Beyond Meridian - CC Bridges

More like 3.5 stars, not quite 4 because its too short.  I don't even know where to start.  I know I read the description before downloading it but I somehow missed that is was a "romance" M/M.  No issues just caught me off guard at first.  So we are following Raine and Karl.  Raine is a Spacer...he moves cargo.  And Karl needs help getting into "enemy" territory. 

Its Firefly with a two man crew and a really fancy ship.  Its a quick read but its honestly really good.   You want to hate Raine, he's a bastard but he isn't, he has a heart so to say.  Karl seems green but there is something lurking beneath the surface.  He is on a mission to save his friend and needs Raine.  The problem is Raine is a man ho (at least it seems) and Karl is "innocent". 

Together with the amazing ship they are going to save the galaxy, and each other. 

It's written to move quickly but its captivating.  It really does grab your interest.  My only issue is it moves so fast.  I like to see more development in characters and in story.  I like to see the build in the relationship.  But even with that lacking I like Raine and Karl.  It's good.  They are good.  It's...just read it.  Like I said Firefly...plus.

I got this book for free from Netgalley to read and give my honest review.  

SPOILERS

Lifel1k3 - Jay Kristoff

Wow.  This is a fascinating coming of age story.  I mean who doesn't want to read about a rebellious teen in a future where we almost destroyed all of life on earth.  That isn't sarcasm, I'm serious.  We are following the life of Eve.  She lives what used to be California but it broke off and is an island now.  She poor and scrappy. She has a cybernetic eye and a memory chip in her head.  She has her gramps, BFF named Lemon, robot sidekick named Cricket , and a robo dog with a real dog brain.  

Its not all what you think.  There are non humans out there.  They look like us but they aren't human.  They are called Lifelikes and they rebelled against their maker.  Don't worry, I didn't spoil anything you don't read in the first few pages.  Imagine that!  You get this much insanity and its only the beginning.  This story is full of adventure, heartbreak, friendship, and betrayal; all with a sci-fi base.  Its a captivating read that has more surprises than I thought possible.  The author did a wonderful job of creating characters you love.  Even with their flaws you love them.  That is why all the twists and turns are such punches in the gut  You are learning along with Eve which makes this story even more intriguing.  All leading up to the final showdown that completely blew my mind, and its only book one.  I would definitely recommend it.

SPOILERS in the  jump

Obscura - Joe Hart

This is a wonderfully written yet disturbing story. In the not so distant future we have reached a tipping point. Our beautiful blue marble is dying. Humanity has no choice but to look for a new home. In addition to this we are plagued by a new disease. It targets young and old, related and unrelated. There is no cure...there is no predicting it but once you have it you are done. Its a slow, tortuous death. Not just for you but for your loved ones who have to watch you slowly forget them...yourself...everything. 

We are following Gillian a Doctor, mother, and now Astronaut who is on the verge of curing this awful disease. She has her own issues and reasons for wanting a cure but when NASA calls upon her she goes...a tad unwillingly but she goes. This book is a total mystery. From the opening pages to the last line. Its a roller coaster of emotion and distrust. There is the dying Earth, the incurable disease, a new technology that could change the future of humanity, and death...lots of death. Its a whodunit wrapped up in a what would you do. And it has space travel so win win win, right?! 

I absolutely loved this book. I was confused, concerned, disturbed, terrified, and happy. The whole gambit of emotions. Just when I thought I knew what to expect something else slapped me in the face. I didn't know who to trust. Half the time I didn't even trust Gillian and it was from her POV. I wanted to love so many of the characters but I just didn't know. The only one I fully trusted was Birk, he was an open book. In a heartbeat I would recommend this book. Anyone who loves a good murder mystery and/or sci-fi should read it. It is by far one of the better near future space travel books I've read, and I've read quite a few. Check it out, you wont be sorry.

SPOILERS in the jump

Nyxia - Scott Reintgen

What an intriguing story!  In the semi-distant future we have expanded into the cosmos.  We have found an amazing new natural resource on an alien planet that will change everything, the problem is the locals don't much like adult humans but they love and respect children.  Solution, send a bunch of poor "kids" into space to harvest this stuff for them.  The catch...oh the catch is they are taking a bunch of you into space but only a few actually get to go down to the planet.  Those that go will have their families taken care of generously, the rest get a consolation prize.

