⭐ Stars 4.1

✨ Rating 8.3

Military space opera with human genetic testing and alien life form science experiments gone awry. 

Interesting concept and take on the intersection of alien life form and human genetics, along with the psionic mind-reading powers. (Trying to avoid spoilers), in a mission gone awry, no one leaves unscathed, and some of the characters end up entangled with the secret military experiments in ways that they could not have predicted. The Echelon governmental group will stop at nothing to recover its research into the secret testing for weapons development and sends one of the main characters after it. That character hires retired soldier, previously under their command, to recover the dangerous hard drives, which unlocks secrets about that soldier's past and newfound abilities. This character seeks to protect others under their charge as the government (and pirates) want to capture them both to experiment on. While a pirate captain, who also previously served on a mission gone awry with the other two main characters, has their own motivations for obtaining the harddrives. Compounding tension and layers upon layers of conflicting motivations and obstacles made this for an interesting read, and full of action even in such a long book. 

⭐ Stars 4.1

✨ Rating 8.25

Hunting for a serial killer in both the virtual reality and physical worlds. This book has everything to love about stopping a serial killer and solving murders while exploring the emerging virtual reality worlds. It highlights questions of politics, power, money, and dark uses of a virtual reality world--where law and order clash with the user's desires of freedom. Hawken asks terrifying questions about the future of technology that will keep you up at night. The story was fast-paced the entire time and it kept me on the edge of my seat! It does explore some darker themes, so be prepared. 

I loved our crime-solving duo and how they complemented each other so well in both worlds. Our MC's Detective Ada Byron and FBI agent Joon, as well as the cast of potential villains, including the former serial killer herself, were intriguing, complex, and made you want to read more. 

TW: Torture, gore, SA

⭐ Stars 4

✨ Rating 8.2 

Sci-fi with fantasy elements done in the best way. 

The opening was intriguing from the start, with a new planet housing numerous intertwined societies. In perfect form, it starts in a junk yard where two friends stumble upon a mysterious robot. The diverse cast journeyed through various locations, revealing more and more about the world, its past and its future. Ancient technology came back around to change the future in unexpected ways. The characters also had completed arcs with lasting consequences, which was devastating and compelling. Highly recommend! 

⭐ Stars 4

✨ Rating 8.2

Solving mysteries of an alien planet to save the past and the future. Kenai is military sci-fi meets Avatar in a beautiful story of hope. 

Retired Marine Jess finds herself on a planet, where nothing is as it seems. Strange and unexplainable occurrences surround the archeological digs that launch Jess into an adventure to solve mysteries to save an alien race. The concept, once revealed, is incredibly unique and immersive. Dobson explores alien culture, biology, science, and language in this "first contact"-esque story. 

⭐ Stars 4

✨ Rating 8.1

Military sci-fi meets murder mystery in this riveting story of mind-controlled drones and powerful empaths. A story of how we connect to one another.

Our main character is a retired military "mote" pilot, the high-tech drones that sync with their pilot. One of the first users of the first prototypes of motes and a living legend, he is called out of retirement for a final mission. Still dealing with the trauma of his final bad sync, the wars, and a frequent user of substances, he searches for the powerful group using an advanced version of the motes to murder the competition. 

With a strong voice and a rich backstory, it's hard not to immediately feel empathy (no pun intended) for our grizzled, aged main character. He's got snark, wit, but remains caring and human. Secrets and history unfolds chapter by chapter, driving the plot ahead and leaving you wanting more. 

⭐ Stars 4

✨ Rating 8

"Secrets but no lies." 

An interstellar heist with secrets, bounty hunters, and alien races. Synth Brianna Rei teams up with fellow thief Jerrold (who reminds me of Han Solo), feeling an inexplicable connection with him from the first moment she saw him taking a job at a bar. They each have their own secrets that begin to unravel as they pursue the Gold Record. It explores diverse, unique alien races and cultures while navigating the galaxy's underworld.