What do you think?
Rate this book
Sirantha Jax #4
Killbox
TALK IS CHEAP WHEN LIVES ARE IN JEOPARDY
Sirantha Jax is a “Jumper,” a woman who possesses the unique genetic makeup needed to navigate faster than light ships through grimspace. With no tolerance for political diplomacy, she quits her ambassador post so she can get back to saving the universe the way she does best—by mouthing off and kicking butt.
And her tactics are needed more than ever. Flesh-eating aliens are attacking stations on the outskirts of space, and for many people, the Conglomerate’s forces are arriving too late to serve and protect them.
Now, Jax must take matters into her own hands by recruiting a militia to defend the frontiers — out of the worst criminals, mercenaries, and raiders that ever traveled through grimspace…
Sirantha Jax is a “Jumper,” a woman who possesses the unique genetic makeup needed to navigate faster than light ships through grimspace. With no tolerance for political diplomacy, she quits her ambassador post so she can get back to saving the universe the way she does best—by mouthing off and kicking butt.
And her tactics are needed more than ever. Flesh-eating aliens are attacking stations on the outskirts of space, and for many people, the Conglomerate’s forces are arriving too late to serve and protect them.
Now, Jax must take matters into her own hands by recruiting a militia to defend the frontiers — out of the worst criminals, mercenaries, and raiders that ever traveled through grimspace…
356 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 31, 2010
About the author
Ann Aguirre
76 books6,969 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Ann Aguirre has been a clown, a clerk, a savior of stray kittens, and a voice actress, not necessarily in that order. She grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now she lives in Mexico with her family. She writes all kinds of genre fiction, but she has an eternal soft spot for a happily ever after.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 342 reviews
September 6, 2010
This is the only series that reddeems the "sci-fi" romance genre, probably because it's NOT a sci-fi romance novel, it's a sci-fi series with a strong romance arc, and so readable by boys and girls.
I inhaled this latest in the series because it was SO GOOD! Wow, what character arcs for the two lead characters, I feel like they really have matured together and become different people from book one. They have GROWN, it's so believable and so gratifying to see a relationship and where it goes AFTER the initial lust part, where all the romancy onces end. AND the story and other supporting characters are great. This is kinda Mass Effect in legit book form, I really love this series and recommend it greatly. The ending...ugh, so long to wait until the next one :(
I inhaled this latest in the series because it was SO GOOD! Wow, what character arcs for the two lead characters, I feel like they really have matured together and become different people from book one. They have GROWN, it's so believable and so gratifying to see a relationship and where it goes AFTER the initial lust part, where all the romancy onces end. AND the story and other supporting characters are great. This is kinda Mass Effect in legit book form, I really love this series and recommend it greatly. The ending...ugh, so long to wait until the next one :(
June 4, 2020
BR with my fellow junkies Shelly & Jaime. Because we're Jax addicts. There's no hope for us at this point.
On and on and on it goes. BAM! 5 stars again. Yep, you got that right. Four books. Four 5-star ratings in a row. English-speaking pigs are now flying. So are Spanish donkeys. And French hens now have teeth. This is the stuff of legend.
▧ Hold on ▧ It seems we have a problem here ▧ You know why? I'm not sure I can do this reviewing thing anymore. This series is just too much. So I think it's minimalistic review time. Well, as minimalistic as any review of mine can get anyway. Which isn't minimalistic at all considering what most people consider minimalistic . So here we are again. Short review threat. Rejoice. Maracas. All… — Oops, wait, it seems we have an incoming transmission from the future.
Happy? Can we move on now? Thank you.
Sounds deceptively like my review for Doubleblind? It should. And you better get used to it. We still have two instalments to go. Prepare to suffer. Especially since some of us MacHalo Freaks made it our mission to unleash Sirantha Jax on the known universe. Just thought I'd warn you. Out of the ♥ goodness of my heart ♥ and all that.
So. Since I already fangirled like a maniac over Grimspace, Wanderlust and Doubleblind, I won’t bother telling you how phenomenal-amazing-oh my God this will be the death of me-fantastic-exhausting-nerve racking-brilliant-exasperating-awesome-oh no you don't-maddening-astonishing-please do something I can't take it anymore-heart stopping-sensational-stressful-oh my God I think I might cry any minute now-thrilling-sad-argh-exciting-Ann Aguirre you are going to be the death of me.-phenomenal Killbox is. No I won’t. I’m not like that .
Instead, I proudly bring to you:
Well I call it the awesome list anyway. You might call it the boring list. Or the doesn't make any sense list. Or the I don't care list. But to me it's still the awesome list <-- yes, you are absolutely right in thinking I have lost my mind.
★★ And get ready because this review is about to become *almost* informative (well sort of) ★★
Killbox is about: war, science, friendship, jumping, commanders, smugglers, abnegation, love, martial law, thieves, AIs, secret weapons, cataclysmic events, implants, biomechanics, creepy flesh-eating aliens, sacrifice, ✘✘ STOP. You are allowed to take a breath HERE. Feel better? Let's go ✘✘ red clouds, humanity, heartbreak, outlaws, death, armadas, brown birds, hope (or lack thereof), white waves, homecoming, chaos, rebels, space battles, war widows, cavalry, trust, worlds falling, humanity & survival.
✉✉ Looks like it's time for some not-so-private messages ✉✉
@Doc: serves you right.
@Hit: stay cool.
@Vel, Dina: I love you.
Yes, this is really me using cute heart gifs and memes for the second time in this review. Some creepy alien kidnapped the cold-hearted cynic in me and let the Fluffy Bunny out. *And* I'm afraid reading this series is resulting in permanent brain damage for me .
@March: you're aggravating, but not an asshole *sigh* You like playing hero way too much. You can be a total idiot. But I don't care. You're mine .
@Jax: YOU RULE.
► None of this makes much sense to you now does it? I can't say I'm surprised. But there's an easy enough solution to that. And I really shouldn't even have to tell you what it is at this point but:
READ THIS SERIES. You need it in your life. Yes you do.
✔ Minimalistic review over.
✔ Aftermath awaits.
✔ Bye now.
• Book 1: Grimspace ★★★★★
· Book 2: Wanderlust ★★★★★
• Book 3: Doubleblind ★★★★★
• Book 5: Aftermath ★
• Book 6: Endgame ★ (DNF at 20%)
On and on and on it goes. BAM! 5 stars again. Yep, you got that right. Four books. Four 5-star ratings in a row. English-speaking pigs are now flying. So are Spanish donkeys. And French hens now have teeth. This is the stuff of legend.
▧ Hold on ▧ It seems we have a problem here ▧ You know why? I'm not sure I can do this reviewing thing anymore. This series is just too much. So I think it's minimalistic review time. Well, as minimalistic as any review of mine can get anyway. Which isn't minimalistic at all considering what most people consider minimalistic . So here we are again. Short review threat. Rejoice. Maracas. All… — Oops, wait, it seems we have an incoming transmission from the future.
"Well hello there, this is Sarah From the Future talking. I just finished writing this review and let me tell you, I lied. It won't be minimalistic. Then again you didn't think it would be, did you? Please tell me you're not that naïve. You know I can't be trusted. Now back to our regular uninformative review."So. We will no longer pretend this will be a short review . But I know just how much you all love playing with your maracas so I'll indulge you one more time.
Happy? Can we move on now? Thank you.
Sounds deceptively like my review for Doubleblind? It should. And you better get used to it. We still have two instalments to go. Prepare to suffer. Especially since some of us MacHalo Freaks made it our mission to unleash Sirantha Jax on the known universe. Just thought I'd warn you. Out of the ♥ goodness of my heart ♥ and all that.
So. Since I already fangirled like a maniac over Grimspace, Wanderlust and Doubleblind, I won’t bother telling you how phenomenal-amazing-oh my God this will be the death of me-fantastic-exhausting-nerve racking-brilliant-exasperating-awesome-oh no you don't-maddening-astonishing-please do something I can't take it anymore-heart stopping-sensational-stressful-oh my God I think I might cry any minute now-thrilling-sad-argh-exciting-Ann Aguirre you are going to be the death of me.-phenomenal Killbox is. No I won’t. I’m not like that .
Instead, I proudly bring to you:
Well I call it the awesome list anyway. You might call it the boring list. Or the doesn't make any sense list. Or the I don't care list. But to me it's still the awesome list <-- yes, you are absolutely right in thinking I have lost my mind.
★★ And get ready because this review is about to become *almost* informative (well sort of) ★★
Killbox is about: war, science, friendship, jumping, commanders, smugglers, abnegation, love, martial law, thieves, AIs, secret weapons, cataclysmic events, implants, biomechanics, creepy flesh-eating aliens, sacrifice, ✘✘ STOP. You are allowed to take a breath HERE. Feel better? Let's go ✘✘ red clouds, humanity, heartbreak, outlaws, death, armadas, brown birds, hope (or lack thereof), white waves, homecoming, chaos, rebels, space battles, war widows, cavalry, trust, worlds falling, humanity & survival.
✉✉ Looks like it's time for some not-so-private messages ✉✉
@Doc: serves you right.
@Hit: stay cool.
@Vel, Dina: I love you.
Yes, this is really me using cute heart gifs and memes for the second time in this review. Some creepy alien kidnapped the cold-hearted cynic in me and let the Fluffy Bunny out. *And* I'm afraid reading this series is resulting in permanent brain damage for me .
@March: you're aggravating, but not an asshole *sigh* You like playing hero way too much. You can be a total idiot. But I don't care. You're mine .
@Jax: YOU RULE.
“I am the jump. And you will take me there. There’s titanium inside me. I will not be denied. This is my world, and here, I am queen.”
► None of this makes much sense to you now does it? I can't say I'm surprised. But there's an easy enough solution to that. And I really shouldn't even have to tell you what it is at this point but:
READ THIS SERIES. You need it in your life. Yes you do.
✔ Minimalistic review over.
✔ Aftermath awaits.
✔ Bye now.
• Book 1: Grimspace ★★★★★
· Book 2: Wanderlust ★★★★★
• Book 3: Doubleblind ★★★★★
• Book 5: Aftermath ★
• Book 6: Endgame ★ (DNF at 20%)
September 2, 2010
God. God. I just finished, and... I don't even know where to begin. How do I rate this book?
This book left me smoking pissed. Part of me wants to give it a bad rating because of that, just out of spite. But when I think about it, this visceral emotional reaction I am having, it is a reaction to the story. To a well-told story. How can I give that a low rating?
There are a lot of decisions that frustrated me in this book. I honestly found it hard to read, because parts of it were pretty upsetting. But isn't that a mark of caring about a character? Being agonized because they are going down a road you don't want to see them travel?
I am angry that March decided to hold himself apart from Jax, that his integrity demanded it (I am deliberately being vague here, to avoid spoiling my friends). And I am angry that Jax agreed to it. But... I can't argue that it is out of character. That decision, that is March, right down to his core. And Jax... the beautiful thing is that the Jax of book 1 WOULDN'T have agreed. But the Jax of book 4, she recognizes that there are things in the world that hold more value than her own personal needs.
Now, I can and will argue that they were both being stupid. That being partners means facing things together, and if the Armada can't handle that, the Armada can suck it.
But I can't argue that it was out of character, or that it in any way undermined these people or this story.
I am angry that Jax was utterly isolated by the end of this book. That one by one, the people she loves were forced away from her. But at the same time, I can see that this is essential, for Jax. That this is part of her growth.
I am livid that both Jax and March CONTINUE to make unilateral decisions - leap forward into their own plan of action without discussing possibilities with each other. I am heartbroken that they have not come, yet, to the stage where they trust each other enough to know that their love for each other won't allow them force the other to be someone who is less... less... just Less than they need to be.
I am terrified of March's devastation when he receives that transmission.
And above all... above all I am HORRIFIED that we have to sit with this cliffhanger for a YEAR.
But are any of those things marks of a poorly written book? Honestly, could the story have made me cry my damn eyes out through the last 50 or so pages if it was not excellent? The book took me on an emotional journey. And sure, it left me Utterly Furious... but I'd guess that's exactly what Aguirre wants me to be feeling right now.
So, 5 stars.
Cheers, y'all. See you in a year. Goddammit.
This book left me smoking pissed. Part of me wants to give it a bad rating because of that, just out of spite. But when I think about it, this visceral emotional reaction I am having, it is a reaction to the story. To a well-told story. How can I give that a low rating?
There are a lot of decisions that frustrated me in this book. I honestly found it hard to read, because parts of it were pretty upsetting. But isn't that a mark of caring about a character? Being agonized because they are going down a road you don't want to see them travel?
I am angry that March decided to hold himself apart from Jax, that his integrity demanded it (I am deliberately being vague here, to avoid spoiling my friends). And I am angry that Jax agreed to it. But... I can't argue that it is out of character. That decision, that is March, right down to his core. And Jax... the beautiful thing is that the Jax of book 1 WOULDN'T have agreed. But the Jax of book 4, she recognizes that there are things in the world that hold more value than her own personal needs.
Now, I can and will argue that they were both being stupid. That being partners means facing things together, and if the Armada can't handle that, the Armada can suck it.
But I can't argue that it was out of character, or that it in any way undermined these people or this story.
I am angry that Jax was utterly isolated by the end of this book. That one by one, the people she loves were forced away from her. But at the same time, I can see that this is essential, for Jax. That this is part of her growth.
I am livid that both Jax and March CONTINUE to make unilateral decisions - leap forward into their own plan of action without discussing possibilities with each other. I am heartbroken that they have not come, yet, to the stage where they trust each other enough to know that their love for each other won't allow them force the other to be someone who is less... less... just Less than they need to be.
