by Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff
Series: The Aurora Cycle #1
Narrator: Kim Mai Guest, Johnathan McClain, Candice Moll, Lincoln Hoppe, Steve West, Erin Spencer
Length: 14 hours 4 minutes
Genres: Science Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating:
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.3x
The year is 2380, and the graduating cadets of Aurora Academy are being assigned their first missions. Star pupil Tyler Jones is ready to recruit the squad of his dreams, but his own boneheaded heroism sees him stuck with the dregs nobody else in the Academy would touch…
A cocky diplomat with a black belt in sarcasm
A sociopath scientist with a fondness for shooting her bunkmates
A smart-ass techwiz with the galaxy’s biggest chip on his shoulder
An alien warrior with anger management issues
A tomboy pilot who’s totally not into him, in case you were wonderingAnd Ty’s squad isn’t even his biggest problem—that’d be Aurora Jie-Lin O’Malley, the girl he’s just rescued from interdimensional space. Trapped in cryo-sleep for two centuries, Auri is a girl out of time and out of her depth. But she could be the catalyst that starts a war millions of years in the making, and Tyler’s squad of losers, discipline-cases and misfits might just be the last hope for the entire galaxy.
Nobody panic.
We are entering the fold in 3, 2, 1….. Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff takes us on the first mission of Squad 321. Buckle up buttercups!
The year is 2380, Tyler Jones will be graduating as top cadet of Aurora Academy. With that honor comes first pick of his squadron, but an act of heroism leaves him with the squad nobody wanted. Before their first mission ends they’ll need to make choices and band together because the galaxy needs them!
Kristoff, and Kaufman are magic together. The tale that unfolds while suitable for young adults but is one that will appeal to fantasy and science fiction lovers universally.
Unique and diverse characters from across the Galaxy with their own customs was just as addictive as the world these author’s created. While most of our time was spent aboard their ship, we also spent time on stations, traveling the fold and learning about the wars, galaxies and its people.
The crew of Squad321:
- Tyler Jones: Captain of Squad 321 Tyler lives and dies by the code/rules and he will be faced with difficult decisions.
- Zila Madran: Science officer. Zila has had over thirty-two reprimands in the past two years at the academy. She is smart but I wouldn’t cross her.
- Kal Gilwraeth: Syldrathi born and bred for battle. His race is known for their arrogance and skill. I liked Kal and found information about his world and customs fascinating.
- Finian de Seel: If it’s broke he will fix it. I liked Fin who struggles in his skeletal suit and can be a downright arse.
- Catherine “Cat” Brannock: Ace pilot. She is opinionated, and at times abrasive. She claims to not have “feelings” for Tyler. *raises brow*
- Scarlett Jones: Trained black belt, sister to Tyler and peacekeeper.
Aurora Jie-Lin O’Malley was awoken 200 year after entering cryo-sleep. Rescued by Tyler she may be the key to saving the galaxy. If she doesn’t get them all killed first.
From the fast-paced action scenes to intergalactic discoveries and beginning series arc was tight, well-paced and took me as the listener through a gamut of emotions. I came to connect with the members of this motley crew and experienced moments of laughter as we witnessed camaraderie, snark and banter. Seeing them become a unit rocked.
The audiobook is narrated by a full cast. It had added sound effects that heightened our experience. It was brilliant, seamless and a delight to behold. Kim Mai Guest, Johnathan McClain, Candice Moll, Lincoln Hoppe, Steve West and Erin Spencer provided the voices and narration.
“…SILENT MODE!!”
Ancient artifacts, creepy plants, redacted history and the rejects of the academy come together to save the galaxy in Aurora Rising.
Ancient artifacts, creepy plants, redacted history and the rejects of the academy come together to save the galaxy in Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff #fantasy #ScienceFiction #loveaudiobooks Share on X
Olivia Roach
This author duo is just so iconic. I am loving it. I am still reading my way through the Illuminae Files series and I want to complete that one first before moving on to this one. But I am glad to know this book is just as fantastic for so many reasons 🙂
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
So many are loving this book that I feel I must get it. I am sorry I didn’t go for the pre-order on this one. I really love this cover too.
Mary
JoLee @ Wickedly Delicious Book Blog
Oh Ty’s squad seems interesting with a little bit of everything. New to me author. Sounds good.
