User Reviews
Rating: really liked it
Listen up fuckers, cuz this book needs to be on each of yall's bookshelves cuz I need someone to RANT with
I am not a big scifi fan but I read this purely for my girl TA White, and fuck yah did she come thru!
Featuring
the snarky heroine constantly underestimated. Her sassy AI friend. The plot twists. Finding out Kira’s past and how its affecting tHE FUTURE OF THE GODDAMN UNIVERSE
So let’s begin.
Its been years since 'the end' of the war-- a major conflict where the humans barely survived and were suddenly part of rest space world
Wounded, our badass heroine
Kira has separated herself from the humans to rebuild her life… just to get sucked right back into the thick of things
Jin, is my new favorite robot, I mean AI drone. He is basically Kiara’s only friend as they have been surviving on their own and secretly planning… something ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
They had the friggen
*cutest* relationship where
Jin is a dramatic ass machine, loyal to Kira to a fault. Basically Kira finds herself in dangerous situations cuz of her own morals… so Jin just sasses her the whole time that he’s helping her
“A hundred different ways to address this and you chose the most dangerous," he muttered.
"Also, a trait of hers," Jin pointed out. "You get used to it.”
The
plot of Kira’s past starting to come to light reveals info about her abilities, our enemies, and the war that might not be
*quite* as finished as everyone thinks. She is determined to keep hers secrets buried… but our love interest won’t stop DIGGING
Graydon --the emperor’s bitch. Well I mean thats how Kiara would describe him
When we first meet him, he’s an arrogant asshole who wrecks her entire life and controls her to fit his own agenda
It really felt like by everyone, Kiara is constantly underestimated. Dismissed. Ignored. Even I was getting mad with her like fuck alllllll of y’all, go run on a freeway
To the human world, she’s a traitor
To the alien world, she a baby barbarian
But Kiara is cunning, trained, and ready to take action whether its with her tricky words or just stab ya
“I take it she didn't get the chance to warn you about the Tsavitee attack under way," Kira guessed.
This could complicate things.
Graydon let loose a sound dangerously close to a growl, a low rumble warning people to escape before the cold grip of death came for them.
"I have proof," Kira offered when it looked like he might give in to his urge to throttle her.
"That would be lovely," he said through gritted teeth.”
Forced to go to her family’s home planets,
everyone finds an excuse to come with… bringing their own secret agendas to get into the kingdom. Including Kira’s old troop … and that to say she had an iffy relationship is mild
Kira starts out as an outcast and the more you learn about her, the more you are intrigued by what she is hiding from
We also meet some of our other side character that GOD I hope come back in the second like
Finn the overprotective bodyguard turned partner in crime.
Blue the uber-curious mechanic obsessed human from her old troop.
Himoto her old boss. Actually, you know what he can go die for all I care
There’s a slow burn romance.
“To her surprise, he didn't try to stop her. It seemed she'd underestimated him.
"I do not like this," he informed her.
"That gets me right here." She pointed at her heart. "Really."
The look he bent on her was unamused. "I will be most disappointed if you die.”
There's action. There's intrigue. There’s funny banter !
“Finn noticed the children as they performed their drills at a pace three times slower than normal”
“What are they doing?" he asked with a scowl.
"Practicing," Kira said succinctly.
"Practicing for what?"
"The shitstorm that is life.”
There are so many goddamn questions left unanswered WITH A FUCKING CLIFFHANGER that I immediately was ready to bury myself in book two and continue with this creative-as-fuck-world that TA has written
Rating: really liked it
4.5 Stars!
This was so awesome that the only way I can describe it is:
this is what would happen if the Kate Daniels series took place in the future and in outer space (and was written by a different author obviously). And if you know my love for all things Ilona Andrews, you know that that comparison is high praise indeed!
There's a strong heroine with a mysterious past that isn't fully revealed. She's pretty bad-ass. She engenders some strong emotional reactions out of the reader (for me anyways, I honestly started to tear up for her at certain points). She has a complicated history with some of the secondary characters. She gets kind of forced into dire situations due to her own sense of duty/morals. There's a slow burn romance. There's action. There's intrigue. What more do you want?
I enjoyed T.A. White's Broken Land trilogy (starts with Pathfinder's Way, though I will say the last book was not as strong as I hoped), and so when I saw she had written a new book/series I jumped on it. I AM SO GLAD I DID! This was unbelievably good!!! I am absolutely reading the next book when it comes out.
Oh and I believe this is free for kindle unlimited people. So heads up!
2/6/20 - Reread and I love this book possibly more than I did the first time around! On to the second book!
Rating: really liked it
Short version: what seems like a space-faring buddy flick turns into a court-intrigue romance novel with a deathly Mary Sue. It feels a great deal like Ilona Andrews, without the smoothly worked in backstory. There is some snappy smart-ass humor (also ala Kate Daniels) that plays well. Actually, feels a lot like an Edge world. There's a few odd word choices that I associate with lesser-skilled authors, so it requires a little forbearance. More significantly, despite the packaging, it resorts to a basketful of tropes.
