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Not bad but I was hoping it would be better. I couldn't really get myself to like Junco, I feel like she's trying too hard. Story-wise, it certainly isn't the most interesting thing out there. I'll give #2 a try.
"Do ya trust me, darlin?"
Original review posted at JC's Book Haven and given 4.5 stars
I met J.A. Huss a while back because she is a blogger too and wanted to read her series I Am Just Junco when I found out about it. I was lucky enough to win Book 1 and 2 from Bookworm Brandee.
The Good
First, I would like to comment on how great a character Junco truly is. She is Just Junco and is apparently at war, but didn't know it right at first because the action packed ride this book takes you on goes through Junco regaining memories in a most interesting fashion. She is a no-holds-barred type of character who has a potty mouth that others (mainly Tier) really take offense to and she knows how to wield a weapon.
The story is so interesting. There is a lot going on here! The world built is incredible and well-delivered. The technology (like Junco's talking sentient house) is so much fun to read about. She is really put through the ringer in the book. It starts off with a funeral and a car crash and just gets crazier by the second. There are aliens with wings here that are called Avians and a lot of soldiers in this story. She is often what I consider a woman in the middle of a boy's club. Aren is someone that she has known for quite a while and you can tell that she seems more comfortable when he is around. It seems like this is the case for some of the other soldiers that she knew. I will be the first to tell you that from the reader's perspective, I didn't really care for Aren.
Tier is a fantastic character. He is an Avian that shows up basically out of nowhere and continues to keep showing up and asking for her trust. I will admit that it seemed like she was going to tell him that she trusted him, but I don't think the words would make it out very well because she just didn't know. I didn't know if she could trust him either because to be honest, he seems like he could be good or bad (and very good at either). The two of them together was a lot of fun. They are pretty different, but there is a lot of chemistry there. He so often says the words 'darlin' and 'sweetheart', so I immediately thought that he was a chauvinist, but that went away pretty quickly.
The Bad
I was a little bit confused at times because as I said there was a lot going on. It was a lot easier with the great revelations that surfaced and information given later on in the book so it all ironed itself out, but even though I was immersed in the action of Clutch, I would sometimes wonder where the story was going.
I thought the reaction to the character of Moju was very odd. Junco immediately let all guard down for him and this didn't seem to be in line with her character in my opinion. She just seemed to accept things a little too easily I guess? I'm not sure, it just sat a little weirdly with me.
The Romance
There's not much romance to mention. Tier and Junco have a great chemistry around each other and it hints at more in future books. Also, Aren and Junco have history but I didn't feel the chemistry between the two of them in the same manner.
Conclusion
This is a great book. Even if you don't read a lot of science fiction, I think you could get into it. I guess it's because she reminds me so much of an urban fantasy heroine in the world of technology and aliens. There is excellent action, fantastic characters, great twists and turns with revelations and the world-building was very well done. Absolutely recommended.
Original review posted at JC's Book Haven and given 4.5 stars
I met J.A. Huss a while back because she is a blogger too and wanted to read her series I Am Just Junco when I found out about it. I was lucky enough to win Book 1 and 2 from Bookworm Brandee.
The Good
First, I would like to comment on how great a character Junco truly is. She is Just Junco and is apparently at war, but didn't know it right at first because the action packed ride this book takes you on goes through Junco regaining memories in a most interesting fashion. She is a no-holds-barred type of character who has a potty mouth that others (mainly Tier) really take offense to and she knows how to wield a weapon.
The story is so interesting. There is a lot going on here! The world built is incredible and well-delivered. The technology (like Junco's talking sentient house) is so much fun to read about. She is really put through the ringer in the book. It starts off with a funeral and a car crash and just gets crazier by the second. There are aliens with wings here that are called Avians and a lot of soldiers in this story. She is often what I consider a woman in the middle of a boy's club. Aren is someone that she has known for quite a while and you can tell that she seems more comfortable when he is around. It seems like this is the case for some of the other soldiers that she knew. I will be the first to tell you that from the reader's perspective, I didn't really care for Aren.
Tier is a fantastic character. He is an Avian that shows up basically out of nowhere and continues to keep showing up and asking for her trust. I will admit that it seemed like she was going to tell him that she trusted him, but I don't think the words would make it out very well because she just didn't know. I didn't know if she could trust him either because to be honest, he seems like he could be good or bad (and very good at either). The two of them together was a lot of fun. They are pretty different, but there is a lot of chemistry there. He so often says the words 'darlin' and 'sweetheart', so I immediately thought that he was a chauvinist, but that went away pretty quickly.
