Grimspace, by Ann Aguirre, is a fast-paced, science fiction debut.
Sirantha Jax has a rare gene that gives her the ability to navigate ships through grimspace. After a tragic crash that kills everyone on board but Jax, she ends up imprisoned and tortured. But when a stranger shows up to rescue her, his motives are not selfless. Her rescuer needs Jax to help navigate his ship with a mission, breaking the monopoly on travel through space.
Grimspace combines action, wit, and romance, set in a distant futuristic setting. Written in present tense and first person, the style wasn’t one that I was used to. But I quickly discovered that the present tense gave the narrative added suspense. Jax is a very complex character, having gone through extreme heartache and loss. Part of her wants to live a normal life away from the dangers of “jumping,” but the other part would never be content with a mundane life. Jax is on the run from the authorities, so expect plenty of adventure with even a few surprises along the way. The ending has a great twist, and would make for a fun, yet dark, scifi film as well.
Grimspace releases February 26th in bookstores everywhere.
Hope you don’t mind, SFC, but I’d like to mention that I’m giving away a copy of Grimspace over at my blog. All you have to do is leave a comment. Come on over.
No problem! I’m also having a giveaway starting tomorrow.
Argh you beat me to it! I just picked this book up last night. I can’t wait to read it.
Thanks for the review.
“The ending has a great twist, and would make for a fun, yet dark, scifi film as well.”
Oooh, you think? Could be awesome. Should we start casting? Who do you see as Jax and March?
Lisa – I’m sure you’ll enjoy it too. Jax may even be one of your upcoming Danger Gal Friday’s!
Ann – Good question! I think I see Jax as Kate from Lost. And March as Sawyer from Lost. Their chemistry is great.. even when they fight!
Oh wow, I like the sound of this one. I wonder if it’s going to come out in th UK?
I would certainly like a copy of Grimspace. The old “we’re a plucky band of adventurers fighting the establishment by exposing a secret” is not new, but can still be written well.
Onscreen – Serenity was a good example.
In books – I enjoyed the premise in “The First Casualty” although it was more of a subplot. I even remember a short story with ships piloted by cyborgs whose jobs become threatened when it’s found that putting oysters in the hull will allow humans to do the job.
So many twists to a simple theme. I’m curious as to how Grimspace works it. In the end, it’s all about the characters and the plot.
sounds like a great read for those cld winter nights