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alkora's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
betwixt_the_pages's review
3.0
Press-ganged into servitude by a ruthless band of marauders who survived the devastating Storm, Nash has grown tired of his career– the young, undefeated champion of the Stray Dog fighting pits. All he longs for is a place to live where his family is not his enemy.
When his captain gives him an assignment to embed him deeper into the crew, Nash attempts to refuse, until the life of his friend is threatened. Determined to save her, Nash embarks on the mission to subjugate and control a supplier. But the supplier has other clients, one of which could be the son of the most feared pirate captain in all of Westraven.
And if Nash plays his cards right, the key to his deeply desired freedom, if he can live with the consequences of his choice…
Set two years before the events of CRIMSON SKY, this prequel novella tells the story of how Nash and Sawyer crossed paths– and fists. While best enjoyed before reading CRIMSON SKY, this bonus story can be read at any time or enjoyed as a standalone.
Rating: 3/5 Penguins
Quick Reasons: I agree, this should be read BEFORE Crimson Sky; love the glimpse into Nash's past, and how his relationship with Sawyer was forged; the characters felt a bit stiff at times; this wasn't quite as engaging a read as the full-length novels have been; a good dose of sass, a good amount of action
HUGE thanks to Amy Braun for sending me a copy of this novella free in exchange for an honest review! This in no way altered my read of or opinions on this book.
"Men like t talk about brutality. Pretend it doesn't unnerve us. Few of them have actually seen what true monsters are capable of."
I feel...a bit let down by this novella, unfortunately. I've had the opportunity to read both full-length novels in this series so far, and LOVED them to pieces--but this one fell a bit flat, in my opinion. I feel like a big part of this falls on the storytelling and characterization--there is SO MUCH focus on getting this story told within such a short amount of time, I'm not sure the characters were allowed to show their true colors completely. Having read the rest of this series, I've grown to know and adore these characters as older versions...and I didn't see much of those men in this novella. They aren't as well-rounded.
I did, however, appreciate the backstory that this novella provides. We were given a glimpse at these characters from BEFORE--and that's not often something readers get the chance to see. I especially enjoy that we see more of Nash--while he's just as integral a part of the later series as the rest of the crew, I feel he sometimes slips off to the sidelines to observe. We were put right into his head for this read, and I loved that shift in perspective--the chance to see Nash in his element, instead of through someone else's eyes.
The action is decently written, though not as high-stakes or fast-paced as the books later down the line. While there are several battle scenes, I didn't feel as emotionally connected during them as I thought I would I missed the nail-biting anticipation of the other books in the series. I feel like something important was missing in this read, overall--I have a feeling it might be the rest of the crew, all the characters I've so grown attached to in the future journey.
"Listen, Nash," I turned to Sawyer again. "I can't stop you from leaving if you want to, but I doubt there's anything past the barricade. The Hellions will have made sure of that. You might not find what you're looking for."
I narrowed my eyes. "And what exactly am I looking for?"
He held my gaze, his golden eyes darkening with sadness, and understanding. "Somewhere to belong."
This was, overall, a quick and entertaining read. There are some noteworthy snark moments, particularly from Sawyer (still love Sawyer, guys; I'm obsessed!). The battle scenes were engaging, though not necessarily as emotionally-driven for me as a reader. I appreciated a glimpse at this world from a new set of eyes...but in the end, I'm not sure I really NEEDED this book in my life. Still, it's a fast-paced, swashbuckling tale of vampires and pirates (er...mostly sans vampires)--and I can't wait to see where the series goes from here! I definitely recommend to lovers of prequel novellas, backstories, and ruthless daring in the face of life and death. Amy Braun, you know how to keep a reader on her toes--I can't wait to see what you do next!
nelljustice's review
4.0
This is an urban fantasy set in a post-apocalyptic world with humans and horrible Hellion creatures. There is death and violence, sadness and hope. There is no sex in this book and it could be a standalone; but, be aware that if you start reading one episode from the Dark Sky series, you’ll want to keep reading.
mj_james_writes's review
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
Amber Sky is the first story, chronologically, in the Dark Sky series by Amy Braun. The story is an independently published Novella that was written after the first books in the series. It is my first Amy Braun book, and my entrance to the Dark Sky world.
The novella follows Nash as he escapes from one of the last gangs in a post apocalyptic world. It was hard to get a complete sense of the world from the novella, I imagine there is more world building in the first books. From what I understand there was some storm that killed a lot of people. There are also aliens that hunt people. So, most humans live underground.
The story is interesting enough for me to continue on. I want to see how Braun writes a full length novel. I am hopeful that the characters and world will be a bit more flushed out. The novella wasn’t great, but it was good. I was interested nobly the world and wanted to see what happens. More so, I am interested to see how things developed.
