• Ares

  • Nomad, Book 1
  • By: K.A. Finn
  • Narrated by: Keith Michaelson
  • Length: 16 hrs and 5 mins
  • 3.9 out of 5 stars (130 ratings)

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Ares  By  cover art

Ares

By: K.A. Finn
Narrated by: Keith Michaelson
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Publisher's summary

He wasn't expected to survive, and for 20 years, he has managed to stay off their radar. Until now. Until her.

Gryffin was the sole survivor of The Foundation's experimental project to transform human children into hybrid cyborgs - half human, half machine. The program failed and he was sent on a one way trip into The Outer Sector where he was left for dead. He has survived for 20 years by suppressing his human emotions and embracing his machine side.

Officer Terra Rush believes in her duty to the Foundation. The Sector needs to be prepared for colonization, and nothing can stop her from doing her job... except him. When Gryffin saves her from an attack, Terra uncovers a terrible secret. The Foundation has been lying to her... and maybe they still are.

They have labelled Gryffin a killing machine, yet he acts more human than many of The Foundation's leaders. He has awakened intense feelings in Terra that throw her loyalties into question, and even though he pushes her away, she is determined to find out the truth about the cyborg program.

Gryffin refuses to be a mindless soldier, yet escaping The Foundation's control and stopping the colonization of his home will require Terra's help. Can Gryffin overcome the machine inside and trust her? Or will getting in touch with his human emotions destroy him once and for all?

©2015 Karyn Finnegan (P)2015 Karyn Finnegan

What listeners say about Ares

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

I was completely engrossed by the end

Ares by K.A. Finn is the first book in a series called Nomad. Set in vicinity of a series of planets that the main government organization called the Foundation is trying to civilize, Griffin of the rebel group Nomad are insistent on keeping the colonies free of Foundation control and within Nomad protection. In addition to the Foundation trying to control these free planets, Griffin and the Nomad also have to contend with a rival rebel group called the Hunters. While he is the leader of the Nomad, Griffin must also fight himself for control of his own actions and feelings. Griffin is no ordinary man. He was kidnapped as a child and modified to be a cyborg: part human, part machine. Mind control implants in his head push him to extreme violence when Griffin is not in control of his mind. Right around the time that Griffin meets Foundation officer Terra Rush, everything in his life begins to spin out of control. Fighting himself and his feelings for Terra, he must find a way to keep the colonies under his protection and free from Foundation control.

This novel grew on me leaps and bounds and I was completely engrossed by the end. The plot is winding and there are a lot of moving parts, but they work together really well. The relationships between the characters are well thought out and not revealed until opportune moments with great effect. Some of these reveals/twists can be guessed, but others left my mouth hanging open! During the novel, however, some of the feelings between characters seem to grow intense abruptly. For example, the romance between Griffin and Terra is extremely abrupt – no reasoning, just deep love seemingly out of nowhere. While this definitely induces a few eye-rolls, once I was able to get past this, their romance was fun. I liked all of the characters and I understood their motivations for the actions that they take. They each have depth of experience guiding their actions. The end is exciting and there is a definite conclusion, while leaving so much more to be revealed as the story progresses in the next novels. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

The narration by Keith Michaelson was excellent. He really captures the tone of the characters. I liked the varied accents and the creepy voices left me cringing. He did an excellent job. The production quality was good as well. Something to keep in mind overall, the tense of the novel is in active. This took me off guard as apparently most of the books that I listen to either don’t use this tense or I don’t typically notice. It took me about an hour to put my finger on it, but it bothered me for a bit. However, I stopped noticing as the novel progressed and the plot became more complicated. I would recommend this novel to anyone who loves space based science fiction, outlaws, and fighting against the establishment.

Audiobook provided for review by the author.

Please find this complete review and many others at my review blog

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15 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Looking Forward To Book 2!

Any additional comments?

Outer space, space pirates, colonies, etc. usually aren't my cup of tea. I tend to lean towards the sci-fi world of zombies, vampires and things that go bump in the night. But I really enjoyed this book. I think it's the romance story line that got me.
I would have given this book 5 stars, if a few things didn't keep bugging me. In the beginning, Gryffin says that he's never told anyone his name, until Terra. Well how did the whole galaxy and everyone in it know his name? Also, the time line was a little hard to follow. Terra was trying to escape/find Gryffin......she was sneaking through the ship......(trying to not give spoilers) a man is standing there in fine condition, talking.....a few minutes pass.....Terra walks into a room to find this man laying on the metal floor, blood everywhere, with metal implants on him. Hmmm, the story line made it feel like only a few minutes passed, but the implants take hours or days to do. There were a few different places where it was hard to tell how much time had passed between scenes. Last, the torture was a little over the top at times. I don't mind torture, but after so much, it gets a little redundant.