So begins a story of deception, friendship, love, and betrayal.  Emmett, the main character and story teller is a hardened poor kid who makes the list.  The big corp (Babel) is in complete control.  You will fight, ruthlessly, to earn your way to the surface.  People are hurt, people die, enemies are made, and friendships are formed.  The emotions Emmett must endure are a roller-coaster.   Who can he trust?  What is Babel hiding?  Will he ever make it home again to see that moms and pops are actually being taken care of?  The entire story is high energy and stressful.  You want to hate some and love others but who is being real?  You are just are distrustful as Emmett.  This might be a story about a bunch of teens but its relatable to any age.  Its a great read that captures you from the beginning and doesn't let go.  Just when you think you know what Babel is up to something else insane happens.  You experience the lies and deceit with Emmett and the hope as well.  I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes sci-fi/space travel. 

SPOILERS 







He was supposed to be with Kaya!  They freaking killed Kaya!  I did not see that coming.  Maybe she's alive and Babel is hiding her...wishful thinking.  I mean I like Morning and while I didn't trust her at first, I think she is genuinely interested in Emmett and a good person.  I'm glad the "love" scene wasn't done in more detail.  It always makes me a little uncomfortable when authors go into detail about 1st times or anything sexual between minors.  Yes, we all know it happens but that is not necessary so kudos to this author for glazing over that piece. 

I did not see that ending coming.  I knew Babel had one more thing up their sleeve but to pit two kids against each other TO THE DEATH is insane!  Roathy probably deserved to die but I am so proud of Emmett for taking the high road. For not killing him and actually trying to save him.  It showed immense character development. 

I adored Bilal.  He always sees the best in everyone and everything, even when the world turns against him.  He is a true friend and derserves better than what happened to him.  I hope he comes back somehow or is in one of the pods headed to the surface.

Vademeer is an enigma.  I thought he was a Babel bad guy at first but he is a mentor.  He genuinely cares about Emmett & Kaya when she was alive.  Sure he gets more money if his kids win but he actually cares.  He wasn't just in it for the money.  He mourned Kaya.  He was worried about Emmett and genuinely proud when he made the adult decision, i.e. not killing someone as revenge...even it it was warranted. 

Defoe...I want to think he's bad.  But I just don't think he is.  Something about him says he is different.   Yes he has done, is doing horrible things for Babel, but we get these glimpses of him that make me think he has some good hidden in there.  That he is not just a pawn for this huge corporation.  I could be totally wrong but I swear he cares, slightly, for Emmett and the other kids (well his, not the other team). 

I still do not trust Isadora.  She is crazy.  She is vengeful.  She should NOT be going to Eden.  But she was grandfathered in.  Babel and their games.  Will they ever end?  Can't wait for the rest of this story!

I got this book for free from Blogging for Books to give my honest review.  

What do they feed them in Sweden?!?!

So I got a Netflix "98% match" show.  I've seen some adverts for it but didn't know much about it so I started watching it. 

Very crazy bloody opening, hmmm interesting.  Then the guy who dies is brought back in a new "sleeve".  If you don't know what I'm watching, its called "Altered Carbon" and its kind of crazy!

In the way way way way future we have apparently expanded into the stars AND figured out how to be basically immortal.  K....  At the ripe age of 1 every person is implanted with a disc that can pretty much be reinstalled into new bodies (sleeves) indefinitely.  Well unless the disc is damaged. 

Anyways, the bad@$$ ripped Asian that dies in the first few minutes is resleeved into this 6' something blonde Adonis looking mother f**ker.  He is butt@$$ nekkid and has the "v".  The "V"!!!  I was like God Damn, who is this guy?!?!?!  Then he walked away and sweet baby Jes...nice @$$!

So I looked him up and apparently he was most recently Robocop in the reboot of Robocop.  Have I mentioned he is dead sexy?!?!  Joel Kinnaman, is a Swedish actor and was born in 1979.  What the hell do they feed them??? Between him and the freaking Skarsgård family we all look like a bunch of wet trash.   

Maybe not that bad but you get the idea.  Anyways, this show is fascinating! And the lead is not bad to look at.  Well he has some weird looks sometimes...kinda goofy but his body helps.

