Fantasy Buddy Reads discussion

This is a Buddy Read for Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman starting on January 26, 2024.


Happy Reading!

1. Aurora Rising (Jan 26)
2. Aurora Burning (Feb 25) [link]
3. Aurora's End April 26 [link]

audiobook: no library/subscription copies.
ebook: no library/subscription copies.

Started! Through Chapter 7. Y'know, our group is called "Fantasy Buddy Reads"--and we really do read like, 75%+ fantasy BRs here... so it's really nice to get some fresh SF in here... before joining this group, I was probably more skewed towards SF than fantasy, maybe 60-40, so I do miss it sometimes.

Anyway, through Chapter 7--(view spoiler)[I'm enjoying the mystery of Auri--what happened to her ship? Why was her world redacted? And that scene, the last thing she told her father was how disappointed and disgusted she was with him... what was the white light?

I also enjoy a good misfit crew story. Looking forward to seeing them knit together as a team. I'm sure Aurora will join them... but how? In what aspect? Nice to look forward to.

And aliens! And space politics! Bring it on! (hide spoiler)]

Through Chapter 21--(view spoiler)[I'm enjoying the crew dynamic, though I'm having a hard time identifying everyone distinctly... always do, on audio.

Ty--leader, Alpha twin, likes Cat but rules keep them apart
Scarlett--Diplomat/Face, twin, likes boys and has 100 exes, talks her way out of anything
Aurora/Auri--survivor, stowaway, some sort of psych powers, maybe from ancient civilization
Kal--Tank, elf-like race (Sildrathi?), emotionally distant, warrior caste, traitor? has a mating-pull toward Auri
Fin--Gearhead/mechanical & hacker genius, big-family culture (alien?), uses a suit to help with weak body, likes Scarlett but doesn't admit it
Cat--Ace/Zero, pilot, likes Ty
Saedii--don't have much feel for her, except people find her scary
Zila--honestly didn't realize she was a character until I looked up a list.

The trip to the Sempiternity is reminding me of Knowhere in Guardians of the Galaxy, or Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets... (hide spoiler)]

Finished! (view spoiler)[Was not surprised that father was alive... and was not expecting the conspiracy to be a creepy fungus mega-mind... makes me think of Mass Effect...

Cat has to be OK, so I'm wondering how they're going to get a cure... (hide spoiler)]

Nirkatze wrote: "Through Chapter 21--I'm enjoying the crew dynamic, though I'm having a hard time identifying everyone distinctly... always do, on audio.
..."

I feel exactly the same about keeping the identities straight on audio. That was my biggest struggle with this book. I love multiple POVs in print, but this was just a few too many people for me on audio. It took me the whole book to gather as much info as you've written down there! Thanks for summarising!!

The different narrators did help--I could identify the cold one (Kal), the chirpy one (Fin), the Australian one (Cat) and so on... but it took forever to identify which characteristics went with which people, and names, and so on...

Thankfully, in series, I usually find the confusion is cleared by the end of book one, and book two is easier to parse...

Speaking of Book Two, when were we wanting that thread?

Nirkatze wrote: "The different narrators did help--I could identify the cold one (Kal), the chirpy one (Fin), the Australian one (Cat) and so on... but it took forever to identify which characteristics went with wh..."

You're right, book 2 should be easier. :)

I'm game whenever Charlie is ready.

I'm just finishing off the audio for Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, incidentally tomorrow haha. Have you read that yet? I'm really enjoying it! I'm so fascinated by the characters.

No, I haven't read it yet, but I've had it recommended several times! It is on my TBR. There's so much fun to read on FBR that I'm pretty much only reading BRs... opposite of mood readers, I have trouble making decisions, so I like having them made for me.... with definitive dates.

Nirkatze wrote: "No, I haven't read it yet, but I've had it recommended several times! It is on my TBR. There's so much fun to read on FBR that I'm pretty much only reading BRs... opposite of mood readers, I have t..."

Haha i know the feeling!
If you ever get a day gap, you could totally fit this in. Also I bet there'd be someone else wanting to read it.

Nirkatze wrote: "Started! Through Chapter 7. Y'know, our group is called "Fantasy Buddy Reads"--and we really do read like, 75%+ fantasy BRs here... so it's really nice to get some fresh SF in here... before joinin..."