"They saw the delicateness of her features, the burgundy color of her hair and gray-purple eyes that changed colors in a certain light, and made certain assumptions. Assumptions she was happy to disabuse them"
I mean, that's fine, right? But just throwing them together in a kitchen sink doesn't really make it all work. List: (view spoiler)
[the savior, the fish out of water, the orphan, the prodigal son (hide spoiler)]. Did we really need to include a giant, powerful blonde dude as love interest as well? All that said, it was perfect... for the beach. And because I started skimming a little at the end, when some crazy stuff (view spoiler)
[ about battle forms, star systems and protective wards got too boring.
"Kira didn’t know how much she believed in the rumors and thought it was more likely their technology was simply more advanced than humanity’s, giving the appearance of magic."
Ah, if only she knew.
Two and a half stars, rounding up because. (hide spoiler)]
Rating: really liked it
4.5 stars
WOWZER!!! I’m officially HOOKED!!
Rules of Redemption was my first book by this author – another addition to my NEW AUTHORS OF 2019 list – and it won’t be my last.
I had to put it down at 1am in the morning. With 50% more to go there was no way I could have finished it anytime soon. I had a hard time putting it down, I was literally glued to the pages – that’s how good it was!
One of my proven ways of not experiencing books slumps and funks is reading different genres. I haven’t had a slump in a long time and all because of mixing things up. And reading a science fiction novel with a dash of romance helps the cause. And most of all, I found a new author to stalk.
Now back to the book:
By now you must know I rarely read a book that doesn’t have some kind of romance in it, unless it’s non-fiction. So, Rules of Redemption certainly fits into the category of slow burn, but it doesn’t feel like it because the story is so fascinating. There is so much going on and with a kick-ass heroine like Kira it never gets boring.
Kira is strong, smart, and likes to be left alone.
Which of course is the opposite of what’s happening. The story arc is complex, fascinating and unfortunately not done yet – lol. The book didn’t end with a cliffhanger, but the frustration of not being able to read the next book is REAL!!! I was destroyed when I found out that the next book isn’t being released until late 2019/early 2020.
But, on the other hand I found a book/series that I’m passionate about, something that is sometimes missing with my regular romance books. So, yeah, I’m definitely hooked!!
It also helps that the big, bad alien is yummylicious and their attraction towards each other kept my romance addicted heart very happy!! And it doesn’t hurt that he staked his claim. He is keeping her, if she likes it or not. Honestly I can’t wait to read more – and I just hope the year goes by fast – lol!! I need the next book STAT!
The writing is superb, and the banter between Kira and her AI drone Jin a highlight. Jin just adds to the overall enjoyment of the book, smart, and a personality that is the opposite of Kira’s no-nonsense demeanor, those two are a fantastic duo.
I must admit science fiction romances are my new obsession, and Rules of Redemption fits right into this category. I’m on a quest of finding more – because this stuff is addicting.
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Rating: really liked it
Monthly read with my lovelies at Weaponized Pineapples4.5 Stars ⭐️
I loved this book! I did listen to the Audio through the library and it was superb! I’m going to buy the kindle and get the Audible later. Possibly the paperback too depending on the space I’m trying to keep with bookcases!
I loved these characters and I’m in love with Graydon!
Happy Reading Peeps!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Rating: really liked it
That was AMAZING !Holy smokes that was so good. I'll re-read it, shoot I want to see the movie. It would be such a fabulous movie ! It was Star Wars' space action, Star Trek's lovable characters, Oceans Eleven scheming, humor and some seriously cool creatures. The romance is there and so well written into the story. It was perfectly done (IMHO). Oh my gawd, Graydon, sexy, super macho, distant, difficult, grumpy, did I mention sexy ( shutters ) I love a man that can be great when he needs to. ** Wink ** The MC Kira, was a broken, self built, haunted, isolated, strong, intelligent, generous, loyal and selfless. woman. I cheered for her big time and the rest of the characters, and cried with their pain.
There was one thing I didn't like. It ended and the next in the series isn't out yet. Oye, It ended with such a fun cliffhanger. Luckily, was at home so the public didn't have to witness my snorting laughter at the stinger ending. BAM
** Even better the second time ! Well played Graydon well played :x. I have book 2-3 coming in the next two weeks
Rating: really liked it
I feel like the only person who didn't like this book, so maybe it just wasn't my style.
But to be honest, I feel like I just read a first draft. The book had so many different threads, and I didn't feel any of them were followed to a satisfying conclusion. I felt like I was being pulled in so many different directions, with hints of plot that are never fleshed out. It was like the book had too many ideas and couldn't decide what it wanted to be about, so it tried to be about everything and as a result felt like it was about nothing.
The characters didn't feel internally consistent or believable. The main character is constantly the "only one to ever" in a way that I wasn't able to keep suspending my disbelief. I did appreciate that the hint of romance didn't take over the story, but I also didn't understand why her love interest was attractive. (view spoiler)
[ I was pretty turned off by him at the beginning when he said that it didn't matter what she wanted, she had to come with no matter what. Ugh. That part was never redeemed in my eyes. (hide spoiler)] Also, I found it hard to stay immersed in the story because the writing style didn't really appeal to me. I did think the plot could be interesting and I kept hoping things would get better in the end, but alas :( Anyway, I'm just disappointed because I was hoping I could find some lesser-known authors/ self-published authors to support, since I've really been enjoying a few of the others.
