Aftermath by Ann Aguirre (Sirantha Jax #5)
Sci-Fi
August 30, 2011
Paperback
Ace
I’ve probably said this in every Sirantha Jax review I’ve written, but I’ll say it again. I don’t read a lot of Sci-Fi. The thought of Sci-Fi just doesn’t appeal to me. It’s like one step too far past paranormal and I don’t have interest. But long ago, someone recommended Grimspace by Ann Aguirre, and I picked it up. And I loved it. I can’t help but to compare Sirantha Jax to Kate Daniels (from Ilona Andrews series). They are both so unselfish, honorable, loyal to their friends individuals. They get crap handed to them, and they keep persevering. At one point in Aftermath, Jax is in a pretty dire situation. But she won’t use the word “if”. It is only “when” she can find her way home. She never gives up on herself, nor the ones she cares about, and for that you can’t help but admire her character.
At the end of Killbox, Jax made a big decision. A decision she made on her own, To save the masses, she jumps into grimspace to change the beacons, hoping she can put the ever evil Morgut off track so they can’t continue to eradicate species in the universe and take planets for their own. When Jax changes the beacons, the Morgut can’t navigate. But neither can the Conglomerate.
As a result of her actions, she saves many (the Morgut lose many of their ships), but kills 600 soldiers. She knows deep down what she did was best for the universe, but those death weigh heavy on her. And the Conglomerate can’t let her go unpunished for her actions since she acted on her own. With riots demanding her death, Jax goes to trial for her actions.
This only covers a very small portion of the book but I just don’t want to give anything away. I had NO idea how this trial would turn out and there is so much more to this book. The journey we go on, stunned me. Aftermath starts out so emotional. Jax has no idea where March is, or if he is even alive. She is dealing with the guilt of 600 deaths. She is decompressing from this huge decision she had to make, only to be thrown in jail having no idea what her future holds. From page one, the emotional impact of this book is huge. And I thought to myself that this level of intensity can’t endure throughout the book. And while it doesn’t necessarily, what happens after the trial, just blew me away. And by the end of the book, we reach an entire new emotional high.
For a lot of this book, March and Jax are separated. March is desperate to find his long, lost nephew and having no idea how much time Jax’s trial will last, he takes off to another land to start his search. Through a series of letters that Ann Aguirre includes, Jax and March stay in contact. But Vel – oh Vel. Solid, dependable Vel who has become so close to Jax is the one there for her. What we learn about Vel is so good. How did this bug, this non-human with side-set eyes and a cool, hard chitin body become one of my most favorite characters?
Why do I love this series so much? Ann Aguirre is an amazing story teller. She started with this crazy sci-fi world but what she really has given us are unforgettable characters. She doesn’t give Jax an easy way out, but that is okay because she stays true to her characters. She gives us characters that are flawed. That don’t know if they are making good decisions but that is okay because the consequences are so fascinating to read about. Most importantly, she makes you realize there are different types of love, and a happily ever after doesn’t have to fit into a box. And no matter how dark it gets, Sirantha Jax never gives up on the ones she loves. I have no idea where she will take us in the final book, Endgame, but I. Can’t. Wait.
Rating: A
Giveaway: Since I enjoyed this book so much I’m going to give away one book from this series. Your choice as to which book you want. I do suggest reading this series in order – Grimspace, Wanderlust, Doubleblind, Killbox, Aftermath.
To enter leave a comment stating which book you would like to win. If I can ship to you from Amazon or Book Depository you are eligible to enter. Contest open through September 2nd.
Recent Reviews:
Wicked Little Pixie – 5/5
All Things Urban Fantasy – 5/5
Goodreads
August 31, 2011 at 1:21 pm
YEAH!!! Great review, Mandi! I HEART YOU SO HARD for getting me in to this series!!! (don’t enter me, just wanted to squee with you)
August 31, 2011 at 1:21 pm
Nice review! I’m not big on sci-fi either, but your review makes me really want to give it a try. I would like to win Grimspace. Thanks for the giveaway.