All of this!! (view spoiler)[

Love the ragtag crew, I think they're gonna be so dramatic and I'm here for it!

Dying to know what happened to Auri's ship, her family's colony and why the records were wiped. I love a good conspiracy, should be super fun! (hide spoiler)]

@Siobhan--I'll keep it on the shelf for just such an occasion!

@Charlie--lol, I'm like "yes!" to your "yes!" of my "yes!" lol Good conspiracies are the best.

Hey all! Yay!! Time for a scifi read!! Luckily I snagged this one on audiobook before my trip, so I'm all on board to finish it this week :D I love how they have a full cast too for this read! Highly reccommend if you all like audiobooks or switching around ~

Up to Chapter 12 now....
(view spoiler)[It's hard to keep track of who is who right now sometimes. But I really like Tyler's squad of peeps. His sister and girl next door are super cute. I can sense they'll back him up no matter what! And then since he missed recruiting he got stuck with some interesting other peeps... some aliens?? Or peeps in suits?? I can't wait to learn more about them.

This girl Aurora has such a tragic backstory. Gosh. Dad forgets your birthday then wham. Next time you woke up its centuries later and all you've ever known and loved has died?! The heck?!

Right now she's sensing some things that are unusual and others just think she's gone crazy from the fold. Maybe they should listen to our girl more XD (hide spoiler)]

...now to look at what you all have been saying :)

Siobhan wrote: "Nirkatze wrote: "Through Chapter 21--I'm enjoying the crew dynamic, though I'm having a hard time identifying everyone distinctly... always do, on audio.
..."

I feel exactly the same about keeping..."

Oh my gosh! I'm glad other people felt this way too! At least they have enough distinct accents to tell people apart. But I still need to write myself a cheat sheet! And you all are right about the narrator doing a good job of saying who is who etc.

Siobhan wrote: "Nirkatze wrote: "I'm just finishing off the audio for Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, incidentally tomorrow haha. Have you read that yet? I'm really enjoying it! I'm so fascinated by the characters...."

Oh. My. Gosh! I was literally just texting my sister about Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow the other day (because she gifted it to me). I had no idea the series was going to take such a dark turn. With people's life and experiences (with trigger warnings like : (view spoiler)[suicide, toxic relationships, pain, eating disorders, and more (hide spoiler)]. Just wow. Not only that but not all of the characters are great people. I'm talking about you Sam! lol. Anyways. I know this isn't a chat for that book, but can't wait to talk more when I finish Siobhan! I do love the time period and the gaming design bits~ XP

Nirkatze wrote: "Through Chapter 21--I'm enjoying the crew dynamic, though I'm having a hard time identifying everyone distinctly... always do, on audio.

Ty--leader, Alpha twin, likes Cat but rules keep them apart..."

Yeah I had a hard time pinning the characters at first too. I wasn't sure if there were 2 or 3 different non-humans at first. i also rather liked it was a full cast reading and the sound effects were more of a nice addition than annoying lol

I didn't end up gelling too well with the characters which is probably why I rated my 3.5 down to 3... Enjoyed the plot though! (view spoiler)[ We love a good hive-mind story! And yeah Cat's not completely dead so I do see a cure coming... Maybe not for the people who've been trapped for 200 or so years, but definitely for her...

I think out of everyone I was liking Fin and Zila the best :) (hide spoiler)]

LOL @Emily--I find it interesting that one of the characters you liked the best is one that I didn't realize existed until I looked up a character list.

I'm looking forward to having a better grasp of the group dynamics going into #2!

Speaking of which--when are we doing #2?

Lol yeah both of the ones i liked had the least screen time i think... (view spoiler)[ Zila had a few very short POV chapters.. she was just very neurodivergent so she intrigued me lol (hide spoiler)]

True! I did catch that about Zila in I think her last chapter... (view spoiler)[her crew didn't seem to get her neurodivergence either, not yet anyway... (hide spoiler)]

Just noticed this buddy read. My library had this one so I’ll start it today. Will be a little late to the party.

On chapter 6. Liking it so far. Kind of reminds me of Skyward. Especially when the one head guy is Mr. Sanderson (who’s son Scar dated) and right after they introduce him they introduce Kal… Coincidence or a nod to greatness?

