Mike Aaron

Carl Shan is destined for greatness, if only people would listen to him and recognize his genius. One day, he decided that’s it, he’s going to travel 100 years into the future where his genius can be praised. Unfortunately, things don’t work out quite as he imagined, especially when he finds himself being chased by bloodthirsty, adorable baby animals and gets his lights punched out by the alluring Vanessa.

I was hooked by the baby animals and the humor that was present from page 1. It had me smiling and giggling and, by page 2, I was laughing.

In all seriousness, this book has it’s ups and downs, though I’d say much of it did have my attention and, when I was up in the middle of the night with a nasty cough, I decided to finish reading it instead of scroll through my . Carl wasn’t always likable. Sometimes I wanted to be like Vanessa and punch his lights out. But he had his uses, and the way he discovered his amazing power was quite intriguing and had my attention!

What I appreciated most was the different groups Carl and his group came across as they sought to destroy the cuteness overlord. Since this world is 100 years in the future when cute, bloodthirsty baby animals terrorize the remaining humans under the rule of a mysterious Duke, there are pockets of humankind scattered across the world. Each group was well-articulated and unique from each other. Aaron did a great job of incorporating old world traits from cultures long gone and twisting them a bit to fit the context of the future. And the accompanying light political commentary was interesting and me thinking.

The journey Carl and his friends took wasn’t just a physical journey across the new landscape of the future UK, but a journey of the self. Carl realized a few things about himself, though he still wasn’t always likable and thought too highly of himself, but managed to make himself useful. Other characters discovered a better place in the world for themselves. Some discovered they were little more than pawns, but we’re able to overcome the hand that sought to control them.

I found this book to be highly entertaining. Humor was peppered throughout with many spots that made me stop and think and ruminate on humankind and how it might evolve. Though I have to hope there never really is a cuteness overlord because, well, I like baby animals and would be sad if I ever have to run from them.

While the story was interesting and I did have a lot of fun reading it, the writing isn’t exactly polished and could have used an editor. It was a far cry from professional and lacked complexity. I debate whether it matched with Carl or not. On one hand, it’s lack of polish does not pair well with a genius for a protagonist. On the other hand, I can see it fitting as Carl thinks too highly of himself (which can get annoying at times) and the juxtaposition of the lack of polished writing makes it interesting and humorous, even. Overall, though, I would have liked to see a bit more polish anyways as the writing sometimes fell short with misspellings, poor word choices, and an overall too casual air to it. Though it did make for an easy, light read.… (meer)

Jennifer King wants to be a pirate. Trained by the reclusive Kingston Clink, she spends her childhood learning all the skills she'll need to protect herself and realize her dream. At 17, she sets out from the little Caribbean island she grew up on and heads for Africa, meeting an assortment of people who teach her something about herself and offer friendship and other questionable relationships. Through it all, Jennifer just wants to be a pirate.

Jennifer is off her rocker crazy. But I think that's why I loved her. She's clearly nuts, but delights in it. Not the brightest bulb, either, but she always manages to pull through whatever life throws at her, and it throws her some pretty crazy stuff.

Jennifer also makes me want to give her a big hug. The first few chapters detailing her upbringing broke my heart. Life wasn't easy for her, but I'm so glad Clink turned out to be a "good" guy. I say "good" because he's clearly a criminal, but he really, truly cares about Jennifer and does his best to protect her from a distance.

Outside of Jennifer herself, what I loved about this book was how full of adventure and action it was. There was always something happening to her. It was like trouble could always count on her to make things interesting, so it went after her. And Jennifer always rose to the occasion. What was tough about it, though, was that she got to know people and then they would send her on her merry way. All she wanted was a friend and to create a crew, but almost everyone she met befriended her and then said no (my broken heart...). But I did like that we never got too comfortable with anyone. Once it felt like Jennifer had spent enough time with someone, she moved on. The story kept going. The pace was quick, but allowed a few breaths here and there.

What was a little harder to get past was the writing. While it's better than that found in the author's first novel, Cuteness Overlord, it's still a bit rough. I like that there wasn't much padding, but sometimes it also felt like the story was a little stripped down.

Overall, I was quite satisfied with this book. It was a great story of a young woman pursuing her dreams no matter what. If I have one complaint, it's that it involves a great deal of criminal activity. Of course, it is centered on a girl seeking to become a pirate. Perhaps the character of Jennifer as a strong, crazy young lady who will do anything to pursue her dreams would be better suited for a fantasy novel. But I also appreciate that it's set in the real world because it does take all kinds, and we do meet all kinds in this book, to make the world go 'round. Jennifer may be nuts, but, seriously, it's a girl chasing her dreams and showing she has the muscle and backbone to pursue it.

… (meer)

Young Jennifer King finds school a challenge. Picked on and misunderstood, she one day ventures away from home and into the jungle. While there she encounters a figure more myth than man, who recognises a kindred soul in the youthful girl. Anxious to steer he energies in a way that emboldens her, rather than endangers her, the mysterious figure takes Jennifer under his wing for her formative years and trains her to be physically formidable. Her instinct towards adventure leads to a craving to leave the relative safety of her home and risk heading out into a world where her dreams can be realised. These dreams—inspired by Hollywood and anime—consist of becoming a pirate and overseeing her own pirate crew. Armed with what she has learned and bottomless naivety, she rushes headlong into reality—the ruthless and desperate world of modern piracy. Not averse to violence, and superhumanly gifted in this direction, she nevertheless is forced to confront harsh truths, and question the goals she has set for herself.

Mike Aaron’s second release is an unusual novel, with a unique blend of elements that somehow fit together in an interesting way. The main character of Jennifer is equal parts deluded and admirable, with an obsession for certain cultural references that are endearing (setting out on an adventure dressed like Tidus from Final Fantasy only one of her many attractive quirks). At moments she completely confounds with her stupidity, but this is soon forgotten as she unleashes some kickass moves and looks trouble straight in the eye!

Curious in parts, offbeat nearly everywhere, this one is a memorable romp with Pratchett infused humour. Enjoyable.… (meer)

A scientist takes out his frustrations at not being fully acknowledged for his glaring genius by huffing his way into the future, where he feels he will find more satisfying levels of appreciation. Once there he discovers that far from the world of advancement and natural progression he’d anticipated something is amiss and afoot. He happens upon a group of people, a crew that is indeed motley, locked and loaded ready to defend themselves against amassing foes. Our hero, Carl, acts stupid and concussed in order to be explained to slowly. It turns out his presence is a magnet for some dangerous foes, foes doe-eyed and sometimes fluffy, nearly always adorable. After learning how to cloak himself from the unwanted attentions of these bringers of deadly sweetness, he joins up with his ragtag companions and tries to stay alive in a world devastated by creatures who will use the manipulative powers of endearment to rip their victims apart in a flash of cute fury.

Mike Aaron’s novel is very fun, and recommended for anyone suspicious of the overly cute. The narrative really comes alive in the glorious descriptions of the carnage of the animals. A short way in the plot arrives at a devolved militaristic society, and I felt the book stayed there a little too long. The humour has some oddness and quirk, and those familiar with Red Dwarf will find themselves in pleasing territory. Overall, worth it for the imaginative slayings of cute critters, which I could’ve read a whole book of.… (meer)