The Bad
I was a little bit confused at times because as I said there was a lot going on. It was a lot easier with the great revelations that surfaced and information given later on in the book so it all ironed itself out, but even though I was immersed in the action of Clutch, I would sometimes wonder where the story was going.
I thought the reaction to the character of Moju was very odd. Junco immediately let all guard down for him and this didn't seem to be in line with her character in my opinion. She just seemed to accept things a little too easily I guess? I'm not sure, it just sat a little weirdly with me.
The Romance
There's not much romance to mention. Tier and Junco have a great chemistry around each other and it hints at more in future books. Also, Aren and Junco have history but I didn't feel the chemistry between the two of them in the same manner.
Conclusion
This is a great book. Even if you don't read a lot of science fiction, I think you could get into it. I guess it's because she reminds me so much of an urban fantasy heroine in the world of technology and aliens. There is excellent action, fantastic characters, great twists and turns with revelations and the world-building was very well done. Absolutely recommended.
I didn't love this as much as I expected to and the main reason, I think, was that I spent too much time confused. I love the main character - Junco - and Tier is pretty great too. They're definitely the reason I enjoyed it. But it's quite a different world and I things aren't really explained, so much as meant to be caught on to as you read. And I guess I either wasn't focused enough or smart enough or it wasn't clear enough. I do know that there are a lot of characters and elements that, even now at the end of the book I'm unclear about. However, there's something there that has me eager to read on and hopefully I'll start to figure elements out better. Huss certainly knows how to end a book making you want to pick up the next one!
I listened to this and I liked Sienna Beckman's narration overall. I really loved the voice she had for Tier. But part of me wonders if the narration wasn't part of my problem understanding and keeping up with everything. We'll see as the series progresses since the narrator changes with book 2.
I listened to this and I liked Sienna Beckman's narration overall. I really loved the voice she had for Tier. But part of me wonders if the narration wasn't part of my problem understanding and keeping up with everything. We'll see as the series progresses since the narrator changes with book 2.
3.5 stars
This was a really interesting read. I will be reading the next book in the series (or listening to it since it’s available on audible). Junco is a kick ass heroine and I loved the relationship with her and Tier ( a winged man/alien). It’s one of those fight it at first because were enemies kind of romances which I love.
I found it a bit confusing at first, and it took me a while to adjust to the world that was being built, but once I did I found it really enjoyable. I think I might reread this book now that my brain’s not fried from studying so that I can properly get to grips with it before I listen to fledge. Not an easy going read but I think it’s worth it.
This was a really interesting read. I will be reading the next book in the series (or listening to it since it’s available on audible). Junco is a kick ass heroine and I loved the relationship with her and Tier ( a winged man/alien). It’s one of those fight it at first because were enemies kind of romances which I love.
I found it a bit confusing at first, and it took me a while to adjust to the world that was being built, but once I did I found it really enjoyable. I think I might reread this book now that my brain’s not fried from studying so that I can properly get to grips with it before I listen to fledge. Not an easy going read but I think it’s worth it.
I'm not quite sure how to start off talking about this book. It was incredibly creative, with amazing characters. It was action-packed, and there was lots of fighting. It was awesome. I loved it, and as soon as I finished this one, I moved on and started the next book in this series.
Even though I loved everything about this novel, the main characters were what made it. Junco is the best heroine I've read about in a long time. She shoots first, and asks questions later. Even when things look bleak for her, she gets right back up, and lives to fight another day. I love her strength and resilience so much. The fact that underneath all of that there's someone vulnerable, and who's just trying to figure out the truth of things makes her even more likable.
Then, there's Tier. I loved him the moment he appeared. He's so tough, but so kind at the same time. I loved getting to see all the sides to his character. It's definitely a contest between him and Junco for my favorites. I loved their scenes together, from the action ones to the more quiet ones.
The side characters were all sorts of complicated. A big thing in this book was not knowing who she could trust, and that was definitely pulled off well. We didn't know whether or not her best friend was good or bad until later on in the novel. So many characters were so layered, and it was so awesome how well the author pulled it off. One side character I did like was Moju. He was so great with Junco and when we learn his backstory, well…he is also more than he first appeared. This, in my opinion, shows great talent for characterization, because I definitely didn't guess who was bad, and who was good.
