Rubicon by J S Dewes

Rubicon (Rubicon, #1)

by J. S. Dewes

Sergeant Adriene Valero wants to die.

She can't.

After enduring a traumatic resurrection for the ninety-sixth time, Valero is reassigned to a special forces unit and outfitted with a cutting-edge virtual intelligence aid. They could turn the tide in the war against intelligent machines dedicated to the assimilation, or destruction, of humanity.

When her VI suddenly achieves sentience, Valero is drawn into the machinations of an enigmatic major who’s hell-bent on ending the war - by any means necessary.

Reviewed by Quirky Cat on

4 of 5 stars

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Book Summary:

The face of war changes once resurrection becomes a possibility. Unfortunately, that means soldiers such as Sergeant Adrienne Valero can't earn their peace, no matter how desperately they may crave it.

Valero has been resurrected ninety-six times. But this time, something different is happening – somehow, her Virtual Intelligence aid is sentient. Will this give Valero the edge to finally win the war? Or at least put a stop to it?

My Review:

Another smash-hit science fiction from Tor Books! Rubicon is the space opera I've been looking for. It's beautiful, haunting, and full of action. More importantly, it has AI and strong characters, not to mention an overlying feeling of existential dread. It's the perfect mixture of elements, especially for a science fiction read.

I won't lie; Rubicon can weigh heavy on the heart. Though perhaps that was just the mood I've been in lately. Either way, Valero's struggle feels real, and it hits pretty hard at times. So consider yourself warned.

I'm giving Rubicon a four-star rating instead of a five because I feel like the ending was a bit of a letdown. I won't say more than that - because spoilers. But I do wish things had been handled slightly differently.

Regardless, Rubicon was a deep and fascinating read. It captured me from the first page and held my attention right through to the end. Worth the read.

Highlights:
Science Fiction
Space Opera
Military Science Fiction

Trigger Warnings:
Suicidal Ideation
Life/Death on Repeat

Thanks to Tor Books and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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