GUEST REVIEW: Grimspace by Ann Aguirre
Dear Jane,
Thank you for inviting me to write this review of Ann Aguirre’s Grimspace. After reading your review last month I was eager to read this and even more delighted to win one of the 20 ARCs you gave away. I am happy to report that I enjoyed the book as much as you did.
As you know, this book is written in the first person, from heroine Sirantha Jax’s POV. Generally speaking, I prefer a book written from multiple POVs. Maybe it is just what I am used to. But I have to say that this book works very well coming from Jax’s POV. Despite that "limitation" there is a very real sense that all of the characters grow and change as a result of what they go through together. And this ultimately is what makes Grimspace succeed for me. Ms. Aguirre is able to give us a strong sense of the other characters, especially March, even though we are not inside their heads. In your review you pointed out that Jax is not “loveable … [or] particularly honorable.” But, she is honest. During periods of introspection, she analyzes her actions and admits that some of those actions have had negative consequences. Jax grows and learns from her mistakes and eventually she comes to a point where she is able to refer to herself as the "new Jax." She likes herself better, and I as a reader liked her better, too.
As I read this book I was really struck by Ms. Aguirre’s earthy use of language to help us understand Jax’s personality. It is not "nice" language (although it isn’t excessively crude or rude either). The language reinforces the idea that Jax has gone through life with a cocky, devil-may-care attitude, and despite her new-found sense of responsibility, that attitude is still very much a part of who she is. It made her very real to me. There is also some wonderful description that put interesting pictures in my head. Your review referred to the description of grimspace as an "orchid unfurling." My favorite description was this one:
They say you never forget your first glimpse of Gehenna. Over the tall buildings the sky swirls with orange and red, true titian, a feature of the unique atmosphere. Of course that same air would kill human beings; hence they built the entire city inside a dome. Eternal sunset, that’s why the place is so wild. You know the feeling you get just before full dark? Sundown makes you feel like the world burgeons with possibility, and that’s Gehenna for you. (ch. 37)
It really got me wondering what it would be like to see such a sight.
I’ve already read the excerpt from Wanderlust (found here) and I’m eagerly awaiting its release in September so I can read more about Jax and March. I see Dina will be back and I hope we see more of Velith (a secondary character who appears late in the book) too. Meanwhile I do recommend this book, especially to those who enjoy adventure and space opera, or to anyone who wants to try something a little different.
Thanks again, Jane!
Phyl
***
Phyl won this book as part of our DearAuthor giveaway. We have another giveaway for Sherry Thomas’ book, Private Arrangements. Other reader opinions for Grimspace:
- Teri, Writer Unboxed
- Bettie Sharpe, Sharp Words
- Tumperkin, Isn’t It Romance?
- Shara, Calico Reaction
- Bernita, An Innocent A-Blog
- Leslie, The Good, The Bad, and Unread
- Azteclady, Karen Knows Best
- Shannon C, Flight Into Fantasy
- Wendy, Kicks & Giggles
- Michele Lee, Michele Lee’s
- Caitie, eHarlequin
- Anime-Babbble, Anime-Babble
- Keilexandra, Eschewed Obfuscation
OK, absolute will not buy for me.
Mobipocket ONLY! Format…
Sad
What a well-written review, Phyl! You really made me want to read this book.
I finished it over the weekend and I loved it. I think Ann will be one of the breakout authors this year and I have already recommended Grimspace to my friends and on several message boards. I cant wait for the sequels :)
I’m in the middle of reading it, too and am enjoying it immensely.
[activating fan-girl powers]
I loved reading Grimspace! Jax & March are pure awesome and the whole book is fanfastic. I can’t wait for Wanderlust! :)
Look at all those reviews! I can’t wait to read it!
Grimspace makes me remember why I used to read SF to the exclusion of all other genres. It’s a book worth reading twice–and not many books are.
Wow, thanks for all kind words. I’m glowing.
If anyone reading this is on the fence about buying Grimspace — well, Sharon Shinn blurbed it. Sharon Shinn liked this book! She really did. See, Sharon Shinn would never lie, for she is the Chuck Norris of SF&F authors.
That is all.
I loved this book. It’s what science fiction romance should be.
I am even more excited to know that it is a series. I like the no-nonsense way the story takes off – right into the action of it. Love it. I hope to post my review up end of this week.
Thank you, Janine. And thanks one more time to Jane and Dear Author for the chance to win and blog about it.
I loved this book. Loved, loved, loved it.
Ann,
You’ve written a very exciting book here. I have bought the book on the day of the release and have enjoyed it thoroughly.
Grimspace makes me want to space travel. A most excellent book and I hope Jax and March become the Eve and Roarke of space jumping :)
“I think Ann will be one of the breakout authors this year”
Has, that would be so nice!
I just ordered this. Based on this, and other, reviews, plus the (tasteful and discreet) ads I’ve seen around, in case the author keeps track of what sort of advertisments work ;>