librovert's review against another edition
4.0
I'm going to make this simple. The world building of the Ithtorian race and world was great and I loved getting to know more about Vel, he's such an interesting character!
I was a little upset with the March arc. I felt like the resolution to it was a little anti-climactic, I was expecting more crazy.
On to the next!
I was a little upset with the March arc. I felt like the resolution to it was a little anti-climactic, I was expecting more crazy.
On to the next!
andimontgomery's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. This was better than the last book in the series. I really like Sirantha Jax and her crew. And there's hope yet for March. Vel is also one of the most interesting characters I have read in awhile - I'm glad he continues to have a big part in this series!
anzuk's review
3.0
WARNING: SOME SPOILERS AHEAD
Well now I’m disappointed. I was expecting something great like the rest of the books from this series and what did I get? Politics. Lots and lots of politics. I didn’t like the story at all, not even the ending. I’m not happy with this book and I’m not really looking forward to reading the next one. There are many little things that irritated me besides this whole politics crap. Most of them are related to the characters, which I used to love. Not I don’t anymore!
I’m not a fan of Jax’s change. I liked her more as a rebel and not a boring ambassador. Now nothing differentiates her from the rest of the “heroines” who try so hard to save the day. This ruins all the fun by the way. I also have to pick on something she did. And what happened to the whole f*ck the world I just need you gig? I don’t like what you’re becoming Jax. I don’t like it at all.
March is such a big disappointment. He was acting like a rabid dog most of the time. To prove just how irritating he was I’ll post some quotes. I’ll limit myself to four of them else I’ll end up pasting half of the damn book because of March’s idiocy!
I’m surprised Jax still stands the sight of him.
Vel is awesome, probably the only one who hasn’t changed a bit. I’m not picking on Dina and Hit but I got so few of them that they’re rendered MIA.
I liked Jael a lot. This may be related to the fact that he kicked March’s ass (I’m just sayin'). But wait! Then it turns out that
Dear Jael
I used to like you. I used to like you so much more than March even. You were the cool dude who would kick ass and be cool and make me smile and make me imagine you all hot and muscular. And then you do what??? For money??? Boy are you out of your mind? If you’re that desperate to get paid go to a damn strip club or something, don’t stab your friends in the back.
Oh and before I forget. I hate your guts and I hope you burn in hell.
Love,
Anzu
Well now I’m disappointed. I was expecting something great like the rest of the books from this series and what did I get? Politics. Lots and lots of politics. I didn’t like the story at all, not even the ending. I’m not happy with this book and I’m not really looking forward to reading the next one. There are many little things that irritated me besides this whole politics crap. Most of them are related to the characters, which I used to love. Not I don’t anymore!
I’m not a fan of Jax’s change. I liked her more as a rebel and not a boring ambassador. Now nothing differentiates her from the rest of the “heroines” who try so hard to save the day. This ruins all the fun by the way. I also have to pick on something she did.
Spoiler
So she’s willing to throw March in jail for the alliance but once it passes the vote she would give it up to save him? Does this even make sense?March is such a big disappointment. He was acting like a rabid dog most of the time. To prove just how irritating he was I’ll post some quotes. I’ll limit myself to four of them else I’ll end up pasting half of the damn book because of March’s idiocy!
Earlier, he said he remembered loving me, but he couldn’t feel it anymore.
- f*ck you March
If things were different, I’d curl up in his arms. But March can’t stand being touched now; human contact triggers swift, sure violence, not warmth.
- f*ck you March
I’d guess the only reason he’s restraining himself now is because I’m being threatened, not him. He lacks any emotional attachment to me at the moment.
- f*ck you March
“There’s no pain anymore. No fear. I don’t care about anything but what I want. I don’t have people hanging on me, asking me what they should do. Know what’s more? The longer I stay like this, the more I like it. This is freedom . . . and I could make a fortune on Nicuan. Live like a king.”
- f*ck you March
I’m surprised Jax still stands the sight of him.
Vel is awesome, probably the only one who hasn’t changed a bit. I’m not picking on Dina and Hit but I got so few of them that they’re rendered MIA.
I liked Jael a lot. This may be related to the fact that he kicked March’s ass (I’m just sayin'). But wait! Then it turns out that
Spoiler
Jael is the bad guy. What the f*ck??? I liked that guy! I mean yeah I could tell something fishy is going on with him but selling them for money? I’m so not happy with this…Dear Jael
I used to like you. I used to like you so much more than March even. You were the cool dude who would kick ass and be cool and make me smile and make me imagine you all hot and muscular. And then you do what??? For money??? Boy are you out of your mind? If you’re that desperate to get paid go to a damn strip club or something, don’t stab your friends in the back.
Oh and before I forget. I hate your guts and I hope you burn in hell.