August 31, 2011 at 1:26 pm
Nice Review! Would love to get Grimspace!
~Kayla
kcrochet002@gmail.com
August 31, 2011 at 1:27 pm
I’m starting to get into the Sci-Fi a lot more – maybe I needed to read more UF first? Either way, this sounds like a great series! Thanks for the giveaway, and I’d love to get Grimspace.
August 31, 2011 at 1:36 pm
Your tweets and now this review have got me dying to catch up on this series so I can read THIS book!! *dies*
August 31, 2011 at 1:40 pm
I love a chance to win Aftermath. I have collected the other already and this would be a great addition.
Good reading ~ Escape by Fiction
August 31, 2011 at 1:41 pm
I want to read this series so badly!! I would love to win Grimspace, please.
August 31, 2011 at 1:59 pm
I have Grimspace on my TBR. After reading this review, I think I will pick it up now. Knowing me, afte reading the first book I would like the second one Wanderlust ASAP.
August 31, 2011 at 2:01 pm
What a great review and giveaway. I have read Grimspace and loved it, I’ve also got the next two on my tbr pile so if I won I would like Killbox.
August 31, 2011 at 2:10 pm
Since I haven’t started this series I woul love to win Grimapace! Thanks for the giveaway
vivianmah8(AT)hotmail.com
August 31, 2011 at 2:13 pm
Sorry for the typo GRIMSPACE great review
vivianmah8(AT)hotmail.com
August 31, 2011 at 2:18 pm
Great review Mandi! I love this series. Would love to win Aftermath.
Anna
annasbookblog@ gmail.com
August 31, 2011 at 2:31 pm
I haven’t started this series yet. It sounds great .Thank you for the chance.
artgiote at gmail dot com
August 31, 2011 at 2:40 pm
I would love to win Grimspace. I have heard so much about this series and I think I’m ready to give it a try
August 31, 2011 at 2:43 pm
I’d love to be entered and I’d pick Doubleblind
August 31, 2011 at 2:45 pm
Sounds like a great series. Need to start at the beginning so would love to win Grimspace.
August 31, 2011 at 2:50 pm
I’d love to win Wanderlust, thanks for the giveaway.
August 31, 2011 at 3:10 pm
Love the series. I would love Aftermath. Ann sure knows her heroines!
kasuranna at yahoo dot com
August 31, 2011 at 3:13 pm
Ohh I enjoyed the first two book in the series. I cannot wait to read the last who. Either Killbox or Aftermath. Thank you for reminding me this was out!
terilhack at yahoo dot com
August 31, 2011 at 3:39 pm
Don’t enter me as I have a copy of Aftermath on its way (and own the rest of the series), but I just had to say…You made me oh so happy by mentioning Vel’s role in this story. He is my favorite character, has been so since the moment he appeared, and my love for him (and the relationship that’s built between him and Jax) continues to grow with each book. Now I am doubly excited to read this one (and I was well and truly excited before).
August 31, 2011 at 3:41 pm
You are going to love it!
August 31, 2011 at 3:40 pm
Would love to win Grimspace!
kissinoak at frontier dot com
August 31, 2011 at 3:40 pm
I just recently picked up Grimspace and plan to read it as soon as my review commitments are all read (you and Anna from Anna’s Book Blog talked me into it with your tweets about the series last week), so I’d love to win a copy of Wanderlust.
August 31, 2011 at 3:45 pm
I want to win Killbox
Maybe then I can get my act together and read book 2 and 3 that is sitting on my shelf. Cos I do wanna continue, it was so fun
August 31, 2011 at 4:01 pm
Oh, Grimspace would be every so nice.
August 31, 2011 at 4:20 pm
I want Aftermath. I just love being able to sit down and read a series back, to back, to back. Pure nirvana!
August 31, 2011 at 4:41 pm
I haven’t read the series yet, so I would like to start at the beginning please
Thank you for making it international!