Unfortunately, the formatting of the ebook (Kobo edition) was not great. I am not a fan of the spacing between paragraphs instead of indenting, especially since sentences were disconnected from paragraphs to, presumably, add emphasis. In addition, the font would randomly italicize until you were reading whole pages that way. It is not the most comfortable experience. Thankfully it would reset at the next chapter u til it happened again.
There were also noticeable grammar errors. Sentences were missing whole words. I understand the occasional errors. However, these were ones a read through should have picked up. There were also a lot of incomplete sentences. This seemed to be a choice, which I do not understand. You can add emphasis and still follow grammar rules.
The other area of concern is the depiction of women in the story. There is only one female character, and the mention of other females. The one female character is around for the pleasure of men. She is a pretty face that needs Nash to rescue her. The other women are called wh***s and are talked about them being knocked around. There is no positive female representation. This is even more disappointing coming from a female author.
With that being said, I do plan to continue. The books have great reviews, and I think this novella may have been a bit rushed and not as indicative of the major works. Even still, it was still an enjoyable read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Sexism
Minor: Domestic abuse
whit2ney's review
4.0
Nash has one job: survive. In his small dystopian society, The Stray Dogs, he's the main attraction as the Crater champion—he fights for entertainment as well as punishing anyone who needs to learn a lesson. Being the best fighter still makes him an outcast in society, which is just one of the reasons why Nash would rather survive in the unrelenting outside world than fight again for the Ryland, their hovel's lead boss.
After Nash's one friend, Sonya, is physically threatened, he agrees to go on the surface to intimidate the local farmer for food and supplies. It's there that Nash meets a marauder that gives Nash his ultimate plan for escape.
The dystopian realm is definitely Braun's dojo. She gives lots of detail of the local scenery, as well as the local dystopian threat—the Hellions. The ultimate enemies are humanoid blood-suckers that were the reason for much of the population decimation and part of Nash's reason for living underground for so long. Her world is the right combination of dystopia and steampunk from the social structure system, to the tools of survival.
Braun also does a good job of giving a realistic account of the damage Nash earns and dishes out. She really gets into the mind of a trained fighter when describing each fight scene and he responds in a realistic manner to the types of injuries he sustains.
I think my favorite part of this novella was the entertaining relationship between Nash and Sawyer (the marauder). It's fun watching these two macho loners try to work together. They take turns saving the day and being pretty cocky about it. I'll let you guys enjoy that.
I will warn younger readers that there are off-screen references to heavy violence and rape. They were tastefully done in the novel, given the rugged, no-mercy society that Nash lives in.
Braun's choice to make this a novella made for great pacing and a great teaser to the rest of her Dark Sky series. The only real drawback was a slight overemphasis of Nash's reactions to each blow he receives; a bit too many reminders of just how much air is being punched out of him.
After Nash's one friend, Sonya, is physically threatened, he agrees to go on the surface to intimidate the local farmer for food and supplies. It's there that Nash meets a marauder that gives Nash his ultimate plan for escape.
The dystopian realm is definitely Braun's dojo. She gives lots of detail of the local scenery, as well as the local dystopian threat—the Hellions. The ultimate enemies are humanoid blood-suckers that were the reason for much of the population decimation and part of Nash's reason for living underground for so long. Her world is the right combination of dystopia and steampunk from the social structure system, to the tools of survival.
Braun also does a good job of giving a realistic account of the damage Nash earns and dishes out. She really gets into the mind of a trained fighter when describing each fight scene and he responds in a realistic manner to the types of injuries he sustains.
I think my favorite part of this novella was the entertaining relationship between Nash and Sawyer (the marauder). It's fun watching these two macho loners try to work together. They take turns saving the day and being pretty cocky about it. I'll let you guys enjoy that.
I will warn younger readers that there are off-screen references to heavy violence and rape. They were tastefully done in the novel, given the rugged, no-mercy society that Nash lives in.
Braun's choice to make this a novella made for great pacing and a great teaser to the rest of her Dark Sky series. The only real drawback was a slight overemphasis of Nash's reactions to each blow he receives; a bit too many reminders of just how much air is being punched out of him.
novelbloglover's review
5.0
Book Review
Title: Amber Sky
Author: Amy Braun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Steam Punk/Dystopian
Rating: *****
Review: This novella is the prequel to the Dark Sky series; Crimson Sky and Midnight Sky. I have read and reviewed books 1 & 2 and really enjoyed them and couldn’t wait to see what Amy Braun had in store for us next. In this review I will try to keep spoilers out from books 1 & 2 of the series for those of you that haven’t read it yet.
