Welles has been left devastated by what has happened. Uncertain of the future ahead, and with her nemesis, Sharley, on the brink of control, she struggles to pick herself up. But she is left surprised when help comes from the unlikeliest of places.
As her life veers off in a direction she never expected, Carrie soon understands that she is running a course with a destiny that lies far beyond her control. A destiny that is strangely aligned with her Captain’s.
In the wake of the tragic events in Centralis, Captain Saul Harris stands with the weight of the world on his shoulders. With the truth of UNFASP revealed, he realizes that he must embrace his ancestry if he is to survive the coming onslaught. But how far will Harris go to protect the future? Will he sacrifice life as he knows it and become a Jumbo? Or can he face the future as a common man?
Meanwhile Sergeant Carrie Welles has been left devastated by what has happened. Uncertain of the future ahead, and with her nemesis, Sharley, on the brink of control, she struggles to pick herself up. But she is left surprised when help comes from the unlikeliest of places.
As her life veers off in a direction she never expected, Carrie soon understands that she is running a course with a destiny that lies far beyond her control. A destiny that is strangely aligned with her Captain’s.
- GenresScience Fiction
First published September 10, 2015
About the author
Amanda Bridgeman
27 books104 followersAmanda is a Scribe Award winner, a two-time Tin Duck Award winner, an Aurealis and Ditmar Awards finalist and author of several science fiction and thriller novels. Her works include sci-fi mystery SALVATION series, consisting of THE SUBJUGATE and THE SENSATION (published by Angry Robot Books, UK), which is being developed for TV by Aquarius Films and Anonymous Content (True Detective, Mr Robot, The Alienist).
THE SUBJUGATE is also currently being studied at two German universities (Düsseldorf and Cologne) as part of a program on Australian speculative fiction, in conjunction with the Centre for Australian Studies.
Born in the seaside/country town of Geraldton, Western Australia, she moved to Perth (Western Australia) to study film & television/creative writing at Murdoch University, earning her a BA in Communication Studies. Perth has been her home ever since, aside from a nineteen-month stint in London (England) where she dabbled in Film & TV ‘Extra’ work.
Amanda is a versatile writer who enjoys working across different genres and creative formats, be it novels, screenplays, short stories, etc, and creating both original and tie-in work.
Her Scribe Award winning novel PANDEMIC: PATIENT ZERO is the first novel set in the award-winning Pandemic tabletop board game universe.
She has written short stories for Marvel (X-Men) and Black Library (Warhammer 40k) anthologies.
Her new novel, Sound of Light, set in the Marvel X-Men universe and featuring mutant Dazzler, is out now!
THE SUBJUGATE is also currently being studied at two German universities (Düsseldorf and Cologne) as part of a program on Australian speculative fiction, in conjunction with the Centre for Australian Studies.
Born in the seaside/country town of Geraldton, Western Australia, she moved to Perth (Western Australia) to study film & television/creative writing at Murdoch University, earning her a BA in Communication Studies. Perth has been her home ever since, aside from a nineteen-month stint in London (England) where she dabbled in Film & TV ‘Extra’ work.
Amanda is a versatile writer who enjoys working across different genres and creative formats, be it novels, screenplays, short stories, etc, and creating both original and tie-in work.
Her Scribe Award winning novel PANDEMIC: PATIENT ZERO is the first novel set in the award-winning Pandemic tabletop board game universe.
She has written short stories for Marvel (X-Men) and Black Library (Warhammer 40k) anthologies.
Her new novel, Sound of Light, set in the Marvel X-Men universe and featuring mutant Dazzler, is out now!
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 31, 2015
Originally published at West Coast Book Reviews.
Aurora: Eden is fifth in Amanda Bridgeman's Aurora series and picks up shortly after Aurora: Centralis leaves off. I felt the transition between the first four books, the balance between the team dealing with the losses of the past and the dangers in their future and finally, as I've come to enjoy, the capital A Action at the end.
I must admit to having become fan-girly about this series. I love the action, the enhanced soldiers and the fact the women are allowed to be women. I disagree with any suggestion Welles and the other women in these books receive unequal treatment due to their gender. I agree with the reality in the Aurora series. Regardless of training, enhancement or opportunity I'll take a strong woman in a futuristic novel over one who is assumed able to take on an opponent ten inches taller and a hundred pounds heavier. Strong women are okay.