To sum it up, I really liked the book. I will most definitely get book 2 when it's released. For this to be a debut novel for the author, she did an amazing job! The narrator also does a fine job.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com

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11 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

I wouldn't have guessed

First, some other reviewer didn't exactly like the narration. Well, I loved it. I'm not sure I would have enjoyed the story as much as I did. His voice is so deep with some of the voicings that my chest rumbled at times (listened to this mostly in my car). Anyway...

The two main characters keep having chance encounters that leads to them being involved. The story, while a typical "attraction from two people can't possibly be together", does work. characters were pretty good, even though some of the more minor ones felt more developed than the main characters. Milla is a good example, as is the scientist. Super wide range of characters that are easy to follow along with, which the quality of the narration does help with.

I have to say, I thought the twists were all done in the first part of the book and then we were just going to see how those twists got resolved. Well, I was wrong. The author did a good job of taking information that was sprinkled in, and felt complete, and using that to create a plot twist that made me sit up straight in my seat. I may or may not have almost ran a red light at one particular part.

The romance scenes have a respectable fade to black and aren't overly sensual. Anyway, great first book!

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9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Groundhog Day in space

I enjoyed the book...I wasn't great but at least the characters had recognizable human traits even if they had been physically and mentally altered.
I appreciate the story aspect of the of the book, unlike a lot of syfi seems to be just a series of random thoughts that may or may not be related.
I will listen to part 2 in the future.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Exciting and memorable scifi adventure.

Would you listen to Ares again? Why?

Yes, it was an epic adventure and love story, I want to hear the details I might have missed the first time through. Plus I LOVED the narrator's voice.

What other book might you compare Ares to and why?

I actually thought of the Jack Reacher novels, even though they are not scifi because the hero of this book, Gryffin, reminded me of the strong and epic type of male needed to right wrongs.

Have you listened to any of Keith Michaelson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No I haven't, but I sure will. His voice gave me goose bumps when he was the Gryffin character, so right on!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I cringed when Gryffin was in danger, and I felt happy when Gryffin and Terra met. I did actually cheer at the ending, and can't wait to read (listen to) the next book in the series.

Any additional comments?

Epic love story, epic hero. Although I was given a copy of this audio book for an honest review, I wouldn't hesitate to buy the rest of the series.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Space Opera with so much to offer!

Would you consider the audio edition of Ares to be better than the print version?

I've not seen the print version of the book to know for sure, but I know why I loved this audio.

The cool thing about this audio... You know in the movies when you hear a voice and you know that voice, but you don't see the character physically? That happens here a few times and I found that I was holding my breath, waiting to see the character. Or in this case the solid definite name. It was that I knew but had to have that solid evidence to back me. And the impact that goes with that evidence. Just wow.

What did you like best about this story?

So much to share on this enjoyable story! Where do I start?!?

A space opera through and through. So many lives connected and affected here. There are conspiracies and dark secrets in every organization. Deceptions and new allies. All collide here with Foundation Council wanting new colonies, Admirals and their own secret project, Someone on Ares twisting things against Gryffin, Gryffin struggling with his mechanical tech wanting to take complete control of him. The Foundation ship has her own stories and connections between the crew and other characters. There is a deep story here.

I think this science fiction story is one that all, male and female, can enjoy. There is lots of fighting and action that fit to the deep story and the secrets everyone holds. I love the important pieces we get constantly through this story. The information is worked in with each scene and so important. There are a few times I had to stop the audio and digest the impact of the important pieces at the end of the story. They are huge and mean so much! Well played. Well played. There's a loyalty of the ships, or questionable loyalty as well. But there is a love intertwined to the characters as well.

There seems to be an attraction, and potential love interest, from the first meeting of Gryffin and Terra. Well...maybe not at first meeting, but after she wakes up from the drug he gave her. He had reason. ;) lol. It's cool and I enjoyed their meeting. Terra also never seems to be dissuaded from looking or interacting, even yelling at, with Gryffin. Terra sees something else in him that no one else ever has. She's strong in her convictions and also a kind soul.

This is an emotional science fiction. I loved this story as it has so much I wanted and enjoyed. The characters become as emotionally invested as I did. The fear of what could happen, has happened, curiosity as to the hidden secrets, and love. There is a growing love that could pull deeper and help. There comes a point I feel my heart and stomach drop. What Gryffin has created for what's to come, it's not what you would expect but is exactly what Gryffin would do. I feel terrible for Gryffin now.