I mean that's not why I'll watch it but its definitely lagniappe.  

Side Note - I've seen more dicks flapping around in 1 hour than I can ever recall...

What's with the implants?!? So much of this show is based on IMPLANTS!

Black Mirror is f**king me up! I love it!

Every episode is more and more OH MY GOD!!!!

The first season was messed up but as I watch...I think I am going have some serious issues.

Just...just...just....Episode 4 SOBBING with happiness...then this $hitshow happened....

Season 3: Episode 5 - Men Against Fire 

Why are they called "Roaches"??!?! 

I STG if a giant f**king bug comes on my screen I'm going to ......

AHhhhhhhhh! 

Okay okay they are "people" with something in their blood making them...mutants...? 

They look a lot like those "Gangers" from Doctor Who....

Wait...what's with that green light...

dude don't point it at your face...

OMG!

wait will he be a "roach" now?!?!!??!!??!

Wait...wait.....does the implant make them see non-implants as evil???? 

What is happening?!?!? 

OMG I was right!!!!  Its the f**king implant!

Buy whyyyyyyyyyyy?

Is this like the next step in justified genocide????

This is like some extreme Hitler level $hit!

"We don't actually want to kill each other."  No $hit!!!!

It helps you see the "enemy" as the monster

"Its a lot easier to pull the trigger when they are the Boogyman" WHAT?!?!?!

Talk about cleansing the gene pool

HOLY $HIT this is terrifying!

Ummm have you ever heard of the Holocaust....?

"Protecting the bloodline"

He made him f**king blind with the push of a button!!!

That is some psychological torture....

And he caved...can't say I blame him...

So it makes him see a gorgeous welcoming house and a wife when its actually a $hithole....whoa.

I can't.  This is 1000% disturbing...I love it...I need more.  This show has me like...

Its a movie about Wars...in the Stars...DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN ROGUE ONE

SERIOUSLY DON'T READ ON IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN IT.  I don't want to ruin the magic for anyone.  Including you!  I even waited 4 days to post this!

I did a thing.  For the first time EVER I went see a movie on opening night.  But not just any movie.  I went to see Rogue One *dance party music* *wookie sounds*.  I know it just came out but Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee I love it so much!  So the original trilogy came out before my time.  Well sort of...two came out before I was born and the 3rd one came out when I was 2...so basically before my time.  BUT my geeky family made sure I saw them...many....MANY times.  I saw the "first three", the "prequels", when I was in college.  I wont talk about them but they are part of the universe so I have seen them a few times each.  Added benefit, Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan...I mean he is nice to look at AND he is awesome so yea.

Moving on, while I didn't see The Force Awakens on opening night last year, we did go see it within the first week.  I almost legit cried.  I was so happy for a New Chapter and it was so good.  So so so good.  Which is why back in October when my friend said "lets rent out a movie tavern theater to see Rogue One" I was like, "Oh f**k yea, I am SOOOOOOOO there!".  If you haven't realized I am purposefully putting filler intro stuff just in case people don't heed my warning!

Alright, here we go...SPOILERS below.

Can't they just have a happily ever after?!?!?!

I meant to post this a while ago....apparently I just saved it and didn't post it...doh!

Sooooooooooooooo 12 Monkeys tried to slowly kill me with frustration.  I didn't realize until last night but the whole season was a slow burn of lethal frustration in an attempt to murder...ME!  Not being dramatic...scouts honor...

Okay, right.  So we have Cole who drove me INSANE in Season 1 with his "must complete the mission at all costs" attitude.  But he changed.  He changed because he realized somethings are more important that the mission.  Somethings like, CASSIE!  But she did the opposite.  In Season 1 she was the heartfelt, caring person.  She knew that its not always about the mission, its about the people.  But she changed.  She changed because she got stuck in the f**king future and slept with Deacon (what?!?!?!) and I dunno went a  little berzerk.

So the entirety of Season 2 I am basically screaming at my TV "OMG stop being mean to each other!  You care about each other!  Remember who you are..." Sorry my inner Mufasa came out.  Granted I wasn't so focused on the messed up Cole/Cassie thing that I missed the rest of this amazing show.