Now I must also admit that Ms. Bridgeman has my heart on a string when it comes to the Aurora crew. After the unfathomably strong yank she gave that string at the end of book four Aurora: Centralis, I tried hard to hold back on my attachment to the crew but for me it was a losing battle.
Where the other novels in the series gave us a prologue to position Sharley and mainly filtered his actions through the POV of the Aurora crew, Eden gives us tastes of Sharley's men throughout. For me, this drove Bridgeman's tension high. Considering the backgrounds of Sharley's new recruits, I approached the battle I knew must be coming with huge apprehension. The way she moved quickly back and forth through all the action at the end really worked. I was left anxious about so many things at once and considering that one string that got pulled at the end of Aurora: Centralis the thought Ms. Bridgeman had the courage to pull it again was always there.
Sticking with this series is easy for me. It's a great story with strong, consistent and very real characters. Each book ends with a bang though each bang is different and exciting. I've never been left to feel I've seen it before even though the players (for the most part) remain the same.
This is a series I will continue to invest my time in. No hesitation. My deepening attachment to the Aurora's crew makes each book better than the one before and for me, that's the number one sign of a great series. They grow, they change and through it all, their choices, both easy and hard, are understandable.
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Aurora: Eden is fifth in Amanda Bridgeman's Aurora series and picks up shortly after Aurora: Centralis leaves off. I felt the transition between the first four books, the balance between the team dealing with the losses of the past and the dangers in their future and finally, as I've come to enjoy, the capital A Action at the end.
I must admit to having become fan-girly about this series. I love the action, the enhanced soldiers and the fact the women are allowed to be women. I disagree with any suggestion Welles and the other women in these books receive unequal treatment due to their gender. I agree with the reality in the Aurora series. Regardless of training, enhancement or opportunity I'll take a strong woman in a futuristic novel over one who is assumed able to take on an opponent ten inches taller and a hundred pounds heavier. Strong women are okay.
Now I must also admit that Ms. Bridgeman has my heart on a string when it comes to the Aurora crew. After the unfathomably strong yank she gave that string at the end of book four Aurora: Centralis, I tried hard to hold back on my attachment to the crew but for me it was a losing battle.
Where the other novels in the series gave us a prologue to position Sharley and mainly filtered his actions through the POV of the Aurora crew, Eden gives us tastes of Sharley's men throughout. For me, this drove Bridgeman's tension high. Considering the backgrounds of Sharley's new recruits, I approached the battle I knew must be coming with huge apprehension. The way she moved quickly back and forth through all the action at the end really worked. I was left anxious about so many things at once and considering that one string that got pulled at the end of Aurora: Centralis the thought Ms. Bridgeman had the courage to pull it again was always there.
Sticking with this series is easy for me. It's a great story with strong, consistent and very real characters. Each book ends with a bang though each bang is different and exciting. I've never been left to feel I've seen it before even though the players (for the most part) remain the same.
This is a series I will continue to invest my time in. No hesitation. My deepening attachment to the Aurora's crew makes each book better than the one before and for me, that's the number one sign of a great series. They grow, they change and through it all, their choices, both easy and hard, are understandable.
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
September 10, 2015
This book was everything I had hoped for and more. I started reading and couldn't put it down. A fantastic addition to the Aurora series and I can't wait for the next book to come out.
February 23, 2020
Every new book that I read in this series has become my favourite. I am loving the character development that we are getting as the books continue, especially now that McKinley has become a main character and not just part of the crew. The connection that Carrie and Harris have is building even more now with the alien invasion approaching. The rest of the crew add a great support to the main three.
I didnt think that the suspense of the previous book could be beaten as I wasnt able to put down the book until I knew the kids were safe but this amanda bridgeman has managed to ramp it up in this book leading to the amazing battle that finally sees the crew of alphas finally unleashed.
I can't wait to continue the story
I didnt think that the suspense of the previous book could be beaten as I wasnt able to put down the book until I knew the kids were safe but this amanda bridgeman has managed to ramp it up in this book leading to the amazing battle that finally sees the crew of alphas finally unleashed.
I can't wait to continue the story
June 13, 2024
2.5
As much as I enjoyed the first books in this series, I have really lost interest. Capt. Harris still intrigues me, but Carrie--not so much. The fact that this series will go on until the twins are grown doesn't appeal to me.