The opening of the story starts with a fight in which Nash is involved. Nash was one of the my favorite characters from the Dark Sky series as his personality and attitude were amazing without being cheesy or cliché. I loved seeing how Nash regrets having to win the fight and feels ashamed about what he has been made to do by his Captain.
We learn that Nash unlike the other Dog’s is gentle and kind. A prime example of this is how he interacts with Sonya, despite how their relationship began he has learnt to tame the beast within and he has even accepted he loves her. Sonya doesn’t feel the same way as she lost the one she loved in the Storm and is not willing to replace him not matter how much she cares for Nash. We can clearly see Nash doesn’t feel safe or at home with the Dogs despite them giving him shelter, food and safety after the Storm. Nash remembers his life before the Storm and longs for a life where he doesn’t have to fight to survive, a life we he can love and be loved. A normal life. But even though he longs for these things he holds little hope of actually achieving them.
Nash learns the Hellions; which are strange looking beings that feed on blood are advancing having learned how to move around in the daylight. The mere mention of the beings stirs painful memories for Nash as well as countless others. We also learn that Ryland the leader of the Dog Clan will do anything to get what he desires. He evens goes a far as putting a gun to Sonya’s head to get Nash to agree to a job “convincing” Davy; one of the farmer to share his crops in exchange for protection from the Dogs. I have a feeling this will not go well as Davy has refused the Dog’s protection on numerous occasions. As Nash goes above ground and sets about his task, he reflects on his life before the Storm and how much he and everyone else has lost. He also thinks about how he’s going to convince Davy to side with the cruel Ryland without resorting to violence.
It is at Davy’s farm that Nash has his first encounter with Sawyer; someone he will become extremely close to in the following books. Nash eventually takes food from Davy but with cunning rather than violence, he also has a plan to make sure the Dogs don’t bother Davy again. A slither of Sawyer’s past is also revealed here but we find out more about it in the following books. We also gain some vital insight into Ryland’s past and how he come to be so demented and cruel, but not before he issues an order Nash didn’t foresee, he will be forced to fight Sawyer in the Crater and Nash knows it will presumably be a fight to the death.
With Sonya’s help Nash formulates a plan to save Sawyer, himself and Sonya and escape the tyranny of the Dogs’ Clan for good. Nash and Sonya between the distract the Dogs long enough to get Sawyer and make it above ground. But Nash seems to have no luck in this story. After getting out of the Dens and to freedom, Nash, Sawyer and Sonya are being chased and targeted by the Hellions which are 100 times worse the Ryland and his pack of rabid dogs.Suddenly a three way fight ensues between Sawyer & Co. the dogs and the Hellions. Sawyer knowing the above ground the best leads Nash deeper into the city and towards the Hellions with the dogs hot on their heels – sneaky Sawyer has laid a trap for them. Meanwhile, Sonya has disappeared, she hid around a building and has not been seen since, whether she has been captured or killed by either the Hellions or the dogs is unknown.
The amount of action in this novella is just amazing, they are so detailed and gripping and truly make your heart pound. But this action does not override the character and plot development. We are clearly shown the friendship between Nash and Sawyer forming especially when Sawyer admits no one has ever saved him life before. We also learn that Sawyer trusts Nash enough to take him to his hide-out/home.
During Nash’s recovery in which Sawyer stiches him up, feeds him ect. They become quite good friends. After Nash is fully recovered his insists on finding Sonya who he hasn’t seen since the night they escaped. It turns out she has been dating Sawyer while living and working on Davy’s farm where she is extremely happy. Nash is also happy for her but he realises he doesn’t really belong with Sonya and belongs nowhere in the above ground world. Nash thinks about going over the barricade to find somewhere new to belong when once again Sawyer extends the hand of friendship to him and they begin to form the crew we would see in Crimson Sky.
Overall this novella at just over 100 pages long this novella was a quick, fast-paced read. It also provides some vital insight to what will come in the later novels and how the long standing friendships and bonds where formed. I also like learning about Nash’s roots where he came from, because in Crimson Sky and Midnight Sky we learn about Sawyer’s roots as well as other characters but Nash’s story seems to fade into the background as if he has always been there and always will be. I think out of all the stories in this series this one is my favourite so far as I love origin stories. This novella is character driven and if you don’t connect with Sawyer and Nash in this story I doubt you ever will, their bonds of friendship forged in the crucible of death make for an amazing read that you just can’t put down.