I am terrified of March's devastation when he receives that transmission.
And above all... above all I am HORRIFIED that we have to sit with this cliffhanger for a YEAR.
But are any of those things marks of a poorly written book? Honestly, could the story have made me cry my damn eyes out through the last 50 or so pages if it was not excellent? The book took me on an emotional journey. And sure, it left me Utterly Furious... but I'd guess that's exactly what Aguirre wants me to be feeling right now.
So, 5 stars.
Cheers, y'all. See you in a year. Goddammit.
September 25, 2010
The good stuff:
The plot of this book is back on track after the diplomatic detour of the last book. There's action galore; Jax is back in her element aboard ships and in the thick of galactic drama. Also, the Morguts are terrific bad guys. They're not only very scary by design, but also because of Aguirre's skilled writing in confrontation scenes. She makes them into a truly frightening foe, which heightens the drama considerably.
The supporting characters are very well done. Aguirre is fantastic at writing emotion. The love between Jax and March, Jax and Vel, Jax and Dina and Jax and Saul all feel very genuine and poignant. I love Vel, Aguirre has done a superb job of developing his character and his people's culture. His relationship with Jax is layered and interesting, as well and lovely and sweet. I also really like Jax and Dina's banter, and her complex relationship with Saul. There are a few new characters that are quite interesting, including a trainee for Jax.
Jax and March are actually the least interesting characters in the book. But their romance is very powerful. Having the lead be psychic is such a great romantic tool. It's hard to resist the idea of actually feeling, mind to mind, how loved you are. Plus it makes the sex hot.
I like the idea that love doesn't have to be exclusive. It's mostly hinted at in this book, but it seems like it will be a theme in the next. Jax and Vel have a profound connection that may be more than friendship. She and Dina have a bond. We'll see!
The bad stuff:
Here's my biggest problem with the book in a nutshell. "...history teaches us that any government, however egalitarian it purports to be, can swiftly become more brutal and corrupt than the one it supplants." True, but totally bizarre in first person internal thoughts from Jax, the uneducated, former party girl. And this is just one example, I could go on and on. Some of the language she uses is so lovely and poetic, with vocabulary that is expressive and nuanced. But it's wrong for the character as established in the first two books. Yes, she studied a bit to become an ambassador in the last book. But she wouldn't think that way, in those words. She's too wise, too thoughtful, and uses way too many big words. I think that making the series a first person narrative was a bad decision that Aguirre is now just stuck with. It's too limiting. At one point Jax is reduced to spying on her friends for Aguirre to be able to tell part of the story. It took me out of the story in annoyance way to frequently to just brush aside. It's one thing to grow up, it's another to completely lose your temper and temperament, and gain a vocabulary, poetic nature, and deep historical knowledge.
I really hate that Jax never asked Vel what the tattoo on her throat and neck mean. She says she figures he'll tell her if he wants her to know. It's on her body forever and she doesn't want to know? Absurd, no one is that patient, certainly not Jax. Aguirre used this technique in the last book a lot too, Jax acknowledging that she was ignoring something really important so that Aguirre could deal with it later. It's really irritating.
I also really hate that each book has to come up with a reason to keep Jax and March apart. The author made the choice in the first book to bring the characters together, there was no long, drawn out courtship. They have an intense, mind to mind connection that appears to be permanent. And now the author is stuck with that too, so to build suspense and allow her story to develop she has to make the characters stupid about something in each book to keep them apart. Except they adore each other and always will. And so we're forced to watch them longing for each like teenagers forced to stop dating by parents who just don't understand.
I also have a hard time believing some of the coincidences. Saul is a genius, Dina is a genius, both are doing incredible research that no one in the entire galaxy has done before, just in time to save the day on several occasions. Both just happened by coincidence to end up in March's crew years ago. And no one else in the entire galaxy has even begun to approach their level of expertise (except one new character who's as smart as Doc). When the ship goes out without Dina and gets damaged, they can barely manage to get along. Because even though it's the Commander's ship, no other mechanic in the entire fleet even begins to approach her level of skill. And Doc not only can do miraculous stuff for Jax, but he may even be able, in his spare time, to fix a wrong done to an entire planet full of people. Yeah, right. It's too much. They're all too much, the rest of the galaxy is all too little. And where are all of the former Farwan employees, do none of them want jobs? The fleet is scrambling for help from mercenaries and pirates. Where did all of the old ships and people go?
Finally, can anyone remind me of who Edun Leviter is? He's the guy working with Tarn in the sections between the chapters about Jax. It's making me nuts, I can't tell if I'm supposed to remember him or if he's new.
Summary:
All of my bad comments make it look like they outweigh the good, but it really was a good book. Aguirre is a much better author than most. There is just too much lazy storytelling, too many irritations. I had intended to give the book four stars, but writing the review forced me to reduce it to three. I know I'm going against the tide here. It's powerful in a lot of ways, and I enjoyed it very much. But it's just not quite four stars for me.
The plot of this book is back on track after the diplomatic detour of the last book. There's action galore; Jax is back in her element aboard ships and in the thick of galactic drama. Also, the Morguts are terrific bad guys. They're not only very scary by design, but also because of Aguirre's skilled writing in confrontation scenes. She makes them into a truly frightening foe, which heightens the drama considerably.
The supporting characters are very well done. Aguirre is fantastic at writing emotion. The love between Jax and March, Jax and Vel, Jax and Dina and Jax and Saul all feel very genuine and poignant. I love Vel, Aguirre has done a superb job of developing his character and his people's culture. His relationship with Jax is layered and interesting, as well and lovely and sweet. I also really like Jax and Dina's banter, and her complex relationship with Saul. There are a few new characters that are quite interesting, including a trainee for Jax.
Jax and March are actually the least interesting characters in the book. But their romance is very powerful. Having the lead be psychic is such a great romantic tool. It's hard to resist the idea of actually feeling, mind to mind, how loved you are. Plus it makes the sex hot.
I like the idea that love doesn't have to be exclusive. It's mostly hinted at in this book, but it seems like it will be a theme in the next. Jax and Vel have a profound connection that may be more than friendship. She and Dina have a bond. We'll see!
The bad stuff:
Here's my biggest problem with the book in a nutshell. "...history teaches us that any government, however egalitarian it purports to be, can swiftly become more brutal and corrupt than the one it supplants." True, but totally bizarre in first person internal thoughts from Jax, the uneducated, former party girl. And this is just one example, I could go on and on. Some of the language she uses is so lovely and poetic, with vocabulary that is expressive and nuanced. But it's wrong for the character as established in the first two books. Yes, she studied a bit to become an ambassador in the last book. But she wouldn't think that way, in those words. She's too wise, too thoughtful, and uses way too many big words. I think that making the series a first person narrative was a bad decision that Aguirre is now just stuck with. It's too limiting. At one point Jax is reduced to spying on her friends for Aguirre to be able to tell part of the story. It took me out of the story in annoyance way to frequently to just brush aside. It's one thing to grow up, it's another to completely lose your temper and temperament, and gain a vocabulary, poetic nature, and deep historical knowledge.
I really hate that Jax never asked Vel what the tattoo on her throat and neck mean. She says she figures he'll tell her if he wants her to know. It's on her body forever and she doesn't want to know? Absurd, no one is that patient, certainly not Jax. Aguirre used this technique in the last book a lot too, Jax acknowledging that she was ignoring something really important so that Aguirre could deal with it later. It's really irritating.
I also really hate that each book has to come up with a reason to keep Jax and March apart. The author made the choice in the first book to bring the characters together, there was no long, drawn out courtship. They have an intense, mind to mind connection that appears to be permanent. And now the author is stuck with that too, so to build suspense and allow her story to develop she has to make the characters stupid about something in each book to keep them apart. Except they adore each other and always will. And so we're forced to watch them longing for each like teenagers forced to stop dating by parents who just don't understand.
I also have a hard time believing some of the coincidences. Saul is a genius, Dina is a genius, both are doing incredible research that no one in the entire galaxy has done before, just in time to save the day on several occasions. Both just happened by coincidence to end up in March's crew years ago. And no one else in the entire galaxy has even begun to approach their level of expertise (except one new character who's as smart as Doc). When the ship goes out without Dina and gets damaged, they can barely manage to get along. Because even though it's the Commander's ship, no other mechanic in the entire fleet even begins to approach her level of skill. And Doc not only can do miraculous stuff for Jax, but he may even be able, in his spare time, to fix a wrong done to an entire planet full of people. Yeah, right. It's too much. They're all too much, the rest of the galaxy is all too little. And where are all of the former Farwan employees, do none of them want jobs? The fleet is scrambling for help from mercenaries and pirates. Where did all of the old ships and people go?
Finally, can anyone remind me of who Edun Leviter is? He's the guy working with Tarn in the sections between the chapters about Jax. It's making me nuts, I can't tell if I'm supposed to remember him or if he's new.
Summary:
All of my bad comments make it look like they outweigh the good, but it really was a good book. Aguirre is a much better author than most. There is just too much lazy storytelling, too many irritations. I had intended to give the book four stars, but writing the review forced me to reduce it to three. I know I'm going against the tide here. It's powerful in a lot of ways, and I enjoyed it very much. But it's just not quite four stars for me.
June 21, 2011
Killbox would have been a beautiful 5-star book, but the cliffhanger-ish ending ruined it a bit for me. Still, I can honestly say that Ann Aguirre hasn't failed me yet. I postponed reading this book for as long as I could, trying to get closer to the release date of Aftermath. Today I needed an author I could trust and and a world I felt comfortable in.
This is one of my favorite series in the world. What I love most about it is the growth of the characters: not just Jax and March, but Dina and Hit as well. The only character who hasn't changed one single bit is Vel. He is consistently reliable, nice, smart as hell and overall amazing. I would very much like to read a series entirely about him.
March 17, 2015
No updates + no review (yet) = No spoilers. Cos, I'm a nice guy.
That ending though...
That ending though...
April 12, 2017
Diplomacy has never been Jax's biggest strength so she's relieved to have resigned from her role as Ambassador and trying to figure out what to do with her life next. Then March gets an offer from the Conglomerate that he can't refuse, they want him to recruit a military fleet for them and marshal their forces against the human-eating Morgut who are currently plaguing the most vulnerable human outposts in the far reaches of space. Jax jumps at the chance of being in the action again and is more than willing to start training the next generation of jumpers on navigating Grimspace. It's time for humanity to come out fighting and show the Morgut that we're not a race to be messed with.
After the slower pace of Doubleblind I was thrilled to be back in the thick of the action for Killbox. The universe has been in disarray since Jax helped bring down Farwan, as much as the corporation committed terrible atrocities they did have the manpower and ships required to keep the peace and protect the humans spread across the galaxy. Now pirates and privateers are making life difficult for honest traders and it's up to March and Jax to try and convince the mercenaries to join with them and fight for the conglomerate rather than against them. There is definitely a lot going on in this book and I flew through the pages desperately trying to figure out what would happen next.
I have to admit I was slightly disappointed by a few things though. Firstly I wasn't happy with the new barriers put in the way of Jax and March's relationship, I love them best when they're working together for a common goal and it's getting a little tired that in pretty much every book something comes between them and forces them apart. I was also upset that the core crew ended up spending much of their time apart from each other and I particularly missed Vel's character. I understand why he was needed elsewhere but I love him so much and I didn't like how isolated Jax became as her friends all went off in their own directions. I was extremely upset at Doc's actions too, I think his story could have been handled in a hundred other ways that wouldn't have annoyed me as much as what actually happened and it's going to take a lot to make me interested in forgiving him.
I don't want to sound too negative though because this was still a brilliant book and there was so much to love about it. Jax is her awesome self, I still love March in spite of his stupid choices, Dina and Hit are brilliant together, Constance is really coming into her own and I adore Vel. Throw in some familiar faces from the past and we really do have a brilliant central cast of characters. We get loads of action, plenty of danger and Jax sticking her neck out for the people she loves. I'm a little worried about what she did at the very end of the story and the book ends on a killer cliffhanger but that's okay because the entire series has been published so I'm not going to have to wait around for the next instalment. This is such a fun series and I can't wait to continue reading it!
After the slower pace of Doubleblind I was thrilled to be back in the thick of the action for Killbox. The universe has been in disarray since Jax helped bring down Farwan, as much as the corporation committed terrible atrocities they did have the manpower and ships required to keep the peace and protect the humans spread across the galaxy. Now pirates and privateers are making life difficult for honest traders and it's up to March and Jax to try and convince the mercenaries to join with them and fight for the conglomerate rather than against them. There is definitely a lot going on in this book and I flew through the pages desperately trying to figure out what would happen next.
I have to admit I was slightly disappointed by a few things though. Firstly I wasn't happy with the new barriers put in the way of Jax and March's relationship, I love them best when they're working together for a common goal and it's getting a little tired that in pretty much every book something comes between them and forces them apart. I was also upset that the core crew ended up spending much of their time apart from each other and I particularly missed Vel's character. I understand why he was needed elsewhere but I love him so much and I didn't like how isolated Jax became as her friends all went off in their own directions. I was extremely upset at Doc's actions too, I think his story could have been handled in a hundred other ways that wouldn't have annoyed me as much as what actually happened and it's going to take a lot to make me interested in forgiving him.