Gryffin...Now Gryffin is a very special character. What he's gone through in his life has created the man he is now. And is also why he fights with himself. He's man and part machine. This creates much pain and torment for his mind and body.

Which character – as performed by Keith Michaelson – was your favorite?

Just one character? Nah. There were several.

Keith's voice is a low rumble that I enjoy. Keith is a wonderful fit for the many voices of Ares. There are many male voice, but there are females as well which he softens his voice to portray. At times he reminds me of Sam Elliot when doing Gryffin's voice. He is talented at the accent of some of the Foundation officers and Hunter crew. There are many characters here and Keith does well to differentiate their voices in slight changes of tones and softness to his voice. I really like the way Keith does the Scientist. lol. He switches through voices with ease as we listen. Nice. He does the gruff feel for Gryffin in the way a dangerous Captain would be. Keith is a wonderful pick for the story.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely! Each scene brought us more information to what is happening here and then there are the heart-stopping, jaw-dropping moments that thinks hit us that have been happening or are connected. Constant movement here!

Any additional comments?

The ending had me hanging on every action. It moves fast with short sections from different views so we get the who battle in the moment. It's exciting and drawing!

KA Finn has created an outstanding first book here! I'll be anxiously awaiting NEMESIS to come out. KA has set the bar high with this mesmerizing first book and I can't wait to see the crew again!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Fun adventure!

Would you listen to Ares again? Why?

Maybe. I don't usually repeat but that's just me. I still liked the book a lot.

What did you like best about this story?

Space operas with colonies are always fun for me. I was surprised to find a really good balance of space time vs on-planet time. And the main character rides a bike! Like a Harley! In a space opera? Very cool.

Some really great twists at the end!

What does Keith Michaelson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He was amazing. Listened to another of his books recently and decided to give this one a chance. He has a ton of voices! The evil little scientist was...wow. Scott Brick from Dune came to mind when he voice Count Fenring. Really creepy. And Griffin's voice was really deep! Different than what I would have imagined from the cover. Anyway, he brought the book to life in a great way.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Some of the twists/revelations at the end. Won't spoil it.

Any additional comments?

Movie deal??? It was a great listen that had me from the beginning.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Slow start, good finish

I would actually give this 3 1/2 stars if I could. It started out really slow. There were a lot of things being introduced that I didn't understand. But, once all of the characters were revealed, things went from a 2 star read to a 5 star read. Halfway through the action kicked in. Griffin's (our main character) path and destiny was spelled out. Griffin was a very conflicted character. He's had implants put in against his will, and they are causing him to do things that he doesn't want to do. He is in charge of keeping his people safe and must destroy the faction trying to make him do just the opposite.

This book had a strong finish. I really am looking forward to the next book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing, just AMAZING!

What a amazing little book! Okay 16 hrs and 5 mins is not little, but it felt like 2 hours to be honest! That is how amazing this story is! I really like how the KA Finn manages to make the characters come to life in my mind and the author manages to write the story so well and at the same time having very deep plots true the HOLE book. Amazing! KA Finn is just a amazing author! The sci-fi aspect of this is very good, and i would say it is just amazing in all aspects! The sci-fi aspect of this is very good. Highly recommended. In all aspects! In all ways!

How good was Keith Michaelson? Amazing is a word i use a lot! And Keith Michaelson is AMAZING! Keith's voice is a low rumble that I enjoy. Keith is a wonderful fit for the many voices in this book! There are so many characters here and Keith does well to differentiate their voices in slight changes of tones and softness to his voice, and with that kind of work can i say something else then: Amazing!

I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast dot com

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Wow! Very Good Space Opera with light Romance.

What did you love best about Ares?

The store, characters, the unexpected plot twists and Keith Michaelson as the narrator.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Ares?

There were a couple of twists near the end of the book that made me go omg I didn't see that coming.

Which character – as performed by Keith Michaelson – was your favorite?

The creepy scientist who did all the experiments. OMG that voice was so scary, creepy. It radiated insanity. I really hope Keith does the next book. I can't imagine anyone doing that voice justice now.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I can't think of a moment that moved me. The book has a tortured character that was literally tortured, starting from being 10 years old. But the story, his emotions never had the sad, pity pull Kenyon uses in her books and emotions are what usually move me. The main hero's emotions were usually angry.

Any additional comments?

Great first book. I enjoyed the story. I enjoyed the times on the space ship and on the other colonies. And of course the romance elements. I call it light romance because the two hardly spent any time together. The book was a long listen and I definitely feel it was worth a credit. Audible is lacking a selection of romance/scifi stories. Grim is another good one and some of SE Smith's stuff..

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