As for the plot of this novel, it was epic. Junco had to try and figure out what parts of her life were true. She had to decide who to trust, and she learned some very devastating things. This book also follows Junco and Tier getting to know each other, and that was awesome as well.. Also, in this book there were flashbacks, and it was pretty hard to watch Junco deal with them, even before we knew whether they were real or not. It was amazing, and I loved it.
So, in case it wasn't perfectly obvious, I thought this book was incredible. The sci-fi elements were well-done, with a sentient house thrown in for good measure. The pace was ridiculously fast, which I always love. Lies and secrets abounded, and it was hard to know which characters were good and bad, so that made this book a crazy, twisting roller coaster ride of emotions. Lastly, the characters definitely made this story what it was. If Junco were any less resilient, and if Tier were any less soldierly and kind, it definitely would not have worked. Therefore, I'm definitely glad this wasn't the case, and I'm moving on with the next book in this series right away.
Even though I loved everything about this novel, the main characters were what made it. Junco is the best heroine I've read about in a long time. She shoots first, and asks questions later. Even when things look bleak for her, she gets right back up, and lives to fight another day. I love her strength and resilience so much. The fact that underneath all of that there's someone vulnerable, and who's just trying to figure out the truth of things makes her even more likable.
Then, there's Tier. I loved him the moment he appeared. He's so tough, but so kind at the same time. I loved getting to see all the sides to his character. It's definitely a contest between him and Junco for my favorites. I loved their scenes together, from the action ones to the more quiet ones.
The side characters were all sorts of complicated. A big thing in this book was not knowing who she could trust, and that was definitely pulled off well. We didn't know whether or not her best friend was good or bad until later on in the novel. So many characters were so layered, and it was so awesome how well the author pulled it off. One side character I did like was Moju. He was so great with Junco and when we learn his backstory, well…he is also more than he first appeared. This, in my opinion, shows great talent for characterization, because I definitely didn't guess who was bad, and who was good.
As for the plot of this novel, it was epic. Junco had to try and figure out what parts of her life were true. She had to decide who to trust, and she learned some very devastating things. This book also follows Junco and Tier getting to know each other, and that was awesome as well.. Also, in this book there were flashbacks, and it was pretty hard to watch Junco deal with them, even before we knew whether they were real or not. It was amazing, and I loved it.
So, in case it wasn't perfectly obvious, I thought this book was incredible. The sci-fi elements were well-done, with a sentient house thrown in for good measure. The pace was ridiculously fast, which I always love. Lies and secrets abounded, and it was hard to know which characters were good and bad, so that made this book a crazy, twisting roller coaster ride of emotions. Lastly, the characters definitely made this story what it was. If Junco were any less resilient, and if Tier were any less soldierly and kind, it definitely would not have worked. Therefore, I'm definitely glad this wasn't the case, and I'm moving on with the next book in this series right away.
Gaslighting and Miscommunication: The Novel. Lot's of sex and violence under the implied threat of violence played as if they aren't. It's weird.
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
3.5...more than a 3 but not quite a 4
What I liked:
★The actual story, it was an interesting one.
★The voices, Junco and Tier are both wonderfully sarcastic. There is a lot of good repartee between them.
★Junco’s badassness in the last 1/3 of the book. I do love a kickbutt female warrior.
★The fact that Junco was smart enough not to just take everything at face value.
★The actual mechanical writing. It was good, as was the editing.
What I didn’t like:
★Tier’s ‘Darlin’ habit. It made him sound like an old man. In fact I can’t say I liked his accent at all. The use of ‘ya’ instead of ‘ you’ really ground on my nerves after a while. Plus, I think it undermined his gravitas.
★The lack of worldbuilding. I have a very vague idea that there was an American succession of some sort, but nothing beyond that and no idea how (or when) avians fit in.
★The fact that Junco did a personality 180. I liked the badass she became, but after seeing her flail about for the first 2/3 the book it was a bit abrupt and unbelievable.
★As much as I love a badass warrior woman, Junco’s badass attitude became just too much for me.
★The events that led to both the revelation of memories that allowed her to revert to her other personality and caused her to start the whole chain of events in the first place is pretty major and completely glossed over.
★The lack of character depth, none of the characters were well fleshed out.
★I was confused on some of the tech. How does a construct work, for example? It seemed too sentient, not to mention aware of the outside world and able to pop up in Junco’s mind without her ‘logging in’ or whatever.
★The subtitle, I understand the Clutch reference, but since this isn’t set online or anything what’s up with the Dot Com?
