Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

May 9th, 2019 Kimberly Review 38 Comments

9th May
Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Aurora Rising
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
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
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 wondering

And 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.

scifi fantasy mystery well written

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
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

38 Responses to “Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff”

  1. 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,

  2. 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.

    Sam@wlabb recently posted: Discussion: What is Quiet YA
  3. 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.

    Stefanie recently posted: Cross Stitch I
  4. 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

  5. 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!!

  6. 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!

  7. 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!

  8. 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?

  9. 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.

  10. 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

          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.