I don't want to sound too negative though because this was still a brilliant book and there was so much to love about it. Jax is her awesome self, I still love March in spite of his stupid choices, Dina and Hit are brilliant together, Constance is really coming into her own and I adore Vel. Throw in some familiar faces from the past and we really do have a brilliant central cast of characters. We get loads of action, plenty of danger and Jax sticking her neck out for the people she loves. I'm a little worried about what she did at the very end of the story and the book ends on a killer cliffhanger but that's okay because the entire series has been published so I'm not going to have to wait around for the next instalment. This is such a fun series and I can't wait to continue reading it!
April 21, 2017
Magnificent! Adrenaline-pumping & heart-breaking! And what an ending! I'm still reeling from it!
This is the fourth book in the series and it is definitely one of the best so far.
Jax and March are enlisted to gather a force to defend the planets from the Morguts – a flesh eating race of aliens. March is now the Commander with Jax as his subordinate: this creates difficulties for Jax as March is now both her lover and her boss.
The other members of the close-knit crew are separated from March & Jax and sent to other ships or missions, so Jax is feeling very isolated and alone. March is keeping his distance so as not to compromise his position, and this situation brings home to Jax how much she has truly come to rely on her crew for friendship and support.
We are bound by chains of love, but they don’t weigh us down. Instead, they allow us to be bigger and better than we are.
Jax is especially upset when her best friend, Vel, is transferred on another mission.
Vel has been there for me… He’s never wavered. Never faltered. Never doubted me. I’ve never had a friend like that – or known a devotion so deep it goes beyond species or sex. I don’t even know what he is to me, really, but he’s been my rock.
March and Jax’s relationship is as strong as ever, and they have grown so much in their relationship. Their love warms my heart.
I can bear anything as long as I know that you are with me.
I am with you. You are my captain, my commander, and my love. Neither war nor death will change it.
Jax has matured so much over the series and grown from a self-centred, party girl to a caring, compassionate person with everything to live for.
There are so many people whose lives have touched me, who moved me with their strength or kindness or wisdom. They’ve enriched me and made me better than I ever thought I could be.
I think what really draws me to this series is the characters and their strong inter-relationships. I feel as though I have been on this journey with Jax and have been with her through all the tough times as well as the great.
If you haven’t read this series yet, I highly recommend it, even if you are not a fan of science fiction. This is an excellent action-packed series with real, memorable characters that I have grown to love.
This is the fourth book in the series and it is definitely one of the best so far.
Jax and March are enlisted to gather a force to defend the planets from the Morguts – a flesh eating race of aliens. March is now the Commander with Jax as his subordinate: this creates difficulties for Jax as March is now both her lover and her boss.
The other members of the close-knit crew are separated from March & Jax and sent to other ships or missions, so Jax is feeling very isolated and alone. March is keeping his distance so as not to compromise his position, and this situation brings home to Jax how much she has truly come to rely on her crew for friendship and support.
We are bound by chains of love, but they don’t weigh us down. Instead, they allow us to be bigger and better than we are.
Jax is especially upset when her best friend, Vel, is transferred on another mission.
Vel has been there for me… He’s never wavered. Never faltered. Never doubted me. I’ve never had a friend like that – or known a devotion so deep it goes beyond species or sex. I don’t even know what he is to me, really, but he’s been my rock.
March and Jax’s relationship is as strong as ever, and they have grown so much in their relationship. Their love warms my heart.
I can bear anything as long as I know that you are with me.
I am with you. You are my captain, my commander, and my love. Neither war nor death will change it.
Jax has matured so much over the series and grown from a self-centred, party girl to a caring, compassionate person with everything to live for.
There are so many people whose lives have touched me, who moved me with their strength or kindness or wisdom. They’ve enriched me and made me better than I ever thought I could be.
I think what really draws me to this series is the characters and their strong inter-relationships. I feel as though I have been on this journey with Jax and have been with her through all the tough times as well as the great.
If you haven’t read this series yet, I highly recommend it, even if you are not a fan of science fiction. This is an excellent action-packed series with real, memorable characters that I have grown to love.
October 18, 2011
"I am Ramona Jax," she tells the universe.
"And I do this because this is my world."
Ann Aguirre has fraggin done it again!!!! I'm amazed at this romantic Sci-Fi fantasy world she has created. Killbox is a book about War, Love, Loss, Sacrifice, and being Heroic at the risk of losing everything.
Chancellor Tarn has put March in a position to build Starships offering protection to tier worlds as the Morgut threaten to take over. War has begun. Jax, March, Vel, Dina, Doc, Hit, are now aiding Tarn in the battle against the horrifying Morgut; flesh eaters that are out to destroy and basically consume everything and everyone in their path.
Without the help of March the new Commander of the Conglomerate ship Armada and Jax as the Lieutenant Commander the war is a dying battle. March uses his contacts and hires his mercenary friends, smugglers as well as our favorite gorgeous gold toothed pirate Hon to prepare an army large and skilled enough to defeat the Morgut.
"I always know exactly where you are in a room. I know how many times you run your fingers through your hair.
I know when you look at me as well as the precise instant you look at anyone else. So I certainly know when one of my crew propositions you six meters away."
March and Jax are inseparable, and they prove time again how strong their bond is with eachother. Their love and everlasting devotion is the most purest example of a fictional pair of soulmates that I've had the pleasure to read about. Luckily these two are strong leading characters or else they would have succumbed to their difficultheartwrenching circumstances long ago. It's seems like those two fail to have the odds in their favor.
As true to the honorable character March is, he has to put the army needs above him and Jax's. Though I understand that he must keep their relationship professional and not emotional or physical during his wartime duties, is it okay that I hate it? Because I do! Fortunately for Jax she has had time to mature and grow from selfish Jax to selfless Jax and honors her lover March's wishes and puts their relationship on hold for the sake of war. Needless to say they both suffer immensely. What can I say, I'm a fan of selfish Jax, and selfless Jax...I love her character either way.
"Men can be very stupid," he says bitterly. "We cease to value what we have until it's gone, and only then do we realize the gold we glimpsed in distant hills paled as dross compared to treasure we had in hand."
I'm angry with Doc, there I said it! He is a brillant doctor and I'm not even sure Jax would be alive if it were not for his flair for all things scientific. However as gifted as he is scientifically he falls short in other important life skills, and though he has learned his lesson, the sacrifice made for that education was devastating.
"But I would wear your colors, if you asked." he says. "I don't know what that means." I say. "If we both survive," he says softly in Ithorian, "we will speak of this again."
Is this what I think it means?? I love Vel sooooo much Jax's very good friend forever.
This book shamelessly brought me to tears. I've now found a new appreciation for all the characters involved watching them grow strong bonds with eachother and their sacrifices they make for one another including a new respect and endearment for the beautiful Villainous Ramona Jax.
"Even monsters love their own."
Oh Jax why must you break my heart at the end to go save the world??!! Especially with the lovely and deliciously sexy March at your side. Oh I can't wait to see how you get yourself out of this one.
But first I have to warn her. " don't know what'll happen when I leave my body. I may not be able to guide you back." she has no fear. "I'm willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, if that's how it has to be."
"And I do this because this is my world."
Ann Aguirre has fraggin done it again!!!! I'm amazed at this romantic Sci-Fi fantasy world she has created. Killbox is a book about War, Love, Loss, Sacrifice, and being Heroic at the risk of losing everything.
Chancellor Tarn has put March in a position to build Starships offering protection to tier worlds as the Morgut threaten to take over. War has begun. Jax, March, Vel, Dina, Doc, Hit, are now aiding Tarn in the battle against the horrifying Morgut; flesh eaters that are out to destroy and basically consume everything and everyone in their path.
Without the help of March the new Commander of the Conglomerate ship Armada and Jax as the Lieutenant Commander the war is a dying battle. March uses his contacts and hires his mercenary friends, smugglers as well as our favorite gorgeous gold toothed pirate Hon to prepare an army large and skilled enough to defeat the Morgut.
"I always know exactly where you are in a room. I know how many times you run your fingers through your hair.
I know when you look at me as well as the precise instant you look at anyone else. So I certainly know when one of my crew propositions you six meters away."
March and Jax are inseparable, and they prove time again how strong their bond is with eachother. Their love and everlasting devotion is the most purest example of a fictional pair of soulmates that I've had the pleasure to read about. Luckily these two are strong leading characters or else they would have succumbed to their difficult
As true to the honorable character March is, he has to put the army needs above him and Jax's. Though I understand that he must keep their relationship professional and not emotional or physical during his wartime duties, is it okay that I hate it? Because I do! Fortunately for Jax she has had time to mature and grow from selfish Jax to selfless Jax and honors her lover March's wishes and puts their relationship on hold for the sake of war. Needless to say they both suffer immensely. What can I say, I'm a fan of selfish Jax, and selfless Jax...I love her character either way.
"Men can be very stupid," he says bitterly. "We cease to value what we have until it's gone, and only then do we realize the gold we glimpsed in distant hills paled as dross compared to treasure we had in hand."
I'm angry with Doc, there I said it! He is a brillant doctor and I'm not even sure Jax would be alive if it were not for his flair for all things scientific. However as gifted as he is scientifically he falls short in other important life skills, and though he has learned his lesson, the sacrifice made for that education was devastating.
"But I would wear your colors, if you asked." he says. "I don't know what that means." I say. "If we both survive," he says softly in Ithorian, "we will speak of this again."
Is this what I think it means?? I love Vel sooooo much Jax's very good friend forever.
This book shamelessly brought me to tears. I've now found a new appreciation for all the characters involved watching them grow strong bonds with eachother and their sacrifices they make for one another including a new respect and endearment for the beautiful Villainous Ramona Jax.
"Even monsters love their own."
Oh Jax why must you break my heart at the end to go save the world??!! Especially with the lovely and deliciously sexy March at your side. Oh I can't wait to see how you get yourself out of this one.
But first I have to warn her. " don't know what'll happen when I leave my body. I may not be able to guide you back." she has no fear. "I'm willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, if that's how it has to be."
June 17, 2012
Man oh man, did this book ever annoy the crap out of me.
While I still enjoy the series, this book has my fangirl status on hiatus. Much the same way that March places his love life at every possible turn.
So this story revolves around the growing Morgut threat, and how Jax, March, and everyone else (plus some random new guy who I can't figure out but seems to be all powerful) set out to fight them. The alliance with Ithiss-Tor is a go, and the Conglomerate is trying to make a comeback after being dormant and useless for so long. The focus in this whole book is military and war efforts, and instead of it being believable, it became a source of intense annoyance for me.
One of the things I am so very sick of is the way March and Jax are broken apart in every book!!! The issues are just total bullshit in my opinion. This time it's that they are going to war and March is a higher rank than her. He doesn't want to have the other people thinking she's getting special treatment because they are lovers (married more like from the way they talk). This is bogus because they are building the fucking armada themselves!!!! So it's not as if they built it, it was functioning properly for years, and then BAM! The head honcho screws an underling. It was a known relationship to everybody before there was any real war effort. Ugh, just pissed me off so very, very much. I could not see Barrons or Curran ever doing that to their women.
Another thing that I really took issue with was March giving Jax the title of Lieutenant Commander, and then referring to her as LC.
Further into my unhappiness with this book is how March tells Jax they can't be together and blah blah blah, but when they doc on Venice Minor he gets it on with her ASAP! Then rationalizes it that they're on leave so it's ok. Because that makes total fucking sense. Except it doesn't. I don't even want to keep explaining why that issue pissed me off so bad because I'm still too pissed off about it. March was on shaky ground with me on the last book (well and the end of book two in fairness), but this one got his ass kicked off my favorite male list in a hurry. Why isn't Jax with Vel at this point anyway?! How many times does she have to allude to him being more than a friend and what not before we are taken on that ride?!
I read a great review that pointed out how Aquirre has limited herself to the first person in a bad way. She actually has Jax spying on her crew mates just so that we get to hear little tidbits and whatever they're discussing. Doc and Rose in particular annoyed me because Rose was so hateful towards Jax (and without good reason for the record) and then suddenly all this time seems to pass on ship and she's left with only Jax as a friend. So of course Jax has to spy on her to learn the outcome of what was confided to her. Of course.
And just for the record, all the times that Jax has said how she is bad luck, or has brought such hardships to people/places, or that she should be treated like shit (like during the underground scenes on Lanchion) I don't get any of that. It's annoying! She didn't know about the issues on Lanchion when she landed and was attacked right then, so how could they sit there and blame HER and then she AGREES?! Those things annoy the crap out of me.
There are still things that I like, as in Dina, and there are still humorous moments from time to time. Then there's the fact that we do get to see Jax evolve as a person....so that's all good...but overall this book was not only the weakest, but had I not had hope the last books would be better I might just drop it. It took forever to read too when the other three were eaten up so fast.
I've got nothing else, lol.
January 17, 2016
When I reach the end of this series, I anticipate a period of mourning coming on. I don’t see how it can be avoided, because I am in deep. These characters have me in their grip. I feel like I know them. I laugh with them. I cry with them. I worry and anguish and exalt in time with their tragedies and triumphs. And then I say very bad words when I am left with their fates hanging in the balance.
This story begins with Jax and her crew headed home from their successful mission at Ithiss-Tor. But the world isn’t quite how she left it. The Morgut are stepping up their attacks and the Conglomerate needs help once again. This time, March is the man of the hour, devising an Armada to defend against them. It will mean more sacrifice, as he and Jax must again put duty ahead of their emotions. Not only that, but Jax puts her health on the line, trying to bend the rules of Grimspace to help the cause.
I know I sound like a broken record on my reviews of these books, but really, Ann Aguirre does such a phenomenal job. Her worldbuilding is amazing. It’s vast and unique, yet easy to fall into. The pacing is fast. There is a ton of action. But most importantly, despite a backdrop of places and events which are utterly foreign, she gives us this cast of characters that can just reach inside you and squeeze.