As much as I enjoyed the first books in this series, I have really lost interest. Capt. Harris still intrigues me, but Carrie--not so much. The fact that this series will go on until the twins are grown doesn't appeal to me.
October 1, 2015
Posted originally on my blog:
The Writer's Inkwell
This was my first official ARC from Netgalley and I will say, I was not disappointed. I had never before heard of this series. But as I searched, the cover caught my eye and I couldn't help requesting for it. The futuristic world Amanda Bridgeman has created, is only roughly sixty years in the future and yet, it seems like it's another lifetime.
The story itself is interesting and though this is the fifth book in the series, Bridgeman makes it fairly simple enough to piece together enough from the previous books in order to enjoy this one. Though I typically despise stories that switch points of view randomly, something about the writing (perhaps the fact it's all done in third person?)makes it easy enough to follow and there wasn't a single time that I was confused by the switch.
Since I was without knowledge gained from the previous books, I had a feeling Welles and McKinley were going to get together in the end. Of course, him being her daughter's father helped propel my suspicion of this plot. But I admit, I did question it once I discovered she was impregnated against her will and without his actual participation. Nevertheless, I was correct and it works, as they were more interesting in the scenes where they were together as opposed to the scenes where they weren't.
The other relationship within the book that really intrigued me was that between Harris and Welles. I'll admit, I suspected this was going to turn into a "everybody wants Welles" book and I was pleasantly surprised to find their relationship was completely platonic. I wasn't initially sold on the whole "connected" scenario and I'll admit to snickering about their "static touch." But in the end, I saw how it helped move the storyline along without being too forced.
Now to the main reason I felt this book was more of a four star book, rather than five: Jumbo.
Now don't get me wrong. I have no problem with the use of the Jumbo virus and the effects it has on the humans in the book. In fact, it never once bothered me as a concept. But... that being said, if I have to read the word Jumbo one more time, I might just through my kindle at a wall. It's one thing to initially explain the effect from the super heightened senses, physique and strength. But to constantly use the word Jumbo was not only distracting, but annoying. There's no reason to say Carrie looked out of her Jumbo peripheral or that she used her Jumbo strength or constantly talk about McKinley's Jumbo eyes.
I get it! They are Jumbos (or as the UNF wants them called "Alphas"), but to use the word Jumbo 473 times (yes, I counted), sometimes with five to six mentions on a single page, is redundant, ridiculous and absolutely not needed. Once it's been established what they are in the earlier pages, the word should only be used when discussing the actual Jumbo virus, or talking about Sharley's Jumbo fighters. Maybe a sporadic Jumbo here or there when discussing the abilities as compared to those of humans, would be acceptable. But 473 is a ridiculous amount and honestly, I'm surprised an editor didn't point out the word's overuse. Then again, if they did, I'm scared to see how many times it was used before. Let's just say, by the 50% mark, I rolled my eyes every time the word appeared on my screen and began to feel physically ill at its overuse.
If you can overlook all the Jumbos, you'll find an interesting story that can draw you in well enough to leave you on edge during the attacks near the end. Heck, I enjoyed it so much, I already purchased the first book so I could catch up on everything I missed. This is definitely an easy book to enjoy and I hope more people come to enjoy it as much as I did... you know, with the exception of Jumbo. God, I hope the author tones down the Jumbo talk in the next book or never thinks to replace the 473 references to Alpha.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Writer's Inkwell
This was my first official ARC from Netgalley and I will say, I was not disappointed. I had never before heard of this series. But as I searched, the cover caught my eye and I couldn't help requesting for it. The futuristic world Amanda Bridgeman has created, is only roughly sixty years in the future and yet, it seems like it's another lifetime.
The story itself is interesting and though this is the fifth book in the series, Bridgeman makes it fairly simple enough to piece together enough from the previous books in order to enjoy this one. Though I typically despise stories that switch points of view randomly, something about the writing (perhaps the fact it's all done in third person?)makes it easy enough to follow and there wasn't a single time that I was confused by the switch.
Since I was without knowledge gained from the previous books, I had a feeling Welles and McKinley were going to get together in the end. Of course, him being her daughter's father helped propel my suspicion of this plot. But I admit, I did question it once I discovered she was impregnated against her will and without his actual participation. Nevertheless, I was correct and it works, as they were more interesting in the scenes where they were together as opposed to the scenes where they weren't.
