Review: The Complete Alien Apocalypse Series (Parts I-IV Plus Bonus Novella) by J.C. Andrijeski 5 of 5 stars

The Complete Alien Apocalypse Series (Parts I-IV Plus Bonus Novella): An Apocalyptic, Romantic, Science Fiction, Alien Invasion Adventure by J.C. Andrijeski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great value boxset containing an entire series (including a matching novella). A very enjoyable read.

#1 The Culling - 5*

Jet is 19 and a skag - one of the free humans living on Earth after aliens called the Nirreth have invaded. She is one of the humans squatting in what is left of Vancouver in Canada where both Jet and her family are some of the many who eke out some kind of existence underground. It is common to hear or encounter so-called culler ships where they take people that they find and they never return. So when a culler finds Jet she is facing finding out the truth about the entire situation the hard way. Will she survive?

I really enjoyed this dystopian story and the world that the author has conjured up. Jet was definitely a woman with an attitude which she definitely needed as she encountered situation after situation that meant that she had to roll with the punches and think on her feet. I loved some of the descriptions of the locations, situations and her thoughts and emotions so that I felt that I knew exactly how she felt and what was happening to her. Well written and easy to read. I can't wait to find out what happens next now!

#2 - The Royals - 5*

Jet has started her new life as a slave in the Royal House of the Nirreth but it is nothing like Jet ever imagined as the 19-year-old skag she was just outside Vancouver. She is babysitting a 9-year-old alien who has a crush on her (which can sometimes be dangerous) and then training for the Rings which is a televised Nirreth obsession where humans navigate perilous courses filled with real and virtual enemies. As the first female human to run in the rings Jet is expected to die or do so badly that she will be kicked out by the judges. Richter (leader of the human rebels) warns that Jet might not make it to the Rings at all - she first has to persuade them that she is docile enough to be trusted. In order to so that she will have to become the pet of one of the Nirreth which involves sharing their bed and being stung by the venom regularly. When Laksri, the leader of the Nirreth rebels and Richter’s military and strategic partner, offers to take that role, Jet’s relationship with the Nirreth becomes more complicated than she could ever have imagined. Can she handle it and can they fool everyone?

This was a great continuation of the story and gave us much more detail about the society in the Green Zone and the kinds of things that Jet had to do in order to fit in with society as well as to protect herself. There were some interesting relationship developments that could have confused Jet a great deal but she seemed to handle it well and be able to see clearly who (or what) was who and how seriously to take everything. I loved the sections where she was high on venom and the effect on both her and Laksri when that was done. The 9-year-old prince was a complete brat and I need to congratulate Jet on not slapping him! Lots of great developments and the Ring was amazing (for both Jet and as a concept). I've started to really like Laksri as a character and think that he is trying really hard to be honourable and treat Jet with respect even though he is obviously very attracted to her. I can't wait to find out what happens next after the bombshell ending to this story. Well written and easy to read and understand.

#3 - The New Order - 4*

Jet transferred from the status of a slave owned by the Royal family to an honorary member of that Royal family overnight. It is not really a prize s her role as Laksri's official consort is likely to get her killed. At the same time, the Ringmaster Trazen has not backed off and seems to be more determined to put her back in her place as a "mammal" and slave. Political intrigue has become more elaborate and deadly and she has even more confusion as to who to trust. It soon seems clear to Jet that she can only survive the Rings if she carves out her own path away from Richter and the Nirreth. Can Jet survive all of this intrigue?

The was definitely a rich book when it comes to political changes, confusion and arguments between all of them at different points. There were times when it became a bit tedious with all of Jet's analysis and determination which made her appear really stupid and easy to manipulate. After a while, it became just a little tedious and I was tempted to skip forward a little just to avoid it. Generally well written and easy to read and understand. Now I can't help wondering what happens next as it all ended with a step-change in this book so I can't wait to find out what happens next.

#4 The Rebellion - 5*

Jet Tetsuo finds herself as a slave in the home of her enemy Trazen and desperate to escape. At first, that seems to be an impossible dream even with allies in his other human slaves but evens then happen that show her that nothing is what it seems and Trazen is the biggest surprise as he is nothing like he appears. Jet then discovers that a different version of the Green Zone exists where human terrorists and therefore potential allies live. However, currently in ascendance is a fanatical faction of the Nirreth who would prefer to see humans in chains. When the current first son of the royals announces his intention to annihilate most of the human race, Jet needs to decide just how far she is prepared to go to stop him, even if she faces the stark choice of having to trust people she had previously swore she would never trust - because it is that or she risks losing everyone who is dear to her.

I loved this final chapter in the story of Jet and the Nirreth and I was thrilled at the way that it ended. There were plenty of twists and turns in this story as well as the need to adapt to her beliefs as to who to trust, but throughout it all, Jet was her same determined self. I enjoyed the way she had to work through the events that had happened as well as the emotions that she was feeling. I enjoyed the dramatic events that led to a change in leadership and the final decision that she makes. Contains a little sexual content at the end. I would love to know what happened next to them.

Bonus Novella - The Rings Fighter - 4*

As a house slave in Agnon's house, Chloe never expected to live long. Not only is he one of the Nirreth aliens who have colonised Earth, but he's also a sociopath and her only hope was that life would be better for her younger sister Kiji who she has been struggling to protect as much as she can. When she catches the eye of the Ringmaster Trazen, she figures that her time is now up, but he may not be what he appears (and not just because he is the hottest alien she has ever seen).

This was a great novella that could be a teaser for the series as well as something to fill a gap in understanding of a part of the series. I enjoyed the way that Trazen was not what he appeared to be as well as the example of the brutality of Agnon (who really deserved a far nastier ending than he eventually met! Well written and easy to read and understand. Contains some light sexual content.

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