Rating: really liked it
This is my third series I have started with this author and I am sold. I have found that T.A. White is a fantastic PNR writer. Her imagery and world building is fascinating and not like others I've read.
Something I've noticed in all three series is her penchant for the heroine being the star of the show. They are powerful woman who seem to be disguised as an average person. I really love that. I'm such a fan of the underdog rising above.
Kira stars out as an outcast and the more you learn about her the more you are intrigued by what she is hiding from. We got to see a lot of what she can do in book one, but I feel there is more to come. I can't wait to see her full potential.
T.A. White's heroes are just as fascinating. They are just as powerful, but never outshine the heroine. They appeal to me in their quiet intensity she brings to their characters. These are grown men, who behave like grown men. You will not find immature behavior.
There is just something about a powerful man who isn't afraid to show his soft side to his woman. You actually feel that pull that Graydon feels towards Kira. While this is a slow burn, I don't feel like there is a lack of romance. That's how strong their chemistry is in this.
In addition to such fantastic characters is the story itself. I found this to be unique and completely enthralling. I'm jumping right in to book 2 because I can't get enough!
2nd Read Review: AMAZING! This is one of my favorite series. Even doing a re-read via audible, I devoured every second. I can honestly see myself re-reading this series over and over. Obviously I highly recommend it. Also, the narrator was really good and I recommend both the kindle and audible version.
Rating: really liked it
4.5 stars Amazing start to this new series. This author always delivers where plot and amazing character development is concerned.
Rating: really liked it
Can't do it. Sick and tired of this trope.
Strong Heroine who has built up her life from the ashes, independent, lives for freedom.
1 arrogant asshole wrecks her entire life and controls her to fit his own agenda
Heroine gives in and falls in love cuz he's pretty I guess.
I don't care how pretty he is, it's not worth your freedom.
HOWEVER. If this IS your sort of thing, it is very well written.
Rating: really liked it
I could have sworn that I read this. But no. So I'm glad I picked it up as I was in the mood for some sci-fi goodness.
Kira is a little bit of the special girl protagonist. She's a war hero who let people down in the past and that weighs on her. So she starts the story deliberately isolated and then things happen to tangle her up. And, of course, we meet some of her old surviving crew and get to see their resentment and even hate.
The overarching plot drips a bit, but not in a bad way. Kira has plenty to do keeping her newly-discovered family from overwhelming her. Since they're kind of the source of her special sauce, and understand what makes her tick better than she does (in some ways), much of the tension in the story is her resisting those family ties to maintain her self-imposed isolation. Which would be a monster of a negative motivation*, if she didn't have specific goals she was going for (get back to her ship and career where she was safely on her own). Okay, it's still a negative motivation and drags the plot towards standstill but so much else is going on (including her actually developing dreaded ties to others) that there's plenty of plot energy carrying past all that.
Two things drew me in and kept me engaged. The first is Kira herself and her friend Jin. They're dynamic, capable, damaged, and doing their best for each other and I liked seeing them bounce around all the limitations others were trying to maintain. The second is the world they find themselves in (including the former squadmates and the newfound family). Oh. And Graydon is a marvelous tough guy and potential future love interest.
So yeah, I'm going with four stars. There's a little too much special girl going on with Kira for all five stars and the thrashing against developing relationships gets tired. But it's still a great story and I enjoyed it very much.
A note about Chaste: No relationships, remember? Yeah, there's some kissing that makes this a likely slow-burn romance, but it doesn't get very far in this story. So it's fairly chaste.
Rating: really liked it
Very interesting universe and plot that's ruined by an MC that can't decide if she's totally brilliant or a complete moron. The whiplash is real.
Rating: really liked it
This book was one of those impulsive reads. It wasn't on my tbr but I wanted a cute UF maybe Ilona Andrew Styles and according to GR, people who enjoyed her books also enjoyed this book.
Unfortunately, the book was very boring and lacked a hot romance. I'm a sucker for slow burn but very little happens in this book. It was a struggle to finish.
Review to come.
Rating: really liked it
I loved this as much as I did Pathfinder's Way.
The background idea (humans as the young race in space that isn't trusted) isn't new, but the plot and the characters made my day.
The ending clearly points to a series and one I will be glad to continue.
To the grammar purists out there: there were a couple of mistakes that nowhere harmed my enjoyment.
Rating: really liked it
This author is really becoming one of my favorites. I loved loved her Broken Lands series and I am adding this one to the love list.
Love the world building wherein Humanity is a young race in need of guidance in space life. The bad race (Tsavitee) is a devouring horde decimating humanity.
The heroine (Kira) is awesome! We are still learning from her background. I love the other characters as well. There's a hint of romance here and I hope it will develop more in the next book. I love Graydon. And I can't wait to read more about her adventures in House Roake next! Bring in the next book please!
