Flicker

Ember in Space, Book 1

De: Rebecca Rode

Narrado por: Stacey Glemboski

Getting sold to the empire was never part of the plan.

Ember lives two very different lives. By day, she's a mysterious Roma future-teller, and by night, she struggles to care for her sick father. All she wants is the power to control her own life - no arranged marriage, no more poverty. Her future-reading talent is what will get her there. But when the Empire discovers her gift, Ember's life changes forever.

Ember soon finds her innocent talent is far more dangerous than she believed. The Empire wants to turn her into a deadly weapon. But Ember has plans of her own, and they don't include living under the Empire's control.

Because even the best weapons can backfire.

©2017 Rebecca Rode (P)2017 Rebecca Rode

Flicker is more of a Flare of a good book

Stacey does a fabulous job narrating this book.

This was mostly fast paced and interesting. The flaws are with the main character, Ember. Like how can she be so ignorant about the war between Empire and the Union?
(The deathbed confession from her dad about Earth being in the outer reaches don't hold water because she's scared of the visiting, important soldiers.) I'm also confused how she's geld captive for so long and doesn't ask questions or flicker everyone to find the answers. Lack of world building doesn't even offer explanations if or how news or communication are delivered.
Ember has a fluid personality. Or multi personality. One minute, she wants to be strong and defiant; the next she's a crumpled mess. One moment, she wants to walk behind a man, as she was brought up; the next she wants to be a mouthy, back talking, I'll-tell-you--you-don't-tell-me-what-to-do - only she's clueless and has no plan nor support. One minute, I have to have my dad; the next, she'd rather sacrifice him than kill a stranger. One moment, she defies a plan to escape (yeah, I know, right?) cuz she thinks she can come up with a better plan within the next several hours (she has never planned ANYTHING) and falls asleep (without hatching a plausible plan nor enlisting help) only to wake up beyond the time limit and the Union is caught in the cross hairs (really, they relied on a girl who has not proven her worth? How are they even fighting a war without contingency plans if X doesn't happen by YZ time?)
I liked the story. The delivery was less than mediocre.
As most trilogies, it's a continuation of the war and where did everyone she knew from the ship go?
Three stars for the book - it held promise, no character development, flimsy romance (oh you beyrayed me and lied to me but let me sulk and not confront you until you keep chasing me around, trying to explain) where he loves her (instalove on his part. Wtf? He told her she needed to shield herself but never teaches her how) and morons fighting a war ...
It's baffling. As much as I enjoy Stacey's narration, I'll be skipping the rest of this series.

Great world building

I really loved this. It would be a great read for a teen or adult. Very clean but with violence. No profanity that I can recall. Definitely interested in where the story goes. The characters are believable & you care for them. Of course there’s the evil ones you don’t care for either.
Ember is a seer and stolen away to be a flicker but soon realizes she is a flame.... she hold life or death in her ‘hands’ through her mind.
She has a huge heart and is being used for evil.
Can’t wait to start the next book in a few days!

Wonderful narration.

I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator.

Deep dystopian space adventure

This book was an impulse purchase for me—I’d never read anything by this author before, but really loved the premise. I was totally blown away by the story, the characters, and the world built here, all very nuanced and complex. This was deeper and darker than I expected, a similar flavor to Red Rising. I hope the other books in the series make it to Audible soon. I really can’t wait to read more!

A great start to this series, looking for more

I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Wow, what a great start to a series! This book pretty much hooked me from the very start. It has a well executed blend of paranormal/fantasy and science fiction. The characters and their world were interesting and the story line kept my interest the whole time. I will definitely be interested in the next book.

I Was Hooked

Having never heard of the author nor listened to the narrator, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I am pleased to say that I found both of their efforts to be impressive and entertaining.

Following the all too common slow exposition, during which Ember’s backstory is established, the story becomes quite compelling. Following her kidnapping, Ember undergoes a complete transformation as she discovers the truth about her Flicker ability.

The writing is of good quality and the story is fluid. The romance catapults to love a bit too quickly for my tastes, but it is fiction after all. The climax is very satisfying in build up, pace, and outcome.

Stacey Glemboski’s narrating is pleasant to listen to. Her “Roma” accent, which she impressively uses for the main character, is consistent and appropriate sounding. She does a good job with the male voices too, not straining to sound too deep.

At one point there is a song, and Glemboski’s singing is melodic and smooth.

After knowing nothing about Rode and Glemboski before, I now find myself eager to hear the next one. I will be frequenting Rode’s website until the release date is announced!

Full disclosure: I received a code to purchase this book for free in return for an honest review.