The other relationship within the book that really intrigued me was that between Harris and Welles. I'll admit, I suspected this was going to turn into a "everybody wants Welles" book and I was pleasantly surprised to find their relationship was completely platonic. I wasn't initially sold on the whole "connected" scenario and I'll admit to snickering about their "static touch." But in the end, I saw how it helped move the storyline along without being too forced.
Now to the main reason I felt this book was more of a four star book, rather than five: Jumbo.
Now don't get me wrong. I have no problem with the use of the Jumbo virus and the effects it has on the humans in the book. In fact, it never once bothered me as a concept. But... that being said, if I have to read the word Jumbo one more time, I might just through my kindle at a wall. It's one thing to initially explain the effect from the super heightened senses, physique and strength. But to constantly use the word Jumbo was not only distracting, but annoying. There's no reason to say Carrie looked out of her Jumbo peripheral or that she used her Jumbo strength or constantly talk about McKinley's Jumbo eyes.
I get it! They are Jumbos (or as the UNF wants them called "Alphas"), but to use the word Jumbo 473 times (yes, I counted), sometimes with five to six mentions on a single page, is redundant, ridiculous and absolutely not needed. Once it's been established what they are in the earlier pages, the word should only be used when discussing the actual Jumbo virus, or talking about Sharley's Jumbo fighters. Maybe a sporadic Jumbo here or there when discussing the abilities as compared to those of humans, would be acceptable. But 473 is a ridiculous amount and honestly, I'm surprised an editor didn't point out the word's overuse. Then again, if they did, I'm scared to see how many times it was used before. Let's just say, by the 50% mark, I rolled my eyes every time the word appeared on my screen and began to feel physically ill at its overuse.
If you can overlook all the Jumbos, you'll find an interesting story that can draw you in well enough to leave you on edge during the attacks near the end. Heck, I enjoyed it so much, I already purchased the first book so I could catch up on everything I missed. This is definitely an easy book to enjoy and I hope more people come to enjoy it as much as I did... you know, with the exception of Jumbo. God, I hope the author tones down the Jumbo talk in the next book or never thinks to replace the 473 references to Alpha.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2015
Disclaimer: I was provided with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This review contains spoilers for previous books.
In my review of Aurora: Centralis, I mentioned that it was a transitional book and suffered a little from middle-book sag. Eden occupies a similar space but is a more tightly-written book than its predecessor.
Centralis left off just after the funeral of a significant character: Carrie's love interest, Dan Walker. The first part of the story involves Carrie coming to terms with her grief. A nice balance was struck between showing how Dan's death was a devastating, life-changing event for Carrie while avoiding sinking into maudlin cliche. She pulls out of it, but only with difficulty and with help from the people around her. Then, once she has recovered, she still feels some pangs of guilt and grief but doesn't allow them to prevent her from moving on with her life.
Again, like Centralis, the focus is very much on relationships. A couple of significant relationships undergo transformations, not least being that between Carrie and Captain Harris as they come to terms with the psychic connection between them. It was nice to see this kept strictly platonic, even as their bond deepened.
Threads set up by previous books begin to pay off in Eden. For example, it was nice to see Lieutenant Gold--a minor character from Meridian and Centralis--become a point-of-view character. This gave him more depth and allowed his motivations to come forward, changing him from a smarmy irritation into a sympathetic character.
In keeping with the pattern of the last few books, there isn't a lot of action until the last quarter of the book. However, the climactic battle was well worth the wait. The setting was rather different to previous battles and this added a layer of tension to what was already an intense sequence. I appreciated the different styles of fighting; Yughio's creative use of agility and tactics was especially satisfying and nicely foreshadowed throughout the book.
The Aurora series continues to be an enjoyable read and I remain interested in following the story. In fact, I'm a little bit sad to have caught up with it because for the first time it means I'll have to wait a while for the next book. The cliffhanger ending is going to make that wait especially hard.
This review first appeared on Earl Grey Editing.
In my review of Aurora: Centralis, I mentioned that it was a transitional book and suffered a little from middle-book sag. Eden occupies a similar space but is a more tightly-written book than its predecessor.
Centralis left off just after the funeral of a significant character: Carrie's love interest, Dan Walker. The first part of the story involves Carrie coming to terms with her grief. A nice balance was struck between showing how Dan's death was a devastating, life-changing event for Carrie while avoiding sinking into maudlin cliche. She pulls out of it, but only with difficulty and with help from the people around her. Then, once she has recovered, she still feels some pangs of guilt and grief but doesn't allow them to prevent her from moving on with her life.