August 31, 2011 at 4:41 pm
This series is in my TBR pile! I’d love a copy of Aftermath; thanks for the opportunity.
August 31, 2011 at 5:03 pm
Grimspace, please. I have had this series on my wish list for a while. Thank you! This series sounds so interesting and people who read it seem to really love it!
jepebATverizonDOTnet
August 31, 2011 at 5:08 pm
I would love to read Wanderlust. I’ve already read Grimspace and it was such a suprise to me that I can’t wait to read more.
Thanks for a fantastic review – it really makes me curious
greetings, Melanie
August 31, 2011 at 5:26 pm
Great review, I really want to read this series I have had it on my TBR for forever!
Grimspace please!
Suzanne @ Under the Covers
nyxxy@hotmail.co.uk
August 31, 2011 at 5:33 pm
Great review, I’ve been pressured by friends to read this series.
I would love to win Grimspace!
Thanks for the giveaway!
August 31, 2011 at 6:44 pm
I want Aftermath please! I can’t wait to get started on reading it.
August 31, 2011 at 7:41 pm
I’ve only read the first, but I’ve bought the others and they are on my TBR list/category on my Kindle. But I do not have Aftermath so I would love that. I’m excited to read through the series now that I know the last book has an A rating by you!
August 31, 2011 at 7:53 pm
I adore the Sirantha Jax series, and I’m dying to read Aftermath and it would be awesome to win a copy. Grimspace was my first introduction to Ann Aguirre and her books and I’m been devouring them every since.
Barbed1951 at aol dot com
August 31, 2011 at 7:53 pm
I adore the Sirantha Jax series. I’m dying to read Aftermath and it would be awesome to win a copy. Grimspace was my first introduction to Ann Aguirre and her books and I’m been devouring them every since.
Barbed1951 at aol dot com
August 31, 2011 at 8:04 pm
Wow- sounds soooo good! I have only read Grimspace so would love to win book 2 Wanderlust to continue on. Thanks for the chance!
August 31, 2011 at 8:19 pm
I love this series and it’s all your fault!! I’m not a fan of sci fi either – only this series and Gini Koch.
August 31, 2011 at 8:21 pm
Give me Aftermath. Thanks.
bastardbooks @ gmail
August 31, 2011 at 8:44 pm
I would love to win Grimspace. This is a series I have been thinking about reading.
August 31, 2011 at 9:52 pm
I would love to win Wanderlust!!!
August 31, 2011 at 9:56 pm
I would love a shiny copy of Aftermath. Sirantha Jax is my book bff.
b(dot)cardone(at)hotmail(dot)com
August 31, 2011 at 10:26 pm
I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to start this series, since *everyone* I know loves it, but I only started last week! I finished Grimspace, am in the first 1/3 of Wanderlust, and have Doubleblind waiting in the wings… So I’d love to win Killbox, so I don’t have too long a lag before I can get it on my own! (Gonna cross my fingers extra hard!)
Thanks for the giveaway chance!
rissatoo ATgmail DOTcom
August 31, 2011 at 11:02 pm
I’ve had my eye on this series for a while, but the whole Sci-Fi thing has kept me at bay as well….but when you compare Jax to my girl Kate Daniels I knew it was time to start.
I’d love to get the first book, Grimspace. I’m anal-retentive. I must read a series in order.
Thanks for the chance to win!
akbabcock at gmail dot com
August 31, 2011 at 11:15 pm
I love science fiction TV, well, the new BSG (battlestar galactica) anyway. I have not tried reading any so would love to try Grimspace
eawefel (at) gmail (dot) com
August 31, 2011 at 11:33 pm
i love love love this series and can’t wait to read this one!
September 1, 2011 at 12:16 am
I want aftermath! Yes yes, please and thank you! *skips away to wade through more books*
September 1, 2011 at 12:22 am
have been wanting to get to this series it sounds so good!! Where is all my time! haha would love the 1st book!! love your giveaways:))
September 1, 2011 at 12:59 am
I absolutely adore this series!! I was so mad at the cliffhanger in the fourth book and can’t wait to read this one to find out the rest of Sirantha and March’s story
Thanks for the giveaway!
smaccall AT comcast.net
September 1, 2011 at 1:07 am
I would love to read “Grimspace” , I have to read a series in order, it would drive me crazy if I couldn’t. So lets start with the one that started it all. Thanks for the chance!!
