Review of Illuminae
This was a really original book. The style and the way it was written was excellent and gave it so much suspense. My criticism, though, was actually the same as what made it great- the style and way it was written through so many different data sources and POvs. I found it lacked in emotional engagement. I really wanted to find out what happened but didn't quite feel it along with the characters. The big moments didn't quite pack the emotional punch as when you read from a close POV. Still, an awesome book and I enjoyed it.
Tick, Tick...Excerpt from Airwoman
Tick.
The only sound was the slow tick of the clock on the wall.
Jade took another step towards Papa. The torch cast a spotlight over his hunched figure. The rest of the room retreated into the shadows, distancing itself from the wrongness of the scene.
Tick.
A message, now forgotten, slipped out of Jade’s trembling hand and fluttered to the ground. Jade reached forward to shake Papa, thinking—hoping—he must be so tired.
Tick.
Jade grasped Papa’s shoulder, expecting him to jerk to consciousness and look up at her, groggy. But he did not move. She pressed harder, but his body was rigid under her touch. He did not wake. He didn’t even groan.
Tick.
Papa’s head fell forward, from where it had rested on his arm. His forehead connected with the polished wood of the desk with a thud. His wings hung limply across his back, their magenta scales dull.
Tick.
Tentatively, Jade smoothed his grey-streaked hair away from his face. She gasped at his eyes; open and staring at his own clenched right hand. She pressed a hand to his forehead.
He was cold, too cold.
Tick.
Jade’s hand fell away. A deep fog settled over her, paralysing her. Deafening her. She stared at Papa’s body. His lips, blue. His eyes, wide. Lifeless. She stared and saw nothing.
Tick.
Tick.
Tick.
Dimly, Jade heard herself screaming, calling for help. There was a clatter of footsteps, then a set of hands on her shoulders.
“Shhhh, shhhh,” someone said, and eventually the screaming stopped.
But the clock did not.
Tick.
Tick.
Tick.
Airwoman
Jade Gariq is the daughter of a respected Taraqan leader, and the heiress to Gariq Industries—a large, cross-Portal trading company. Her future appears to be set.
Except for one thing: It’s a life that she doesn’t want.
Jade has always dreamed of joining the Traveller Force—the elite Taraqans who traverse the Betwixt, filled with terrifying beasts, and who protect and patrol the Dragonverse. Despite having been Travellers themselves once, Jade’s parents remain vehemently against risking their only daughter’s life. When Jade’s father dies suddenly, she inherits Gariq Industries, its assets, trade deals and social responsibilities.
It seems as though her fate has once again been decided.
Meanwhile, Axel—her close friend and secret crush—disappears without a trace. Then Jade discovers the circumstances surrounding her father's death are not what they seem— her uncle Zorman suspects foul play. To find the truth and avenge her father's death, Jade travels to an uncharted world, where she will learn more about her family, herself, loyalty, and betrayal than she ever imagined.
Reviews for Airwoman:
I absolutely loved Airwoman, it was unique and interesting and action packed. The book was fast paced and hard to put down, and the characters were all so different yet just as important as each other. I can’t wait for the release of the second book in this series.--Nicole
Zara Quentin’s writing style of Airwoman reminds me of books by Robert Jordan or Kristen Britain, the thought provoking character developments and plot developments kept you inquiring what was on the next and then the next pages. If I had a 9 to 5 job, I would be taking sick days to binge read Airwoman. Airwoman was a real treat to read, a great page turner and with that in mind I can’t wait until the sequel comes out. --Schuyler
If you’re looking for a story which hooks you from the start, sweeps you away to another world and temporarily gives you wings, this is the book you’ve been looking for! --Inky Wings
