Review: The Heights of Perdition by C.S. Johnson

I received this book via the author, C.S. Johnson. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

The Heights of Perdition by C.S. Johnson
Series: The Divine Space Pirates #1
Published by Self Publish on 2016-10-10
Length: 384 pages
Reviewing eARC Rating:

There is nothing Aeris St. Cloud wants more than to win her father's love and the acceptance of her family unit by joining the Military Academy at New Hope. But after she is captured by the fearsome space pirate, Captain Chainsword, Aerie is certain falling in love with her nation's arch enemy is the last possible way to earn their coveted esteem.

Driven by vengeance, Exton Shepherd never set out to save anyone. As he circles the war-torn world in his pirated starship, the Perdition, he only sees his father's ghost lurking around every corner and the looming darkness on the horizon. When Aerie unexpectedly tumbles into his life, he finds he cannot trust her, anymore than he can ignore her. But just like the raging war down on Earth, it's tempting to think he can ...

When the war ascends to the heights of the Perdition, Aerie's loyalty, and Exton's heart, are put to the test. But will love be enough to save them - and others - from certain destruction?

Post-nuclear war society. Dictators. Pirates. Revenge. Romance. SPACE!!! Y’all this book is fantastic 😀 The Heights of Perdition by C.S. Johnson is the first book in her The Divine Space Pirates series. It is unputdownable (is that a word?). I could not read it fast enough. If you enjoy dystopias and science fiction, I highly recommend it. 

Aeris and Captain Chainsword

Aeris, or Aerie, St. Cloud is a graduating comrade of the State government and daughter to the general (second-in-command). Willful and at times considered disobedient, Aerie wants nothing more than to be a part of the military to show her father and unit (family) that she can do it. However her father disagrees as does the other generals. She is placed in a job and told that she can reapply in a year. Then she’s kidnapped inadvertently by the infamous ghost of Captain Chainsword and her life is turned upside down. I like Aerie. She’s got spunk. Despite learning that her truth isn’t exactly true, Aerie perseveres and honestly thrives. I loved reading her character’s growth. It was believable, raw, and honest. 

Captain Chainsword isn’t really a ghost. He’s Exton Shepherd, a former comrade of the State who was disillusioned and left. Now he works with the rebels trying to build a better world, but he’s also hell-bent on revenge for his father’s death. I won’t say too much about the why and how as it plays a large role in the plot. I love Exton! He sees himself as damaged and without a heart, but he feels so much for his crew, the people he saves, even the stowaway he took when he was after a tree. It says a lot about his character how he treats Aerie when he first finds her, even knowing she works with his enemy.

The Perdition

The space ship itself needs mentioning 😀 The setting on the Perdition is fantastic. Every detail is laid out by Johnson and I felt like I was there. It kind of reminds me of the Star Ship Enterprise….I know different universe but still. It’s massive with many levels and plays a vital role in this book. 

My Final Thoughts

Overall I really enjoyed The Heights of Perdition. Aerie’s plight and her white lie wind up driving the plot. My heart broke for her as she learned about Exton and his crew, his father, and the real mission behind the Perdition. And Exton….he just makes my heart ache. Oh and the cliffhanger?!?! Let’s just say I’m glad that the series is already finished 😉 I highly recommend this series for anyone that enjoys science fiction and dystopias with a touch of romance. 

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