Killshot

Icarus Series, Book 1

By: Aria Michaels

Narrated by: Rhiannon Angell

Length: 13 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

When 17 year old Liv Larson and her brother are sent to separate foster homes, she becomes content with her isolation and dedicates her every breath to getting him back. After months of solitude and anti-social behavior, Liv's best friend Riley drags her to a Rooftop Party to view Icarus (the once in a lifetime solar flare) where Liv finds herself inexplicably drawn to Zander James, the mysterious boy with the crooked smile.

For a few hours, Liv's troubles finally feel a bit less overwhelming-that is until what should have been a small flare erupts into a massive solar storm forcing them all to seek shelter in the school's basement. Cut off from the rest of the world and with no signs of rescue, fear and paranoia set in and battle lines are drawn, dividing their ranks. What is left the group must embark on a perilous journey to save one of their own and find their families... but, something sinister awaits them in the shadows and it's undeniably connected to Liv.

Can Liv keep her promise to reunite with her brother? What are she and her friends willing to do to survive? Will their bravery and determination be enough to save them all from a rogue government, a terrifying virus, and the things that go bump in the night…Or was Icarus, indeed, The Killshot?

©2014 Aria Michaels (P)2015 Aria Michaels

Great read

Any additional comments?

The audible book was gifted to me in exchange for a review.

This book really starts off grabbing the reader. I found the storyteller's voice, Liv, to be compelling. She has a way of dropping in parts of her story without inundating the readers. The set up is great and then when you think everything is going to be honky-dory, it all takes off.

A+ for a unique storyline, set apart from the typical. And also, I loved the pacing of this book. It kept me busy while I worked out, which a huge thank you to the reader. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a great dystopian/fantasy novel. Although keep in mind that it is really dark at times.
Really looking forward to second installment.

mainly a note for myself

It is started off great. However, once I realized there was likely to be a lot of angst and sorrow, I decided I didn't want to read it. I think if you like apocalyptic stories, this would be a winner. Just not the type of story I enjoy spending time on. I'm more of a vamp/were person.

Simply Amazing!

What did you love best about Killshot?

The storyline is amazing, the writing excellent! The characters are to die for and the pace was perfect!

What other book might you compare Killshot to and why?

Insurgent fast paced, dystopian, excellent writing. Superb characters.

Which character – as performed by Rhiannon Angell – was your favorite?

Liv and Zander, are personal Favs but overall she did an amazing job capturing the characters and their voices.

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

Definitely! Once you start this plan to spend your time glued to it from start to finish!

Any additional comments?

I think this will be the next big blockbuster movie series. You really feel like you are a part of the story from reading the book or listening to it, you simply can't miss this one!

This series has potential....

Would you listen to Killshot again? Why?

MMMM....maybe...maybe not...it needs some serious editing....but its a good story!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Killshot?

When Liv and Zander find out they have special powers now!

Which scene was your favorite?

When Liv meets Bella!

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

There are many heart wrenching scenes in this book...its kind of like all hell breaks loose at once and leaves these young people in dire straights....how could you not feel and worry for them?

Any additional comments?

Ok first off, you CAN NOT compare this story to Hunger Games or Divergent...you just cant...maybe as the series progresses but not this first one....Its definitely YA and for a younger crowd....I am impressed with the story line, it is a remarkable idea and one that is well worth being told. I like Liv as a main character she is strong and a good heroine and I think going forward this story will just get more interesting...Killshot is a great title, because basically that's what happened...a Solar flare storm basically hits the earth and destroys the atmosphere to unlivable conditions, but no one expects a virus to erupt and mutate people into zombie like animals....OR DO THEY? The government definitely knew something was coming and as always does not alert the public....all in all I liked this story and the narration was good...I just wish it would have been edited better...there are many pauses...and some repetitive verbiage..that could have been toned down and made this book a solid 5 star listen...sometimes the sound quality is tinny...and it bothered me....I listen to soooooooo many books I notice the little things.... Overall this is a great idea...and I know its going to be a memorable series....I will continue it!!

I was given a free copy of this book by the narrator for an honest review...and it was worth a listen and even a credit!

Excellent

Love it. Fast paced dystopian drama. X files good weirdness meets Clear and Present Danger conspiracies. Can't wait for book 2 to come out.

Loved this book!

I loved Aria Michaels' take on a end of the world apocalypse. I was sucked in from page one and instantly fell in love with thw characters. Riley, Liv's best friend is so much fun and is exactly what Liv needs. After the last page I was ledt wanting the next book to see what heppens next. Highly recommend!

Can't get away from zombies

This was a good book until it turned into a zombie book. I hate zombies but take them out and the book is good. Up in the air if I'll read next book

You will love this novel or hate it!

The concept behind Killshot is highly unlikely if not impossible. But there is almost constant action. Note that this book does not stand alone; the novel ends with lots and lots of uncertainty. The second book in the series has not yet been announced. Although the novel is not one of my favorite genres and although the concept is less than credible, I did enjoy it and do recommend it.

Killshot

Any additional comments?

A wonderful first novel I just couldn't put it down. Can't wait to see how the story continues!

Amazing.

Any additional comments?

A fast paced and gripping read.

This book took me by surprise, in how much I loved it!! It is over 13 hours long but it wasn't long enough!!

You are pretty much pulled into the book from the first page and it's non stop from then on. It's not just that there is action, there's plenty of that, it's that the story is intricate and so believable that it's quiet scary. You could imagine a solar flare happening and the intense heat that it causes. You could imagine the devastation that it causes on a global scale, you can imagine the fear of the kids that are stuck in the school. You can vividly imagine this because the author puts so much into her tale and describes it so well that it's like you are a part of the story.

Now it's not just the solar flare that causes the devastation. The author puts a whole knew and unique spin to her story that was, again, believable. She did her research into diseases!! I loved that little spin. ;)

As well as the amazing plot, we have equally, if not more, amazing characters. Liv is a shell of her former self. Both her parents are dead and she was separated from her little brother. She vowed to get him back when she was 18 and that plays a big part of the book. Her determination and grit was admiral. Liv was definitely a worthy heroine. She knew her mind and did what was needed. She was level headed and brave too, and I loved that about her.

This book will chew you up and spit you out. It was such a fast paced and engrossing read that I found myself not wanting to take out the earplugs because I had to see what happened next. It is the type of book that once you start, you will not want to finish!! It's everything you could want in a great post apocalyptic read and one I hope gets more attention, because it's that good. Aria Michaels has created a harsh and horrible world, but one you will dive into. There is so much going on in every page that it will blow your mind.

Anyway, I absolutely loved this page turner and can not wait for the next one. From it's ragtag group of lovable characters, to it's gripping and intriguing plot, this is a must read.

The audio of this was fan-friggin-tastic. I loved Rhiannon Angell and the voice she gave to each character. She really knew her characters and what inflictions to give each. She breathed life into the story and made it play out like a movie in my head. I had no problem distinguishing each character, which is always a plus!!

*I received this for review from the narrator for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!*