Again, like Centralis, the focus is very much on relationships. A couple of significant relationships undergo transformations, not least being that between Carrie and Captain Harris as they come to terms with the psychic connection between them. It was nice to see this kept strictly platonic, even as their bond deepened.
Threads set up by previous books begin to pay off in Eden. For example, it was nice to see Lieutenant Gold--a minor character from Meridian and Centralis--become a point-of-view character. This gave him more depth and allowed his motivations to come forward, changing him from a smarmy irritation into a sympathetic character.
In keeping with the pattern of the last few books, there isn't a lot of action until the last quarter of the book. However, the climactic battle was well worth the wait. The setting was rather different to previous battles and this added a layer of tension to what was already an intense sequence. I appreciated the different styles of fighting; Yughio's creative use of agility and tactics was especially satisfying and nicely foreshadowed throughout the book.
The Aurora series continues to be an enjoyable read and I remain interested in following the story. In fact, I'm a little bit sad to have caught up with it because for the first time it means I'll have to wait a while for the next book. The cliffhanger ending is going to make that wait especially hard.
This review first appeared on Earl Grey Editing.
September 21, 2015
The impending alien invasion is further explored and the role the Aurora crew have in protecting mankind is realized.
The fifth installment in the Aurora series by Aussie science fiction author Amanda Bridgeman serves as a bridge between what has been and what is to come.
Reaching out into the unknown depths of space further than ever before, EDEN provides more than a glimpse at the possible future of Earth as warmonger-like aliens invade the planet. With only Alphas (nee Jumbos for readers of the previous books) to fend them off; series antagonist, Sharley, and his vision of creating an army of genetically modified super soldiers isn't without merit - in fact, it's a necessity.
EDEN, once again sees the Aurora crew grow as a tightly knit unit while also undergoing a slight change. The earlier motives of their enemy are slowly accepted and the rationale behind the drastic transformation into Alphas is embraced by most yet the darker side of this extreme form of modification is still paramount thanks to Drazen and a band of brutal warriors determined to destroy Carrie Welles and take her twins (the only true-born first gen Alphas). The yin and yang showcases the extreme spectrum of the good and bad than can be done when normal people are transformed into Alphas - it also provides a duel threat and an interesting sub plot that compliments the broader invasion story-line.
The action scenes in EDEN are the best of the series so far (and are incredibly vivid and bursting with tension). I won't delve into any detail as I don't want to spoil what happens but the later stages of EDEN are an adrenaline junkies dream.
I once again find myself eagerly anticipating the next book as has been the case with each installment so far. Bridgeman has built an interesting universe populated by dynamic characters that look set to be turned on its head in the not too distant future. Bring on book 6!
http://justaguythatlikes2read.blogspo...
The fifth installment in the Aurora series by Aussie science fiction author Amanda Bridgeman serves as a bridge between what has been and what is to come.
Reaching out into the unknown depths of space further than ever before, EDEN provides more than a glimpse at the possible future of Earth as warmonger-like aliens invade the planet. With only Alphas (nee Jumbos for readers of the previous books) to fend them off; series antagonist, Sharley, and his vision of creating an army of genetically modified super soldiers isn't without merit - in fact, it's a necessity.
EDEN, once again sees the Aurora crew grow as a tightly knit unit while also undergoing a slight change. The earlier motives of their enemy are slowly accepted and the rationale behind the drastic transformation into Alphas is embraced by most yet the darker side of this extreme form of modification is still paramount thanks to Drazen and a band of brutal warriors determined to destroy Carrie Welles and take her twins (the only true-born first gen Alphas). The yin and yang showcases the extreme spectrum of the good and bad than can be done when normal people are transformed into Alphas - it also provides a duel threat and an interesting sub plot that compliments the broader invasion story-line.
The action scenes in EDEN are the best of the series so far (and are incredibly vivid and bursting with tension). I won't delve into any detail as I don't want to spoil what happens but the later stages of EDEN are an adrenaline junkies dream.
I once again find myself eagerly anticipating the next book as has been the case with each installment so far. Bridgeman has built an interesting universe populated by dynamic characters that look set to be turned on its head in the not too distant future. Bring on book 6!
http://justaguythatlikes2read.blogspo...
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews