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christycorr's review
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
alisonalisonalison's review against another edition
5.0
Spectacularly good. This is the best yet in this amazing series. It's a sweeping story full of action, heart-rending emotion, creepy aliens, magnificent tension, intriguing drama, corruption, and a whole lot of peril. This is book three and it really does not stand alone, so do read the first two books first. This book is completely engrossing and Bennet's personal and professional struggles continue to be riveting and have taken over my brain and my heart. It's full of excitement and feeling and I could not put it down. The writing is fantastic, the world-building is amazing, and the level of detail is impressive and never intrusive. There's a lot going on in this story and it's fast-paced and vibrant. The characters are captivating and believable and so well drawn. Remember that this is not a romance series and there is no contact at all between Bennet and Flynn in this book, though I suspect the next book might be a little different in that regard. This is glorious, exciting space opera and I loved every minute. The ending is fantastic and the fourth book can't get here soon enough.
kaje_harper's review against another edition
4.0
Book 3 in the series, which must be read in order. Bennet is mostly recovered from the injuries he suffered in book 2, and is ready for active service again. He has to take his tour out of Shield, though, and ends up on a Fleet ship, although not his father's with the twin issues of Flynn and his Dad there. Bennet is also still doing his intelligence analysis work, and in so doing he stumbles across a secret project of the Maees which will change him, and may alter the whole war.
In this book we see a Bennet with some of the shine rubbed off him, coping with uncertainties, with decisions when the choices are "bad' and "worse." There is political intrigue, a touch of cold horror, and just a few moments when Bennet and Flynn get a glimpse of what they might have, in the absence of duty and regulations and all that stands between them. The romance is very light in this installment.
This gives us more of Bennet's relationship with his father, and furthers the SciFi plot. The strength of Bennet's reaction to the Maees horrors seems perhaps extreme - man has done to man things that seem equally evil, and Bennet is both a military man and a historian. But perhaps it is tinged by the horror he felt from having once seen a Maees. In any case, the story was engaging and satisfying but once again, the end leaves us waiting for more. Worth it, though.
In this book we see a Bennet with some of the shine rubbed off him, coping with uncertainties, with decisions when the choices are "bad' and "worse." There is political intrigue, a touch of cold horror, and just a few moments when Bennet and Flynn get a glimpse of what they might have, in the absence of duty and regulations and all that stands between them. The romance is very light in this installment.
This gives us more of Bennet's relationship with his father, and furthers the SciFi plot. The strength of Bennet's reaction to the Maees horrors seems perhaps extreme - man has done to man things that seem equally evil, and Bennet is both a military man and a historian. But perhaps it is tinged by the horror he felt from having once seen a Maees. In any case, the story was engaging and satisfying but once again, the end leaves us waiting for more. Worth it, though.
comicsandbookdragon's review against another edition
5.0
This book was provided by Signal Boost Promotions and read on behalf of Thorns & Ink.
I adore space operas. I really and truly do. This one was perfect in all of its glory. The imagery was fantastic. The character development is wonderful. Originally I was going to focus on just Makepeace, but I find myself wanting to talk the entire series. There are so many to choose from so I will keep that part short.
I don’t hardly ever talk about covers, but through the entire series, each cover is, in a word, lovely. They remind me that some still value true art when it comes to choosing and designing covers. I had been wanting to read this series for a while and the opportunity presented itself to review the newest book. I was engrossed from the very beginning. The entire series so far has been amazing.
Ms. Butler is light on the narration favoring dialogue and for some that might be a turn off. It took a little for me to get used to, but in the end I really enjoyed the banter. The military speak harkened back to my days as an active duty Airman. That made me smile. So rarely do authors capture the mood and tone of military verbal sparring and dancing as well as Ms. Butler has. She really has done her homework. The political intrigue was equally appealing. To me, there wasn’t a clear good guy or bad guy. Mostly people trying to cover their own asses. (Militarily speaking, you can spend a lot of time covering (or trying to cover) your ass.) I felt at home within this world she creates.
The actual bad guys? The Maes. They were presented as the boogieman in Makepeace. There where drones, but I look forward to them rearing their heads. The science presented behind them is excellent.
This is not really a romance in the traditional sense. There are relationships. I am not a fan of labels, but I would guess that Bennet floats in his sexuality. I don’t like that he kowtowed to his father as far as Joss is concerned (I thought they were a terrible match). We want to please our parents, but when do we take our own happiness into consideration? I found Rosie and easy character to dismiss. It isn’t that I dislike her, she just wasn’t memorable (well written, just forgettable). Warwick was something. Felix and Flynn I found confusing, but their confusion on somethings where the cause. Bennet’s relationship with his father is interesting. An interesting cross between admiration and bucking the system. I wanted them to come together in love.
This is the kind of science fiction I grew up reading. I will continue to love it. Ms. Butler has proven that traditional romance isn’t needed to keep a book exciting.
I adore space operas. I really and truly do. This one was perfect in all of its glory. The imagery was fantastic. The character development is wonderful. Originally I was going to focus on just Makepeace, but I find myself wanting to talk the entire series. There are so many to choose from so I will keep that part short.
I don’t hardly ever talk about covers, but through the entire series, each cover is, in a word, lovely. They remind me that some still value true art when it comes to choosing and designing covers. I had been wanting to read this series for a while and the opportunity presented itself to review the newest book. I was engrossed from the very beginning. The entire series so far has been amazing.
Ms. Butler is light on the narration favoring dialogue and for some that might be a turn off. It took a little for me to get used to, but in the end I really enjoyed the banter. The military speak harkened back to my days as an active duty Airman. That made me smile. So rarely do authors capture the mood and tone of military verbal sparring and dancing as well as Ms. Butler has. She really has done her homework. The political intrigue was equally appealing. To me, there wasn’t a clear good guy or bad guy. Mostly people trying to cover their own asses. (Militarily speaking, you can spend a lot of time covering (or trying to cover) your ass.) I felt at home within this world she creates.
The actual bad guys? The Maes. They were presented as the boogieman in Makepeace. There where drones, but I look forward to them rearing their heads. The science presented behind them is excellent.
This is not really a romance in the traditional sense. There are relationships. I am not a fan of labels, but I would guess that Bennet floats in his sexuality. I don’t like that he kowtowed to his father as far as Joss is concerned (I thought they were a terrible match). We want to please our parents, but when do we take our own happiness into consideration? I found Rosie and easy character to dismiss. It isn’t that I dislike her, she just wasn’t memorable (well written, just forgettable). Warwick was something. Felix and Flynn I found confusing, but their confusion on somethings where the cause. Bennet’s relationship with his father is interesting. An interesting cross between admiration and bucking the system. I wanted them to come together in love.
This is the kind of science fiction I grew up reading. I will continue to love it. Ms. Butler has proven that traditional romance isn’t needed to keep a book exciting.
the_novel_approach's review against another edition
5.0
Just as with the previous two books in this series, the third book is a ride from start to finish. While this one might start a little more slowly than the first two, it is thrilling, nonetheless, to see Bennet getting back into action after the devastating events from Heart Scarab. For those who have not read the series, I implore you to stop reading, go pick up the first book, and start there. This is not a series you can read out of order. To do so would be a disservice to yourself and the story. Anna Butler brings you on a journey, and details from each book are scattered throughout. While most authors can do a brief recap to catch readers up, the world is too complex for that in this series. While Butler does a great job of reminding readers already familiar with the series of what happened, it’s not enough for new readers.
I love this series. I not only have read the ebooks, but I own the paperbacks as well, and proudly display them on my very limited and very tight shelf space because I love it so much. Makepeace just adds to my love for the series.
In this book, Butler has not only added even more depth to her characters, but she’s added an incredibly difficult moral and ethical dilemma for Bennet. I can’t give away too much, but I will say that the information found on T18, from Heart Scarab, plays a huge roll in these problems. It is unsettling—horrifying, really. Bennet is faced with true horror, perhaps for the first time since seeing a Maess. Maybe even more than seeing one.
The romance in this book is not strong. There are the undercurrents of it, and reminders of what has been, but Bennet and Flynn are not together. However, despite that, the tension between them is still palpable, even in the vast distances of space. I loved reading their thoughts about each other. It was heartbreaking. I ached to see them happy.
Aside from the fantastic science fiction, Butler knows how to write characters well. In fact, it’s hard to even call them characters. They feel so much like real people. These are people everyone could know. I have a Warwick in my life—God help me—and I’ve had a Caeden, Jak, Felix, and even a Joss. The characters themselves are so real, I feel as if they must surely exist somewhere. They all have complex feelings and emotions. They are completely different from each other. In fact, were Butler to remove the names from a scene, I would still be able to identify the characters because of how unique their personalities are. In this book, Bennet undergoes even more of a transformation than in the first. While I wasn’t always happy with his decision (Flynn either, for that matter), he is human and he makes mistakes like the rest of us. I appreciate that about him. He is not simplified for the reader. He grows and changes with each experience, and Butler masterfully carries that through in subsequent books.