There were times I felt like this book was dragging my heart over broken glass. Jax has grown so much over the course of the series. Her connections to her makeshift family run so deep. Each has made an indelible mark on her life. And one by one, walls come up between them. I felt like there were so many goodbyes, each one felt like a punch to the gut.
The love between Jax and March just slays me. But honestly, the connection between Jax and Vel affects me just as strongly. Every single step they each must take away from each other leaves me terrified that something will make their separation permanent. Even Dina and Hit, Doc and Rose, blindsided me with the impact of their personal trials. There is so much happening, but it’s never busy background noise. It all matters.
One of the things I love so much about these books is how Aguirre leaves me with so many questions without ever making me feel like she is withholding. It’s not like she is being coy. She is just revealing the story in the way that feels like it’s naturally unfolding. I don’t want to put these books down to the point I sometimes resent real life, like food and sleep for getting in the way of my reading.
These books need to be read in order, so if you are new to the series, start with Grimspace. And have the rest of the series waiting. You won’t want to stop.
Rating: A
This story begins with Jax and her crew headed home from their successful mission at Ithiss-Tor. But the world isn’t quite how she left it. The Morgut are stepping up their attacks and the Conglomerate needs help once again. This time, March is the man of the hour, devising an Armada to defend against them. It will mean more sacrifice, as he and Jax must again put duty ahead of their emotions. Not only that, but Jax puts her health on the line, trying to bend the rules of Grimspace to help the cause.
I know I sound like a broken record on my reviews of these books, but really, Ann Aguirre does such a phenomenal job. Her worldbuilding is amazing. It’s vast and unique, yet easy to fall into. The pacing is fast. There is a ton of action. But most importantly, despite a backdrop of places and events which are utterly foreign, she gives us this cast of characters that can just reach inside you and squeeze.
There were times I felt like this book was dragging my heart over broken glass. Jax has grown so much over the course of the series. Her connections to her makeshift family run so deep. Each has made an indelible mark on her life. And one by one, walls come up between them. I felt like there were so many goodbyes, each one felt like a punch to the gut.
The love between Jax and March just slays me. But honestly, the connection between Jax and Vel affects me just as strongly. Every single step they each must take away from each other leaves me terrified that something will make their separation permanent. Even Dina and Hit, Doc and Rose, blindsided me with the impact of their personal trials. There is so much happening, but it’s never busy background noise. It all matters.
One of the things I love so much about these books is how Aguirre leaves me with so many questions without ever making me feel like she is withholding. It’s not like she is being coy. She is just revealing the story in the way that feels like it’s naturally unfolding. I don’t want to put these books down to the point I sometimes resent real life, like food and sleep for getting in the way of my reading.
These books need to be read in order, so if you are new to the series, start with Grimspace. And have the rest of the series waiting. You won’t want to stop.
Rating: A
December 9, 2010
4.75 stars. This is one of my favorite in the series, although warning -- it ends with a cliffhanger. I enjoyed this installment of the Sirantha Jax series. Jax's friendship deepens with everyone around her, including Vel and Dina. Jax continues to grow as a character and as a result, makes decisions that place her at bodily risk. Jax still bears the tatoo Vel gave her on his planet but the meanings of the markings is vague -- although March wishes the tatoo was not there. Old friends are back in this book -- including one that Jax thought was long dead. There is some discussion of the "ancients" and the beginning of space travel and discovery of grimspace. I would love to read more about this, hopefully in Aftermath Aguirre gives us more. There are many hearbreaking scenes in this book, some true losses for the characters.
*****spoiler warning*********
The war has begun and both Jax and March are right in the middle of it. March has become the focus of the war, so Jax loses some of the limelight which she is happy to give up, but her and March must also give up their relationship to focus on the battle. I understood March's decision, but it was frustrating -- and Jax's insecurity as to the why of it was silly, I thought. I missed not having Vel in much of this book, he was around so much in book #3. Is it just me or is Aguirre setting up a love triangle? Anyone else get that from this book? I have to admit that I find that idea somewhat intriguing if I am not misreading it.
I understood what Jax was doing in the end, but I really thought she should have talked about this with March. I was surprised Hit would run off as carelessly as she did with Jax. I think March would have seen it as a good plan but that he would understand that Jax needs him as her pilot to accomplish it. Instead, Jax and March keeping forcing themselves apart to get things done when they should be working together. I also keep wanting to see Jael again, I do not like what happened to him in Doublind and would really like the crew to go rescue him. Anyway, I can't wait until September 2011.........
*****spoiler warning*********
The war has begun and both Jax and March are right in the middle of it. March has become the focus of the war, so Jax loses some of the limelight which she is happy to give up, but her and March must also give up their relationship to focus on the battle. I understood March's decision, but it was frustrating -- and Jax's insecurity as to the why of it was silly, I thought. I missed not having Vel in much of this book, he was around so much in book #3. Is it just me or is Aguirre setting up a love triangle? Anyone else get that from this book? I have to admit that I find that idea somewhat intriguing if I am not misreading it.
I understood what Jax was doing in the end, but I really thought she should have talked about this with March. I was surprised Hit would run off as carelessly as she did with Jax. I think March would have seen it as a good plan but that he would understand that Jax needs him as her pilot to accomplish it. Instead, Jax and March keeping forcing themselves apart to get things done when they should be working together. I also keep wanting to see Jael again, I do not like what happened to him in Doublind and would really like the crew to go rescue him. Anyway, I can't wait until September 2011.........
August 12, 2016
Killbox
, the 4th in Ann Aguirre's Sirantha Jax series, was one of my favorites of the series. One downside ... the wait until September for Aftermath #5 following a cliffhanger. I knew and still I read it, so I only have myself to blame. ;)
This edition finds Sirantha and her merry band of space warriors dealing with slavers, pirates and the continued battle between the Syndicate and the Conglomerate post-Farwan collapse.
Sirantha also finds herself dealing with the fact that she's slowly, but surely becoming more ... more realistic in her decision making, more a part of the team and more 'other'.
The pace is set high early on and doesn't let us catch our breath, making this a page-turner you find yourself blowing through without realizing it.
March is asked by Councilor Tarn to be Commander of a Conglomerate armada, giving him access to much needed funds and allowing him to build it as he sees fit. Knowing it's their best shot, he accepts. Of course his tried and true space mates are first to join up with him.
Thus begins yet another self-imposed wedge between March and Sirantha. The relationship between these two continues to be one in which one or both push the other away. But, they always seem to find their way back to each other, even against all odds. So, I'm hoping this case will be no different.
We, as readers, can feel the heartbreaking effects of war as the characters battle their way from jump to jump. Ann does a wonderful job of creating stories in which you immediately find yourself walking through the pages with them, feeling their losses and enjoying their moments of celebration and love.
I continue to be intrigued by Vel. I cannot wait to learn more about the full story behind the tattoo. Their relationship to date has been one of trust, respect and platonic partnership. You can definitely see what a major part of Jax' life he has become since he found her as a bounty hunter. I have really enjoyed seeing their relationship grow. I also liked the addition of the trainee jumper (who's name escapes me at the moment).
I'm so happy I finally started this series. I'm anxiously awaiting the next book in the series, Aftermath!
Series Reading Order:
I had a number of favorite quotes throughout this one, here are some:
% = % of way through the book
95% “Men can be very stupid,” he says bitterly. “We cease to value what we have until it’s gone, and only then do we realize the gold we glimpsed in distant hills paled as dross compared to treasure we had in hand.”
79% "Grimspace is a bitch mistress who carries unearthly delight in one hand and a crop in the other. We bear the latter to receive the former."
73% "I’m Sirantha Jax, and I have had enough."
53% "I don't see why Jax says stuff like, 'I would never say this aloud, not even to March' or thinks she can keep stuff from him. Isn't he 'always in her head' and wouldn't he know what she was thinking? Or is it that he knows, but hearing her say it would be worse than knowing she's thinking it?"
49% "White wave will never forsake brown bird."
20% "A relationship shouldn’t impose limits—and if it does, then it’s wrong. A lover should help you exceed your potential, not clip your wings."
15% "I’ve learned what some people never do—not to take for granted what I have, while I still have it."
12% "There’s something sweet, if suicidal, in this. We’re bound by chains of love, but they don’t weigh us down. Instead, they allow us to be bigger and better than we are."
This edition finds Sirantha and her merry band of space warriors dealing with slavers, pirates and the continued battle between the Syndicate and the Conglomerate post-Farwan collapse.
Sirantha also finds herself dealing with the fact that she's slowly, but surely becoming more ... more realistic in her decision making, more a part of the team and more 'other'.
The pace is set high early on and doesn't let us catch our breath, making this a page-turner you find yourself blowing through without realizing it.
March is asked by Councilor Tarn to be Commander of a Conglomerate armada, giving him access to much needed funds and allowing him to build it as he sees fit. Knowing it's their best shot, he accepts. Of course his tried and true space mates are first to join up with him.
Thus begins yet another self-imposed wedge between March and Sirantha. The relationship between these two continues to be one in which one or both push the other away. But, they always seem to find their way back to each other, even against all odds. So, I'm hoping this case will be no different.
We, as readers, can feel the heartbreaking effects of war as the characters battle their way from jump to jump. Ann does a wonderful job of creating stories in which you immediately find yourself walking through the pages with them, feeling their losses and enjoying their moments of celebration and love.
I continue to be intrigued by Vel. I cannot wait to learn more about the full story behind the tattoo. Their relationship to date has been one of trust, respect and platonic partnership. You can definitely see what a major part of Jax' life he has become since he found her as a bounty hunter. I have really enjoyed seeing their relationship grow. I also liked the addition of the trainee jumper (who's name escapes me at the moment).
I'm so happy I finally started this series. I'm anxiously awaiting the next book in the series, Aftermath!
Series Reading Order:
I had a number of favorite quotes throughout this one, here are some:
% = % of way through the book
95% “Men can be very stupid,” he says bitterly. “We cease to value what we have until it’s gone, and only then do we realize the gold we glimpsed in distant hills paled as dross compared to treasure we had in hand.”
79% "Grimspace is a bitch mistress who carries unearthly delight in one hand and a crop in the other. We bear the latter to receive the former."
73% "I’m Sirantha Jax, and I have had enough."
53% "I don't see why Jax says stuff like, 'I would never say this aloud, not even to March' or thinks she can keep stuff from him. Isn't he 'always in her head' and wouldn't he know what she was thinking? Or is it that he knows, but hearing her say it would be worse than knowing she's thinking it?"
49% "White wave will never forsake brown bird."
20% "A relationship shouldn’t impose limits—and if it does, then it’s wrong. A lover should help you exceed your potential, not clip your wings."
15% "I’ve learned what some people never do—not to take for granted what I have, while I still have it."
12% "There’s something sweet, if suicidal, in this. We’re bound by chains of love, but they don’t weigh us down. Instead, they allow us to be bigger and better than we are."
August 29, 2014
4.5 Stars. My favorite one yet. I'll get to the loss of a 1/2 star at the end.
The writing was superb, with little repetition that plagued the previous books in this series, nearly poetic in many places.
Jax has become the heroine that I've been yearning for. She's strong and independent, and still beautifully connected to those she loves and cares about.
In the end this series is all about the relationships for me, all the connections between the characters, and the depth of emotions that it pulls out for me. March and Jax have one of the most heart-wrenching, deep relationships I've ever read about. Again, like in all of the books, there are things that come between the purity of their love and relationship - something that's slightly annoying, and even though I don't love all of their decisions in this book, I do understand them. Mostly.
Vel is that character that worked his way into my heart before I realized what was happening. I did not like him at all when we first met him. His absolute, unfailing loyalty and care makes him irresistible. I love how he's always there for Jax. And I have no doubt he always will be.
The action is nearly non-stop in this book. I had such a hard time putting it down, and I felt the loss of every person as keenly as anyone in the book.
Finally, the first factor in my lowering it a 1/2 star. One writing quirk that Aguirre chose is 1st person POV. This means that we can't know what's going on without a lot of exposition, Jax being everywhere, or her spying and eavesdropping on everyone - which is happening more and more lately. Her entitlement in this regard irritates the hell out of me, because it's not what I've come to expect from her either.
The fact is, I'm dead nosy, and now I have the power to indulge myself.
Really? You're nosy, so that gives you the right to intrude in other people's personal business, pain and heartache? Ugh. Again, I don't feel this is Jax, but something that had to be done because of the 1st person POV narrative.
And the other thing I hate - the incredibly cliff-hanger that this ends on. I'm not entirely in love with the decision that Jax makes, on her own without even bothering to consult anyone else, which we've seen get her in trouble time and time again previously, but that's not what really bothers me. It felt cheap to end it on the note it did. I was left with my jaw hanging and eyes wide. I would have been furious if I had to wait a year for the next book.
Definitely my favorite book though. With just two books left to go, I can't help but be invested in these characters, wanting to see them happy, complete and safe.
Some favorite quotes:
"I always know exactly where you are in a room," he tells me without looking round. "I know how many times you run your fingers through your hair. I know when you look at me as well as the precise instant you look at anyone else. So I certainly know when one of my crew propositions you six meters away."
"We cease to value what we have until it's gone, and only then do we realize the gold we glimpsed in distant hills paled as dross compared to treasure we had in hand."
White wave will never forsake brown bird.
My eyes are damp when I part from Vel. The hug wasn't enough, but I have no words for what he is to me. I permit a final wa to speak my heart, and I don't even know what it said.
