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
Author’s Website l Series Listing
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) :P
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.
Nice Review! Would love to get Grimspace!
~Kayla
kcrochet002@gmail.com
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.
Your tweets and now this review have got me dying to catch up on this series so I can read THIS book!! *dies*
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
I want to read this series so badly!! I would love to win Grimspace, please. :)
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.
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.
Since I haven’t started this series I woul love to win Grimapace! Thanks for the giveaway
vivianmah8(AT)hotmail.com
Sorry for the typo GRIMSPACE great review :)
vivianmah8(AT)hotmail.com
Great review Mandi! I love this series. Would love to win Aftermath. :)
Anna
annasbookblog@ gmail.com
I haven’t started this series yet. It sounds great .Thank you for the chance.
artgiote at gmail dot com
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 :)
I’d love to be entered and I’d pick Doubleblind
Sounds like a great series. Need to start at the beginning so would love to win Grimspace.
I’d love to win Wanderlust, thanks for the giveaway.
Love the series. I would love Aftermath. Ann sure knows her heroines!
kasuranna at yahoo dot com
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
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).
You are going to love it! :)
Would love to win Grimspace!
kissinoak at frontier dot com
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.
I want to win Killbox :D 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
Oh, Grimspace would be every so nice.
I want Aftermath. I just love being able to sit down and read a series back, to back, to back. Pure nirvana!
I haven’t read the series yet, so I would like to start at the beginning please :) Thank you for making it international!
This series is in my TBR pile! I’d love a copy of Aftermath; thanks for the opportunity.
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
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
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
Great review, I’ve been pressured by friends to read this series.
I would love to win Grimspace!
Thanks for the giveaway!
I want Aftermath please! I can’t wait to get started on reading it. :D
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!
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
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
Wow- sounds soooo good! I have only read Grimspace so would love to win book 2 Wanderlust to continue on. Thanks for the chance!
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.
Give me Aftermath. Thanks.
bastardbooks @ gmail
I would love to win Grimspace. This is a series I have been thinking about reading.
I would love to win Wanderlust!!!
I would love a shiny copy of Aftermath. Sirantha Jax is my book bff.
b(dot)cardone(at)hotmail(dot)com
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
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
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
i love love love this series and can’t wait to read this one!
I want aftermath! Yes yes, please and thank you! *skips away to wade through more books*
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:))
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
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!!
Grimspace please! :D
I would love to win Grimspace. This is a series has been on my wishlist.
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.
Great review, you’ve piqued my interest!!! I would like to start @ the beginning with Grimspace! :D
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 :-D
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
Awesome. I would love to start this series, so I’d go with the first one, Grimspace. Thank you!
jessicamariesutton(at)msn(dot)com
I haven’t heard much about this series, so I’d start with book 1, Grimspace.
acm05atjuno.com
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
I have not read this series. Please enter me in contest for Grimspace. I would love to read this series. Tore923@aol.com
I would love to win a copy of Wanderlust.
I would love to start this series. I have Grimspace on my wish list. Thanks for the review and giveaway.
jnmt3@hotmail.com
I’ve read the first three books so far, so my pick would be Killbox.
caity_mack at yahoo dot com
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
Would love to get “Aftermath”
Thanks!
whatcouldgowrongwithawhale@gmail.com
I would love to win book one in this series, so that would be Grimspace. Thanks for the giveaway!
chibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com
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
I would love to start this series with a copy of Grimspace.
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!
i would like grimspace to start the serie
thanks for the giveaway
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.
I just started this series and it is fantastic. I’d love to win Aftermath. Thanks for the contest!
I would love to win Grimspace. Thanks for the excellent review and giveaway!!
Mandy(at)fuse(dot)net
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!