(This is how I actually picture Jax – which doesn’t always happen with covers)
Wanderlust – Ann Aguirre
August 26, 2008
Urban Fantasy
Paperback, 320 pages
Ace
I recently read Grimspace and was wowed big time. I immediately picked up Wanderlust and I have to say that I am continued to be impressed.
Wanderlust starts right where Grimspace left off. Sirantha Jax and crew – including love interest March and once enemy Dina, have been quarantined from each other until their stories of what happened to the former Farwan Corporation can be alibied. Farwan was once a huge corporation, employing jumpers, those like Jax who can jump with super speed to different planets. However, corruption and Jax made them fall.
The new power in town is the Conglomerate and they have a new mission for Jax. The Conglomerate wants control back from the private sector and as first step they make Jax an Ambassador. Of course, getting to these planets is extremely risky with the chaos from the fallout of Farwan. Jax is ready though – she can’t live without jumping, and with March and Dina at her side, she is ready to take a chance.
As in Grimpsace though, their mission does not go as planned. They have many battles and close calls with creepy space creatures. One of the reasons I love this series so much is the mix of disgusting aliens that are absolutely brutal, and the smart-ass witty humor and uneasy love that Ann Aguirre can write so well – and oh does Wanderlust provide the angst.
Jax is sick – she is not healing like she used to. Thus sets up a complication in their relationship. Jax loves March, but the death of her former boyfriend still haunts her. She forces herself to move forward, but she can’t give all of herself. She is afraid she is dying and it terrifies her to get close, so she pushes away. All March wants to do is help her in any way he can. He wants her to lean on him, confide in him, but she can’t. March is made of such opposites – here is a man that has killed so ruthlessly, yet is so quiet and warm in his love for Jax. Can I shake a little sense into Jax? She would probably kick my ass for shaking her, but someone needs to! At one point Jax has to leave and March decides to stay behind to help keep the people from harm on the planet. My heart was ripping out, my stomach was a mess – what? I get a little attached! I was not expecting this emotional roller coaster when I started this series but I wouldn’t want it any other way.
The addition of Vel, the former bounty hunter turned friend, Hit, a kick-ass pilot and love interest for Dina and Jael, a human with super healing abilities and lots of secrets as crew members made the story very enjoyable
The ending wraps up the action but leaves so much more for us to discover. What will become of March? He is hurting and not in good shape. I think he needs some SLC (smexy loving care).
I suppose I can make it two weeks until Doubleblind comes out;)
This series includes:
Grimspace – February 26, 2008
Wanderlust – August 26, 2008
Doubleblind – September 29, 2009
Killbox – October 2010
Ann Aguirre’s Website.
Poor Jax and March :( Jax with no hair and March becoming a crazed killer again makes for boo hoo reading. But OMG this book had me in knots, especially the ending.
Cannot wait for Doubleblind.
I have yet to pick up a book from Ann Aguirre but she seems to have a great voice and some fabulous characters. Skin Game will pop the Ann Aguirre cherry for me and if I love what I am reading I will most defintely give this series a go :D
I have seen these books on other blogs and I've kept meaning to add them to my tbr pile. Now I *must* add them after reading your review. Thanks!
Kate – I know the end – sob. Can't wait to see how March recovers.
Leontine – I can't wait to open Skin Game! It's going to be a good read:)
Book Chick – Definitely..you will not be disappointed!
This is such a great series! Also, I do love the covers. That is a good point about what Jax looks like.
I am just starting this one now – like yesterday….
Grimspace was just so good – I am glad this one lives up to my expectation…
Delving back in now…
E.H>
Carolyn – very unique covers…I like them
EH – Can't wait to hear your thoughts!
Hi :)
Thanks for the great review.
I have this series on my ToBeRead list.
:)
All the best,
@RKCharron
xoxo
Oh oh :) I can't say anything more. I did wonder what would happen to them all after I finished the book, and now i wonder more
I'm dying for Doubleblind. I NEED it!
Can I take Vel home?
Yes – you take Vel, I will take March. We can have a dinner party ;)
I knew there was a reason I liked you! *g*
I really wished I read faster! I feel like I'm in the dark here… I'll get to this series soon. :)
If I could kick my own a** I would. I had Grimspace in my hand in the book store and put it back for "book budgeting" reason. What the heck was I thinking? Now after reading how great you found Wanderlust (also in my hand *cries) I needs to read this series!
Ack! I so need to read this series!!! And 'Blue Diablo' too. I totally feel like I'm missing out.
Great review as always Mandi. You had me chuckling when you said that Jax would kick your ass if you tried to shake some sense into her. lol! I'm likin' this heroine already. ;) And emotional rollercoaster? I can't believe I haven't read this yet!!! I'm kicking my own ass!
Thanks for the review and recommendation!
;) VFG
I think one of your advertisements caused my internet browser to resize, you might want to put that on your blacklist.
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