Overall impression:
I liked it, enjoyed reading it, but A LOT was left unexplained or only vaguely sketched out. I know I’ve seen at least one write up in which the author says there are no answers in this book (or in book 2, 3 or 4 even) but that’s not even what I’m talking about. The cliffhanger wasn’t painfully abrupt. I thought it reached an acceptable breaking point.
I just mean that the whole world, plot, everything just seemed to hang together on gossamer threads. So, while I followed it I didn’t sense that it was solid; if that makes sense. I needed to know more about the whole Charlie situation, the voices in Junco’s head, who/what avians are, what happened to America (and the rest of the world presumably), why Tier would disobey orders for Junco, what was his f*** up that sent him to Earth in the first place, was his apparent affection for Junco supposed to be love, etc. It felt a little weak.
Despite all that, I did enjoy the book. I looked into buying book two and might have if it was super cheat. But I held off for fear that Junco would turn into one of those heroine’s who can miraculously do everything, survive everything, recover from everything, outsmart everyone, etc and do it all with a sarcastic smirk in the process. (As much as I love a badass woman, I hate those characters.)
I haven’t read the second book, so I’m not saying that’s the case, but I sense that it could be. Hope I’m wrong. All in all, an interesting start to the series. I’m definitely up for more of Ms. Huss’ writing.
What I liked:
★The actual story, it was an interesting one.
★The voices, Junco and Tier are both wonderfully sarcastic. There is a lot of good repartee between them.
★Junco’s badassness in the last 1/3 of the book. I do love a kickbutt female warrior.
★The fact that Junco was smart enough not to just take everything at face value.
★The actual mechanical writing. It was good, as was the editing.
What I didn’t like:
★Tier’s ‘Darlin’ habit. It made him sound like an old man. In fact I can’t say I liked his accent at all. The use of ‘ya’ instead of ‘ you’ really ground on my nerves after a while. Plus, I think it undermined his gravitas.
★The lack of worldbuilding. I have a very vague idea that there was an American succession of some sort, but nothing beyond that and no idea how (or when) avians fit in.
★The fact that Junco did a personality 180. I liked the badass she became, but after seeing her flail about for the first 2/3 the book it was a bit abrupt and unbelievable.
★As much as I love a badass warrior woman, Junco’s badass attitude became just too much for me.
★The events that led to both the revelation of memories that allowed her to revert to her other personality and caused her to start the whole chain of events in the first place is pretty major and completely glossed over.
★The lack of character depth, none of the characters were well fleshed out.
★I was confused on some of the tech. How does a construct work, for example? It seemed too sentient, not to mention aware of the outside world and able to pop up in Junco’s mind without her ‘logging in’ or whatever.
★The subtitle, I understand the Clutch reference, but since this isn’t set online or anything what’s up with the Dot Com?
Overall impression:
I liked it, enjoyed reading it, but A LOT was left unexplained or only vaguely sketched out. I know I’ve seen at least one write up in which the author says there are no answers in this book (or in book 2, 3 or 4 even) but that’s not even what I’m talking about. The cliffhanger wasn’t painfully abrupt. I thought it reached an acceptable breaking point.
I just mean that the whole world, plot, everything just seemed to hang together on gossamer threads. So, while I followed it I didn’t sense that it was solid; if that makes sense. I needed to know more about the whole Charlie situation, the voices in Junco’s head, who/what avians are, what happened to America (and the rest of the world presumably), why Tier would disobey orders for Junco, what was his f*** up that sent him to Earth in the first place, was his apparent affection for Junco supposed to be love, etc. It felt a little weak.
Despite all that, I did enjoy the book. I looked into buying book two and might have if it was super cheat. But I held off for fear that Junco would turn into one of those heroine’s who can miraculously do everything, survive everything, recover from everything, outsmart everyone, etc and do it all with a sarcastic smirk in the process. (As much as I love a badass woman, I hate those characters.)
I haven’t read the second book, so I’m not saying that’s the case, but I sense that it could be. Hope I’m wrong. All in all, an interesting start to the series. I’m definitely up for more of Ms. Huss’ writing.
Wow, this book picks you up by the scruff of the neck, flings you about and just doesn't let up. It's rare that I'm surprised by plot...or characters, but this kept on surprising me. Marvelous and I can't wait to see what happens next.
Junco is brilliant! And Clutch is so well done! Aliens, clones, war, fights, doubts, lies, amazing characters, it's all there!