When I picked this up I didn't realize it was in the middle of a series, and then I was on an airplane so I was stuck with it.The story was fine, but somewhat abrupt without the history with the characters. I will say that it's a female lead (although I think the cover artist got her all wrong, but what's new?), and actual in-space science fiction. There's also A Threat To Wipe Out Humanity, which I'm definitely pretty over right now, but it was fine. Maybe if I started with the first one I'll be more interested in these people? Killbox is kind of like the movie song-montage of the Sirantha Jax series (or at least that’s how I feel after finishing it and writing this review partway into its follow-up, Aftermath). After convincing the Ithtorians to come to the Conglomerate’s aid in the coming war against the Morgut Jax promptly quits her job as ambassador. Thank Mary. She and her friends head to Emry Station for a little R&R only for Chancellor Tarn to implore aid again - this time from March when he asks Jax’s lover to recruit, train and lead an Armada to keep Conglomerate vessels safe from Morgut, slavers and all manner of unsavory villains. This will be even harder to pull off since March calls upon those he knows best, first - the raiders themselves.After character and politics driven Doubleblind, Killbox is a throwback to the first two books with lots of interstellar travel, fighting out of dire situations and space battles. Once again Jax must balance her love for navigating grimspace even as it kills her. She also finds herself thrown into training that will teach her how to fight like a real fighter rather than just a survivor. This book absolutely blew by - but it wasn’t without it’s revelations. There were several big surprises along the way as well as visits from old friends and the making of new ones.Prepare yourself for a constant adrenaline rush because Ann Aguirre keeps the action high - and just when you think the situation couldn’t get any worse (or worse, you finally think you see the light at the end of the tunnel) she takes it higher. There was one major twist in Killbox that I did not expect. Some authors are very good at writing themselves into corners and building anguish only to solve the problem too easily. One of the best things about Ann Aguirre is she doesn’t do this. However, this twist felt that way just a little so this one only gets 4.5 stars from me. I won’t say anymore than it occurs very close to the end. Any other clues are a major spoiler, and this book is just too darn good for me to give away even a minute of it. Read it yourself! This is one of my favorite series of any genre, ever. Go back and pick up Grimspace, the first book in the series. Even non-fans of science fiction won’t be disappointed. Jax’s narration is funny, honest, heartfelt and absolutely enthralling. The world of Killbox and Sirantha Jax is so well-constructed and exciting. It’s one I never want to leave.
What do You think about Killbox (2010)?
I really enjoyed this book! Have to say it might be my most favorite one from the series.
—haruhilouie
First time for a cliff hanger... Thank god I already have the next one.
—baby
