The Hands We're Given

Aces High, Jokers Wild, Book 1

De: O.E. Tearmann

Narrado por: Kirt Graves

Sex. Drones. Rock and roll.

Aidan Headly never wanted to be the man giving orders. That's fine with the Democratic State Force base he's been assigned to command: they don't like to take orders. Nicknamed the Wildcards, they used to be the most effective base against the seven Corporations owning the former United States in a war that has lasted over half a century. Now the Wildcards are known for creative insubordination, chaos, and commanders begging to be reassigned.

Aidan is their last chance. If he can pull off his assignment as Commander and yank his ragtag crew of dreamers and fighters together, maybe they can get back to doing what they came to do: fighting for a country worth living in.

Life's a bitch. She deals off the bottom of the deck. But you play the hands you're given.

©2018 O.E. Tearmann (P)2019 Amphibian Press

it's heart wrenching!

I didn’t know what to expect when I started The Hands We’re Given, a cyberpunk novel by O. E. Tearmann.

The story was more intriguing and riveting than I could have imagined.

Tearmann explores a futuristic world set in the 22nd century, where corporations control everything. Our heroes attempt to survive on the outskirts of civilization as “Dusters,” rebels against the corporate overlords.

Aiden and Kevin, our two unlikely friends.

I don’t want to spoil too much about this story (and so much is easily spoiled), but at its core, it’s a profoundly human tale, dealing with real issues and internal conflicts paralleling fights of the present.

People have identities and realities which other people despise and hate.

When hate directs itself at a person, it tears them apart on the inside. Their mind breaks.

And Tearmann explores the raw emotional reality of people experiencing bigotry, all while placing them in a devastated world seeking a way forward.

I must warn readers: the story does include a few chapters of graphic sexual content. I don’t seek out those types of stories when I read SciFi and Fantasy, but in the context of this narrative, the scenes make a lot of sense. I didn’t feel like they were included just for the sake of having sex in the narrative. They’re meaningful and portray a powerful relationship formed over many chapters.

Overall, if you’re looking for a story that will push your boundaries and make you think about people through new eyes, I highly recommend The Hands We’re Given.

4.5 stars (rounded up to 5).

The Hands were Given

This is a very intriguing read that captured me right from the start. The Characters are like a close knit family. I love how the Author has brought the characters to life and the story to fruition. Its keeps you enthralled throughout the whole Audiobook, there are twists and turns everywhere. I find the characters fascinating, I love how the main guy gets on the level of his team. This is definitely right up there with the 100 and Hunger Games. I definitely recommend. Boththe Author and the Narrator really done a fantastic job.
Shauna Joesten

Wow!

This book really exceeded my expectations. I mostly stick to romance or romantacy, but I love dystopian stories as well. This one really nailed that intersection. And Kirt Graves, as always, performed superbly.

I do have one disappointment: the characters refer to "gammas" the way people use the R word irl. Not only was it disappointing, but it felt really out of place within an otherwise beautifully affirming story.

Amazing series.

The story is so good. The characters are all interesting, deep and fantastic.
Action and romance, emotions and strength of character, charisma aplenty.
Delivered by the perfect narrator.

sensitive, diverse, and engaging LGBTQIA sci fi

I loved this story. It's a science fiction dystopian story, in which we meet a small ragtag base peopled by officers and enlisted members of a political entity engaged in rebellion against a larger government/corporation that has completely taken over and controls all aspects of its members. The Big Brother-type controlling corporation is based entirely on control and profit, and have genetically engineered its children to wipe out ethnicity, disease, infirmity, and homosexuality. The citizens are wealthy and attractive, with increased intelligence and high productivity. Conformity is demanded. Rebellion means death. Those that are not corporate-raised are ostracized to live in poverty and scavenge for broken technology and struggle to find clothing and food. Our heroes are fighting to break the corporate entity and preserve free will and diversity.

The story is well-written and well-plotted, with a diverse ensemble cast of characters that provided contrast to each other. The core characters (Aiden and Kevin) were very well-developed, with lots of growth and development. It was heartwarming to watch as the crew at the base deal with being assigned a new Commander, one that they initially don't respect or trust. The crew is very diverse: male and female, gay and straight, cis and transsexual, old and young, strong and weakened by trauma. Characters had a variety of personalities from nuturing to haughty to mischevious to hostile. There is high tension and a decent amount of humor. It felt like a plausible group of rebels - strong personalities and high emotions. They are a flawed but tight-knit "chosen family", living under constant attack and a goal they believe in. The book reminded me of Firefly (the TV show) and also of Becky Chambers' A Way To A Small Angry Planet.

The main relationship in the story is a gay love story, with one character being transsexual. That relationship is very deftly written - full of emotional intensity and insecurity. It's tender and raw, and felt real to true life with discussion of poor coping mechanisms and dysphoria. While I appreciated the deft writing, it meant that the last third of the book is almost all about that emotional and physical journey, with lots of talking and graphic sex scenes. Despite liking the characters and their relationship, I got tired of all the kissing and sensitive soul-baring, and missed the more exciting action of the rebellion itself. The book ends with a bang fortunately, resolving tension via a high stakes heist that pulls the team together. I'm eager for the next book in the series!

Tearmann has carefully crafted this book. It's not awkward in structure or plot, and the author's ability to mange tension and conflict is almost perfect. The dialogue flows naturally. The level of representation is a bit heavy-handed, but it's a welcome change to address topics of gender, sexuality, inclusion, and anxiety in a story that is also entertaining and engaging on its own merits. This dystopian tale espouses a utopian goal for what it means to be inclusively human, and gives us a fight to cheer for.

I got this Audible book from the author in exchange for an honest review.