His reply offers infinite solace in a single word. Always.
"Say you love me?"
His long fingers trail down my cheeks, shaping the sharp line, along the curve of my chin, and up to the swell of my lips. The warmth lingers like a phantom kiss. Tears slip from the corners of my eyes.
"More than the blood in my veins. More than the heart in my body."
I laugh softly, unsteadily. "A simple 'yes' would have sufficed."
"Nothing is simple between us. It never has been."
The writing was superb, with little repetition that plagued the previous books in this series, nearly poetic in many places.
Jax has become the heroine that I've been yearning for. She's strong and independent, and still beautifully connected to those she loves and cares about.
In the end this series is all about the relationships for me, all the connections between the characters, and the depth of emotions that it pulls out for me. March and Jax have one of the most heart-wrenching, deep relationships I've ever read about. Again, like in all of the books, there are things that come between the purity of their love and relationship - something that's slightly annoying, and even though I don't love all of their decisions in this book, I do understand them. Mostly.
Vel is that character that worked his way into my heart before I realized what was happening. I did not like him at all when we first met him. His absolute, unfailing loyalty and care makes him irresistible. I love how he's always there for Jax. And I have no doubt he always will be.
The action is nearly non-stop in this book. I had such a hard time putting it down, and I felt the loss of every person as keenly as anyone in the book.
Finally, the first factor in my lowering it a 1/2 star. One writing quirk that Aguirre chose is 1st person POV. This means that we can't know what's going on without a lot of exposition, Jax being everywhere, or her spying and eavesdropping on everyone - which is happening more and more lately. Her entitlement in this regard irritates the hell out of me, because it's not what I've come to expect from her either.
The fact is, I'm dead nosy, and now I have the power to indulge myself.
Really? You're nosy, so that gives you the right to intrude in other people's personal business, pain and heartache? Ugh. Again, I don't feel this is Jax, but something that had to be done because of the 1st person POV narrative.
And the other thing I hate - the incredibly cliff-hanger that this ends on. I'm not entirely in love with the decision that Jax makes, on her own without even bothering to consult anyone else, which we've seen get her in trouble time and time again previously, but that's not what really bothers me. It felt cheap to end it on the note it did. I was left with my jaw hanging and eyes wide. I would have been furious if I had to wait a year for the next book.
Definitely my favorite book though. With just two books left to go, I can't help but be invested in these characters, wanting to see them happy, complete and safe.
Some favorite quotes:
"I always know exactly where you are in a room," he tells me without looking round. "I know how many times you run your fingers through your hair. I know when you look at me as well as the precise instant you look at anyone else. So I certainly know when one of my crew propositions you six meters away."
"We cease to value what we have until it's gone, and only then do we realize the gold we glimpsed in distant hills paled as dross compared to treasure we had in hand."
White wave will never forsake brown bird.
My eyes are damp when I part from Vel. The hug wasn't enough, but I have no words for what he is to me. I permit a final wa to speak my heart, and I don't even know what it said.
His reply offers infinite solace in a single word. Always.
"Say you love me?"
His long fingers trail down my cheeks, shaping the sharp line, along the curve of my chin, and up to the swell of my lips. The warmth lingers like a phantom kiss. Tears slip from the corners of my eyes.
"More than the blood in my veins. More than the heart in my body."
I laugh softly, unsteadily. "A simple 'yes' would have sufficed."
"Nothing is simple between us. It never has been."
May 8, 2011
Originally posted at WickedLilPixie Reviews
One of the reasons that I prefer Urban Fantasy, and now Science Fiction Romance, series to stand-alone novels is because if they are done correctly, you get to experience and enjoy the growth of the heroine throughout the duration of the novels. The Sirantha Jax series is a spectacular example of this! It has become one of my most favorite series to look forward to.
Killbox is the fourth book in the “Jax” series and boy, did this book deliver. We find our heroine Sirantha “Jax” through with her gig as an ambassador for the Conglomerate Ithiss Torr, and she’s ready to get back to her roots: jumping in grimspace and overall kicking ass. But along with her new position of power, March has been made a new commander of the Conglomerate Armada. He and Jax must now recruit pirate ships and whomever else they can get to fight on the side of the Conglomerate against the horrifying flesh-eating Morgut. The war has begun between the two forces, and the Conglomerate are desperately outnumbered.
I have to say that while I love Jax and March together as the heroine/hero, my favorite character in the series is actually a secondary character, Vel. What I found most compelling in the last book, and even more so in Killbox, is the connection that Jax and Vel have. He is so heroic and loyal and noble… he and Jax have such an intense relationship that you wonder if Vel is not giving March a run for his money in the romantic relationship area. What is crazy for my sick little mind to wrap around, and I know I’m not alone in this, is that Vel is a Bug. Yes, he is a Bug who wears a human facade to make others more comfortable. Ms. Aguirre drops several hints that even Jax herself is confused by their deep connection; it is undeniable. This is science fiction romance at its best, people!
In this fourth book we see a much more mature and selfless Jax. The first three books in the series have focused more on her point of vies, but with this book even though it is still from her POV she really gets a good grasp on her place in the future of the Conglomerate. To have started out as such a frustratingly selfish character in the first book, Grimspace, she has become a truly selfless character. She places herself right smack in front of danger to save those she has become loyal to and doesn’t ever second guess her actions. As with the previous books, this story is dark. War is going on, and the outlook through the book is grim. I sat on the edge of my seat biting my nails through the entire book, no exaggeration. Death and emotional loss are very real components of this war for the universe.
I will warn readers ahead of time that this book ends in a major cliffhanger. One that will make you crazy. It is no surprise, then, that I am chomping at the bit for fifth installment, Aftermath, not out until September, 2011. A year from now! I’m dying! If you have not started this series, get on it. This series cannot be read out of order, so be sure to start with Grimspace (previously reviewed in September).
Grimspace
Wanderlust
Doubleblind
Killbox
Aftermath – 9.2011
Endgame – 9.2012
One of the reasons that I prefer Urban Fantasy, and now Science Fiction Romance, series to stand-alone novels is because if they are done correctly, you get to experience and enjoy the growth of the heroine throughout the duration of the novels. The Sirantha Jax series is a spectacular example of this! It has become one of my most favorite series to look forward to.
Killbox is the fourth book in the “Jax” series and boy, did this book deliver. We find our heroine Sirantha “Jax” through with her gig as an ambassador for the Conglomerate Ithiss Torr, and she’s ready to get back to her roots: jumping in grimspace and overall kicking ass. But along with her new position of power, March has been made a new commander of the Conglomerate Armada. He and Jax must now recruit pirate ships and whomever else they can get to fight on the side of the Conglomerate against the horrifying flesh-eating Morgut. The war has begun between the two forces, and the Conglomerate are desperately outnumbered.
I have to say that while I love Jax and March together as the heroine/hero, my favorite character in the series is actually a secondary character, Vel. What I found most compelling in the last book, and even more so in Killbox, is the connection that Jax and Vel have. He is so heroic and loyal and noble… he and Jax have such an intense relationship that you wonder if Vel is not giving March a run for his money in the romantic relationship area. What is crazy for my sick little mind to wrap around, and I know I’m not alone in this, is that Vel is a Bug. Yes, he is a Bug who wears a human facade to make others more comfortable. Ms. Aguirre drops several hints that even Jax herself is confused by their deep connection; it is undeniable. This is science fiction romance at its best, people!
In this fourth book we see a much more mature and selfless Jax. The first three books in the series have focused more on her point of vies, but with this book even though it is still from her POV she really gets a good grasp on her place in the future of the Conglomerate. To have started out as such a frustratingly selfish character in the first book, Grimspace, she has become a truly selfless character. She places herself right smack in front of danger to save those she has become loyal to and doesn’t ever second guess her actions. As with the previous books, this story is dark. War is going on, and the outlook through the book is grim. I sat on the edge of my seat biting my nails through the entire book, no exaggeration. Death and emotional loss are very real components of this war for the universe.
I will warn readers ahead of time that this book ends in a major cliffhanger. One that will make you crazy. It is no surprise, then, that I am chomping at the bit for fifth installment, Aftermath, not out until September, 2011. A year from now! I’m dying! If you have not started this series, get on it. This series cannot be read out of order, so be sure to start with Grimspace (previously reviewed in September).
Grimspace
Wanderlust
Doubleblind
Killbox
Aftermath – 9.2011
Endgame – 9.2012
June 14, 2015
Best one yet!!!
December 6, 2016
Boy, am I glad I don't have to wait long for the next one -- the ending is a killer. I still like this series though I am not entirely sure why........
October 6, 2010
Why, oh, why can't we give books 10 stars? If it were at all possible, I would. I would give this book one hundred stars. I finished this today and already I'm in withdrawal. I didn't want to stop. I tried, I tried very hard, to read Killbox as slowly as possible, to savor the story. But like any attempts of mine to savor a rich piece of chocolate, to let it melt on my tongue and slowly infuse my senses with its deliciousness, I failed miserably. From the first page, I got so caught up in the story, I couldn't not turn the pages as fast as my eyes devoured the words.
There's no way I can coherently describe the story to non-readers of this series. I'm nowhere near eloquent enough. I am in complete awe of Ms. Aguirre. She has created a series so rich, so lifelike, so real, even though the story is set in space and features aliens and concepts so totally science-fiction in nature. Despite that fact, or perhaps because of it, her characters live and breathe. None of them are perfect; each one has fears and hopes and character faults. In other words, they are three dimensional, just as real human beings are. And the relationships between them are real, not picture-perfect ideals, but messy, hard, fractious, delightful, fulfilling, full of mistakes and missed opportunities and moments of wonder. This alone would make the books wonderful reads, but the storytelling, the weaving of these characters' actions into wonderfully exciting, terrifying, exhilarating, emotional stories, make Ann Aguirre's novels top-rate, in my opinion. Plus, she made me cry. I can't tell you how many years it's been since I've cried while reading a book; too many to count. But she did it, and I'm not a weepy person. That's the mark of how involved Aguirre makes you become with these people--Sirantha Jax, March, Dina, Hit, Vel--that when they feel pain and loss, you feel it, too, and cry because of it. Though I know it is impossible, for my part I hope Sirantha Jax continues her adventures through many, many more books in the years to come; unlike chocolate, I can savor them as much and as many times as I like without getting fat.
There's no way I can coherently describe the story to non-readers of this series. I'm nowhere near eloquent enough. I am in complete awe of Ms. Aguirre. She has created a series so rich, so lifelike, so real, even though the story is set in space and features aliens and concepts so totally science-fiction in nature. Despite that fact, or perhaps because of it, her characters live and breathe. None of them are perfect; each one has fears and hopes and character faults. In other words, they are three dimensional, just as real human beings are. And the relationships between them are real, not picture-perfect ideals, but messy, hard, fractious, delightful, fulfilling, full of mistakes and missed opportunities and moments of wonder. This alone would make the books wonderful reads, but the storytelling, the weaving of these characters' actions into wonderfully exciting, terrifying, exhilarating, emotional stories, make Ann Aguirre's novels top-rate, in my opinion. Plus, she made me cry. I can't tell you how many years it's been since I've cried while reading a book; too many to count. But she did it, and I'm not a weepy person. That's the mark of how involved Aguirre makes you become with these people--Sirantha Jax, March, Dina, Hit, Vel--that when they feel pain and loss, you feel it, too, and cry because of it. Though I know it is impossible, for my part I hope Sirantha Jax continues her adventures through many, many more books in the years to come; unlike chocolate, I can savor them as much and as many times as I like without getting fat.
April 23, 2017
And this is the reason I wait for an entire series to be released before I embark on it. You never know when an author is going to leave you hanging at the end. What a cliffhanger! I am so, so glad the next book is already out.
This installment takes a while to get warmed up, but once it gets going, all hell breaks loose. It's war now, and the scale is exploding. I've gone from learning to care about a small crew of a rogue ship to fearing for their lives as the fate of all known races takes priority. This series is definitely more than a futuristic romance even though it started that way. Although the romance is there, it's not the whole story. Love and true friendship are precious when everything is falling apart, and you feel that in this book while you experience everything falling apart and have no idea how they're going to make it - and who won't.
This installment takes a while to get warmed up, but once it gets going, all hell breaks loose. It's war now, and the scale is exploding. I've gone from learning to care about a small crew of a rogue ship to fearing for their lives as the fate of all known races takes priority. This series is definitely more than a futuristic romance even though it started that way. Although the romance is there, it's not the whole story. Love and true friendship are precious when everything is falling apart, and you feel that in this book while you experience everything falling apart and have no idea how they're going to make it - and who won't.
January 31, 2011
Synopsis: Sirantha Jax is a “Jumper,” someone who possesses the unique genetic makeup needed to navigate faster than light ships through grimspace. With no tolerance for political diplomacy, she quits her ambassador post almost immediately after leaving Vel's home world so she can get back to doing what she's knows best; being a navagator.
Her abilites are needed more than ever. Morgut (Flesh-eating aliens) are attacking stations on the outskirts of space at an alarming pace, and for many people, the Conglomerate’s forces are arriving too late to serve and protect them.
Having just come off a mentally (and physically) grueling assignment as an ambassador for the Conglomerate to Ithiss Tor, Sirantha Jax would like nothing more than to relax with March by her side. But with the Conglomerate scrambling for a way to protect ships and remote outposts from utter decimation. As all-out war explodes, Jax and March must gather (and train) a rag-tag militia while Jax continues to test her body's limits as a jumper in hopes of gaining any advantage over the terrifying force of the Morgut.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Review: I really loved this book. From the outset, there was action galore. First, SJ in a message to Tarn, resigns as ambassador. She's not into politics, and she's really not very good at at it. Yes, she does some sneaky maneuvers that end up working but, she really only good for one thing: being navigator in grimspace. We know the reason why she's so good at it now; she was born there.