Season 2, like Season 1, was a roller coaster ride of emotion.  I teared up so many times.  The writing for this show is phenomenal.  I felt so many things each week, happy/sad/angry/frustrated/etc. But the season finale last night, that was superb.

SPOILERS

So at the end of last weeks episode we have Cassie FINALLY realizing she is being crazy and going after Cole to 1957.  Its like something clicked and she said "Holy $hit I'm being unreasonable.  Lets compromise." So they are stuck in 1957 for ELEVEN months...surely they've made amends.  Look I don't need romance but they are friends...shouldn't they act like it?!?!?!  But noooooo.  Why would they be mature adults?  Instead they are being mean and lashing out and not listening to each other.  Cole says things that make me cringe (eluding to her "dates" was a low blow), Cassie basically makes him feel inferior and dumb.  STOP!

So they basically have to work together to stop time from unraveling.  Meanwhile Cole stares at Cassie like a love sick puppy and Cassie is just cold...but I think she's being cautious...like I don't think she really hates him (well I know she doesn't...NOW!).  It was just a mess.  So they fail their mission, the Primary dies and Cassie is knocked unconscious...for SIX MONTHS!  In that time he f**king abandons her because "its for the best".  What??!?!  Did you just got all "Doctor Who" on Cassie.  Dammit Cole don't be like the Doctor!!!!!

Moving on.  She finds him...they fight and then they make up!  YAAASSS!  Thank you!!! Then they REALLY make up.  Oh wait, we are going there...okay.  Then she gets pregnant and Oh my gosh, he's so adorable about being a father!  But of f**king course something is still wrong which threatens their happiness.  Meanwhile in 2043 or whatever Ramsey and company are failing miserably at stopping the Witness.  A.K.A. they all f**king die!  What is happening!??!!?  Cole can fix it by "drinking the koolaid".  No really...he can drink the red tea crap and make it right.  So Cole has a decision to make 1) stay in happily ever after land with Cassie and the baby but time still unravels or 2) Go back one more time and actually stop the last Primary from dying which will erase the time line where they fall in love.  *'scuse me while I punch something*. 

So he of course chooses to save the world because he is Cole.  Time resets and Cassie is still weird with him.  They go to the future and help Ramsey and Co. NOT die but still somehow fail.  W....T...F....?!?!!?  Turns out this Witness is a f**king Jedi or something and the city isn't just a city....the whole freaking thing time travels.  Are....you.....serious?!?!!?  Before they all splinter Cassie by some miracle REMEMBERS the aborted timeline.  Yay!!!!!!!  Then she gets stuck splintering with the City...WITHOUT Cole.  G*D F**KING DAMMIT! 

Cole is like "I gots to find my boo" and Doc lady is like "okay, I got you fam".  Flash to WAY in the future.  Cassie is in some weirdo temple and that freaking old dude that looks like a slender man is there.  Ah HA! He IS the Witness.  Hahahahaha jk Mother F**ker.  He isn't.  The witness is Cassie's unborn child.  Fade to black.
 
What....WHAT....WHAAAAAAAAAAAT?!!??! What the hell kind of a...I hate you 12 Monkeys!!!  How is she still pregnant!?!?!?  Or is it somehow Deacon's?!?!?  Dude I may actually punch something if that is true...okay lets pretend I didn't say that.  How is their love child the Witness?!?!?!  Why is their child trying to destroy time?!?!?!  I have so many questions.  Thank GOD we are getting a Season 3.  I would have been SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO angry.

14 years later and I still love these two!!!

I've seen a lot of negative things about the Premier of the X-Files revival and I don't get it.  Yea it was a little off.  Mulder was a bit of a nutter...more so than normal but it was still good.  And as much as I love foosball I was feeling a bit stabby.  Gimme X-Files dammit!!!!  Yea yea yea good for you Panthers now get off my TV!

From this point forward it will be spoiled a bit for Episodes 1 & 2 so just a heads up.

My little geek heart exploded Sunday night!  One of my favorite sci-fi shows of ALL TIME (notice I say "one of", because I have a few favs) came back for a 6 episode tease.  I call it a tease because 6 episodes is not enough for me.  This is the FIRST TV non-couple that I was like "OMG be together already" (ya know...I shipped them).  I was 12 when it first came on TV and 21 when they took it off the air.  I watched it for 9 seasons.  I saw the movies.  I love love love Mulder and Scully.  With that said when I heard they were bringing it back I fangirled so hard my husband laughed for like 20 minutes.  It was pretty epic.  I imagine it would have been similar for fans of Classic Who when the show rebooted in 2005.