I like the misfit crew. I have a sweet spot for a misfit crew story.

I’m listening to it on audio and think the narrators do a good job with the voices. Haven’t had any issues figuring it who’s talking .

And Kal has a glyph on his forehead. Thinking it’s not so much a coincidence but more an inspired by lol

I also thought it was similar to Skyward but didn't notice these nods, Diana!

I also have a soft spot for misfit crews :D

Diana Stormblessed wrote: "And Kal has a glyph on his forehead. Thinking it’s not so much a coincidence but more an inspired by lol"

Hmm yeah that does sound like a nod

Nirkatze wrote: "Through Chapter 21--..."

I’m about 3/4 though and so I went back and opened a few spoilers. I’m so lost. Who’s Saidii? I know Zila and thought she was the scary and smart one. Did I just mentally combine 2 characters into one? I’m glad I went through the comments lol

I’m really liking the book. Jay Kristoff and I have a hit or miss relationship but I really like Amie Kaufman so I’m glad I’m enjoying this one.

Also, about the character descriptions, I didn’t get the impression that (view spoiler)[Tyler is into Cat the way she’s into him. I think he drunkenly hooked up with her but she’s in love with him. And I don’t think Fin specifically has something for Scarlett. I think he has a thing for anyone hot of any sex or species. (hide spoiler)]

Diana Stormblessed wrote: "And Kal has a glyph on his forehead. Thinking it’s not so much a coincidence but more an inspired by lol"

OMG so many great "coincidences"! Totally did not think of any of those, but can't stop seeing them now.

re: relationships--(view spoiler)[The thing that made me think Fin likes Scarlett (and possibly vice versa) is how she's the only one who doesn't treat his disability with awkwardness, just matter-of-factly offers to help because she notices him, and accepts when he declines with no pity. Just a few small interactions that make me think it'll blow up into something bigger... but we'll see!

Also going to agree to disagree on Cat & Tyler! He's too straightlaced to let anything continue... but his attraction was strong enough to overcome those tendencies in the first place... again, we'll have to see where it goes! (hide spoiler)]

Nirkatze wrote: "Diana Stormblessed wrote: "And Kal has a glyph on his forehead. Thinking it’s not so much a coincidence but more an inspired by lol"

OMG so many great "coincidences"! Totally did not think of any ..."

(view spoiler)[I got a little further in the book and yes I agree Fin is developing a thing for her. She’s always been considerate of him but I think it’s really effecting him by the end. Def agreeing to disagree about Ty and Cat. 😜 I think he likes her as a friend. I don’t get any romantic feelings coming up from him end (hide spoiler)]

17 chapters in and (view spoiler)[ I agree that keeping the cast of characters straight in my head is a challenge, there's too many of em! That said, I really like Kal and Fin (Thanks for the list Nirkatze!).

Thew crew have just decided to break into some super rich guys private museum, gonna end well I can tell :D. I'm excite for this,

I can't believe that human security force murdered all those innocent refugees, absolute monsters. I'm dying to know what secret they're trying to cover up.

Overall, really enjoying this so far, it's fun! (hide spoiler)]

Finished. Overall really liked it. The ending got a bit predictable and sappy but everything before that was great. The book’s biggest strength is the cast of characters. I especially love Fin and Kal. Will be reading the next one.

LOL @Charlie, I love your snarkiness at Chapter 17. Of course everything will go just as planned, right?

@Diana--Grats on finish. The ending definitely felt pretty standard YA fare, but the cast really is growing on me. Looking forward to continuing.

Speaking of which... I feel like a broken record, sorry to be so, but when do folks want to schedule the next one? My Feb is pretty packed but March is getting tight too, so really whenever.

Yeah I feel the same, both Feb and March are filling up so schedule whenever and I'll fit it in lol. How about Feb 25th?

23 chapters in (view spoiler)[ Wow, I'm horrified and awed by that Dinosaur!

Also Auri's power is getting a bit out of hand, I'm worried for the crew. (hide spoiler)]

Feb 25th is good for me.

Just finished part 1... (view spoiler)[ WTH did those asshats want and why the hell did they kill all those elderly Space Elves???