Soon after arriving at Emry Station, March and crew are reunited with Surge, Kora, along with Kora's daughter, named after Sirantha. Chancellor Tarn then tasks March to be the Conglomerate's Commander and to build an armanda that can resist the Morgut aggression. This is a position he really doesn't care for, but everyone knows that he's the best pilot around. Having agreed, he then scrambles for pilots and jumpers and crews. Along with Jax, they decide that pirates would be the best choices for this daunting missing. The first crew he chooses is Hon, last seen during Grimspace, and Loras, also last seen presumably dying.
The one thing I really didn't much care for was the splitting up of March's crew to other ships and installations. I don't know, I kind of like the fact that you have several reaccuring characters who work and get along so well. Vel is asked to become a liasion between Ithiss-Tor and the Conglomeate. He agrees, but not without reservation of leaving Jax's side. Jax is truly torn up about Vel's leaving her crew. They've become very close over the last several books.
Jax goes thru alot in this book. She is basically no longer fully human having been altered by grimspace. She ends up basically brain dead after a mission to save a Science Corp Doctor. She then has several operations to save her life; including the use of nanotechs to heal her damaged brain. She can someone even understand and speak with the Morgut now as we see when the crew arrives to save a mining colony.
New character(s): Edun Leviter - still have no clue who he is, or what happened to him. There are secret communications between him and Tarn that show that the Conglomerate is desperately trying to find ways to slow the roll of the Morgut agression. Is is some serious special ops guy?
Dr. Evelyn Dagad - The Syndicate and ex-Farwan loyalist want to use her for her nano technology expertise. Dagad escaped from an Morgut attack on her ship. Jax and Hon rescue her from an ex-Farwan space station. She then has somewhat of a romantic encounter with Doc. She also holds the key in helping Jax cope with the after-affects of Grimspace exposure, as well offering new possibilities to Jax’s affinity as a navigator.
Argus Dahlgren becomes the first grimspace jumper not trained by the Farwan academy. He's a little perky dude who's character added another plot line to the already excellent story. He also hopes for a romantic interlude with Jax. Not happening dude!
Jax has grown alot over these first four books. Killbox shows how far she has changed and instead of just reacting and defending herself, she's become more proactive and is on the offense and she does it in style. The one thing that makes me love Jax so much, is her loyalty and friendship with her crew-mates.
Dina, the ex Tarnus princess, aka the ships mechanic has her hands tied now that the alliance is growing and the technology to be able to jump anywhere at anytime, has become more readily available. Hit, Dina's lover, and pilot, has been reassigned to another ship (Sweet Sensation) because of the shortage of pilots. Doc is still around with Rose, who is now a communications officer. *There's a brewing storyline with Dina that I'm hoping is explored in the next releases.
I loved the scenes where Jax shares a moment with Vel, the alien bounty hunter. There's not much more I can say about it except, grab your tissues. Dina and Jax's relationship has come a very long way from the first book where she basically hated Jax. They are no longer just crew mates, they are best friends, and it hurts Jax to the core to see her seperated from her Crew.
March’s self imposed estrangement because he took command of training and heading the newly established Armada, is kind of painful to take and read, but obviously necessary to the overall story itself. We all know that eventually they will come together, but will they live HEA?
Unlike Doubleblind, Killbox is filled with space battles and action that does not stop until the last few pages. Killbox also ends on a humdinger of a cliffhanger, including a story resolution on Ramona Jax, SJ's mother and head of the Syndicate.
Overall, I have absolutely nothing negative to say about this release. 5 stars.
Her abilites are needed more than ever. Morgut (Flesh-eating aliens) are attacking stations on the outskirts of space at an alarming pace, and for many people, the Conglomerate’s forces are arriving too late to serve and protect them.
Having just come off a mentally (and physically) grueling assignment as an ambassador for the Conglomerate to Ithiss Tor, Sirantha Jax would like nothing more than to relax with March by her side. But with the Conglomerate scrambling for a way to protect ships and remote outposts from utter decimation. As all-out war explodes, Jax and March must gather (and train) a rag-tag militia while Jax continues to test her body's limits as a jumper in hopes of gaining any advantage over the terrifying force of the Morgut.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Review: I really loved this book. From the outset, there was action galore. First, SJ in a message to Tarn, resigns as ambassador. She's not into politics, and she's really not very good at at it. Yes, she does some sneaky maneuvers that end up working but, she really only good for one thing: being navigator in grimspace. We know the reason why she's so good at it now; she was born there.
Soon after arriving at Emry Station, March and crew are reunited with Surge, Kora, along with Kora's daughter, named after Sirantha. Chancellor Tarn then tasks March to be the Conglomerate's Commander and to build an armanda that can resist the Morgut aggression. This is a position he really doesn't care for, but everyone knows that he's the best pilot around. Having agreed, he then scrambles for pilots and jumpers and crews. Along with Jax, they decide that pirates would be the best choices for this daunting missing. The first crew he chooses is Hon, last seen during Grimspace, and Loras, also last seen presumably dying.
The one thing I really didn't much care for was the splitting up of March's crew to other ships and installations. I don't know, I kind of like the fact that you have several reaccuring characters who work and get along so well. Vel is asked to become a liasion between Ithiss-Tor and the Conglomeate. He agrees, but not without reservation of leaving Jax's side. Jax is truly torn up about Vel's leaving her crew. They've become very close over the last several books.
Jax goes thru alot in this book. She is basically no longer fully human having been altered by grimspace. She ends up basically brain dead after a mission to save a Science Corp Doctor. She then has several operations to save her life; including the use of nanotechs to heal her damaged brain. She can someone even understand and speak with the Morgut now as we see when the crew arrives to save a mining colony.
New character(s): Edun Leviter - still have no clue who he is, or what happened to him. There are secret communications between him and Tarn that show that the Conglomerate is desperately trying to find ways to slow the roll of the Morgut agression. Is is some serious special ops guy?
Dr. Evelyn Dagad - The Syndicate and ex-Farwan loyalist want to use her for her nano technology expertise. Dagad escaped from an Morgut attack on her ship. Jax and Hon rescue her from an ex-Farwan space station. She then has somewhat of a romantic encounter with Doc. She also holds the key in helping Jax cope with the after-affects of Grimspace exposure, as well offering new possibilities to Jax’s affinity as a navigator.
Argus Dahlgren becomes the first grimspace jumper not trained by the Farwan academy. He's a little perky dude who's character added another plot line to the already excellent story. He also hopes for a romantic interlude with Jax. Not happening dude!
Jax has grown alot over these first four books. Killbox shows how far she has changed and instead of just reacting and defending herself, she's become more proactive and is on the offense and she does it in style. The one thing that makes me love Jax so much, is her loyalty and friendship with her crew-mates.
Dina, the ex Tarnus princess, aka the ships mechanic has her hands tied now that the alliance is growing and the technology to be able to jump anywhere at anytime, has become more readily available. Hit, Dina's lover, and pilot, has been reassigned to another ship (Sweet Sensation) because of the shortage of pilots. Doc is still around with Rose, who is now a communications officer. *There's a brewing storyline with Dina that I'm hoping is explored in the next releases.
I loved the scenes where Jax shares a moment with Vel, the alien bounty hunter. There's not much more I can say about it except, grab your tissues. Dina and Jax's relationship has come a very long way from the first book where she basically hated Jax. They are no longer just crew mates, they are best friends, and it hurts Jax to the core to see her seperated from her Crew.
March’s self imposed estrangement because he took command of training and heading the newly established Armada, is kind of painful to take and read, but obviously necessary to the overall story itself. We all know that eventually they will come together, but will they live HEA?
Unlike Doubleblind, Killbox is filled with space battles and action that does not stop until the last few pages. Killbox also ends on a humdinger of a cliffhanger, including a story resolution on Ramona Jax, SJ's mother and head of the Syndicate.
Overall, I have absolutely nothing negative to say about this release. 5 stars.
November 27, 2010
Ann Aguirre knows how to carry her readers on a roller-coaster ride of emotion. Throughout Killbox, I was tensing up, holding my breath, crying…needless to say, the story gets intense.
In the wake of Farwan’s collapse, humanity is fighting to survive against several threats: raiders, slavers, and Syndicate heavies are all taking advantage of the Conglomerate’s lack of defensive forces. However, nothing can beat the terror the man-eating Morgut horde inspires. The alien race further encroaches upon humanity’s corner of the galaxy, killing and devouring its way through people and resources.
Sirantha and her cohorts find themselves smack-dab in the middle of the struggle. Not ten pages into the book and they are already involved in a fire-fight, displaying Aguirre’s ability to keep the pace high and the action engaging. This continues as, at Councilor Tarn’s behest, March assembles an armada - beginning with the rag-tag group we’ve come to know and love.
What follows is a story so filled with sacrifice and heartache there’s no mistaking the fact these people are at war. Relationship dynamics change and loved ones are separated out of necessity. Lives are lost in the fray and even though many of the deceased are newly introduced characters, Aguirre once again shows her knack for making every person significant. This author excels at quickly fostering emotional connections, creating bonds that intensify the action as a whole.
Though I dearly love Sirantha and March (the intimacy of their relationship is incredible), the bond between Sirantha and Vel has always fascinated me. Velith is such a strong and sensitive personality that I can’t help caring for him, worrying about him, and wondering what touching and insightful words he will speak next. Although I wish he had more page-time (I always do), Vel’s scenes with Jax are nevertheless some of the most memorable and heart-wrenching of the whole book. Their connection is one built of such deep trust and understanding that I can’t imagine what sort of person Sirantha would be without his influence.
Apart from the emotional aspect, Aguirre is also adept at keeping things real without bogging down the text. My one complaint was the repetition of a few ideas, but overall she does a wonderful job of issuing reminders of past events while still maintaining her stride. She captures the details of building an armada, jumping through grimspace, engaging in hand-to-hand combat, and so many other activities in such a way that I felt present and involved yet never overwhelmed.
Lest my review makes you think Killbox is all doom and gloom, I should point out that Aguirre does include some surprises and advancements that inspire hope. Yes, Jax, March, and co are facing an incredible challenge. Yes, it does seem insurmountable at times. However, they do experience victories - moments where the fight is declared undoubtedly worthwhile. It’s these instances that encourage the characters to battle on, to remain defiant in a time of adversity. It’s those same moments that make me feel they’ll eventually succeed. I’m not sure at what cost, but I’ll be with them the whole way regardless.
In the wake of Farwan’s collapse, humanity is fighting to survive against several threats: raiders, slavers, and Syndicate heavies are all taking advantage of the Conglomerate’s lack of defensive forces. However, nothing can beat the terror the man-eating Morgut horde inspires. The alien race further encroaches upon humanity’s corner of the galaxy, killing and devouring its way through people and resources.
Sirantha and her cohorts find themselves smack-dab in the middle of the struggle. Not ten pages into the book and they are already involved in a fire-fight, displaying Aguirre’s ability to keep the pace high and the action engaging. This continues as, at Councilor Tarn’s behest, March assembles an armada - beginning with the rag-tag group we’ve come to know and love.
What follows is a story so filled with sacrifice and heartache there’s no mistaking the fact these people are at war. Relationship dynamics change and loved ones are separated out of necessity. Lives are lost in the fray and even though many of the deceased are newly introduced characters, Aguirre once again shows her knack for making every person significant. This author excels at quickly fostering emotional connections, creating bonds that intensify the action as a whole.
Though I dearly love Sirantha and March (the intimacy of their relationship is incredible), the bond between Sirantha and Vel has always fascinated me. Velith is such a strong and sensitive personality that I can’t help caring for him, worrying about him, and wondering what touching and insightful words he will speak next. Although I wish he had more page-time (I always do), Vel’s scenes with Jax are nevertheless some of the most memorable and heart-wrenching of the whole book. Their connection is one built of such deep trust and understanding that I can’t imagine what sort of person Sirantha would be without his influence.
Apart from the emotional aspect, Aguirre is also adept at keeping things real without bogging down the text. My one complaint was the repetition of a few ideas, but overall she does a wonderful job of issuing reminders of past events while still maintaining her stride. She captures the details of building an armada, jumping through grimspace, engaging in hand-to-hand combat, and so many other activities in such a way that I felt present and involved yet never overwhelmed.
Lest my review makes you think Killbox is all doom and gloom, I should point out that Aguirre does include some surprises and advancements that inspire hope. Yes, Jax, March, and co are facing an incredible challenge. Yes, it does seem insurmountable at times. However, they do experience victories - moments where the fight is declared undoubtedly worthwhile. It’s these instances that encourage the characters to battle on, to remain defiant in a time of adversity. It’s those same moments that make me feel they’ll eventually succeed. I’m not sure at what cost, but I’ll be with them the whole way regardless.
July 14, 2018
Better than the last one but not all that great. I really don't like ….we're going in. Two hours later we lost the 2nd deck.... Uh what happened in between? I bought the next 4 books in the series after being blown away with the 1st book. Big mistake, no book has lived up to the first or even come close. Lesson learned, maybe. Three Stars
September 2, 2011
Wow. This get 4.5 stars from me. There is a nasty cliff hanger, but fortunately, I have Aftermath already to go!
Everyone talks about this book as the "War" book in the Grimspace series. Make no mistake, this is full of war, but I think of this one as the "sacrifice" book. This book is full of nothing but sacrifice, from smaller sacrifices, to the greatest sacrifice a person can make.