Love,
Anzu
Keep reaching for the stars.
Bleh!
jacalata's review against another edition
3.0
Not bad, interesting universe, readable even though I hadn't read the first few in the series.
ricottae's review against another edition
4.0
Doubleblind is my favorite book in this series so far, which I think is probably because Vel is my favorite character and this entire book took place on his home world. The writing has improved so significantly from the first book that there is really awesome character development and world building in Doubleblind, and I am much more invested in the whole series now than I was after Grimspace. I'm excited to see where this goes, although I'm hoping that the crew can catch a break finally, because it has been one crappy thing after the other for them.
julieabe89's review
adventurous
challenging
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book was so fast paced. It took place over a couple days and the pressure never let's up. I'm not a huge thriller person but I was drawn in so fast. I did not see who the killer was coming at all!
ria_mhrj's review against another edition
4.0
Why oh why did it take me so long to read Doubleblind?! I read Wanderlust aaaaages ago and loved it, and it has one big ol' unresolved plot point that is a primary concern for Ms. Sirantha Jax in Doubleblind - the frayed psyche of her lover March.
There is so much to love about this world. I don't generally read sci-fi, but that hasnn't proven to be a stumbling block, with the alien landscapes vividly brought to life and quickly normalised. Hands down, though, my favourite aspect of this series is the characters. Jax, first and foremost, is a phenomenal heroine, gritty, tough, flawed and evolving, she is self-aware and shaped by her past, and not afraid to admit to her failings. Her interactions with Vel, Dina and March especially are a delight to behold, and similarly these characters were all beautifully realised in this book, even Dina who doesn't feature prominently.
Another thing to commend in Doubleblind is the shift in pace. Unlike books 1 and 2 which hop across the galaxy, this book takes place almost entirely on one world and Jax does not jump anywhere. Her diplomatic mission is a stroke of genius - as Jax herself is quick to point out, she isn't the most obvious candidate to encourage inter-racial relations, but it was hugely enjoyable to watch her in her ambassadorial capacity. It was also good to see Vel be fleshed out and to understand him a bit more. It will be interesting to see what happens next with this character.
The finale was excellent and I didn't see "whodunnit" - suffice to say I was surprised. I plan to be much quicker coming to book 4.
There is so much to love about this world. I don't generally read sci-fi, but that hasnn't proven to be a stumbling block, with the alien landscapes vividly brought to life and quickly normalised. Hands down, though, my favourite aspect of this series is the characters. Jax, first and foremost, is a phenomenal heroine, gritty, tough, flawed and evolving, she is self-aware and shaped by her past, and not afraid to admit to her failings. Her interactions with Vel, Dina and March especially are a delight to behold, and similarly these characters were all beautifully realised in this book, even Dina who doesn't feature prominently.
Another thing to commend in Doubleblind is the shift in pace. Unlike books 1 and 2 which hop across the galaxy, this book takes place almost entirely on one world and Jax does not jump anywhere. Her diplomatic mission is a stroke of genius - as Jax herself is quick to point out, she isn't the most obvious candidate to encourage inter-racial relations, but it was hugely enjoyable to watch her in her ambassadorial capacity. It was also good to see Vel be fleshed out and to understand him a bit more. It will be interesting to see what happens next with this character.
The finale was excellent and I didn't see "whodunnit" - suffice to say I was surprised. I plan to be much quicker coming to book 4.
northship's review against another edition
3.0
i really enjoyed visiting ithiss-tor and finding out more of the ithorian customs and culture, and i love vel so much. i felt that there was decent character growth with jax for a change, although i'm still tired of march and his constant manpain. at least it was well-earned this time, but i also just don't care. there are certain characters you just can't force yourself to like and march is one of them for me.
this book had a great combination of political intrigue and action, and was among the best in the series for me.
this book had a great combination of political intrigue and action, and was among the best in the series for me.
tomokizu's review against another edition
5.0
It took me a long time to start on this book. I couldn't get into it the first time around, but that was probably because I had a lot of stress around the time I bought it. Now that everything is quiet again I took the time and finished reading it, and I have to say the book is as stunning, intoxicating and page-turning as the first two novels in the series were. Aguirre dumps us right into a vivid world, packed full with intrigue and espionage, and she also lets us connect to the feelings of all the characters in this story.
I'm glad I took this book with me and was able to finish reading it in record time, again.
Can't wait for the next installment and how the story and the war, Jax and her crew are currently thrown into, will develop.
I'm glad I took this book with me and was able to finish reading it in record time, again.
Can't wait for the next installment and how the story and the war, Jax and her crew are currently thrown into, will develop.
delaneybull's review
4.0
I like that the March drama took a backseat, and the Ithtorian world and political scene was really great.