Title: Amber Sky
Author: Amy Braun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Steam Punk/Dystopian
Rating: *****
Review: This novella is the prequel to the Dark Sky series; Crimson Sky and Midnight Sky. I have read and reviewed books 1 & 2 and really enjoyed them and couldn’t wait to see what Amy Braun had in store for us next. In this review I will try to keep spoilers out from books 1 & 2 of the series for those of you that haven’t read it yet.
The opening of the story starts with a fight in which Nash is involved. Nash was one of the my favorite characters from the Dark Sky series as his personality and attitude were amazing without being cheesy or cliché. I loved seeing how Nash regrets having to win the fight and feels ashamed about what he has been made to do by his Captain.
We learn that Nash unlike the other Dog’s is gentle and kind. A prime example of this is how he interacts with Sonya, despite how their relationship began he has learnt to tame the beast within and he has even accepted he loves her. Sonya doesn’t feel the same way as she lost the one she loved in the Storm and is not willing to replace him not matter how much she cares for Nash. We can clearly see Nash doesn’t feel safe or at home with the Dogs despite them giving him shelter, food and safety after the Storm. Nash remembers his life before the Storm and longs for a life where he doesn’t have to fight to survive, a life we he can love and be loved. A normal life. But even though he longs for these things he holds little hope of actually achieving them.
Nash learns the Hellions; which are strange looking beings that feed on blood are advancing having learned how to move around in the daylight. The mere mention of the beings stirs painful memories for Nash as well as countless others. We also learn that Ryland the leader of the Dog Clan will do anything to get what he desires. He evens goes a far as putting a gun to Sonya’s head to get Nash to agree to a job “convincing” Davy; one of the farmer to share his crops in exchange for protection from the Dogs. I have a feeling this will not go well as Davy has refused the Dog’s protection on numerous occasions. As Nash goes above ground and sets about his task, he reflects on his life before the Storm and how much he and everyone else has lost. He also thinks about how he’s going to convince Davy to side with the cruel Ryland without resorting to violence.
It is at Davy’s farm that Nash has his first encounter with Sawyer; someone he will become extremely close to in the following books. Nash eventually takes food from Davy but with cunning rather than violence, he also has a plan to make sure the Dogs don’t bother Davy again. A slither of Sawyer’s past is also revealed here but we find out more about it in the following books. We also gain some vital insight into Ryland’s past and how he come to be so demented and cruel, but not before he issues an order Nash didn’t foresee, he will be forced to fight Sawyer in the Crater and Nash knows it will presumably be a fight to the death.
With Sonya’s help Nash formulates a plan to save Sawyer, himself and Sonya and escape the tyranny of the Dogs’ Clan for good. Nash and Sonya between the distract the Dogs long enough to get Sawyer and make it above ground. But Nash seems to have no luck in this story. After getting out of the Dens and to freedom, Nash, Sawyer and Sonya are being chased and targeted by the Hellions which are 100 times worse the Ryland and his pack of rabid dogs.Suddenly a three way fight ensues between Sawyer & Co. the dogs and the Hellions. Sawyer knowing the above ground the best leads Nash deeper into the city and towards the Hellions with the dogs hot on their heels – sneaky Sawyer has laid a trap for them. Meanwhile, Sonya has disappeared, she hid around a building and has not been seen since, whether she has been captured or killed by either the Hellions or the dogs is unknown.
The amount of action in this novella is just amazing, they are so detailed and gripping and truly make your heart pound. But this action does not override the character and plot development. We are clearly shown the friendship between Nash and Sawyer forming especially when Sawyer admits no one has ever saved him life before. We also learn that Sawyer trusts Nash enough to take him to his hide-out/home.
During Nash’s recovery in which Sawyer stiches him up, feeds him ect. They become quite good friends. After Nash is fully recovered his insists on finding Sonya who he hasn’t seen since the night they escaped. It turns out she has been dating Sawyer while living and working on Davy’s farm where she is extremely happy. Nash is also happy for her but he realises he doesn’t really belong with Sonya and belongs nowhere in the above ground world. Nash thinks about going over the barricade to find somewhere new to belong when once again Sawyer extends the hand of friendship to him and they begin to form the crew we would see in Crimson Sky.
Overall this novella at just over 100 pages long this novella was a quick, fast-paced read. It also provides some vital insight to what will come in the later novels and how the long standing friendships and bonds where formed. I also like learning about Nash’s roots where he came from, because in Crimson Sky and Midnight Sky we learn about Sawyer’s roots as well as other characters but Nash’s story seems to fade into the background as if he has always been there and always will be. I think out of all the stories in this series this one is my favourite so far as I love origin stories. This novella is character driven and if you don’t connect with Sawyer and Nash in this story I doubt you ever will, their bonds of friendship forged in the crucible of death make for an amazing read that you just can’t put down.
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