After Doubleblind, we learned the a war with the Morgut was brewing. Jax quits her job as ambassador to Ithiss-Tor and March is hired as the Commander of a new Conglomerate Armada. They immediately begin recruiting others to join them - mostly pirates and smugglers - and training them. They have made many advances to the Grimspace drive, and jumping is becoming easier and easier. Jax finds out something very cool about herself, but almost ends up irreparably damaged.
While acting as Commander of the Armada, MArch makes a decision to . He figures this in the only way they can keep the respect of their crew. This sacrifice causes Jax an immense amount of pain, and later, we see that it causes March even more pain than Jax. Vel is sent as a communicator to Ithiss-Tor, and later becomes a General of Ithiss-Tor. This is another sacrifices the pulls at Jax.
Dina makes the sacrifice of staying behind, because she is needed to train new mechanics, thus separating her from Hit. Jax and Dina bond over common miseries, and really take their friendship to a new level.
Ramona Jax makes an immense sacrifice. I had tears in my eyes while I was reading what she did for Sirantha. And at the end of this book, Sirantha and Hit go off on their own to make the ultimate sacrifice for the galaxy. Sirantha is so selfless, it's heartbreaking. However, I am SICK to death of hearing how she has changed. Yes. I get it. The old Sirantha cared only for herself and Kai. There are too many places in this novel where I read, "The old Sirantha Jax......." Doc makes his own sacrifice, but unfortunately, I don't feel sorry for him one bit.
I am steadfast in my belief that this series is not complete with Jax and March separated. Ann Aguirre has made too big a deal out of their undying love for one another. Again, this book is no different than the previous ones:
Miss you. Want you. Love you, Jax."
'I just keep pushing you. Testing you. I'm not doing it on purpose...Circumstances dictate my choices, but deep down, I'm afraid I"ll hit your breaking point. That you'll decide it's more trouble than it's worth - and I'm not worth waiting for.'
'You're worth everything. I've changed because of you."
"I can bear anything, as long as I know you're with me"
"I am with you. You are my captain, my commander, and my love. Neither way nor death will change it."
His hands curve around my back, holding me tighter. "I couldn't survive losing you. It nearly destroyed me, thinking I had."
"He is not perfect, with all his dark shading and the weight of duty on his soul, but I could never love anyone more."
"I did it to repair him, fuse the damaged emotional connections, so he could remember what it was to feel and love. War killed that part of him. I brought it back. In doing so, I left some part of myself behind, but I think I also too part of him with me. We are twined together inextricably now, and I wouldn't have it otherwise."
And that's just the evidence in this book alone. This doesn't even touch what has been written about these two characters in previous books. I know there's a game changer in Aftermath, but I can't believe that Ann Aguirre would go through writing so BIG of a love story to shatter it at the end. I feel Jax and March will have many obstacles, trials and tribulations in the remaining two books, but they are bonded like very few characters I've ever read about.
Everyone talks about this book as the "War" book in the Grimspace series. Make no mistake, this is full of war, but I think of this one as the "sacrifice" book. This book is full of nothing but sacrifice, from smaller sacrifices, to the greatest sacrifice a person can make.
After Doubleblind, we learned the a war with the Morgut was brewing. Jax quits her job as ambassador to Ithiss-Tor and March is hired as the Commander of a new Conglomerate Armada. They immediately begin recruiting others to join them - mostly pirates and smugglers - and training them. They have made many advances to the Grimspace drive, and jumping is becoming easier and easier. Jax finds out something very cool about herself, but almost ends up irreparably damaged.
While acting as Commander of the Armada, MArch makes a decision to . He figures this in the only way they can keep the respect of their crew. This sacrifice causes Jax an immense amount of pain, and later, we see that it causes March even more pain than Jax. Vel is sent as a communicator to Ithiss-Tor, and later becomes a General of Ithiss-Tor. This is another sacrifices the pulls at Jax.
Dina makes the sacrifice of staying behind, because she is needed to train new mechanics, thus separating her from Hit. Jax and Dina bond over common miseries, and really take their friendship to a new level.
Ramona Jax makes an immense sacrifice. I had tears in my eyes while I was reading what she did for Sirantha. And at the end of this book, Sirantha and Hit go off on their own to make the ultimate sacrifice for the galaxy. Sirantha is so selfless, it's heartbreaking. However, I am SICK to death of hearing how she has changed. Yes. I get it. The old Sirantha cared only for herself and Kai. There are too many places in this novel where I read, "The old Sirantha Jax......." Doc makes his own sacrifice, but unfortunately, I don't feel sorry for him one bit.
I am steadfast in my belief that this series is not complete with Jax and March separated. Ann Aguirre has made too big a deal out of their undying love for one another. Again, this book is no different than the previous ones:
Miss you. Want you. Love you, Jax."
'I just keep pushing you. Testing you. I'm not doing it on purpose...Circumstances dictate my choices, but deep down, I'm afraid I"ll hit your breaking point. That you'll decide it's more trouble than it's worth - and I'm not worth waiting for.'
'You're worth everything. I've changed because of you."
"I can bear anything, as long as I know you're with me"
"I am with you. You are my captain, my commander, and my love. Neither way nor death will change it."
His hands curve around my back, holding me tighter. "I couldn't survive losing you. It nearly destroyed me, thinking I had."
"He is not perfect, with all his dark shading and the weight of duty on his soul, but I could never love anyone more."
"I did it to repair him, fuse the damaged emotional connections, so he could remember what it was to feel and love. War killed that part of him. I brought it back. In doing so, I left some part of myself behind, but I think I also too part of him with me. We are twined together inextricably now, and I wouldn't have it otherwise."
And that's just the evidence in this book alone. This doesn't even touch what has been written about these two characters in previous books. I know there's a game changer in Aftermath, but I can't believe that Ann Aguirre would go through writing so BIG of a love story to shatter it at the end. I feel Jax and March will have many obstacles, trials and tribulations in the remaining two books, but they are bonded like very few characters I've ever read about.
September 3, 2010
Favorite Quote: March kisses me with a delicacy and heat that work their way into my nervous system. His hair spills against my cheeks, too soft for such a hard man. If he knew how rakish it makes him look, I’m sure he would shave it off.
I forget between the many months that pass between Sirantha Jax books how much I absolutely love them. Ann Aguirre blows me away in each book, and Killbox may be her best yet.
War is coming. The Morguts, flesh eating monsters, that have a 97% kill rate against – everyone – are decimating the universe. Chancellor Tarn, the head of the Conglomerate has asked March, Jax’s lover and pilot extraordinaire to become a commander. To build an Armada to fight off the Morgut. Both Jax and March are tired, and beaten but they have that adventurous spirit and the need and the want to help out those in need. Along with their crew, they make a call for anyone and everyone to join up for training, preparation and eventual battle. The odds are against them, and many know this will be their last mission, but camaraderie and perseverance holds strong.
Killbox is a heavy book. There is no light at the tunnel. The world is a dark, bleak place and despair hangs heavy on everyone. Yet, Ann Aguirre writes with such rich emotion that pulls you into these characters and gives you such a strong connection to them. Her characters are so real. Although written in Jax’s point of view, I feel like I know them each so intimately. They aren’t pretty, they are exhausted, injured, and they look like Hell. They get cranky, and scared. And they are some of my favorite characters to read.
Jax so selfless, and although knows she is a top class jumper among many talents, she has this humble vibe to her – much in part to her lover March. March has taught her love, devotion, and loyalty – or at least has reawakened these attributes in her. They share such private moments in this book, such quiet, hushed, longing embraces, that make the emotion swell out of you. Also, because March can hear Jax’s thoughts, we get the intimate not-spoken moments. This book is filled with Morgut slime and guts, spaceship fighting, and gore. But Ann Aguirre somehow weaves in these amazing relationships with prose that takes my breath away.
March is not the only one who gets attention. Vel, Jax’s best friend has wonderful page time in this book. He is her rock, who may understand her even more than March. He is such a gentlemen, and is one of the best supporting characters out there. Rounding out the crew are Dina and Hit, who add just a touch of sarcastic humor to the book.
But like I said, this book is gloomy – it’s amazing, but war sucks, and Ann Aguirre holds nothing back in showing the face of battle. I don’t read a lot of sci-fi but the world, and all the odd phrases and words read very easy and I am able to keep track of everything without difficulty. This series must be read in order. So much has happened in the previous three books to bring us to where we stand with Killbox. And with two books left in the series, I am nervous and excited to reach the end of this journey.
I forget between the many months that pass between Sirantha Jax books how much I absolutely love them. Ann Aguirre blows me away in each book, and Killbox may be her best yet.
War is coming. The Morguts, flesh eating monsters, that have a 97% kill rate against – everyone – are decimating the universe. Chancellor Tarn, the head of the Conglomerate has asked March, Jax’s lover and pilot extraordinaire to become a commander. To build an Armada to fight off the Morgut. Both Jax and March are tired, and beaten but they have that adventurous spirit and the need and the want to help out those in need. Along with their crew, they make a call for anyone and everyone to join up for training, preparation and eventual battle. The odds are against them, and many know this will be their last mission, but camaraderie and perseverance holds strong.
Killbox is a heavy book. There is no light at the tunnel. The world is a dark, bleak place and despair hangs heavy on everyone. Yet, Ann Aguirre writes with such rich emotion that pulls you into these characters and gives you such a strong connection to them. Her characters are so real. Although written in Jax’s point of view, I feel like I know them each so intimately. They aren’t pretty, they are exhausted, injured, and they look like Hell. They get cranky, and scared. And they are some of my favorite characters to read.
Jax so selfless, and although knows she is a top class jumper among many talents, she has this humble vibe to her – much in part to her lover March. March has taught her love, devotion, and loyalty – or at least has reawakened these attributes in her. They share such private moments in this book, such quiet, hushed, longing embraces, that make the emotion swell out of you. Also, because March can hear Jax’s thoughts, we get the intimate not-spoken moments. This book is filled with Morgut slime and guts, spaceship fighting, and gore. But Ann Aguirre somehow weaves in these amazing relationships with prose that takes my breath away.
March is not the only one who gets attention. Vel, Jax’s best friend has wonderful page time in this book. He is her rock, who may understand her even more than March. He is such a gentlemen, and is one of the best supporting characters out there. Rounding out the crew are Dina and Hit, who add just a touch of sarcastic humor to the book.
But like I said, this book is gloomy – it’s amazing, but war sucks, and Ann Aguirre holds nothing back in showing the face of battle. I don’t read a lot of sci-fi but the world, and all the odd phrases and words read very easy and I am able to keep track of everything without difficulty. This series must be read in order. So much has happened in the previous three books to bring us to where we stand with Killbox. And with two books left in the series, I am nervous and excited to reach the end of this journey.
January 12, 2017
Re-read 13th January 2017
Read 2nd September 2011
I’m Sirantha Jax, and I have had enough.
OMG! The ending...is so painful. This is the best in the series so far and most definitely the most emotional, I cried a few times throughout the book and some very hard decisions are made.
This book focuses on the recruitment side of war, March is offered the role of Commander, which has it pros and cons. It's a huge responsibility but there's no one else for the position, we get to see old characters from earlier books and everyone's relationships are put to the test. I think what makes this series fantastic is the depth Ann Aguirre writes into each and every character. I fell in love with all of them and when they have personal problems it genuinely upsets me. (I just want to hug Vel everytime I read about him.)
There are soooooo many things in this book that broke my heart, most of them are spoilers so I'll tag them at the end but certain people needed to get a slap upside the head to knock some sense into them.
Everyone has grown so much since book one and I can't wait to see what happens in Aftermath I do hope there is more Vel and Jax time though, he is by far my favorite character. This is a series I can't wait to finish but at the same time I'm so scared when it does end that I'll lose a piece of my soul.
Read 2nd September 2011
I’m Sirantha Jax, and I have had enough.
OMG! The ending...is so painful. This is the best in the series so far and most definitely the most emotional, I cried a few times throughout the book and some very hard decisions are made.
This book focuses on the recruitment side of war, March is offered the role of Commander, which has it pros and cons. It's a huge responsibility but there's no one else for the position, we get to see old characters from earlier books and everyone's relationships are put to the test. I think what makes this series fantastic is the depth Ann Aguirre writes into each and every character. I fell in love with all of them and when they have personal problems it genuinely upsets me. (I just want to hug Vel everytime I read about him.)
There are soooooo many things in this book that broke my heart, most of them are spoilers so I'll tag them at the end but certain people needed to get a slap upside the head to knock some sense into them.
Everyone has grown so much since book one and I can't wait to see what happens in Aftermath I do hope there is more Vel and Jax time though, he is by far my favorite character. This is a series I can't wait to finish but at the same time I'm so scared when it does end that I'll lose a piece of my soul.
March 29, 2011
Why or why can't Sirantha and March ever just be together and somewhat happy? This book comes up with another reason why they have to cool their jets. They're officially at war with the flesh-eating spider people (I forget their name) and March is the commander. As the commander, he cannot have sex or even show that he's with Sirantha because that's bad for morale. Screw morale! They need to just do what's good for them. Even with all my complaining, I still loved the book and have preordered the new one coming out this year.
June 4, 2015
As an author Ann Aguirre is as brilliant as she is unique. I can't say that up to so far have met a character like Sirantha Jax or a good series like this. It's very, very, very hard to find stuff that is similar and equally good.
The only thing i would touch up in the way Aguirre writes are the sex scenes. They are generally bland, and leave everything to be desired. Lucky for us there is plenty of other good stuff to focus on.
