Aberration by Cathy McCrumb

Sci-Fi. 334 Pages. 5 Stars

Synopsis:

Freedom Awaits, but the Consortium is Watching

When rogue drones threaten citizens and the ship’s crew falls ill, the Recorder answers their call for help, once again drawing scrutiny from the Consortium.

With no other option and under an Elder’s overbearing watch, she returns to Pallas Station where she nearly lost her life in the hope of finding something—anything—to save her friends and countless others. Her friends are determined to keep her safe, but for the Recorder, saving others comes first, no matter the cost.

My Review:

First and foremost, I must address the mouthwateringly stunning cover. Not gonna lie, this cover is the reason I picked up the first book to read the series (on top of much reaaaaalllly good feedback from friends and professionals). Isn’t is GORGEOUS?! Loook at it! It gives me such Iron Giant vibes! And I just love the colors so much.

*ahem* Okay, but for the story itself in between those ooey gooey covers.

McCrumb continues the high tension, page turning, heart felt story from Recorder. We meet some endearing new characters. And though we got to see some of the old beloved ones, I did miss that original dynamic from the original crew <3 It’s still neat to see Recorder growing and expanding her friend group and to see her natural leadership, selflessness, and wit garner loyalty from those around her. The characters are what make this story for me, truly. Oh, the Elder. Be still my heart! Also, *squeals* NATE! I need my own personal Nathanial Timmons in my life. Asap!

We got to explore little pockets of the world in this one and there’s one place hinted at that I reallllly hope we get to see more of in the final book (which also has a stellar cover!). I really liked how McCrumb deepened much of what she started in the first installment. We see the crew expand, the ship and world and even Pallas Station expand. We see a depth of understanding of the cultures, characters, and plot unraveling a layer at a time. It was so cool to feel like we just surged forward into a natural expansion of Recorder.

I said this for the previous book, but it still kind of amazes me here in the sequel, but the way McCrumb so deftly uses flashback to pry open and reveal so much with only a single memory astounds me. It’s so beautifully done! It makes me itch and yearn to know more about these characters and their pasts. The least boring flashbacks I’ve ever seen in fiction. I keep sitting at the edge of my seat wondering which character McCrumb will flip on their head next.

I’m drying to read the next one and absolutely thrilled with this sequel! I can’t more highly recommend the books. They strike such a beautiful balance of just fun sci-fi world building, endearing characters, thrilling plot, and deeply heartfelt themes. She continues to explore the themes of humanity, grace, mercy, and morality in such a resonate way.

Content: clean romance, no swearing, some mild sci-fi violence. Deals with some topics of poverty, abuse, neglect, and oppression, but all in such a hope-filled way. I’d feel fine giving the book to a preteen.

More:

Book 1 in the Children of the Consortium trilogy is Recorder (5 Stars)

Book 2 is Aberration (5 Stars)

Book 3 is Guardian (5 Stars)

This series must be read in order, and I’d suggest having them handy! It’s a page-turning ride! Check out the links for more info.

On GraceBought

See my thoughts on the previous book in the series here!

Recorder