Anyways, I like the 1st episode.  Of course it wasn't classic X-Files people.  Think about it!!! They dismantled the department.  It didn't exist anymore.  So they had to come up with some cracked out way to bring Mulder and Scully back together.  It couldn't be straight up alien BS again.  They've done that and shown us the flipping aliens.  It had to go in a different direction.  Plus it was Episode 1 FFS!!!  It was an intro.  They had to get us all up to speed on what the f**k they've all been up to for FOURTEEN years (yes I know there was a movie in 2008 but its been 14 years since TV).  So we had to see Mulder out of his Mulder-ness and Scully being her awesome scientific self but without Mulder.  We had to see that they've gone their separate ways but they still CLEARLY love each other and you cannot convince me otherwise!

I seriously love that they are taking the alien BS to a new (way more disturbing) level.  We aren't being watched by aliens...well we are but its more than that.  All of these crazy things.  All of the INSANE experiments and abductions and weirdo $hit.  Its all because back when the Roswell thing happened our government took the technology and reverse engineered it.  We also took the BODY OF THE ALIEN and used its DNA.  Meaning aliens aren't abducting us for experiments...its our government.  At least a branch of it.  (like I needed more reasons to be paranoid) They take women who are pregnant and put alien DNA in them to see what happens.  They impregnate others with human/alien embryos.  They take men for...well you can guess based on the last sentence. 

Aliens might be curious about us but its the powers that be that are doing all the crazy $hit!  And when people try to out these higher powers they are "dealt with".  I mean I wasn't fond of the YouTubber (stop hitting on Scully!) but I can only imagine what happened to him. As in they die of mysterious causes, have freak accidents, or just disappear.  At the end we have our team mending the wounds a bit...speaking of their BABY that went up for adoption (ouch my heart)...and giving us the flipping smoking man.  How the f**k is he still alive?!?!?!

Episode 2 was more my classic babies.  Mulder is his clean shaven, suit wearing self.  And god damn he is still a very attractive man.  Scully hasn't aged.  No really what does Mrs. Anderson do because she looks the SAME!  This episode broke me more because of the "What If" flash backs.  What if they kept their son.  What activities would they have done together.  Just rip my heart out why don't you!!!  It also showed how much these two CLEARLY care for one another still.  They may not be together but the affection is still there.  When Mulder is in danger she is worried.  When Mulder drops on the ground in pain she is there in a second to save him.  When he says "You’re never just anything to me, Scully", I sniffled.  Damn where'd all this dust come from *cough cough*.  

What I am saying is I like it.  I think it is good.  I think people are being WAAAAAY too hard on it. Just enjoy it while you can....its only SIX episodes people!!! Oh did I mention Scully has Alien DNA...what the actual f**k?!?!?!

The Fold by Peter Clines

This book was fantastic! It it a gripping story that captures your imagination and doesn't let it go. As with any author I've not heard of I am leery but Peter Clines wrote a wonderful story.  And it isn't just Science Fiction craziness.  It is an in depth story. You learn about all the characters.  You get their back story and why they are the way they are.  There is humor. Seriously, the main character Mike is hilarious.  He is insanely intelligent.  He has an eidetic memory (remembers EVERY detail of his life exactly...it never fades) so he can be annoying but in an adorably awkward way.  He is like Sherlock mashed with the Doctor and a splash of Sheldon Cooper BUT he tries to act like a normal guy. 

The basic story is there is a secret government experiment going on to help with travel and things are "Funny".  This secret-ish government agency hires an old friend as a new set of eyes to see what's up.  He is a no one...a high school teacher but his memory is an asset the government needs.  Of course things go ten kinds of sideways and all hell breaks loose, quite literally.  And the best part is...it is NOT what you expect.  The author leads you down a path that makes sense and then slaps you in the face with a twist you won't see coming.  I highly recommend it, any fan of Mystery-Suspense who doesn't mind a touch of science fiction would love it.  At least that is what I think.  Additional thoughts in the spoiler.