The only thing i would touch up in the way Aguirre writes are the sex scenes. They are generally bland, and leave everything to be desired. Lucky for us there is plenty of other good stuff to focus on.
June 4, 2011
This series was an instant hit with me when I started reading it in 2008, and one that I eagerly look forward to. However, this fourth book in the series wasn't as satisfying as the others. The second half made up for the slower first half, and I loved the ending, but I do have a quibble or two.
Sirantha Jax is easily the most famous - or notorious - of all the jumpers: having led a fame-filled career as a unique jumper (she was conceived in grimspace, which has given her a certain longevity to the burnout that usually occurs at a younger age) who brought down the Farwan Corporation (a private company that essentially took over the running of hundreds of worlds and the space that connected them for huge profits) and been an ambassador to Ithis-Torr, she's now teamed up with her lover and space captain, March, to assemble a fleet of ex-pirates to serve as the Conglomerate's new militia. The Morgut attacks are becoming more frequent and more threatening, and March's team races to find a way to match the Morgut's ability to jump through grimspace without using the beacons - enabling them to pop up anywhere. And the key to the future of not just humanity but other species's survival as well lies with Jax, who becomes an experimental prototype of new technology.
Each book follows on closely where the previous one left off, and due to the time lag I did find that there were details, things referred to in this volume, that I simply couldn't remember. It's rather annoying. If you can, it'd be a good idea to read them all together so you don't lose the flow (like I have).
There aren't many heroines around these days who can pull off Jax's smart-mouthed tough girl crossed with vulnerable woman, but the way she's written she definitely makes her presence felt in the most convincing of ways. It'd be hard to sum up her personality except to say that she's a complex character who seems superficial on the surface, and even, sometimes, in her own head. Jax narrates, and while I love her voice my biggest quibble is with the tense.
The series is written in the present tense and it just doesn't work. It's hard to put my finger on why or how it fails, but changing the verb tense is not the only thing you need to do to make present tense work. I noticed it in all the previous books but it didn't bother me so much because the plot was so gripping and fast-paced and the characters so enjoyable, but because this one was so much slower - especially in the first half - it stuck out like a sore thumb. I find it distracting and jolting, it doesn't add suspense or uncertainty to the tone and atmosphere, it doesn't make Jax's future feel unpredictable or dangerous. Part of the problem is that, despite the present tense verbs, it still reads like past tense, and that just does my head in.
This is the kind of thing that is only going to bother me, no one else, but I can't not mention it. Way too many books use present tense when it isn't suitable, or it is but the author doesn't know how to really use it properly - how to write it. I'm not sure I would either, because it really isn't an easy tense to master.
But, moving on.
There's lots to love in Killbox. Sirantha has come a long way from when we first met her in Grimspace, and she develops even more during this outing until that amazing ending when we really see how far along she's come, how much she's matured. She spells it out a bit too often, which I don't need, but it's nice that she's more self-aware too.
With such a slow plot (compared to the other books, anyway), there's more time to focus on the details and build some little side-plots. There's Vel, Jax's best friend, a bug-like alien from Ithiss-Tor who's taught her a great deal and is her unquestioning ally, not to mention much smarter and more skilled than she is: he's a true hero, and it doesn't matter that he's not human, you can't help but be drawn to his silent charisma and feel the simmer of something stronger than deep friendship between the two (especially when he goes off on a new mission and they have to say goodbye - yeah there's more going on, or leading to, than you'd think).
Aside from Vel, I also love March. I've loved the character from the first meeting back in Grimspace, and that hasn't changed. He's had his moments of being a less-than-stellar person, but he has issues too, and what relationship that deep isn't worth fighting for? It's part of Jax's growing maturity that she stands by him. I can believe in their love, and I find March a sympathetic character. He, too, has lots of charisma, and I guess I'm a sucker for the troubled hero with the dark past.
There's not as much to say about the plot in this volume, because there isn't as much of it. There's old characters returned, such as the pirate captain Hon, and Loras, but few new ones. I'm very interested in where the Morgut plot will go - it's all very Doctor Who and I love that. I find I'm less interested in side-plots like finding March's nephew, but I know that's going to be revisited.
This series should be read in order. The previous books are Grimspace, Wanderlust and Doubleblind. The fifth book, Aftermath , is due out in August 2011, and the last book, Endgame , in 2012.
Sirantha Jax is easily the most famous - or notorious - of all the jumpers: having led a fame-filled career as a unique jumper (she was conceived in grimspace, which has given her a certain longevity to the burnout that usually occurs at a younger age) who brought down the Farwan Corporation (a private company that essentially took over the running of hundreds of worlds and the space that connected them for huge profits) and been an ambassador to Ithis-Torr, she's now teamed up with her lover and space captain, March, to assemble a fleet of ex-pirates to serve as the Conglomerate's new militia. The Morgut attacks are becoming more frequent and more threatening, and March's team races to find a way to match the Morgut's ability to jump through grimspace without using the beacons - enabling them to pop up anywhere. And the key to the future of not just humanity but other species's survival as well lies with Jax, who becomes an experimental prototype of new technology.
Each book follows on closely where the previous one left off, and due to the time lag I did find that there were details, things referred to in this volume, that I simply couldn't remember. It's rather annoying. If you can, it'd be a good idea to read them all together so you don't lose the flow (like I have).
There aren't many heroines around these days who can pull off Jax's smart-mouthed tough girl crossed with vulnerable woman, but the way she's written she definitely makes her presence felt in the most convincing of ways. It'd be hard to sum up her personality except to say that she's a complex character who seems superficial on the surface, and even, sometimes, in her own head. Jax narrates, and while I love her voice my biggest quibble is with the tense.
The series is written in the present tense and it just doesn't work. It's hard to put my finger on why or how it fails, but changing the verb tense is not the only thing you need to do to make present tense work. I noticed it in all the previous books but it didn't bother me so much because the plot was so gripping and fast-paced and the characters so enjoyable, but because this one was so much slower - especially in the first half - it stuck out like a sore thumb. I find it distracting and jolting, it doesn't add suspense or uncertainty to the tone and atmosphere, it doesn't make Jax's future feel unpredictable or dangerous. Part of the problem is that, despite the present tense verbs, it still reads like past tense, and that just does my head in.
I wish I could say this is the first time I've awakened to too-bright lights and people peering into my face, but clearly, I've led that sort of life. [...] Apparently, whatever they did to me, it was a success. My head still hurts, but I'm not aware of any pain. That's a plus. [p.188]
This is the kind of thing that is only going to bother me, no one else, but I can't not mention it. Way too many books use present tense when it isn't suitable, or it is but the author doesn't know how to really use it properly - how to write it. I'm not sure I would either, because it really isn't an easy tense to master.
But, moving on.
There's lots to love in Killbox. Sirantha has come a long way from when we first met her in Grimspace, and she develops even more during this outing until that amazing ending when we really see how far along she's come, how much she's matured. She spells it out a bit too often, which I don't need, but it's nice that she's more self-aware too.
With such a slow plot (compared to the other books, anyway), there's more time to focus on the details and build some little side-plots. There's Vel, Jax's best friend, a bug-like alien from Ithiss-Tor who's taught her a great deal and is her unquestioning ally, not to mention much smarter and more skilled than she is: he's a true hero, and it doesn't matter that he's not human, you can't help but be drawn to his silent charisma and feel the simmer of something stronger than deep friendship between the two (especially when he goes off on a new mission and they have to say goodbye - yeah there's more going on, or leading to, than you'd think).
Aside from Vel, I also love March. I've loved the character from the first meeting back in Grimspace, and that hasn't changed. He's had his moments of being a less-than-stellar person, but he has issues too, and what relationship that deep isn't worth fighting for? It's part of Jax's growing maturity that she stands by him. I can believe in their love, and I find March a sympathetic character. He, too, has lots of charisma, and I guess I'm a sucker for the troubled hero with the dark past.
There's not as much to say about the plot in this volume, because there isn't as much of it. There's old characters returned, such as the pirate captain Hon, and Loras, but few new ones. I'm very interested in where the Morgut plot will go - it's all very Doctor Who and I love that. I find I'm less interested in side-plots like finding March's nephew, but I know that's going to be revisited.
This series should be read in order. The previous books are Grimspace, Wanderlust and Doubleblind. The fifth book, Aftermath , is due out in August 2011, and the last book, Endgame , in 2012.
October 9, 2010
Genre: Space Opera
I adored this novel! It’s the fourth in the Sirantha Jax series; the backdrop is sweepingly epic “save the universe” from the Morgut invasion, which is biding fair to obliterate humanity. Despite the epic backdrop the emotional stories are very real. In many ways this book was sad (although it wasn’t depressing, oddly enough) – I really appreciate how Ann Aguirre continues Jax and March’s love story beyond the initial “I love you”. It’s complicated. It’s adult – they love each other but there are other priorities as well. They’ve recovered from the traumas of the earlier books, and enjoy their earlier closeness. However, their own values and priorities dictate that they choose things that sacrifice their own personal happiness for the greater good.
A similar realism applies to Jax’s friendships – in many ways the entire book is about saying goodbye in order to peruse the greater good. In each of the earlier books Jax acquired close friends, but in this one fate seems to be isolating her. Further more she increasingly worries about her own humanity as her body becomes more and more cyborg.
Jax’s personal (and emotional) story is punctuated with views of the political side of the epic drama – the book is interspersed with communications between Chancellor Tarn and a fellow he’s hired to help save humanity. An employee that Tarn ’s own communications indicate would topple his government if his employment became known. I am intrigued by the tantalizing question of who this very enigmatic and effective person was. I am sure this is a story that will be developed more in the sequels. (The end of the novel did make me wonder if there would be sequels, but Ann Aguirre’s website is very explicit –two more novels are planned in the Sirantha Jax series; I can’t wait!!!)
I adored this novel! It’s the fourth in the Sirantha Jax series; the backdrop is sweepingly epic “save the universe” from the Morgut invasion, which is biding fair to obliterate humanity. Despite the epic backdrop the emotional stories are very real. In many ways this book was sad (although it wasn’t depressing, oddly enough) – I really appreciate how Ann Aguirre continues Jax and March’s love story beyond the initial “I love you”. It’s complicated. It’s adult – they love each other but there are other priorities as well. They’ve recovered from the traumas of the earlier books, and enjoy their earlier closeness. However, their own values and priorities dictate that they choose things that sacrifice their own personal happiness for the greater good.
A similar realism applies to Jax’s friendships – in many ways the entire book is about saying goodbye in order to peruse the greater good. In each of the earlier books Jax acquired close friends, but in this one fate seems to be isolating her. Further more she increasingly worries about her own humanity as her body becomes more and more cyborg.
Jax’s personal (and emotional) story is punctuated with views of the political side of the epic drama – the book is interspersed with communications between Chancellor Tarn and a fellow he’s hired to help save humanity. An employee that Tarn ’s own communications indicate would topple his government if his employment became known. I am intrigued by the tantalizing question of who this very enigmatic and effective person was. I am sure this is a story that will be developed more in the sequels. (The end of the novel did make me wonder if there would be sequels, but Ann Aguirre’s website is very explicit –two more novels are planned in the Sirantha Jax series; I can’t wait!!!)
November 15, 2010
It is going to be a very long wait until the next book. Though I know (despite the cliffhanger) that our Jax will somehow survive, it's not going to be an easy wait to find out how she does that.
I really did like this book quite a lot. The character of Jax is quite complex and she has evolved a lot. I do find her to be fascinating as she evolves from being quite self-centered to caring, and from impulsive and emotional to calculating and wise. She's still not quite done becoming the woman she is destined to be, but she's getting there.
The supporting cast was good as always. I really love Vel a lot. I think he's just about my favorite characters (even over Jax). I love how absolutely alien he is, but sometimes he's the most humane and noble of the lot. Dina and Hit are not in this book very much, but I really enjoyed it when they are. One of my beefs against sci-fi/urban fantasy is how often the female protagonist don't have close female friends. There was one very touching scene with Jax and Dina that I thoroughly enjoyed and rang true.
As for March...I really don't care for him. I understand his character and why he does the things he does, but the amount of pain he causes Jax at times is just ridiculous. At this point, I feel she has evolved past him.
If there were any true romantic moments in this book, it was between Jax and Vel. They have developed a very deep and touching relationship that I thoroughly enjoy. It's not mushy or sexual, but something soulful and lovely.
The action was great, the plot was exciting, and I am so glad I discovered this series.
I really did like this book quite a lot. The character of Jax is quite complex and she has evolved a lot. I do find her to be fascinating as she evolves from being quite self-centered to caring, and from impulsive and emotional to calculating and wise. She's still not quite done becoming the woman she is destined to be, but she's getting there.
The supporting cast was good as always. I really love Vel a lot. I think he's just about my favorite characters (even over Jax). I love how absolutely alien he is, but sometimes he's the most humane and noble of the lot. Dina and Hit are not in this book very much, but I really enjoyed it when they are. One of my beefs against sci-fi/urban fantasy is how often the female protagonist don't have close female friends. There was one very touching scene with Jax and Dina that I thoroughly enjoyed and rang true.
As for March...I really don't care for him. I understand his character and why he does the things he does, but the amount of pain he causes Jax at times is just ridiculous. At this point, I feel she has evolved past him.
If there were any true romantic moments in this book, it was between Jax and Vel. They have developed a very deep and touching relationship that I thoroughly enjoy. It's not mushy or sexual, but something soulful and lovely.
The action was great, the plot was exciting, and I am so glad I discovered this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 342 reviews