Aurora obviously has some powers, and it really bugs me that everyone is dismissing her as mentally damaged by the long crio freeze...

This whole confrontation is going to be the catalyst for the crew becoming "we against the world" thing, isn't it? I am in for it:) (hide spoiler)]

@Choko Yes! (view spoiler)[ I think they wanted Aurora for some nefarious purpose, or potentially to kill her. Either way it's definitely the event that kicks things off.

I don't like that they're dismissing her either. Girl is magic, it's a bit more than PTSD at this point! (hide spoiler)]

I'll put in a request for Feb 25th then. ^^
EDIT: Request made!

I like how Charlie put it--"Girl is magic!" she totally is! (view spoiler)[Also down for a good "we against the world" storyline. (hide spoiler)]

Thank you Nirkatze :)

I finished. I really enjoyed the concept of the story, liked the characters, but something left me wanting once we reached part 3 towards the end... I can't put my finger on it, but it just let me down a bit in the end. I think the way the authors dealt with "the life bond" was good, but I wish they had left it off the table to begin with... I know it's their story and they tell it their way, but I find it absolutely needles as part of the story and it only brings triggers to us, old PNR readers... We went through that wave of 10-15 years mandatory "bond" plotlines, and we survived them. Unless it's the Dragon Kin series and it is all in good fun, I don't want it to survive as a narrative anymore... And as I said, there are ways in which it could be properly handled, and I think the authors are doing great with letting them get to know each other, but I just think the characters didn't need that complication - the story sets them up well enough to develop by itself.
(view spoiler)[ The plant Gestalt is terrifyingly creepy! Through the whole time when they just stepped on the planet and saw the polan, I was thinking "Don't allow it to touch you!!!!"... And sure enough, Kat gets pollinated! So, is she now forever lost to us, or are we going to have one of those situations where her will would be strong enough to tame the creature??? I am excited to find out.

Fin is the best thing in the whole book! (hide spoiler)]

Choko wrote: "I finished. I really enjoyed the concept of the story, liked the characters, but something left me wanting once we reached part 3 towards the end... I can't put my finger on it, but it just let me ..."

I agree that I hated the mate bond thing. It basically forces a relationship and takes all the fun out of it.

Exactly! And the book doesn't need it...

I liked the mate bond. It's not "forcing" a relationship, exactly, as Kal knows him feeling the pull doesn't force Auri do reciprocate. The characters working through the awkward situation, knowing they have to work together regardless, and maybe/maybe not starting a relationship with the mate bond always in the back of their minds, was interesting to me.

Ryan, I agree that it makes for a different approach to a relationship, I think I have been mostly jaded from all the old Paranormal Romance Novels...

I didn't mind the bond either, but then again, I'm not a PNR survivor... I think it helps that Kal isn't a macho "you will have sex with me and you will love it" type person, but rather "this is my problem to deal with and I won't have it messing up our professional relationship" person... though that's also an emo type...

Finished too! I actually(view spoiler)[love mating plot lines! At an old PNR reader, they're just as fun to me now as they were 15 years ago :D. Nalini Singh and Christine Feehan will always be my faves.

I'm do love the way Kal approached the mating thing though, he doesn't;t put any pressure on Auri and actually offers to go away and never bother her again, now that's selfless!

The creepy plant hive mind was super cool, it was great to see it from Kat's perspective too.

I think the upcoming conflict is going to be awesome though I did wonder why they don't just send a message back to their base, explain to their commander about the plant hive mind infiltrating the human military and taking over. If they could get real backup, that would be nice.

Excited for book 2. (hide spoiler)]

Nirkatze wrote: "I didn't mind the bond either, but then again, I'm not a PNR survivor... I think it helps that Kal isn't a macho "you will have sex with me and you will love it" type person, but rather "this is my..."

lol at "pnr survivor". I like that as it feels accurate

Kal is still one of my 2 favorite characters (him and Fin). Jut not a fan of mate bonds.

Kal and Fin absolutely made this book!

Ah, I had to google PNR. Romance is not my thing so I think this book is the first mate bond I've come across.

mate bonds are definitely common among supernaturals, especially shapeshifters of any kind...

Its one of my favourite PNR tropes!