September 1, 2011 at 2:52 am
Grimspace please!
September 1, 2011 at 2:53 am
I would love to win Grimspace. This is a series has been on my wishlist.
September 1, 2011 at 3:12 am
I keep reading fabulous reviews about this series but I have not manage to read any book of it jet. So I would love to win Grimspace.
September 1, 2011 at 3:38 am
Great review, you’ve piqued my interest!!! I would like to start @ the beginning with Grimspace!
September 1, 2011 at 4:44 am
I have had Ann Aguirre’s sci-fi series on my wishlist for some time now since I kieep hearing how great it is
I would like to choose the 1st book in the series: Grimspace 
Thank you for the giveaway and I’m glad that even after 5 books this series is still one you enjoy
stella.exlibris (at) gmail (dot) com
September 1, 2011 at 6:20 am
Awesome. I would love to start this series, so I’d go with the first one, Grimspace. Thank you!
jessicamariesutton(at)msn(dot)com
September 1, 2011 at 8:57 am
I haven’t heard much about this series, so I’d start with book 1, Grimspace.
acm05atjuno.com
September 1, 2011 at 10:09 am
I have not read this series so would like to start with Grimspace. Thank you for sharing this fun giveaway opportunity.
dz59001[at]gmail[dot]com
September 1, 2011 at 11:11 am
I have not read this series. Please enter me in contest for Grimspace. I would love to read this series. Tore923@aol.com
September 1, 2011 at 12:08 pm
I would love to win a copy of Wanderlust.
September 1, 2011 at 12:39 pm
I would love to start this series. I have Grimspace on my wish list. Thanks for the review and giveaway.
jnmt3@hotmail.com
September 1, 2011 at 1:50 pm
I’ve read the first three books so far, so my pick would be Killbox.
caity_mack at yahoo dot com
September 1, 2011 at 4:06 pm
I’d love to win “Aftermath” please
I have marked the series order, so I am going to try and get her earlier books !
Thanks so much for the giveaway. judimello AT gmail DOT com
September 1, 2011 at 6:25 pm
Would love to get “Aftermath”
Thanks!
whatcouldgowrongwithawhale@gmail.com
September 1, 2011 at 6:44 pm
I would love to win book one in this series, so that would be Grimspace. Thanks for the giveaway!
chibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com
September 1, 2011 at 10:33 pm
I need to try this author after reading your review. If I won I would definately have to start at the beginning.
Thanks for the giveaway and great post.
musicalfrog(at)comcast(dot)net
September 1, 2011 at 11:49 pm
I would love to start this series with a copy of Grimspace.
September 2, 2011 at 1:04 am
I’d love a copy of Wanderlust; I have Grimspace & Doubleblind (ugh, I bought book 3 before book 2!).
I’ve read Grimspace & liked it so much I added the rest of the series to my wishlist. Then bought bk3 before bk2. Duh!
September 2, 2011 at 4:31 am
i would like grimspace to start the serie
thanks for the giveaway
September 2, 2011 at 5:43 am
Great review, a new series for me, though I was wondering about it since Yasmine Galenorn recommend this book/author. So if I win against those amazing odds, I’d like to win the first one.
September 2, 2011 at 10:44 am
I just started this series and it is fantastic. I’d love to win Aftermath. Thanks for the contest!
September 2, 2011 at 1:09 pm
I would love to win Grimspace. Thanks for the excellent review and giveaway!!
Mandy(at)fuse(dot)net
September 2, 2011 at 11:08 pm
oh shoot i hope i made it in time! i never read any of her books before (except her ava gray ones) so i’ll be happy to enter this giveaway and give this a shot!