Aberration (Children of the Consortium Book 2) by Cathy McCrumb

Title

Aberration

Genre

Sci-Fi

Author

Cathy McCrumb graduated from Biola University with a degree in English Literature and a love for stories. She and her husband, whom she met while writing letters to soldiers, have five children. They currently live in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. 

She enjoys long hikes (followed by long naps), gluten-free brownies, raspberries, and crocheting while watching science fiction, mystery, or fantasy movies with friends and family.

Most of her imaginary friends are nice people.

*From the author’s website: cathymccrumb.com.

Summary

Children of the Consortium | Book Two

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.

*From the author’s website: cathymccrumb.com.

Stars

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

This year, I unintentionally embarked on a space opera, sci-fi rich reading voyage—and I can’t say that I regret it, not one little bit. The only regret I have in this moment is that I didn’t read Recorder, the first book in the Children of the Consortium series before reading Aberration.

And, oh man is this one tough to write without spoilers! Simply put: I loved this book, and McCrumb’s writing is spacing amazing!

From the moment Recorder—who is also sometimes called Zeta and Izzy—steps onto the page, she has my heart. Quickly I see her compassion for others; her desire to protect life no matter the cost. Even with the rogue drones, we quickly see Recorder’s desire for a peaceful resolution no matter how violent the environment becomes.

And I don’t think I’m the only one who quickly felt a kinship with Recorder—almost every person she meets soon determines to follow her wherever she goes, to stand with her, to free her, and yes, even to give their lives for her.

Every character, especially once we get to Thalassa and Pallas, has a unique depth and mission that connects somehow with Recorder’s heart and mission—or dares to stand against it. The story’s fast pace and lively crew quickly move us through intricate themes like death and loss, compassion and forgiveness, loyalty and betrayal.

I can’t wait to keep walking through these stories—of course going back and starting with book one! Traveling through space with Nathaniel, James, the Talkative Recorder, Kyleigh, Zhen, Alec, Williams, Jordan, Max, Eric, Tia, and Cam has been epic so far, and I can’t wait to see where they take us next!

As a note, though it didn’t keep me from enjoying the book at all, I would definitely recommend reading book one first! (I know, duh!)

QUOTABLE

Basing choices on emotion is not sound, but choosing to set oneself aside for the ones who are loved, that is beautiful in its sometimes pain.

Zeta (Recorder)

I could not surrender the thought that either there was indeed order behind the chaos, or that the chaos itself had an order I could not grasp.

Zeta (Recorder)

You cannot live on what if.

Zeta (Recorder)

If we all held value, would that not also extend to those who did wrong?

Recorder

My Take

There’s always a choice, though sometimes it takes us a while to see it. And we can always choose compassion, love, and forgiveness despite how others treat us. It only takes one choice to make a difference. To spark a movement into something new and better.

Check it out! Click the photo and follow the link to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a signed copy of Recorder and Aberration!

*I was given a copy of this book for free. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.

Click here to find out where to purchase your own copy.

I’d love to hear from you! What Cathy McCrumb book is your favorite? What were your thoughts on this one? What other space opera or sci-fi books have you read and enjoyed? Or what are you reading right now that you really love? Drop a comment below!

2 responses to “Aberration (Children of the Consortium Book 2) by Cathy McCrumb”

  1. Thank you for the lovely review! I’m so glad you connected with the Recorder, despite not having started with the first book! All of these characters have a very special place in my heart, and the themes that connect them (in a way) connect us all. Funny thing? The talkative Recorder just showed up. I had no idea he was there–until he was. 🙂

    But, thank you!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Stephanie Cross Avatar
      Stephanie Cross

      Well, hello! Thanks for stopping by. I sure did! You created some exceptionally lovable and relatable characters who were so easy to connect with, and yes, I saw pieces of myself, humanity, and life in them too. That makes my heart happy. I loved the talkative Recorder, and it made me chuckle every time Recorder talked about him because it just seemed so fitting. I appreciate you taking the time to read my post and share a little about these characters who have lived in your head and heart too. I’m really looking forward to reading Recorder soon and am excited to see what you come up with next! 🙂

      Like

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