MarthaE
This is another that looks good.. Added to my Audible wish list. Thanks.
Lindy@ A Bookish Escape
I’ve been seeing this story around the blogosphere and everyone seems to love it! Great Review Kim!
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
This sounds like it’s going to be just as amazing as The Illuminae Files. I can’t wait to read it!
Ardis @ Pondering The Prose
I really liked the audio version of Aurora Rising! I thought it was fun to listen to all the characters attempt an Australian accent! And I love that all of the books by Amie & Jay have a full cast,
Dani @ Perspective of a Writer
I really enjoyed this too. I heard others are split about the ending but I really loved it. ❤️ Can’t wait for the sequel actually.
Teresa Mary Rose
I just finished this one and I loved it oh so much! I definitely wanna give this one a re-read with the audio because it sounds like they do an amazing job. Great review!
Melanie Simmons
Sounds really interesting. The cover is eye catching too.
Aleen @ Lampshade Reader
I’ve been hearing so much about this book and was actually looking for a YA Science Fiction read. So this ticks all of the boxes. 🙂
Sam@wlabb
Love this writing duo, and knew this would be amazing. I keep wanting to listen to one of their books on audio, because I know they go all out. Full cast + effects sounds like a total experience.
Stefanie
You’ve reminded me I need to read this duo’s work (the other series). I wonder if they ever shared how their partnership worked.
Debbie Haupt
This sounds FAB Kim, thank you so much for putting it on my radar. Right up my alley
Noel
I love love love this cover!! <3
Melissa (Books and Things)
Looks like another series by Jay Kristoff I’ll be wanting to read (or listen to). I do think audio since I love a full cast. Thanks for putting it on my radar!
Anne - Books of My Heart
Outstanding review! Obviously, this is right up my alley and I need to get it now Good thing I have a pile of Audible credits! Is it related to any other series or just new? I love a bunch of those narrators, a lot. So I’m excited.
Lily
I just picked up two of his other books because I never read them and I am soo excited for this one, it looks so good and I love the idea of it. Also, I’ve been craving some sci fi books
Kristin
I can’t wait for the next book!! These two are such brilliant sci-fi writers!! I can’t even imagine the audio (mind-blown!!). Brilli review, friend!!
Mary Kirkland
The crew sounds awesome. Nothing like a cast of crazy characters to liven things up.
sherry fundin
Sounds fantastic. I have been reading more scifi in the past year or so and loving it.
Tonyalee
I saw this audio on Volumes but I want to read the book first before listening! I do love a full cast of narrators though, and that you loved it!
Kimberly
Psst…this is the first book.
Tonyalee
I know. I wanted to read it first before listening to the audio. Lol I think you misread my comment.
Kimberly
*facepalm* I did I read it as the first book.?
ShootingStarsMag
I’m so happy to see you loved this one. I do want to read it!
-Lauren
Angela - Angel's Guilty Pleasures
Great review!
Sophia Rose
I’m listening now…. loved the beginning and the narrator. I’ll have to come back for your thoughts. 🙂
Michelle @Because Reading
I asked for this book for Mom’s Day! 🙂 I am so very glad you enjoyed it! I am so excited to read it! Love your review!!! 🙂
Genesis @ Whispering Chapters
I’m completely drawn to the females of this squad! Zile sounds badass, Cat sounds wonderful, and Scarlett as well! I’m all for fast paced action!
Ailyn Koay
i noticed that they both seem to like putting goody two shoes in trouble, it is so hilarious maybe they have some issues with rule obeyers?
Trish @ Between My Lines
Loving the descriptions of the characters, especially Tyler. And the blurb is hilarious. I need this one!
Christy
Still killing it with the reviews. 😉
I liked this too! I read it though. I’ve never listened to a full cast audiobook, but it sounds cool.
Quiltfamke
PLEEEEEEASE PLEEEEASE PLEEEEEEASE PLEEEEEASE STOP SENDING ME FEED OF YOURE BLOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kimberly
You are not subscribed to my newsletter You will need to contact Bloglovin as i mentioned when you comment there. I have no control over their feeds.
Susan
I seriously just hate everyone who has now read this book.
Kimberly
I listened so am I safe???♀️
Susan
On a technicality I suppose.since it is taking ages for my library to get the copy I requested and I am probably going to have to go audibles myself.