The ending of the book is huge cliffhanger, and I’m eternally grateful for the fact that I get to read the next book so soon after this one. Otherwise, I would be tearing out my hair. This book leaves off in such a good spot, and fans of Bennet and Flynn will be hanging onto their seats for the ride we are about to be thrown on.
I can’t give away too much about the middle of the book without ruining this story, but I will say this: it is intense, and it will leave you reeling.
If you are a fan of hard scifi, this is the series for you. Part of me wants to keep this series a secret forever, and revel in its glory alone, but then I would miss out on talking to others about it. And honestly, I really do want everyone to read it because it is that good. It rivals all of the “mainstream” science fiction I’ve read; in fact, I think it’s better because it doesn’t shy away from human sexuality of all kinds.
Don’t miss this series.
Reviewed by Jennifer for The Novel Approach Reviews
I love this series. I not only have read the ebooks, but I own the paperbacks as well, and proudly display them on my very limited and very tight shelf space because I love it so much. Makepeace just adds to my love for the series.
In this book, Butler has not only added even more depth to her characters, but she’s added an incredibly difficult moral and ethical dilemma for Bennet. I can’t give away too much, but I will say that the information found on T18, from Heart Scarab, plays a huge roll in these problems. It is unsettling—horrifying, really. Bennet is faced with true horror, perhaps for the first time since seeing a Maess. Maybe even more than seeing one.
The romance in this book is not strong. There are the undercurrents of it, and reminders of what has been, but Bennet and Flynn are not together. However, despite that, the tension between them is still palpable, even in the vast distances of space. I loved reading their thoughts about each other. It was heartbreaking. I ached to see them happy.
Aside from the fantastic science fiction, Butler knows how to write characters well. In fact, it’s hard to even call them characters. They feel so much like real people. These are people everyone could know. I have a Warwick in my life—God help me—and I’ve had a Caeden, Jak, Felix, and even a Joss. The characters themselves are so real, I feel as if they must surely exist somewhere. They all have complex feelings and emotions. They are completely different from each other. In fact, were Butler to remove the names from a scene, I would still be able to identify the characters because of how unique their personalities are. In this book, Bennet undergoes even more of a transformation than in the first. While I wasn’t always happy with his decision (Flynn either, for that matter), he is human and he makes mistakes like the rest of us. I appreciate that about him. He is not simplified for the reader. He grows and changes with each experience, and Butler masterfully carries that through in subsequent books.
The ending of the book is huge cliffhanger, and I’m eternally grateful for the fact that I get to read the next book so soon after this one. Otherwise, I would be tearing out my hair. This book leaves off in such a good spot, and fans of Bennet and Flynn will be hanging onto their seats for the ride we are about to be thrown on.
I can’t give away too much about the middle of the book without ruining this story, but I will say this: it is intense, and it will leave you reeling.
If you are a fan of hard scifi, this is the series for you. Part of me wants to keep this series a secret forever, and revel in its glory alone, but then I would miss out on talking to others about it. And honestly, I really do want everyone to read it because it is that good. It rivals all of the “mainstream” science fiction I’ve read; in fact, I think it’s better because it doesn’t shy away from human sexuality of all kinds.
Don’t miss this series.
Reviewed by Jennifer for The Novel Approach Reviews
frothy's review
4.0
Start with the first one.
Good solid continuation.
Bennet’s reaction to what he does discover, does convey that they have lost much human history. Or maybe in this alternate universe the people on earth didn’t get up to what they did in our universe?
Good solid continuation.
Bennet’s reaction to what he does discover, does convey that they have lost much human history. Or maybe in this alternate universe the people on earth didn’t get up to what they did in our universe?
mrella's review
5.0
The. Best.
