Killbox by Ann Aguirre (Sirantha Jax #4)
Science Fiction
August 31, 2010
Paperback, 353 Pages
Ace
Reviewed by Mandi
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.
Rating: 5/5
Recent Reviews:
Lurv ala Mode – 5/5
The Book Pushers – 5/5
Goodreads
This series includes:
Grimspace
Wanderlust
Doublebline
Killbox
Aftermath – 9/2011
Endgame – 9/2012
This series sounds very intriguing. I love Ann Aguirre as Ava Gray. Her writing in her Skin series is exceptional. I'm sure this series is no exception. This is yet another series that is sitting in my book closet…I really do need to get around to digging through there. lol Great review Mandi!
Totally skipped the entire review, and read that it got a 5, can't spoil myself one bit ;) I am only reading book 2
Julie – her writing in this series is exceptional too..I def recommend!
Blodeuedd – LOL..I would do that too…You have three good books ahead of you!
I think I have book one of this series….somewhere *eek* What really triggers me in your review Mandi is the fact that written from a 1st person's POV you also get so attached to the other characters as well. I iz intrigued… :D
You would love this series Leontine!!
Wonderful review Mandi. I'm definitely starting this series soon. :)
psyched for this! I'm good with gloomy…And more Vel! Thanks for the review!!
Tori – YAY!
Carolyn – Really good stuff with Vel..I heart him.
I've only read the first book but it was amazing! I'll have to catch up right away!
Oh man, I must have this book right now. :D
Sci-fi and gloomy doesn't appeal but you gave it a 5. I'm kind of torn. I don't know. :)
Karen – omg…Grimspace is sooooo good!!!
Brooke – Yes you do :)
FV – Gloomy in a sense that the outlook is bleak..but trust me…this book/series is amazing….you must read it! ;)
I'm usually not into Sci-fi but I might need to reconsider for this series. I mean, you gave it a 5! ;)
Thanks for such a lovely review.
For those who aren't sure, 80% of my biggest fans are women who said, initially, "I'm usually not into SF…"
Amy, see Ann's statement..LOL
And Ann, I said the same thing when I picked up Grimspace ;) You changed my mind.
Can't read the review. I still haven't finished Doubleblind but it'S good to see this one will be a total win too.
I've only read those two "Skin" books as Ava Gray, and now I think you have convinced me that this is the next series for me to pick up! This review has me so excited!!
Crap how did I miss this one to buy in August?! I love this series – somebody really cool recommend I read it a long time ago *wink wink*