Review: Outstanding.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 10, 2014
I have a soft spot for well-written military science fiction, which is exactly what this novel is.  It is excellent in every respect.  I was riveted from beginning to end by the exceptional dialogue, well-rounded characters, and gripping, intense action scenes.  It reads like something from a top-notch author with a large publisher.I was particularly impressed by the character development of the two main characters and how Petra is able to come to terms with her underlying trauma that defines her character.  The author has a gift for getting into her characters thoughts.  Every major character was well-defined, took actions that made sense, and was interesting in their own right.And Orenda has a genuine gift for writing science fiction combat scenes.  Truly a brilliant job with the fights on Earth and Mars that bookend the novel, as well as the space combat near the middle.  I was in suspense the entire time.The plot is excellent and the world is very imaginitive while still being foreseeable.  I liked the hints of a conspiracy and unknown forces and the discoveries made on Mars.  She has set up this series to go a lot of places, and I'd like to go to all of them.Yes, the book is a little short - but given the price, there's nothing to complain.  I would have gladly paid more for a book of this high quality.  I eagerly await the next one in the series.A must-read.