However, if you are after erotica, UST, romantic relationship... all that, this is not a book for you. This is pure sci-fi with a gay protagonist and a gay secondary character, who in this book is behind the scene. No sex in this installment, which doesn't make this book any less appealing. Like I said pure sci-fi. Love these books to pieces! :D
However, if you are after erotica, UST, romantic relationship... all that, this is not a book for you. This is pure sci-fi with a gay protagonist and a gay secondary character, who in this book is behind the scene. No sex in this installment, which doesn't make this book any less appealing. Like I said pure sci-fi. Love these books to pieces! :D
saphirablue's review against another edition
4.0
I love this world and its characters (especially Bennet) so freaking much. <3
The plot thickens and the discoveries on Makepeace? OMG. And Bennet having to make all these decisions on the ground and having to deal with Warrick-the-deserter and the fallout from that? *hugs him so much*
This book, no this series, is pure sci-fi in which the main character(s) happen to be gay/bi/pan(?). I love that so much. <3
My heart is aching so much for Bennet and Flynn. They haven't seen each other in two years and now they have to serve on the same ship and the rules and everything else are between them? :( Also, major evil cliffhanger there!
But, my heart is also aching for Rosie. Knowing that she'll lose Bennet and then it happening? *hugs her*
*makes grabby hands for the next part*
The plot thickens and the discoveries on Makepeace? OMG. And Bennet having to make all these decisions on the ground and having to deal with Warrick-the-deserter and the fallout from that? *hugs him so much*
This book, no this series, is pure sci-fi in which the main character(s) happen to be gay/bi/pan(?). I love that so much. <3
My heart is aching so much for Bennet and Flynn. They haven't seen each other in two years and now they have to serve on the same ship and the rules and everything else are between them? :( Also, major evil cliffhanger there!
But, my heart is also aching for Rosie. Knowing that she'll lose Bennet and then it happening? *hugs her*
*makes grabby hands for the next part*
expendablemudge's review
5.0
Rating: 4.almost-...ya know what, 5* of five
#ReadingIsResistance to thinking all space opera is fluff, made to entertain the SFnal hoi polloi.
MAKEPEACE is anything but fluffy, silly, action-packd stuff. My 5 star review says that it's because its premise and execution made me shiver, hard to do by the third book in the TAKING SHIELD series. I should be ready for it. That's why I push y'all to get this series for #Booksgiving 2017.
Okay, I surrender. I am officially Author Butler's fanboy. I'll be reviewing the entire series at my blog this Booksgiving.
A warning for those who follow me down this rabbit-hole: Do not buy the books one at a time. When you get to the ending of this book, you will be *very*frustrated* if the next book isn't already queued up.
I am an old-time fan of space opera. I like the sweep of a long story. I adore space battles (I'm a guy, shut up). Tech talk isn't up there with dirty flirty but it's close. I want to be told stories that make sense (not necessarily in a straight line you understand, just make sense please) and I like 'em set in space because SPACE my goddesses what could possibly be more interesting?! I mean in fact as well as fiction. And I'm also a big old mushball and want my heroes to find love because heroes have hearts too. Sexytimes are fine, but I *need* my men to fall in love as well as get 'em some or why not just watch porn. (For the sake of argument, you understand.)
So here I am telling you to buy the series, ye fans of SF and ye readers of love-novels but not expecting sex or romance-novel level involvement in our hero's world. He is the hero, the story isn't totally about him, and his world is rich and densely packed with great stuff.
#ReadingIsResistance to thinking all space opera is fluff, made to entertain the SFnal hoi polloi.
MAKEPEACE is anything but fluffy, silly, action-packd stuff. My 5 star review says that it's because its premise and execution made me shiver, hard to do by the third book in the TAKING SHIELD series. I should be ready for it. That's why I push y'all to get this series for #Booksgiving 2017.
Okay, I surrender. I am officially Author Butler's fanboy. I'll be reviewing the entire series at my blog this Booksgiving.
A warning for those who follow me down this rabbit-hole: Do not buy the books one at a time. When you get to the ending of this book, you will be *very*frustrated* if the next book isn't already queued up.
I am an old-time fan of space opera. I like the sweep of a long story. I adore space battles (I'm a guy, shut up). Tech talk isn't up there with dirty flirty but it's close. I want to be told stories that make sense (not necessarily in a straight line you understand, just make sense please) and I like 'em set in space because SPACE my goddesses what could possibly be more interesting?! I mean in fact as well as fiction. And I'm also a big old mushball and want my heroes to find love because heroes have hearts too. Sexytimes are fine, but I *need* my men to fall in love as well as get 'em some or why not just watch porn. (For the sake of argument, you understand.)
So here I am telling you to buy the series, ye fans of SF and ye readers of love-novels but not expecting sex or romance-novel level involvement in our hero's world. He is the hero, the story isn't totally about him, and his world is rich and densely packed with great stuff.
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