SPOILER

I love Mike.  He is an annoying know it all but I think I would truly enjoy his company.  He tries so incredibly hard to be normal, it almost breaks your heart.  I love the way he describes his memory as ants.  They swarm with info because he remembers it all so he's clearly had to learn how to control them over the years so as not to go insane.  How he files things away and then retrieves them.  It is fascinating.

I knew something was up with the build team as soon as Mike got there but I had NO CLUE what was coming.  I really thought there was some sort of radiation thing going on affecting their memory and personalities.  I mean all they were doing was passing from one portal to the next, traversing hundreds of feet in seconds.  But when Olaf freaked out about the office and the pranks...I just knew it was going to be bad. 

Even when Bob came through a mangled mess I had no idea the twist about to slap me.  I thought maybe time travel or something.  After Mike and Jamie's bonding over drinks, I had hope for their relationship to blossom but it was clear Jamie was damaged so I wasn't expecting much. Then when she volunteered to retest after Bob, I died a little because I wanted her and Mike to be something, even if it was just friends.  But it was okay, she wasn't harmed and honestly she was so much nicer.  That should have been my clue! Then her and Mike hooked up and it was adorkable until he noticed her back sans scars and I didn't even get it then!

When Mike reveals that is isn't just a portal in their dimension, that it is opening doors in parallel worlds I actually squeaked.  I love stories with parallel worlds, said no Doctor Who fan...EVER!  So it is basically a dimension cannon but they can't control which dimension it opens...great!

The description of the bug people will give me nightmares for days.  Not because I don't like horror but because they were such good descriptions of such frightening things.  I hate roaches so all the comparisons to roaches and of course the actual plethora of green roaches creeped me out. 

The way it ended, I am kind of hoping for a sequel.  I would love to see more of what Mike and Jamie can get up to investigating other crazy phenomenons like this one.  It's like the X-Files meets Stargate! Excuse me while I geek out.

END SPOILER

It was such an adventure. I couldn't put it down! It was relatable.  Yes, its all sci-ency but there are other things we can all relate to... like even in fiction government is still really stupid (hey, it could kill us all...but can we make more).  Humans fail but we have the desire to survive.  We are selfish.  Knowing we don't know how something works won't stop us from messing with it.   We are curious by nature to a fault.  We strive to learn everything we can even if it might mean our extinction.








Thoughts while reading:

07/06	page 38		9.0%	"Me: Sooooo it's like a stargate...? *read a little further* "Don't say that in front of the scientists...they hate that comparison." Me: Soooo it's like a stargate, right...?"
07/06	page 94		24.0%	"I feel like all the mentions of "we aren't hiding anything" and "it's going to change everything" being said by different characters are important somehow"
07/07	page 132		34.0%	"I might coulda done without that vivid description but holy cow! Poor Bob...."
07/07	page 133		34.0%	""they don't seem to understand that his condition was new. They think he always looked like this." WTF!?!?!"
07/07	page 183		47.0%	""Did you all make a deal with the devil, and it runs on the blood of orphans or something like that?" Good one Mike..."
07/07	page 196		51.0%	"Wow that was one of the most adorable "dammit I actually like you" exchanges I've read in a while."
07/07	page 200		52.0%	"*spoiler* This is insanity!!!!! It's like timelines keep changing...wtf is happening?!?!? Where are the scars?!?!?!?"
07/07	page 205		53.0%	"OMG! Maybe they can find Pete's world....bring back rose and tentoo "
07/07	page 215		55.0%	"Even in books the best stories start off with "we got drunk""
07/08	page 253		65.0%	"Roaches covering the floor...that's a big ol' nope from me. Y'all are on your own!"
07/08	page 262		68.0%	"I'm going to have nightmares for a month...thanks."
07/08	page 273		71.0%	"I kinda want to be friends with Mike"
07/09	page 294		76.0%	"The gov't is just is dumb in fiction...Really smart person: "it will cause the end of the world!!!" Them:"But can we rebuild it?""
07/13	page 330		85.0%	"Um Jamie have you lost your mind..."
07/13	page 358		93.0%	"Are you f**king kidding me?!!?! Talk about indestructible!"

I received this book for free from Blogging for Books to review and give my honest opinion.